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QUESTION 62
Are all the problems in today’s world signs that the Rapture is near?

ANSWER:
That the world is in serious trouble cannot be disputed. Secular predictions say that not only USA but many nations will become terrible poor and that will produce much more violence, crime, especially robbery. The days of Noah were characterised by “violence and corruption” However, these are not necessarily signs of the Rapture. Signs were given to Israel. They were to watch for these things Matthew 24:33. So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. The context of this verse is Israel and her future troubles. They were to watch for signs of the Lord’s coming to deliver then as in Romans 11:26. Matthew 24:42. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

The church was not told to ‘watch’ for signs of His coming for them, but to ‘wait’ for Him from heaven 1 Thessalonians 1:10, And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. This could happen at any time. When it does it will open the door for the antichrist to be revealed who will bring in a false solution to the present problems in the world. There will be, during that time, a terrible time of trouble such as never was before, according to Jesus in Matthew 24:21. This will last about seven years and then the Lord will come to redeem Israel and set up a promised kingdom for them.

Since the clouds of the revelation of the tribulation that is to come and the antichrist are here. then we know that the Rapture has to happen first.

So, the rapture is near at hand. It could happen at any time. 1 Thessalonians 4;16-17. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds. Are you ready for that? Only if you have repented of your sins and trusted Christ completely will you go? Otherwise, it is eternal damnation in hell forever. Why wait, do it today? The Bible says, “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Proverbs 27:1 “ Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD Zech 1:4. Will you turn or be like these people? Wait and perish.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen