THE RAPTURE AND THE REAPING OF SOULS

Many people have heard of the idea of a rapture – a lifting off from the earth of those who wait for a heavenly return of Jesus and his angels in the clouds, to remove them from the latter days of tribulation and the wrath of God upon the earth.

Many will have heard of Armageddon, as a descriptor of ‘end of time’ destruction on a planetary scale, although perhaps fewer are aware that Armageddon is a region in Israel (Ha Megiddo) where the beast and the kings of the earth will gather to participate in their last great battle, against Jesus, when He returns with His saints to rule peacefully on this earth for 1,000 years (a millennium).

Many have heard of the rule of an antichrist, and the associated mark of the beast – 666- without which one cannot buy or sell. Perhaps less well known is the accompanying demand to worship the image of the beast, refusal of which warrants death.

But without a clear understanding of what we need to be looking out for, and how we can prepare ourselves to be in the right place at the right time to be raptured? Can we avoid the planetary destruction? How will we humans recognize such things as the mark of the beast entering into the time-frame? How will we know when to say “No!” to this mysterious mark, name, and image worship?

Too many people have but a partial understanding of such things, even among those who consider themselves as Christians and read a Bible. Even more have a vague idea of some of these concepts, which leads to anxiety, often fuelled by the mass media, regarding whether we are already living in these times. Covid vaccines were among one of the feared candidates of the mark of the beast; now with digital IDs on the horizon, mobile phones and cashless payments more common than their former counterparts, AI generated information banks, war machines and technology ‘advancing’ beyond anything we’ve known – we certainly appear to be living in the prophesied last days of this generation of humankind. How can we know when the “mark of the beast” is upon us as the choice which will define the destiny and future of our soul, beyond this earthly lifetime?

The list of changes sweeping the globe is huge, beyond the understanding of most of us, and leaving many with a sense of foreboding at the speed of change and the breaking down of structures once relied upon. “The only certainty is change,” so the saying goes, but that is hardly of comfort – neither is it an accurate statement, because, as archaeology and world events have proven time and time again, there is one certainty which offers both clarity and comfort: the prophecies of the Bible can be relied upon. Almost one third of the Bible is prophecy, and of these prophecies, the only ones which remain to be fulfilled relate to the last days and the return of Christ. There is absolutely no precedent by which we can expect those prophecies which remain not to occur – in fact, we are already witnessing some taking place in our own lifetimes.

Prophetic signs of these 'end-times' have been provided in the Old and New Testaments, the study of which enables an understanding of the sequence of events which precipitate both the rapture and the time of the beast rulership on earth, as well as the grand finale to this particular generation of humanity, when Jesus returns with His martyred saints to fight the beast and his armies who assemble at Armageddon.

Incidentally, I believe that this will be the order: First the rapture, followed by the beast kingdom, followed by the battle of Armageddon/the return of Christ to rule on this earth.

However, the prophecies are complex and not easy to understand. But I can vouch that to embark on such a study is a true example of “Seek and ye shall find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Many times, I have wrestled with the words and imagery, to be rewarded with answers and further clues in my dreams. I have been guided towards the works of many who, whilst they often hold opposing opinions regarding timing and interpretation of events, nevertheless each have something of value to add to the discussion.

This study aims to provide my own findings, through which I hope to offer a clearer picture of the sequence and particulars of the Biblical prophesies, given over many centuries and even thousands of years ago to prepare us for the latter days on earth. So that we can feel a sense of security – not in the actions and promises of the human leaders of this world, but rather in knowing where we are on the prophetic time-line, and in being able to identify the signs as they appear. We can thereby find stability and peace through understanding what we need to do in order to ride through these perilous times, and onwards into the prophesied future of a healed and harmonious world and a population at peace.

Signs, visions and dreams are still being received in our current times – such is one prophecy fulfilled in itself, paralleled by warnings of false prophets and mass delusion! Thus we each need to approach this subject from a prayerful position, through the integrity of our own inner relationship with the Highest. The words and studies of others can help, but ultimately we must seek understanding via the divine wisdom that guides our own heart and conscience - the GOD of truth, righteousness, and love.

When drawing upon the insights of others I shall provide clear references to the works which have been of such a help in shaping my own understanding, even though I, as they before me, build upon the foundation of my personal Biblical study. For a fuller appreciation of their own findings, I encourage the reader to delve into the resources listed at the end of this study. Each work offers unique perspectives and gifted insights beyond the scope of my own contribution. Together, we work to the same goal – to be prepared, and to help others to be prepared, for that which will surely come…