Your thoughts.
I have a concern about the doctrines of the soon return of Jesus Christ and pre-tribulation rapture. This concern is not about the doctrines, but the direction some people are taking them.
There are many different doctrines concerning the times and the time of Christ’s return to earth.
Amillennial, pre-trib, mid-trib, and post-trib are some of those doctrines. To be truthful, we have to admit that Scripture is not clear on the subject.
The doctrines of the soon return of Christ and pre-tribulation rapture (pre-trib), are being used as the basis for 2 things going on the American church that are unscriptural and dangerous.
The first issue is a satanic doctrine that uses a belief of the soon return of Jesus to feed the lust of the flesh. It has been preached. that we can buy as much ‘stuff’ as we want, and leave the debt to the world when God returns to take us home. This perversion of Scripture is nothing but greed for the things of this world and has no Scriptural foundation. (1 John 2:16)
The second issue is more complex. Many Christians today see the problems coming upon America and are trusting in the soon return of Christ and pre-tribulation rapture to take us out of this world. Pre-Tribulation Rapture is seen by many, as a promise to escape coming trouble. Let me restate. This is not looked upon as a possibility or a hope, but as a promise.
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t like pain and suffering any more then anybody else. But to think that we are a special people and God has to protect us from any displeasure in this world is unscriptural. All over the world Christians are living and dying for their faith. Some may remember the ‘ring of fire’ from South Africa. The painful life and death of many believers is hard to comprehend, but they are standing firm in Christ till the end. (John 16:33)
How can we think that Christians in America are better or more important to God then others that are literally giving their lives for Him? There is no Scriptural evidence for that view. Are we as American Christians so powerful in ‘faith’ that no harm can touch us? I doubt it. Are we doing a work today that is so great that God has to protect us? I don’t think so. Look at what the American church has done. She has allowed our culture to kill millions of babies and accept homo-sexuality as normal. She stood silent as divorce became more then common. Even inside the church divorce is rampant. At the same time, doctrines like evolution have deceived many. American schools teach world religions, but the Bible is banned. For the most part, American Christians have been silent in word and prayer, and church membership continues to fall. Instead of an escape from trouble, it appears that the American church actually deserves judgement. (1 Peter 4:17)
The real source of these doctrines of greed and escapism comes from the god of this world. It is part of a world wide, major assault on Christianity. The purpose of the assault is to steal the hearts of the believers of Jesus Christ. When the things of this world, our pleasure, our comfort, or even our very life become more important then Jesus Christ, the enemy of our soul has won. I am not saying that we need to be sick, broke and deny ourselves of every pleasure. I am saying, we need to guard our heart. (I Peter 5:8)
No matter what happens. No matter if we are loved or hated. No matter if we are rich or poor. No matter if we are well or dying of sickness. It is the Creator God of the Bible that loved us enough to come to earth, live a perfect life, and die in our place. Then He rose from the dead, proving that He is really God and His words are true. (Hebrews 13:5-6)
I pray that you will not be deceived or seduced by this world, but that you grow stronger in Christ and stay true to the end.
Guard your heart and stay strong. (Proverbs 4:23)
In Him
Ron
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Note:
Ring of Fire in South Africa - Tire was filled with gasoline was placed around believer. If the person refused to renounce Christ he/she was set on fire.