To the studious believer, we understand a general framework of how the events of these last days and the Tribulation Period will unfold, and might I say, it is fascinating to see all of these events unfold before our eyes. Though this age has its challenges, it is a privilege to be here for such a time as this.
Confusion about the timing of prophetic events has been caused by teachers who have misunderstood prophecy and Bible colleges who failed to adopt a position of truth. Studying and interpreting the Bible in accordance with its literal position can bring you only to one conclusion – we are not appointed to wrath and will not be here during the Tribulation Period. We are listening for that great trumpet sound – the day when the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God. The dead in Christ will rise first, and then we who are alive and remain will be caught up to meet Him in the clouds. What a shock it will be for the living to see graves flung open throughout every cemetery! I believe a great harvest of souls will occur immediately after the rapture as those who have scoffed at the claims of Christians finally realise that what the Scriptures say is 100% true.
The rapture will cause chaos throughout the earth. How many people will be caught up? It is hard to know. But imagine if it was 1 billion people! Loans would be in default, taxes unpaid, assets left behind. Not to mention the carnage from drivers being raptured from behind the wheel of their vehicles, causing untold crashes throughout the world. Emergency services would be quickly overwhelmed. The recent events in America would overtake every city as people panic and armed gangs take advantage. Banks would collapse as people seek to withdraw their savings. Grocery stores would be emptied. Islamic and communist nations will take advantage of the situation to launch attacks against nations who are distracted by missing citizens. And in some cases, perhaps nations will even have high-level politicians and military leaders raptured, thereby leaving a power vacuum. It is really difficult to overstate the impact the rapture will have on this world.
The world can expect to see two world leaders come onto the scene in the last days but they couldn’t be more different, although they do both ride on a white horse. Revelation 6:2: And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. He is a man of lawlessness, a counterfeit to Christ who will deceive the world. He will appear on the scene after the rapture has taken place and the world is in turmoil. To a world that is confused and chaotic, he will appear to be a peacemaker and miracle worker. Yet, in reality, he will be a conquering evil dictator that brings judgement, death, and destruction. Sadly, many will choose to follow him, taking his mark and therefore condemning themselves to eternal punishment.
For seven long years, the world will be under the oppression of the Antichrist and the judgement of God. Many will lose their lives, and if it were not for the fact that God intervenes, the earth would cannibalise itself.
It is then that another rider on a white horse appears – King of kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16). Remember that at the rapture, He comes for His bride, and at His second coming, He comes with His bride. What an awesome sight it will be. Come, Lord Jesus!
