Remaining Rapture Ready;
The Prerequisite to Promotion
Scripture References St. Mark 13, 1 Thess. 4&5, 2 Pt.3:10
By Gary Tussey
It seems a lot of conversation has come up lately considering the end time. At least in the circles that I travel
and communicate in and most likely the same is true with you. Particularly the more talk there is concerning the economy and
the potential collapse. It is interesting to me however that a nation unites over the potential loss of natural and material
possessions but remains divided over the taking of innocent life while still safe in the mother’s womb. One can
expect the world system to be so selfish and self centered but when it comes to the Body of Christ, the Church somehow you
just expect better. Well concerning the matter of being rapture ready and remaining rapture better is expected.
Like any and all requirements of the Kingdom of God the Holy Spirit is our helper and enabler to accomplish what
is expected of us. Without Jesus we can do nothing. But all things are possible to him who believes. The trap of
natural works in order to qualify for blessings must not hang us up. It is time to press on into the higher order expected
of us via the Word of God, His Spirit and grace. Remaining rapture hinges not on what I can do for Him rather on the awareness
of what He has done on my behalf and how I receive it.
In Mark 13, Jesus referring
to the end time and the signs of His coming sets tremendous importance on this truth; “Let no man deceive you”. There
are so many events that occur around the prelude of the second coming, all of which humanity has absolutely no control over. Albeit
one critical thing at least the body of Christ does have control over and that is the ability to not be deceived. Again
like all bible truth if something is required of me then He equips me to accomplish it. Even Jesus admitted when attributed
credit for the great accomplishments of the Kingdom, “it is not me but the Father that dwells in me He does the works”.
More than ever before the value of knowing the Word of God, particularly as it pertains to the near future and your role in
it, is of tremendous importance.
Two other things stand out in Mark 13 as Jesus ends the
discourse on the second coming and that is the Dynamic Duo as I like to call them. “Watch and Pray”! As
you have most likely gleaned from the previous studies, if you do not watch you will not pray. To watch is to be alert, aware
and attentive. Most of the body of Christ is rather lethargic, unconcerned and distracted when it comes to the things
of God. This is not a rapture ready state. I speak with urgency because of the people who say to me that catching
away could occur any time, yet not realizing that it is easily missed just by not being alert, aware and attentive.
For
the sake of time let’s look at 2 Peter 3:10-14. Again Peter is announcing the dynamic thing that will occur preceding
the second coming. The display of such awesome power, signs and wonders causes one to stand by and take it in. However
the scripture is so clear stating how we are to be positioned Verse 11 of chapter 3 says, “ What manner of person
ought we to be”. The same as Jesus in Mark saying, “Take heed to yourself”. The eternal is internal.
We have got to look in, we must! In verse 14 the charge is made explicitly clear,while all the signs and wonders
begin we, above all, must be found in peace. Peace that passes all understanding. Peace that Jesus imparts.
In Thessalonians as the Apostle Paul exhorts upon the end time (the end of the dispensation of grace) he concludes
with “comfort one another with these words”. Discussion concerning the catching away and the changing of the age
is to contribute to our peace. Remember the end of the world is not the end of the Earth.
