The Promise

The Promise

Richard Emery explains the Biblical principals that should guide a Christian’s balanced approach to ideas about how God will protect the faithful from the terrible tribulations described in end time prophecy.

The Church of God has not held to the popular concept of “rapture”, but rather that God’s people will be preserved in a physical habitation of God’s choosing. Many believed a specific “place” could be identified. Yet the word “place” in the Bible gives no such specific indication. The only assertion is that the Church will be removed from danger. Speculative assertions on this promise are dangerous. We should neither demand to know the details of its fulfillment, nor lazily presume that there will be nothing for us to do when the time comes. God’s rescue is here, as in other Biblical examples, a way of
escape that does require us to act in response to his command, and flee.

The prophecies of these events also mention a “remnant” that is left behind and persecuted during the tribulation. These are those who are “lukewarm”, or unwilling to respond and flee. Experiencing the tribulation is God’s way of refining this element that they may ultimately be brought to salvation. God prefers that we zealous and responsive, that we escape this correction.

Our focus now should be developing faith in the promise of protection, and being ready to willingly respond when instructed. Watch therefore and pray always that you will accounted worthy to escape all these things and to stand before the Son of Man.

Keywords:
Mark 1:14 – Matthew 24:14, 28:18 – end times – Matthew 24:9 – place of safety – Revelation 12:14 – Exodus 19:4 – place of safety – rapture – Revelation 12:6, 12:12, 12:16, 13:15, 3:14 – Matthew 24:15 – Petra – Daniel 11:40 – Isaiah 33:14, 16:4, 26:20 – protection – tribulation – prophecy – Psalms 91:2 – the remnant – Revelation 3:7 – lukewarm – Laodicean – Luke 17:33 – 10 virgins – Luke 21:36