PREPARED FOR THE LAST DAYS?
By W. G. Guy
This writer has a great concern for the state of the church as it appears to be lacking in the necessary preparation to endure and thrive during the last days prior to the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Too many churches have a cavalier attitude toward the last days as if they are of no serious concern; but this is so far from the truth. This lack of concern is likely because they have been taught to expect a pre-tribulation rapture, or catching away of the church, that takes believers out of here before “all hell breaks loose” on the earth in what is called “the great tribulation”. Those that teach and preach a pre-tribulation rapture do so because the Bible says that believers are not subject to the wrath of God.
1 Thessalonians 5:9 – For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
This is a true statement: the righteous will not experience the wrath of God, only the wicked will. The wicked refuse to acknowledge God and will not repent but remain defiant of Him and His might. They even know that it is God and Christ’s wrath that they try to hide from, as clearly stated:
Revelation 6:15-17 – And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
However, there is nothing in scripture that says we will be removed from earth during the time of the wrath of God upon the wicked. In fact, the Bible tells us that the righteous will see God’s wrath come upon the wicked as they fall by our side.
Psalm 91:7-8 – A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Most pre-tribulation believers fail to recognize that the pre-tribulation doctrine is fairly recent and had never been taught in the early church or the church of the middle-ages. The apostle Paul even had to address this issue to the Thessalonian church because they thought that the day of the Lord had already come, and they were still here.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 – Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
The pre-tribulation doctrine had its beginning in the 18th century. (You can research this for yourself by checking out the event surrounding Margaret McDonald that was advanced by certain preachers and popularized by C.I. Scofield in his Scofield Reference Bible.)
God knows how to shield and protect His people from His wrath that will be poured out on the wicked! Jesus said that His return would be how things were like in the days of Noah.
Matthew 24:37-39 – But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Who was it that was taken away and destroyed – the WICKED. The righteous were preserved by making the preparation that God instructed them to make. The just Noah and his family rode safely above the waves that destroyed the wicked under them.
Also consider God’s people Israel as they were living in the land of Egypt at the time when God poured out the ten plagues upon the Egyptians. God’s people were shielded and untouched by the plagues. They did have to make preparation as instructed to avoid the tenth plague by placing the lamb’s blood on their doorposts.
So it is for the church in these perilous last days as we are to apply God’s Word to our hearts and make spiritual preparation for these last days which are likely to bring us into the time of the tribulation. This is clearly indicated in the apostle Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians church.
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 – Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Why is it that so many preachers ignore the fact that is underlined in verse three above? Paul was warning against being deceived by any means; which deception Jesus also foretold would happen in these last days.
Matthew 24:24 – For there shall arise false Christs (false anointed ones), and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Some preachers go so far off base as to say that the “falling away” refers to our departure in the rapture, but this does not line up with the rest of the text; and that Bible scholars refer to this as the apostasy or turning away from the faith.
1Timothy 4:1 – Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
This writer was raised with the pre-tribulation doctrine, which I would like to believe; however, with my more than 68 years of studying the Bible, (since age of 12 when I received my new C.I. Scolfield Reference Bible), I learned otherwise despite Scolfield’s study notes.
Here is my concern for the church and believers looking for the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: “It would be better to be prepared for a post tribulation rapture and be pleasantly surprised by a pre-tribulation rapture than it would to be prepared for a pre-tribulation rapture and then be horrified and unprepared by a post tribulation rapture.”
My main concern is that those holding to the pre-tribulation theory could be so devastated by realizing that they were wrong that their faith would be so destroyed that it would fail them. Faith is so important that without it there is no pleasing God or even salvation and redemption.
Ephesians 2:8 – For by grace (God’s provision) are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Hebrews 10:38 – Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Hebrews 11:6 – But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
It is very important to understand what can happen to your faith: it can be put away, shipwrecked, cast off and overthrown; and this is done by means of deception and false doctrine; believing in things that are not true.
1 Timothy 1:19 – holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
1 Timothy 5:12 – having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
2 Timothy 2:18 – who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
So what do we need to do to prepare for the troubling times of the sin laden, even among many who claim to be part of the church.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 – This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
It may surprise you to see that this sort of behavior is in many churches in these last days because, where do you see a “form of godliness, but denying the power thereof”? Not in the world, but in a church that has no conviction of sin, is not proclaiming His Word, and is not being faithful and walking in His righteousness.
Such imitation Christians will likely be among those that bring persecution on the true saints, along with a hostile government, and those under Satan’s demonic influence during the tribulation. Thus we believers need to be ready to face persecution.
2 Timothy 3:12 – Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Some persecution may even be extreme as Jesus warned: some will be killed – sent to be with Jesus for all eternity, (the ultimate blessing).
Matthew 10:16-28 – Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Please understand that what has happened in the past as history is to be repeated again in the corrupt future. As we have a great number of witnesses from the past so there will be more in the future.
Hebrews 12:1 – Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Will your faith hold, and will you remain faithful; this will be our real trial and coming through it will grant a great reward.
Matthew 24:9-12 – Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Jesus is coming for a church without spot, wrinkle or any kind of blemish.
Ephesians 5:26-27 – that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
What will it take to purify the church and make it ready for Him to receive it unto Himself? Does it not require refining and purifying of the outward form so that it conforms to the already cleansed and holy inner or spiritual form? Note that this passage is referring to the outward appearance, not the inner which is already saved. (Note: we are a triune being, made in the image and likeness of God, we have a spirit that is born again when we accept Jesus; we have a soul that is progressively saved as we conform to Him to maturity; and we have a body that is finally redeemed at the resurrection or rapture when we are finally out of here to be with Him at that day.)
Malachi 3:2-4 – But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.
Since faith is so important we need to make sure that it endures and increases, especially when put to the test. Faith WILL be TESTED! Consider what Jesus said was needed in the Church of Laodicea, especially since it appears to be representative of the church in these last days. There were three issues that needed to be dealt with in Laodicea, just as in the church today.
Revelation 3:17-18 – Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
The gold tried in fire represents FAITH that is tested and proven so that we are found FAITHFUL in the way we live. Yes, faith WILL be tested, even by a fiery trial. Our FAITHFULNESS to God and His Word represents the white raiment which is the righteousness that identifies and differentiates true believers from the rest of the world. (This also tends to generate persecution as Jesus stated because the world hates us as it did Jesus.)
Next we need to deal with our eyes; how we see things or what we fail to see and recognize. This has to do with the subject of discernment, seeing what is hidden; things that are clouded in darkness or evil. Several years ago while in prayer the Spirit of the Lord spoke to me saying, “Things are not what they appear to be”. Since then I have seen that He was so-o-o right! Discernment is revelation, it is like the “light” goes on regarding a subject that otherwise would not have been seen or recognized for what it really is. It gives you understanding of what is really going on, motivating as from behind the scenes.
A main thing that we need to be discerning of is the operation in the spirit realm, which too many Christians have no knowledge of.
1 John 4:1-3 – Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
This is vitally important for believers and especially for those in the ministry – but it is greatly lacking. The majority of today’s Christians have little or no discernment! What is discernment? It is the means to perceive or recognize clearly; and discernment is needed to make sound and wise judgments or decisions. Applied biblically and spiritually, discernment is needed to recognize what is of God, and what is of the devil, so that proper decisions or choices can be made.
1 John 4:6 - ….Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
The lack of discernment shows that most Christians are dependent on their own limited intellect and emotional understanding rather than inspiration and direction from the Lord. This also shows that most of today’s Christians are NOT walking and living in the power, ability or gifting of the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 – Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
Many churches teach against the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit while others say that it is not for today. However, we read that this power and these gifts are to be in operation until the return of Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:7 – So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
An example of the lack of discernment occurred that made national news and was exemplified by the massacre of Christians at the church in Charleston, SC on June 17, 2015. This is when a demonically inspired young man came into the church and spent a whole hour among thirteen Christians in a prayer meeting and then began shooting them. This 21 year old demonically inspired man, filled with hate, reloaded his .45 caliber pistol five times to shoot the worshippers.
Here’s the real problem: none of these Christians were able to DISCERN the evil hateful spirit that was driving this young man, even though they had a whole hour in which to do so. What is most striking is that these Christians were in a prayer meeting; a time when they are supposedly drawing closer to the Lord.
James 4:7 – Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (They had no power to resist or discern.)
However, there is a condition that all Christians need to be aware of; being double minded. This should always be a matter of prayer and believing. This requires repenting and cleansing oneself of any and all sin when approaching God; and not being double minded, going through the motions but not having real faith; (don’t play religious games with God; and don’t play church).
James 4:8 – Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded.
Yet none of those Christians could discern the evil enemy manifesting in their midst who was about to fulfill a plan of Satan.
John 8:44 – Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
John 10:10 – Jesus said, The thief cometh not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
This young man came into that church to do the devil’s work and no one was able to discern or recognize the evil spirit in him. Unfortunately, most Christians today are in this same spiritual condition; they are not walking in the power of the Holy Spirit and are not equipped with the full armor of God so as to do battle and stand against the workers of darkness.
Ephesians 6:10-18 – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Note that each piece of this spiritual armor is an application of the Word of God.)
Those in this unfortunate prayer group had no discernment. They were just like those of the lukewarm Church of Laodicea; they had a form of godliness but were not walking in the power or the gifting that the Holy Spirit provides.
This is a very serious problem because scripture warns us that in these last days, prior to the return of Christ, that perilous (dangerous) times would be upon us, along with great deception and the abundance of false teachers and false prophets (preachers who claim to speak by inspiration), who are able to deceive MANY.
Matthew 24:24 – For there shall arise false Christs (anointed ones), and false prophets (inspired preachers), and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Matthew 7:15, 20-23 – Beware of false prophets (preachers who claim to be inspired), which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Wherefore by their fruits (not their supernatural gifts) ye shall know them. Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied (preached) in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity, (doing your own thing).
Too many so-called Christians are “playing” church. They are going through the motions and rituals but failing to have a genuine intimate and loving relationship with God and Christ. Thus they are devoid of, and even deny, the power that comes from that relationship; they deny the power that can maintain them and sustain them when evil comes.
How do you build faith and acquire the gifts and power of God by the Holy Spirit? Faith comes by the Word of God; you need to get into it so it can get into you!
Romans 10:17 – So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Then faith has to be the applied to a situation or condition that you experience. Faith is trusting God to guide, provide and intervene on your behalf.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.
Patiently waiting for the answer is the test of your faith. Will you have five second faith; five minute faith; five month faith, or how about five year faith?
Discernment is a quality of spirit that develops as you spend time in His presence, (which believers don’t do now-a-days). You get to know Him better and more intimately and thus become more spiritually in tune. Then as you mature in your relationship with the Lord you become more like Him and are then able to recognize (discern) what is of God and what is not of God.
Hebrews 5:12-14 – For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Another important ingredient missing in much of the church is the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit that Jesus said we needed to be a witness for Him.
Acts 1:8 – But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
What Paul wrote to Timothy about those who had a form of Godliness but denied the power, told that they lacked natural affection – LOVE. This situation is produced by a preoccupation with sin, selfishness (which is self-love).
Matthew 24:12 – And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Love is the principle Fruit of the Spirit that God wants to see in His people which demonstrates that they are the children of God – His CHURCH.
1 John 4:7-8 – Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Though these last days of tribulation will be fearful, we do not need to fear if we have faith in God’s love for us.
1 John 4:18 – There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Love is a necessary ingredient in the lives of believers to endure and thrive in these end times. We will need everything that God provides through Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit to see us through these very last days and walk in the victory that He has ordained for His church. This includes the need to be baptized in the Holy Spirit to receive the equipping of spiritual power to not only survive but to be His witness to this lost world. In addition we need the manifestation of the Fruit of the Spirit to help us to fully represent Jesus Christ because the Fruit of the Spirit is the character and nature of the Lord.
John 15:1-8 – I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
What is this Fruit of the Spirit that is to be manifesting in His people?
Galatians 5:22-24 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh (selfishness) with the affections and lusts.
2 Peter 1:4 – whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
(Note that this divine Fruit of the Spirit is listed by Peter, but in reverse order in verses 5-9.)
When the Father sees this fruit fully developed in us then He knows it is time for the harvest and will send Jesus to get us and bring us home. The precious promises of God are given to us so we can be conformed to Him as His children, and to be recognized as such in these last days as His witnesses.
John 13:34-35 – A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
The true church will be easily recognized during the tribulation of the last days. It will differ greatly from the false church that man has been building. (Look for my coming book THE OTHER CHURCH that will soon be on my website: victoriouslivingbiblestudy.com.)
By W. G. Guy
This writer has a great concern for the state of the church as it appears to be lacking in the necessary preparation to endure and thrive during the last days prior to the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Too many churches have a cavalier attitude toward the last days as if they are of no serious concern; but this is so far from the truth. This lack of concern is likely because they have been taught to expect a pre-tribulation rapture, or catching away of the church, that takes believers out of here before “all hell breaks loose” on the earth in what is called “the great tribulation”. Those that teach and preach a pre-tribulation rapture do so because the Bible says that believers are not subject to the wrath of God.
1 Thessalonians 5:9 – For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
This is a true statement: the righteous will not experience the wrath of God, only the wicked will. The wicked refuse to acknowledge God and will not repent but remain defiant of Him and His might. They even know that it is God and Christ’s wrath that they try to hide from, as clearly stated:
Revelation 6:15-17 – And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
However, there is nothing in scripture that says we will be removed from earth during the time of the wrath of God upon the wicked. In fact, the Bible tells us that the righteous will see God’s wrath come upon the wicked as they fall by our side.
Psalm 91:7-8 – A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Most pre-tribulation believers fail to recognize that the pre-tribulation doctrine is fairly recent and had never been taught in the early church or the church of the middle-ages. The apostle Paul even had to address this issue to the Thessalonian church because they thought that the day of the Lord had already come, and they were still here.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 – Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
The pre-tribulation doctrine had its beginning in the 18th century. (You can research this for yourself by checking out the event surrounding Margaret McDonald that was advanced by certain preachers and popularized by C.I. Scofield in his Scofield Reference Bible.)
God knows how to shield and protect His people from His wrath that will be poured out on the wicked! Jesus said that His return would be how things were like in the days of Noah.
Matthew 24:37-39 – But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Who was it that was taken away and destroyed – the WICKED. The righteous were preserved by making the preparation that God instructed them to make. The just Noah and his family rode safely above the waves that destroyed the wicked under them.
Also consider God’s people Israel as they were living in the land of Egypt at the time when God poured out the ten plagues upon the Egyptians. God’s people were shielded and untouched by the plagues. They did have to make preparation as instructed to avoid the tenth plague by placing the lamb’s blood on their doorposts.
So it is for the church in these perilous last days as we are to apply God’s Word to our hearts and make spiritual preparation for these last days which are likely to bring us into the time of the tribulation. This is clearly indicated in the apostle Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians church.
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 – Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Why is it that so many preachers ignore the fact that is underlined in verse three above? Paul was warning against being deceived by any means; which deception Jesus also foretold would happen in these last days.
Matthew 24:24 – For there shall arise false Christs (false anointed ones), and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Some preachers go so far off base as to say that the “falling away” refers to our departure in the rapture, but this does not line up with the rest of the text; and that Bible scholars refer to this as the apostasy or turning away from the faith.
1Timothy 4:1 – Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
This writer was raised with the pre-tribulation doctrine, which I would like to believe; however, with my more than 68 years of studying the Bible, (since age of 12 when I received my new C.I. Scolfield Reference Bible), I learned otherwise despite Scolfield’s study notes.
Here is my concern for the church and believers looking for the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: “It would be better to be prepared for a post tribulation rapture and be pleasantly surprised by a pre-tribulation rapture than it would to be prepared for a pre-tribulation rapture and then be horrified and unprepared by a post tribulation rapture.”
My main concern is that those holding to the pre-tribulation theory could be so devastated by realizing that they were wrong that their faith would be so destroyed that it would fail them. Faith is so important that without it there is no pleasing God or even salvation and redemption.
Ephesians 2:8 – For by grace (God’s provision) are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Hebrews 10:38 – Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Hebrews 11:6 – But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
It is very important to understand what can happen to your faith: it can be put away, shipwrecked, cast off and overthrown; and this is done by means of deception and false doctrine; believing in things that are not true.
1 Timothy 1:19 – holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
1 Timothy 5:12 – having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
2 Timothy 2:18 – who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
So what do we need to do to prepare for the troubling times of the sin laden, even among many who claim to be part of the church.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 – This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
It may surprise you to see that this sort of behavior is in many churches in these last days because, where do you see a “form of godliness, but denying the power thereof”? Not in the world, but in a church that has no conviction of sin, is not proclaiming His Word, and is not being faithful and walking in His righteousness.
Such imitation Christians will likely be among those that bring persecution on the true saints, along with a hostile government, and those under Satan’s demonic influence during the tribulation. Thus we believers need to be ready to face persecution.
2 Timothy 3:12 – Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Some persecution may even be extreme as Jesus warned: some will be killed – sent to be with Jesus for all eternity, (the ultimate blessing).
Matthew 10:16-28 – Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Please understand that what has happened in the past as history is to be repeated again in the corrupt future. As we have a great number of witnesses from the past so there will be more in the future.
Hebrews 12:1 – Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Will your faith hold, and will you remain faithful; this will be our real trial and coming through it will grant a great reward.
Matthew 24:9-12 – Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Jesus is coming for a church without spot, wrinkle or any kind of blemish.
Ephesians 5:26-27 – that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
What will it take to purify the church and make it ready for Him to receive it unto Himself? Does it not require refining and purifying of the outward form so that it conforms to the already cleansed and holy inner or spiritual form? Note that this passage is referring to the outward appearance, not the inner which is already saved. (Note: we are a triune being, made in the image and likeness of God, we have a spirit that is born again when we accept Jesus; we have a soul that is progressively saved as we conform to Him to maturity; and we have a body that is finally redeemed at the resurrection or rapture when we are finally out of here to be with Him at that day.)
Malachi 3:2-4 – But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.
Since faith is so important we need to make sure that it endures and increases, especially when put to the test. Faith WILL be TESTED! Consider what Jesus said was needed in the Church of Laodicea, especially since it appears to be representative of the church in these last days. There were three issues that needed to be dealt with in Laodicea, just as in the church today.
Revelation 3:17-18 – Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
The gold tried in fire represents FAITH that is tested and proven so that we are found FAITHFUL in the way we live. Yes, faith WILL be tested, even by a fiery trial. Our FAITHFULNESS to God and His Word represents the white raiment which is the righteousness that identifies and differentiates true believers from the rest of the world. (This also tends to generate persecution as Jesus stated because the world hates us as it did Jesus.)
Next we need to deal with our eyes; how we see things or what we fail to see and recognize. This has to do with the subject of discernment, seeing what is hidden; things that are clouded in darkness or evil. Several years ago while in prayer the Spirit of the Lord spoke to me saying, “Things are not what they appear to be”. Since then I have seen that He was so-o-o right! Discernment is revelation, it is like the “light” goes on regarding a subject that otherwise would not have been seen or recognized for what it really is. It gives you understanding of what is really going on, motivating as from behind the scenes.
A main thing that we need to be discerning of is the operation in the spirit realm, which too many Christians have no knowledge of.
1 John 4:1-3 – Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
This is vitally important for believers and especially for those in the ministry – but it is greatly lacking. The majority of today’s Christians have little or no discernment! What is discernment? It is the means to perceive or recognize clearly; and discernment is needed to make sound and wise judgments or decisions. Applied biblically and spiritually, discernment is needed to recognize what is of God, and what is of the devil, so that proper decisions or choices can be made.
1 John 4:6 - ….Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
The lack of discernment shows that most Christians are dependent on their own limited intellect and emotional understanding rather than inspiration and direction from the Lord. This also shows that most of today’s Christians are NOT walking and living in the power, ability or gifting of the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 – Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
Many churches teach against the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit while others say that it is not for today. However, we read that this power and these gifts are to be in operation until the return of Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:7 – So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
An example of the lack of discernment occurred that made national news and was exemplified by the massacre of Christians at the church in Charleston, SC on June 17, 2015. This is when a demonically inspired young man came into the church and spent a whole hour among thirteen Christians in a prayer meeting and then began shooting them. This 21 year old demonically inspired man, filled with hate, reloaded his .45 caliber pistol five times to shoot the worshippers.
Here’s the real problem: none of these Christians were able to DISCERN the evil hateful spirit that was driving this young man, even though they had a whole hour in which to do so. What is most striking is that these Christians were in a prayer meeting; a time when they are supposedly drawing closer to the Lord.
James 4:7 – Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (They had no power to resist or discern.)
However, there is a condition that all Christians need to be aware of; being double minded. This should always be a matter of prayer and believing. This requires repenting and cleansing oneself of any and all sin when approaching God; and not being double minded, going through the motions but not having real faith; (don’t play religious games with God; and don’t play church).
James 4:8 – Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded.
Yet none of those Christians could discern the evil enemy manifesting in their midst who was about to fulfill a plan of Satan.
John 8:44 – Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
John 10:10 – Jesus said, The thief cometh not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
This young man came into that church to do the devil’s work and no one was able to discern or recognize the evil spirit in him. Unfortunately, most Christians today are in this same spiritual condition; they are not walking in the power of the Holy Spirit and are not equipped with the full armor of God so as to do battle and stand against the workers of darkness.
Ephesians 6:10-18 – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Note that each piece of this spiritual armor is an application of the Word of God.)
Those in this unfortunate prayer group had no discernment. They were just like those of the lukewarm Church of Laodicea; they had a form of godliness but were not walking in the power or the gifting that the Holy Spirit provides.
This is a very serious problem because scripture warns us that in these last days, prior to the return of Christ, that perilous (dangerous) times would be upon us, along with great deception and the abundance of false teachers and false prophets (preachers who claim to speak by inspiration), who are able to deceive MANY.
Matthew 24:24 – For there shall arise false Christs (anointed ones), and false prophets (inspired preachers), and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Matthew 7:15, 20-23 – Beware of false prophets (preachers who claim to be inspired), which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Wherefore by their fruits (not their supernatural gifts) ye shall know them. Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied (preached) in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity, (doing your own thing).
Too many so-called Christians are “playing” church. They are going through the motions and rituals but failing to have a genuine intimate and loving relationship with God and Christ. Thus they are devoid of, and even deny, the power that comes from that relationship; they deny the power that can maintain them and sustain them when evil comes.
How do you build faith and acquire the gifts and power of God by the Holy Spirit? Faith comes by the Word of God; you need to get into it so it can get into you!
Romans 10:17 – So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Then faith has to be the applied to a situation or condition that you experience. Faith is trusting God to guide, provide and intervene on your behalf.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.
Patiently waiting for the answer is the test of your faith. Will you have five second faith; five minute faith; five month faith, or how about five year faith?
Discernment is a quality of spirit that develops as you spend time in His presence, (which believers don’t do now-a-days). You get to know Him better and more intimately and thus become more spiritually in tune. Then as you mature in your relationship with the Lord you become more like Him and are then able to recognize (discern) what is of God and what is not of God.
Hebrews 5:12-14 – For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Another important ingredient missing in much of the church is the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit that Jesus said we needed to be a witness for Him.
Acts 1:8 – But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
What Paul wrote to Timothy about those who had a form of Godliness but denied the power, told that they lacked natural affection – LOVE. This situation is produced by a preoccupation with sin, selfishness (which is self-love).
Matthew 24:12 – And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Love is the principle Fruit of the Spirit that God wants to see in His people which demonstrates that they are the children of God – His CHURCH.
1 John 4:7-8 – Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Though these last days of tribulation will be fearful, we do not need to fear if we have faith in God’s love for us.
1 John 4:18 – There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Love is a necessary ingredient in the lives of believers to endure and thrive in these end times. We will need everything that God provides through Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit to see us through these very last days and walk in the victory that He has ordained for His church. This includes the need to be baptized in the Holy Spirit to receive the equipping of spiritual power to not only survive but to be His witness to this lost world. In addition we need the manifestation of the Fruit of the Spirit to help us to fully represent Jesus Christ because the Fruit of the Spirit is the character and nature of the Lord.
John 15:1-8 – I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
What is this Fruit of the Spirit that is to be manifesting in His people?
Galatians 5:22-24 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh (selfishness) with the affections and lusts.
2 Peter 1:4 – whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
(Note that this divine Fruit of the Spirit is listed by Peter, but in reverse order in verses 5-9.)
When the Father sees this fruit fully developed in us then He knows it is time for the harvest and will send Jesus to get us and bring us home. The precious promises of God are given to us so we can be conformed to Him as His children, and to be recognized as such in these last days as His witnesses.
John 13:34-35 – A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
The true church will be easily recognized during the tribulation of the last days. It will differ greatly from the false church that man has been building. (Look for my coming book THE OTHER CHURCH that will soon be on my website: victoriouslivingbiblestudy.com.)
