There has been a lot of discussion in this forum about end time events, and especially how one is to interpret the book of revelation. Of course, the book of revelation must be interpreted within the context of who wrote it, who it was written to, and the possible reasons for it's writing in the historical context in which it was written. And, it must also be interpreted within the wider context of the entire written canon.
Since this discussion has been exhaustive, I will not continue it here. I wish instead, to speak of the importance of the correct interpretation of end time events. In particular, I wish to speak of the dangers of the biblically incorrect, and mass media created belief in a pretrib rapture.
In Luke 22, Peter tells Jesus that he will go to prison for him, and die for him if necessary. Jesus replies, "before the cock crows, you will deny me three times."
Why did Peter fail? Was Peter a coward? It would be difficult for me to believe that he was. When Jesus was arrested at Gethsemane, one of those with him drew a sword and cut of the high priest's servant's ear. The bible doesn't say who it was, but it would not surprise me, knowing Peter's nature, to think that he was the one who acted thus.
Peter was no coward. His eschatology failed him. Peter was more than willing to go to prison for Jesus, or to die in battle for him. What he was unwilling to do, because he was unprepared for it, was to die a criminal's death on a cross. Although Jesus had tried to prepare his disciples for his redeeming death on the cross, they still believed that he was going to defeat the Romans, and establish an earthly kingdom. And so, when the time came for him to sacrifice for Christ, he was unable to, because he was unprepared.
What is going to happen to all of those people, who believe in a pretrib rapture, when it doesn't happen? Will they also fail, as Peter did?
Why do soldiers in our military go through such rigorous training before being sent into battle? Because when they face death and suffering at the hands of the enemy, they will be committed to endure it, because they have established in their hearts that the rewards of that suffering and death is worth it. It is the love of their country, and in particular, the safety of their loved ones at home, that gives them the willpower to endure it.
Many people will say, like Peter, that they will die for Christ, but have they really thought of the implications of what they are saying? What does that mean?
Most people believe that to sacrifice for Christ means to mow the sick neighbor's yard, or visit someone in a nursing home, or work in a soup line, or give a few bucks to the Salvation Army's kettles at Christmas. While important, Christ may call on us to sacrifice more, much more. Will we be ready to suffer and die in a tribulation, if we have the false belief that we will be raptured before it occurs?
Later on in John 21, Jesus reinstated Peter, and tells him plainly how he must sacrifice and die. We may not get a second chance, as Peter did.
We must be ready, willing, and able to sacrifice everything for Jesus, including suffering in a tribulation. I believe that Holy Spirit will prepare us, and enable us to do what we must, when the time comes, if necessary. However, part of that enabling process is a correct expectation of what might be required when the end of times comes upon us.
Since this discussion has been exhaustive, I will not continue it here. I wish instead, to speak of the importance of the correct interpretation of end time events. In particular, I wish to speak of the dangers of the biblically incorrect, and mass media created belief in a pretrib rapture.
In Luke 22, Peter tells Jesus that he will go to prison for him, and die for him if necessary. Jesus replies, "before the cock crows, you will deny me three times."
Why did Peter fail? Was Peter a coward? It would be difficult for me to believe that he was. When Jesus was arrested at Gethsemane, one of those with him drew a sword and cut of the high priest's servant's ear. The bible doesn't say who it was, but it would not surprise me, knowing Peter's nature, to think that he was the one who acted thus.
Peter was no coward. His eschatology failed him. Peter was more than willing to go to prison for Jesus, or to die in battle for him. What he was unwilling to do, because he was unprepared for it, was to die a criminal's death on a cross. Although Jesus had tried to prepare his disciples for his redeeming death on the cross, they still believed that he was going to defeat the Romans, and establish an earthly kingdom. And so, when the time came for him to sacrifice for Christ, he was unable to, because he was unprepared.
What is going to happen to all of those people, who believe in a pretrib rapture, when it doesn't happen? Will they also fail, as Peter did?
Why do soldiers in our military go through such rigorous training before being sent into battle? Because when they face death and suffering at the hands of the enemy, they will be committed to endure it, because they have established in their hearts that the rewards of that suffering and death is worth it. It is the love of their country, and in particular, the safety of their loved ones at home, that gives them the willpower to endure it.
Many people will say, like Peter, that they will die for Christ, but have they really thought of the implications of what they are saying? What does that mean?
Most people believe that to sacrifice for Christ means to mow the sick neighbor's yard, or visit someone in a nursing home, or work in a soup line, or give a few bucks to the Salvation Army's kettles at Christmas. While important, Christ may call on us to sacrifice more, much more. Will we be ready to suffer and die in a tribulation, if we have the false belief that we will be raptured before it occurs?
Later on in John 21, Jesus reinstated Peter, and tells him plainly how he must sacrifice and die. We may not get a second chance, as Peter did.
We must be ready, willing, and able to sacrifice everything for Jesus, including suffering in a tribulation. I believe that Holy Spirit will prepare us, and enable us to do what we must, when the time comes, if necessary. However, part of that enabling process is a correct expectation of what might be required when the end of times comes upon us.