We are living in a time in which the Lord still extends grace and the gospel is being proclaimed to all people. Paul reminds us that God says, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
This is the time in which God calls, saves, and forgives. Through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, He has promised that their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. The prophet Micah uses a powerful image when he says that the Lord will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea—not only forgiving them, but removing them completely.
In this time of grace, the Holy Spirit dwells within believers, and the body of Christ is being built up on the earth. The Lord calls His people to live watchfully and soberly. Jesus Himself said that this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
But Scripture also teaches that this time will not last forever. There will come a moment—unexpected for the world—when the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout. The dead in Christ shall rise first, and then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
This event will take place in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. That is why it is described as coming as a thief in the night—not because the Lord steals, but because the world will not expect it and will not be prepared.
For the world, it will be shocking. Two shall be in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Yet believers are comforted with the truth that we are not in darkness, that that day should overtake us as a thief… we are all the children of light. Therefore, the Lord calls His people to remain watchful.
After the taking away of the church, Scripture teaches that he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. Then that man of sin will be revealed, the son of perdition, who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God. This will mark the beginning of a time that may appear peaceful at first, but will ultimately be filled with deception. Jesus warned that there shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world.
The Bible further warns that people will be deceived because they received not the love of the truth… and for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie. It is also written that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, and that the whole world will follow after him.
But this dark time will come to an end. Heaven will open, and Christ will appear in glory, faithful and true. Every eye shall see him. His feet shall stand upon the mount of Olives. The beast and the false prophet will be cast alive into the lake of fire, and Satan will be bound for a thousand years. Christ will reign, and righteousness and peace will fill the earth.
Finally, the last judgment will take place before the great white throne. This judgment does not concern the sins of those who are in Christ, for there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. It is the judgment of those whose names are not written in the book of life. Believers will still appear before the judgment seat of Christ, not to be condemned, but to give account and to receive according to what they have done.
After this, there will be a new heaven and a new earth. God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.
Therefore, the words of Jesus still carry urgency today: Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
And the Bible closes with this call: Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
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