Scripture for Reflection: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, Matthew 24:29–31, Revelation 11:15–19, 2 Peter 3:10–18, 2 Timothy 4:1–5, Matthew 24:36–41, Revelation 11:7–14, Acts 1:6–8, Matthew 28:18–20
Beloved in Christ,
The Lord calls His people not to walk in shadows, nor to be comforted by dreams that the Scriptures do not speak, but to be anchored in His Word. Just as a wise builder lays a foundation upon the rock, so must we build our hope on the sure testimony of Christ and His apostles.
Many doctrines have arisen through the centuries. Some strengthen faith, others weaken it by promising what God has not promised. One such teaching is the pre-tribulation rapture—that Christ will remove His people from the earth before the time of great trial. Though it offers comfort, the Word shows us a different path: endurance, faithfulness, and the hope of His appearing after tribulation.
One Coming, One Trumpet, One Gathering
Paul writes of the Lord descending, the trumpet sounding, and the saints being caught up to meet Him (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). Jesus Himself teaches that this gathering comes after the tribulation, when the Son of Man appears in glory and sends forth His angels with the great trumpet (Matthew 24:29–31).
John sees this same moment in Revelation, when the seventh trumpet declares, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ” (Revelation 11:15). Not two comings, but one. Not two trumpet calls, but one—the final, glorious appearing of Christ.
The Warning of Scripture
Peter reminds us that some twist Paul’s words to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16). For this reason, he urges us to grow in holiness and in the knowledge of Christ. Likewise, Paul exhorts us not to be carried away by every wind of doctrine, but to stand firm in sound teaching (Ephesians 4:14).
Jesus told His disciples that it is not for us to know the times or seasons, but to be His witnesses until He comes (Acts 1:7–8). Our task is not to speculate about escape, but to bear the light of Christ to the nations.
The Days of Noah and the Call to Endure
The Lord compared His return to the days of Noah: people carried on with life, blind to the coming judgment, until the flood swept them away (Matthew 24:37–39). So it shall be at His coming. Those unprepared will be overtaken, but those who endure to the end will be saved (Matthew 24:13).
Revelation tells of witnesses slain, raised, and vindicated before the nations, after which comes the great trumpet and the reign of Christ (Revelation 11:7–14). The pattern is not escape from trial, but triumph through faith in the midst of it.
A Loving Admonition
This message is not to condemn, but to call with love. Teachings that promise escape may leave hearts unready for endurance. Christ calls us to watch, to stand firm, and to suffer with Him if need be, for “if we endure, we will also reign with Him” (2 Timothy 2:12).
Therefore, let us test every doctrine (1 Thessalonians 5:21), correct in gentleness, and pursue unity in the Spirit. The Church must be a people prepared, not shaken by tribulation, but rooted in the promise of Christ’s appearing.
A Prayer for the Church
O Lord, give us wisdom to discern truth from error, courage to endure trials, and joy in the hope of Your return. Keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
“Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20)
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