Greetings to all:
Well, May 21, 2011 has come and has gone. No rapture has taken place. So, what does this tell us?
Matthew 24:36
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Mark 13:32
But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
First thing this tells us is that when someone puts a date and a time to the rapture, you can know without a doubt (100%) that the rapture will not take place on that date and hour! No man, not even the angels, neither the Son, knows the date and hour. Only the Father! Even naturally speaking, date and time setting doesn't make sense. For example: let's use May 21st and the time they gave was 6pm (EST). If the rapture did happen on that day what do you do with people that live in other parts of the world that it's already the 22nd of May? Plus, if it happened at 6pm (EST) what do you do with the people that live in other time zones. This is one reason I believe that the bible does not record a date or time of the rapture. Another reason and most likely the best reason is that people would abuse the sacrifice (shedding of blood) of our precious Jesus. Other words, they would live their life has selfishly and fleshly till the last minute then make it right to get to go to heaven.
Second thing this "prediction" tells us is that there are false prophets, teachers and etc out their under the label "minister". Please note that once a false prophet most likely always a false prophet unless there has be true repentance. This person that predicted the rapture on May 21st also predicted that the rapture would happen in 1994. As we all know, that didn't take place. He (Harold Camping) is a false prophet!
Third thing this tells us is that it gave Christianity another black eye we didn't need. People mocked the rapture, the church and Jesus. To be honest, I think that is a foreshadowed of what to come when the real rapture takes place. People will be marrying, buying and selling and living it up - then - all of sudden Jesus calls us upward. The sad part is that some of those that followed Harold Camping teachings woke up on the 22nd with all their hopes gone. Some sold everything believing that they would not be here. We as true believers must pray that the mercy and grace of God will lead them to the straight and narrow path.
In conclusion, will there be a rapture? 100% YES! When? No man, no angel and not even the Son knows. How do when know it will happen and who can go?
How do we know?
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent them which are asleep.
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
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.
Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Who can go?
Verse 14 says For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again....
One must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
One must believe in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus
The Greek meaning for believe is:
a. give credit to
b. faith(ful)
c. implying knowledge or assent to and confidence in Him
If we believe that Christ died for us and rose then we should repent of our sins and turn toward God confessing that Jesus is Lord!. Remember, those that endure till the end shall be saved!
Blessings
