If you dislike a holy God now, why would you want to be with Him forever? If worship does not capture your attention at present, what makes you think it will thrill you in some heavenly future? If ungodliness is your delight here on earth, what will please you in heaven, where all is clean and pure? You would not be happy there if you are not holy here.
J.C. Ryle

What In The World Is Going To H

What In The World Is Going To H What in the World Is Going To Happen? By: Charles R. Swindoll

For many individuals, prophecy is something to be ignored – or, at best, to be viewed with suspicion. Because foolish predictions have been proven false or erroneous information has led to fanaticism, the popular attitude today toward prophetic teaching is skepticism. However, the fact remains that God has revealed to us a great deal about the future. Though some things have not been revealed, many details have been set forth in plain, unmistakable terms which God wants us to know. In this study, we want to uncover and place into proper perspective those pieces of the picture clearly predented to us in Scripture. Before we survey God’s future plan, we shall briefly review the potential dangers of prophetic study, as well as the basis of the skepticism aimed at prophetic events.

I. Dangers of Prophetic Study. As we commence this series, it is necessary to remind ourselves of those traps into which students of prophecy often fall: A. Setting Dates and Making Dogmatic Declarations. Per Jesus’ instruction to His disciples, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority” (Acts 1:7). B. Making the Study of Prophecy an End in Itself. In most every New Testament mention of prophetic happening, there is an accompanying reminder to live a godly life. C. Answering Questions that Nobody is Asking. One can pore over prophetic material and gloss over the essential issues.

II. Skepticism toward Prophetic Events (2 Pet. 3:3-7).

Skepticism is nothing new: the problem was evident in Peter’s time. Familiar with the lives of the first century mockers, he wrote, “…In the last days mockers will come …saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation'” (vv. 3-4). Skeptics of all time have adhered to the theory of uniformitarianism, which teaches that since the origin of matter and time, there has never been an interruption in natural phenomenom or pattern. Peter’s evaluation twenty centuries ago is still on target today: “For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water” (vv. 5-6). The flood of Noah cuts the heart of the skeptics’ theory, for God did interrupt natural phenomenon and pattern…and nothing prevents Him from doing it again. His Word declares that He will. Within this context, Peter added, “…The present heavens and earth…are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men” (v.7). Skepticism is in trouble when placed against the historical backdrop of the Flood.

III. Survey of God’s Prophetic Plan. As we look at this panorama we will begin with the present, then identify and describe ten prophetic events that lead right into eternity: A. The Church. The term church comes from two Greek words which, when put together, mean “to call out” or “called out ones.” Before Jesus left this earth, He promised Peter that He would personally build His Church – an organism which would not be threatened by hell’s forces (Matt. 16:16-18). The fulfillment of that promise began on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), and since then the Lord Jesus Christ has been calling out of the world those whose hearts are turned toward Him: Jew and Gentile, male and female, bond and free, child and adult. Today we are living at the end of this era. B. The Rapture of the Church (1 Thess. 4:13-17). This will occur at the end of the Church Era. All those believers – found in every part of the earth – who will have lived and died during the Church Age will be raised up, leaving behind only unbelievers. Paul informs us that the dead will be raised first (vv. 15-16), and the living believers will be caught up with them in the air to meet the Lord together (v. 17). C. The Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10). This will transpire in heaven for those children of God raised at the Rapture. This judgment does not deal with salvation, but with rewards. Our life and conduct on earth will be evaluated and, according to our obedience, particular eternal rewards will be given to us by the Lord Jesus Christ. D. The Tribulation (Matt. 24:21; 2 Thess. 2:1-8; Rev. 4-19). This seven-year period on earth will unfold simultaneously with believers receiving their rewards in heaven. The first 3 1/2 years will be ones of relative peace, while the last 3 1/2 years will be ones of tremendous chaos. Satan, who will be unrestrained, will establish his unholy trinity: Satan will assume the place of God the Father. The Beast (Satan’s right-hand man, mentioned in Rev. 13) will occupy the position of God the Son; he will make a peace pact with Israel which he will later break, promising unity and prosperity to them and all world citizens; also, he will place on his followers a particular mark or identification without which they will be unable to buy or sell. The False Prophet (the Beast’s right-hand man) will take the position of God the Holy Spirit and will act as a deceiver; he will draw the world together under one great and unified religious and governmental system. This era will climax with the infamous Battle of Armageddon. E. The Battle of Armageddon (Rev. 16:16; 19:19). In this military campaign, those who join forces with the beast-like ruler will attempt to carry on a worldwide conquest. They will ultimately rise up in the Valley of Megiddo. F. The Second Advent (Matt. 24:29-31). At the conclusion of Armageddon Jesus Christ will return and judge the earth. G. The Sheep-Goat Judgment (Matt. 25:31-44). All unbelievers will be judged and removed from the earth. The believers will enter the Kingdom Age. H. The Kingdom Age (Isa. 11:1-9; Dan. 2:44; Rev. 20:4-6). This period, known as the Millennium, will span one thousand years. Satan will be bound and placed in the abyss. Those believers who were put to death during the Tribulation will join those who already appeared before the Judgment Seat of Christ, and together they will reign with Christ over the world as judges, governors, mayors,etc. Christ Himself will reign as the righteous and universal Judge over the entire earth, directing a perfect judicial system. He will be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. During this time, the curse will be removed both from the earth and from the animal kingdom; the desert will blossom as a rose and there will be no need to fear the carnivorous animals. There will be plenty of food. The knowledge of the Lord will permeate the whole earth and the heart of man; however, in spite of all this, the heart of man will not change…as we shall see in the next event. I. Satan’s Release (Rev. 20:7-9). At the end of the Millennium, Satan will be freed, and deceiving the nations once again, he will lead to destruction those unbelievers (born to believers during the Millennium) who choose to follow him. J. Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:10-15). The earth will be destroyed (2 Peter 3). and the final judgment of all unbelievers will take place. Along with Satan, all those whose names do not appear in the book of life will be thrown into the lake of fire. K. Eternity (Rev. 21-22). A new heaven and earth will replace the old; sorrow, pain, death, and night will cease to exist. This is the ultimate destiny for all believers. THE NEXT EVENT OF THE FUTURE

The Lord is continuing today to build His Church – just as He told Peter nearly two thousand years ago: “…I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it” (Matt.16:18). That process began in Acts 2 and will conclude with the next event of the future foretold in Scripture: the Rapture of the Church. The Church Age, in which we’re currently living, could end at any time. When the Rapture occurs, the Church of Jesus Christ will be lifted up from the earth and the building of the Church will cease. Let’s look more closely at this event.

I. THE PROMISE GIVEN BY CHRIST (John 14:1-3). First delivered to the disciples, this promise is fitting for Christians of all times. First He addressed an attitude, then He offered an assurance. A. OUR ATTITUDE (v.1). “Let not your heart be troubled.” In practical terms He was saying, “As you consider your present life marked by difficulty and trouble, don’t let your heart and mind get wrapped up in those things.” This was particularly meaningful to His men, who suddenly looked upon a bleak future as their Savior was about to die. They had expected to enter His Kingdom as charter members, but they had been informed that the Kingdom was not yet to become a reality: other events had to happen before it would begin. As we, from our individual perspectives, face our own often uncertain futures, these words should continue to carry weight with us. B. AN ASSURANCE (vv.2-3). Jesus continued, saying, “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places…for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” The words (dwelling places) simply refer to “a place of residence, a dwelling.” The phrase may be literally translated, “In My Father’s house are many apartments.” We must note that in this assurance Jesus didn’t just promise heaven, but also personal union with Himself.

II. THE EVENT EXPLAINED BY PAUL. We’re indebted to this apostle for the help he’s provided us in understanding this event that will occur without announcement, abruptly. A. THE MYSTERY UNVEILED (1 Cor.15:50-55). In Paul’s day it was believed that the only way a person could enter God’s presence was through death. However, in this chapter dealing with the subject of resurrection, he spoke of the mystery (literally, a secret revealed to him) pertaining to life after death. He wrote to the Corinthians that some would actually enter God’s presence in a living state since they would be alive at the moment of rapture. Here are his words:”…We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.” Paul doesn’t tell us when the Rapture will happen, but he states it as a fact of our future. B. THE PROCESS REVEALED (1 Thess. 4:13-18). This is the crucial passage dealing with the Rapture. Paul introduces it with these words:”…We do not want you to be uninformed, brethern, about those who are asleep…” (v.13). In his letter to the Thessalonians, he introduces the subject with truth about those who had died in Christ: “…We who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not procede those who have fallen asleep” (v.15). A close look at the text helps us to answer three important questions. 1. WHAT ABOUT THE SIGNS? The Bible does not give us any signs to look for that will precede the Rapture: it is to be both sudden and unannounced. However, we are given signs that will occur just before the Second Advent of Christ. Thus, if we see these signs occurring, we can be assured that the Rapture is soon to take place (such events as making of a one-world religion, and the making of a one-world government headed by the beast-like dictator). 2. WHAT ABOUT THE DEAD? For certain we can say three things regarding them: They will not be forgotten (v.14). They will go before the living (vv.15-16). They will go “in the clouds…in the air” to be with the Lord (v.17). 3. WHAT ABOUT THE LIVING? Those alive at the time of the Rapture will be caught up together with the risen believers just mentioned (v.17). Also, very small children (who have not yet come to an age of understanding the claims of Christ) will be raptured with their believing parents (1 Cor.7:14). Quite likely, those living when the Rapture occurs will hear its introductory shout of the Lord, the voice of the archangel, the trumpet of God, and then they will be caught up into the air. C. THE EVENT APPLIED (Titus 2:11-14). It is man’s tendency to think only of the sensational aspects of this marvelous event. However, its purpose is not sensation. In this text we find that the Rapture teaches us two things: 1. NEGATIVELY. It teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires. 2. POSITIVELY. It teaches us to live sensible, righteous, and godly lives at the present time.

III. THE PROBLEM SOLVED BY JOHN (Rev.3:10). We are given every indication of a promise that the Christian will avoid going into the Tribulation. Here is the promise delivered to the believers of Philadelphia: “Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell upon the earth.” HOW TO BUILD A FIREPROOF LIFE 1 Cor.3:10-15; 2 Cor.5:10

A great deal has been said about the Rapture of the Church. We sing about it, speak about it, and anticipate it. But what happens once it occurs? After we are taken into our Lord’s presence, what then? In this study we want to consider the answer to that question. On the basis of three New Testament passages (Rom.14:10; 1 Cor.3:10-15; 2 Cor.5:10), we believe that all Christians will appear before the Judgement Seat of Christ. Let’s carefully examine this event together.

I. INTRODUCTION OF THE EVENT. Other judgments are mentioned in Scripture; so in order to chart a clear course in considering this particular judgment, let’s establish some boundaries: A. WHO…WHEN…WHERE? The Judgment Seat of Christ is for believers only. This judgment will occur immediately after the Rapture and will convene in the Lord’s presence. Simultaneously, the Tribulation will be in progress on the earth. B. FURTHER CLARIFICATION. This will not be a time when our sins are paraded before us; the Bible reveals that God has chosen to forget our sin. Also, this judgment will not determine whether we stay in heaven or leave. Ultimately, only one concern will prevail: Do we receive rewards, or do we lose them? The basis for this judgment will be the quality of life we lived during our days on earth.

II. EXPLANATION OF THE EVENT (2 Cor.5:10). The context of this verse is the earthly body contrasted with the new body which we will receive when we enter the Lord’s presence at the Rapture. In nearing the end of his thoughts on the resurrected body, Paul remind his readers on the Judgment Seat of Christ. Here are the details: A. ITS CERTAINTY. “We must.” This judgment is not optional, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ….” B. ITS SCOPE. “All…each one.” First, it is (universal): all believers of the Church Age will be included. Second, it is (individual): each believer will be personally evaluated. C. ITS LOCATION. “Before the judgment seat.” The Greek term Paul used here is (bema). In his day this was a raised platform positioned in the canter of an arena where athletic games were held. From this platform officials observed those running around the track and issued the winning contestants their hard-earned rewards. This is the word picture behind Paul’s description of Christ’s Judgment Seat. D. THE JUDGE. He is the Lord Jesus Christ, who in both justice and righteousness mot only knows the deed, but also its accompanying motive. E. ITS PURPOSE. “That each one may be recompensed.” The word (recompense) means “to receive back; to recover.” Each Christian will receive rewards according to the godliness of the earthly life he or she lived. F. BASIS OF THE REWARDS. “According to what he has done, whether good or bad.” There are only two categories of deeds in our lives: (1) the useful; (2) the useless. Those things done in the power of the Holy Spirit will be rewarded; those things done in the power of the flesh will be ignored.

III.EVALUATION AT THE EVENT (1 Cor.3:10-15). Calling attention to the quality of one’s work and the judgment which the believer is to face, Paul spoke in terms of building construction. The context of this chapter has to do with the problem of the carnal perspective – which Christians often become trapped in as they compare preachers. (In this case, the Corinthians were comparing Paul, Peter, and Apollos.) Exposing the problem, he indicated that God’s work was like a building, and those leaders being compared were, in a sense, subcontractors building under God’s direction. Keep the Judgment Seat of Christ in mind as you move through the development of Paul’s thoughts. A. THE FOUNDATION (v.1). “Jesus Christ.” He is the only foundation that will count in eternity. B. THE CONSTRUCTION (v.2). Only two kinds of building materials are cited: (destructible)…such as wood, hay, and straw; and (indestructible)…such as gold, silver and precious stones. C. THE INSPECTION (v.13). “The fire.” Every building must undergo an inspection. Paul wrote,”…The fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work.” D. THE DECISION (vv.14-15). “Reward” or “loss.” Jesus Christ, our righteous Judge, will examine the structure of each of our works. He alone will determine the quality of our works, and we will be rewarded accordingly. It’s not quantity, but (quality) that counts with Him. The motive is as significant as the act. E. THE REWARD (v.14). The meaning of the term is “prize, award; earned, achieved.” As Paul uses it, it is associated with both honor and dignity being bestowed on the overcomer. Throughout the New Testament, at least five rewards are promised: 1. THE IMPERISHABLE CROWN (1 Cor.9:25). This is given to the one who consistently brings the flesh under the Holy Spirit’s control, refusing to be enslaved by the sinful nature (cf. Rom.6:6-14). 2. THE CROWN OF EXULTATION (1 Thess.2:19). Also called the soul-winner’s crown, this will be given to those who are faithful in declaring the gospel, leading people to Christ, and building them up in Him. 3. THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (2 Tim.4:8). This will be awarded to those who live each day anticipating Christ’s imminent return…those who conduct their lives with eternity’s values in view. 4. THE CROWN OF LIFE (Rev.2:10). This will be presented to those saints who suffered in a noble manner during their earthly life (cf. James 1:12). 5. THE CROWN OF GLORY (1 Pet.5:4). This is promised to the undershepherds of the flock. F. THE LOSS OF REWARDS (v.15). The works will be burned up, but the believer will be saved “so as through fire.” The point is that salvation is a gift that is not based upon works; therefore, works themselves will never keep someone out of heaven, nor will they help someone enter.

IV.THOUGHTS DERIVED FROM THE EVENT.

  1. WORKS ARE IMPORTANT. The fruit of your life reveals its root.
  2. QUALITY IS ESSENTIAL. It’s not so much what you do as why you do it.
  3. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SECRET. Whatever work is done must stem from the person and power of the Holy Spirit.

Chuck Swindoll is the senior pastor of the First Evangelical Free Church in Fullerton, California. His radio program, “Insight For Living”, can be heard on many Christian radio stations, including KPRZ and KWVE (See Bulletins 7 and 8 for programs schedules).

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