Just before all hell breaks forth on earth, Jesus calls the Church (His Bride) to MEET HIM in the air.
“Husbands, love your wives, just AS CHRIST LOVED THE CHURCH AND GAVE HIMSELF UP FOR HER to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and TO PRESENT HER TO HIMSELF AS A RADIANT CHURCH, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless…a man will leave his father and mother and BE UNITED TO HIS WIFE, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I AM TALKING ABOUT CHRIST AND THE (His) CHURCH.” (Ephesians 5:25-32)
Many incorrectly think the “catching away” of the church will happen after the tribulation begins but, “Don’t let anyone DECEIVE YOU in any way, for that day WILL NOT COME UNTIL the rebellion occurs and the MAN OF LAWLESSNESS (the anti-christ) is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, PROCLAIMING HIMSELF TO BE GOD. Don’t you remember that when I was with you, I used to tell you these things? And now you know WHAT IS HOLDING HIM BACK (the anti-christ) so that he may BE REVEALED AT THE PROPER TIME. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but THE ONE (the Holy Spirit in the Church) WHO NOW HOLDS IT (the power of lawlessness) BACK will continue to do so till HE (the Holy Spirit in the Church) IS TAKEN OUT OF THE WAY (in the rapture).” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-7)
“I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. LET US REJOICE and be glad and give Him glory! For THE WEDDING OF THE LAMB HAS COME, and HIS BRIDE HAS MADE HERSELF READY. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.) Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “THESE ARE THE TRUE WORDS OF GOD.” (Revelation 19:6-9)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham