". . .once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah,
while the ark
was a preparing,
Wherein
few,
that is,
eight souls
were saved
by water."
-1 Pet.3:20
Introduction...
The Lord Jesus Christ tells us that it will be like the days of Noah when He comes for His Bride
... At that time ...
only eight escaped.
But ... as Jesus describes how genuine believers will be taken, we begin to understand that the number "8" can represent a much larger number than literally "8"
... Since the number "8" can also represent "infinity"... it becomes a picture of those destined for "infinity" as well ... not used strictly as a number to calulate a quantity.
Nevertheless ... by comparing "8" to the huge number of people left behind in the flood of Noah's day ... we are also led to consider that ... comparatively ... those escaping in the Rapture ... may not represent as large a group as some might presume.
In other words ... we can safely expect a greater number than "8"... but perhaps not the "millions" we have heard mentioned by some professing believers.
The following description regarding departure of the genuine believers ... also clearly reveals the requirements for departure ... which will definitely affect the size of the group that will actually be taken.
In ... Luke 17... Jesus reveals these requirements:
"And
as it was
in the days
of Noe,
so shall it
be also
in the days
of the Son of man."
-v.26
"Whosoever
shall seek
to save his life
shall lose it;
and whosoever
shall lose his life
shall preserve it.
-v.33
Much confusion has been generated by taking verse 33 out of context and attempting to make it apply to the topic of "fear" in general
... to the point of some believing that self-preservation and self-defense are somehow forbidden by God.
However ... a careful study of the totality of the Word of God ... teaches otherwise.
So ... when we accurately keep it in the context of the days of Noah ... as it speaks of End Times
... we see that "preserving one's life" is really referring to "compromising" our beliefs in order to continue to enjoy the benefits and pleasures of this world
...and...
... disregarding the Word of God to preserve our "life-style"... not wanting to suffer any hardships as a result of believing contrary to the system of this world ... therefore willing to participate in it's agenda.
Jesus gave this warning as a picture of separation ... not only to those who would be "taken" out of this world by the Rapture ... but also those "taken" after the Rapture ... when there is a time of godless chaos ... hell on earth breaks out ... and dead bodies will be found wherever "eagles"... "birds" of prey ... enemies of God ... hunt down those who have been left behind.
"Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together."
(Luke 17:37)
...At that time those who try to save their life in this world ... will lose their eternal life
...and those who die for their faith in Christ ... will find eternal life.
I tell you,
in that night
there shall be
two men
in one bed;
the one shall be
taken,
and
the other
shall be left.
Two women
shall be
grinding together;
the one shall be
taken,
and
the other
left.
Two men
shall be
in the field;
the one shall be
taken,
and
the other
left."
-v.34-36
The Lord Jesus Christ is our "Ark" now ... some who by giving up their life in this world ... will preserve their life ... lifted up by the Water of the Word of God ... above the turbulent waters of this world ... to be taken to the Father's House ... but some will be left behind and lose their life ... in order to have eternal life.
"Therefore be ye also ready:
for in such
an hour as
ye think not
the Son of man
cometh."
(Matt.24:44)
* * * * *
If you are feeling uncertain about whether you will be among those who actually escape to the Father's House ... scroll to the top of this page ... click on the gift wrapped in gold in the left column ... and carefully follow the instructions with a sincerely committed heart.
♡♡♡
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