To all the Christians In Action at Five Doves:

 

Thessalonians 5:4

 

“But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.”

 

Some people argue verses from Matthew 24, and say that Jesus indicated no one will know.  However, as Harry A. Ironside states in his book Matthew, with regard to chapter 24, “The secret of the Rapture of the Church, prior to the end-time, is not introduced here in this great prophetic discourse.  That was still a hidden mystery when Jesus spoke these words.”  Referring to finding the Rapture in Matthew, chapter 24, he continues “There is no time set for it, nor are there any signs indicated. The signs here all have to do with His revelation from heaven as the King who is to return to take His great power and reign.  The coming of the Son of man refers always to this event, never to the Rapture!

 

It seems likely that Jesus’ comparison of Noah’s and Lot’s generations to the people of the Tribulation concerns their “know-not” status.  They don’t believe judgment is ultimately arriving.  Revelation states “they repented not of their deeds,” and “I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse; and against his army.”

 

The book of Daniel states that complete revelation knowledge (according to God’s wisdom) is “sealed until the time of the end.” Well, we’re here, and it’s not sealed any longer!  The only ones to whom it is sealed are unbelievers, to whom Jesus makes the chilling statement in Revelation 3:3.  Paraphrased: If you don’t watch, you will not know. Obverse: If you do watch, you will know.

 

It seems humankind does not learn much from history, let alone God.  They will decide shortly to sign a Treaty of Death with the Antichrist.  Reminds me of how people in history continue to make treaties with despotic murderers and then act surprised when they betray our trust.  England’s famous diplomat, Neville Chamberlain, negotiated a treaty with Hitler.  Chamberlain said (while on his death bed during a German air raid over England), “Everything would have been all right if Hitler hadn’t lied to me!”