Dear friends:

An interesting and challenging question is: "How many people will be raptured?"  The below may help in answering.

Recently, pollster George Barna released his research regarding the beliefs and conduct of today's Christians. The results are shocking! According to Barna, only 9% of America's born-again Christians have a Biblical worldview. Only 9%!

To determine a Biblical worldview, Barna used the following 8-point criteria:

*Believing that absolute moral truths exist.
*Such truths are defined by the Bible.
*Jesus Christ lived a sinless life.
*God is the all-knowing, all-powerful Creator and still rules today.
*Salvation is a gift of God and cannot be earned.
*Christians have a responsibility to share their faith in Christ.
*Satan is real.
*The Bible is accurate in all its teachings.

(See http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/june2005/010605nodifferent.htm )

But let's carry that further.  If only 9% of so-called born-agains believe these very basic truths of the Bible, how many of that small number:

* believe that Jesus Christ will return personally to the Earth as He promised?
* believe the many signs that His return is very near?
* actually long for His appearing?

As I meditate on these questions, the words and ominous implications of 2 Timothy 4:8 literally jump out at me: "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing" (NIV).

The words of Hebrews 9:28 are also starkly relevant: "He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."

If those verses apply to the rapture, the rapture will include a very small percentage of those who claim to be born again and, of course, a much small percentage of the world.

How many pew sitters in today's churches actually "long for His appearing" and "are waiting for Him"?

In my experience, if you even mention it to most, you get a glazed look, like you are from outer space -- like you are some kind of fanatical nut.  They have other interests, other priorities, and they are not interested in being interrupted by something weird like Jesus' return.  They are more interested in their "felt needs."  (They are really going to have some "felt needs" if they get left behind.)

Well, I am from outer space, and I believe I am going up there again soon!  This world holds no attraction to me.  I long for His appearing.  I hope you do too!

I am among those who have "confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.... they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.... they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city (Hebrews 11:13-16, KJV).

I hope to see you there!

Jim