Hi John,Your understanding could easily be correct. But does it really matter? Those of us in Christ will be safe no matter how it all works out (and not one of us will care who was 'right' or 'wrong' at that point).
I have kind of quit trying to figure it out and accept that He has it all under control. I've come to understand that our only concern at this point is to help others find the safety we've been given freely before it's too late.
Heck, just the fact that one verse has 3 potential interpretations that are so different should tell us all something, to wit: none of us knows exactly what's coming, how or when. But He does so we don't have to. My goal is to do that which I do know 100% and for which He has empowered me through the Holy Spirit.
Which does He think is more important, that we "figure it all out" or that we spend our time and energy helping those He brings our way to find their way to Jesus?
Blessings,BradPS I hope that didn't come out like I'm getting on your case about this. I don't mean to. It's just that I have struggled with this for me for many years so I'm kind of saying this to myself as much as to anyone else.