When the Son of Man Returns, Will He Find Faith On the Earth?

The prospect of the LORD returning today or at any time during or after the tribulation provokes no fear in me whatsoever. Across my friends, who are godly Saints in the LORD on all counts, I find a mixed bag of preferences concerning the rapture doctrines.

My preference is that Yeshua (Jesus) returns for us before the tribulation and that as many as possible and be found worthy of escape from it all!

My concern, however, is that Yeshua will return later than expected and that as many as possible be found having the utmost trust and faith in the LORD and are worthy to escape those things coming upon the unbelieving and rebellious ones.

Scripture and historical writings (letters and commentaries, esp. Irenaeus (AD 120-202), disciple of Polycarp who was a disciple of John, and Hippolytus (AD 170-236), disciple of Irenaeus) can be used to support any one of the rapture doctrines; therefore, I refuse to plant myself in a rapture doctrine because of the concern I have for engendering or teaching error.

If we are going to argue over Scriptures and their meaning in an effort to keep each other out of error, let’s start with the things which are plain and simple to understand, but ignored and contorted every day; such as, divorce and remarriage, reconciliation and forgiveness between the brethren, daily repentance and crucifying the flesh, etc.

Regardless of one’s preference, we are called to be found worthy of escape, vigilant and sober, at peace with one another, without spot and blameless, and encouraging one another in the hope of Yeshua’s very soon return. We are to stand still in the LORD in faith… with complete peace and trust… to ‘stay-the-course’ of our faith in Him during difficult times, no matter how pressing. Can we call anyone a heretic who holds to these encouragements rather than to one man’s doctrine about the rapture over another man’s?

For me, my heart’s cry is “Repent! For the Kingdom of God is at hand (now is the day of salvation). Make your hearts ready and keep them conditioned for Yeshua’s return, or for your pending physical death, whichever comes first. Repent from sin and sinful lifestyles! We must turn our hearts toward God, continually repent from sin that we trip into (that so easily besets us), and do all we can and must do to avoid willful sin! We must overcome the Accuser of the Brethren by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony, and love not our [worldly] lives even unto death (Rev. 12:11)!

In each of His addresses to the seven Churches in John’s vision, Yeshua said it is the over-comers who will receive their rewards. The use of the word “over-comers” is definitely indicative of struggle. No matter how light or pressing the struggle, we struggle to die daily in overcoming our fleshly desires, Satan, who is the spirit of this world, and his plots against us via principalities and powers, the rulers of darkness of the age (the era), and wicked spirits in heavenly places (spiritual realm).

God’s people MUST understand and teach the ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE! We must take our eyes off this world, our VERY temporary abode! We must stop teaching, expecting, and demanding comfort in this world (now, that is heresy)! Instead, let us encourage one another to live peaceful and godly lives and to keep our eyes on Yeshua, the Author and Finisher of our faith, because we may be required to look up to heaven in full expectation of seeing Yeshua waiting to receive us as we’re being martyred!

The disciples and apostles took great care to communicate the very imminent return of our LORD and spoke often of the condition of our lives and hearts… “peaceful, without spot or blemish.” We should not do any less! No doubt, we should all be ready to assemble tonight at the trumpet’s call and/or be ready to stand firm in the LORD during tremendous trial and tribulation!

This we all know and can agree upon: Messiah has not yet returned, but His return is imminent! Let us cease from arguing over exactly WHEN the Messiah is returning – pre, mid, or post tribulation. We need to be more concerned about living peaceful lives without spot or blemish… today. Each “today” turns into a tomorrow. As long as we are ready for His coming today, we will be ready when He returns! We absolutely need to encourage one another in our hope of the Messiah’s return. There’s no doubt, however, that He can return at any moment (Mark 13:32-37) or He can linger a bit longer (Matthew 24:48-51). For sure, He will come in an hour we think not!

When Yeshua returns, will He find faith on the earth (Luke 18:18)? Is your heart given completely to God? Will you be found worthy of escape, whatever form escape will take?