Lent Season Mar 15

Going Beyond - Revelation
Carri Lynne Pratt

Daily Reading: Revelation 7:9-17

"These are the ones coming out of the Great Tribulation. They washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." Rev 7:14

So, who are these coming out of the Great Tribulation? There are two viewpoints. The key verse is, "and there before me was a great multitude that no one count, from nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne." Rev 7:9  The first viewpoint is that this is the Rapture of the church. (personally I really like this view!)  The second viewpoint is that these are all those who gave their lives to Christ but were killed in some manner, therefore being those Christians coming out of the Great Tribulation.  

When we look at the Rapture overall we see that the word "Rapture" is actually never used in Scripture, however, the words "Caught Up" are and in Latin this is translated "Raptus" or Rapture. Scholars who have studied the end of times have three points of view: A Pre-Tribulation Rapture, a Mid-Tribulation Rapture and a Post-Tribulation Rapture (which would be with Christ when He comes at the very end of the Tribulation). However, there are several verses found in Scripture that assures Christians that they will be kept from the "Hour of Trial that is going to come upon the whole world." Rev 3:10 Another key verse is: 

"Wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead - Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath." 1 Thessalonians 1:10

No matter which view is correct, today's passage gives us great hope! We see that those who have given their lives to Jesus will have the reward of being shepherded by Jesus Himself for eternity.

        "Never again will they hunger, Never again will they thirst ... 

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their Shepherd; 
He will lead them to springs of living water. 

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7:17

Reflection: Which view of the rapture do you hold? Think about when you first committed your life to Christ. What was the date? Where were you? Who were you with? Thank Jesus for your salvation.