The Rapture as Evangelism

Introduction

I recently wrote out my thought process for being a post-tribulation rapture believer. My view is common, but not nearly so common as the newer idea that Christians will be saved from the greatest persecution by being invisibly removed from earth. This "pre-tribulation" view (nicknamed the "Left-Behind" view) is arguably the most common in America today, but I don't expect it will remain that way. This view won't vanish, but I expect it to become less and less prevalent. Just as Postmillenialism suffered a damaging blow during the War to End All Wars and a fatal blow during World War Two, I think we'll see this eschatology fade until it practically vanishes, only held by small fringe groups, because of the years of harping on its veracity without any events or biblical passages to back it up. Constant false prophecy of immanent returns, and failed dates have created scoffers who cannot continue to keep believing this historically new and strange eschatology.

What will replace it? Unfortunately I can guarantee that it will not be the truth, some other fanciful unbiblical theatrical theology will arise and lead many astray. I cannot possibly guess with any accuracy, but my guess for this replacement will be the heresy of Preterism, the idea that the Second Coming and Resurrection have already occurred, but I won't be surprised if some other more heinous and imaginative heresy arises.

Your view of the timing of the rapture is not an essential doctrine, you will not lose your soul for following the pre-trib tradition. Many great saints have held this view. But, I fear that as this view largely dies with the church's elderly generation, that the church will lose ALL rapture theology, that the church is prepared to be removed from the earth and those remaining will be judged in righteousness. The rapture will be thrown out with the pre-trib theory, and it ought not be. The rapture is a recurring theme in scripture, the root word in the Greek is harpazo, it means to be plucked, repealed, removed. The word rapture comes from the Latin translation of this Greek word, it occurs in several places in the New Testament, for example, Christ was nearly seized by overzealous postmillenials (John 6:15), the evangelist has the duty to snatch sinners from the fire (Jude 1:23), Phillip was caught away to some far off place (Acts 8:39), Jesus was caught up to God (Revelation 12:5, cf. Acts 1:9), Paul was caught up into paradise (body or soul, I know not) (2 Corinthians 12:2-4), sheep without a shepherd are caught and devoured by wolves (John 10:12), and Jesus promised that none can pluck his saints from his hand (John 10:29).

The rapture that this article will focus on is the removal of Christians from the earth to meet Jesus in the clouds; we need to retain and understand the biblical purpose of this event. But what does it matter? Can't we just be pan-millenialists or pan-tribulationists, that "however it pans out is just fine with me"? Unfortunately it matters a lot in how we view God, and how we evangelize. This article will hopefully spur you towards good works, and an even more fervent and eager desire to see Christ.

I spoke to a person once whose plan of evangelism was to hold onto an unbeliever during the rapture and attempt to convince him to believe in Jesus on the way up. While this is a novel idea, it misses completely what the Bible says of that final day, and why on that day the unbeliever is without hope.

The Timing of Christ's Return

Christ has not returned yet, but he is sure to come, for scripture says, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come (Revelation 4:8)!" The reason he has not returned is quite simple, he is not willing that even a single one of his saints should perish, but that all should reach repentance (2 Peter 3:9). At the moment the sky disappears and Christ is seen in the Heavens, you can rejoice that the number of saints is complete, and be sure that no more men will be saved, and that Christ is prepared to conclude this present evil age.

Therefore, we are to be witnessing to unbelievers, as Peter says, "hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved (2 Peter 3:12)..."

If you are an unbeliever and are waiting to see the rapture happen before you will believe, Peter exhorts you to "count the patience of our Lord as salvation (2 Peter 3:15)" and Paul, "the patience of God is meant to lead you to repentance (Romans 2:4)." If you see the rapture as an unbeliever, then it is too late for you.

Christ as Judge

The Bible describes Jesus in two polarizing ways, as a just God, and a savior (Isaiah 45:21), that he punishes sinners AND forgives sinners; both are seen in the rapture. On that final day, he will come to "judge and make war (Revelation 19:11)." In the rapture, we see that Christ is righteous. Right now only believers see this (Proverbs 28:5), but on Judgment Day, everyone will see it, a myriad of verses say this.

“Men will faint with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory (Luke 21:26-27)."

The word for faint means "die where they stand." The KJV says their "hearts will fail them." They will be scared to death.

In another place it says, "then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand (Revelation 6:15-17)?"

The last phrase is an allusion to several Old Testament passages, "But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears (Malachi 3:2)?" and "The sinners in Zion are afraid; trembling has seized the godless: "Who among us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who among us can dwell with everlasting burnings (Isaiah 33:14)?" And especially,

But you, who are to be feared!
__Who can stand before you
__when once your anger is roused?
From the heavens you uttered judgment;
__the earth feared and was still,
when God arose to establish judgment,
__to save all the humble of the earth. - Psalm 76:7-9

Dear reader, pause and consider the justice that will be displayed on the day that Christ returns. His patience will have run out, the sin of his enemies will have reached full measure, and grace and love will never again be felt by those who refused to kiss the Son.

"Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner (Malachi 3:5)..."

Christ as Saviour

But for the believer, a much different feeling will be kindled on that day. Continue the Malachi verse from above, "and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts. For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed (Malachi 3:6)."

For the believer, the one who abides in Christ, who is born-again, washed in his blood, made new in his Spirit, John exhorts us, "when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming (1 John 2:28)."

Peter explains that the Christian is "waiting for [a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells], therefore be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace (2 Peter 3:14)."

And Christ's personal promise, "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also (John 14:3)."

Henceforth there is laid up for all who have loved his appearing a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award on that day (2 Timothy 4:8). "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory (Colossians 3:1-4)."

The Rapture as Evangelism

On the final day there will be only two responses. The unbeliever will flee in fear, utterly terrified, and hide from the returning King. The believer will step forward in eager anticipation of the consummation of history, in meeting Jesus face to face, and in full assurance that he is a faithful God who keeps his promises.

There is no secret salvation for the believer in a veiled rapture. There is no second chance for the unbeliever in the warning of a rapture. There is hope in one man, the man whom has been appointed as judge of the world, who will judge in perfect righteousness, who commands all people to repent, and is assured because he has been raised from the dead (Acts 17:31).

Just as it is appointed once for a man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him (Hebrews 9:27-28).

Therefore, the rapture perfectly captures the character and nature of God, that he is a just God, and a savior, and besides him there is no other. Only in him there is righteousness and strength; to him shall come and be ashamed all who were incensed against him, but in the Lord all the offspring of Israel shall be justified and glorified (Isaiah 45:21,24-25).

This all points back to the cross, where God put Christ Jesus "as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness (Romans 3:25)..." and "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)." All evangelism should be centered on the law to bring a knowledge of sin, and then present grace, that salvation is available in the Christ who lived and died and lived again. The rapture captures this perfectly, that lawbreakers will face Christ as Lord and judge, and believers will face Christ as Lord and Saviour, his justice satisfied on Calvary's cross, and his grace poured out in abundance.

Conclusion

The day of the rapture will be too late to share your faith, for all who will trust Christ will have reached repentance, and all who are reprobate will face him as a Saviour scorned. Therefore, wait for this day and hasten it along by proclaiming his righteousness by calling for repentance, and proclaim his grace by imploring towards faith in his perfect name.

Until Christ returns, or calls you home, declare to the world that he is Lord of all, that to him every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall swear allegiance. Declare to mankind that his wrath is kindled, and that in his presence no man can stand, and that the only hope is God the Son who faced this wrath on a cross, who now calls out,

Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. - Isaiah 45:22

As for you dear reader, I pray that you are eagerly awaiting his return, that you will have confidence in his faithfulness and the sufficiency of his work on the cross, and you will not shrink back in fear at his coming.

A Response to an Apostate Pastor

I received the following text last Saturday. After a week of prayer, and feeling several times that I would not respond to it, I finally decided that a response was merited and hopefully it will edify the church and call this pastor to biblical truth. This will also allow for me to type my response instead of texting it. This was sent as a text, so understandably it had many typographical errors, I have corrected these so that they do not detract from the message. I only changed spelling and punctuation, the original is available if you would like to read it.

Hello my name is ******. I am a pastor in *******, GA. I was greatly disturbed when at a Braves game there was a tract left on my car and after I read it, I realized there was no love only condemnation. Jesus did not command us to repent He commanded us to love and His goodness will lead them to repentance.  It grieved my heart to see a church representing our Savior Jesus using condemnation.  This is not an effective tool for evangelism. I pray you will have a revelation of His great love for you that His love will begin to flow from you.  I'm sorry if this is harsh, but I choose to live in obedience to the conviction and I had to send this.  Paul admonishes us many times not to turn away from or preach any other gospel than the one he first preached. The gospel of grace according to Ephesians 2:8-10

Response

First of all, thank you for taking the time to read this tract and for your response. This is why we give out tracts, to get people thinking and to start conversations. In that regard, this tract has done its first duty.

Second, I do not know which tract you received, I was not at the Brave's game, and know of no-one giving out tracts with my website on it at the Brave's game. Based on what you have written, I expect that it was a "Pop Quiz", but it may not have been. We excommunicated a woman at the beginning of the year, an antichrist and Jezebel of the highest degree, and she may still be printing tracts with our website on them, so depending on the tract, your concerns may be well founded if there was no love on the tract. But that does not affect the rest of this response.

You stated, that "Jesus did not command us to repent", and this is where I hope to rebuke and correct you. Over and over again Jesus commands both the world, and the church, to repent. His first command was "repent and believe the gospel" (Mark 1:15), his last command is "be zealous therefore, and repent" (Revelation 3:19), and repentance is a quintessential part of his message throughout his ministry (Luke 13:1-5, Luke 5:32, etc). Likewise, he tells his followers that "repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations..." (Luke 24:47) Those who preach the gospel implore hearers to "repent towards God and faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21).

Your statement that our love will lead people to repentance has no biblical precedent. You've nearly quoted Romans 2:4, but that is in no wise a command to the church, but an admonition to the lost. But true love warns, it seeks to see people turned (repentance), to be saved, and this faith only comes by hearing, and hearing the Word of Christ. Your silence and aversion on the matter has most likely condemned many. Loving people without commanding repentance does as one wise preacher said, "makes the world a nicer place to go to Hell from."

A saviour who comes only to save and not preach condemnation is no Saviour at all, because there is nothing to be saved from. Jesus Christ preached salvation and condemnation regularly, see for example John 3:16-21. If this is not an effective tool for evangelism then you stand in direct opposition to the greatest Evangelist, who is Christ the Lord.

Your hatred of the justice of God as evidenced in your response does not bode well for your soul. You seem to have fallen for a tender loving jesus who does not exist. You are preaching a false jesus and this jesus shares none in common with the Living Christ than a name. Examine Romans 3:25 and 5:8, that the righteousness of God was demonstrated in Christ's death, and the love of God was demonstrated in him dying for sinners. Without condemnation, then Christ died for naught, but in Christ there is now no condemnation.

In all harshness, I pray that you have a revelation of the Living God, and that a love for his  whole character would be borne in you, and you would embrace the preaching of his full counsel, including the elementary doctrines of repentance from dead works and faith towards God.

Your gospel denies a need for grace, and therefore is anathema. See that the Lord is good, and then flee from the wrath to come. Preach the same.

And finally, if I am right in deducing that you are a female pastor from your name, I implore you to renounce your blasphemy and not step, but leap, from your pulpit role of usurping the Lord's authority.

In all love, I implore you and Christ commands you, "Repent, and believe the gospel."

The Post Tribulation Rapture

Understanding the timing and events of the rapture are as easy as following a few common phrases and time markers, the following verses are quoted from the English Standard Version of the Bible, but this study can be done in any translation leading to the same conclusion. This is not a doctrine which the Bible leaves any ambiguity on. If you will leave aside your traditions, you will quickly arrive at the rapture-theology which the God of the Bible intends for you to have.

This study begins with the best eschatological question ever asked:

“Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" - Matthew 24:3

This study is not meant to look at the entire events of the end times, but only the timing and events of the rapture, so let's skip to verse 21.

Then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather. "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. - Matthew 24:21-30

Let's look at a similar verse in Revelation 6, look at the similar wording and identical time markers.

When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” - Revelation 6:12-17

Look at the similarities, the coming of the Son of Man will be as lightning in the sky in Matthew 24, in Revelation 6 the sky vanishes. This event is directly preceded in both passages by the sun and moon and stars being greatly changed, and the earth quaking. The tribes of the earth will mourn, they will see Jesus, and they will not want to. I hope  and trust that you see that these describe the same event. Only Matthew adds one more event, look at verse 31, the rapture verse:

And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. - Matthew 24:31

This event is on the Day of Wrath, the day of Christ's return, the visible return of Jesus to the whole world. These angels come and remove Christ's elect, there is no indication in this passage of any sort of disappearing or secrecy. Now let's compare some other verses that give us the timing and events of this rapture and see if they agree.

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. - 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

and

We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. - 1 Corinthians 15:51

These passages clearly show the rapture happens at the last trumpet, at the return of Christ. The dead are raised first, the believers are caught up immediately afterwards, to meet Christ as he descends, and be with him forevermore.

And I tell you beloved, this means there is a very good chance you may live through this tribulation, or any number of smaller, though not small, tribulations. There is no room in these passages or any passage for a secret and/or pretribulation rapture. Many of the elect will face the ruler of the world and die terrible deaths for it, being called to have endurance and faith in the Sovereign God who ordained all things (Revelation 13:7-10). Fear not, for Christ endured more for your soul at the hands of his Father, and he promises to never leave you nor forsake you.

I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! - Luke 12:4-5

Additional Resources:
Our Appointment with Death and Christ's Return

Three Things You Can't Learn in School - Adrian Rogers

Three Things You Can't Learn in School
by Adrian Rogers

[After a long break] students head back to school. I’m grateful for schools, but there are some things no teacher or professor can impart. When it comes to spiritual matters, on our own we can be stunningly ignorant.

But we are not left alone. We have Someone to teach us. Jesus said,

It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Of sin, because they believe not on Me;

Of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more;

Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

- John 16:7-11

Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to convict (and convince) the world of three vital truths we'll never learn in school or anywhere else: sin, righteousness, and judgment.

The Truth Concerning Sin

You won’t hear this from your college professor, but in the words of that great theologian and cartoon character Pogo, “We have met the enemy, and he is us.”

We don’t like to believe it, but man is a sinner. That’s Lesson #1 the Holy Spirit must teach us. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Man is a sinner for 3 basic reasons:

Because of what he is — Ephesians 2:3 says we are “by nature the children of wrath.” Notice it comes by our nature. We think we’re wicked and sinful because of what we do, but really we do what we do because of what we are by nature: sinners.

Because of what he does — If you’re still not convinced, let's talk about what we do. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10) We’ve been like this since Adam’s fall. “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Genesis 6:5) We are sinners, and our thoughts and actions reveal it every day.

Because of what he has not done — But the most damning, horrible sin is not what we do, but rather what we don’t do: the sin of not believing on Jesus Christ. Jesus said concerning Himself, “He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:18)

Sin erects a barrier between us and a holy God. The Holy Spirit knows we must admit our sin. He does what we would never do for ourselves: convict us of our sin. But the Teacher is not done yet. There’s more.

The Truth Concerning Righteousness

The Holy Spirit also convicts us “of righteousness,” the righteousness of Christ, which completes our salvation.

Most people think “righteousness” comes by “being good.” But Paul said in Romans 10:3, “For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” Our righteousness counts for no more than “filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). We can’t depend on our own righteousness for salvation.

That’s why Jesus left His Father, took our sin upon Himself, and died in agony on the cross. He rose victorious over sin, death, hell, and the grave, and ascended to the Father to present His blood in the tabernacle in heaven. That's what He's talking about when He says, “I go to My Father.”

Jesus bought our redemption with His own righteousness. We have none on our own. That’s Lesson #2 from the Holy Spirit.

The Truth Concerning Judgment

A third truth we’ll never learn in school is the condemnation of Satan. Some people — those who do not know God — appear to be waiting on the final outcome to see who’s going to win: God or Satan. But Jesus said, “Now is the judgment of this world.” (John 12:31) Did you notice the word “now”? John 16:11 says Satan is judged. Not will be. He already is. As much as he would like to hide it, Satan has already lost and is judged.

And like Satan, judgment awaits us if we die in our sin. Many have the idea that somehow God will be merciful even if they do not repent and receive His righteousness. This is a tragic assumption — and it is not true. The only way to escape judgment is through the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

So you see, these three truths are vital. They are necessary for salvation. The Holy Spirit wants to teach them to you. Will you let Him?


Canyon's Note

Dear reader, may the Spirit convict you of sin, righteousness, and judgment and show you Jesus Christ, the only hope for mankind. May many of my former students, especially those who in love with the world have run off into the mire, hear these words and return to the Overshepherd and Saviour.

And beloved, unlike my brother Adrian, I implore you to flee from the schools that seek to silence the Holy Spirit in your hearts, to rather find the truth in homeschool, co-op school, and private Christian school, for Martin Luther put it best,

I am much afraid that schools will prove to be the great gates of hell unless they diligently labor in explaining the Holy Scriptures, engraving them in the hearts of youth. I advise no one to place his child where the scriptures do not reign paramount. Every institution in which men are not increasingly occupied with the Word of God must become corrupt. —Martin Luther

Your Last Sermon

Beloved Christian reader, imagine with me for a moment that you are told you have one week to live. During this week your church has given you free reign to preach whatever you want, and they have promised to publish whatever you write, and to give utmost attention to everything you say in these final moments.

What would you convey?

The most important preaching lesson I learned in seminary was to preach every sermon with the fervency and effort as if it were your last. The truth is, we are all dying, we all have a limited number of words left to share with the world. Very truly, the last thing you said may be the capstone of your life. This post could be my last.

Apostles Paul and Peter met their ends in Rome in the mid AD60s, Paul beheaded and Peter crucified as insurrectionists. These two men saw their ends coming, they wrote,

Peter: I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me (2 Peter 1:13-14).

and

Paul: I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus...For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come (2 Timothy 4:1,6).

These two men saw their end coming, and their final letters (2 Timothy, 2 Peter, and Hebrews), their capstone projects, have pointed believers and unbelievers towards the Living Christ for two-thousand years. They have strengthened the church and called lost sheep home. There is no reason at all that these men should be ashamed.

But, if we look back at their earlier letters, we see similarly that these letters are as edifying and useful and enduring. Everything they wrote was pointed at exalting Christ and pointing sinners away from unholiness and towards salvation, and in strengthening the church in the knowledge and hope that God is sovereign and gracious.

So I'm writing this short note to encourage you to make sure everything you say and/or write and/or preach is worthy of your last, that you would not be ashamed of it, that it would not be worthy of being thrown away. Any such message must necessarily include the message of the mystery of the cross. Tell people of the God who is righteous and merciful, who prepared history for one event, to satisfy his justice on a cross, and who demonstrates his love through offering his own Son in place of wretched and otherwise irredeemable sinners. Call your hearers to faith in Jesus Christ, to turn from their sin to the Living God, and to hope in him, and him alone.

And, let me take one quick moment to say that this does not need to only be in the context of revivalistic evangelistic gospel preaching, this ought be in the context of expository preaching, of revealing Christ in the Revelation of God, like he did, starting at the beginning, and showing himself to his followers (Luke 24:27). Jesus ought to be the foundation and the message of anything you say and do, else your idle words perish on Judgment Day.

And in all of this, remember that you are not working for men, but are serving the Lord Christ, so do everything in his name, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

And beloved, you probably have more than a week left to live, but you definitely have a limited number of weeks left. Make your sermons count, make your correspondence count, and make your life count, working in the full power of the Spirit of Christ who lives in you. Only one life, 'twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last.

See It and Be Glad

I should be a asleep right now, but as I prayed over these past few weeks and my evangelistic endeavors, I've been horrified to see a serious lack in the highest theological thought in scripture; the crucifixion of Jesus. The Apostle Paul said this was his sole endeavor, and that it is the message we preach that comes with power (1 Corinthians 2:2, 1:23, 1:18). As I thought about it, my mind instantly went to the crucifixion passage which impacts me the most; way back in the Old Testament. It is something I must put to paper before I can let this day come to a close.

When the humble see it, they will be glad;
you who seek God, let your hearts revive. ~ Psalm 69:32

This is the conclusion to an utterly terrific psalm, one so incomprehensible in its pain and sacrifice that I expect it will take us an eternity to understand the God here described. This Psalm recounts an innocent man oppressed by evil men for no reason (v. 4), but worse, crushed by God for those evil men's sins (v. 9), paying a price higher than any sacrifice ever made, before and after (v. 31), and this is why it is so terrifying.

Beloved, stop for a moment, the man on the cross is God the Son (v. 21, John 19:28-29), despised by men, afflicted by God. Now look and be glad. Your King is shamed, crushed, humiliated, infinitely punished, wrongly accused, disbelieved, abandoned by God and friends, scorned by the very ones he came to save. See it and be glad.

See it and be glad? Wouldn't we expect that weeping would be a better response? On that day, "there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. But turning to them Jesus said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children (Luke 23:27-28)..."

For you see, Jesus did not go unwilling to the cross, he was not the victim of sin, but a willing and capable sacrifice. He came for this purpose, to bear witness to the truth (John 18:37), he has ordained history for this very moment (John 12:27). What should we say? Save him from the cross?

No, we rather look at that hideous cross and the Lord of Glory upon it, and we are glad. Glad for two reasons, that, one, we have a God who hates sin and the suffering, death, and destruction caused by sin, and, two, that we have a God who loves sinners to such an extent to save them from his hatred.

And so we see our Lord and God lifted up on a cross, declaring to the universe that God is righteous and a Saviour (Isaiah 45:21), and besides him, there is no other. Our sin is heinous and costly and none of us can pay for even a single one. A single lie will ensure we are punished forever in Hell for our rebellion against the God of Truth. If there were any other way to be saved, then Jesus Christ died in vain, and he would not be able to say that he is the way, the truth, and the life, and no-one comes to the Father but by him.

Sin requires an infinite payment, and apart from an infinite Saviour, our souls were counted loss. So we look at the cross and are glad, glad that we have such a payment, such a ransom, as to save us from the power of sin and death, and transfer us into the kingdom of God.

And we look at the man, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, despised the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2), and are glad that he is our God, the God of love and of truth, of mercy and of righteousness, who perfectly reconciled in his body of flesh sinful men and holy God, and has put away all malice towards those who humble themselves before him and trust in his holy name.

Beloved, I have endeavored to show you Jesus Christ and him crucified, that you may know the power of this message, made perfect in his resurrection. If there is any lack of gladness in you towards the events which he endured on Calvary, please search your heart, and know that your King endured these willingly, prepared from eternity past for such work, to make known his Father's justice and grace. Look at the cross with nothing but gladness, the means by which God revives the deadman's heart, and be glad that you have a God who loves righteousness and hates wickedness, who is anointed with gladness today, for the work he accomplished long ago.

Something More Sure

Introduction

With the physical stress of moving, the mental stress of moving, losing my Bible once or twice, the break in routine, and the passing of my Grandmother, I have read my Bible less in the last month than probably any other time in my Christian life. Directly related to that, I've written less in the last month than ever in my Christian life. Tonight I heard an especially encouraging sermon and it sparked my writing. I want to take just a minute to go over one of the best passages in scripture and hope it encourages you to read your Bible more and trust fully in the Risen Christ.

Before we begin, ask yourself what would be the best way to learn to walk in sanctification and to know the truth and to demonstrate truth and to know who Jesus is. No doubt, it would be to walk with Jesus during his three year earthly ministry in the 1st Century, right? Let's see.

Walk with Jesus?

Concerning himself and the other Apostles, Peter writes, "we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty."

The Apostles walked with Jesus, they saw his miracles, they heard him speak with authority, he defended his flock with appropriate severity, he loved people with the love of God, they saw him in power and Peter even saw him in transfiguration. These Apostles were eyewitnesses, three-year long friends and co-ministers with the Lord of Glory.

Thomas was among them, he saw Jesus, he walked with him, but what did Jesus say to Thomas?

“Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Peter says likewise about walking with Jesus, "we have something more sure..." More sure than walking and talking and listening to Jesus? More sure. Then it must be hearing directly from Heaven that Peter would remind us of in his ultimate epistle.

Hear from Heaven?

Peter writes, "We were with him on the holy mountain...when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

That would be a great way to learn from God, right? To have him speak directly to you and let you interpret his words to suit your own situation? Peter rebukes you, "We have something more sure...knowing first of all that no prophecy of scripture comes from someone's own interpretation."

Is it hearing from God that makes us the best followers, the most sanctified? Without a doubt, the most dangerous of hirelings and false teachers are those who rely on things they've heard in the spirit, who reject the Bible and speak their own revelation; men like Mohammed and Joseph Smith come to mind, but there are no lack, no lack at all, operating today.

Something More Sure

How could something be more sure than learning from Jesus? How could something be more sure than hearing from the Father? Beloved, it's because those things can be counterfeited. Recently I was perusing the cult tome, The Urantia Book, which includes impossible details about Jesus' early life and later ministry.

The private interpretation of the author(s) teach things that are wild and ungodly, but how can we say Jesus did not say and do these things? We have something more sure.

Faith-Healers constantly claim that God spoke to them regarding a health issue, who are we to doubt that God actually spoke to them? We have something more sure.

We have something more sure. The prophetic word, not open to interpretation, not open to addendum, a lamp shining in a dark place, not produced by man, but by God the Spirit sweeping men along in his perfect current.

For this reason the Bible is our final rule of faith and practice. We know that God spoke new revelation in the 1st Century and then left us something so sure that he never would need to speak again, and will not speak again, until the glorious bright and morning star, Christ Jesus, returns and lights our path in our glorification.

Conclusion

Beloved, would you need to see Jesus to believe? Jesus says you are blessed if you believe without seeing. Would you need to hear from Heaven to stand on the truth of God's promises? Peter says you have something more sure. God has revealed himself perfectly to us in his Word, giving Jesus as the perfect example of life and godliness, the one who has called us to his own glory and excellence, who has opened the eternal kingdom to us in becoming our Lord and Saviour by giving himself for our sins and being raised for our justification.

Peter intends to remind you of these things even after his death, as did all of the other prophets; their tongues are silent today, but their words, inspired and directed by the Holy Spirit, speak today, so listen to them exhorting you to trust in Christ, and walk in his light, being continually washed in the water of his word.

Cross-Walking - Definition

Introduction

Cross-walking, or holding a cross in public, is a rising trend in evangelical circles. This brief article will explain what it is and what it hopes to accomplish.

What It Is

Cross-walking is holding a cross so that the general public is able to see it. Some crosses are plain with no message written on them, others have brief messages written on them. Locations for cross-walking include, but are not limited to, roadway intersections, festivals, public parks, college campuses, etc.

Standard cross messages point to the reality of a coming judgment or to the person and work of Jesus Christ. The most common message is, "ARE YOU READY", others include "REPENT & BELIEVE", "It is Finished", "JUDGE & SAVIOR", and "HE IS RISEN", etc.

Cross-walking is a public ministry meant to lead to the proclamation of the gospel and cause many to consider their standing with God and their eternal destiny.

Except in a few cases, where the gospel is written on the cross, cross-walking is NOT evangelism; it is meant to lead to evangelism. Evangelism is the explicit effort of telling someone that there is forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Examples of gospel presentations written on the cross are, "It is Finished" (Hebrews 10:14), "Peace by the Blood" (Colossians 1:19-20), and "Here Grace & Justice Kissed" (Psalm 85:10), etc.

Cross-walking is NOT a means of grace or a sacrament; when Jesus said, "Whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me (Matthew 10:38).", he did not mean to lift a miniature cross in order to earn Heaven. His call was to turn (repent) from living in this world, and figuratively (using the language of the cross-execution technique) to die to the world by placing full faith in him and him alone.

Goals of Cross-Walking

The primary goal of cross-walking is to proclaim the excellencies of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world. Cross-walking is far from the only way to do this, but it is a valid and useful tool for the church to engage many with the message of Christianity. These goals include starting conversations, reaching large numbers of people in a short time, confronting people in their sin, encouraging Christians, and killing pride in the cross-walker.

Conversation Starter

Cross-walking draws all sorts of individuals to ask questions, some ask "What does it mean?" others ask, "Why are you doing this?" Concerning the "ARE YOU READY" cross, the question is generally, "Ready for what?" Many other questions are asked regarding doomsday prophecies, particular sins, or certain denominations. Still others are people who are seeking direction and purpose in their lives, or asking for prayer. Some are hostile to the message of Christianity and want to debate certain points.

Cross-walking cannot be expected to start only one certain kind of conversation, but it does start conversations, and the cross-walker should always be prepared to proclaim the gospel of forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul said, "I endeavored to know nothing among you except for Jesus Christ and him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2)." The cross-walker should be prepared to share the gospel, all other doctrines and objections should be relegated to not being anxious as to what you will say. A great preacher once said, "The gospel is a proclamation, not an argument."

When used at intersections, the cross often causes drivers to park their cars to come speak to the cross-walker. Other times, when used locally, the cross-walker will be asked questions later, such as at work, or the grocery store, by people who recognized him.

Other times at intersections, the cross-walker may never know a conversation was started; sometimes conversations begin between passengers in cars that have seen the cross. Some of the best conversations are seen between children and their parents when the child asks about the cross he sees being held on the side of the road. This leads parents to hopefully work out their own salvation first, and then provide a teaching point for their child. Other times conversations may be started later, as someone seeks out a Christian or pastor to ask about the cross-walker, and why he would be holding a cross.

Cross-walking also starts conversations in public places, such as bar districts and parks. The most common question here is, "Why are you doing this?" The answer is, "I'm hoping it will start conversations." To which the questioner asks, "Has it started any?" At this point the cross-walker has broken the ice to have a conversation to share Jesus Christ.

To Reach the Unreachable

Cross-walking has a distinct advantage over many other methods of ministry, in that the demographic of people is as diverse as a location allows. Festivals, sporting events, and parks tend to attract a certain type of people, malls draw a predictable crowd, churches are filled with an unsurprising populace, but road-ways are filled with every age, ethnicity, religion, and personality.

Certain people will never set foot in a church, nor will ever frequent a place where they may be given a gospel tract or spoken to, but they do drive. Even locked in the privacy and exclusion of their vehicle, they may be confronted on their hell-bound journey just by seeing a cross on the side of the road.

During peak rush-hours, cross-walking also has the opportunity to impart the message of God's justice and mercy into more lives than practically any other ministry option. Television and radio ministries, as well as billboard messages, reach more, but cross-walking provides a personal touch and at practically no cost.

To Confront People in their Sin

The message of the cross, the message of an execution method, points first and foremost to the fact that something is not right in the universe. That men can die, and that they may be put to death by other men, should cause us all to stop and think about the state of the universe, and then about the state of our souls. The message of the cross is that things are desperately broken, but that they are fixable, but only fixable through the work of the Son of God willingly taking on death for his saints so that he would defeat it three days later.

Cross-walking confronts people with this message, that there is salvation available, but that they are helpless to save themselves. "ARE YOU READY" on a cross instinctively causes people to consider their eternity. Some will harden their hearts, while others may genuinely consider the question. It is vital to trust in the Holy Spirit that he is doing precisely the work the Father has called him to do, knowing that "The message of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to those of us who are being saved, it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18)."

The cross-walker ought to be in constant prayer that the Holy Spirit is convicting onlookers of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8).

To Encourage Christians

One of the reasons it is so important to realize that cross-walking is not just evangelism, even when an evangelistic message is present, is because it accomplishes many purposes. One of the purposes of cross-walking is to encourage believers who see the cross-walker, openly proclaiming Christ, to be bold in their own opportunities. Every believer should not be expected to cross-walk, but every believer is expect to be salt and light in their world.

The cross-walker hopes to encourage his brothers and sisters in boldness, intentional proclamation, and trust in their Saviour. The cross-walker himself is often encouraged through approving waves and friendly horn-honks.

To Decimate the Pride of the Cross-Walker

Cross-walking is seen by the world, and much of the church, as foolish. It ought to be, it the least likely way to convince someone of the truth of your position. But God has chosen the foolish things in the world to shame the wise, he did so first by giving eternal life through the death of his Son, he continues to do so by using broken and sinful men to propagate the message of his righteousness and love demonstrated on a cross.

To stand with a cross sets a person apart as a Christian, and not just a Christian, but a Christian who trusts in the sovereignty of God and the power of his Word to save souls. A cross-walker feels self-conscious, awkward, and like he is doing nothing to advance the kingdom of Heaven. These feelings do amazing work in the cross-walker, driving him to humility, causing him to exult in his Lord and Saviour, and to recognize that he may plant or water the seed of faith, but unless God causes that seed to grow, nothing will be accomplished.

Conclusion

In doing so, the cross-walker takes up, not just a miniature cross, but the cross Jesus was speaking of when saying, "take up your cross and follow me," and dies to the world, setting his affections on Heaven, carrying the message of eternal life to a lost and dying world, proclaiming the excellencies of him who bled and died but lived again, the only hope of sinners, the way, the truth, and the life.

In the Lord, the Christian's labor is never in vain, therefore consider taking a cross out with you to a public place. Watch God do work through it, both in those who see you, in those you speak to, in those you encourage, and in you as he lifts you up in your humility.

Further Resources

Tony Miano's Explanation of Cross-Walking
Tony Miano's Blog of Cross-Encounters
Order A Cross

Face Time

Early on Sunday Morning two millennia ago, the most terrifying sound the world will ever hear reverberated in the silence of a dark and sealed tomb. In the pierced pericardium of the Lord of Glory, just a whisper of truth, yet completely distinct, was the faint sound of a heartbeat. Undeniably this bruised, pierced, and suffering servant had defeated death; just as he said, he has risen (Matthew 28:6, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). He was dead, but now he lives.

In the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Spirit of holiness declared Jesus Christ to be the Son of God (Romans 1:4). This proved that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, the resurrection, and the life, and no one comes to the Father but by him (John 11:25, 14:6). The hymn declares, "Shout it out, Jesus is alive, he's alive! O happy day!"

But beloved, the first thing we need to see is that for many, this is not a happy day, in the vindication of Jesus Christ in his resurrection (1 Timothy 3:16), he proved, just as Noah proved that the ark was a promise of impending doom (Hebrews 11:6), that God has far purer eyes than to look on sin (Habakkuk 1:13) and has provided just one way of salvation (Acts 4:12). The Holy Spirit came to convict people of sin because they do not believe on Jesus Christ (John 16:9) and to show them judgment because Satan was dealt a death-blow at the cross (John 16:11, cf John 12:31, Genesis 3:15, Romans 16:20). The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a very bad day for most of the world, who have sought to dethrone him since the beginning, and seek to do so even today, but in his resurrection he has become King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16), and he is set to tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty (Revelation 19:15).

Many will end up cowering, hiding, fleeing from the Eternal King, desperate not to see his face (Revelation 6:15-17). Behold, the eyes of the Lord God are upon the sinful kingdom, and he will destroy it from the surface of the earth (Amos 9:8).

And we may say, "Right! That is what unbelievers should be doing, fleeing from God for their sin!" And I say Amen, and Amen! But beloved, let me show you some believers who reacted similarly; without grace and mercy we would all flee from the face of God!

Look at Judges 13, I'd wouldn't be exaggerating to say this is one of my favorite passages of scripture. "A man of God came to me (Manoah's Wife), and his appearance was like the appearance of the angel of God, very awesome." The messenger of God brought very good news, news of a coming, yet temporary and deficient, messiah (Samson) to judge Israel and redeem them from the grip of the Philistines. A brief conversation ensues in which the messenger calls for a burnt offering to be sacrificed. When the sacrifice is made, the messenger makes it clear to them that he is Christ. 'They fell on their faces to the ground...Manoah knew that the speaker was the angel of the Lord. And Manoah said to his wife, "We shall surely die, for we have seen God (Judges 13:20,21-22)!'"

Compare a moment when Isaiah sees God in a vision, "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts (Isaiah 6:5)!"

And let's transfer to the New Testament, "Now as he (Saul, later the Apostle Paul) went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground... (Acts 9:3-4, cf Acts 22:6-7, 26:13-14)" Paul, zealous for his understanding of God, was put on his face, and not just him, but his companions who traveled with him.

The glory of Christ is powerful, on the night he was betrayed, a band of soldiers sought him, when he declared himself to be the I AM, "they drew back and fell to the ground (John 18:6)."

Balaam responded similarly (Numbers 22:31), as did the Magi (Matthew 2:11), demon possessed men (Mark 3:11), and a healed woman (Mark 5:33); simply seeing God has this distinct effect on people; he is of far purer eyes than to look on sin; in his endless burnings, who can stand (Isaiah 33:14)? Who can endure the heat of his anger (Nahum 1:6)?

Others fall farther and harder, Uzzah, perceiving his defiled hands as cleaner than the earth, touched the holy ark of God and fell dead (2 Samuel 6:6-7), as did Ananias and Sapphirah (Acts 5:5,10). God is holy and puts people on the ground willingly if possible, forcefully if necessary (Acts 5:11).

Apostles are not immune, Simon Peter saw the full glory of Jesus Christ and fell down at his knees, begging, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord (Luke 5:8)!"

This is not limited to earth; in Heaven the appointed authorities will bow willingly before the Lamb who was slain (Revelation 5:8).

Jesus Christ is the Light of the World (John 8:12), he has messengers whom he has declared to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14), and when his glory shines through them, many fall down in their sinfulness (cf Revelation 19:10, 22:8, Acts 10:25, 16:29, 14:11-15). It is vitally important that we point them to the Righteous One who became sin for us, who bore our sins in his body, who fell down himself.

The night Jesus was crucified, under the weight of the condemnation that he was about to endure at the hands of his Father, he went to the Garden of Gethsemane, and "going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, 'Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will' (Mark 14:35-36)." The second time he prayed, "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done (Matthew 26:42)." He prayed a third time (Matthew 26:44), knowing that to stand in the sight of God bearing the sin of the world would require an infinite payment, for each sin is costly, and unless the cup of the wine of the wrath of God were drained, the saints of God would be without hope. We cannot underestimate, nor even overestimate, the price which Jesus Christ paid for our souls.

Every fear which the previous mentioned prostrates had was well founded, God is of far purer eyes than that he can look on sin. Isaiah cried out in anguish, "Woe is me!" Manoah declared his sure ruin. Peter begged Christ to depart from his sinfulness. Ezekiel, a faithful prophet of God, though far from sinless, fell to the ground and wondered, "Ah, Lord God! Will you make a full end of the remnant of Israel (Ezekiel 11:13)?!" These fears were realized on the cross.

Jesus Christ was put to death as the wages of sin were paid out (Romans 6:23). He became a curse for us, as it is written "cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree (Galatians 3:13)." The sins of those who reproached God fell on Jesus Christ (Psalm 69:9), and the Father turned his back on the Son, causing him to pray the most heart-rending prayer in history, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani (Mark 15:34)?" And the only righteous man to ever live in all of history was put to a full end, it pleased is Father to crush him (Isaiah 53:10), he drained the well mixed cup of God's foaming wrath all the way down to the dregs (Psalm 75:8, Isaiah 51:17).

Manoah's wife prophesied oh so sweetly (which is why this is my favorite verse), "If the Lord had meant to kill us, he would not have accepted a burn offering and a grain offering at our hands, or shown us all these things, or now announced to us such things as these (Judges 13:23)."

Jesus prayed, showing us the fulfillment, "This will please the Lord more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs (Psalm 69:31)." Peter exposited, "Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know-this Jesus, delivered up according to the definitive plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men (Acts 2:22-23)."

Look at how this plays out in the Apostle John's life:

"I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet...I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw...one like the Son of Man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength (Revelation 1:10,12-16)."

John did what I would do, what you would do, what everyone will do, "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead." But beloved, look at what happens next, "But he laid his right hand on me." He said, "Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and Hades (Revelation 1:17-18)."

Beloved, if your view of Jesus does not put you on your face, does not cause you to weep for your ruin, for your sin against heaven, does not cause you to dive for cover in the deepest darkest hole you can find, then your jesus is probably made up, and idols cannot save you. But the Living Christ, who laid his hand on John, bore the scars of crucifixion (John 20:25,27-28), and is mighty to save (Zephaniah 3:17, Isaiah 63:1), able to save to the uttermost all those who draw near to him in faith, he always lives to make intercession for his saints (Hebrews 7:25). Jesus Christ was dead, crucified for lawless men, giving himself for his saints (Galatians 2:20), but he has been raised for our justification (Romans 4:25).

Therefore, beloved, this Easter, make sure your view of Jesus Christ terrifies you; he sees to the very center of your being and all of your thoughts, words, and deeds are laid bare (Hebrews 4:13, Ecclesiastes 12:24). Recognize that without his willful atonement, you would be without hope and without God in the world (Ephesians 2:12), that your soul would be the cost, that Hell would gape wide to catch your fall; fall prostrate on your face in humility, confessing your sins against Heaven (2 Corinthians 7:10), and then look to the cross where the Lord of Glory died and where justice and love kissed; it is empty. Look to the tomb where hope was buried; it is empty. Christ is risen, he has condemned every false way: he is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father but by him.

On the final day, every knee will bow, and every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11). Some will do so willingly, but many will do so out of abject terror and/or violence done to them by ministering angels. Beloved, bow willingly, in sorrow for your sin against Heaven, and God promises that he will lift up the humble (Psalm 147:6), but dear reader, if you wait, if you bow out of compulsion, know that God promises that he will cast the wicked to the ground (Psalm 147:6).

I promise that every face will touch the ground in the presence of Jesus Christ, he puts people on the ground. God has accepted the sacrifice of his beloved Son, he delivered him up by lawless men, he has delivered this message to you. He has no delight in the death of the wicked, so turn from sin and turn to the Resurrection and the Life, and live; may he lay his hand on your shoulder before Judgment Day and declare to you with all authority, "Fear Not."

In conclusion, there are two responses on Judgment Day, those who know Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who will step forward willingly and in anticipation to meet Christ (1 John 2:28), and those who will flee in terror (Revelation 6:15-17); there is no middle option. May your sins have been to a cross two-thousand years ago, may you trust in Jesus Christ, and may the fact that his pierced heart is beating today prove to be your comfort and not your condemnation.