If we will serve the Lord with all our strength we will save ourselves and those who listen to us and follow us. Some will hear and be saved; others will choose the things of the world. Whoever will choose to do so may drink freely of the waters of eternal life that are available today through the saints.

The righteous are to continue in their righteousness. The unrighteous and filthy may continue in their unrighteousness and filthy behavior until it is too late to return.

Numerous believers in our day are beginning to reap what they have been sowing. It is not the Lord's will that we should attempt to prevent their reaping what they have sown, to stand between them and the judgment of God. This may seem to be a harsh and selfish attitude for us to take, but it is what we must do. Their suffering may result in their salvation.

It is written plainly in the Scriptures that some of the saints of God will be overcome in the last days. Let us be very careful. Let us watch and pray always that we may be counted worthy to escape the darkness that is coming and to stand in victory in the Presence of Christ.

And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. (Luke 21:34-36)

The verse above is not speaking of an ascension of the saints to Paradise in order to escape suffering but of their praying in order to live in spiritual victory throughout the coming darkness. The idea of an escape from suffering is contrary to the experience of Christians throughout history and contrary to Daniel and the Book of Revelation.

The doctrine of the pre-tribulation rapture is one of the deceptions of the last days. It was designed by Satan to prevent God's people from preparing themselves to be able to stand in the day of great spiritual darkness. It has been successful to the extent that the majority of Christians are spiritual and moral babies—almost totally unprepared to stand in Jesus in the face of the deceptions and suffering that are ahead for the church.

The destructive pre-tribulation-rapture doctrine is just another attempt of fallen man to avoid having to bear his cross after the Lord Jesus.

If you have been deceived by the pre-tribulation rapture doctrine, ask the Lord Jesus to show you clearly what actually is ahead for Christian people in the coming days. The Holy Spirit will not speak to you about an immediate ascension of the saints but will encourage you to put away your sins and disobedience so you and your family may be able to survive spiritually during the coming oppression and darkness.

Do not reason or ask someone's opinion. It is your salvation that is at stake. Pray to the Lord Jesus and find the truth for yourself!

To be continued.