There really are no prophetic signs which point directly to what we call the Rapture. We can see some characteristics of the time known as the “last days”, but those are subjective. There are, however, definite signs that will proceed the Second Advent. If the Rapture preceeds this by at least seven years, then we can look to those signs and possibly determine how soon the Rapture will take place.
The Imminent Return of Jesus
The Rapture, first of all, is to be thought of as imminent. Notice how many times Jesus says He will come quickly (Rev.3:11; 22:7, 12, 20). Scripture tells us that we are to wake up and watch for the return of Jesus (Tit. 2:13, Rom. 13:11, I Thes. 5:6). We are not to be looking for signs and fulfilled prophecies, but we are to be ready to go at anytime.
Latter Times vs. Last Days
Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, does speak of two different periods of time in the future. First, he speaks about the “latter times” (I Tim. 4:1-7). These times are characterized by doctrines of devils, forbidding marriage, forbidding meats, etc. History shows us that not long after the Bible is completed, that churches started following such heresies. We can see these devilish doctrines still taught by the Roman Catholic Church.
The second future time Paul speaks about is called the “last days” (II Tim. 3:1-9). He gives a list of things that “shall come” (future) in those days. As I said earlier, these characteristics are subjective–they are sins common to men at all times. However, we see today that these sins are worse today than they were in Paul’s day or even in some of our own lifetimes.
The Bible gives a few other characteristics of the last days:
- Apostasy (II Thes. 2:3) Are there more people in sound New Testament churches today or less?
- Scoffers (II Pt. 3:3-4) You don’t really still believe in the pre-millenial Rapture stuff do you?
- Unsealed truth (Dan. 12:4, 9-10) Although the Bible has never changed and someone has always believed the truth, the understanding of eschatology that we have today was not common 200-300 years ago. It seems that the Holy Spirit has given us a better understanding in these last days.
The Stage is Being Set
Beyond these characteristics of the last days, we see the stage being set for the Second Advent (Matt. 24:32-39). Two prophecies that stand out are the return of Israel for national repentance and the idea that the earth will be like the days of Noah.
Israel today exists. There is no logical reason why Israel hasn’t gone the way of the Hittites and Philistines, but God has preserved His people. They will soon be gathered back to their land to be judged during the Great Tribulation. There is no logical reason why Israel should figure so prominantly in our news today, but the stage is being set for the return of Jesus Christ their Messiah.
Compare the time we live in with the days of Noah (Gen. 6). The world grows more wicked; however, we are nowhere near the days of Noah yet. Things will not get that bad until probably the time of the Tribulation, but again we can see the stage is being set.
Conclusion
We don’t know the exact time of the Rapture, because we are to be busy working for the Lord. We don’t know the exact time of the Rapture, because we are to be living in such a way that we will not be caught sleeping when He comes. One thing is for sure, His return is sooner now than when you started reading this article.
