WATER OR FIRE ??? Which one are we saved from??
Do you believe the Lord will keep revealing more and more understanding to those watching for His return as The Day gets closer???
During the Spring and Fall times of the year, I have searched for a sure seven day sign from God, giving us a "heads up" to the rapture. I have believed for many years that ALL those faithfully watching would see and agree together that He had surely given the " warning sign" whatever that sign is.
As I was thinking about the differences between the story of Noah and Lot, like a bolt of lightning, I could clearly see what the difference was and how it may apply to the warning period for the Bride of Christ before the rapture.
Fact one. Noah and his family were warned 7 days before the the START of the destruction of the Earth and all living beings.
Fact two. This destruction was accomplished by WATER, after which God promised He would never judge all of mankind again by this method.
Fact three. Noah and his family were not taken out of the world, but were protected (covered by the ark) from the destruction and judgment of the world.
Fact four. There were 8 people saved in all which is the number of a new beginning.
What about the facts of the story of Lot???
Fact one. Lot was warned the night before (less than 24 hrs) that God was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah.
Fact two. The destruction was accomplished by FIRE.
Fact three. Lot and his family were led by the hand completely out of the destruction zone , not just protected inside the zone as Noah and his family were.
Fact four. Not all of Lots family were saved. (two son in laws and his wife) Should have been six but were only three saved.
What are my conclusions of these two pictures of Gods pattern of judgment and His salvation from that judgment???
The first thing that is clear to me is the difference between judgment by WATER and judgment by FIRE. God saved Israel from destruction by Pharaoh by using the WATERS of the Red sea. Thus, the picture of Noah and the flood parallel Gods salvation of His Chosen people from the world of sin and slavery.
The next difference I see is the parallel of Noah and his family being protected from the consequences of the flood just as the remnant of Israel will be protected from the FIERY judgment of the wrath of God during the time of Jacobs trouble, ( this is the seven day/year warning period) and their eventual NEW BEGINNING during the millennium (there's that number 8).
God did not take Noah and his family out of the judgment zone, just as He will not take the remnant out of the tribulation zone of the 70th week of Daniel.
However, God did take Lot out of the judgment zone and did provide a way of escape for all his family but half of them rejected the terms of salvation. (FAITH)
It would seem to me that the story of Lot is a picture of the Church taken out of the fiery judgment zone of the seven year tribulation, and, the part of his family that rejected the terms of salvation and would not be led by God from the fires of destruction, represent those who call themselves "Christian" but are not. Lots wife is the saddest of all. She actually followed her husband out of the judgment zone, but she could not turn her back on the things of the world. They were more important to her than salvation.
I pray that no one reading this article loves the things of the world more that they love Jesus. If those words convict your heart as you read them, it is not too late. Repent, turn your back on the things of the world and fix your eyes on Jesus. His arms are open still. Run to Him.
And so it will be at the rapture of the Church/Bride. We may have a short" night before" sure warning. Those who have placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ/Yeshua Ha Machiach will be taken out of the judgment zone to be with the Lord forever. And just like the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah, none of the unbelievers will be taken out of the fiery judgment zone. However, just like Noah and the Ark, there will be a remnant that will be sealed and protected during the time of the tribulation, and to then enter the new beginning ( the number 8) of the millennium.
If the rapture is this year, then I for one believe we will have our warning the night/day before it occurs.
What say ye???
