We know when Christ will stand upon the Mount of Olives as detailed by the timeline of tribulation.  How then is this in any way coming like a thief in the night?  The Bible refers to being home, armed with the fore knowledge of a burglar’s timing.  Yet in this instance of Christ’s return for His Church, we are left unaware of the day or the hour, merely that we should be imminently ready.  How else may this be explained except that the Lord has set the parameter for being raptured as those who are “ready” for the coming of Christ as it surprises all of humanity.  This idea appears to hypothesize that only those who have taken some action or maintained some level of vigilance will be found prepared for this unique timing.  However, let us not be mistaken, this readiness is not of our own doing, to be consistent with the auspices of works, it is instead a readiness of faith, being filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit, obedient, diligent, prepared for Christ’s return, taking seriously every opportunity to grow closer to Him.  Indications of this readiness are zealousness for God’s Word, authentic action for the Kingdom and a heart that is heaven focused, seeking righteousness, purity and relationship with the Triune God.

During recent polls Americans claim that they are roughly 70% Christian.  If that is the case and the rapture shortly arrives, the United States would be reduced to a population of roughly 100 Million people overnight.  That would decimate the U.S. immediately, but few would fuss or argue, because most would be amenable to joining a world conglomerate, perhaps the new region of Canamerimexico would be realized in an instant.  We all know that the 70% number is however fictitious, because there are so many denominations, doctrines and cults that do not recognize the deity, sufficiency or propitiation of Christ’s sacrifice.  There is more likely to be a smaller segment of people taken in the rapture.  The world will be glad to see these people go, so that they may be free of the Holy Spirit’s conviction and be left behind to practice their own specific forms of self and iconic worship.  What if 50 or a 100 million people were raptured from America in an instant, in the twinkling of any eye?  Is that somehow explainable, through some alien abduction, mass illness or black hole radiation theory?  You know that the greatest deception to ever come upon mankind is on its way, is this story the fulfillment of that specific prophecy?  See again we do not know.  When we don’t know in the Bible it is best to accept that He didn’t tell us because He didn’t want us to know.  Whatever happens those who are ready to escape God’s coming judgment upon the Earth will rejoice and them who are left behind shall morn.  I prefer to concentrate on what I know.  Christ is coming.  He said to be ready.  Being ready has to do with being recognizably in dwelt by the Holy Spirit.  Being indwelt by the Holy Spirit brings forth fruit that is clearly associated with His presence.  These recognizable fruits are described, taught and lain out for us in the Bible.  Therefore, we have been appropriately warned to be ready.  The choice is ours alone.