I remember back in 1988 when there was excitement regarding the rapture of the church based on a biblical 40 year generation, everyone was saying this is it, and Jesus is coming to get us this year!
It seems some time has passed since then and the scriptures continue to give clear evidence that we are living in the final generation that will see Jesus return in all his glory to the earth, judge the nations and we will be with him worshiping him in glory for eternity.
There seems to be some momentum building in regard to a May 2021 rapture date based on the state of Israel turning 80 on 5/14/2028. First let me tell you we don’t set dates here because the rapture can happen at any time!
The dates being floated are based on Israel being brought back into existence officially on May 14, 1948 adding 80 years (The time frame of a biblical generation) and deducting 7 years (The tribulation) and coming up with a 2021 rapture date.
I have a little different take on the dates coming up. First let’s look at Matthew 24: 21, 22 (Remember Jesus was speaking to the Jews in the book of Matthew) this chapter foretells what events will occur during the tribulation to the Jews (After the believers have been raptured).
21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.
Pay particular attention to those days shall be shortened, I bring this up because there is much speculation and biblical evidence that the rapture will be during the fall feast of trumpets, I believe that this is a compete possibility.
This brings some conflicts with a biblical timeline of a 7 year tribulation ending within the 80 year generation of May 14, 2028, my interpretation is that if the rapture were to happen as late as the fall of 2021 the full 7 year tribulation would not be complete and would not fulfill the parable of the fig tree.
32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
For those of you who don’t know, the fig tree refers to the state of Israel returning to its land as foretold by the prophets thus restarting the time clock to the end of days and moving closer to the final week of Danial’s 70 weeks (Otherwise known as the tribulation).
This is why the phrase those days shall be shortened are so important to keep in mind. God has his own timeline, when these things have been fulfilled that’s when Jesus will step his foot on the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4) and everything will proceed as written in the book of Revelation.
The take away
The rapture can occur at any time, if you haven’t already giving you heart to Jesus take action today, time is short, you are not guaranteed your next breath. I’m not telling you to get religious, here’s how to accept Jesus as your lord and savior.
A – ADMIT THAT YOU’RE A SINNER
Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one / 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God
B – BELIEVE THAT JESUS DIED FOR YOUR SINS
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. / 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
C – CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. / 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Rev 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.