In these passages, Jesus praises the church at Philadelphia. This church was walking according to God’s Word and was persevering in righteousness. Jesus said the following: “Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, the hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell upon the Earth.” These words have led several Christian organizations to believe that true believers will be removed from the Earth prior to the Great Tribulation. They will just vanish and be taken into Heaven to be with Jesus. Churches call this event the ‘rapture’ of the Church.
I do not believe that ‘rapture’ is supported elsewhere in the Bible. The Bible says that when Jesus returns, believers will be caught up in the air to be with Jesus. However, Jesus’ return does not occur until after the Great Tribulation. The Bible also says that many true believers will be killed during the Great Tribulation. If the church has been removed, then who are these believers?
I believe that Jesus will provide some sort of sanctuary for many believers and protect them during the end times. However, the Bible says that we must ‘endure to the end to be saved.’ Therefore, we should prepare ourselves for that reality.
