My pastor back in the 80s used the phrase, "Pan-Millenialism: It will all pan out in the end", with regards to whether the Rapture occurs before, halfway through, or after the 7-year Tribulation. Something about my personality or psyche is such that I have never felt a compunction to definitively come up with just exactly how I stand on my expectations for the return of Jesus Christ and the Rapture of the Church.
I do know, having lost to death one particular family member who was very dear to me and who I still miss everyday, that I cherish
I Thessalonians Chapter 4:
13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
I think whether Jesus returns this week, this month, this year, this decade, this century, or not for another 500 years, my job is to "know His voice" and to obey the Bible. And whether I have already come to the end of my lifetime when He finally returns or whether it happens during my life, the important thing is that I have trusted Him to forgive my sins, obeyed Him, and followed after Him. Loving Him and loving my fellow man each day is the focus of my life. With His help I will continue in this way till I draw my final breath.
His coming is as certain as the dawn. He is the KING of kings and LORD of lords and His kingdom will not end.
Without faith it is impossible to please God.
Thanks,
Jocko Manning
P.S. For those reading this thread who don't know a whole lot about religion or theology, may I suggest a book?
My Descent Into Death
by Howard Storm
One man's experience with death and the hereafter.
jm