Title: Left Behind
Bible Book: 2 Thessalonians 2 : 1-3
Author: Donald Cantrell
Subject: Rapture; Jesus, Return of; End Times
Objective:
Introduction
In my previous preaching on what the bible has to say about the end of the world, we discussed “The Signs and the Seasons”, “The Sights and the Sound’s”, “Taken”, and this week we will discuss “Left Behind”.
The bible is very clear concerning the events leading up to the rapture of his church. It is also very clear on the events that occur after the rapture of his church. In his word he gives the Christian many words of comfort about these events.
2Th 2:1 KJV - Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2Th 2:2 KJV - That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
The Coming Day’s after the Rapture will be Historical
Mat 24:21 KJV - For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Mat 24:22 KJV - And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
The Coming Day’s after the Rapture will be Horrible
Mat 24:7 KJV - For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
Mat 24:8 KJV - All these are the beginning of sorrows.
The Coming Day’s after the Rapture will be Hazardous
Rev 16:1 KJV - And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.
Rev 16:2 KJV - And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.
Rev 16:3 KJV - And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.
Rev 16:4 KJV - And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.
Rev 16:8 KJV - And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.
Rev 16:9 KJV - And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.
Rev 16:10 KJV - And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,
Rev 16:11 KJV - And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.
Rev 16:12 KJV - And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.
Rev 16:17 KJV - And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.
Rev 16:21 KJV - And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.
I. The Missing Explained
The moment the rapture takes place there will be chaos and calamity like never before. The saved have been removed from the earth; no children under the age of accountability will be here. The world will be facing millions of missing people. The stock market will face collapse, the transportation systems will literally be a log jam. What will be the explanation? Who will have the answer? How will the world respond? When will the next calamity strike?
A) The Multiple Theories
The Anti-Christ will waltz onto the scene with pomp and pizzazz; his political posturing will unite the world. Treaties will be signed, peace will be extended, and Israel will feel safe for the first time in ages. What about the missing masses of believers, where did they go and how did it happen? This will be a prominent peace of the puzzle for the man of sin; the Anti-Christ. He will concoct a plan of deception and falsely use this plan to unite the world.
The world wide news agencies will be airing myths and theories concerning the missing. Many will quote the bible, while many scoffers will offer other theories concerning the missing.
1 – Theory 1 “Alien Abduction”
I have no problem in considering the theory of Alien Abduction. I don’t think it is a coincidence that we have been discussing UFO’s and Aliens over the last 65 years or so. This is a very logical theory for the Anti-Christ to use, in doing so he can inform the world that they have been attacked by Aliens and everyone needs to take a specific mark to prove they are friendly and not the enemy. I know many will scoff at this ideology but how else can someone explain such a vast amount of people missing, including those from the graveyards.
2 – Theory 2 “Approved Annihilation”
I also have no problem in considering the Anti-Christ holding a worldwide news conference and informing the entire world that he has taken out the enemy. He could scare the world into accepting his rule and reign using the missing as a tactic to install fear.
B) The Manifested Truth
The real truth is that Jesus came back for his church.
1 – Sure Plan
1Th 4:13 KJV - But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
2 – Strategic Procedure
1Th 4:14 KJV - For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
1Th 4:15 KJV - For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
1Th 4:16 KJV - For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
3 – The Shared Peace
1Th 4:17 KJV - Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1Th 4:18 KJV - Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
The news media will find biblical information concerning the rapture of the saints; I am not so sure they will accept the findings.
II. The Man Exposed
The Anti-Christ will be revealed nationally after the rapture of the church.
2Th 2:3 KJV - Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
2Th 2:4 KJV - Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
A) His Shady Character
Dan 11:36 KJV - And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.
B) His Satanic Cause
Dan 11:38 KJV - But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.
2Th 2:3 KJV - Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
C) His Sodomite Choice
Dan 11:37 KJV - Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.
D) His Six Characteristics
1 – Intellectual Genius
Dan 8:23 KJV - And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
2 – Oratorical Genius
Dan 11:36 KJV - And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.
Rev 13:2 KJV - And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
Rev 13:6 KJV - And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
3 – Political Genius
Dan 9:27 KJV - And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Rev 17:11 KJV - And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.
Rev 17:12 KJV - And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
4 – Commercial Genius
Dan 11:43 KJV - But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.
Rev 13:16 KJV - And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
Rev 13:17 KJV - And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
5 – Military Genius
Rev 6:2 KJV - And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
Rev 13:2 KJV - And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
6 – Religious Genius
Rev 13:8 KJV - And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
2Th 2:4 KJV - Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
III. The Moral Erosion
Upon the Christians leaving this earth; one must also realize that “The Holy Spirit” also leaves with them. The earth will be cast into a new dispensation and things will now be different. Upon the Holy Spirit being removed mankind will now be allowed to live freely and adamantly for Satan and Sin.
A) The Unseen Protector “Of this Age”
2Th 2:7 KJV - For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
B) The Unsavory Plummet “Of that Age”
2Th 2:9 KJV - Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
2Th 2:10 KJV - And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
2Th 2:11 KJV - And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
2Th 2:12 KJV - That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Rev 16:8 KJV - And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.
Rev 16:9 KJV - And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.
Rev 16:10 KJV - And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,
Rev 16:11 KJV - And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.
Rev 16:21 KJV - And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.
IV. The Menacing Events
A) The Seven Seals “First Half of Tribulation”
1 – White Horse “Anti-Christ” (Rev. 6: 1 – 2)
2 – Red Horse “War” (Rev. 6: 3 – 4)
3 – Black Horse “Famine” (Rev. 6: 5 – 6)
4 – Pale Horse “Death & Hell” (Rev. 6: 7 – 8)
5 – Altar “Martyrs In Heaven” (Rev. 6: 9 – 11)
6 – Catastrophe “Universal Upheaval” (Rev. 6: 12 – 17)
7 – Seven Trumpets “Second Wave of Judgment” (Rev. 8: 1 – 2)
B) The Seven Trumpets “Last Half of Tribulation”
1 – Bloody Hail/Fire “1/3 Vegetation” (Rev. 8: 7)
2 – Fireball Heaven “1/3 Oceans” (Rev. 8: 8 – 9)
3 – Falling Star “1/3 Fresh Water” (Rev. 8: 10 – 11)
4 – Darkness “1/3 Heavenlies” (Rev. 8: 12)
5 – Demonic Invasion “Torment” (Rev. 9: 1 – 12)
6 – Demonic Army “1/3 Mankind Destroyed” (Rev. 9: 13 – 21)
7 – God’s Kingdom “The Announcement” (Rev. 11: 15 – 19)
C) The Seven Bowls “Final Days of Tribulation”
1 – Poured Upon Earth “Sores” (Rev. 16: 2)
2 – Poured Upon Seas “Blood” (Rev. 16: 3)
3 – Poured Upon Fresh Water “Blood” (Rev. 16: 4 – 7)
4 – Poured Upon Sun “Scorching Heat” (Rev. 16: 8 – 9)
5 – Poured Upon Evil “Darkness/Pain” (Rev. 16: 10 – 11)
6 – Poured Upon Euphrates “Armageddon” (Rev. 16: 12 – 16)
7 – Poured Upon Air “Earthquakes/Hail” (Rev. 16: 17 – 21)
V. The Mark Enacted
A) The Identification of this Mark
Rev 13:16 KJV - And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
Rev 13:18 KJV - Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
B) The Intention of this Mark
Rev 13:17 KJV - And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
C) The Implication of this Mark
Rev 14:9 KJV - And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
Rev 14:10 KJV - The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
Rev 14:11 KJV - And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
2Th 2:8 KJV - And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
2Th 2:9 KJV - Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
2Th 2:10 KJV - And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
2Th 2:11 KJV - And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
2Th 2:12 KJV - That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
