Are you paying attention? The signs of the times are everywhere, whispering of a divine promise, a moment when the heavens will open, and the Son of Man shall appear. It’s a topic that stirs the heart and kindles curiosity—how close are we to the rapture?
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the subtle cues, the gentle nudges of prophecy unfolding around us. But as believers, we’re called not to be indifferent but vigilant, not to slumber but to watch with anticipation for the imminent return of our Lord.
The apostle Paul, writing to the Thessalonian believers, paints a vivid picture of this glorious event. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NKJV), he writes,
“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. 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.”
Imagine it: The sky ablaze with the radiant glory of His coming, the triumphant sound of the trumpet echoing through the heavens. The faithful, both living and resurrected, caught up to meet their Saviour in the air. It’s a moment of unparalleled joy, a reunion beyond earthly bounds.
But how close are we to this wondrous event? The signs are unmistakable—wars and rumours of wars, natural disasters, moral decay, and the rise of false prophets—all echoing the prophetic warnings of Scripture. Yet, while we discern the signs, we do not set dates or speculate on the hour. For as Jesus Himself declared in Matthew 24:36 (NKJV),
But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.“
Instead, our focus remains on our preparedness for the day when the trumpet sounds and the heavens part. It’s not a time for fear, but for faith; not for idleness, but for urgency in sharing the hope we have in Christ.
But our preparation for the rapture is not merely intellectual or theological—it is spiritual and practical. We are called to live holy and godly lives, to be filled with the Spirit, and to be ready to meet our Savior face to face. The apostle Peter exhorts us, saying,
“Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11-12, NKJV).
As Seventh-day Adventists, we anchor our beliefs in the certainty of Christ’s soon return. Our message echoes that of John the Revelator, who declared in Revelation 22:20 (NKJV),
“Surely I am coming quickly.” And our response echoes his fervent plea, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”
So, how close are we to the rapture?—closer than ever before. With each passing day, with each unfolding prophecy, we draw nearer to the fulfilment of God’s promise. And in the light of His imminent return, let us not grow weary or complacent, but let us be found faithful, watching, and ready for His appearing.
However, the answer still lies not in the exact timing of Christ’s return but in our readiness to meet Him when He comes. Are we watching and waiting, anticipating His appearing with eager expectation? Are we living each day as if it were our last, surrendering our hearts afresh to Him who loved us and gave Himself for us?
The trumpet may sound at any moment. Are you prepared? Are you watching? Let us live each day in eager anticipation of the blessed hope that awaits us—a hope that transcends the trials of this present age and ushers us into the eternal joy of His presence.
