Categories: Devotional

Catching away of saints. Part 22

THE CERTAINTY OF THE IMMINENT CATCHING AWAY OF THE DEAD IN CHRIST AND LIVING SAINTS BY CHRIST .

Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. 4:3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. 4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. 4:5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

Beloved, the fourteenth chapter of the book of Revelation continues with the proclamations made by seven different angles. Listen to them.

1. The first angel proclaims the preaching of the everlasting gospel.

2. The second angel announces the fall of Babylon.

Revelation 14:8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

3. The third angel announces the eternal torment of those who worship the Antichrist and receive his mark.

Revelation 14:9 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, 14:10 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: 14:11 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.

4. The forth angel declares the blessedness of tribulation saints who died in the Lord.

Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

5. The fifth angel announces the harvest of God’s judgement on earth.

Revelation 14:15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. 14:16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.

6. The sixth angel announces the great battle of Armageddon.

Revelation 14:17 And sixth angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.

7. The seventh angel back up what the sixth angel said.

Revelation 14:18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. 14:19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

Beloved, this chapter reveals to you the commitment of holy angels doing the will of God wholeheartedly.

Holy angels do what God commands without exception.

Psalms 103:20 Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

True believers of all ages that must include you, should be doing the will of God, just like the holy angels are doing.

This is one of the essential things our Lord taught His followers, during His earthly ministry.

Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Saints are commanded to be doing the will of God and they should be committed to doing so. Don’t ever forget this all important criteria of saintliness.

This alone is the worthy virtue in their lives, which qualifies them for eternal rewards. Listen to what the Bible says.

Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

The saints that are redeemed with the precious blood of Jesus, who are separated to God, receive unusual blessedness and eternal

rest for unalloyed loyalty and commitment to doing the will of God at all times during their lifetime.

Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

Listen to the details of all of these in the following verses of chapter fourteen of the book of Revelation.

Revelation 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 14:7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. 14:8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. 14:9 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, 14:10 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: 14:11 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. 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

Remember at this time, we are in the middle of the great tribulation.

God our loving Father in heaven, even at this time extended His providence to save humanity from eternal damnation ,commissioned an angel to preach the everlasting

gospel of unalterable, unchanging and infallible scriptures, to the entirety of the inhabitants of the earth. Listen to it yourself

The angel of God is commissioned to preach the gospel, during the great tribulation.

Pause here . Do you preach the gospel at all, to erring sinners to rescue them from perishing?

Jude 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

At this time when the church is still available on earth, angels don’t preach the gospel.

But at that time the church would have gone, before the great tribulation, the angel will preach the gospel.

The gospel is everlasting, because it is unchangeable at all times and in every seasons.

You will discover from the scriptures that angels preached the gospel in the old testament.

Listen to some scriptures that affirms this.

Hebrews 2:2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

Galatians 3:19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

Acts 7:37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear. 7:38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us: 7:39 To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,

Acts 7:53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

Remember, when our Lord was born angel proclaimed the gospel of the ministry and mission of our Lord Jesus Christ on earth.

Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

This was also done at another time.

Luke 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

This commissioned angel talks about the essence and the impact the gospel must have in the lives of the hearers.

Listen to it yourself.

Revelation 14:7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

The Bible says this is the conclusion of the gospel to all the hearers and that includes you.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Secondly another angle announces the fall of Babylon.

Revelation 14:8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

Many prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and many others have prophesied the fall of Babylon in the old testament. Now the prophecy is coming to fulfilment.

Isaiah 21:6 For thus hath the LORD said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth. 21:7 And he saw a chariot with a couple of horsemen, a chariot of asses, and a chariot of camels; and he hearkened diligently with much heed: 21:8 And he cried, A lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights: 21:9 And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, with a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground. 21:10 O my threshing, and the corn of my floor: that which I have heard of the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, have I declared unto you.

Revelation 14:8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

These angels are now preaching, because at this time, the church has been raptured.

However, believers are around now and have been mandated to preach the gospel.

Remember, there is a fearful and fearsome judgement, if you in particular fail to do so.

Ezekiel 3:17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. 3:18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 3:19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

Jesus our Lord commissioned all the believers of all ages and you in particular, to preach the gospel.

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

It is your responsibility to preach the gospel now. Every believer including you must preach the gospel.

But then according to the scriptures, if you fail to preach the gospel, you become a sinner.

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

It becomes a sin for you if you failed to preach the gospel. To rescue the perishing, especially to those in your world of influence.

Your unsaved spouse, children, parents, siblings, close and extended family members, neighbors and colleagues at the place of work.

You are now aware the rapture is dawning. In addition you know the consequences of missing the rapture.

How can you still be busy pursuing temporal ephemeral that you shall leave for Antichrist after the rapture, when all of these people are not saved.

Is that not wickedness and cruelty on your part,?

Will you be able to face Christ in heaven to explain why you are raptured and your spouse and any of these people in your world of influence are going to partake in the gruesome great tribulation?

You are a wise person. Arise and be wise.

Deuteronomy 32:29 O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!

Beloved, chapter fourteen of the book of Revelation continues with the following revelations to apostle John.

He saw another angle announces the damnation of unrepentant sinners.

Don’t forget during the great tribulation, the Antichrist and false prophet and satan shall compel the inhabitants of the earth to take the mark of the Antichrist.

Revelation 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. 13:12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13:13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 13:14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. 13:16 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: 13:17 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. 13:18 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.

Very very unfortunately, that everyone and anyone who refuses Jesus’s gospel now, will go through the same torment , those in the great tribulation shall go through.

Pause here and don’t be presumptuous. Are you presently refusing the totality of the gospel being preached to you?

Can you imagine yourself going through the catastrophes and calamities of the great tribulation? God forbid. Repent now.

Those who die without Christ and righteousness shall suffer the same Faith.

Is worldliness, compromise, secret sin , bribery and corruption, divorce and remarriage, make you in particular to experience the great tribulation? God forbid. Do the needful now.

Today might just be the remaining time you have left to do the needful.

May the Lord help you in particular to be wise unto salvation in Jesus name.

Listen to the torment again,, as announced by the angel.

Please always remember, suffering the wrath of God awaits those who reject the gospel today.

THE WRATH OF GOD

Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 1:31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Romans 2:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 2:9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

Judgement for backsliders.

Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 10:28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 10:30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

It is very surprising that today many people which must exclude you, hear about the message of hell , yet they despised it

Listen to what our Lord and savior said about hell.

Mark 9:43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 9:44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 9:45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 9:46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 9:47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: 9:48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:.

Hell fire prepared for the devil and his cohorts shall be the lots of those who refused the gospel.

Don’t ever forget. If you ever refuse and reject the gospel, the consequences are frightening.

Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

The so called believers and perhaps nominal churchgoers globally who does not have integrity.

Whose yes are not yes, who engages in all forms of lies shall be doomed. If you don’t want to be and you shall not be. Then don’t be a liar.

Listen to what the Bible says about lying.

Jeremiah 9:5 And they will deceive every one his neighbour,

and will not speak the truth:

they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.

Ezekiel 13:7 Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken? 13:8 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 13:22 Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life:

Liars inside the church or outside the church shall go to the lake of fire. Always remember this.

Lastly, one of the angels announces what should delight believers of all ages and you in particular.

Those who live uncompromising lifestyle.

This must be an impetus for you to strive and be part of the dawning rapture. It shall be so in Jesus name.

Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

Listen to the striking character or virtues in their lives.

Patience and perseverance.

Listen to what the Bible says about this.

Luke 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls.

Hebrews 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 10:37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

This announcement shall be the lots of those who obey the gospel despite the consequences of doing so .

Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Listen to the lots of those who persevere in the great tribulation to obey the gospel.

It also shall be the lots of those who persevere today, despite challenges confronting them. You know am talking about you

Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 7:15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 7:16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Eternal rewards for being saved and abiding in Christ till the end .

Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 6:11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

As you await the trumpet sound, be committed to doing the following:

Be biblically saved

Be sanctifiied and live in holiness and righteousness.

Become a soul winner , bringing people in your world of influence to the Lord.

Then and only then, you shall qualify to be among the raptured church, depicted as twenty four elders, apostle John saw around the throne.

I can see you there. I shall see you there. When you get there look for me. By the grace of God I shall be there. This is because I live by the entirety of the revelations of the scriptures.

God’s grace is sufficient and available for all of us. Only if we believe.

Remember the buck stops with you. Be diligent to ensure your precious undying soul does not perish.

It shall not be in Jesus name.

Tit 2:11 — Tit 2:13 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

See you at the top in Jesus name.

Let us pray.

Bishop Peter Babalola