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Unexpected
The Bible, and Jesus Himself, not infrequently describes Him returning "unexpectedly" and as "a thief in the night." While these descriptions of His return have sometimes been used to support the secret rapture theory, a careful study of the texts involved show the opposite. Jesus warned His followers not to get caught up with the struggles of this life to the neglect of the spiritual issues upon which their eternal destiny depends. All of the Biblical warnings that Jesus will come unexpectedly and as a thief are but urgent appeals to take God and the spiritual issues of life seriously so we will not be unprepared for His return. Procrastination could prove fatal. Note the appeal of each of these texts that refer to Jesus returning unexpectedly or as a thief: |
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Matthew 24:42-44 (Jesus said, be constantly alert and prepared in heart for His coming could be at any moment.) Luke 21:34 (Jesus said, be careful lest My coming catch you not expecting Me and unprepared for My return.) 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 (If we are prepared in heart for it, Jesus' return will not overtake us as a thief.) 2 Peter 3:10 (His coming "as a thief" is accompanied by spectacular events that are anything but secret.) Revelation 3:3 (If we do not repent and turn to God while we have the opportunity, His coming will catch us as a thief.) Revelation 16:15 (Jesus said, I am coming as a thief, so watch and be ready.) You need not be unprepared for Jesus return. Would you like to
be
assured this very moment that if Jesus were to come today, you would
indeed be ready?
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