April 2: SHAKEN BY TRUTH

Jesus said, “And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 8:11

Nothing shakes up the people of God quite like the truth does. The comment Jesus made was immediately after a Roman centurion at Capernaum, in faith, pled with Jesus to heal his servant who was very ill. Jesus marveled at the faith of this man, for He had not found such great faith, not even in Israel (v.10). This comment, and many other sayings – all of which were true – shook up the religious community. So much so that they killed Him!

The purpose of the LORD in choosing the children of Israel was to spread the gospel to the world. Our opening verse is a reminder of that fact. But the chosen nation, under their current leadership, did not want to hear it. However, it was the cross of Christ that converted Peter (Luke 22:32 KJV)!

One of the most popular last-day false doctrines is the teaching that all of the saved are going to be raptured away before tribulation comes upon the world. Added onto this strong delusion is another equally dangerous doctrine: the lost will be given a second chance to accept Christ after He comes again. These doctrines of devils (1 Timothy 4:1) are causing many to settle down comfortably and confidently in their lukewarm, indifferent spiritual condition – exactly what Satan wants, for he knows his doom is sure (Ezekiel 28:19; Revelation 12:12); he wants to take as many down with him as possible. The “pre-trib rapture/second chance” idea appeals to our fleshly, procrastinating nature. It has taken a powerful hold among Christian leadership and laity in recent decades. Jesus warns the last-day church against this (see Revelation 3:14-22). His true church will persevere to the very end of earth’s history, spreading the hope of the everlasting gospel and equipping people to expect the reality of the world’s resistance to God’s truth.

You will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. . . many will be offended . . . many false prophets will rise up . . . lawlessness will abound . . . But he who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:9b,10a,11a,12a,13-14

By your patience possess your souls. Luke 21:19

We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22

…knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character, and character, hope. Romans 5:3b-4

For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise. Hebrews 10:36