I FULLY REALIZE THAT I HAVE NOT ANSWERED ALL THE questions surrounding the return of the Lord and our ultimate victory. Many aspects of this wondrous sequence of events simply cannot be packaged in a nice, neat box. Some will never be understood this side of the Lord’s return. Mystery remains. It does seem clear, however, that the thrust of Scripture assures victory for the people of God, both now in this age and in the age to come. As we stand in righteousness and persevere in devotion, then even in the midst of gathering darkness we shine brightly, reaping a harvest of souls, influencing and affecting every tribe, tongue, and nation.
Pretribulation rapture theory has no solid basis in Scripture and amounts to a defeatist theology in which we need to be rescued from a deteriorating world. It robs our children of the three-generational vision God has mandated and the destiny He has appointed for them. We cannot hold to an escapist/defeatist stance and, at the same time, preach a victorious gospel in keeping with the resurrection.
So, I finish where I began Chapter 2:
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes round about and see; they all gather together, they come to you. Your sons will come from afar, and your daughters will be carried in the arms (Isaiah 60:1-4).