A few years ago, a credit card company adopted the advertising slogan, “What’s in your wallet?” The insinuation was that without their name brand card, your wallet was sorely lacking.
But the real issue isn’t what’s in our wallet—it’s what lies ahead of us. A much more urgent question is: “What’s in your future?”
Although that timeless question has echoed in every human heart down through the ages, it is strangely muted in our contemporary culture. Many have adopted a “Carpe Diem” mentality—focusing on the moment while quietly avoiding the deeper questions of purpose, legacy, and eternity.
Christians have embraced a different mindset. We live in an “already, but not yet” existence. Placing our faith in Jesus Christ, we have already gained life everlasting. But while we live in this world and in these mortal bodies, our Blessed Hope is not yet realized. The promise that we will dwell in the presence of the Lord in glorified bodies awaits its appointed moment.
Throughout the Church Age, followers of Christ have longed to be with Him. As Paul wrote, “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). That is why no Christian should fear death; Christ has already won the victory over that gateway, removing its sting forever. Yet, every disciple who takes God at His Word also hopes that His appearing for the Church will happen within their lifetime. The long season of waiting for His return is an expression of His patience (2 Peter 3:9). But that should stir our anticipation, not dampen our expectation.
While some prophetic events must be preceded by other prophetic events, the Rapture is an imminent, unprecedented event. Whether we are looking up in eager anticipation of our Blessed Hope or merely plodding through the doldrums of this life, the Father will send His Son to collect His Bride at the appointed time. Jesus will say, “Come up here!” and we will be gathered to Him in an instant.
My hope is that your hope in the Blessed Hope will be rekindled, revived, and reassured until His coming.
To learn even more about the Rapture, download the March/April 2026 edition of the Lamplighter magazine!
