11. How much the doctrine of the rapture means to us.
I’ve always been enthralled by the doctrine of the rapture. When I study Bible prophecy I love it the most. I’m waiting on it and if I’m suddenly 1500 feet in the air in the twinkling of an eye I won’t be scared. I’m an old ex-paratrooper and I’ve experienced the pop of a T-10 parachute opening, with my shut eyes suddenly flying wide open, and then seeing the ground 1200 feet below and feeling the wind on my face. I imagine that’s the closest thing to the rapture anyone can experience before it actually occurs. The difference is you’ll be among millions of other believers in the air and you’ll be seeing Jesus in the center of it all, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, with the trumpet of angels blaring loudly all around. The Bible says there is a special Crown of Righteousness for those who love the rapture and look for it’s coming.
2 Timothy 4:8 – Finally, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
12. How faithful we are to the Word of God and the flock of God.
We cannot be faithful to something we don’t know so this is an indirect command from God to know the Word of God through personal Bible study and to obey God’s commands. Those who preach the Word of God receive the crown of glory. Not all of us are called to preach. There are other ways Christians can minister to both believers and unbelievers. Being a Sunday school teacher is one way. Being a Bible study group leader is another. Even doing a Christian blog like I am qualifies me for this crown. Remember, God is generous and doesn’t look at quantity so much as quality and the condition of the heart. Billy Graham will receive this crown in heaven, and I believe I will too. Don’t forget the parable about the vineyard workers. It applies here too.
1 Peter 5:2-4 – Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.