SPIRITUALITY AND FAITH
WHEN JESUS OPENS THE DOOR
Article by Pastor Philip Nissley,
New Hope Assembly of God, Taylor, MI
In recent months we have seen circumstances shift unexpectedly around the world. Maybe you have lost a job, a loved one, a marriage, a dream. It hurts, we grieve, we mourn, we confess our confusion and disorientation. We realize we must not only DISCOVER You but also DISCOVER God! When your past can only offer pain, your present can offer nothing but worry, and your future seems uncertain …it’s time to throw all your HOPE on what God has said! There is a 7-Year Tribulation coming (Dan. 9:27, Rev. 11:2-3, Rev. 13:5). Because of what is happening and what is soon coming, it’s vital we see in Revelation 4:1…
I. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WHEN JESUS OPENS THE DOOR
A. It Is A Transitional Verse for a Transitional Moment. Notice Rev. 4:1 starts with the phrase “after this”. After what? After completion of history of churches & church age. It includes “come up here”. This is the rapture of the church of Jesus Christ! When it occurs, multitudes of people (II Tim. 4:8) of all tongues and background will meet Jesus
ace to face. In Rev. 4 & 5 we find redeemed saints of God in Heaven …in His presence, worshiping Him. Then Rev. 6-18 deals with the Tribulation period and wrath of God as He judges this sinful world & purifies His people Israel. You have to live ready as Jesus says in Luke 21:36 to “escape ALL”. (You can view Sun. July 19 PM Sermon on Avoiding Tribulation at newhopeag.com.)
B. It Is A Typical Verse for a Tactical Moment. In Rev. 4:1 John is called up into Heaven as a representative man. He pictures what will tactically happen to true believers in God when Jesus comes back for His people. This event is called the Rapture (mentioned in I Thess. 4:16-18). When it occurs several events will occur:
1. The Bride of Christ will be taken out of this world. Titus 2:13 calls this “our blessed hope”. Thank God for that hope!
2. The Restrainer (Spirit of God in the Church) will be taken as II Thess. 2:7 states.
3. This sinful, unbelieving world will be plunged into a Great Tribulation (see Matt. 24:21) and is why its essential