Conversations about the end times often stir questions about what the Bible truly says. Many wonder about the rapture, the tribulation and the signs that will unfold in the heavens. Scripture paints a vivid picture of these events, and when carefully studied, it offers both a sober warning and a joyful hope for believers looking forward to the coming of the Lord.
The Tribulation and Cosmic Signs
The late Bible teacher Derek Prince, in his series Prophetic Guide to the End Times, urged Christians to take Jesus’ words seriously. He pointed to Matthew 24:29, saying, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened the moon will not give its light the stars will fall from heaven and the powers of heavens will be shaken.”
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Prince explained that this does not mean the literal stars we see at night but rather the shaking of Satan’s kingdom in the heavenly realms. “I envisage the powers of heaven that’s Satan’s throne kingdom in the heavenlies being shaken to the point where his angels start to be shaken out of it.”
The Visible Return of Christ
Prince emphasized that Christ’s return will be unmistakable. “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and with great glory.” He added, “To me that is anything but secret. I can’t think how anybody could be unaware that something is going on when you’ve got the Lord shouting the archangel speaking and the trumpet of God sounding.”
Understanding the Rapture
On the subject of the rapture, Prince clarified the meaning behind the word. He pointed to the Greek word harpazo, translated as “caught up.” He said, “You could easily translate this ‘we shall be raptured to meet the Lord in the air.’ It would be a perfectly legitimate translation.”
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Prince explained that harpazo implies sudden and forceful action. “That’s how the rapture will be without warning sudden and forceful. And there will be no time to be getting ready. If you’re getting ready you’ll be too late you have to be ready.”
The Timing of Christ’s Coming
Prince was clear about when the Lord will appear. “It says immediately after the tribulation of those days, the Lord is going to come. There is a theory that the church is going to become so powerful politically that it will take over the world set the world neatly in order and offer it back to Jesus when He comes. I have to say this is not in line with what it says. Immediately after the tribulation Jesus will come.”
Glory Beyond Comparison
In looking forward, Prince pointed to the hope of Christ’s return in glory. Quoting Luke 9:26, he reminded listeners that Jesus will come “in His own glory and in His Father’s and of the holy angels.” He added, “Isaiah 24 says the sun and moon will be embarrassed because their light will be so dim and ineffective by comparison they’ll just have nothing to talk about. And furthermore, that light so brilliant will not hurt your eyes. That’s what I’m looking for.”
The Fig Tree and the Nations
Prince also highlighted Jesus’ parable of the fig tree, linking it to the rebirth of Israel and the rise of nations around the world claiming their independence. “In 1948 Israel, the fig tree, put on its leaves. I was there when it happened. They got rid of the British, as other nations have also done, and said, ‘We’re a people of our own. We have our own history our own culture our own language. We want to rule ourselves.’”
He explained that the “trees putting on their leaves” represent the worldwide rise of nationalism and a clear sign that “summer is near.”
A Hope Worth Waiting For
As the world heads deeper into uncertain times, Prince’s words serve as both a warning and a comfort. He reminded believers that the increasing trials are not without purpose. “The birth pangs are not going to diminish they’re going to increase. The question is, as I said before do you really want the baby?”
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For those who endure in faith, the promise is worth waiting for. “I love to think of the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory… That’s worth waiting for. Can you say amen to that? It’s worth enduring for.”
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
