Ignorance is not bliss
Ignorance does not make you immune from disaster it only makes you vulnerable. This is a saying that I have come across lately which was quoted in reference to making sure that one prepares oneself for an upcoming impending disaster in the financial markets. The author warns that we must protect ourselves by investing outside of the system with gold and silver because the whole fiat currency system is about to implode. She warns that the current financial system is precariously balanced because of the insatiable desire by world reserve banks to print money and to incur huge debts worldwide and the propping up of the stock market in America. I think it is sage advice but I think her saying is also relevant with respect to the Christian message and the impending disaster that the Bible describes as the Great Tribulation. Despite what many Bible Scholars believe and teach, Christians will not be immune from disaster if we do not take action. It reminds me also of a common saying amongst those who do not know or refuse to know about eschatology or end times doctrine which goes as follows: “I am a pan-tribulationist – it will all pan out in the end.” What a cop-out! It may well pan out in the end but it will pan out without you if you do not educate yourself as to the action that you will need to take. Ignorance is not bliss!
Everyone will be forced to choose sides
The thing is that the final seven years of trouble is a testing time and a time when you will be sifted. Everyone will need to and be forced to choose sides. There will be no panning out or sitting on the fence. You will either be weeds or wheat,1 burnt or gathered, good fish or bad fish2 There will be no in-between or grey area. We will have to make a decision and one way that that will happen to those who are present on the earth will be to decide whether to take the mark of the beast or not when faced with the decision of allegiance to the Antichrist or to God. The thing is that giving excuses like you weren’t aware or ignorance just won’t cut it in the end. Ignorance of the facts and being unaware or unprepared for the consequences of taking the mark won’t make you immune from judgment it will only make you vulnerable to the fire. You will be caught up in the disaster just like those who do not prepare for the upcoming financial storm. I love the verse in Hosea 4:6 which does not sugar-coat a lack of knowledge. The lack of knowledge only results in one perishing.
What we need to know
So what do we need to know? You need to know that there is no pre-tribulation rapture to save us from our own ignorance – it is a made-up doctrine that gives a false sense of security. In fact, it derived from a series of ecstatic visions from Margaret McDonald in March 1830 and it was later developed and refined by James Darby of Plymouth Brethren fame giving it a “respectable” face-lift. See this article on its history. What we need to know is that the church will go through at least the first half and that we will be offered a place of refuge to those willing to take up that offer. It is at this place in the wilderness most likely in southern Jordan that the woman, the church who obeys, will be protected for the last 1290 days whilst turmoil and disaster occur in the rest of the world. Ignorance will be no excuse only a recipe for disaster. Just as for the impending upcoming financial disaster that looms we will need to take action beforehand if we want to be prepared. The same author tells that she would rather be a hundred years early than one second too late. Sounds like Noah’s attitude and preaching too. He preached and preached for a hundred years that a flood was coming and nobody listened, only his three sons, their wives and his wife – eight in all. Jesus makes a similar appeal that it will be just like that as in the days of Noah.3 I wonder why Jesus uses the same comparison. Maybe it is because the warning is there and it is up to us to get aboard before the flood comes not after the door is shut.
People, heed the warning and be prepared, don’t be ignorant, it won’t make you immune!
3 Responses
We just spent a few days in the beautiful Carnarvon Gorge in central Queensland’s high country. What a blessing to experience the glory and majesty of God through His creation.
This gorge is an ever changing landscape…towering bluffs, deep canyons, an abundance of flora that defies its location and unique wildlife, it is truly breathtaking at every turn. An explorer’s wonderland.
The best part was connecting this spectacle to biblical records of Noah’s flood. The many and varying layers of earth, cavernous hideouts and sweeping precipices evidence of rapidly moving water. Water continues to shift and change the landscape in this place, sometimes overnight during major flood events, further evidence that nature’s will is at the hand of its creator. Evidence that we too must be clear of our position in these last days. The ‘warning’ signs or guide posts showing the sovereignty of our creator are all around us.
Great comment Kellie.
Thanks again, Steve.