So many prophecy teachers say we are in the end times, and the rapture is near. Do they imply that we could be raptured this year or in the next 3-5 years? I understand no one knows the day or hour but I would like your thoughts.
Many teachers of prophecy believe we’re in the end times because Israel has become a nation again, something that had to happen before the end of the age. Generally speaking, when teachers say the rapture is near, they mean nothing of a prophetic nature has to precede it. That doesn’t mean no other end times prophecies can precede the rapture, it means no other end times prophecies have to precede the rapture. Although we not privileged to know exactly when it will happen we are expected to understand that it could happen at any moment.
Speaking of the End Times events, of which the re-birth of Israel was the first, Jesus said, “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). If He could say these things about the 2nd Coming (Luke 21:27), it’s even more meaningful for the church, because the rapture has to precede the Second Coming by at least 7 years.