When We Get Hit

he "wars and rumors of wars" are raging with the revelation that the Al Quaida terrorist group has already deployed suitcase nuclear weapons on American soil. This fact, in and of itself, is a fulfillment of Bible prophecy. However, the "what if" as well as the "what if it doesn't happen" scenarios demand a comment.

If the data is accurate and the speculations concerning an August 6th attack timed to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the American bombing of Hiroshima come true (the plans captured in Afghanistan were labeled American Hiroshima), we will have entered the tribulational cycle to a degree that will be difficult for even the staunchest rapturist to deny. On the other hand, if it does not occur this weekend, does that mean the data was inaccurate and it won't happen at all?

When Peter was commenting about things that had happened in the disciple's presence that completely convinced them of certain things, he wrote about a "voice which came from heaven [which] we heard" (II Peter 1:18) -- an anecdotal fact that conclusively proved to the early followers of Jesus that God had indeed moved in their midst.  Similarly, we also have very compelling data (of a political, military, and even geological nature) that proves some of the tribulational things are about to explode.

However, Peter went on to say "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed...." (II Peter 1:19). To put it another way, Peter wrote that although he and the other Apostles "were eyewitnesses of his majesty" (and apparently also ear-witnesses who heard the "voice from heaven"), the word of prophecy was even "more sure" in terms of the  certainty that these things will occur.

Although the data looks conclusive that these things are imminent, if they do not occur in accordance with the information we have, "we have also a more sure word of prophecy" which testifies that it is certain this world will soon experience the retribution of God for the iniquity of the ages. Therefore, if we get hit, or if we don't get hit, is incidental, for that more sure word plainly instructs us that we "must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: [for] the night cometh, when no man can work" (John 9:4).  

August 5 2005 -- James Lloyd

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See Also

Triggering The Tribulation