We live as dying people on a dying planet. We can’t help but want to know why we are here and what lies ahead for us. But the most brilliant minds cannot answer these haunting questions unless they receive information from a reliable source outside our spacetime world. We say “reliable” because men like Adolf Hitler and Charles Manson committed monstrous crimes on the basis of messages they perceived as coming from another world. Others, like Marshall Applewhite and his followers, have committed colossal blunders through following such revelations.

The only source of reliable other-world information that has proven itself trustworthy is the Bible. When the Israelites believed and obeyed God’s Word, they prospered. When they disobeyed, they suffered. When people believe and obey the teaching of the Bible today, their lives are transformed. The good news it proclaims is still “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16).

Men who were with Jesus after His resurrection have told us that He promised to return in the clouds to “catch up” the church in glorified bodies. He will then begin His program of judgment to prepare the earth for His rule. The New Testament writers warned us that His coming will be like a thief in the night. The all-important question is, “Are you ready?” If you have never received Him as your Savior, do so immediately. If you are a backslidden Christian, repent and make Him the Lord of your life. God wants the rapture to be for you a welcome surprise.