Before the Light Goes Out: A Final Warning

[David]

While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” ~ John 12:36

Jesus said, “While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light” (John 12:36). This is a wake-up call. The Light is still here. Jesus is still calling. But the time to respond is now, because when your life ends and eternity begins, nothing else will matter.

Even though Jesus performed many undeniable miracles, many still refused to believe. Some couldn’t believe, their hearts hardened just as Isaiah prophesied. Others did believe, but stayed silent, afraid of being rejected by people, unwilling to lose their place in society. “They loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God” (John 12:43).

That’s still happening today. People see the truth, they know the truth, but they won’t come to the Light. Why? Because of fear, pride, peer pressure, or loyalty to religion, family, or culture. But Jesus is calling you now, not to religion, but to Himself. He is the Light (John 8:12), and those who follow Him will never walk in darkness.

Don’t let the fear of man, or the lies of this world, keep you from stepping into the light. If you delay until after death, it will be too late. The Bible says it is “appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). You won’t be judged by your church membership, your good deeds, or what others thought of you. You will be judged by your response to Jesus Christ.

So while you still have the Light, believe in Him, confess Him, and follow Him. He died to save you, and He rose again to give you eternal life. But the door won’t stay open forever.

Wake up, step into the Light, before it’s gone.

And to every false teacher reading this, and you know who you are, this is for you too.

You may be preaching lies, twisting Scripture, and leading others into darkness, but the Light is still shining right now. You don’t have to keep going down this path. Jesus is calling even you to repent. The same grace that can save the sinner can save the deceivers, if you turn from your pride and submit to the truth of God’s Word.

Don’t love the praise of men more than the glory that comes from God. Don’t cling to your platform, your religion, or your ego. You might fool people, but you will not fool God. “Be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation” (James 3:1). If you reject the Light now, the darkness you face in eternity will be beyond comprehension.

You still have breath in your lungs. You still have time. Turn away from the lies and come to the truth. Confess Christ, not your version of Him. Preach His Word, not your own. Submit to the Bible, not your system. The day of reckoning is coming, and you will not escape it.

While you still have the Light, run to it.

 

[A.W. Bowman]

How many of us are looking forward to the “biblical rapture”? The catching away referenced in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. Of course, no one, except the Father knows when the Son shall come for His bride (Matt. 24:36, 42). And the only folks who shall see the rapture are those who are ready for it. Therefore, the burning question is, am I counted as prepared? Tomorrow may be too late to get ready.

This brings us to the question: Who will be ready? Let's explore the requirements for rapture selection. Am I going to “make it”? This teaching might be challenging for us, including me! However, difficult knowledge is better than willful ignorance if one is wise enough to accept and follow the teaching that this knowledge provides. I am referring to biblical knowledge, not secular knowledge. That is, knowledge of biblical and spiritual instructions, precepts, and wisdom, which, if correctly applied, offers the way to live a life that is acceptable and pleasing to God. Rom. 12:1, Eph 12:6-11. This means knowing, understanding, and applying the entire Bible’s instructions in righteousness. 2 Tim 3:16. Furthermore, do you openly and willingly proclaim that Jesus Christ is the Lord and the only way of salvation? Mark 8:38. So, let’s examine the biblical types of Christians and see where we fit.

Self-examination.

First, there are the believers in Christ.

Believers believe in Jesus as a prophet, healer, teacher, and/or a man of God. Jesus heals various illnesses, casts out demons, and raises the dead. If a man like that appeared today, he would draw a huge crowd wherever he went. Right? Would such people honestly believe in Jesus as the Son of God? Sure. However, most would not.

Believers generally hear that Jesus is coming to town or a nearby place and rush to see Him and watch the show—healings, casting out demons, and more. Maybe even to be one of those who receive a blessing. I’d go for that! So, are you satisfied just being a “believer”? Still, some also come to hear His teachings and learn from Him. John 6:2

Yet, for the most part, folks would return home after the day's events with little or no lasting effect on their lives. Soon, they would return to living just as they did before Christ’s arrival. However, some, not many, were something more—

This brings us to the second group of Christians, the followers of Christ. Now, the followers of Yeshua (the Hebrew name of Jesus) were also believers. They followed Him to the seashore, mountains, and plains. Mark 4:1, 5:21, John 6:2,3, 5-13 Luke 6:17 (They desired to hear His teachings, witness or receive more miracles, and hopefully enjoy more of those free meals. However, when He traveled too far, the teachings struck too close to home, and the free meals ran out, causing many to leave Him and return to their homes, families, businesses, and masters. Okay, how about being a “follower”? Yet again, there were a few that continued - -

Now we come to a “hard part": the disciple, the Talmid, the “called student." (Not just anyone could become a Talmid of a Rabbi, meaning a fully committed student to a master. He had to be a disciple who first needed to be selected, called, and accepted by the Rabbi (Teacher) or by one of His designated senior disciples (Apostles) John 6:44 . The potential disciple had to undergo several tests to determine their suitability. Those chosen had to commit to traveling with, living with, and supporting the Master around the clock. Usually, this support came from the disciples’ friends, family, or the disciples themselves. Matt 27:55 is the only verse that touches on "support."

But please note: When the teaching of Jesus became too challenging to accept and/or practice, many left! John 6:62-70.

If chosen as a student (disciple, Talmid) of a Master's teaching, just how far are we willing to obey? Will our stubborn ignorance or failure to follow what Jesus commanded still be acceptable to the final Judge?

So, what kind of Christian are we?

 

[David]

How many of us are looking forward to the “biblical rapture”? The catching away referenced in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. Of course, no one, except the Father knows when the Son shall come for His bride (Matt. 24:36, 42). And the only folks who shall see the rapture are those who are ready for it. Therefore, the burning question is, am I counted as prepared? Tomorrow may be too late to get ready.

This brings us to the question: Who will be ready? Let's explore the requirements for rapture selection. Am I going to “make it”? This teaching might be challenging for us, including me! However, difficult knowledge is better than willful ignorance if one is wise enough to accept and follow the teaching that this knowledge provides. I am referring to biblical knowledge, not secular knowledge. That is, knowledge of biblical and spiritual instructions, precepts, and wisdom, which, if correctly applied, offers the way to live a life that is acceptable and pleasing to God. Rom. 12:1, Eph 12:6-11. This means knowing, understanding, and applying the entire Bible’s instructions in righteousness. 2 Tim 3:16. Furthermore, do you openly and willingly proclaim that Jesus Christ is the Lord and the only way of salvation? Mark 8:38. So, let’s examine the biblical types of Christians and see where we fit.

Self-examination.

First, there are the believers in Christ.

Believers believe in Jesus as a prophet, healer, teacher, and/or a man of God. Jesus heals various illnesses, casts out demons, and raises the dead. If a man like that appeared today, he would draw a huge crowd wherever he went. Right? Would such people honestly believe in Jesus as the Son of God? Sure. However, most would not.

Believers generally hear that Jesus is coming to town or a nearby place and rush to see Him and watch the show—healings, casting out demons, and more. Maybe even to be one of those who receive a blessing. I’d go for that! So, are you satisfied just being a “believer”? Still, some also come to hear His teachings and learn from Him. John 6:2

Yet, for the most part, folks would return home after the day's events with little or no lasting effect on their lives. Soon, they would return to living just as they did before Christ’s arrival. However, some, not many, were something more—

This brings us to the second group of Christians, the followers of Christ. Now, the followers of Yeshua (the Hebrew name of Jesus) were also believers. They followed Him to the seashore, mountains, and plains. Mark 4:1, 5:21, John 6:2,3, 5-13 Luke 6:17 (They desired to hear His teachings, witness or receive more miracles, and hopefully enjoy more of those free meals. However, when He traveled too far, the teachings struck too close to home, and the free meals ran out, causing many to leave Him and return to their homes, families, businesses, and masters. Okay, how about being a “follower”? Yet again, there were a few that continued - -

Now we come to a “hard part": the disciple, the Talmid, the “called student." (Not just anyone could become a Talmid of a Rabbi, meaning a fully committed student to a master. He had to be a disciple who first needed to be selected, called, and accepted by the Rabbi (Teacher) or by one of His designated senior disciples (Apostles) John 6:44 . The potential disciple had to undergo several tests to determine their suitability. Those chosen had to commit to traveling with, living with, and supporting the Master around the clock. Usually, this support came from the disciples’ friends, family, or the disciples themselves. Matt 27:55 is the only verse that touches on "support."

But please note: When the teaching of Jesus became too challenging to accept and/or practice, many left! John 6:62-70.

If chosen as a student (disciple, Talmid) of a Master's teaching, just how far are we willing to obey? Will our stubborn ignorance or failure to follow what Jesus commanded still be acceptable to the final Judge?

So, what kind of Christian are we?

That’s a great question! Who will be ready for the rapture? And you’re right, it’s not something to take lightly. According to the Bible, the rapture isn’t about levels of Christianity or spiritual rankings. Scripture doesn’t divide people into categories like casual believers, followers, or disciples. The Bible draws a much simpler but more serious line: you’re either truly saved and in Christ, or you’re not.

How many of us are waiting with eager anticipation for what the Bible refers to as the "biblical rapture", the catching away referenced in 1 Thessalonians 4:17? No one but God knows when Christ will return for his bride (Matt 24:36-42); those prepared will only see it then! Therefore, our biggest question should be "am I prepared"? Tomorrow may already be too late!

Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” That’s key. Salvation is not just a one-time statement, it changes you. It doesn’t mean perfection, but it does mean a new direction. You now walk in the Spirit, not in the flesh. The fruit of the Spirit becomes evident in your life (Galatians 5:22–23), and there’s a hunger for holiness, obedience, and the return of Christ (Titus 2:13).

Jesus Himself warned that many would call Him “Lord” but never actually knew Him (Matthew 7:21–23). That’s why self-examination is so important, not to be paranoid, but to be honest. 2 Corinthians 13:5 says, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.” That’s not about figuring out what “level” of Christian you are, but whether you’ve truly been saved.

The Bible also warns about being lukewarm. Revelation 3:16 says that Jesus will spue the lukewarm out of His mouth. That doesn’t mean a weak or struggling Christian, it’s describing someone who claims the name of Christ but lives a compromised, half-committed life. They’re not cold, they’re not hot, they’re in the middle, trying to have Jesus and the world at the same time. And that’s a dangerous place to be. The point here is not to scare people, but to lovingly point out that salvation is not just about knowing facts, it’s about knowing Him.

So when it comes to the rapture, it’s not about trying to climb up into a higher tier of faithfulness. It’s about one thing: Have you been born again? Have you truly turned from sin and trusted in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? That’s what makes you ready.

If you have been truly saved, then you are ready, and that’s cause for joy and hope. If you haven’t, then today is the day to turn to Christ while there is still time. The door is still open. He’s calling, and He’s willing to receive all who come to Him in faith.

Great question, and I’m glad you brought it up. These are the kinds of conversations we need to be having.

So, I believe a good question would be, “How do I know if I am truly saved (born-again)?