[stockpirate]

it matters in this sense, if people believe they will raptured before the mark, and it hasn’t hppened by then they’ll be pissed.

Me I do not believe there is a rapture, as I stated, 250 teenage christian girls were beheaded for refusing to convert to Islam, why should I believe I will not have give the same measure.

[Karl Spooner]

That’s why so many need the fly away doctrine security blanket. God said he was against that doctrine in the OT.

[smokingfrog]

God does not expect that everyone should have to be a martyr to prove their faith, does he?

[Jan_Sobieski]

Indeed, some of us may have to die for our faith and we gladly accept this. However God always rescues his people. He has not appointed us to wrath (1 Thes 5). He is not going to punish his bride for being faithful. Jesus said the end of the world will be like the days of Sodom and Noah. In both cases there was a rapture, or rescue, or "catching out" of His people. Those 250 girls died bravely and are with Christ Jesus now. But serving Jesus is fairly easy when bullets are flying, or heads are getting lopped off. What about serving Jesus in land of plenty? Pretty hard when you have everything you need. Here are examples of rapture in the Bible...

1. Noah and his family
2. Lot and his family
3. Families in Israel that fled to Jerusalem with Assyria invaded
4. Families that went to Babylon upon listening to Jeremiah
5. Christians in Jerusalem in 70ad who fled to Pella
6. Many others...

[mountainbunny]

Thank you very much for answering. I am not sure what to think, but I will study and read.

I agree with your comment insofar as we may all one day be presented with martyrdom because of our faith. We have to try to live in a way that we are worthy of Heaven if the day comes.