Rapture: Will You Choose to Stay? (Updated from 7/30/2013)

"You gave Him what He asked for, I gave Him what He needed."

-- Legion, 2010

"Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed."

-- Proverbs 31:8

"In the end, I will hold my ground when called. I will say to God, "I will stay for them, those that you leave behind." God will likely remind me I was staying anyway, so it will have worked out nicely."

-- F.A. Villari, Pastor

What will the righteous do at the "end of days"?  

My expectation, from what I've seen and heard, is that they will jump at the chance for a place on God's "lifeboat" to paradise.  The "righteous" of God will have given what He asked for and will stand ready to receive God's promise to them, showing their true nature.  They will stand in denial of their greed, want, and desire, knowing that they gave Him what he asked for. Will anyone give Him what He needs?

Who, in their piety, will look into the face of life everlasting in paradise, having looked over the multitude being left behind, and not feel the compassion of Christ for their sins, their ignorance, and their pain, some modicum of pity?  Who will stand for them, one more time; volunteer to stay behind?  Who will renew the faith of God in mankind?  Who is willing to turn their back on God's gift? To deny His want in order to give that which He needs?  Who will stand to the contrary on that day of judgment?  Who will volunteer to stay and guide the children, those sinners left behind, through the tribulation, and what lies beyond?

Who will stay?  More than anyone realizes, I think, but not nearly the number God would wish for.  The number He would like to see.  The number He needs.  The hypocrites will scramble for their place in line to selfishly accept His gift.

"I will stay for them... those that you leave behind."  I close my eyes and lift my face to heaven, spreading  my arms slightly from my sides, palms forward, I feel a hand grasp my right, and yet another grasp my left, and I cry.

 

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

I fervently hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and, finally, a senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Western Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research.

Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony: tolerantpastor@gmail.com