FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD AFTER THE RAPTURE

FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD AFTER THE RAPTURE

Introduction

In this dispensation of grace, salvation is by faith alone in the finished work of Christ (Eph. 2:8–9; Rom. 4:5). However, after the rapture of the Church, the program changes: God resumes His dealings with Israel under prophecy. During the Tribulation period, “faith without works is dead” (James 2:17, 26) becomes the operative principle. Unlike today’s grace program, salvation in that day requires faith plus endurance, obedience, and works (Rev. 14:12). Let’s see why “faith without works is dead” applies after the rapture.

The Dispensation of Grace

Faith Defined – Believing in Christ’s finished crosswork (1 Cor. 15:1–4).

Free Gift – Eternal life without works (Rom. 3:28).

Final Seal – Believers sealed by the Spirit (Eph. 1:13).

The Departure of the Church

Caught Away – Saints raptured before wrath (1 Thess. 4:16–17).

Completed Body – Grace program ends.

Change of Program – Prophecy resumes with Israel.

The Dispensation of Wrath

Jacob’s Trouble – Tribulation centered on Israel (Jer. 30:7).

Judgment Time – God’s wrath poured on the earth.

Jewish Emphasis – Law and works reemerge.

The Demand of Endurance

Faith Tested – Not mere belief, but perseverance.

Faith Tried – Trials separate true from false.

Faith Triumphant – Only those enduring to the end saved (Matt. 24:13).

The Duty of Obedience

Commandment Keeping – Obey God’s law again (Rev. 12:17).

Covenant Commitment – Israel’s program resumes.

Conditional Continuance – Salvation tied to obedience.

The Distinction in Salvation

Grace vs. Law – Today: faith alone; tomorrow: faith plus works.

Gift vs. Reward – Grace unconditional, tribulation salvation conditional.

Gentile vs. Jew – Body removed, Israel restored.

The Demonstration of Works

Feeding the Hungry – Practical love proves faith (Matt. 25:35).

Fleeing the Beast – Refuse mark of Antichrist.

Following the Lamb – Loyalty shown in action.

The Danger of Idolatry

Beast Worship – Mark equals damnation (Rev. 14:9–11).

Bowing Forbidden – True faith refuses false gods.

Bold Faithfulness – Courage despite death penalty.

The Doctrine of James

Contextual Command – James written to the twelve tribes (James 1:1).

Conditional Christianity – Faith must be proven by works.

Covenantal Consistency – Fits Israel’s program, not Body of Christ.

The Duty of Watchfulness

Wise Virgins – Parable points to Israel’s readiness (Matt. 25).

Warning Issued – Be alert to deception.

Worthy Walk – Only faithful ones escape wrath.

The Difference in Gospels

Paul’s Gospel – Grace without works.

Peter’s Gospel – Repent, be baptized, obey.

Prophecy’s Gospel – Faith plus works in tribulation.

The Destiny of the Faithful

Reward Promised – Those enduring reign with Christ.

Righteous Recognized – Sheep inherit the kingdom.

Rest Restored – Israel’s kingdom fulfilled.

Conclusion

Today, in this dispensation of grace, salvation is by faith alone—no works required. But after the rapture, during the tribulation, faith without works is dead. God will judge according to obedience, endurance, and works. Right division clears the confusion between Paul’s gospel of grace and James’ gospel to Israel.

Call to Action

Discern Carefully – Don’t mix Israel’s program with the Body of Christ.
Defend Boldly – Stand firm that salvation today is grace alone.
Declare Urgently – Preach Paul’s gospel before the rapture comes!