𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗢𝗢𝗥 𝗜𝗦 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚: 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘, 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝗔𝗚𝗘, 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗕𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

THE DOOR IS CLOSING: THE RAPTURE, THE CHURCH AGE, AND THE COMING TRIBULATION

A Dispensational Study of God’s Prophetic Timeline

INTRODUCTION

We live in the dispensation of the grace of God (Eph. 3:2), a period where salvation is offered freely through the finished work of Christ (1 Cor. 15:1–4). But this age will not last forever. The Bible teaches that the rapture—the catching away of the Body of Christ—will end the Church Age (1 Thess. 4:16–17).

After the rapture, God will resume His prophetic program with Israel, beginning with the 7-Year Tribulation, also known as Daniel’s 70th Week (Dan. 9:24–27).

We preach this not to frighten, but to warn, because the door is closing, and the gospel must be believed now.

1. THE PRESENT DISPENSATION — THE AGE OF GRACE

(Eph. 3:2)

A. Divine Revelation — God revealed this mystery to Paul (Eph. 3:3–5).

B. Distinct Relationship — Jew and Gentile in one Body (Eph. 2:14–16).

C. Dispensational Responsibility — Salvation by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8–9).

2. THE PROMISED DEPARTURE — THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH

(1 Thess. 4:16–17)

A. Sudden Shout — The Lord Himself descends with a shout.

B. Saints Snatched — Believers caught up to meet Christ in the air.

C. Safe Separation — Delivered from wrath to come (1 Thess. 1:10).

3. THE PROPHETIC DIVISION — CHURCH AGE vs. KINGDOM PROGRAM

(2 Tim. 2:15)

A. Rightly Divided Scriptures — Distinguish Israel’s promises from the Body of Christ.

B. Revealed Mystery — The church was hidden in ages past (Rom. 16:25).

C. Restored Program — After the rapture, Israel’s prophetic clock restarts.

4. THE PROPHESIED DISTRESS — THE 7-YEAR TRIBULATION

(Dan. 9:27)

A. Decree Determined — Daniel’s 70th Week for Israel.

B. Devastating Destruction — A time of unprecedented trouble (Matt. 24:21).

C. Divine Discipline — Designed to bring Israel to repentance (Zech. 12:10).

5. THE PERILOUS DELAY — SINNERS IGNORING THE WARNING

(2 Pet. 3:3–4)

A. Mockers Multiply — Scoffers question Christ’s return.

B. Morality Melts — Days like Noah and Lot (Luke 17:26–30).

C. Mercy Misinterpreted — God’s patience mistaken for passivity.

6. THE PRECIOUS DELIVERANCE — SALVATION THROUGH THE GOSPEL

(1 Cor. 15:3–4)

A. Christ’s Death — He died for our sins.

B. Christ’s Burial — Proof He truly died.

C. Christ’s Resurrection — Victory over death, giving eternal life.

7. THE PERSONAL DECISION — BELIEVE BEFORE THE DOOR CLOSES

(2 Cor. 6:2)

A. Accepted Time — Now is the day of salvation.

B. Available Grace — Salvation is free, not earned (Rom. 3:24).

C. Avoided Wrath — Believe and escape future judgment (Rom. 5:9).

8. THE POST-RAPTURE DISASTER — WRATH FOR THE UNBELIEVER

(Rev. 6:16–17)

A. Holy Anger — The wrath of the Lamb begins.

B. Horrific Judgments — Seals, trumpets, bowls unleashed on earth.

C. Hopeless Humanity — Deceived and deluded (2 Thess. 2:11–12).

9. THE PRESSING DUTY — PREACH THE GOSPEL UNTIL CHRIST CALLS US HOME

(2 Tim. 4:2)

A. Faithful Declaration — Preach the gospel of grace.

B. Focused Determination — Time is running out (Rom. 13:11–12).

C. Future Destination — Our citizenship is in Heaven (Phil. 3:20–21).

CONCLUSION

The door of grace is still open—but not for long.
The rapture is imminent. The Church Age will end suddenly.
The Tribulation will begin.

Those left behind will face horrors unimaginable, but today, salvation is freely offered through the gospel of Christ.

The message is urgent but simple:
Believe the gospel while the door is open.

CALL TO ACTION

Believe the Gospel Today — Christ died, was buried, and rose again.
Be Ready for the Rapture — Live in light of Christ’s imminent return.
Boldly Share the Truth — Warn others before the door closes.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Grace is available now — but not forever.
The rapture is the next event on God’s calendar.
Your eternal destiny depends on your response to the gospel.