February 17, 2026 | www.gospelofjesuschrist.blog | River Wilde
The story of Lot’s wife in Genesis 19:26 (KJV) — “But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt“ — can apply to people today. Jesus Himself makes this connection explicit by telling believers to “Remember Lot’s wife” right in the middle of His teaching on the end times (Luke 17:32 KJV).
The Biblical Context
In Genesis 19, God sends angels to rescue Lot and his family from the impending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The angels urgently command: “Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed” (Genesis 19:17 KJV).
Lot’s wife disobeys — she looks back — and is turned into a pillar of salt. The Hebrew phrase for “looked back” implies more than a casual glance; it carries the sense of regarding longingly, considering, or paying attention to what was being left behind. Her heart was still attached to the sinful, material life of Sodom (wealth, comforts, possibly family ties or lifestyle), even as God’s judgment rained down.
Take a moment to realize where her heart was. Even with a rescue in front of her, she longed for the life that she once had in Sodom. That life included material things, and it also was a life that she KNEW and was comfortable in, even with the sin that was involved. She was NOT ready to be rescued!
Jesus’ Direct Application to the End Times
Jesus warns about the last days in Luke 17:26-33 (KJV), comparing them to the days of Noah and Lot:
- People will be eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building — normal life — right up to the moment of sudden judgment/rapture.
- Then He says: “In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. Remember Lot’s wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it” (Luke 17:31-33 KJV).
Jesus uses Lot’s wife as the key warning: Don’t look back longingly at the world system that’s passing away. In the context of His return (which includes the rapture for believers in pre-tribulation views common in KJV-focused circles), this means:
- A reluctance or hesitation to fully leave the old life behind.
- Attachment to worldly possessions, pleasures, relationships, or security that tie the heart to earth rather than to Christ.
- Wanting to “save” this present life instead of losing it for His sake.
If someone is secretly (or openly) not wanting to be raptured — because they love the world too much, fear losing earthly things, or aren’t spiritually ready — it’s like looking back at Sodom. Their heart isn’t fully set on the escape God provides through Christ. Jesus warns that such a mindset makes one unfit for the kingdom (see also Luke 9:62 KJV: “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God”).
How This Applies Today in the Last Days
Many Bible teachers and commentators see Lot’s wife as a sobering type example for believers awaiting Christ’s return:
- Don’t cling to the world that’s under judgment (1 John 2:15-17 KJV warns not to love the world or the things in it).
- Be ready to leave instantly — no turning back for “stuff” or regrets.
- Endurance in faith means pressing forward without longing for what God is destroying (Hebrews 10:39 KJV contrasts those who draw back to perdition vs. those who believe to the saving of the soul).
Her pillar of salt became a permanent memorial — a warning frozen in time — just as Jesus said to remember her. It’s not about a casual glance of curiosity; it’s about a heart divided, unwilling to fully embrace the deliverance God offers.
If a person’s heart is still tied to this present evil world and reluctant about leaving it, even subconsciously not wanting the rapture because of what they’d “lose”, they risk a similar spiritual peril — being left behind or unfit when the trumpet sounds. The urgent call remains: “Watch therefore, and pray always” (Luke 21:36 KJV), keeping your eyes forward on Christ, not backward on Sodom.
To the majority of people reading this writing, I can confirm that you are ALL IN, and ready to go RIGHT NOW. But perhaps there are some who are so tied to this earth life that they question if they are ready to leave this all behind.
“We just got a new house,” “I want to start a family before I go,” “I am just about to see the results of all of my hard work here on earth.” Can you see how some of these ties might have us question our rescue? If you are someone who is struggling with this, let me share something that might assist you.
No matter what you possess in this life…House, financial stability, treasures of this world, etc, these are NOTHING compared to what you will receive in “heaven.”
To me, what is the absolute greatest blessing of leaving this earth life is that I will no longer struggle with the illnesses that I have had my entire life. No depression, No Anxiety. To have a “perfect” changed body free from all of that, which includes worry, pain and sorrow, is the ULTIMATE for me.
I also know that I will be going to a BETTER neighborhood. Surrounded by people who are loving, compassionate, kind, and free of sin…Can you only imagine? No more “scum of the earth” hurting children, or lying to us daily. No corruption, or deception. Surrounded by the “best of the best” is where I want to “live.”
And, something that we do not talk about enough, Having a direct relationship with Jesus Christ. Let’s take a deep dive into that fact.
1 John 3:2 (KJV): “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”
This means our current partial knowledge and veiled sight through faith, sin’s effects, and our limited bodies, will give way to perfect, unobstructed vision of Christ. Seeing Him “as he is” will transform us to be like Him—glorified, sinless, and fully conformed to His image.
Believers will be with Jesus forever, in perfect communion.
John 14:3 (KJV): “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
Philippians 1:23 (KJV) (Paul’s desire): “…having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.”
1 Thessalonians 4:17 (KJV): “…and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
This “with Christ” is the heart of heaven—direct, personal presence without separation, sorrow, or distance.
In the eternal state, the new heaven and new earth, Jesus—the Lamb—is the focus of worship, and we serve Him directly.
Revelation 22:3-5 (KJV): “And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.”
Revelation 21:22-23 (KJV): “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.”
No separate temple is needed because God’s presence is fully accessible and immediate. We will worship, serve, and reign with Him in perfect light and joy.
Our earthly relationship with Christ as Savior, Lord, friend, and bridegroom to His church, reaches its fulfillment. Earthly marriages point to this ultimate union, but in heaven, the focus is on Christ as the center.
Revelation 19:7-9 (KJV) speaks of the marriage supper of the Lamb, symbolizing the perfected union between Christ and His redeemed people.
The greatest joy will be knowing and loving Him perfectly, with nothing hindering that bond—no sin, no distractions, no incomplete understanding.
In summary, heaven’s relationship with Jesus isn’t distant or formal; it’s the ultimate intimacy: seeing Him fully, being transformed to be like Him, dwelling in His immediate presence, serving and reigning with Him, and finding complete satisfaction in His glory and love. As believers, this is our blessed hope—eternal life centered on Christ Himself.
And, there is one final thing that I’d like to share. (This is strictly my own doctrine). We know that God created this earth for us. I have spent an entire lifetime finding ADVENTURE on this earth. The thrill of discovering the beauty that He has created, and then flying off of some of those beautiful cliffs rappelling into glorious lakes.
Riding 160,000 miles on a Harley motorcycle exploring the USA and Canada, seeing God’s creations first hand. Seeing his daily canvas of the sky change into some exquisite works of art…Beyond description…And the list certainly goes on and on.
We know that God will also be creating our next “World,” and I am 100% in exploring the beauty, thrills, and adventures that this new world will bring, just like I have experienced here. Cliff Jumping the waterfalls in Hawaii was quite an adventure, but can you imagine just how fun it would be to free fall from the clouds into a sunset of colors? God would NOT create a new world without the desire for us to admire His work, and enjoy the adventures that it will bring.
So, think right now…do you have attachments that are keeping you here on earth? If so, spend your time learning more about where we are headed, for I’m certain that it will be 1,000 times better than anything that you have here on earth. Do not let these ties keep you from being raptured, is my prayer.
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