Why Some “Religious” People Will Miss the Rapture – Has Satan Deceived You? KJV

June 22, 2026 – www.gospelofjesuschrist.blog – River Wilde

For those of you who are feeling that everything is just fine regarding the end times, because if there was something that you needed to know, your church leader would be telling you what to do, I must say, with tremendous confidence, that YOU ARE AT RISK!

I say this because, you have chosen to follow a man over following the prophets of God.

Amos 3:7 (KJV)

“Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”

This verse teaches that God reveals His plans and purposes to His servants before carrying out major acts of judgment or intervention.

The final seven years on earth is about to begin, and thousands of years ago, God revealed what He plans to do to ALL of the inhabitants of the earth. He did this through His Prophets, just like the scripture indicates.

What is coming is so significant that approximately one-third of the Bible contains prophecy regarding the details of the end times. Through these prophecies, God has provided warnings, instruction, and hope, showing us what to expect in the last days and how He wants us to prepare our hearts for His return.

Because of this, believers should be cautious about placing complete trust in any spiritual leader who ignores, dismisses, or refuses to teach the prophetic warnings and promises found in Scripture.

A faithful teacher does not merely speak about present-day concerns; he also teaches the whole counsel of God, including what God has revealed about the last days. The Bible contains prophecy, much of it relating to the return of Jesus Christ, coming judgment, deception in the last days, and God’s plan for the nations. If these subjects are neglected, believers may be left unprepared for the very events God warned would come.

The issue is not whether a prophet talks about prophecy every day, but whether he faithfully teaches what God has already revealed. Jesus repeatedly instructed His followers to “watch,” to be ready, and to discern the signs of the times. Any leader who consistently minimizes these warnings may unintentionally leave people focused on earthly matters while neglecting the urgency of Christ’s soon return.

God is revealing all truth, just like He said that He would through His prophets. Several KJV passages teach that things hidden will be revealed, especially as God’s plan unfolds:

Luke 12:2 (KJV)

“For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.”

Daniel 12:4 (KJV)

“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end…”

Daniel 12:9 (KJV)

“Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.”

As we approach the fulfillment of God’s prophetic timetable, believers should expect increasing understanding of His Word, greater discernment between truth and error, and the uncovering of deceptions that have misled many. God is not the author of confusion; He desires His people to walk in truth and to be prepared for the return of Jesus Christ.

The Final Seven Years on Earth

Let me teach you a very simple understanding of the “End Times” that we are about to enter into.  This brief overview is intended to give you the “whole picture” of what God plans to do, so that you will have an understanding of what His purpose is.

The Seven-Year Tribulation is a future period of unprecedented judgment, deception, and suffering upon the earth that precedes the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. According to a common interpretation of Daniel 9:27 and Revelation, it begins with a 7-year PEACE covenant involving Israel and other nations, and ends with Christ’s return to defeat evil and establish His kingdom.

The Purpose of God’s 7 Year Tribulation Period

The Tribulation Period serves two primary purposes: to bring an end to evil and to give mankind one final opportunity to come to Jesus Christ.

During this time, God will judge wickedness, expose deception, defeat the Antichrist and his kingdom, and prepare the world for the righteous reign of Christ. Yet even amid judgment, God’s mercy remains evident as the gospel continues to be proclaimed through His 144,000 “missionaries”, giving countless people the opportunity to repent and be saved. The Tribulation is therefore both God’s final judgment upon a rebellious world and His final invitation for people to place their faith in Jesus Christ before His glorious return.

Satan’s Plan for this 7 Year Tribulation Period

Satan’s goal during the Tribulation is to deceive the world, oppose God, and prevent people from placing their faith in Jesus Christ. Working through the Antichrist and the False Prophet, he will seek worship for himself, unite the world under a rebellious system, persecute believers, and deceive many through signs, wonders, and false promises of peace and security.

Satan’s ultimate objective is to challenge God’s authority and lead as many people as possible away from salvation. Yet despite his efforts, Scripture teaches that his plans will fail, Christ will return in power and glory, and Satan’s kingdom will be completely overthrown (Revelation 19-20 KJV).

Incredibly Difficult Time on Earth

“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be“ (Matthew 24:21 KJV)

I must share this with you, for it is such an important part of the final seven years. Hardship, difficulty, even to the point where mankind will seek death and not be able to find it, is important to understand, for it gives us the emotional depth of this trying time.

Revelation 9:6 (KJV)

“And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.”

God’s Rescue Plan – The Rapture

Let’s go back for a moment and consider the purpose of the Tribulation Period: To punish Evil, and to create hardship to humble people to come to Christ. But what about people who are already “in Christ” and do not fit either one of these purposes? What is God’s plan for them?

Just like when God saved Noah and His family from the flood by providing a rescue plan, the same is true today. Those “in Christ” are already where they need to be spiritually, and God has no desire to punish them, so He will be removing all who are “in Christ” BEFORE this 7-year Tribulation period begins, in an even known as the rapture.

This prophecy deserves a greater understanding, not only to know the details of what will happen, but to see who will be rescued through this rescue plan.

Here is the prophetic of the Rapture:

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (KJV)

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

The Rapture is a separate event from the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, which will occur at the end of the tribulation period. It is God’s rescue plan, to remove us from the earth so that we will not have to endure any of the difficulties of the Tribulation period.

So, who is “Caught Up?” The scripture describes those “in Christ” are the ones who will be involved in the rapture. First, those “in Christ” who are dead, then those who are currently living on the earth who are also “in Christ.”

Another key passage is:

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (KJV)

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

This teaching is helpful in understanding the process of how we will all be able to “Forever be with Christ” in the air, or wherever He resides. First the dead will be resurrected into their new perfected bodies, and then those currently living will have their bodies “changed” into the same perfected body as those who have been resurrected from the dead.

And the promise from Jesus:

John 14:2-3 (KJV)

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

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.”

These passages form the foundation for the belief that Jesus Christ will gather His believers to Himself before His judgments are poured out upon the earth.

Now that you have been taught about the rapture, let’s deep dive into what it means to be “in Christ,” so that we can know RIGHT NOW, if we will be included in the rapture or not.

Being “in Christ” – the “Ticket” for the Rapture

To be “in Christ” means that a person has placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation and has been spiritually united with Him. It is not about belonging to a particular church, denomination, or religious organization. It is about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through faith.

Romans 8:1 (KJV) says:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus…”

Those who are “in Christ” are no longer under God’s condemnation because their sins have been forgiven through Christ’s atoning sacrifice.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV) explains how a person comes to be in Christ:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

A person enters into Christ by faith—not by good works, religious ceremonies, church membership, or personal righteousness.

In simple terms, to be “in Christ” means that you have trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior, been forgiven of your sins, received spiritual life from God, and now belong to Him. Because you are in Christ, His death paid for your sins, His righteousness is credited to you, and His promises—including eternal life and the resurrection—belong to you.

As Paul wrote:

“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26 KJV)

The most important question is not, “What church do I belong to?” but rather, “Am I in Christ?” For those who are in Him, there is forgiveness, peace with God, and the assurance of eternal life.

Let’s continue learning more details about being “in Christ.”

Becoming Born Again

Being “born again” and being “in Christ” are closely connected. In fact, a person becomes in Christ when they are born again by faith in Jesus Christ.

Jesus taught:

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3 KJV)

To be born again is to receive new spiritual life from God. It is not a physical birth, but a spiritual one. When a person places their faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit gives them new life, forgives their sins, and makes them a child of God.

At that moment, they are placed in Christ. Paul wrote:

2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) says:

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Notice how the result of being in Christ is that a person becomes a new creature. That is exactly what Jesus was describing when He spoke of being born again. The old life is left behind, and a new spiritual life begins.

A simple way to understand it is this:

• Born again describes what God does within you—He gives you new spiritual life.
• In Christ describes your new position before God—you now belong to Jesus Christ and are united with Him.

Because you are born again, you are in Christ. Because you are in Christ, you have eternal life, forgiveness of sins, and no condemnation before God.

In the simplest terms, being born again is the event; being in Christ is the result. When a person truly trusts Jesus Christ and is born again by the Spirit of God, they are placed in Christ and become part of His family forever.

The Process

Becoming Born Again begins when a person recognizes that they are a sinner in need of God’s forgiveness and understands that Jesus Christ died for their sins, was buried, and rose again.

They then place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, not in their own good works, religious ordinances, or church membership. THIS IS CRUTIAL!!!!

When a person sincerely turns to Christ in faith, God forgives their sins, gives them the Holy Spirit, and grants them new spiritual life. In simple terms: admit your need for a Savior, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and trust completely in His finished work on the cross—and God will make you born again.

What if I Believe that Salvation Requires More, Like My Church or My Own Good Works. Will I Be Included in the Rapture?

If a person is relying on their church, baptism, temple ordinances, priesthood, religious performance, or good deeds as the basis of their salvation, that reliance is inconsistent with these passages. The New Testament repeatedly points people to faith in Christ rather than confidence in human works. Yes, baptism is a teaching from Jesus Christ, but it is NOT what gives you salvation. Christ’s atonement by itself is what is required for salvation. And we much choose to accept it or reject this gift.

At the same time, only God knows the heart. A person may belong to a church that teaches salvation by works and yet personally trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. Likewise, a person may speak imperfectly about doctrine while genuinely resting in Christ. Scripture teaches us to examine what we are trusting in, not merely what label we wear.

A simple question is:

“If you stood before God today, what are you trusting in to enter heaven?”

If the answer is ultimately Jesus Christ—His death, burial, and resurrection, and His grace alone, that is the biblical foundation of the new birth. If the answer is my church, my ordinances, my obedience, or my good works, then the person is placing confidence in something other than Christ’s finished work, and Scripture calls them to trust in Christ alone.

Because of these teachings, I would imagine that there will be people from all Christian churches that will not be included in the rapture, because they are not trusting solely in the atonement of Jesus Christ for their salvation.

It is important to remember that the rapture is not based upon a judgment, it is intended to rescue all of those who have accepted the atonement of Jesus Christ and have become born again as taught in the New Testament.

If a Good Religious Person is left behind, it is because God will be giving them a humbling experience so that they come to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, understanding the gift of the atonement in their life, and not relying on other things for their salvation.

Having a relationship with your church in itself is not a bad thing, in fact, it may be a very good thing for you. But if you are one who would follow a “prophet” over conflicting information that God gave you through prayer, you are being deceived, and God does not know you.

Matthew 7:22-23 (KJV):

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

A simple way to understand this passage is that these people point to their works as evidence of why they should be accepted by Christ. They speak of what they did—prophesying, casting out devils, and many wonderful works—but Jesus does not say they did too few works. Instead, He says, “I never knew you.” The issue was not the quantity of their religious works, but the absence of a genuine saving relationship with Christ.

I hope that this gives you some insight into what is coming, and what you need to consider in preparing for this Tribulation Period.

As with any spiritual understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as He taught when He was on the earth, it is now up to you to take your learning to God in prayer. Let Him confirm ALL truth. Talk to Him in prayer, and let Him reply to your questions, by reading His Words in the New Testament. This is where His gospel is, and nowhere else:

Galatians 1:8-9 (KJV):

“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

Paul stresses the importance of this declaration, by repeating what he just said:

As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”

The time right now is not one of “religious debate,” for we are running out of time. I invite you to run to God in prayer, and let Him teach you… Not me, and not your church… Just you and God, and the Bible. This is how you can quickly learn the truth regarding His gospel, and what is to come.

The rapture teaching scripture concludes with a very important statement. Let me share it with you:

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (KJV)

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

You do not have to endure anything “scarry” about the end times because of God’s rescue plan. You can know right now if you will be included in this or not. And for those who can confidently declare that they are “in Christ” there is tremendous comfort in knowing that they will be rescued. For this I share my resounding statement of AMEN!