Another subscriber asks, “I need help and don’t know whom to turn to. I am a Moslem and just met a wonderful man who is a Christian. We want to explore the possibility of a long-term relationship. However, can a Christian and Moslem have a life together? I believe in God but I have a difficult time figuring out why every religion says, ‘We are the one. We are the true way to God and to eternal life.’ So how does one determine which one is The Way?”

Hello Friend, “Thank you for sharing your heart with me. I can appreciate the dilemma you are facing. You have asked two questions the first one being, “Can a Christian and a Moslem have a life together?” It is not impossible to have a relationship with someone of a totally different religion, but it is certainly not a good foundation upon which to build a lasting marriage relationship and especially for bringing up children. There is bound to be discord later on and it is very likely to lead to major conflict. In fact, God’s Word, the Bible, warns us not to be unequally yoked with someone of a totally different faith.”² So as long as you have different religious beliefs, it would be very unwise to pursue this relationship.

However, your second question could be the answer for the dilemma you are facing. That question is, “How can one know The Way to God and to eternal life?” Furthermore, I strongly urge you not to make any lasting commitment to any man until you first resolve this critical life issue. When you settle this issue, you will know what is the right decision for you to make.

First, I suggest you pray to God and ask him to reveal to you the Truth about the way to God and eternal life. As Jesus said, “…you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”³

Because you asked, please allow me to share the way to God from a Christian viewpoint. It is true that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God and the only way to God and to eternal life. But how can we know whether Jesus was just a good prophet or was he the Son of God? Many people over the centuries have claimed to have the truth about God and the way to him, but Jesus Christ is also the only leader who ever claimed that he would rise from death.⁴ And according to historical evidence, he did. Following his crucifixion and resurrection, he was seen by the women who visited his tomb and found it empty, by the disciples, and by more than 500 other witnesses.⁵

For more evidence regarding the validity of Jesus Christ be sure to read the article, “Jesus Christ: Is He God or Man?” online at: http://tinyurl.com/lu577. Also, for evidence regarding the validity of the Bible read the article, “Is the Bible God’s Word?” at: http://tinyurl.com/yulazq. And if you would like to compare the beliefs of Christianity with those of Islam, the following website might be very helpful for you. It’s at: http://tinyurl.com/christianity-islam.

Again, as you read each of these articles and consider which way is “The Way” [God's Way] always pray and ask God to reveal to you His Truth and help you to see “the Way.” To see what the Bible teaches on how to become a Christian, please read the article, “How to Be Sure You’re a Real Christian” at: https://learning.actsweb.org/christian.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, in today’s world there are many voices claiming that their way is the way to God and eternal life. I earnestly pray that you will always lead me into the pathway of Truth so that I will know that I know what the true and only way to you and to eternal life is, and that all of my sins are forgiven. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. John 14:6 (NKJV).

2. 2 Corinthians 6:14.

3. John 8:32 (NKJV).

4. Matthew 16:21.

5. Luke 24:13-43.

Recently Joy and I attended a Memorial Service on the Marine Base at Camp Pendleton here in Southern California. Our town is next door to Camp Pendleton, and our church is very involved with the Engineer Corps. Among a variety of ways we support the marines, whenever a contingent is sent overseas, our church is given the name of each marine so members can choose one of the marines to be a prayer partner for him.

Sadly, one of the marines for whom Joy and I were prayer partners was killed in action earlier this year. This is why we attended the Memorial Service in his honor.

It was an extremely moving ceremony. There were quite a few marines who took part in the service and, during Roll Call, their names were called out one at a time by the Officer in charge. Each marine loudly answered “present” when his name was called. When the name of “our” marine, Lance Corporal Alejandro Yazzie, was called, there was no answer. The Officer called his name louder … still no answer. A third time his name was called—very loud this time. Dead silence followed! It was so sad that Joy and I cried. Family members and other marines cried too. Lance Corporal Yazzie had died serving his country.

After the ceremony I couldn’t help but think about the time when it will be “Roll Call in Heaven.” Imagine, if you can, if when the name of a loved one is called and there is no response? What if God calls his/her name a second time … and a third time … and still there is no answer? The sound of silence will be deafening … and devastating.

The question we all need to face is this: at the Roll Call in Heaven when your name is called, will you be there to answer? Also, we need to think of those of our loved ones whose names will not be called and do something about it now. *

As today’s Scripture vividly reminds us, only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s [Jesus Christ's] book of life will be there to answer, “Present.”

To make absolute certain that your name is written in the book of life, please read the article, “How to Be Sure You’re a Real Christian,” at: http://tinyurl.com/real-christian. Be sure to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior so that when the roll is called in Heaven, you will be able to answer with confidence, “PRESENT.”

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you that you gave your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross in my place to pay the penalty for all my sins so that I can be freely forgiven and receive your gift of eternal life, and in so doing, have my name written in your book of life. Because of your forgiveness I can know with assurance that when the roll is called in Heaven I’ll be there. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Revelation 21:25-27 (NIV)

*Note: To help loved ones be able to answer “Present” when their names are called at the “Roll Call in Heaven” see helps at: www.actsweb.org/people_power02.php.

Joy and I saw the movie, “Conviction.” It was based on a true story about a man who was convicted of a murder he never committed, and consequently, spent sixteen years in jail. His sister was so convinced of his innocence that she studied to become a lawyer so she could defend him and plead his case—which she did. After years of struggle, the DNA of the murdered victim was brought to light and, comparing it to the DNA of her brother, proved his innocence beyond any doubt. He had been set up by a police officer who didn’t like him, and who threatened witnesses that if they didn’t testify against the accused, they could end up the same as the murdered victim whose graphic photos were showed to them. Being terrified, they falsely testified against the accused man.

Because of the statute of limitations the police officer who masterminded the false evidence was not brought to justice. Furthermore, because she set up the accused as the murderer, the real murderer was never looked for nor found.

We left the movie theatre feeling sick in the stomach as this was a terrible travesty of justice. I couldn’t help but wonder how many other people are sent to jail and their life ruined because of the miscarriage of justice, and how many people avoided justice because somebody else was blamed for their crime.

However, while many who are guilty may escape justice in this life, they never will in the life to come, when they stand before God to give an account of their life because, as the Bible says, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”²

Unless a person admits and confesses his/her sinfulness to God—regardless of the severity of the sins committed—and receives Jesus as his or her Savior and God’s forgiveness, the truth will be evident when standing before the Judge of the Universe where true justice will be served. Their sins will find them out.¹

The good news is, and of this we can be assured, God’s offer of forgiveness is available right now to all who confess their sins and sinfulness to God, believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God, and that he died on the cross to pay the penalty for all their sins. If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and received God’s forgiveness, I urge you to do that today. For help see: “How to Be Sure You’re a Real Christian” at: http://tinyurl.com/real-christian.

Realize too, that it is not God’s will that anyone perishes,³ so over and over God’s Word reminds us that if we have never accepted God’s forgiveness, we will stand before the Judge of the Universe, and justice will be served.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please give me the wisdom and courage to always confess my sins, and ask for your forgiveness on the basis that Jesus Christ, your Son, died on the cross to pay the just penalty for all my sins. For this I will be eternally grateful. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’ name amen.”

1. Numbers 32:23 (KJV).

2. Hebrews 9:27 (KJV).

3. 2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV).

Yesterday, we talked about the Rapture—the “snatching up” by God to Heaven of all true followers of Jesus Christ who are authentic members of Christ’s Church. Today’s Scripture confirms this climactic event. Be careful to note, however, that this will not include all church members—only those who have confessed their sinfulness to God and received Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, and by so doing have their names written in God’s book of life.

What then will happen immediately following the Rapture? First, no doubt, as the hymn writer expressed it: “When we all get to heaven, What a time of rejoicing that will be, When we all see Jesus, We’ll sing and shout the victory.”² Best of all we will see Jesus—face to face—the one who died in our place to pay the penalty for all our sins and who granted us forgiveness and the gift of eternal life. In addition we will be reunited with loved ones and friends who had already passed away. And how exciting that will be, knowing that we will be united together forever in a place where there will be no more sickness, sadness, suffering or sorrow. God himself will wipe away every tear, and forever we will be surrounded by love.

Then in Heaven will be what the Bible calls the “Marriage Supper of the Lamb.” The Lamb refers to Jesus Christ—the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”³ And the Bride of Christ⁴ is his Church comprised of the true followers of Jesus Christ. Thus the Marriage Supper of the Lamb will be the great celebration of the Church being united with Jesus Christ for all eternity.

Following this celebration will be what is called the “judgment seat of Christ.” Those in Heaven will not be judged for their sins because Christ took that judgment upon himself when he died on the cross in our place. It will be a time of rewards given to all who served God faithfully with pure motives while here on earth. As God’s word says, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”⁵ And again, “Look, I [Jesus] am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.”⁶

While those at the judgment seat of Christ will never lose their salvation, how sorrowful it will be if we have done little here on earth to serve God faithfully and help expand his kingdom and, as a result, have nothing to offer God that will be deserving a reward other than (as God’s word put it), “wood, hay or straw.”⁷

During this exciting time in Heaven there will be a time of great tribulation here on earth where there will be a one-world government, a one-world economy, and a one-world religion headed by the person whom the Bible calls the Antichrist. For more information regarding the rule of the Antichrist read the article, “The Antichrist Is Coming” at: http://tinyurl.com/the-coming-antichrist.

During the rule of the Antichrist all hell will break loose on earth when God pours out his judgments on earth during the Great Tribulation period.⁸ What will end the Great Tribulation will be the battle of Armageddon.⁹ This will be when the nations of the world unite to come against Israel in an attempt to “wipe her off the map.” At this time Jesus Christ will return to earth via the Mount of Olives¹⁰ with his true followers to step onto the stage of mankind’s history and will totally destroy the Antichrist, his armies, and his followers and all who seek to destroy Israel and Jerusalem. This will be centered at the Battle of Armageddon in the Valley of Megiddo in Israel. It will be the war to end all wars.

At the end of Christ’s millennial rule on earth will be the Great White Judgment Throne of God where Satan and his horde of evil demons will be cast into Hell forever. Tragically, this will also be the time of judgment where all—both great and small—who refused or failed to accept Jesus as their Savior and God’s forgiveness will be judged for their sins, and have to pay the just penalty for themselves. They, too, will be cast into Hell—wherever and whatever that my happen to be. Of one thing we can be certain, Hell will be eternal separation from God, the author of all love and life, for all eternity.

As the Bible says about this final judgment: “Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds. Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.”¹¹

The reality is that absolutely nobody escapes God’s judgment. His Word says, “It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment.”¹² Either we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and be rewarded for service to him here on earth, or it will be before God at the Great White Judgment throne and there receive the just punishment for all of our sins. There could be no more terrifying happening in the entire world.

Whatever you do, be absolutely certain that you have received God’s forgiveness by accepting Jesus as your Savior and thereby have your name written in God’s book of life. This is so that you will NOT have to appear before the Great White Judgment Throne of God and have to pay the penalty yourself for your sins—remembering that “the wages [penalty] of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”¹³ Remember, too, that death here is not referring to physical death, nor the cessation of life, but a “living eternal death” which is eternal separation from God in the place the Bible calls Hell.

To see how to receive God’s forgiveness and ensure that your name is written in God’s book of life, be sure to read the article, “How to Be Sure You’re a Real Christian” at: http://tinyurl.com/real-christian. Be sure to do this today because we never know how soon it will be too late.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you for giving your Son, Jesus Christ, to die in my place to save me from the penalty of my sins and to offer me forgiveness and a free pardon. Please help me to know that I know that I have been forgiven of all my sins, and that my name is written your Book of Life. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NLT).

2. Eliza E. Hewitt.

3. John 1:29 (NIV).

4. See Revelation 21:9 (NLT).

5. 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NIV).

6. Revelation 22:12 (NLT)

7. 1 Corinthians 3:12-13 (NIV).

8. See Revelations chapters 8 and 9.

9. See Revelation 16:16.

10. Zechariah 14:4 (NIV).

11. Revelation 20:10-16(NLT)

12. Hebrews 9:27 (NASB).
13. Romans 6:23 (KJV).

This event that Jesus is referring to is identified as the Rapture of the Church which, according to many Bible scholars, is at the beginning of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. In spite of being one of the most climactic events in world history, the word “Rapture” isn’t in the Bible, but the concept is. The word comes from a Greek word that literally means “to snatch out” or to “seize.” However, the English word “rapture” is derived from the Latin verb, rapturo, which also means to be “snatched” or “caught up.” It refers to the day that Jesus was talking about in today’s Bible verse; that is, when he returns to take all his true followers to be with him in Heaven, and together be with him forever.

Jesus made this promise to his disciples and followers prior to his crucifixion and resurrection. At the Rapture Jesus doesn’t actually plant his feet on earth at this point of time, but comes in the clouds to call or “snatch” up his people to meet him in the air. Also, according to many Bible scholars, approximately seven years after the Rapture, Jesus will come back to earth via the Mount of Olives in Israel to put down all evil forever.

As the Bible further explains, “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we [Christians] who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.”²

The Apostle Paul also wrote in the Bible, “What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever. But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’”³

As mentioned earlier, this will be one of the most climactic events the world has ever experienced. Can you even begin to imagine what it will be like when millions of graves will be opened, the bodies of dead Christians will arise, be immediately changed, and together with them all the millions of living Christians will be snatched up from the earth to meet the Lord in the air and transported to Heaven. Thousands of cars will be left on highways driverless. Pilots will be snatched from airplanes. Doctors and nurses will be caught up out of hospitals. School teachers will vanish—as will many students. This chaos will happen worldwide.

Jesus also said about the Rapture, “I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.”⁴ This indicates that this event will happen worldwide simultaneously as in some parts of the world it will be daytime and other parts nighttime.

Furthermore the Bible predicted 2,000 years ago that every eye would see Christ’s return. In the last book of the Bible Jesus’ disciple, John, prophesied: “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.”⁵ “Every eye” seeing him will be made possible worldwide in today’s world via satellite, television, and the revolutionary electronic media.

I wonder how those in the news media who are left behind will rationalize the millions of people missing. I’d love to know what they will come up with but don’t plan to be around to find out.

For today, I urge you to make sure that you are ready for this dramatic and climactic event. Of one thing we can be absolutely certain and that is this: just as Christ’s first coming, predicted in the Bible hundreds of years prior to his birth in Bethlehem, is a fact of history, so also will be his return. And as Jesus said, he will come when people least expect it.⁶

Note, too, that when the trumpet of God sounds, Christ’s return—the Rapture—will be as sudden as a flash of lightning. As Jesus described it, “For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man comes.⁷ It will be too late then to make preparations for Christ’s return.

If the Rapture should happen today, would you be ready to meet the Lord in the air? To make absolute certain that you are ready, be sure to read the article, “How to Be Sure You’re a Real Christian” at: www.actsweb.org/christian. Don’t delay. Be sure to do this today.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you for your promise that Jesus Christ is coming back to earth to take all his true followers to be with him in Heaven forever. Please help me to be absolutely certain that I am ready for his coming. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

Note: In our next Daily Encounter, “After the Rapture, What?” we will answer the question: “What happens after the Rapture both in Heaven and back here on earth?” Click HERE for this article.

1. John 14:1-3 (NKJV).

2. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NLT).

3. 1 Corinthians 15:50-55 (NLT).

4. Luke 17:34-35 (NIV).

5. Revelation 1:7 (NIV).

6. Matthew 24:44.

7. Matthew 24: 27 (NLT).

Note: While Bible scholars differ regarding the actual timing of end time events, the important issue is that we are ready for Christ’s return for he is coming on a day when he is least expected. See Matthew 24:44 (NIV).