Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - Making Sure You're Not Left Behind (Part 2)

April 16, 2026 | 27:29

Pathway to Victory provides practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through clear, Biblical teaching.

#Victory #Revelation #EndTimes #Prophecy #Rapture #Bible #Pastors #WalkwithGod #TrustGod #RobertJeffress

Closed captions

Show Timecode

Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Making Sure You're Not Left Behind (Part 2) | April 16, 2026

...
00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:00.356
Announcer: join us on the "pathway to victory" cruise to
00:00:00.857 --> 00:00:01.858
Alaska, june 13 through 20, 2026.
00:00:03.193 --> 00:00:06.930
Jeffress: let me paint a picture for you.
00:00:06.930 --> 00:00:08.765
You're standing on the deck of a beautiful cruise ship, coffee in
00:00:08.765 --> 00:00:12.602
Hand, watching a glacier calve into the pristine waters while
00:00:12.602 --> 00:00:17.073
Bald eagles circle overhead.
00:00:17.073 --> 00:00:19.776
That's going to be us this coming june.
00:00:19.776 --> 00:00:22.479
You've got to see alaska with your own eyes to believe it.
00:00:22.479 --> 00:00:26.116
Announcer: seven days of pure luxury where every meal is
00:00:26.116 --> 00:00:29.252
Prepared for you.
00:00:29.252 --> 00:00:30.587
The world-class service means you never have to think about
00:00:30.587 --> 00:00:33.189
The details.
00:00:33.189 --> 00:00:34.557
Instead, you can focus on casual conversations with like-minded
00:00:34.557 --> 00:00:38.194
Christians, laughing, telling stories, while surrounded by
00:00:38.194 --> 00:00:42.031
God's breathtaking creation.
00:00:42.031 --> 00:00:44.100
Jeffress: this is purposeful travel at its finest, refreshing
00:00:44.100 --> 00:00:48.004
Your soul in god's stunning cathedral of natural wonders.
00:00:48.004 --> 00:00:52.408
Announcer: call...
00:00:53.042 --> 00:00:56.379
Or visit ptv.org.
00:00:56.379 --> 00:00:58.481
♪♪♪
00:01:00.116 --> 00:01:06.489
Male announcer: from the pulpit of the first baptist
00:01:06.489 --> 00:01:08.224
Church of dallas, texas,
00:01:08.224 --> 00:01:10.160
This is "pathway to victory" with dr. robert jeffress.
00:01:10.160 --> 00:01:14.697
Dr. robert jeffress: hi, i'm robert jeffress and welcome
00:01:14.697 --> 00:01:16.666
Again to "pathway to victory."
00:01:16.666 --> 00:01:18.968
For thousands of years, christians have wondered, is the
00:01:18.968 --> 00:01:22.038
Great tribulation an event we need to fear?
00:01:22.038 --> 00:01:25.241
And furthermore, what will it be like?
00:01:25.241 --> 00:01:27.644
Will we be snatched away in the blink of an eye before the
00:01:27.644 --> 00:01:30.847
Tribulation begins?
00:01:30.847 --> 00:01:32.515
Well, the question of whether god's people will be gathered
00:01:32.515 --> 00:01:35.919
Pre-, mid-, or post-tribulation is one of the most hotly debated
00:01:35.919 --> 00:01:39.923
Topics in christian circles.
00:01:39.923 --> 00:01:42.292
And today i'm going to present convincing biblical evidence
00:01:42.292 --> 00:01:46.029
That the rapture of the church will precede the tribulation.
00:01:46.029 --> 00:01:50.200
My message is titled "making sure you're not left behind" on
00:01:50.200 --> 00:01:54.604
Today's edition of "pathway to victory."
00:01:54.604 --> 00:01:58.641
♪♪♪
00:01:58.641 --> 00:02:19.862
♪ it's not conservative or liberal. ♪
00:02:08.651 --> 00:02:24.434
♪ however their defined. ♪
00:02:24.434 --> 00:02:28.071
♪ it's not about interpretation. ♪
00:02:28.071 --> 00:02:31.841
♪ or the judgment of the mind. ♪
00:02:31.841 --> 00:02:35.645
♪ it's the opposite of politics. ♪
00:02:35.645 --> 00:02:39.515
♪ power or prestige. ♪
00:02:39.515 --> 00:02:43.086
♪ it's about a simple message. ♪
00:02:43.086 --> 00:02:47.023
♪ and whether we believe. ♪
00:02:47.023 --> 00:02:51.661
♪ it's still the cross. ♪
00:02:51.661 --> 00:02:55.231
♪ it's still the blood of calvary. ♪
00:02:55.231 --> 00:02:59.369
♪ that cleanses sin. ♪
00:02:59.369 --> 00:03:03.806
♪ and sets the captives free. ♪
00:03:03.806 --> 00:03:06.676
♪ it's still the name. ♪
00:03:06.676 --> 00:03:10.813
♪ the name of jesus. ♪
00:03:10.813 --> 00:03:12.949
♪ that has power to save the lost. ♪
00:03:12.949 --> 00:03:17.787
♪ it's still the cross. ♪
00:03:17.787 --> 00:03:23.026
♪ though some may say it's man's religion. ♪
00:03:23.026 --> 00:03:26.195
♪ or ancient history. ♪
00:03:26.195 --> 00:03:30.233
♪ the cross of jesus still remains. ♪
00:03:30.233 --> 00:03:33.903
♪ the price for sin that sets us free. ♪
00:03:33.903 --> 00:03:41.044
♪ it's still the cross. ♪
00:03:41.044 --> 00:03:44.547
♪ it's still the blood of calvary. ♪
00:03:44.547 --> 00:03:48.484
♪ that cleanses sin. ♪
00:03:48.484 --> 00:03:52.555
♪ and sets the captives free. ♪
00:03:52.555 --> 00:03:55.658
♪ it's still the name. ♪
00:03:55.658 --> 00:03:59.562
♪ the name of jesus. ♪
00:03:59.562 --> 00:04:02.198
♪ that has power to save the lost. ♪
00:04:02.198 --> 00:04:07.070
♪ it's still the cross. ♪
00:04:07.070 --> 00:04:15.611
♪ it's the cross. ♪
00:04:15.611 --> 00:04:17.347
♪ the cross. ♪
00:04:17.347 --> 00:04:22.785
♪ thank god for the cross. ♪
00:04:22.785 --> 00:04:34.831
♪ hallelujah. ♪♪
00:04:32.729 --> 00:04:36.332
Male announcer: wars, natural disasters, global instability.
00:04:37.667 --> 00:04:41.437
Many people look at the headlines and wonder if we're
00:04:41.437 --> 00:04:44.073
Living in the end times.
00:04:44.073 --> 00:04:45.675
In his brand new book, "ask dr. jeffress about the end times,"
00:04:45.675 --> 00:04:49.746
Dr. robert jeffress provides clear, biblical answers to the
00:04:49.746 --> 00:04:53.015
20 questions people ask most about the future.
00:04:53.015 --> 00:04:56.452
Request "ask dr. jeffress about the end times" when you
00:05:00.623 --> 00:05:04.093
Give a generous ministry gift to pathway to victory.
00:05:04.093 --> 00:05:07.630
♪♪♪
00:05:07.630 --> 00:05:14.003
Jeffress: if the church is present during these first
00:05:14.003 --> 00:05:16.506
Judgments in revelation 6, why is there no mention of the
00:05:16.506 --> 00:05:19.909
Church in revelation 6?
00:05:19.909 --> 00:05:21.611
You find them before then.
00:05:21.611 --> 00:05:23.212
You find them in revelation 19, but there's no mention of the
00:05:23.212 --> 00:05:25.915
Church in revelation 6.
00:05:25.915 --> 00:05:28.117
And finally, as we'll see next time,
00:05:28.117 --> 00:05:29.719
Daniel 9 and other passages of scripture treat the tribulation
00:05:29.719 --> 00:05:33.222
Not as just three and half years but an entire seven
00:05:33.222 --> 00:05:36.459
Year period of time.
00:05:36.459 --> 00:05:38.027
And if we are here during any part of that,
00:05:38.027 --> 00:05:41.230
It means we have to suffer the wrath of god,
00:05:41.230 --> 00:05:43.766
Which we've been delivered from.
00:05:43.766 --> 00:05:45.835
Now, the third view is the one i presented to you, and
00:05:45.835 --> 00:05:48.838
That's the pre-tribulation rapture view.
00:05:48.838 --> 00:05:51.174
And that is, the rapture will occur before the beginning of
00:05:51.174 --> 00:05:55.812
The seven-year tribulation.
00:05:55.812 --> 00:05:57.880
I heard somebody say one time, "well, i don't know which view
00:05:57.880 --> 00:06:00.283
Is correct, pre-, post-, or mid-, but i'll just as soon be
00:06:00.283 --> 00:06:04.120
On the first flight going out of here."
00:06:04.120 --> 00:06:07.223
Well, i would too.
00:06:07.223 --> 00:06:08.658
I don't only hope, i plan on being on the first flight out
00:06:08.658 --> 00:06:11.761
Of here.
00:06:11.761 --> 00:06:13.129
And there's a good reason to believe that we who are
00:06:13.129 --> 00:06:14.897
Believers will.
00:06:14.897 --> 00:06:16.232
Let me share with you--there are many reasons i could share with
00:06:16.232 --> 00:06:19.135
You, but let me share with you why i am absolutely convinced
00:06:19.135 --> 00:06:23.239
That the church is not going to be left behind for the great
00:06:23.239 --> 00:06:26.375
Tribulation, why we are gonna be spared, not only the wrath of
00:06:26.375 --> 00:06:29.812
Antichrist, but the wrath of god.
00:06:29.812 --> 00:06:31.781
Four quick reasons.
00:06:31.781 --> 00:06:33.115
Number one, the purpose of the tribulation, the purpose of
00:06:33.115 --> 00:06:37.186
The tribulation.
00:06:37.186 --> 00:06:38.521
What is the purpose of these final seven years of judgment on
00:06:38.521 --> 00:06:41.924
The earth?
00:06:41.924 --> 00:06:43.259
The scripture says, first of all, the salvation of israel, as
00:06:43.259 --> 00:06:46.662
Well as gentiles.
00:06:46.662 --> 00:06:47.997
Revelation 7 says there will be a multitude of people saved
00:06:47.997 --> 00:06:51.334
During the tribulation.
00:06:51.334 --> 00:06:52.668
It's their one last chance to be saved.
00:06:52.668 --> 00:06:54.971
God is a merciful god.
00:06:54.971 --> 00:06:56.372
He doesn't wish anyone to perish.
00:06:56.372 --> 00:06:58.107
This is a final opportunity for israel, as well as gentiles,
00:06:58.107 --> 00:07:02.011
To be saved.
00:07:02.011 --> 00:07:03.346
Number two, the condemnation of unbelievers.
00:07:03.346 --> 00:07:06.082
This is god's pouring out his wrath upon the earth.
00:07:06.082 --> 00:07:10.052
Now, the fact is, neither purpose applies to the church.
00:07:10.052 --> 00:07:14.223
We who are christians do not need salvation, we've already
00:07:14.223 --> 00:07:18.728
Experienced it through jesus christ, and we certainly
00:07:18.728 --> 00:07:21.898
Don't need god's condemnation.
00:07:21.898 --> 00:07:23.566
The bible has promised that we would be spared from that.
00:07:23.566 --> 00:07:26.669
So, there is no reason for the church to be here during these
00:07:26.669 --> 00:07:30.206
Final seven years every tuesday, we have at, our church, our
00:07:30.206 --> 00:07:34.710
Weekly staff meeting that walter and i conduct.
00:07:34.710 --> 00:07:38.214
And during that time, we go over issues that apply to the staff
00:07:38.214 --> 00:07:42.184
As a whole.
00:07:42.184 --> 00:07:43.553
Now, if there is a particular staff member who is doing
00:07:43.553 --> 00:07:48.024
Something that needs to be addressed, you know, it's
00:07:48.024 --> 00:07:51.494
Tempting to just go ahead and ball out the whole group and
00:07:51.494 --> 00:07:54.630
Hope it applies to whoever needs to listen to it.
00:07:54.630 --> 00:07:57.733
But, you know, that is not an effective way to deal with
00:07:57.733 --> 00:08:01.203
Problems on your staff.
00:08:01.203 --> 00:08:02.939
First of all, it's a waste of time to talk to the whole group
00:08:02.939 --> 00:08:05.474
About a problem that you could talk with one individual about,
00:08:05.474 --> 00:08:08.144
But it's also terribly demoralizing for an entire staff
00:08:08.144 --> 00:08:12.415
To have to listen to a gripe out session when it only applies to
00:08:12.415 --> 00:08:16.052
One individual.
00:08:16.052 --> 00:08:17.386
The more effective thing, not to mention, the more christian
00:08:17.386 --> 00:08:19.689
Thing, is to deal with that person who needs
00:08:19.689 --> 00:08:22.191
Correction individually.
00:08:22.191 --> 00:08:24.794
The tribulation is a time of god's correction of israel and
00:08:24.794 --> 00:08:30.499
God's wrath against unbelievers.
00:08:30.499 --> 00:08:32.868
Neither of those purposes applies to the church, which is
00:08:32.868 --> 00:08:36.539
One reason i'm convinced the church will not be here.
00:08:36.539 --> 00:08:39.075
Secondly, why am i convinced the church will not be left behind
00:08:39.075 --> 00:08:42.578
For the tribulation?
00:08:42.578 --> 00:08:43.913
The lack of reference to the church in revelation 6
00:08:43.913 --> 00:08:47.116
Through 18.
00:08:47.116 --> 00:08:48.584
When you study the book of revelation, the church is
00:08:48.584 --> 00:08:51.420
Prominent in chapters 1 to 5 and the church is prominent again
00:08:51.420 --> 00:08:56.425
Starting in chapter 19 when christ returns and we return
00:08:56.425 --> 00:08:59.729
With him.
00:08:59.729 --> 00:09:01.063
But in chapter 6 through 8 that describe these seven years of
00:09:01.063 --> 00:09:04.734
Horrific persecutions, not once did you find the
00:09:04.734 --> 00:09:08.871
Church mentioned.
00:09:08.871 --> 00:09:10.339
Isn't that interesting?
00:09:10.339 --> 00:09:11.707
No mention of the church, the bride of christ, in revelation 6
00:09:11.707 --> 00:09:16.078
To 18.
00:09:16.078 --> 00:09:17.413
Why is that?
00:09:17.413 --> 00:09:18.781
Is because the church isn't here.
00:09:18.781 --> 00:09:20.116
We're in heaven.
00:09:20.116 --> 00:09:21.484
It's unbelievers who have been left on the earth.
00:09:21.484 --> 00:09:23.552
And as i said, many will be saved during that time under
00:09:23.552 --> 00:09:26.656
Great persecution, but the church, the bride of christ,
00:09:26.656 --> 00:09:29.959
Will not be there.
00:09:29.959 --> 00:09:31.293
Number three, why do i believe the church won't be left behind?
00:09:31.293 --> 00:09:34.096
Because of the teaching of revelation 3, verse 10.
00:09:34.096 --> 00:09:37.366
Turn over to revelation chapter 3, verse 10.
00:09:37.366 --> 00:09:40.703
Remember, the book of revelation, though applicable to
00:09:40.703 --> 00:09:44.340
All of us, was written, and originally, to seven specific
00:09:44.340 --> 00:09:48.778
Churches in asia minor, the church of sardis, and laodicea,
00:09:48.778 --> 00:09:54.116
And philadelphia, and ephesus, and so on.
00:09:54.116 --> 00:09:56.786
These were real churches that existed.
00:09:56.786 --> 00:09:59.155
Some of us have been to visit the remains of those churches.
00:09:59.155 --> 00:10:02.124
These were real congregations.
00:10:02.124 --> 00:10:04.193
But even though they were literal churches, people
00:10:04.193 --> 00:10:07.296
Believed that parts of the message to these churches
00:10:07.296 --> 00:10:10.499
Extended beyond the present situation into
00:10:10.499 --> 00:10:14.070
Future generations.
00:10:14.070 --> 00:10:15.471
And that's true in revelation chapter 3.
00:10:15.471 --> 00:10:18.040
God's addressing the church at philadelphia, not pennsylvania,
00:10:18.040 --> 00:10:22.845
But philadelphia in asia minor.
00:10:22.845 --> 00:10:24.213
And he wrote to those christians there.
00:10:24.213 --> 00:10:26.716
But when you get to verse 10, it's obvious the message is
00:10:26.716 --> 00:10:29.785
Expanding beyond the church of philadelphia to a future church.
00:10:29.785 --> 00:10:33.923
Look at verse 10.
00:10:33.923 --> 00:10:35.291
"because you have kept the word of my perseverance," the angel
00:10:35.291 --> 00:10:39.328
Said, "i will also keep you from the hour of testing, that hour
00:10:39.328 --> 00:10:45.768
Which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who
00:10:45.768 --> 00:10:50.673
Dwell upon the earth."
00:10:50.673 --> 00:10:52.374
God said to the church of philadelphia, "there is a time
00:10:52.374 --> 00:10:56.011
Of worldwide testing that i am going to save you from."
00:10:56.011 --> 00:11:01.250
Now, there was not worldwide testing during the time of the
00:11:01.250 --> 00:11:04.754
Church of philadelphia.
00:11:04.754 --> 00:11:06.088
He is talking about a future time, i believe the great
00:11:06.088 --> 00:11:09.091
Tribulation, and he is saying, not just to the church of
00:11:09.091 --> 00:11:11.761
Philadelphia, but to all christians who are living in
00:11:11.761 --> 00:11:14.897
That age right before the tribulation, "i am going to
00:11:14.897 --> 00:11:18.167
Spare you from that time."
00:11:18.167 --> 00:11:20.102
That word "from," that's our english word, the greek word is
00:11:20.102 --> 00:11:23.539
The preposition "ek."
00:11:23.539 --> 00:11:25.307
"i will also keep you out of the hour of testing that is about to
00:11:25.307 --> 00:11:31.147
Come upon the earth."
00:11:31.147 --> 00:11:32.515
We have been delivered, not just from all testing, but from the
00:11:32.515 --> 00:11:36.752
Testing, the persecution that comes from god.
00:11:36.752 --> 00:11:40.055
And finally, and perhaps most importantly, the reason i'm
00:11:40.055 --> 00:11:43.492
Absolutely convinced we will not experience the great tribulation
00:11:43.492 --> 00:11:47.296
Is because of the promise of god that believers will be spared
00:11:47.296 --> 00:11:53.135
His condemnation.
00:11:53.135 --> 00:11:54.703
The promise of god that believers, christians, will be
00:11:54.703 --> 00:11:58.407
Spared god's condemnation.
00:11:58.407 --> 00:12:01.143
This week, i received a four page email from a listener, not
00:12:01.143 --> 00:12:05.648
A member of our church, but a listener to our radio program,
00:12:05.648 --> 00:12:08.217
Telling me why everything i believe about bible prophecy
00:12:08.217 --> 00:12:10.886
Is wrong.
00:12:10.886 --> 00:12:12.254
And he got to the part about the tribulation and, basically, he
00:12:12.254 --> 00:12:16.325
Said, "how could you be so ignorant to believe that the
00:12:16.325 --> 00:12:19.728
Church is not gonna go through a time of tribulation?
00:12:19.728 --> 00:12:22.498
Why, just wake up and look at what's happening
00:12:22.498 --> 00:12:24.700
Around the world.
00:12:24.700 --> 00:12:26.035
Christians everywhere are suffering right now.
00:12:26.035 --> 00:12:28.204
They've always suffered.
00:12:28.204 --> 00:12:29.572
Why do you believe christians won't go through the
00:12:29.572 --> 00:12:32.107
Great tribulation?"
00:12:32.107 --> 00:12:33.509
Well, it's true.
00:12:33.509 --> 00:12:34.877
In john 16:33 jesus said, "in this world you will have," what?
00:12:34.877 --> 00:12:41.016
Tribulation.
00:12:41.016 --> 00:12:43.118
Jesus said every follower of christ in every generation is
00:12:43.118 --> 00:12:48.324
Gonna suffer problems.
00:12:48.324 --> 00:12:50.259
That tribulation, that problem, part of it is just the
00:12:50.259 --> 00:12:54.063
Difficulty of living in a fallen world.
00:12:54.063 --> 00:12:57.266
Because we live in a fallen world, we suffer everything from
00:12:57.266 --> 00:13:00.870
Broken relationships to broken health.
00:13:00.870 --> 00:13:03.939
We have personal problems because we live in this sin
00:13:03.939 --> 00:13:07.042
Infested world.
00:13:07.042 --> 00:13:08.711
Not only that, i think jesus, when he said, "you're gonna have
00:13:08.711 --> 00:13:11.013
Tribulation," was talking about the persecution that every
00:13:11.013 --> 00:13:14.316
Follower of christ is going to endure for his faith.
00:13:14.316 --> 00:13:17.686
Certainly, jesus followers experienced it.
00:13:17.686 --> 00:13:20.456
All of the apostles except one were martyred for their faith.
00:13:20.456 --> 00:13:24.260
Listen to this description of what happened to the 1st century
00:13:24.260 --> 00:13:27.129
Christians who were christ followers.
00:13:27.129 --> 00:13:29.498
Hebrews 11, verses 37 to 38 says, "they were stoned, they
00:13:29.498 --> 00:13:34.136
Sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the
00:13:34.136 --> 00:13:37.773
Sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being
00:13:37.773 --> 00:13:41.210
Destitute, afflicted, and ill treated (men of whom the world
00:13:41.210 --> 00:13:44.880
Was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves
00:13:44.880 --> 00:13:48.884
And holes in the ground."
00:13:48.884 --> 00:13:51.086
That was the 1st century church, and ladies and gentlemen, the
00:13:51.086 --> 00:13:54.890
21st century church around the world isn't doing much better.
00:13:54.890 --> 00:13:59.628
Christians everywhere are being persecuted because of
00:13:59.628 --> 00:14:03.432
Their faith.
00:14:03.432 --> 00:14:04.767
For example, we're broadcasting now and hearing good reports
00:14:04.767 --> 00:14:08.504
About our ministry in china.
00:14:08.504 --> 00:14:10.839
Do you realize that thousands of chinese christians are being
00:14:10.839 --> 00:14:15.144
Taken to detention prisons, work camps, in order to go through
00:14:15.144 --> 00:14:20.149
A reeducation program because of their faith?
00:14:20.149 --> 00:14:24.053
We see our christian brothers in africa and egypt and other parts
00:14:24.053 --> 00:14:28.157
Of the middle east who are being slaughtered because of their
00:14:28.157 --> 00:14:30.993
Faith in god.
00:14:30.993 --> 00:14:32.328
That's the kind of suffering and persecution that is going on in
00:14:32.328 --> 00:14:36.165
The world right now against christians.
00:14:36.165 --> 00:14:39.168
And we, as a church, ought to be speaking up and out against it.
00:14:39.168 --> 00:14:43.105
We ought to, together as christians, say,
00:14:43.105 --> 00:14:45.674
"this cannot stand."
00:14:45.674 --> 00:14:48.177
[congregation applauding]
00:14:48.177 --> 00:14:50.980
Well, let me tell you, what's happening right now, and has
00:14:50.980 --> 00:14:55.317
Happened for 2000 years, is nothing compared to the horrific
00:14:55.317 --> 00:15:00.456
Things that are gonna happen during the great tribulation.
00:15:00.456 --> 00:15:04.360
The bible says there is going to be a time when not just man
00:15:04.360 --> 00:15:08.397
Pours out his wrath upon man, but god, for the first time
00:15:08.397 --> 00:15:13.002
Since the flood, pours out his wrath upon the earth.
00:15:13.002 --> 00:15:17.339
That's what makes the tribulation different than any
00:15:17.339 --> 00:15:20.409
Other time in history.
00:15:20.409 --> 00:15:22.111
The tribulation will not just be man persecuting man, it will be
00:15:22.111 --> 00:15:26.882
God pouring out his wrath on mankind and, ladies and
00:15:26.882 --> 00:15:30.486
Gentlemen, you and i have been promised to be spared from
00:15:30.486 --> 00:15:33.022
That wrath.
00:15:33.022 --> 00:15:34.390
Romans 8:1 says, "there is therefore now no condemnation
00:15:34.390 --> 00:15:39.661
Awaiting those who belong to christ jesus."
00:15:39.661 --> 00:15:43.799
If you and i had to experience some future wrath of god, then
00:15:43.799 --> 00:15:49.571
It means the death of jesus christ was ineffective
00:15:49.571 --> 00:15:53.809
And absolutely unnecessary.
00:15:53.809 --> 00:15:56.545
The fact is, jesus, when he died on that cross, he took the wrath
00:15:56.545 --> 00:16:01.216
Of god that you and i deserve for our sins, and that's why we
00:16:01.216 --> 00:16:05.687
Have the promise that there is no condemnation awaiting us if
00:16:05.687 --> 00:16:09.691
We have trusted in christ jesus.
00:16:09.691 --> 00:16:12.027
I remember reading the story about a group of cowboys who
00:16:12.027 --> 00:16:15.297
Were out in the middle of nowhere and they found
00:16:15.297 --> 00:16:18.667
Themselves caught in a raging prairie fire.
00:16:18.667 --> 00:16:22.638
As the fire rapidly approached them, it became evident that no
00:16:22.638 --> 00:16:27.209
Escape was possible.
00:16:27.209 --> 00:16:29.178
Finally, one of the cowboys said, "quick, let's burn all of
00:16:29.178 --> 00:16:33.348
The ground around us.
00:16:33.348 --> 00:16:35.084
Let's just burn this ground around us."
00:16:35.084 --> 00:16:38.253
The other cowboys thought he was ludicrous.
00:16:38.253 --> 00:16:40.689
"why would we burn ground around us when the fire is already
00:16:40.689 --> 00:16:44.293
Approaching us?"
00:16:44.293 --> 00:16:46.128
And this man said, "because, the fire cannot come where it has
00:16:46.128 --> 00:16:51.600
Already been."
00:16:51.600 --> 00:16:53.836
The fire cannot come where it has already been.
00:16:53.836 --> 00:16:58.373
Ladies and gentlemen, the fire of god's wrath burned, it was
00:16:58.373 --> 00:17:03.645
Poured out, on jesus christ when he died on the cross.
00:17:03.645 --> 00:17:07.282
He by his own choice decided that he would take
00:17:07.282 --> 00:17:10.919
The punishment from god that you and i deserve.
00:17:10.919 --> 00:17:14.022
God's wrath was poured upon jesus christ, and we never have
00:17:14.022 --> 00:17:18.260
To fear that wrath if we trust in him.
00:17:18.260 --> 00:17:20.395
Why?
00:17:20.395 --> 00:17:21.763
Because the fire cannot come where it has already been.
00:17:21.763 --> 00:17:26.401
That story not only illustrates why we don't have to fear some
00:17:26.401 --> 00:17:30.405
Future wrath of god on the earth, but it also explains how
00:17:30.405 --> 00:17:34.810
We can escape, not the seven years of god's punishment, but
00:17:34.810 --> 00:17:39.348
An eternity of god's punishment that we all deserve for
00:17:39.348 --> 00:17:42.818
Our sins.
00:17:42.818 --> 00:17:44.386
Not long ago, i was being interviewed by a secular talk
00:17:44.386 --> 00:17:48.023
Show host who wasn't a believer.
00:17:48.023 --> 00:17:51.160
And he asked me the question, he said, "now, pastor, do you
00:17:51.160 --> 00:17:53.862
Believe we're living in the last days?
00:17:53.862 --> 00:17:55.797
I hear you talking a lot about the last days.
00:17:55.797 --> 00:17:57.866
Do you believe we're living in the last days?"
00:17:57.866 --> 00:17:59.968
He was kind of mocking me in good nature.
00:17:59.968 --> 00:18:02.237
I said, "well, i absolutely do.
00:18:02.237 --> 00:18:03.605
In fact, i'm certain that you and i are living in the
00:18:03.605 --> 00:18:06.175
Last days."
00:18:06.175 --> 00:18:07.509
He said, "well, how can you be so certain of that?"
00:18:07.509 --> 00:18:10.379
I said, "well, just think about it.
00:18:10.379 --> 00:18:12.314
You and i are both in our late 50s.
00:18:12.314 --> 00:18:15.517
Now, 20 to 40 years from now, one of two things are
00:18:15.517 --> 00:18:18.487
Gonna happen.
00:18:18.487 --> 00:18:19.855
Either we're going or he's coming, but soon we're gonna
00:18:19.855 --> 00:18:23.926
Meet him one way or the other."
00:18:23.926 --> 00:18:27.396
And that's true for every one of you here today.
00:18:27.396 --> 00:18:30.232
Most of you are living in your last days.
00:18:30.232 --> 00:18:34.336
It may be 10 years, 20 years, 30 years, 40 years, 50 years,
00:18:34.336 --> 00:18:39.074
But compared to eternity, it's a short amount of time that
00:18:39.074 --> 00:18:41.510
We have left before we face god.
00:18:41.510 --> 00:18:44.379
Either he's coming or we're going, but in a relatively short
00:18:44.379 --> 00:18:49.117
Amount of time you and i are gonna stand before god.
00:18:49.117 --> 00:18:51.687
Hebrews 9:27 says, "it is appointed unto every one of us
00:18:51.687 --> 00:18:55.924
Once to die and then the judgment."
00:18:55.924 --> 00:19:00.362
Every one of us in this room, everyone watching on television,
00:19:00.362 --> 00:19:03.365
We're all going to stand before god in judgment.
00:19:03.365 --> 00:19:06.368
And there's some people, say, "well, that's okay.
00:19:06.368 --> 00:19:08.570
That's okay, i'm not fearful about standing before
00:19:08.570 --> 00:19:10.606
God in judgment.
00:19:10.606 --> 00:19:11.940
I'm a pretty good person, actually.
00:19:11.940 --> 00:19:13.842
I'm not perfect, nobody is, but i'm sure better than those
00:19:13.842 --> 00:19:17.045
Islamic terrorists you talked about who certainly
00:19:17.045 --> 00:19:18.947
Deserve to go to hell.
00:19:18.947 --> 00:19:20.282
And i understand why they're going to hell, but i'm a
00:19:20.282 --> 00:19:22.384
Pretty good person.
00:19:22.384 --> 00:19:23.785
I don't have to fear about going to hell."
00:19:23.785 --> 00:19:25.687
See, our problem is, and we all do this, we judge ourselves
00:19:25.687 --> 00:19:30.959
Based on other people.
00:19:30.959 --> 00:19:32.294
We use other people as our standard of judgment.
00:19:32.294 --> 00:19:35.097
And we always like to find somebody who's worse than we are
00:19:35.097 --> 00:19:38.567
To compare ourselves to, and that way we feel pretty good
00:19:38.567 --> 00:19:41.169
About ourselves.
00:19:41.169 --> 00:19:43.338
But folks, god doesn't judge us according to our relative
00:19:43.338 --> 00:19:47.009
Righteousness compared to other people.
00:19:47.009 --> 00:19:48.910
He judges us compared to the righteousness of his son,
00:19:48.910 --> 00:19:52.781
The lord jesus christ.
00:19:52.781 --> 00:19:54.583
Jesus was perfect, god is a holy god, he demands
00:19:54.583 --> 00:19:58.520
Absolute perfection.
00:19:58.520 --> 00:20:01.223
And by that standard, we all fall short.
00:20:01.223 --> 00:20:04.826
The bible says in romans 3:23, "for all of us have sinned."
00:20:04.826 --> 00:20:09.698
You have, i have, the pope has, we've all sinned and we've all
00:20:09.698 --> 00:20:14.636
Fallen short of the glory of god.
00:20:14.636 --> 00:20:17.973
Now, here's the problem with our sin.
00:20:17.973 --> 00:20:20.509
Sin creates a debt that we owe god.
00:20:20.509 --> 00:20:23.178
Did you know that?
00:20:23.178 --> 00:20:25.047
God is a holy god and our sin--every time we sin against
00:20:25.047 --> 00:20:29.051
The holy god it increases our debt toward god, it increases
00:20:29.051 --> 00:20:34.323
How much we owe god every time we sin.
00:20:34.323 --> 00:20:37.259
Now, there's a day coming when you and i are gonna have our
00:20:37.259 --> 00:20:39.861
Loan called in.
00:20:39.861 --> 00:20:41.763
We're gonna stand before god and god's gonna look at that long
00:20:41.763 --> 00:20:45.133
List of indebtedness we all have for him because of sin after sin
00:20:45.133 --> 00:20:48.904
After sin.
00:20:48.904 --> 00:20:50.539
But god's a holy god, he just can't write it off and say, "oh,
00:20:50.539 --> 00:20:53.275
Well, just forget about it."
00:20:53.275 --> 00:20:54.609
His justice will not allow him to do it.
00:20:54.609 --> 00:20:56.411
He demands--he has to demand payment.
00:20:56.411 --> 00:20:59.981
And if you and i come before god at the day of our death with
00:20:59.981 --> 00:21:03.251
A long list of indebtedness to god, we will spend eternity
00:21:03.251 --> 00:21:06.955
Trying to pay off that debt, separated from him in hell
00:21:06.955 --> 00:21:10.392
Forever and ever and ever.
00:21:10.392 --> 00:21:14.229
Now, that's bad news, but that's the news that jesus told.
00:21:14.229 --> 00:21:17.332
That's what the bible tells about.
00:21:17.332 --> 00:21:18.667
You say, "well, i don't believe in hell."
00:21:18.667 --> 00:21:20.035
Well, then you have to call jesus a liar because jesus
00:21:20.035 --> 00:21:23.038
Talked more about hell than he did about heaven, and we all
00:21:23.038 --> 00:21:26.408
Deserve to go there because we all have a debt toward god.
00:21:26.408 --> 00:21:29.711
But here's the good news.
00:21:29.711 --> 00:21:32.347
God says, "i understand the predicament you're in.
00:21:32.347 --> 00:21:35.684
I know you're spiritually bankrupt and can't pay off this
00:21:35.684 --> 00:21:38.153
Debt, but i offer to pay it off for you.
00:21:38.153 --> 00:21:42.257
In fact, i'll pay your debt off early, if you'll let me do so,
00:21:42.257 --> 00:21:46.661
Before you die.
00:21:46.661 --> 00:21:49.097
I'll let your debt be paid off completely by what my son, the
00:21:49.097 --> 00:21:53.034
Lord jesus christ, did for you."
00:21:53.034 --> 00:21:55.070
You see, when jesus came to earth--the reason he came to
00:21:55.070 --> 00:21:59.174
Earth, he said himself, was to give his life as a ransom for
00:21:59.174 --> 00:22:02.110
Many, matthew 20:28.
00:22:02.110 --> 00:22:04.179
He didn't come just to be a good teacher, to be a good example,
00:22:04.179 --> 00:22:07.215
He didn't come to be a revolutionary.
00:22:07.215 --> 00:22:09.584
He came as a ransom for our sins.
00:22:09.584 --> 00:22:13.755
Jesus paid that sin debt for us.
00:22:13.755 --> 00:22:16.691
Now, don't miss this.
00:22:16.691 --> 00:22:18.360
The most important decision you ever make in life and eternity
00:22:18.360 --> 00:22:21.496
Is this.
00:22:21.496 --> 00:22:22.864
Who's gonna pay for your sin debt to god?
00:22:22.864 --> 00:22:26.201
Do you want to spend all eternity trying to pay off that
00:22:26.201 --> 00:22:28.670
Note, that loan, to god that we can never pay off?
00:22:28.670 --> 00:22:32.307
Or do you wanna accept god's offer to allow jesus to pay that
00:22:32.307 --> 00:22:35.477
Debt for you?
00:22:35.477 --> 00:22:37.279
If you wait until you die to stand before god and make that
00:22:37.279 --> 00:22:40.582
Decision, you've waited too long.
00:22:40.582 --> 00:22:43.785
It's a decision we have to make on this side of the grave.
00:22:43.785 --> 00:22:48.790
And hear me this morning, when you choose to allow jesus to pay
00:22:48.790 --> 00:22:52.694
That sin debt for you, you never have to fear the wrath of god
00:22:52.694 --> 00:22:57.299
During the tribulation and, more importantly, you never have
00:22:57.299 --> 00:23:00.469
To fear the wrath of god for eternity.
00:23:00.469 --> 00:23:03.004
Why is that?
00:23:03.004 --> 00:23:05.207
Because the fire cannot come where it's already been.
00:23:05.207 --> 00:23:09.444
♪♪♪
00:23:09.444 --> 00:23:14.583
Jeffress: isn't that a great truth to remember?
00:23:14.583 --> 00:23:17.452
The fire cannot come where it has already been.
00:23:17.452 --> 00:23:21.523
And i hope this becomes a motivation for you right now to
00:23:21.523 --> 00:23:25.293
Allow jesus to pay the debt for your sin.
00:23:25.293 --> 00:23:28.697
Well, we absolutely love hearing from our viewing family,
00:23:28.697 --> 00:23:32.501
Especially when you share how god's spirit is working in and
00:23:32.501 --> 00:23:36.071
Through your life.
00:23:36.071 --> 00:23:37.672
It truly makes our day because we create this program for that
00:23:37.672 --> 00:23:41.176
Very purpose.
00:23:41.176 --> 00:23:42.544
And if you're among those who support "pathway to victory,"
00:23:42.544 --> 00:23:45.580
Let me reinforce that you are truly making a difference.
00:23:45.580 --> 00:23:49.451
Not long ago, i heard from a grateful friend in pennsylvania
00:23:49.451 --> 00:23:52.921
Who said, "i grew up in foster homes until the age of 18.
00:23:52.921 --> 00:23:57.592
I spent my life angry at my mother...
00:23:57.592 --> 00:24:00.228
Until i heard you teach about forgiveness and its power.
00:24:00.228 --> 00:24:04.266
It changed everything for me.
00:24:04.266 --> 00:24:06.935
I will be forever grateful to god for that message
00:24:06.935 --> 00:24:10.038
And series!"
00:24:10.038 --> 00:24:11.373
Wow, isn't that tremendous?
00:24:11.373 --> 00:24:13.909
And i hope his comment encourages you, because when you
00:24:13.909 --> 00:24:17.379
Support "pathway to victory," you play a significant role in
00:24:17.379 --> 00:24:21.016
Bringing light into the darkness.
00:24:21.016 --> 00:24:23.485
Now, stay right there.
00:24:23.485 --> 00:24:24.853
I'll be back with more "pathway to victory" in just a moment.
00:24:24.853 --> 00:24:28.456
Announcer: with everything happening in our world today.
00:24:29.824 --> 00:24:32.727
It's natural to wonder, are we living in the end times?
00:24:32.727 --> 00:24:37.065
In his brand-new book "ask dr. jeffress about the end times,"
00:24:37.065 --> 00:24:41.169
Dr. robert jeffress answers the 20 questions people ask the
00:24:41.169 --> 00:24:44.573
Most about the future.
00:24:44.573 --> 00:24:45.974
Jeffress: in my 40+ years as a pastor, i've answered countless
00:24:45.974 --> 00:24:49.210
Questions about the end times, and that's why i wrote this
00:24:49.210 --> 00:24:53.048
Book, to give you clear, biblical answers that will fill
00:24:53.048 --> 00:24:56.851
Your life with peace, joy, and excitement as we look forward to
00:24:56.851 --> 00:25:00.922
Our lord's return.
00:25:00.922 --> 00:25:02.557
Announcer: request your copy of "ask dr. jeffress about the
00:25:02.557 --> 00:25:05.594
End times" when you give a generous gift to support
00:25:05.594 --> 00:25:08.697
"pathway to victory" or when you become a pathway partner.
00:25:08.697 --> 00:25:12.500
And when your ministry gift is $125 or more,
00:25:12.500 --> 00:25:16.538
You'll also receive dr. jeffress's bestselling book
00:25:16.538 --> 00:25:19.641
"perfect ending," also the stunning full-color resource
00:25:19.641 --> 00:25:23.311
"the end times illustrated," and the complete "perfect ending"
00:25:23.311 --> 00:25:26.848
Teaching series on both cd and dvd.
00:25:26.848 --> 00:25:29.918
Jeffress: the end-time events are going to be
00:25:29.918 --> 00:25:31.252
Very frightening.
00:25:31.252 --> 00:25:32.621
It's going to consist of economic turmoil.
00:25:32.621 --> 00:25:34.623
There'll be wars, there'll be unprecedented persecution.
00:25:34.623 --> 00:25:38.593
But fortunately christians don't have to fear that period
00:25:38.593 --> 00:25:41.630
Of time.
00:25:41.630 --> 00:25:42.964
Announcer: your generous support of "pathway to victory" helps us
00:25:42.964 --> 00:25:45.567
Proclaim the hope of christ's return through television,
00:25:45.567 --> 00:25:48.937
Radio, and online streaming to people across the country and
00:25:48.937 --> 00:25:52.741
Around the world.
00:25:52.741 --> 00:25:54.075
Together we're piercing the darkness with the light of
00:25:54.075 --> 00:25:56.945
God's word.
00:25:56.945 --> 00:25:58.313
Jeffress: we can't know when christ is coming back, but we
00:26:01.316 --> 00:26:04.786
Can be certain about the events that will lead up to his return.
00:26:04.786 --> 00:26:08.857
And god wants us to understand what those events are so that we
00:26:08.857 --> 00:26:12.994
Can live in anticipation of his return and do so without fear.
00:26:12.994 --> 00:26:18.466
Well, today i presented biblical evidence for the
00:26:18.466 --> 00:26:21.202
Rapture of the church.
00:26:21.202 --> 00:26:22.570
But while we're safe in heaven and away from the tribulation,
00:26:22.570 --> 00:26:26.174
What will take place during those final seven years here
00:26:26.174 --> 00:26:29.778
On earth?
00:26:29.778 --> 00:26:31.146
The bible describes the great tribulation as a period of
00:26:31.146 --> 00:26:34.315
Intense chaos during which the antichrist will have free reign
00:26:34.315 --> 00:26:38.787
To unleash his evil power.
00:26:38.787 --> 00:26:40.989
And next time, i'm going to share why i believe the
00:26:40.989 --> 00:26:44.159
Groundwork for the tribulation is already in the process of
00:26:44.159 --> 00:26:47.762
Being laid.
00:26:47.762 --> 00:26:49.130
Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next in our
00:26:49.130 --> 00:26:51.900
Series, "perfect ending."
00:26:51.900 --> 00:26:55.503
Jeffress: after the first three and a half years, antichrist is
00:26:55.503 --> 00:26:59.274
Gonna turn his back on israel, and through the final three and
00:26:59.274 --> 00:27:02.310
A half years, there will be a time of unprecedented
00:27:02.310 --> 00:27:05.213
Persecution against israel and against those who become
00:27:05.213 --> 00:27:09.250
Christians during the great tribulation.
00:27:09.250 --> 00:27:12.287
Male announcer: set your dvr and join us next time for the
00:27:12.287 --> 00:27:14.856
Message, "when all hell breaks loose," here on "pathway
00:27:14.856 --> 00:27:18.259
To victory."
00:27:18.259 --> 00:27:27.235

Robert Jeffress - Making Sure You're Not Left Behind (Part 2)

April 16, 2026 | 27:29

Closed captions

Share