1. The Future of the Church Part 2
Ecclesiology
The Future of the Church
Part 2

2. Immediate Prospects
As faithful, conscientious believers find themselves increasingly marginalized, not only by the culture but also by a compromised Christianity, the characteristics of a remnant movement will become increasingly apparent. Biblical Christianity has always been about the remnant.

3. Every true revival has been a “back to the Bible” movement.

4. Revival is always a possibility if we understand that true revival is not the byproduct of concentrated human effort.

5. There is no indication of an end-time revival in the church in Scripture. As previously referenced the final period of church history (the Laodicean Period), pictures Christ outside the church seeking entrance.
This does not mean that there will not be pockets of spiritual fidelity. The remnant will be the critical witness of truth. Satan is far more conscious of the times than men are. (Revelation 12:12) He is the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4) he will utilize the world to bring to bear significant pressure upon the remnant.

6. Truth has always been persecuted! (2 Tim. 3:10-13)

7. It is naïve to think that those who have compromised with the culture will rise to the challenge posed by persecution. If they are willing compromise the truth for success, they will capitulate for the sake of survival! For too long, believers have looked for hope in the ballot box, in political activism, and far too often compromise of principle for the sake of assumed “clout.”

8. Eternal Reality
The hope of the church corporately and of every believer individually is the second coming of Christ in the Rapture. The church can maintain its position of fidelity to the truth confident that better days lie ahead. This is called the blessed hope. (Tit. 2:11-14) The expectation of the return of Christ for the church fuels all of our endeavors, and allows the saints to continue with the patience of hope.

9. The Rapture is exhilarating.

10. The Judgment Seat of Christ which follows is sobering
The Judgment Seat of Christ which follows is sobering. We are accountable to the Savior for obedient function in the church. We will be judged individually according to the degree of our obedience. (Rom. 14:12; 1 Cor. 3:11-15) This is a judgment of works, not a judgment of salvation. Salvation was settled at Calvary. Our works will be judged as to reward.

11. That we will all be surprised is self-evident
That we will all be surprised is self-evident. We are very adept at deceiving ourselves about the true nature of our spiritual condition. By the same token we shall be surprised to find out that the efforts we thought to be pointless, in the light of eternity will prove to be most rewarding.

12. It should be observed that we will have received new bodies with wonderful capacities with which to more adequately praise and serve God. (1 Thes. 4:13-16) The prospects are truly amazing. Not only will the saints be with Christ forever, we will also enjoy unspeakable blessings. (Eph. 1:9-12; 2:7)

13. Forever with the Lord Means
We will be with the Lord in heaven during the awful Tribulation transpiring on the earth.
We will be with the Lord in His Triumphal return at the end of the Tribulation (Matthew 25:1-13; Revelation 19:11-16).
We will be with the Lord means that we will reign with Christ during the Millennium (Revelation 5:10; 20:6).
We will reign with Christ in the New Jerusalem forever (Revelation 22:1-5).