FINISH YOUR RACE: THE HARPAZO & THE FINAL TRUMPET

A Blueprint for Salvation by Grace Through Faith Alone

The Urgent Message for All Mankind - The Bridegroom Comes!

THE SHOFAR SOUNDS

The Hebrew word “Harpazo” means to violently snatch away, to seize by force, to rescue from danger. The Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), known as “the feast where no one knows the day or hour” (Yom HaKeseh “The Hidden Day”), approaches. The shofar is about to sound. The King comes for His Bride.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 declares: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up [HARPAZO] together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.”

This is not mythology. This is not allegory. This is the promise of the Living God.

THE DEVASTATING TRUTH - WE ARE DEAD IN OUR SINS

The Reality of Total Depravity (Romans 7)

Before we can understand grace, we must understand our desperate condition. Romans 7:14-24 reveals Paul’s anguished cry that must become our own:

“For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate… For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not… Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?” Romans 7:14-24

The Greek word for “wretched” is talaiporos - meaning utterly miserable, distressed, wretched beyond measure. This is humanity’s true state.

The Universal Verdict

Romans 3:10-12: “There is none righteous, not even one; There is none who understands, There is none who seeks for God; All have turned aside, together they have become useless; There is none who does good, There is not even one.”

Isaiah 64:6: “All our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment” - The Hebrew here is “beged iddim” - literally “menstrual rags.” Our best efforts are offensive to God’s holiness.

Ephesians 2:1: “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins” - Not sick, not wounded, but NEKROS - a corpse, utterly dead.

Confessing our Desperate Need

Like the tax collector in Luke 18:13 who beat his chest saying, “God, be merciful to me, the sinner!” - using the definite article in Greek, meaning “THE sinner,” as if he were the only sinner in existence. This is true confession.

We cannot save ourselves. We cannot improve ourselves. We cannot religious-practice ourselves into God’s favor. We are drowning in an ocean of our own sin, and we cannot swim.

BEFORE TIME BEGAN - THE ETERNAL LOVE STORY

Chosen Before the Foundation

Ephesians 1:3-6 reveals the breathtaking truth:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who HAS BLESSED US with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenly places IN CHRIST, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world…” Ephesians 1:3-6

The Greek phrase “pro kataboles kosmou” means before the foundation/casting down of the world. Before Genesis 1:1, before time, before matter, before space - You were loved, chosen, and destined for glory.

2 Timothy 1:9: “Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity” - The Greek “pro chronon aionion” means “before eternal times” - a concept that breaks human comprehension.

The Lamb Slain Before Creation

Revelation 13:8 speaks of “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” The cross was not God’s emergency response to human failure. Your salvation was secured before you existed, before sin entered, before creation itself.

THE DIVINE EXCHANGE - RICH IN MERCY

When We Deserved Death, He Gave Life

Ephesians 2:4-7 contains two of the most powerful words in Scripture: “BUT GOD”:

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus…” Ephesians 2:4-7

The Greek word for “rich” is “plousios” - abundantly wealthy beyond measure. God is a billionaire in mercy when we are bankrupt in sin.

The Great Substitution

2 Corinthians 5:21: “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

This is the “Great Exchange” (Hebrew concept: Temurah):

- He took our sin → We receive His righteousness.
- He took our death → We receive His life.
- He took our curse → We receive His blessing.
- He took our judgment → We receive His mercy.

Isaiah 53:5: “But He was pierced through for our transgressions [Hebrew: pesha - willful rebellion], He was crushed for our iniquities [Hebrew: avon - twisted perversity]”

THE GOLDEN CHAIN THAT CANNOT BE BROKEN

Romans 8:28-30 - The Unbreakable Sequence

“For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son… and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, HE ALSO GLORIFIED” Romans 8:28-30

Notice: “Glorified” is in the aorist tense in Greek - past completed action. In God’s eternal perspective, your glorification is already accomplished!

This is the “ordo Salutis” (order of Salvation):

Foreknown - Not merely foreseen, but fore-loved with intimate knowledge.

Predestined - Marked out beforehand, horizoned in advance.

Called - The effectual, irresistible call that raises the dead.

Justified - Declared legally righteous.

Glorified - Already completed in God’s eternal now!

ONLY BELIEVE - THE SIMPLICITY THAT OFFENDS

The Thief’s Faith - No Time for Religion

Luke 23:39-43 - one thief mocked. one thief believed. The believing thief had:

- No baptism
- No communion
- No church membership
- No good works
- No time to prove his faith

He simply said: “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!”

Jesus replied: “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

The Greek word “Paradise” from the Persian “pairidaeza” meaning the King’s private garden. The thief went from a Roman cross to the King’s garden in one day through faith alone.

Faith: The Gift You Cannot Generate

Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

The Greek construction “and that” refers to the entire salvation package - grace, faith, all of it is God’s gift. You can’t even boast about your believing!

Philippians 1:29: “For to you it has been granted [Greek: echaristhe - graced as a gift] for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him…”

THE GOOD SHEPHERD WHO LOSES NONE

Double Security - The Father and Son’s Hands

John 10:27-30 - Jesus declares:

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; AND NO ONE WILL SNATCH (HARPAZO) THEM OUT OF MY HAND. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and NO ONE is able to SNATCH (HARPAZO) them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:27-30

The Greek double negative “ou me” in “will never perish” is the strongest possible negation - “never, no never, absolutely never!”

The Divine Guarantee

All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out… This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I LOSE NOTHING, but raise it up on the last day.” John 6:37-40

Jesus uses another emphatic double negative: “ou me ekbalo” - “I will never, no never cast out!”

THE MYSTERY REVEALED - CHRIST IN YOU

The Hidden Secret Now Unveiled

“The mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints… which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:26-27

The Greek word “mysterion” means a sacred secret now revealed. For ages, this was hidden: God Himself would dwell INSIDE believing Gentiles!

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…” Galatians 2:20

Perfect tense in Greek - “I have been and continue to be crucified.” Your old self is perpetually on the cross; Christ perpetually lives through you.

GLORIFIED BODIES FOR THE MILLENNIAL REIGN

The Transformation at the Harpazo

“Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet…” 1 Corinthians 15:51-53

The Greek “atomo” means an indivisible moment - faster than a nanosecond. “Rhipe” means the flicking of an eye. Instantaneous transformation!

What Are These Glorified Bodies?

“He will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory…” Philippians 3:20-21

The Greek “metaschematizo” means to change the essential form. We receive bodies like Jesus’ resurrection body:

- Can appear and disappear (Luke 24:31).

- Can pass through walls (John 20:19).

- Can be touched and eat food (Luke 24:39-43).

- Never decay, age, or die (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).

- Shine with glory (Matthew 13:43).

Reigning in the Millennium - The Seventh Day

“They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years… they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.” Revelation 20:4-6

The Millennium is God’s Sabbath - the seventh thousand-year “day” (2 Peter 3:8). In Hebrew thought:

- Days 1-6 (6,000 years): Man’s labor under sin.

- Day 7 (1,000 years): Rest under Messiah’s reign.

- Then: New Heaven and New Earth (Day 8 - new beginning).

“You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.” Revelation 5:10

We don’t float on clouds playing harps. We REIGN with Christ, governing the earth, teaching nations, administering perfect justice in glorified bodies that never tire!

THE FEAST OF TRUMPETS - THE DAY NONE KNOWS

Understanding Jewish Time

When Jesus said, “But of that day and hour no one knows” (Matthew 24:36), every Jewish listener understood He meant Rosh Hashanah. Here’s why:

Rosh Hashanah is unique:

- It’s the only feast beginning on a new moon.

- Requires two witnesses to spot the moon’s first sliver.

- Called “Yom HaKeseh” - The Hidden Day.

- Called “Yom Teruah” - Day of the Awakening Blast.

- Called “Yom HaDin” - Day of Judgment.

- Opens the “Ten Days of Awe” leading to Yom Kippur

The “last trumpet” (1 Corinthians 15:52) refers to the “Tekiah Gedolah” - the final, long blast of the shofar on Rosh Hashanah, distinguishing it from the “first trumpet” of Pentecost.

THE WEDDING INVITATION - COME!

The Jewish Wedding Pattern

Jesus used Jewish wedding customs His listeners understood:

Shiddukhin (Arrangement) - Father chooses bride for son (John 6:44).

Ketubah (Covenant) - Price paid, contract signed (1 Corinthians 6:20).

Eyrusin (Betrothal) - Legally married but living apart (2 Corinthians 11:2).

Nisuin (Homecoming) - Groom comes suddenly for bride (1 Thessalonians 5:2).

Chuppah (Wedding Chamber) - Seven-day celebration (Revelation 19:7-9).

We are in stage 3 - betrothed, waiting for the Bridegroom’s sudden arrival!

The Urgency of Now

“Behold, now is ‘THE ACCEPTABLE TIME,’ behold, now is ‘THE DAY OF SALVATION’” 2 Corinthians 6:2

The Greek “nun” means this very instant - not tomorrow, not later, NOW!

THE BLUEPRINT - HOW TO BE SAVED FOR THE HARPAZO

Step 1: HEAR THE TRUTH

Romans 10:17: “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”

You are hearing it now. God is speaking to your heart.

Step 2: ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR CONDITION

Pray honestly: “God, I confess I am a sinner. Nothing good dwells in me. I am totally unable to save myself. I deserve judgment. I need a Savior.”

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Step 3: BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART

“If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9-10

The Greek word “pisteuo” means to trust, rely upon, place your full weight on. Like sitting in a chair - you trust it completely with your weight.

Step 4: RECEIVE THE FREE GIFT

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12

Simply pray: “Lord Jesus, I receive You as my Lord and Savior. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I trust You alone for salvation. Thank You for saving me by Your grace.”

Step 5: REST IN HIS FINISHED WORK

John 19:30: Jesus said, “It is finished!” - Greek: “Tetelestai” - paid in full, completed, accomplished!

Nothing to add. Nothing to earn. Nothing to complete. REST in Him.

“For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works.” Hebrews 4:10

YOUR ETERNAL SECURITY - THE SEAL THAT CANNOT BE BROKEN

Sealed with the Spirit

“Having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance.” Ephesians 1:13-14

The Greek “sphragizo” means sealed with a signet ring - the King’s mark of ownership and protection. The Greek “arrabon” means engagement ring, down payment, guarantee.

Nothing Can Separate You

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Paul lists 10 things that cannot separate you - covering every possible dimension of existence!

You Are Already Seated in Heaven

“He raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:6

Past tense! Positionally, you are already there!

THE KING IS AT THE DOOR

The Final Invitation

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20

The King of Kings knocks gently. He who commands galaxies whispers to your heart. He who holds all power makes Himself vulnerable to your response.

“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.” Revelation 22:17

The Greek “dorean” means absolutely free, without cost, as a gift.

The Promise to Those Who Believe

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may KNOW that you have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13

Not hope, not wish, not wonder - KNOW!

The Blessed Hope

“Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.” Titus 2:13

The Greek “makarios elpis” - the happy, blessed expectation!

MARANATHA!

The Aramaic cry of the early church: “Maranatha!” - “Our Lord, come!”

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:20

If you have walked through this blueprint and believed, you are saved. You are secure. You are sealed. You are ready for the Harpazo.

The shofar is about to sound. The Bridegroom approaches. The midnight cry goes forth.

To those still hesitating: TODAY is the day of salvation. THIS MOMENT is your appointed time. The door of grace stands open, but it will not remain open forever.

“For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.” Matthew 24:44

Come to Jesus. only believe. The King comes for His Bride.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is thirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” - Revelation 22:17

YOU WHO HAVE BELIEVED - YOU ARE THE BRIDE. YOU ARE GOING HOME.

HALLELUJAH! PRAISE THE LAMB WHO WAS SLAIN AND LIVES FOREVERMORE!

Postscript: If you have prayed to receive Christ while reading this, you are now a child of God. Welcome to the family. The angels in heaven are rejoicing over you right now (Luke 15:10). IMMEDIATELY find a Bible-believing community of believers. Read God’s Word daily. Talk to your Father in prayer. And look up - your redemption draws near!