God, the Bible & Survivalism

[Conservative Wife & Mom]

This is a little lengthy, but well worth your time!

Survival 360 - Biblical Survivalism

There is an undeniable awakening around the globe. The culture of survivalism has grown from that of a few scattered individuals to countless blossoming communities in many corners of the world. What was once a fringe movement is quickly pooling to form a mainstream current.

The reason for this awakening is clear. With the information super highway comes the eye-opening realization that society is as fragile - more fragile - than it has ever been before. The rate and occurence of international conflicts are growing in frequency. National disasters have multiplied in both regularity and intensity over the past couple of decades. And despite massive advances in technology, food and water are growing more and more scarce around the globe.

Most Bible-believing Christians are now in agreement that the end of days is fast approaching. But what many Christians have not come to an agreement on is the value and propriety of survivalism. Some are stocking their pantries. Others have taken to scolding survivalists for a lack of faith - a faith that God will provide for His own. Still others have settled in complacency, apathy, and inaction.

But contrary to popular opinion, the Scriptures are not silent regarding preparation. A study in the scriptures reveals that survivalism is not inconsistent - or at least does not have to be inconsistent - with a Christ-centered life.

Joseph, the First Survivalist:

Thousands of years ago, before survival kits or crank radios or MREs, God inspired one man to store enough provisions to feed an entire nation for seven years. Most Christians are familiar with the story.

Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. Gaining the favor of his master (no less than an officer of the Pharaoh himself), he became the trusted overseer of all of his house. After he was unrighteously cast into prison, he was later summoned to interpret the dreams of the Pharaoh - dreams that signified the coming of seven years of famine.

But Joseph did more than just interpret the dreams. Genesis 41:35-36 recounts how he offered to Pharaoh a plan for survival for all the land:

35 "And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities."

36 "And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine."

It was through this plan, this preparation, that God worked to sustain not only His people, but all of the nations that looked to Joseph for help. Genesis 41:54-57 recall this quite clearly:

54 "And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all th eland of Egypt there was bread.

55 "And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians; Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.

56 "And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the store-houses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.

57 "And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.

It is clear here that Joseph's trust in God did not lead him to wait on sustenance. On the contrary, Joseph's trust in God led him to prepare. After all, we don't simply wait on God to bring us our food for tomorrow. We work, manage our money, and go out and buy food to fill our pantries. We do this because we have a reasonable expectation of what will happen if we do not.

With the same wisdom that led Joseph to sustain God's people through seven years of famine, we prepare to sustain our families, friends, and neighbors through any coming turbulence. And who knows? In the end, the seven years of famine in Egypt is but a picture of the coming seven years of tribulation.

Preparation in Proverbs:

Almost any real, Bible-believing Christian would agree that the Book of Proverbs is intended as a guidebook for Godly living; a resource for making wise and insightful choices. So wouldn't it logically follow that a believer should follow any of the book's advice regarding preparation? Here's a bit of what the authors had to say:

Proverbs 22:3

"A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences."

Proverbs 21:5

"Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty."

Proverbs 12:27

"The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious."

Proverbs 10:5

"He that gathereth in the summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame."

These passages are simple and quite clear. It is the prudent person who "takes precautions", who prepares. But it is the "simpleton" who goes on blindly.

Although we should always trust in God to provide, we must use the wisdom and revelation he has given us. Just as we work to provide food for today, we should work to provide food for tomorrow.

With the curse of Genesis 3, man incurred the responsibility for eating bread "by the sweat of thy face". If providing food for ourselves and our families is our God-ordained responsibility, why would we not also provide that food for the time of trial and tribulation which God promises will come to mankind?

Turn the other cheek, but don't turn your back:

As survivalists routinely prepare to defend themselves and their families, it is important to understand what the Bible says - and doesn't say - about self defense.

Many of those critical of survivalism mis-use Christ's admonition to "turn the other cheek" found in Matthew 5. Many feel that this command pertains to allowing others to rob, beat, rape, and kill you and your family - all without defending yourself. This is not likely what our Lord intended. Nor was he restricting the upholding of civil law or justice. Jesus was instead speaking of personal retribution or revenge.

Notice that in Matthew 5:38 Jesus says, "You have heard that it was said: 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth'." As in many of Christ's sermons, he was correcting the many heresies of the Pharisees. When looked at in historical context, the Pharisees had taken "an eye for an eye", which is intended for civil law, and were applying it to personal revenge. Remember, in Deuteronomy we are told that, "Vengence is mine, saith the Lord." What sort of testimony could a believer have if he goes around avenging himself every time he is wronged?

But at the same time, Christ was not preaching pacivisim. Scripture consistently upholds both defense of self and others. Psalms 82:3 commands us to "defend the poor and fatherless". David and his men defended themselves from Saul. They were faithful in their resistence to revenge against God's ordained king, but remember that David resisted when Saul sought to kill him. And remember when Abraham literally formed an armed posse to rescue his kidnapped nephew Lot? The list goes on and on.

Surprisingly to some, the New Testament also upholds the right to defense of self and others. The most profound mention follows Christ's talk with his disciples of his own crucifixion. Luke 22:35-36 recounts Jesus command: "And he said unto them, 'When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing?' And they said, nothing. Then he said unto them, 'But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. For I say unto you that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: FOR THE THINGS CONCERNING ME HAVE AN END'."

This profound statement at the end of this passage is often missed by many. Christ's willingness to allow others to destroy him physically was for a single Holy purpose. That purpose was fulfilled in Christ's death and resurrection. The things concerning Christ - the way he avoided any measure of defense for himself - had an end, or a purpose. That purpose was the fulfillment of prophecy.

Remember, Jesus commandment to "sell [your] garment and buy [a sword]" came before his rebuke of Peter for cutting the Roman guard's ear off. That rebuke was not because of self defense, but because Peter was standing against God's will to send His Son to die as a ransom for men.

"Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight." (Psalm 144:1)

"When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace." (Luke 11:21 RSV)

Survivalism - Wisdom not Fear:

Survivalism should be about making wise decisions based on scriptural teachings of things to come. The motive should not be fear or anxiety. Since we know that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow; we can expect Biblical accounts of God's provision to offer some insight into how we should respond to coming trials and tribulations.

With survivalism, wisdom is the motive, not fear. We can see this no clearer than when studying Hezekiah's response threats of invasion by neighboring nations. Hezekiah Chapter 18 demonstrates how Hezekiah responded unfaithfully to an impending Assyrian invasion in II Kings before repenting and trusting in God.

Although Hezekiah successfully led Judah into battle against the Phillistines to defend the people from a pagan nation, Hezekiah panicked when the Assyrain armies surrounded Judah. Hezekiah 18:15 reads, "And Hezekiah gave the [King of Assyria] all the silver that was found in the house of the Lord, and in the treasures of the king's house." Hezekiah even went so far as to cut off all the gold from the doors and pillars of the temple to give to the king of Assyria.

But this was not enough for the king of Assyria. He sent instead a message to those in Judah: Follow Hezekiah and die, or submit yourselves into slavery and live. Lacking faith in the Living God, Hezekiah panicked. Now he had given away all of the silver and gold of the kingdom, and would have to go to war against a superior army broke and penniless.

But Isaiah spoke to Hezekiah on behalf of God. God promised to send the Assyrians away into their own land by a rumor, and that the king would fall by his own sword in his own land. Straightaway, a rumor spread through the Assyrian camps that they were going to be attacked by the Ethiopians. The king of Assyrian returned to his own land just as God had promised Hezekiah. Then, while worshipping in the temple of his pagan god, the king of Assyria was smote "by the sword".

Preparation is wise, but it must not be accompanied by fear. Fear caused Hezekiah to give away all the riches of the kingdom, a mistake that almost cost him the land of Judah. Still, God was faithful. And so with us, fear will cause us to make decisions that are not based on Godly truth.

Preparation for the protection and sustainment of ourselves and our families does not - should not - be motivated by fear, but by Godly wisdom. Just as it did with Hezekiah, fear can only sap our strength and cause us to make bad decisions.

As Cory Tenboom once stated so accurately, "Anxiety will not remove the cares of tomorrow, but it will remove the strength for today.".

Survivalism: Provision, not Greed:

"Greater love hath no man than this, than a man lay down his life for his friends."

Survivalism is not, nor should it ever be, the preservation of self at the expense of others. But that is precisely the subtle difference between stocking and hoarding.

The wise and virtuous survivalist will be inspired by Godly wisdom to store for himself and loved ones, but will share as he is able. The hoarder cares only for himself, and although he may have excess food and water, he will maintain his stores while watching others suffer.

Proverbs 11:26 states, "He who withholds grain, the people will curse him, but blessing will be upon the head of him who sells it.".

Pre, Mid, or Post Tribulation Rapture???

Much of the debate between Christians on the topic of survivalism stems from another much older rift. Will Christians be raptured before, during, or after the tribulation? If we are raptured before the tribulation, then we need not worry about preparation for hard times, or goes the theory. And to be honest, there are valid arguments for either of these positions. Scriptures states that believers will be "spared the judgment". But look at what Jesus says in Mark 13:

22 "For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect."

23 "But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things."

24 "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,

25 "And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken."

26 "And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory."

27 "And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his ELECT (emphasis mine) from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven."

Notice the language in verses 24 and 25 The "sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken." The language here is clearly of terrible trial and tribulation. And it is clear in verses 26-27 that Christ will return to "gather together his elect" after that terrible time.

Although there some are of the opinion that this doesn't speak necessarily of the tribulation, but rather of a time preceeding the tribulation; it is clear that terrible times are ahead - even for God's elect. Any quarrelling between the two theories can serve only to distract God's people from His promise of very difficult times to come. Whether that time of severe trials is the actual tribulation, or a time preceeding the tribulation, we would be wise to prepare ourselves and our families for the fulfillment of God's promises.

[HK4U]

Mom, I have believed in being prepared for a long time. No matter what ones take is on the timing of the rapture/tribulation, and I know we all have varying opinions on the subject I feel it is prudent be prepared as the Boy Scouts motto says. No matter what the sequence of events a careful study of history will tell you that there are a lot of things that can happen before Christ returns. My signature pretty much sums up my feelings on the matter. By the way I read a book years ago, wish I could find it again, called "Christians will go the the Tribulation and how to prepare for it".

[Conservative Wife & Mom]

Mom, I have believed in being prepared for a long time. No matter what ones take is on the timing of the rapture/tribulation, and I know we all have varying opinions on the subject I feel it is prudent be prepared as the Boy Scouts motto says. No matter what the sequence of events a careful study of history will tell you that there are a lot of things that can happen before Christ returns. My signature pretty much sums up my feelings on the matter. By the way I read a book years ago, wish I could find it again, called "Christians will go the the Tribulation and how to prepare for it".

HK, I've just ordered a book from Amazon.com entitled "Keepers of Men". Here is the Editoral Description from the website:

Product Description
To her own people, to those who know her most intimately, the America of 2026 has become a barren wasteland of corruption and tyranny. Cameras line the streets, separatists are hunted like dogs, and State satellites peer into the very homes. While most blindly accept this new system, few choose freedom over chains, thriving in austere wilderness enclaves as fugitives from the State. But two such diametrically opposite worlds cannot coexist for long.

A young separatist by the name of Kristian, an escaped felon, a beautiful reporter, an old man, and a nuclear physicist must all find a way to fight together or they will die alone when these two worlds collide in an epic struggle for survival.

About the Author
Eric J. Martindale is a U.S. Marine with two combat tours to Iraq. He was born and raised in Pennsylvania and has also lived in Virginia, North Carolina, Missouri, and California. He attended Liberty University from 1998 to 2002, where he graduated with a B.A. in Administration of Justice. In his spare time, Eric can often be found hunting, running, hiking, reading, or just bumming around with family.

I think that it promises to be a very interesting, and timely, read. Looking forward to getting it.

[Alaska444]

Dear Conservative Mom, thank you for the post, it is always a blessing to hear from fellow believers on matters of faith. As far as the tribulation, there is much debate as you state, but there are several avenues of understanding to guide us on these issue. First place of understanding is how the book of Revelation is organized. Rev 1:19 sets the stage for the entire book:

Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

John Wesley had some interesting interpretations of this verse which is actually the way I believe the Bible is telling us directly:

View Wesley's Notes for Revelation 1:19

1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen - This day: which accordingly are written, #Rev 1:11 |- 18. And which are - The instructions relating to the present state of the seven churches. These are written, #Rev 1:20 |- Rev 3:22. And which shall be hereafter - To the end of the world; written, #Rev 4:1|, &c.

Revelation 1:19

Rev 4:1 is a rapture verse, chapt 5 is the judgement of God's saints from the church age, chapter 6 is the start of the tribulation with the opening of the seals. The entire book is written in chronological order and it is Jesus Himself who tells us how it is ordered. You can't get any better authority than that. In accordance with this, the rapture is definitely pre-trib.

However, the beginning of sorrows will be plenty difficult to weed out those that really worship God and those that are just playing church.

[festus]

Thanks Mom!!! Can I please have a cookie from the pantry? Your article is both timely and spot on. Good Work!

[kn1080]

Thank you for sharing.

[Ringo]

Dear Conservative Mom, thank you for the post, it is always a blessing to hear from fellow believers on matters of faith. As far as the tribulation, there is much debate as you state, but there are several avenues of understanding to guide us on these issue. First place of understanding is how the book of Revelation is organized. Rev 1:19 sets the stage for the entire book:

Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

John Wesley had some interesting interpretations of this verse which is actually the way I believe the Bible is telling us directly:

View Wesley's Notes for Revelation 1:19

1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen - This day: which accordingly are written, #Rev 1:11 |- 18. And which are - The instructions relating to the present state of the seven churches. These are written, #Rev 1:20 |- Rev 3:22. And which shall be hereafter - To the end of the world; written, #Rev 4:1|, &c.

Revelation 1:19

Rev 4:1 is a rapture verse, chapt 5 is the judgement of God's saints from the church age, chapter 6 is the start of the tribulation with the opening of the seals. The entire book is written in chronological order and it is Jesus Himself who tells us how it is ordered. You can't get any better authority than that. In accordance with this, the rapture is definitely pre-trib.

However, the beginning of sorrows will be plenty difficult to weed out those that really worship God and those that are just playing church.

I agree with you, the Rapture is definitely pre-trib. I have never been able to find any evidence in any scripture anywhere to contradict or assume otherwise. Those that believe otherwise have refused to discuss or even reveal the scripture that they base their belief on, so I'm never able to understand where they're coming from.

[HK4U]

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

16For 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:

17Then 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.

18Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Revelation 20

1And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

2And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

3And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

4And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

5But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

6Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

7And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,


Chapter 20 tells us when the resurrection happens. After Satan is bound. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 tells us the we will not precede the resurrection of the dead but they will be raised first then we that remain will be caught up. As far as I am concerned there are plenty of other verses that indicate an after trib rapture but I usually do not argue with other Christians on the subject because it can be a continuous issue and I don't want to cause bad feelings with other believers.

[Conservative Wife & Mom]

While I may not know what tomorrow holds, I know who holds tomorrow! God has laid out HIS plan and, because He is all knowing, it IS the PERFECT plan. So, no matter what the future holds, we have nothing to fear. Therein lies the reassurance of everyone who calls Jesus their Savior and worships Him as their Lord God!

[HK4U]

While I may not know what tomorrow holds, I know who holds tomorrow! God has laid out HIS plan and, because He is all knowing, it IS the PERFECT plan. So, no matter what the future holds, we have nothing to fear. Therein lies the reassurance of everyone who calls Jesus their Savior and worships Him as their Lord God!

Right you are. I heard more than one person say that they believed in the Pan theory. It would all pan out in the end.