Rapture - When is it?
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My Hub, The Second Coming of Christ, was motivated in response to a question by a fellow Hubber. In the comments section of this hub I was asked another question and here it is:
“Great hub John. It was nice to read it. But when Jesus comes and touches the Olive Mt. it is at the end of trib. What about when He appears in the clouds and we will be going to Him in the clouds? Perhaps you may address it in another hub (?). Thanks for good work. “
I have waited 6 weeks to answer this because, theologically speaking, this is a complex question. The question refers to another appearance by Christ separate from His coming during Armageddon. The belief in more than one appearance by Christ is tied to the belief in Rapture. Rapture is the common, modern reference to the “catching away” of Christians by Christ to meet him in the clouds. This belief is largely based on this scripture:
‘15According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18Therefore encourage each other with these words”. (1Thess.4:15-18 KJV)
The doctrine of Rapture is very complex and I will attempt to be brief but will most likely fail.
The Rapture is popular in culture
Rapture - What it is
The central idea of Rapture is twofold in nature. The first part is the idea of preparedness for the Lord’s coming. If we as Christians can read the times and the seasons and know that the Lord’s coming is not near because we are not yet in tribulation, then we are less likely to be prepared than if He could appear at any moment as is the case with a sudden catching away. This is known as the doctrine of imminence.
The second part is the idea of escaping God’s wrath. The Bible says we are not appointed to wrath as Christians. (1Thess.5:9) The Rapture, according to this doctrine, happens in order to spare us the wrath of God that is poured out on the whole world.
Let me put this in context for you. The Tribulation Period commonly refers to the “Time of Jacob’s Trouble” (Jer.30:7). This period of time is thought to be 7 years. This 7 year period is further broken down into two periods of three and one half years each. The scripture states the beast will make a covenant with many for one seven but in the middle of that seven he will break the covenant. (Dan.9:27) The doctrine that we are to be raptured to meet Christ in the clouds prior to this seven year period is commonly called Pre-Tribulation Rapture. The doctrine that we are to be raptured when the beast breaks the covenant at the three and one half year point is commonly called Mid-Tribulation Rapture and the doctrine that we are caught away at the end of the 7 year period is commonly called Post Tribulation Rapture.
Pre – Tribs believe the wrath of God begins when the Beast (or Anti-christ) makes the covenant with many while Mid – Tribs argue the wrath of God does not begin until the Beast breaks this covenant and desecrates the temple in Jerusalem at the 3 and one half year point. Post Tribs believe we are protected from the wrath of God until Christ’s appearance at the end of Tribulation.
The Trumpet Call of God
What Paul said to the Thessalonians
The Pre Trib doctrine breaks down on several levels beginning with the very verse quoted as proof of God’s intention for us. Paul is arguing not that we will be raptured, but rather the timing of the rapture to the Thessalonica church. He is clearly pointing out that “we will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep”. It appears he is trying to allay the fears of those who thought that the rapture had somehow already happened. He lists the following reasons that it has not:
· We will not precede those who have fallen asleep (died in Christ)
· The Lord will come down
· With a loud command
· With the voice of an Archangel
· And the trumpet call of God
What John Saw
John goes to heaven in a secret rapture
Pre – Trib doctrine says this is a “secret rapture” visible only to those who will be raptured. This idea is based on scriptures that require reading between the lines and /or subjective interpretation on the part of the reader. Following are some of the most often used verses:
“1After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
2And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne”. (Rev. 4:1&2 KJV)
The idea is that John, about to be shown the tribulation period, is a type of the church being raptured before the tribulation as well. There is a loud command to “come up hither “and John is immediately translated into the spirit but this is where the analogy ends. There is no representation of the dead in Christ rising, the Lord did not come down, there was no voice of an archangel or Trumpet call but rather a voice like a trumpet. Furthermore, John’s visit to Heaven to be shown the Mystery of God has precedent. Paul was translated to Heaven as well as more than a few Patriarchs of the Old Testament.
Five Left Behind
The Ten Virgins
“1Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” (Matt. 25:1-13)
Jesus is telling a parable about ten virgins waiting for the Bridegroom. Pre-Trib doctrine says that while all were virgins, only 5 were ready and therefore worthy of Rapture. This points to the doctrine of Imminence. But what happened to not being appointed to wrath? They are still Christians, still saved. This parable does appear to be about the second coming but it does not address the timing of it nor does it say what the other 5 virgins that are left behind will deal with. They could just as easily be entering the Millennium in their natural bodies while the 5 that were ready are entering in their glorified state. Revelation 20:4-6 states that those who are resurrected in the first resurrection will reign with Christ a thousand years. Could the purpose of the rapture be so those who are worthy also reign with Him in a glorified state? All this aside, this parable does not speak to timing but to being ready.
The Wrath of God
A Harvest of the Damned
“14And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
15And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. 16And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.” (Rev. 14:14-16 KJV)
These verses are quoted as more evidence of rapture. And while these verses do not speak to the timing of the event, the next ones do.
“ 17And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.
18And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.
19And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.
20And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.” (Rev. 14:17-20 KJV)
Verses 17-20 appear to address Armageddon. If this is taken at face value, then the” one like a son of man’s” harvest takes place just before Armageddon.
I believe the first harvest described here is the rapture and the second harvest is the gathering together of the wicked for God’s wrath in Armageddon. A verse used by Pre-Tribs to defend rapture is actually describing this second harvest of the wicked:
“ 34I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.
35Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
36Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” (Luke 17:34-36)
Jesus is not describing rapture here but rather the harvest of the damned. These people are being taken to Meggido in Israel for the Battle of Armageddon. How do we know this? By the answer Jesus gives to His disciples question in the next verses:
“37And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.” (Luke 17:37 KJV)
Pre-tribs say Jesus’ answer of Eagles gathering together is a reference to our “mounting up with wings as eagles” (Isaiah 40:31) thereby referring to the rapture as well. The real point of this answer is the body. The word body is translated also as carcass. It is a reference to the dead. Also, the word eagle is also translated vulture. Both the vulture and the eagle are carrion birds. They feed on the dead. Before the battle of Armageddon, the angel calls all the birds of the air to come and feed on the feast God is preparing at Armageddon. (Rev. 19:17&18) Jesus is telling the disciples that those who are taken in this manner are being gathered for Armageddon. It is the only way His answer makes sense.
Timing is Everything
Any Minute Now
I believe that Christ will appear only once more and that to conquer evil and begin His reign. As I stated in my previous article, His “coming in the clouds” is only one aspect of a single appearance. As to the purpose of Rapture I do not know. But I do not think it should be a central doctrine of the church. The timing of the rapture should have no bearing on your relationship with Christ. We should always be ready for His appearing for it could be at any minute.
The doctrine of imminence is also misleading since it assumes we can tell when He is going to appear. Many were looking for Messiah the first time He appeared, but did not recognize Him when He came. So it may be this time that while we will recognize Him, we may be misinterpreting the signs of the times as well, and find ourselves much further along in Tribulation than we think.
Missing the Boat
Our True Compass
Knowledge is Power
Escaping the wrath of God is simpler to address. God poured out His wrath on the entire earth, yet saved Noah while not taking him from the planet. Jesus said that night was coming when no man could work. (John9:4) I believe we will be here for that night. The bible says we will be imprisoned and some killed for the faith. (Rev. 13:10) God has promised to save us out of all of it. (Rev. 3:10)
Our real life is hidden in Christ, and that is the one God has promised to protect and save. So, while the Rapture is of significance to us, it is not a doctrine that should divide the Body of Christ, but provide hope. I have attempted to be as concise as possible. If there are any questions feel free to ask or, better yet, take Paul’s advice to Timothy:
15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2Tim. 2:15 KJV)
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DiamondRN - Thanks for the visit! I very much enjoyed reading the article you link here in your comment. Thank you.
I believe in a mid-trib rapture, coinciding with the rapture of the two final witnesses. This is based on Paul's teaching about the rapture taking place at the "last trump" (1 Cor 15:52) and the term, "thief in the night" (1 Thes 5:2; 2 Pet 3:10) specifically aligning with Rev 16:15 (which is after the last trumpet and between the sixth and seventh bowls). Jesus will not come as a thief to those who watch (Mat 24:43; 1 Thes 5:2,4; Rev 3:3).
Notice the fall of Babylon (God's wrath) beginning with lightning, thunder, earthquake and hailstorm just after the two witnesses are resurrected and caught up into the air (Rev 4:12-19); also specified following the "coming like a thief" (Rev 16:15-21).
Noah and Lot were not "caught up to meet the Lord in the air", yet we should not assume the rapture will not be as it is stated. Just because the world will be in the evil state it was at the time of Noah and Lot, this does not mean there will be no rapture.
Be blessed and keep watch.
John, all three groups are right. There will be three raptures. First, is the true church. 2. Second 144,000 Jewish witnesses (Midtrib.) 3. Saints of great tribulation period.
Holy Spirit is not who will be taken away, but man (born again). Holy Spirit will continue minister during the tribulation time. Many who will be left also will need assistance of Holy Spirit. Many saints of tribulation will go at the end.
I have prepared hub about this teaching but you John did so great job, I do not know now.
Notice that after John was caught to heaven, there is not any more church mentioned in the book of Revelation. It is because the Church will be gone. I am not talking about particular church, but body of believers.
Vladimir, I've never heard of three raptures ~ if you write a hub, please let me know ~ thanks.
My view is this:
1 Thes 4:15-17 "For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep...and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord."
The 144,000 and the saints come out of the Great Tribulation (Rev 7:1-14), not out of the wrath of God for which we/they were not appointed (1 Thes 5:9). The saints will have all been raptured (after those who are dead in Christ are). There will be no more dead in Christ after the rapture ~ only wrath upon unbelievers.
Jesus returns with the saints to fight the unbelievers and set up His millennial reign (Rev 19:8, 14), at which time the bodily resurrection of the saints only will take place (who will reign with Him) ~ Rev 20:5-6.
Unbelievers will not be resurrected unto judgment until after the millennial reign (Rev 20:5-15).
The book of Revelation is the only book in the Bible that promises a blessing on those that read it, Re 1:3, it’s sad that today there is so much confusion about it, rather than joy and blessing.
Then in Re 1:19 Jesus Himself tells us HOW to read the book, He gives us a Divine outline:
1. write the things you have seen,
2. the things that are
3. and the things that are to come.
1. The things that he (John) saw was the glorified Jesus Christ, chapter 1.
2. The things that are: the Church, chapters 2 & 3, John was a pastor and he is instructed to write to the churches that were in existence at that time.
3. The things that are to come: chapter 4 starts out with “After these things,” we have to ask after what things, the answer can only be chapters 2 & 3, the Church.
A. Chapters 4 & 5 shows the Church to be in Heaven, it's the REDEEMED that are singing in chapter 5.
B. Chapters 6-19 speak of the final 7 years of Daniel’s 70 week prophecy, called in Scripture the Time of Jacob’s Trouble or the Tribulation.
C. Chapter 19 the Lord returns to Earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords referred to in Scripture as the Day of the Lord.
Chapter 20 is the Millennium, the disappearance of the Earth and the Heavens as we know them today and the Great White Throne judgment.
Chapters 21 & 22 speak of Eternity.
This is a very quick outline and is in no means meant to be concise, but what CAN be seen is the Book of Revelation is written in chronological form.
Now, Jesus said concerning the Rapture of the Church that no man knows the day or the hour, the only possible place this could take place has to be before the Tribulation, or chapter 4, like it says, after these things. If the Rapture were to happen at the middle of the Tribulation then anyone that wanted to know when the Rapture would take place would just have to start counting from the first day the Anti Christ made his deal with Israel and then in 3 ½ years the Rapture would occur, they would know the day and that would make Jesus Christ a liar, the same thing applies with any other time during the Tribulation, the end result would make Jesus Christ a liar.
Peter says, 2 Pe 1:20 “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation.”
What that means is we won’t come up with a mid-Trib or any other time different from what is written from just reading the book of Revelation, some one has to TELL us their own private interpretation before we would even consider it.
That is why Jesus wrote 7 times, He who has an ear listen to what the SPIRIT (not man) is saying to the churches.
I will end this with bringing to remembrance what Jesus said in the closing verses of chapter 22, there are curses pronounced against those that would add to or take away from what He wrote and the interpretation the Holy Spirit gives, maybe it is a good idea to read through the Revelation without any preconceived ideas or following some man’s personal interpretation so that we are not found guilty of causing confusion rather than being a blessing.
Judahs Daughter and Vladimir - Thanks for the thoughtful comments and for sharing your insights. I agree with Judah's Daughter Vlad, please publish your hub on 3 raptures. I am excited to read it. As I stated at the outset of this hub, rapture is a complex issue and deserves all the vigorous debate the church can muster without dividing the Body of Christ. This theory would be better served by several articles breaking down each part and citing more scripture references than I did. I may write a series later. Both of you have wonderful things to share and I am anxious to read more from you on this subject.
Just passing thru - Thank you for passing thru here! I too find the warning in the Book of Revelation daunting as I listen to teachings about the end times. The only command in the book is that it be read to the churches. But, I believe it is there for our edification and hope - which fuels our faith.
I do not believe imminence is thwarted by knowing the timing of rapture since the smallest things may shift our thinking on such matters. For example, what if the covenant signed with many is but one of the dozens signed in the U.N. every year? How would we know which was THE covenant? As I said above, I may devote more articles to the reasoning that led me away from a firm belief in the pretribulation rapture and to a rapture that depends on only one coming of Christ. Thanks for the comments!
Hey John, I have a hub you might be interested in reading on why I am inclined to believe the way I do ~ I don't think differing beliefs adds to or takes away from, for if that were so, we'd all be guilty. We're only going by what is written and relying on the Holy Spirit to reveal its mysteries, that we have ears to hear. My hub is called "In the Air-On the Earth" (that Christ will return just as He left) and then will return with the saints to fight and set up His millennial reign (on a white horse, which is not how He left). Be blessed.
Absolutely Judahs daughter. Will read it tonight! Thanks!
I believe it must be "Pre-Trib" for after the Rapture is to be 7 years of tribulation world wide destruction and calamity, before Jesus returns to do battle with satan and his followers.
Dear brother in Jesus,
God says, "I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times. what is still to come!...What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned that will I do!" Isaiah 46:10a, 11b This Bible study exposes over 12 absolute contradictions of God’s Word by dangerous and deceptive pre-trib doctrines. All Bible studies are about 90% Scripture and try to examine and compare all of the Scripture on a specific topic.
Enclosed are complete Bible studies on every important question related to the End-Times which may be very close. Could the Great Tribulation possibly begin in 2010?? Are we months away from Israel bombing Iran and the beginning of World War III?? Are we months away from a world-wide depression which has already begun in dozens of nations?? What are the 7 Bible clues which positively reveal the identity of 666?? You will also find the latest amazing speculations which show that Obama could possibly qualify as the future False Prophet of 666. Would greatly appreciate any comments or Bible studies you may have on the Last Days. Contact Richard at RSchurz@Tampabay.rr.com or call 863-651-4426.
Your eternal friend in Jesus,
Richard
WHAT IS THE FIRST END-TIME EVENT CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE LOOKING FOR??
I Peter 1:13: “Therefore, prepare your minds for ACTION, and set your hope *FULLY* on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is *REVEALED*!” Now the pre-tribbers claim that this glorious REVEALING or *UNVEILING* of Jesus will be *CONCEALED* BEFORE the beginning of the Great Tribulation. However, every other time the Word *REVEALED* {Greek-Apocalipsis} is used related to resurrection events it refers to the glorious REVEALING of Jesus on the *LAST DAY* of the Great Tribulation {See 2 Thess 1:7-10 & Luke 17:26-31}. And *CONCEALED* is the exact opposite of *REVEALED* according to every dictionary! Titus 2:13: “We wait for the *BLESSED HOPE*—the glorious *APPEARING* of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9:28 “Jesus will *APPEAR* a 2nd time to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him!” Matthew 24:29,30: Jesus says, “Immediately *AFTER* the distress of those days {The Great Tribulation} the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky. At that time the sign of the Son of Man will *APPEAR* in the sky and the nations will *SEE* the Son of Man coming on the clouds!!” {See 1 Thess 1:7-10} Paul said, There is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on THAT DAY—and not only to me, but to *ALL* who have longed for His *APPEARING*!!”
God has always allowed His people to suffer tribulation and trials because they purify and perfect their faith and gain countless eternal rewards when Jesus Christ is *REVEALED. I Peter 1:6-8: “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is *REVEALED.” I Peter 2:20b,21: “But if you suffer for doing good and endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow IN HIS STEPS.” I Peter 4:12,13: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is *REVEALED!” See also Heb 13:35-40; 2 Tim 3:12; 2 Cor 1:7-10; I Thess 3:3,4; Phil 1:29; Phil 3:10; Rev 12:11; Rev 13:9,10 & Rev 14:13.
The courageous and faithful Tribulation saints will not be hurt by God’s *WRATH* mentioned in Rev 14:9-11; 15:1,7; 16:1,19 or in any of the 7 trumpet or 7 bowl plagues as per Rev 9:4,20,21 & Rev 16:2,4-6,9,10,21; or in any of the plagues of God’s 2 witnesses {Read Rev 11:6,10} or in *ETERNAL HELL*. Rev 14:9-11: “If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, he will drink of the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of *HIS WRATH*. He will be tormented with burning sulfur and the smoke of their torment rises forever and ever.” For the first time in history there will be no second chances!
However, in Matthew 24:3,9-13: The disciples asked Jesus, “What will be the sign of your Coming and the end of the age? Jesus answered…. {During the Great Tribulation} “Then *YOU* will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of Me. At that time many will turn away from the Faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of *MOST* will grow cold, but he {The Called, Chosen & Faithful-Rev 17:14b} who stands firm to the End will be saved.” The pre-tribbers claim that the "YOU" in Matthew 24:9 above are Jews only and that the Gospel of Matthew was only written for Jews; which is of course completely ridiculous since Jesus said to His 11 Apostles in Matthew 28:19,20 “Go and make disciples of *ALL NATIONS*…teaching them to obey *EVERYTHING* I commanded you!” {Read John 12:48 & John 14:23} I John 2:3,4,6: “We know that we have come to know Him {Jesus} if we obey His commands. The man who says, ”I know Him,” but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him… Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.”
Jesus was a martyr as was Paul and Peter who walked as Jesus did. Rev 6:9-11: When He {Jesus} opened the 5th seal, I saw the souls of those who had been slain because of the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, “How long until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” The each of them was given a *WHITE ROBE*, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed. Rev 7:9,13,14: After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from *EVERY* NATION, TRIBE, PEOPLE AND LANGUAGE, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb {Jesus}. They were wearing *WHITE ROBES*…Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they and where did they come from?”… And he said, “These are they who have come out of the Great Tribulation; {Martyrs just like Jesus} they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb {Jesus}.” {See Rev 12:11 & Rev 13:8-10} This passage in Rev 7:9 above shows that the Great Tribulation will be mainly for Christians in *ALL* Gentile nations and not just Jacob’s Jewish trouble which absolutely contradicts the main thesis of the pre-trib fairy tale. Rev 12:11: “They {TRIBULATION MARTYRS} overcame him {Satan} by the *BLOOD OF THE LAMB* and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Unfortunately most of the pre-tribbers actually believe that the tribulation saints will not be saved by the blood of Christ like their “church saints” and will not be in the *LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE*. However, in Revelation 13:8 we read: “All inhabitants of the earth will worship the Beast {666}….ALL whose names have not been written in the *LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE*!” God will miraculously take care of His Faithful and Courageous Tribulation Saints {Just as he took care of the Israelites for 40 years in the Wilderness} even though they won’t be able to buy or sell anything as per Rev 13:17a. {See Matthew 6:25-34} This will come as a tremendous shock for those who teach the Prosperity Gospel and who are mainly seeking earthly treasures rather than eternal Heavenly Rewards. Some of the immediate heavenly rewards for martyrs {Just like Jesus} are found in Rev 7:14-17; 14:13; 15:2-4 & 20:4-6!
2 Thess 1:1; 2:1,3,8” “To the *CHURCH* of the Thessalonians… Concerning the *COMING* of our Lord Jesus Christ and *OUR* being gathered to Him…Don’t let anyone deceive yo
Dear brother in Jesus,
God says, "I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times. what is still to come!...What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned that will I do!" Isaiah 46:10a, 11b This Bible study compares all the Scripture on each End-time topic and exposes over 12 absolute contradictions of God’s Word by dangerous and deceptive pre-trib doctrines. The next Bible study shows the 7 Bible clues which positively reveals the identity of 666. And finally there is a Bible study which shows how Obama may qualify to be the very deceptive False Prophet of 666.
Would greatly appreciate any comments or Bible studies you may have on the Last Days.
Your eternal friend in Jesus,
Richard
WHAT IS THE FIRST END-TIME EVENT CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE LOOKING FOR ????
I Peter 1:13: “Therefore, prepare your minds for ACTION, and set your hope *FULLY* on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is *REVEALED* Now the pre-tribbers claim that this glorious *REVEALING or *UNVEILING* of Jesus will be *CONCEALED* BEFORE the beginning of the Great Tribulation. However, every other time the Word *REVEALED* {Greek-Apocalipsis} is used related to resurrection events it refers to the glorious REVEALING of Jesus on the *LAST DAY* of the Great Tribulation {See 2 Thess 1:7-10 & Luke 17:26-31}. And *CONCEALED* is the exact opposite of *REVEALED* according to every dictionary! Titus 2:13: “*WE* wait for the *BLESSED HOPE*—the glorious *APPEARING* of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9:28 “Jesus will *APPEAR* a 2nd time to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him!” Matthew 24:29,30: Jesus says, “Immediately AFTER the distress of those days {The Great Tribulation} the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky. At that time the sign of the Son of Man will APPEAR in the sky and the nations will *SEE* the Son of Man COMING on the clouds!!” I John 2:28: “Dear children, continue in Him, so that when He *APPEARS* WE may be confident and unashamed before Him at His COMING!” {See 1 Thess 1:7-10} 2 Tim 4:8: Paul said, There is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on THAT DAY—and not only to me, but to *ALL who have longed for His *APPEARING*!!”
God has always allowed His people to suffer tribulation and trials because they purify and perfect their faith and will gain countless eternal rewards when Jesus Christ is *REVEALED. There are over 40,000 saints martyred every year and the main culprit is no longer just Islam and the RC Church. The Main culprits now are the 21 Muslim countries and Korea, China, Sudan, Venezuela, Nigeria and the RC Church. Millions of saints were martyred after 1917 in Russia and after 1948 in China. Rome 8:35-37: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?... For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us!! I Peter 1:6-8: “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is *REVEALED.” I Peter 2:20b,21: “But if you suffer for doing good and endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow IN HIS STEPS.” I Peter 4:12,13: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is *REVEALED!” Read other persecution verses: Heb 13:35-40; 2 Tim 3:12; 2 Cor 1:7-10; I Thess 3:3,4; Phil 1:29; Phil 3:10; Rev 12:11; Rev 13:9,10 & Rev 14:13.
The courageous and faithful Tribulation saints will *NOT* be hurt by God’s *WRATH* mentioned in Rev 14:9-11; 15:1,7; 16:1,19} or in any of the 7 trumpet or 7 bowl plagues as explained in Rev 9:4,20,21 & Rev 16:2,4-6,9,10,21; or in any of the plagues of God’s 2 witnesses as per Rev 11:6,10; or in *ETERNAL HELL*. Rev 14:9-11: “If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, he will drink of the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of *HIS WRATH*. He will be tormented with burning sulfur and the smoke of their torment rises forever and ever.” In Rev 18:1-24 we read about the plagues that will destroy the headquarters of 666 during the Great Triubulation. This evil city on 7 hills {See Rev 17:9} is called “Babylon” which Peter implied was the nicknmame for Rome in 2 Peter 5:13. In Rev 18:4 a voice from Heaven will order God's saints to stay away from Babylon {Rome-That great seaport-Rev 18:17-19} so that you will not participate in her sins or be hurt by God's wrath which will completely destroy Rome with many horrific plagues. There are 260 verses from Revelation chapters 6 thru 20 and 128 {49%} of these verses tell of the wrath of God to unbelievers, 666, his False Prophet and Rome. However, not even one of these verses tells of any wrath of God toward His courageous and faithful Tribulation saints.
However, in Matthew 24:3,9-13: The disciples asked Jesus, “What will be the sign of your Coming and the end of the age?? Jesus answered….. {During the Great Tribulation} “Then *YOU* will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of Me. At that time many will turn away from the Faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of *MOST* will grow cold,{THE GREAT APOSTASY} but he {The Called, Chosen & Faithful-Rev 17:14b} who stands firm to the End will be saved.” 2 Thess 2:1,3: “Concerning the Coming of our Lord Jesus and *OUR being gathered to Him...That day shall not come, except there come a falling away first!!” {NIV - Rebellion}
The pre-tribbers claim that the "YOU" in Matthew 24:9 above are Jews only and that the Gospel of Matthew was only written for Jews; which is of course completely ridiculous since Jesus said to His 11 Apostles in Matthew 28:19,20 “Go and make disciples of *ALL NATIONS*…teaching them to obey *EVERYTHING* I commanded you!” {Read John 12:48 & John 14:23} I John 2:3,4,6: “We know that we have come to know Him {Jesus} if we obey His commands. The man who says, ”I know Him,” but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him… Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.” According to Rev 12:17 the Tribulation Saints will also “Hold to the testimony of Jesus!” Jesus was a martyr as was Paul and Peter who walked IN HIS STEPS. God will miraculously take care of His Faithful and Courageous Tribulation Saints {Just as he took care of the Israelites for 40 years in the Wilderness} even though they won’t be able to buy or sell anything as per Rev 13:17a. {See Matthew 6:25-34} This will come as a tremendous shock for those who teach the Prosperity Gospel and who are mainly seeking earthly treasures rather than eternal Heavenly Rewards. They teach: If you accept Jesus as your Savior you have a free pass to Heaven and God forbid that you should suffer any persecution or go through the Great Tribulation; which fits in with the pre-trib doctrines which are designed to increase church membership at the expense of the Truth. When is the last time you heard a sermon on the virtues and courage of the many thousands of present-day martyrs?? And this is probably why there will be a great FALLING AWAY {THE GREAT APOSTASY} at the beginning of the Great Tribulation.
Rev 6:9-11: When He {Jesus} opened the 5th seal, I saw the souls of those who had been slain {Just like Jesus} because of the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, “How long until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” The e
@the author nice work i will later talk on the rapture so check out my future hub well u have been able to discuss very well about the raptur verses in trib so u have done well i dont even have constructive criticism,but i have gotten a message from the heavenlies that rapture has been suspended by God himself till further notice for some reasons which has not been disclosed.well lets see what transpires in 2012 and beyond.
Hello brother in Christ! I believe in the pre-trib rapture. I've only been a believer for 6 years, but that is the interpretation I've gotten from reading Scripture. Of course the most important thing for believers to consider is in trusting in grace alone, by faith alone, in Christ alone. I know that beyond that there are differences in belief (such as when the rapture will take place). At least we're on the same "team" and we all know where we're going, if not when.
DiamondRN 2 years ago
See what this Methodist minister says about the rapture, John: http://www.examiner.com/x-/x-8276-Methodist-Examin