This page contains different posts I have made on Facebook regarding the rapture. They appear in no particular order.
1 Thessalonians 5:9 "God has NOT appointed (purpose, set forth 5087) us to wrath (violent passion, justifiable abhorrence; by implication punishment: vengeance 3709) but for obtaining salvation (rescue or safety 4991) through our Lord, Jesus Christ."
Because we are saved, we avoid punishment! We are rescued! This is the reason we are baptized; so that we can approach God as innocent; to come before Him acquitted, pardoned from our sins with a clean conscience: Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21.
There are 31 New Testament scriptures which declare Believers justified before God. Each of them defines ‘justified’ as ‘to render (show or regard as) just or innocent 1344). God will NOT punish His innocent children!
Jesus has already received unto Himself the punishment due the redeemed of God. The punishment of the Tribulation is for those who do NOT belong to God: Jeremiah 30:4-7, 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12, and Revelation 3:10, those who are NOT covered by the blood of Jesus, not for those who are!
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In Luke 21:36, after having just described the tribulation, Jesus says, “Then be WATCHFUL at EVERY time, begging that you be counted worthy to escape ALL these things which are ABOUT TO HAPPEN, and to stand before the Son of man.”
Matthew 24:36 through 25:30 gives many warnings about being watchful and prepared.
In Revelation 22:16, Jesus says, “I, Jesus, sent My angel to testify these things to you over the churches (ekklesia, called out ones 1577). I am the Root and Offspring of David, the bright and Morning Star.” These are Jesus’ words:
Verse 6-7: “These words are faithful and true….Behold, I am coming quickly.”
Verse 10: “…because the time is near.”
Verse 12: “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to each as his work is.” I believe this reward is a reference to 1 Peter 4:17 where God begins judgment with the church. Those who leave with Jesus are rewarded, everyone else not so much. Each person will either be left or taken by Jesus as Luke 17 teaches.
Verse 20: “The One, testifying these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly, Amen. Yes, come, Lord Jesus!”
There is no need to be watchful for an event which cannot happen until 7 years worth of visible signs have come to pass.
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The Last Day
John 6:39: “And this is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me, I shall not lose any of it, but shall raise it up in the last day.”
It is the church which has been given to Christ! John 10:29 and 17:2 tell us that God has given the church to Christ. The LAST day for the church is the rapture and it is at the RAPTURE the church will be RAISED UP! How do I know? 1 Thess. 5:3 tells us that once destruction begins NO ONE will escape AND Luke 21:36 tells us to pray/beg to be counted worthy to escape ALL these things (events of the tribulation Jesus just described). One cannot escape ALL these things unless they are gone before they begin.
John 6:40: “And this is the will of the One who sent Me, that everyone seeing the Son, and believing into Him should have everlasting life; and I will raise Him up at the last day.”
When will EVERYONE see the Son? Matt 24:30, Mark 13:26 and Luke 21:27: “And they will see the Son of Man coming on the cloud with power and much glory.” Those believing in Jesus will be RAISED UP on the last day when they see Him arriving in the clouds at the SECOND COMING!
These two verses make it obvious that Jesus references two different events, back to back, next to each other for clarity. There is the rapture for the church and the second coming for those left alive after the tribulation. EACH of these events has a last day. This is one of the passages in the gospel of John which speaks of both events, back to back.
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1 Thessalonians. 5:3 tells us that once destruction begins NO ONE will escape.
Escape comes ONLY at the rapture of the church which Jesus teaches happens BEFORE the events of the tribulation, BEFORE destruction begins. Luke 21:36 tells us to pray/beg to be counted worthy to escape ALL these things, the events of the tribulation He’d just described. One cannot escape ‘ALL these things’ unless they are gone before ‘these things’ begin. In Revelation 3:10, the ‘hour of trial’ Jesus promises to ‘keep us out of’ is the entire 7-year period.
I suppose death is an escape, technically speaking, but do you want to die a horrible death in the tribulation? Almost no one will live to see the second coming of Jesus. Nearly 2 billion people will die in Seal #4 alone. Seal #4 is the destruction 1 Thessalonians 5:3 references.
If you trust Jesus’ promise to save you from hell, why don’t you trust His promise to save you from the tribulation?
Choose Jesus. Choose Life.
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Revelation 3:10: Jesus promises to keep us from 'the hour of trial which is going to come on all the habitable world in order to try those dwelling on the earth.'
We know the ten kings will be put in place at the start of the tribulation and will reign with the beast for 'one hour' which is the length of the tribulation because they serve at his behest during this 7 year period. Rev 17:12
Jesus' 'hour' is the same length of time as the kings' 'hour' and Jesus just promised to keep us out of that 'hour of trial.' This means He’s promised to keep us out of the entire Tribulation just as Luke 21:36 states (escape ALL these things).
Additionally, Jesus makes the distinction that those who 'dwell on the earth' will be tried. From whom is He distinguishing those who 'dwell on the earth?’ He distinguishes them from those who no longer dwell upon the earth, those who leave in the RAPTURE.
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1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: “because the Lord Himself shall come down from Heaven with a commanding shout of an archangel’s voice, and with God’s trumpet. And the dead in Christ will rise again first, then we who remain alive will be caught up (harpazo, to seize, catch away 726) together with them in the clouds to a meeting with the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord.”
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Revelation 14:14-16 is the ONLY rapture scripture I’ve found in the book of Revelation after verse 3:10. These three verses agree perfectly with Luke 24:50-53 and Acts 1:9 and 11, that Jesus will come to earth as He left; on a cloud, peacefully with a blessing. The blessing which is the rapture of the church.
I think it is also worth mentioning that this description of the ‘coming of the Son of Man’ is completely different from the ‘coming’ of Jesus described in Revelation 19:11-21. In this passage Jesus arrives with the saints and the armies of heaven alongside Him, brandishing a sword from His mouth with which to smite the nations.
One time is very peaceful and private, one time is very violent and public. Either this massive inconsistency speaks to two very different events OR the Bible contradicts itself.
Clearly, Revelation 14:14-16 is placed in this book about end time events to demonstrate, one more time, hopefully unmistakably, that the rapture is separate from the second coming!
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Look at how the Old and New Testaments work together when speaking of the rapture of the church, and that it is separate from, and prior to, the tribulation!
Isaiah 26:19-21 “Your dead ones shall live,…”
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 “the dead in Christ shall rise…”
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 “…we who remain alive will be caught up to meet Him.
John 14:1-3 “I am coming (appearing 2064) again, and will receive you to Myself.”
Isaiah 26: 19-21 “My people, go in your rooms…”
John 14:1-3 “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places (residence (rooms) 3438)
Isaiah 26: 19-21 “…Hide for a little moment, until the fury (rage 2195) passes”
1 Thessalonians 5:9 “God has not appointed us to wrath (anger 3709) but for obtaining salvation (rescue or safety 4991) through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Isaiah 26: 19-21 “Jehovah comes out of His place to visit His iniquity (punishment 5771) on the dweller of the earth.
Revelation 3:10 “…the hour of trial (experience of discipline/adversity 3986)… to try (test/discipline 3985) those dwelling upon the earth.”
Isaiah 13:9 “Behold the day of Jehovah comes, cruel and with wrath and fierce anger to lay the land waste. And He shall destroy His sinners out of it.”
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The Rapture and Second Coming as separate events:
Some people think they have the pretrib rapture debunked, that it is NOT a separate event from the second coming. As usual, they use only some of the relevant scriptures and misuse the ones they have, so, of course, they come to an incorrect conclusion. Here is the large argument for belief in the rapture as separate from the second coming. I say large, as opposed to exhaustive, because God continues to teach me, and I reserve the right to add to it as I learn.
First, Jesus tells us in Luke 17:22 there are dayS of the Son of Man. Days is plural, as in there is more than one ‘day’ of the Son of man. Jesus says that we will long to see one of them, but won’t. What dayS of Jesus could people possibly long for, but not be able to have?
In Matthew 24:3, Mark 13:34 and Luke 21:7, the DISCIPLES ask Jesus for the sign of His coming, and Jesus answers them with a list of signs which are included in the book of Revelation. Jesus ends each of these passages with a pictorial description of His SECOND COMING, that those on earth will watch Him arrive in the clouds with much power and glory. Jesus’ arrival will be public and unmissable.
In Revelation 19:11-21, John gives us even more detail, right down to describing Jesus’ eyes as He approaches earth. This coming of Christ to earth will be witnessed by EVERYONE. It is the one with which people will know their redemption draws near (they will know the day and hour), and the one during which Jesus comes to earth to battle Satan and his armies. Please note scripture never tells us that Satan and his armies have the ability to leave earth and battle Jesus in the clouds. Satan and his armies are earthbound, so a battle must happen on earth.
Zechariah 14:4 clearly tells us that Jesus fights ON the earth, ‘His feet shall stand in THAT day on the Mount of Olives.” Ezekiel 38:21 says, “I shall call a sword against him on ALL My MOUNTAINS.” This clearly indicates a battle on earth, NOT in the clouds. Ezekiel 39:2 says, “…I will bring you on the MOUNTAINS of Israel.…” This clearly establishes that the battle takes place on the earth. Ezekiel 39:4 says, “You shall fall on the MOUNTAINS of Israel, you and all your bands and the people who are with you.” Zephaniah 1:18 tells us, ‘all the earth will be consumed….for He shall make a speedy end of the all the dwellers in the land.” This doesn’t really sound like a cloud thing, does it?
After Jesus’ battle with Satan, He establishes His millennial kingdom. Does He do that in the clouds? If so, where is it stated in scripture? Psalm 37:9, 11, 29, 34; Zechariah 14:9; Matthew 25:31-34; Revelation 5:9-10 all clearly teach that the millennial kingdom happens on earth, NOT in the clouds.
The sum total of all these scriptures clearly teach that Jesus comes to earth and battles Satan on earth, then sets up His millennial kingdom on EARTH. To deny that scripture teaches this truth is intellectually dishonest.
Also, in Luke 17:20, after the PHARISEES ask Jesus for the signs of His coming, Jesus tells them ‘the kingdom of God comes without observation (ocular evidence 3907). Kingdom is defined by the Greek as ‘royalty, rule or realm,’ (932 in Strongs). So, Jesus is telling the Pharisees that the royalty of God will come without visible signs.
Since Jesus just described ONE of the days of the Son of Man as having nothing but signs, the remaining day of the Son of Man has NO signs. This day must be the rapture of the church. The rapture CANNOT be the same day as the second coming because it would contradict what Jesus just said about one day having no signs, and that two days are involved. If two events are not in place why did Jesus have two different answers, one for His disciples and a different one for the Pharisees?
1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 describes an event which offers none of the signs Jesus said would precede His second coming. All which happens in this passage is the event itself without warnings or indicators of the passage of time. There is no display of power or glory as Jesus described His second coming. There is a shout, a trumpet call and the dead and those alive who belong to Christ leave the earth and are ‘caught up’ (harpazo) to meet Him in the CLOUDS. This sudden, unannounced arrival of Jesus, who never sets foot on the earth, is described in Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32; it is the event of which NO ONE knows the day or hour. Luke 21:27-28 tells us that “they will see the Son of Man coming in the cloud with power and great glory….stand up and lift up your heads because your redemption draws near.” If people are watching the approach of Jesus, how can the day and hour of His coming be unknown?
So, two events are in play because the day and hour cannot be known and unknown at the same time. Jesus cannot come in power and glory and not come in power and glory at the same time.
Second, Zechariah 14:5 tells us that Jesus, at His second coming to earth, is accompanied by the saints. If the church is not raptured at an earlier time, how can these saints be with Him when He arrives. There is NO scripture in the entire Bible which states that it is only OT saints who return with Jesus. Besides, how did they get to be with Jesus in heaven if they weren’t raptured first? The rapture in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 is the event at which the dead in Christ rise from their graves.
Also, Revelation 19:8 tells us that the bride of Christ, the church, is dressed in fine white linens for the marriage supper. 19:14 tells us it is those in fine white linens who return with Jesus. Obviously, it is the raptured church who returns with Jesus at the second coming.
Jude, verses 14-15 also tells us that Jesus returns at the second coming with the saints in tow.
Third, John 6:39 says, “It is the will of My Father” that those He has given me will be raised on the last day. Who did God give to Jesus? The church, of course (John 3:35). The rapture is the LAST day for the church. The church age ends at the rapture. This scripture corroborates Isaiah 26:19-21, Zephaniah 1:3 and John 14:1-3.
John 6:40 says, “It is the will of the One who sent Me” that EVERYONE seeing the Son and believing into Him should have everlasting life and will be raised up at the LAST day. Jesus tells us in Matthew 24: 29-30, Mark 13:26, and Luke 21:27-28, that EVERYONE will see Him coming, so this verse clearly speaks to the SECOND COMING of Christ, for it is at the second coming that those who can see Him and trust Him for salvation will be raised up at the LAST day of tribulation.
Fourth, Revelation 14:14-16 corroborates Luke 24:50-53/Acts 1:9 & 11 that Jesus comes quietly on a cloud by Himself to reap the believers which is the rapture of the church. It is a peaceful event where Jesus blesses the church with its deliverance from what is to come by securing the salvation of those who participate.
Revelation 19:11-21 and Zechariah 14 describe Jesus’ return to earth as public and violent, with the armies of heaven beside Him in a very bloody encounter. Revelation 14:17-20.
I’ve listed 4 sets of scriptures which contrast the rapture and the second coming, clearly describing them as two separate events. If you do not understand this simple truth, proven with scripture, it is because you WILLFULLY refuse to see it. 2 Peter 3:5.
Titus 2:12-13 describes the rapture as the blessed hope because it happens in the ‘present age.’ “Present” is defined by the Greek as ‘now, immediate.’ (3568). Since the judgments of Revelation have not yet begun, and can’t until the man of sin is revealed, those plagues are not part of the ‘present age.’ They can’t be and agree with the rest of scripture. Jesus teaches the rapture will happen as in the days of Noah and Lot when people are busy going about their daily lives. Will ‘normal daily life’ be in play once the Seal judgments are opened? Of course, not. So, how can the ‘blessed hope’ possibly be the second coming? The second coming does NOT take place in the ‘present age,’ it takes place AFTER the tribulation. Jesus, Himself, sets it apart as ‘great affliction, such as has not happened from the beginning of the world until now, nor, nor ever will be.” Matthew 24:21.
The blessed hope cannot take place in the ‘present age’ (immediate/now) and also during the time of greatest affliction the world has ever known. They are mutually exclusive!
The RAPTURE does take place in the ‘present age’ because it happens while normal everyday life is in play. It has no signs which precede it. It has no warnings whatsoever.
I’m going to close this post with one final verse. John 3:36 “The one believing into the Son has everlasting life; but the one disobeying the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on Him.”
‘Disobeying’ is defined by the Greek as ‘willful and perverse disbelief.” (544). This is Jesus’ warning against 2 Peter 3:5, to those who willfully disbelieve what He says. Anyone who willfully disbelieves Jesus’ promise to rapture the church is being disobedient. Jesus promises to deliver the church in many scriptures from across BOTH testaments, but these three are well known:
Luke 21:36, “beg to escape ALL these things which are about to happen.”
1 Thessalonians 1:10: “the One delivering (to rush or draw to oneself, to rescue 4506), us from the WRATH to come. Also, 1 Thessalonians 5:9.
Revelation 3:10: “I will keep (to guard from loss or injury 5083) you out of the hour of trial which is going to come upon the habitable world in order to try those dwelling upon the earth.” If there is only one event in play, why does Jesus distinguish ‘those dwelling upon the earth?’
John 3:36 is from a short passage of scripture which speaks to the authority and supremacy of Christ. When Jesus says that the wrath of God remains upon the disobedient, His words are in present tense. Do they reference the second coming? You bet they do. Do His words about remaining in God’s wrath reference the tribulation? Of course, they do. Revelation 6:16 refers to the tribulation as the wrath of God. 1 Thessalonians 1:10 and 5:9 also designate the tribulation as the ‘wrath of God.’
Post tribbers love to cite, WITHOUT any scriptural proof, that Believers will be exempt from the plagues of Revelation because they will be protected from God’s wrath.
Revelation actually states that Believers will be exempt from ONLY two of the plagues described within its pages. It is at this point that post tribbers will be looking for an out with regards to John 3:36. Those who are always so willing to muddle the end time scriptures, so that truth cannot be gleaned, are very willing to make a distinction here between tribulation and hell because they don’t want this verse to apply to themselves. However, there is nothing in this verse which limits its warning to either the tribulation or to eternal hell.
This is the very reason this scripture is placed within a passage which speaks of Jesus’ supremacy and authority, as opposed to being placed within a passage which speaks to one end time event or the other. There is no reason this scripture can’t speak to both hell and the tribulation because the word ‘wrath’ in all of these tribulation verses is the same word. If you handle the word of God with integrity, you don’t get to pick and choose which verses you like.
To willfully disbelieve Jesus’ promise to deliver the church from the tribulation means one will remain behind for God’s wrath. This is a CHOICE made by each Believer who doubts Jesus’ words (John 14:1) to deliver (rescue 4506 1 Thess. 1:10) us.
If you choose to doubt Jesus’ authority and His promise, fine. You’ve worked out your own salvation (Philippians 2:12) so that you will be present for the tribulation, and if you are okay with that, then Great!
What is NOT fine is that you get others to doubt Jesus as you do. What is NOT fine is that you attack their faith, robbing them of their blessed hope by teaching a false doctrine. It is NOT fine that you encourage them to willfully disbelieve EVERYTHING the Bible teaches about the rapture, to limit themselves to the same verses you prefer. You are encouraging them to dismiss scriptures you don’t like and to muddle together the verses of which you approve, piling them into one giant heap of scripture from which truth cannot be gleaned because they are NOT rightly divided. 2 Timothy 2:15.
I will stand in the gap, doing my best to mitigate the damage done by people who have their heart set on being present for the tribulation, those who lack the faith to trust Jesus to save them. If my efforts allow only one additional person to secure their salvation at the rapture, thereby avoiding the horrors of the tribulation, then I’ve done my best for Jesus. That is all He asks.
When is it ever wrong to trust Jesus? When is it ever right to doubt Him?
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God's wrath begins with Seal #1 which Jesus opens in response to the Ezekiel 38/39 invasion of Israel by Gog. Seal #7 contains the silence which lasts nearly 3.5 years. It is during this silence the man of sin rises to power. Because God's wrath begins before the start of the tribulation, these two promises of Jesus state that the church will miss the entire 7 year period:
1 Thessalonians 5:9: “because God has NOT appointed us to wrath (desire… violent passion; by implication PUNISHMENT 3709), but for obtaining salvation (rescue or safety, DELIVER 4991) through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Thessalonians 1:10: “… and eagerly to await His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, Jesus, the One DELIVERING (to rush or draw for oneself; rescue 4506) us from the wrath (desire … violent passion; by implication PUNISHMENT 3709) to come.
In Luke 21:34-35: "But take heed to yourselves that your hearts not be loaded down with headaches, and drinking, and anxieties of life, and that day come suddenly upon you as a snare for it will come in on all those SITTING on the face of the earth."
The church will NOT be sitting on the earth, so we do not need to fear being present for the tribulation. This is the reason Jesus gave us this promise as well:
John 14:27-28: “I leave peace to you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be timid. You heard that I said to you, "I am going away and I am coming again to you....”"
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Pretrib versus the mid and posttrib:
Philippians 2:12: “So, then, my beloved, even as you always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much rather in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”
The more I study end time scriptures, particularly the rapture, the better I understand the massive importance of this lone little verse.
If you have worked out your salvation to understand the scriptures speak of a pretrib rapture, and are trusting Jesus’ promise to deliver you from the tribulation, you will leave with the rapture of the church BEFORE the atrocities begin.
If you have worked out your salvation to understand the scriptures speak of a mid or posttrib rapture, trusting you will be present for the tribulation, you will miss the rapture and will be present for the atrocities Jesus warns us we should beg to escape (Luke 21:36).
1 Thess. 5:3 warns us there is no escape once the destruction begins. The destruction (to destroy, ruin, ie, death, punishment 3639) begins with the Seal Judgments in Revelation 6. After all, when Death and Hades use their authority over one fourth of the earth to kill by way of four different methods, that qualifies as destruction, doesn’t it?
Can salvation still happen after the rapture? Of course, it can! Revelation lists several verses which state that many will COME to faith, but I fear that mid and post tribbers fail to understand that the most difficult thing about the tribulation will be watching the church leave without them because they thought they were trusting Jesus. The most difficult thing will be to humble oneself before a Holy God, asking for forgiveness for having doubted Jesus’ promise to deliver/rescue them as 1 Thessalonians 1:10 and other verses state.
The urge will be to wail and gnash their teeth in pain and rage at being thrown into the outer darkness (Matthew 24:51/25:30)of earth, when Jesus says, “Depart from Me. I do not know you.” The urge will be to ‘fall away’ (forsake the truth 646) as 2 Thessalonians 2:3 warns. The sense of betrayal felt by them will be overwhelming. Finding the humility to admit they chose to be present will be far more difficult than giving into the anger of being left behind. In that crucial moment, many will lose their salvation.
Earlier this week, I made a promise to stand in the gap. This is me keeping that promise. If you are undecided about the rapture, please heed the Words of Jesus and trust His promise to deliver you (to rush or draw for oneself; rescue 4506) from the wrath (desire … violent passion; by implication PUNISHMENT 3709 1 Thess. 1:10) to come.
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The book of John doesn’t contain as much information about the rapture as the other gospels, but it is spoken of in a few places. In John 14:1-3, Jesus, Himself, tells Believers not to be troubled, but to trust in God and "also believe in Me." This was Jesus' assurance that His words are trustworthy. Jesus goes on to say His Father’s house has many dwelling places (a staying residence, mansion 3438) and that He has gone to prepare a place for us and is coming to RECEIVE (to take near, to associate with in an intimate act, to take unto 3880) us unto Himself. This corroborates beautifully with Isaiah 26:19-21 which says, after the dead are raised, we will hide in our ‘rooms’ for a little while, until God’s fury is past.
“To receive near’ sounds a great deal like the rapture, the ‘catching up’ (harpazo to seize, pull or pluck 726) as it is described in 1 Thessalonians 4, doesn't it?
Oh, but it gets better!
Luke 17:34-36 states that of each of two people who are in bed, who are grinding, or who are in the field, during everyday normal life, one will be TAKEN (to receive near 3880) and one will be LEFT (to lay aside or send away 863). So, during everyday life (verses 27-30) Jesus receives some people to Himself and sends others away. That Jesus sends some away agrees perfectly with Matthew 24:51 and 25:30 that the wicked SERVANTS are ‘thrown into outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Those who are ‘taken’ by Jesus sounds an awful lot like the ‘receiving near’ Jesus does in John 14:3. Let’s not forget that Jesus taught two of these passages personally, neither of which was directed at a Jewish audience.
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Titus 2:12-13 specifically describes the rapture as the blessed hope (fortunate expectation 3107/1680 respectively) because it happens in the ‘present age.’ “Present” is defined by the Greek as ‘now, immediate.’ (3568).
The judgments of Revelation can’t begin until the man of sin is revealed. 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 tells us the thief comes first, then peace and safety are spoken, then destruction from which no one can escape. 2 Thessalonians 2:3 tells us there must be a ‘falling away’ from the faith before the man of sin is revealed and begins his reign of terror. So, the plagues of Revelation have not begun and are not part of the ‘present age.’ They can’t be and agree with the rest of scripture.
Here’s why: Jesus teaches the rapture will happen as in the days of Noah and Lot when people are busy going about their daily lives. (Matthew 24:37/Luke 17:27-30). Will ‘normal daily life’ be in play once the Seal judgments are opened and the man of sin begins a global war to drop the borders of sovereign nations in pursuit of his one world government? Will ‘normal daily life’ be in place when death comes to everything over one fourth of the earth by war, famine, disease and wild beats? Of course, not. There is nothing 'normal' about any of that.
Since the ‘blessed hope’ takes place during normal life, how can the ‘blessed hope’ possibly be the second coming? The second coming does NOT take place in the ‘present age,’ during normal life. The second coming takes place AFTER the tribulation, a period Jesus, Himself, describes as ‘great affliction, such as has not happened from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever will be.” Matthew 24:21.
The blessed hope cannot take place in the ‘present age’ (immediate/now) AND during the time of greatest affliction the world has ever known. They are mutually exclusive periods of time!
The rapture DOES take place in the ‘present age’ because it happens while normal everyday life is in play. It has no signs which precede it. It has no warnings whatsoever. Luke 17:20 - when the Pharisees ask Jesus about His coming, Jesus tells them ‘the kingdom (‘royalty, rule or realm’ 932) of God comes without observation’ (ocular evidence 3907). So, Jesus tells the Pharisees that the royalty of God comes without visible signs. Jesus says, “nor will they say, Lo here, Lo there!” For behold the kingdom of God is in your midst.” Jesus is point blank saying that no one will see Him ahead of time, that He will suddenly appear in the midst of people.
Do not allow yourself to be robbed of your blessed hope!
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Rapture versus Second Coming:
At the rapture Jesus gathers Believers Himself: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; Revelation 14:14-16; Luke 17:34-36; 24:50-53/Acts 1:9 & 11.
At the second coming angels gather the elect: Matthew 24:29-31 and Mark 13:24-27. Revelation 14:17-20 tells us that an angel harvests the wicked from the earth.
The rapture and second coming are two separate events because Jesus can’t collect Believers Himself and simultaneously have angels collect them.
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2 Peter 2:9 tells us the Lord knows “how to deliver (draw for oneself 4506) the godly out of temptation (putting to proof or discipline 3986) and to keep (detain in custody 5083) the unjust (wicked, treacherous, heathen 94) for a day of judgment, being punished…”
Contextually, this scripture is placed in a passage in which Peter differentiates between the unrighteousness of the angels, and their destruction, and the righteousness of Noah and his preservation. The Godly people of the church will not have to prove themselves to God, like the unrighteous because we’ve been living for Him since we were saved! Our trust in Jesus is our proof!
Believers do not have to 'prove' themselves in battle for Jesus because this is Jesus' fight! Our part of the story is to trust Him to deliver us!
Additionally, the language used in this verse, ‘draw for oneself’ is extremely similar to the language used in 1 Thessalonians 4, being caught up (to seize, to pluck 726) and in Luke 17:34-36 and John 14: 3, being taken (to receive near 3880).
Also note that the unjust being detained in this verse fits very well with those who are forsaken or set aside as Luke 17:34-36 describes.
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How can nonpre-tribulation rapture doctrines reconcile their position and Paul’s command to comfort and build up one another? 1 Thessalonians 4:18 and 5:11.
What is comforting about knowing that one will enter the greatest suffering known to man as stated by Jesus Himself in Matthew 24:21? What is comforting about being burned by solar flares, hunted by wild beasts in addition to being hunted by the antichrist? What is comforting about dying from starvation/dehydration because the water has turned bitter or turned to blood, or by having 130 lb. hail stones fall on you?
In his exhortation to comfort and build up other believers with the rapture, why did Paul fail to mention the 7 most horrific years of human existence? That's a glaring omission for someone who knew the scriptures as well as Paul, don't you think?
Finally, why did Paul include himself in the word ‘we who remain alive’ if he wasn’t expecting the imminent return of Jesus?
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In Luke 17:22, Jesus tells us there are ‘days’ of the Son of Man. ‘Days’ is plural. There is more than one ‘day’ of the Son of man. Jesus says that we will ‘long to see ONE of them and will not see.’
Jesus gives different descriptions of these ‘days’ to two different groups of people. The first description of a Day of the Son of Man is given in Matthew 24:3-31, Mark 13:3-27 and Luke 21:5-28. In these verses, the DISCIPLES ask Jesus for the sign of His coming, and Jesus answers them with a list of signs which are included in the book of Revelation and comprise what is widely accepted as the Tribulation. Jesus ends each of these passages with a pictorial description of His second coming, that those on earth will watch Him arrive in the clouds with much power and glory. In Revelation 19:11-21, John gives us even more detail right down to describing Jesus’ eyes as He approaches earth. This coming of Christ to earth will be witnessed by everyone. It is the one by which people will know their redemption draws near. Luke 21:27-28.
However, in Luke 17:20, the PHARISEES ask Jesus about the coming of God’s kingdom. Jesus tells them ‘the kingdom of God comes without observation’ (ocular evidence 3907). Kingdom is defined by the Greek as ‘royalty, rule or realm,’ (932). So, Jesus tells the Pharisees that the royalty of God comes without visible signs. Jesus is not talking about His millennial kingdom. He is saying the kingdom of God is Him, He is the royalty of God and will come without ocular evidence or visible signs. In verse 21, Jesus goes on to say, “nor will they say, Lo here, Lo there!” For behold the kingdom of God is in your midst (defined as inside or within 1787).” Here, Jesus states that no one will see Him ahead of time, no one will exclaim His coming, only that He will appear within His people. 1 John 3:2, that when we see Him, we shall be like Him. When Jesus appears to us in the clouds, we will be like Him. He will be within us in an unprecedented way.
So, Jesus says one of His days has signs and one doesn’t. Since the second coming is preceded by all the signs of the tribulation, the rapture must be the day of the Son of Man which has no signs.
Using these instructions from Jesus, it is pretty simple to separate the rapture scriptures from the second coming scriptures. For example: 1 Thessalonians 4:17 has no visible signs, Jesus just shows up and collects those who belong to Him, so it refers to the rapture. 2 Thessalonians 2 has the signs of the ‘falling away’ and the appearance of the man of sin, so it references the second coming. This same method, given by Jesus, applies to every end time scripture. This is the reason I know 1 John 3:2 references the rapture and not the second coming. It clearly states that when Jesus is revealed, we will be like Him, but it does not list any preceding signs.
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2 Peter 2:9 tells us the Lord knows “how to DELIVER (draw for oneself 4506) the godly OUT of Temptation (PUTTING TO PROOF or DISCIPLINE 3986) and to keep (DETAIN in custody 5083) the unjust (WICKED, treacherous, heathen 94) for a day of JUDGMENT (a tribunal, by implication JUSTICE (specifically by divine law): accusation, CONDEMNATION, damnation 2920), being PUNISHED…”
As you can see, the church is NOT called to prove anything to God. The church has already done what was expected of it: Revelation 3:10 Jesus, Himself, teaches that He "will keep (to guard from loss or injury 5083) THOSE WHO KEPT THE WORD OF MY PATIENCE (endurance 5281. Romans 5/Hebrews 12:1-3, 10:36, James 5:10-11 are scriptures which call the church to endure), I ALSO will keep you out of the hour (day, hour, instant, season, time 5610) of trial (a PUTTING TO PROOF by experience of evil, solicitation, discipline; by implication adversity;-temptation) which is going to come on all the habitable world in order to try those dwelling on the earth."
Jesus makes it very clear that He will deliver the Godly out of temptation, guarding it from loss or injury, and He will ALSO keep the church from the time of evil/discipline/adversity which will come on ALL the habitable world. Could He have made it any more obvious that the church will NOT be present for the tribulation.
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Revelation 14:7 “….Fear God, and give glory to Him, because the hour (5610) of His JUDGMENT (a tribunal, by implication JUSTICE (specifically by divine law): accusation, CONDEMNATION, damnation 2920) has come….”
God’s JUDGMENT of earth begins when Jesus opens one of the seals in Revelation 6:1, and it lasts the entire 7 years. Before that, however, Jesus promises to draw the church unto Himself:
2 Peter 2:9 tells us the Lord knows “how to DELIVER (draw for oneself 4506) the godly OUT of temptation (putting to proof or discipline 3986) and to keep (DETAIN in custody 5083) the unjust (WICKED, treacherous, heathen 94) for a day of JUDGMENT (a tribunal, by implication JUSTICE (specifically by divine law): accusation, CONDEMNATION, damnation 2920), being PUNISHED (to curtail, fig. to chastise or reserve for infliction 2849)…”
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In Revelation 19:8 and 14, Zechariah 14:5 and Jude 14, scripture tells us that Jesus returns to earth at His second coming with His saints. There is NO scripture which states that these saints are ONLY Old Testament saints. In fact, I can prove, using scripture that they are NOT only OT saints.
1 Thessalonians 4:16 tells us it is the dead IN CHRIST who are resurrected at the rapture and caught up with the saints who remain alive at that time. The OT saints did not die ‘in Christ’ which means it cannot be only OT saints who return with Jesus.
The only 'in Christ' saints available to return with Jesus at His second coming are those who are raptured seven years sooner. If it isn’t the church which returns with Jesus, nor is it the OT saints, there is no one who returns with Jesus and the Bible contradicts itself.
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In Revelation 14:7, we learn that God’s judgment of the earth lasts for an ‘HOUR (day, instant, season 5610).’ We know God’s judgment of the earth is the entire seven years of the tribulation, plus the time period between the opening of the Seal Judgments and the covenant confirmation (the EZ 38/39 war). We learn in Revelation 17:12 that the kings of the earth reign with the man of sin/beast for one HOUR (day, instant, season 5610). If God’s judgment lasts the ‘hour’ of the entire 7 years, these kings must reign for the ‘hour’ of the entire seven years as well. They can't reign until the man of sin appoints them to power.
In Revelation 3:10, Jesus, Himself, teaches that He "will keep (to guard from loss or injury 5083) those who kept the word of my patience (endurance 5281), I also (and, even so 2504) will keep you out (denoting origin, from place time or cause 1537) of the HOUR (day, instant, season 5610) of TRIAL (a putting to proof by experience of EVIL, solicitation, DISCIPLINE; by implication ADVERSITY; TEMPTATION) which is going to come on all the habitable world in order to try those dwelling ON the earth.”
Revelation 3:10 is Jesus’ promise to keep those who endure in their faith from the ‘hour,’ the entire 7 years, of trial! Jesus says He will ‘guard from loss or injury,’ keeping them from the ‘place time or cause’ of the HOUR (day, instant, season 5610) of TRIAL (evil, discipline, adversity, temptation). Since the hour of trial originates ON earth, those whom Jesus guards from loss or injury CANNOT be on earth!
Jesus is teaching a pre-tribulation rapture! Do NOT allow anyone to rob you of your blessed hope! Trust Jesus’ promise to deliver you from the tribulation! Trust Jesus to keep you from the hour of trial and secure your salvation at the rapture of the church BEFORE the 7 years of evil, discipline, adversity and temptation begin!
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Imminent is defined as ‘about to happen.’ Jesus teaches His imminent arrival over and over in scripture. The Bible clearly teaches us that NO ONE knows the day OR hour of the rapture, hence its imminence. Matthew 24:36,42,44,50 and 25:13, 1-12, and 14-30, and Mark 13:32, 33, 35.
These scriptures teach the same imminence: James 5:7-8 (the coming of the Lord has drawn near) and Luke 21:36 (about to happen), 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 (WE who remain, Paul expected it at any moment). Let’s not forget that Jesus also spoke of the imminence of His arrival in Revelation 1:1, 21:7, 10, 12, and 20.
Anyone who disbelieves Jesus’ rapture of the church is imminent disagrees with Jesus’ own description of the timing of His appearance. He tells us in Luke 17: 20-21 that He will come without observation (ocular evidence 3907 (signs). The signs which occur during the tribulation CONTRADICT Jesus’ words of appearing without signs. In Matthew 24:42-51 and Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus gives warning to the wicked servants/worthless slaves, people who belong to the Master, who tell themselves the Master delays His coming. It is these people to whom Matthew 7:21-23 speaks, that they will be told to depart from Jesus because He does not know who they are!
When Jesus says He doesn’t know you, it is because you failed to do the will of His Father, trusting Jesus to save you. Matthew 7:21/John 3:36/John 14:1. Jesus will throw into ‘outer darkness’ those who believe He delays His coming.
1 Thessalonians 5:3 tells us if we miss the rapture of the church, God provides no other escape.
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The word 'parousia' is defined by the Greek as 'being near, advent (the approach of a notable person), by implication, physical aspect, presence.' 3952. In the New Testament, the word 'parousia' is used in reference to the coming of many people. 1 Corinthians 16:17 uses it of Stephanas and Fortunatus, 2 Cor. 7:6-7 of Titus, 13:1 of Paul himself, Phil 1:26 of Paul again. These uses of ‘parousia’ have nothing to do with the second coming or the rapture of the church. We discern this by simply reading the text.
"Parousia" can, and often does refer to the second coming of Christ. Jesus described His second coming to His disciples when they asked for the sign of His coming in Matthew 24. The signs He listed are the events of the tribulation. 'Parousia' refers to the second coming in Matthew 24:30, 1 Thessalonians 3:13, 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 8 & 9. We know the second coming is referenced because each of these scriptures list the visible signs for which Jesus said to watch.
HOWEVER, 'parousia' can, and often does, refer to the rapture of the church. When asked by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God comes, Jesus told them the Kingdom of God comes WITHOUT observation or visible signs. Luke 17:20-21. So, ‘parousia’ references the rapture, the coming of Jesus without visible signs in 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 4:15, 5:23, James 5:7-8.
This is the complete story of 'parousia' in the Bible. As you can see, its application is determined by context. It does NOT reference the same event or person every time it is used.
Misapplying ‘parousia’ yourself, or listening to someone who does, will cause you to doubt the promise of Jesus to deliver the church from the tribulation. If you do not trust Jesus to keep His promise you will remain on earth for the most horrific period known to mankind. Jesus warns of this time and again in scripture: Matthew 24:36-25:30, and Luke 12:35-59.
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We must suffer because Jesus suffered…
For those of you who are convinced the church must suffer through the tribulation, that we must die because Jesus died for us and the Apostles died for Jesus, please read:
“Brothers, we are bound to give thanks to God always concerning you, even as it is right, because your faith GROWS (to increase above ordinary degree 5232) exceedingly, and the love of each one of you multiplies toward one another; so as for us to boast ourselves in you in the churches of God for your PATIENCE (cheerful or hopeful endurance, constancy (the quality of being faithful and dependable) 5281) and faith in all your PERSECUTIONS (hostility and ill treatment because of race, political or religious beliefs, online dict.), and the AFFLICTIONS (pressure, burden, tribulation, trouble 2347) which you ENDURE (to hold oneself up against, to put up with 430), a clear TOKEN (indication 1730) of the just JUDGMENT (justice, specifically of divine law, accusation, condemnation, damnation 2920) of God, for you to be COUNTED WORTHY (to deem entirely deserving 2661), of the kingdom of God, for which you indeed SUFFER (to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful) 3958).” 2 Thessalonians 1:3-5.
Paul is saying the growing faith, the patience, the persecutions, and the afflictions through which the church endures is an indication of God’s justice; the church is NOT skating with regards to hardships! If you disagree, grab one of the untold numbers of Believers who have been tortured and killed for their faith in Jesus, and ask them about their experience. Oh wait,...that's not possible because they are DEAD! God’s justice is meted to the church so that it is deemed entirely worthy of the kingdom of God, the kingdom for which the church suffers. Paul is saying the church, by nature of its close relationship with God, has already suffered and endured.
After having just described the tribulation in Luke 21:36, Jesus says: "Then be watchful at every time, begging (to bind oneself, pray to 1189) that you be COUNTED WORTHY (to deem entirely deserving 2661) to escape ALL these things which are about to happen, and to stand before the Son of man.”
Paul tells us the church is counted worthy because of its relationship to God. Jesus tells us it is the church, for it is only the church who watches for His return, which can be counted worthy to escape ALL the things which are about to happen in the tribulation. The church only needs to bind itself to Jesus.
Please do not doubt Jesus promise to deliver you from the horrors of the tribulation. Trust Jesus to save you and secure your salvation at the pretrib rapture. Do not let anyone rob you of your blessed hope!
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2 Thessalonians 2:6-8, a short passage of scripture which profoundly effects the understanding of anyone who believes in a rapture of any timing. It's important because pre-tribbers use this passage as a linchpin for the timing of the rapture. Pre-wrath, Mid and Post-tribbers use this passage to declare pre-tribbers false teachers and heretics. I explain this passage to correct a misunderstanding of scripture and bridge the chasm between Believers which, hopefully will result in peace between the two and renewed hope for both.
2 Thessalonians 2:6-8 is nearly always understood to mean that the Holy Spirit is the Restrainer who keeps the man of lawlessness at bay. For such a long time I believed this myself because modern translations lead us to believe as much by inserting/implying another entity into the verse ('what is holding him back' as opposed to the 'thing holding back'). However, when I got an Interlinear Bible, which takes the original languages and puts them directly into English, I discovered a truth which is hidden by modern translations.
Here is the Interlinear Bible wording for this scripture and it makes so obvious what I'm about to tell you. "And now you know the thing restraining (holding back 2722), for him (the idea of a baffling wind (backward); the reflexive pronoun, self)) to be revealed (to take the cover off 601) in the time of him (reflexive pronoun, SELF 1438). For the mystery of lawlessness already is working, only he restraining (holding back 2722) now, until it comes out of the midst (middle 3319); and then the Lawless One will be revealed (to take the cover off 601) ...."
The word 'restraining' is NOT a noun. This scripture does NOT say the 'Restrainer.' This passage uses 'restraining' as a verb, an action word and as the definitions show, the restraining is done by 'SELF' the baffling backward wind (Is Satan not a spirit in opposition, backward, to God?). The only 'self' mentioned in this short passage of scripture is the mystery of lawlessness. He is restraining himself until the proper time is revealed, to come out of the middle of mankind and take the place of prominence which scripture describes.
Logically, the Lawless One will step out of the midst of mankind and take center stage after the rapture takes the church from the earth and his visible/identifiable opposition is removed. With the church absent, this man will have no moral opposition to his plan. I simply want to make sure that anyone who hinges their belief in a pre-trib rapture on this passage has their thinking squared with scripture. The Lawless One comes to power because he deems the removal of the church as the proper time to be revealed. He does NOT reveal himself because the 'Restrainer,' the Holy Spirit is no longer here.
The word 'Restrainer' is NOT used in the ENTIRE Bible. It is a concept passed down as tradition through the ages. This verse does NOT identify the Holy Spirit as a Restrainer who will be removed from the earth. The Holy Spirit is not mentioned in this verse. God's Spirit stays on the earth to work in the lives of those who will submit to His conviction even after the church is raptured!
If God's Spirit were completely removed from the earth it would be impossible for mere people to overcome the influence of Satan and ever come to Christ. You and I know how difficult it is to resist sin and temptation with the Spirit's help in a time NOTHING like the Tribulation. Do you think any mere person, by their own strength, is a match for Satan? If people can overcome Satan without God's help, why did Jesus need to die in the first place? If we could overcome Satan on our own, we could have kept the law!
So, this scripture does speak to a pre-tribulation rapture, but the truth of it needs to be understood as God intends. When the church is raptured, the time for the man of lawlessness to come forward and confirm a covenant with Israel will be right, but this scripture has NOTHING to do with God's Spirit being removed from the world.
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Luke 21:35 tells us THAT DAY, the tribulation Jesus just described, will come “in ON all those SITTING (to sit down, fig. to remain, reside 2521) on the face of all the earth.” So, not everyone is sitting/residing/remaining on earth.
Revelation 3:10 tells us Jesus "will keep those who kept the word of my patience, I also will keep you out (denoting origin, from place time or cause 1537) of the hour of trial which is going to come on all the habitable world in order to try those dwelling ON the earth.” Here again, some people are on the earth and others aren’t.
If everyone isn’t ON the earth, where are those who aren’t on earth?
Also, if everyone is present for the tribulation, why does Jesus instruct us to ‘beg to be counted worthy to escape ALL these things which are about to happen” Luke 21:36 when 1 Thessalonians 5:3 tells us there is NO escape once the destruction begins?
Nonpretribbers cannot reconcile these contradictions created by their understanding of scripture?
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Has anyone noticed that the ‘catching up, (harpazo)’ described in 1 Thess.4:13-17 is accompanied by only AUDIBLE signs, the trump of God and the shout of the archangel?
This lack of visible signs is in complete agreement with Luke 17:20 where Jesus explains the coming of God’s kingdom (royalty, rule, realm 932) will be without any VISIBLE signs. This is Jesus telling the Pharisees His coming will be without any preceding events/signs.
How do non-pretribbers explain Jesus’ statement in light of seven years’ worth of visible signs prior to His second coming? How can Jesus come with visible signs and without visible signs at the same time?
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I’ve been asked this question by a few people, so I thought I’d make a post out of my complete answer.
Question: At the rapture, will the trump of God and the shout of the archangel be heard by the entire world or by only those who meet Jesus in the clouds?
My answer: While the rapture will NOT be missed by the world, I'm unable to determine, with certainty, just who will hear the trump sound and the shout of the archangel.
In Luke 17:30, scripture tells us that the Son of Man will be revealed. 'Revealed' is defined as 'to take off the cover' (601). I understand it to mean that Jesus takes off the cover, will be seen, by only those who belong to Him or think they belong to Him. It does not expressly state this, but my rationale is based on comparison with other scriptures:
Colossians 3:4 tells us “Whenever Christ our life is revealed (to render apparent, manifestly declare (5319), then also you will be revealed (to render apparent, manifestly declare (5319) IN glory with Him.”
'Manifest' is defined as 'clear or obvious to the eye or mind.' This scripture tells us that when Jesus is made clear or obvious to the eye or mind, we also will be made clear or obvious to the eye or mind, in glory (very apparent dignity, honor 1391) with Him.’
Additionally, Matthew 24:30 tells us, “And then the sign of the Son of man will appear (to lighten, to show, be seen, 5316, from 5457: to shine or make manifest especially by rays) in the heavens. And then all the tribes of the land will wail. And they will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and much glory.”
Both Colossians 3:4 and Matthew 24:30 speak of the second coming because Jesus comes withOUT great glory and power at the rapture (Luke 17:20, John 6:39/14:3, 1 Thess 4:13-17/ Acts 1:9 & 11/ Rev. 14:14-16), and it is only at the second coming we will be with Him when He arrives, so that we also will be IN glory.
So, the 'taking off the cover' isn't the same as 'manifestly declared,' hence the use of two different words. The language in the scriptures themselves, as demonstrated by the definitions of the original Greek, give some insight. While the scriptures do not expressly state whether only the redeemed will hear the trump of God and the shout of the archangel, the language itself does make a distinction, indicating that those who hear the rapture will be limited while the second coming of Christ will be seen and heard by everyone in the world.
1/5/2022 Update on this subject. I have learned since writing this post that Jesus will appear, at the rapture, to only those who belong to Him, whether genuinely saved or not (those who believe themselves saved, but aren't, will also be caught up to meet Jesus in the clouds). Three passages in Matt. 24 tell us all the servants/virgins/slaves are the only ones who know of the Master's/Bridegroom's appearance.
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In Luke 21:35 and Revelation 3:10, Jesus tells us an ‘hour of trial’ will cover the entire earth, that it is intended for those ‘dwelling ON the earth.’
Who are those dwelling on the earth?
2 Peter 2:9 tells us it is the “unjust (wicked, treacherous, heathen 94) who are kept (detain in custody 5083) for a day of judgment, being punished (to chastise, reserve for infliction 2849)….”
Jesus paid the sin wage for those who trust Him for salvation. Those who trust Jesus are not among the wicked, treacherous heathens of this world.
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1 Thessalonians 5:9-10: "God has NOT appointed (defined as ‘to place, purpose, set forth 5087) us to wrath (violent passion (ire, or [justifiable] abhorrence; by implication punishment: vengeance 3709), BUT for obtaining salvation through our Lord, Jesus Christ. He dying on OUR behalf, so that whether we watch or we sleep, we may live together with Him."
Because we are saved, because Jesus died on our behalf, we avoid punishment! This is the reason we are baptized; so that we can approach God as innocent; to come before Him acquitted, pardoned from our sins with a clean conscience: Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21.
There are 31 New Testament scriptures which declare Believers justified before God. Each of them defines ‘justified’ as ‘to render (show or regard as) just or innocent 1344).’
God will NOT punish His innocent children! Jesus has already received unto Himself the punishment due the redeemed of God. The PUNISHMENT of the TRIBULATION (Luke 21:36) is for those who do NOT belong to God (Jeremiah 30:4-7, John 3:36, 2 Thess. 2:8-12, 2 Peter 2:9 and Revelation 3:10), those who do NOT trust Jesus to save them. The tribulation is NOT intended for those who DO trust Jesus to save them!
Before you write me telling me how the tribulation is the wrath of Satan and is separate from the wrath of God, please give book, chapter and verse which states that they happen at different times. Also, please give book chapter and verse which states that Believers will be exempt from more than the two plagues of God’s wrath, as stated in Revelation. Please keep in mind that 1 Thessalonians 5:3 warns us once destruction begins there is NO escape which rules out prewrath, mid and post trib raptures.
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What Delay?
Matthew 24:45-48: “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has set over his household, to give to them the food in season (an occasion, a set or proper time 2540)? Blessed is that servant whom His lord shall find so doing when He comes…..But if the WICKED SERVANT says in his heart, ‘My Lord DELAYS to come…”
Matthew 25:5: The Parable of the Ten Virgins, “But the bridegroom delaying…”
Luke 12:43-45: “Blessed is that slave when his lord comes and will find him so doing (being a faithful and wise steward v. 42.). Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that SLAVE SAYS in his heart, ‘My lord DELAYS to come…”
In these scriptures, Jesus speaks of redeemed people, those who belong to the Master. If the rapture of the church is NOT a separate event from the second coming, there is no length of time during which a delay of Christ’s return could occur. The second coming takes place at the end of the tribulation, so if the rapture happens at the second coming, what delay could Jesus possibly be referencing? Why did Jesus give these warnings if belief in a delay of His coming is not possible?
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Signs?
In Luke 17:20-21, Jesus tells the PHARISESS the kingdom (royalty, rule, realm 932) of God does NOT come with observation (ocular evidence 3907). This is Jesus’ statement He will return without visible signs. Interestingly, Jesus’ words in this short passage lie in direct contradiction to Matthew 24:3-31, the answer He gave His DISCIPLES when they asked for a sign of His coming. His answer to them was the list of events we all know as the tribulation.
Here is a list of end time events which occur withOUT any visible signs, they just happen. This tells me there are either multiple dayS of the Son of Man, as Luke 17:22 tells us, which is in complete agreement to what Jesus said to the Pharisees and His Disciples, OR there is error within scripture. Of course, we know that God’s word is withOUT error.
Isaiah 26:19-21, Zephaniah 2:3, Matthew 8:10-12, 24:36-40, 42, 44, 50, 25:13, 19, Mark 13:33-37, Luke 12:40, 46, Luke 13:29, Luke 17:26-30, Luke 21:36, Luke 24:50-51/Acts 1:9 &11, John 3:36, John 6:39, John 14:2-3, Romans 5:9, 1 Thess. 1:10, 1 Thess. 4:13-17, 1 Thess. 5:2, 9, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 10:37, 1 Peter 4:17-19, 2 Peter 2:9, Revelation 3:3, Revelation 14:14-16.
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Jesus promises time and again to deliver the church from the tribulation (1 Thess. 1:10/5:9-10/4:13-17, Luke 21:36, John 6:39/14:1-3, among many others).
If Jesus breaks His promise, Believers have a much bigger problem than trying to outrun the Antichrist.
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Two Separate Events!
Revelation 3:20: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone HEARS (gives audience to, understands 191) My voice and OPENS the door, I will go into Him and I will DINE (to take the principal or evening meal 1172) with Him, and he with Me.
The ‘principal or evening meal’ of the church is the Marriage Supper of the Lamb which is described in Revelation 19:7-9. This is the meal which takes place in heaven while the tribulation rages on earth. This verse speaks of the rapture of the church and the reward for those who give audience to what Jesus says in scripture.
In contrast, Revelation 3:21 says: "The one overcoming (conquer, prevail, get the victory 3528), I will give to him to sit with Me in My throne, as I also overcame and sat with My Father in His throne."
Who gets to sit with Jesus on His throne? Revelation 20:4-6 tells us those who are beheaded are those who take a throne and reign with Christ during the millennial kingdom. If you are killed by one of God’s plagues, by a neighbor for your food stash, or as collateral damage in an earthquake, etc., or by starvation/dehydration, you can still get into heaven, but you won’t get a throne unless you’re beheaded. This scripture speaks of an event which takes place AFTER the second coming.
So, the church who leaves in the rapture gets the reward of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in heaven with Jesus. Those who are beheaded during the tribulation will get to reign from thrones with Jesus during the millennial kingdom.
It is no accident these two scriptures are placed in contrast to each other in the prophetic book of Revelation, nor is it coincidence their respective rewards are placed in sequential chapters at the end of Revelation. These two verses clearly speak of separate, end time events; the rapture and the second coming.
Revelation 3:22 provides another piece of important information: "The one who has an ear, hear (understand) what the Spirit says to the churches." This is Jesus’ warning to listen to His words regarding two separate events.
If you miss the rapture, there is no escape from the destruction of the tribulation. 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3.
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The evangelizing angel of Revelation says this in Revelation 14:7: “…Fear God and give glory to Him, because the hour of His judgment (decision, by implication justice (specifically by divine law) condemnation, damnation 2920) has come;…”
John 5:24: “Truly, truly I say to you, the one who hears (give audience, understand 191) My word, and believes (commit to trust, to entrust (specifically one’s spiritual well-being to Christ) 4100) the One who has sent Me, has everlasting life, and does NOT come into judgment (decision, by implication justice (specifically by divine law) condemnation, damnation 2920), but has passed (to change place 3327) out of death into life.”
There is only one event during which someone who trusts Jesus will change place from death into life without coming under the damnation. Those who fail to trust Jesus are under His judgment which begins with the house of God. 1 Peter 4:17. These people are those who enter the tribulation and endure to either the end of their lives or the end of the trib.
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Parallel Rapture/Second Coming Passages
John 5:24: “Truly, truly I say to you, the one who hears (give audience, understand 191) My word, and believes (commit to trust 4100) the One who has sent Me, has everlasting life, and does NOT come into judgment (justice (specifically by divine law) condemnation, damnation 2920), but has passed (to change place 3327) out of death into life.”
This speaks to the rapture of the church for it is the only event at which people will be changed from death into life by HEARING and BELIEVING Jesus WITHOUT coming under Judgment.
John 5:25: “Truly, truly, I say to you that an hour is coming (next, be set 2064), and now is (present or immediate, this time 3568), when the DEAD will hear the voice of the Son of God, and the one hearing will live.”
This verse contains two parts:
An hour ‘now is’ when the ‘DEAD will HEAR the voice of the Son of God, and the one hearing will live.’ This speaks to the resurrection of the martyred saints at the end of the tribulation, the present or immediate time. Revelation 20:4-6.
An hour ‘is coming’ when the ‘DEAD will HEAR the voice of the Son of God, and the one hearing will live.’ This speaks of Great White Throne Judgment of Revelation 21:11-15 which happens after the millennial kingdom.
Verse 24 begins with “Truly, truly, I say to you…” and is separated from verse 25 which also begins with “Truly, truly, I say to you…” Verse 24 is the rapture because it involves, the dead, those who hear, and the living, those who believe. It is separate from verse 25, the two resurrections which follow the second coming because they involve only the dead, those who hear.
John 5:24-25 parallels John 6:39-40 and Revelation 3:20-21 in that Jesus speaks of the rapture in the first verse of each passage, and the second coming in the second verse of the passage.
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1 Thessalonians 5:9-10: "God has NOT appointed (defined as ‘to place, purpose, set forth 5087) us to wrath (violent passion (ire, or [justifiable] abhorrence; by implication punishment: vengeance 3709), BUT for obtaining salvation through our Lord, Jesus Christ. He, dying on our behalf, so that whether we WATCH or we sleep, we may live together with Him."
This scripture is placed within the context of an event preceded by only AUDIBLE signs. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. So, when Paul tells us to ‘watch,’ for what are we watching? We watch for the appearance of Jesus. The second coming is preceded by numerous specific signs which will mark the passage of time, so there is no need to watch until day 2,519. Here Paul says nothing about a period of time which must first pass. He tells us to watch because it can happen at any moment, hence it cannot be the second coming.
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Weeping and Gnashing in Outer Darkness
Matthew 8:10-12, 22:10-14, 24:42-51, 25:30 and Luke 13:24-30 are all passages which speak to the worthless SLAVES or wicked SERVANTS being thrown into outer darkness (ejected into exterior obscurity 1544/1857/4655) where there is ‘weeping and gnashing of teeth’ (wailing and grating of the teeth in pain and rage.” 2805/1030/3599).
These passages are separate and distinct from the ‘weeping and gnashing’ passages which speak of the furnace of fire, which, of course represents hell. If these five passages do not mean the worthless SLAVES and wicked SERVANTS, those belonging to the Master, are thrown into hell, what do they mean? They cannot reference the sheep/goat judgment of Matthew 25:31ff or the Great White Throne Judgment of Revelation 20:11-15 because these both clearly state that hell is involved. If they do reference hell, why is fire not mentioned like it is in the other passages?
What ‘outer darkness/exterior obscurity’ is in play if it isn’t hell? Obscurity is defined as ‘the state of being unknown.’ At what point in time will SLAVES and SERVANTS of God be unknown to Him?
1 Peter 4:17-19: “Because the time has come to begin the judgment from the house of God; and if firstly from us, what will be the end of the one disobeying (willful disbelief 544) in the gospel of God? V.18. And if the righteous is scarcely saved (delivered or protected 4982), where will the ungodly (irreverent (showing a lack of respect for something generally taken seriously) 765) AND sinner appear (be seen 5316)? V.19. So as indeed the ones suffering according to God’s will, as to a faithful Creator, let them commit their souls in well doing.”
Matthew 7:21-23: “Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter into the kingdom of Heaven, but the ones who does the will of My Father in Heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name do many works of power?” And then I will declare to them, “I NEVER KNEW you; depart from Me, those working lawlessness!”
If these five passages do not reference the pretribulation rapture, where God BEGINS judgment with His own house, what do they reference? If earth isn’t non hell ‘outer darkness’ compared to the light and inclusivity of heaven, what is? If those Jesus sends into exterior obscurity are not the willfully disbelieving from among the church, who are they? If the “wailing and grating of the teeth in pain and rage” is not expressed by those who miss the rapture, then who? What other group of people will comprise the ‘falling away’ of 2 Thessalonians 2:3?
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When it appears the Bible contradicts itself, it is wise to stop and consider the contradiction is rooted in reader error.
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Revelation 16:15 tells us: “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is the one watching, and keeping his garments, that he does not walk naked, and they may see his shame.”
First, the words ‘garment’ and ‘shame’ are completely without figurative application; they are to be understood in the literal sense only. So, blessed is the one who is literally not naked when Jesus comes back to earth. Second, by the end of chapter sixteen, the majority of plagues have happened, so earthly resources are virtually non-existent. While waiting on the return of Christ, people will not only need to concern themselves with dodging the antichrist, and finding something to eat/drink, they will be blessed if they have clothes to wear. Third, it is no coincidence that Zechariah 14:14 lists clothing among the wealth of plunder taken from the vacated nations, ranking clothes as high as gold and silver. So, this verse means Jesus is coming at a time when it’s going to be extremely difficult to hold onto one’s clothes, literally.
Revelation 16:15 is important to this post for this reason: Luke 17:31-36 tells: “In that day he who will be on the housetop, let him not come down to take his goods from the house. And likewise, he in the field, let him not return to the things behind. Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it. And whoever will lose it, he will preserve it. I say to you, in that night, two will be on the bed; the one will be taken (to receive near 3880), and then other will be left (laid aside, send away 863). Two will be grinding together, one will be taken (to receive near 3880), and the other will be left (laid aside, send away 863). Two will be in the field; one will be taken (to receive near 3880), and the other will be left (laid aside, send away 863).” See also Matthew 24:40-41.
If, at the second coming, earthly resources are so scarce clothing will be nonexistent, how is it that one could go back inside their house to retrieve ‘goods?’ How is it that one will have a field from which he can return to the ‘things behind?’ How is it that one will have a grinding mill or even a bed if one can’t find clothes to wear?
Luke 17:31-36 explains the rapture of the church will happen while people still have ownership of ‘things’ and the option of returning for them instead of leaving with Jesus and the church.
At the second coming there will be no ‘things’ for which people can return, nor any option regarding whether or not to leave with Jesus.
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Jesus’ Instruction
In Matthew 24:36-25:30, Luke 12:35-56, Luke 17:27-37, and Mark 13:32-37, Jesus instructs us to be watchful and prepared for His appearance.
Here are the scriptures where Jesus instructs us to watch and be prepared for the appearance of the man of sin and the start of the tribulation: ......sound of crickets chirping......
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Timing is Everything:
After having described the tribulation, Jesus says, in Luke 21:36, “Then be watchful (to be sleepless, to keep awake 69) at every time (all, any, the whole/an occasion, the set or proper time 3956/2540), begging (as binding oneself, petition 1189) that you be counted worthy (to deem entirely deserving 2661) to escape (flee out 1628) ALL (any, every, the whole, all manner of, whatsoever 3956) these things which are about to happen, and to stand before the Son of man.”
How is it possible to escape ALL the events of the tribulation if we do not leave before it begins?
Why the exhortation to be sleepless/awake at ALL times if there are seven years of horror which precede the rapture?
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God’s Word is So Cohesive:
Isaiah 26: 19-21: “Your dead ones shall live, my dead body; they shall rise up (get up, rouse 6965). Awake (abruptness in starting up from sleep 6974) and sing (to shout, usually for joy; cry out, be joyful 7442), dust-dwellers; for the dew of lights is your dew; and the earth shall cast out departed spirits. Come, My people, go in your rooms (an apartment 2315) and shut your doors behind you. Hide (secret 2247) for a little (very small matter/thing 4592) moment (a very short space of time/instant 7281), until the fury (froth at the mouth; fury esp. God’s displeasure with sin 2195) passes (to cross over 5674). For, behold, Jehovah comes out of His place (standing spot/locality 4725) to visit His iniquity (perversity, moral evil, PUNISHMENT 5771) on the dweller (to remain, to make abide 3427) of the earth. The earth shall also reveal her blood and shall no more cover over her slain ones.”
The dead in Christ shall rise and we who remain alive will be caught up (catch away, pluck 726) to meet Him... And, so we will always be with the Lord.”1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.
Jesus, Himself, said in John 14:1-3, "Do NOT let your heart be troubled; you believe (commit to trust 4100) in God, believe (commit to trust 4100) ALSO in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places (staying place/residence (rooms) 3438). But if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you, I am coming (appear 2064) again, and will receive (to associate with oneself in an intimate or familiar act 3880) you to Myself, that where I am you may be also.”
“…and eagerly to await (wait for 362) His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, Jesus, the One delivering (to rush or draw for oneself, ie, rescue 4506) us from the wrath (justifiable abhorrence, PUNISHMENT, anger 3709) to come.” 1 Thessalonians 1:10.
“Because God has not appointed us to wrath (justifiable abhorrence, PUNISHMENT, anger 3709), but for obtaining salvation (rescue or safety 4991) through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9.
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Does 2 Thessalonians speak of the Rapture or the Second Coming?
The rapture in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 describes the catching up of those who are 'in Christ,' whether they are dead or alive. There is no mention of those who aren't ' in Christ.' This scripture describes a specific group of people from among all people.
The 'gathering' described in 2 Thessalonians 2:1 is defined by the Greek as the 'complete collection.' 1997. So, this scripture describes the 'complete collection' of God's faithful people, as opposed to the partial/specific collection described in 1 Thessalonians 4.
Also, 2 Thessalonians 2 lists signs, verses 3-4, which precede the coming of Christ in v. 8, in complete agreement with the signs listed by Jesus in Matthew 24:9-34, those which precede His return to earth in verses 30-31. See also Mark 13:3-27 and Luke 21:10-28.
Additionally, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 describes the coming of Christ which agrees completely with the second coming described in Matthew 24:29-31. This verse goes past the event of Christ's coming to include the aspect of judgment. v. 9, not spoken of in Matthew 24. Eternal destruction against 'those not obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ' happens at the second coming, not the rapture.
Finally, Jesus tells us in Luke 17:22 that there are multiple days of the Son of Man, one of which comes withOUT observation (ocular evidence 3907) v. 20. The second coming is the day of the Son of Man which has ocular evidence, as taught by Jesus Himself. Because 2 Thessalonians 2 speaks of an event preceded by signs, it must be the second coming. The rapture is a day of the Son of Man which has no ocular evidence, it is NOT preceded by visible signs as these scriptures indicate: Isaiah 26:19-21, Zephaniah 2:3, Matthew 8:10-12, 24:36-40, 42, 44, 50, 25:13, 19, Mark 13:33-37, Luke 12:40, 46, Luke 13:29, Luke 17:26-30, Luke 21:36, Luke 24:50-51/Acts 1:9 &11, John 3:36, John 6:39, John 14:2-3, Romans 5:9, 1 Thess. 1:10, 1 Thess. 4:13-17, 1 Thess. 5:2, 9, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 10:37, 1 Peter 4:17-19, 2 Peter 2:9, Revelation 3:3, Revelation 14:14-16.
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Submitting to Authorities: I know this is lengthy, but it’s important.
Let's use the entire passage of 1 Timothy 2:1-4: "First of all, I exhort that petitions (request 1162), prayers, intercessions (to entreat in favor OR AGAINST (1783 derived from 1793), and thanksgivings (gratitude to God as an act of worship 2169) be made on behalf of all men; for kings and all the ones being in high position, that (in order that (denoting the purpose of the result 2443) we may lead a tranquil and quiet existence in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable before God our deliverer, who desires all men to be delivered, and to come to a full knowledge of truth."
The objective of God identified in this passage is that we lead a tranquil and quiet existence in all godliness and reverence. We are to pray for or AGAINST our leaders, to accomplish God’s objective. Wicked leaders do NOT lead their citizens into tranquility in all godliness and reverence! Think Democrat led cities and states where devastating and deadly riots took place last summer/fall. Wicked leaders bring dissension, chaos, harm, and deception because it is who they are! They work for the enemy! We are NOT called to encircle them with kum by yah warm fuzzy hugs. God expects us to pray against leaders who fail to turn people to His objective.
Wicked leaders do NOT lead men to a full knowledge of the truth of God so that they might be delivered. Wicked leaders hide behind personas and deception, squelching truth so men are led into darkness! Wicked leaders advocate abortion as a woman's choice or "healthcare." Wicked leaders advocate homosexuality/transgenderism as an alternate lifestyle. Wicked leaders advocate illegal immigration, flooding the country entrusted to them with people who will never be required to contribute, ensuring the leaders’ positions of power. Wicked leaders work in the darkest corners of the darkest places to secure massive personal fortunes on the backs of their constituents.
We are NOT called to SUPPORT these people simply because they are our leaders. We are called to thanksgiving toward God, humbling ourselves in prayer, petitioning Him for a way out from under the wicked rule.
The call to prayer in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 is a call to courage, to stand against evil, not to find comfort or complacency within it! It is scriptural to pray against wicked leaders while giving thanks to God for the wake-up call to the judgment levied against us!
How can I be so sure? Here are three Biblical examples:
First, Daniel was called to submit to a law which forbade him to pray to Jehovah for thirty days. Daniel 6. Did Daniel stay quiet, laying low, until the thirty days had passed? Did Daniel submit to the king's decree? No, he didn’t. Even when Daniel was outed to the king for his 'disrespect' v. 14. Daniel continued to seek God in prayer while disobeying the king! Did Daniel violate 1 Timothy 2:1-4?
Second, Stephen was handed over to the Sanhedrin by three different groups of people who wanted to shut down his preaching. Acts 6:8-7:60. These wicked men even invoked the name of God to cast validity and ‘holiness’ onto their cause, thereby literally taking the name of God in vain. Did Stephen submit to their efforts to silence him? No, he didn’t. Stephen used the opportunity to teach the gospel message to everyone present. Had Stephen been intimidated into cooperation, submitting to authorities, one of the most famous speeches in the entire Bible would have never been uttered, and Christendom itself would have been forever altered. As it happened, Stephen died, defying authorities, with a PRAYER for the salvation for his murderers upon his lips. God calls us to the same courage, to stand against the evil in this world, even if it comes from our governing authorities! Did Stephen violate 1 Timothy 2:1-4?
Third, Matthew 21:12-13 tells the story of Jesus overturning tables and rousting crooked merchants from the Temple. These people were conducting 'business' as permitted by the governing authorities. Jesus failed to see things the same way as those ‘in charge.’ Did He stroll the Temple courtyard, shaking His head in disgust at the corruption while reminding Himself to submit to authority? Did Jesus disobey 1 Timothy 2:1-4?
I've shown you, using scripture, that praying for our leaders does NOT mean we capitulate to the evil they perpetrate. Our prayers regarding our leaders can be against them, yet far more in line with God's desire that truth be known, and all men be delivered. This is the reason the church exists! We are to honor God before men so that truth is told and many are delivered. If the church does not fill this role, who will?
For anyone who’s interested, Romans 13:1-6 is stated in the context that submission is made to Godly leaders (vs 3. Who are 'NOT a terror to good works, but to the bad.' Ungodly leaders are nothing BUT terrors to good works, hence this passage assumes the authority is godly) for they are servants of God, an avenger for wrath to the one practicing EVIL! (v.4.) It is NOT the place of the church to practice evil. Verse 7 goes on to say ‘to the one who is due taxes, the tax; to the one due tribute, the tribute; to the one due honor, the honor.’ This passage of scripture calls us to be dutiful citizens, to conduct ourselves with order and discipline, so that we do not bring the censure of a godly leader upon ourselves. In short, DON’T be a criminal! It is NOT a call to embrace wicked leaders by submitting to everything they demand. We are free to do what’s right for the Kingdom.
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“Truly, truly, I say to you, “The one who hears My word, and BELIEVES the One who has sent Me, has everlasting life, and does NOT come into JUDGMENT (a tribunal; by implication justice (specifically divine law): accusation, condemnation, damnation 2920), but has passed (to exchange 3327) out of death into life.” John 5:24.
“But the heavens and the earth now, having been stored up by the same word, are being kept for fire to a day of JUDGMENT (a tribunal; by implication justice (specifically divine law): accusation, condemnation, damnation 2920) and destruction (ruin or loss, perdition, waste 684) of UNGODLY men.” 2 Peter 3:7.
Godly people believe God and avoid judgment. Ungodly people do NOT believe God and face judgment. If the rapture does not occur prior to the start of the tribulation, how do these verses coexist without contradiction or error?
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Who’s exempt from the tribulation?
“For God’s wrath (violent passion (ire, or justifiable abhorrence; by implication punishment; vengeance 3709) is revealed (to take off the cover, disclose, the same word used in Luke 17:30 601) from Heaven on all ungodliness (wickedness 763) and unrighteousness (moral wrongfulness of character 93) of men, holding the truth in unrighteousness.” Romans 1:18.
“in flaming fire giving full vengeance (retribution, punishment 1557) to those NOT knowing (behold, perceive, consider 1492) God, and to those not obeying (to heed or conform 5219) the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:8.
“But the heavens and the earth now, having been stored up by the same word, are being kept for fire to a day of JUDGMENT (a tribunal; by implication justice (specifically divine law): accusation, condemnation, damnation 2920) and destruction (ruin or loss, perdition, waste 684) of UNGODLY (irreverent, impious or wicked 765) men.” 2 Peter 3:7.
"Much more, then, being justified now by His blood, we will be saved (to save, deliver, protect, make whole 4982) through Him from wrath (violent passion (ire, or [justifiable] abhorrence; by implication punishment; vengeance 3709)." Romans 5:9.
“Because you have kept (to guard from loss or injury 5083) the word of My patience (endurance, waiting 5281), I ALSO will keep you out of the hour (season, time 5610) of trial (a putting to proof by experience of evil, discipline; by implication adversity; temptation 3986) which is going to come on all the habitable world in order to try those dwelling on the earth.” Revelation 3:10.
In summary, those who are not wicked, those who hold the truth in righteousness, those who heed and conform to the gospel, those who are not impious/irreverent, those justified by His blood, those who guard their faith from loss or injury, those who endure are exempt from the tribulation!
Anyone exempt from the tribulation must leave before it begins. Luke 21:36.
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Your Redemption draws nigh:
“And when you hear of wars and disturbances (instability 181), do NOT be afraid (through the idea of causing to fall; scare or frighten 4422). For these things must first (firstly in time, place, or order, at the BEGINNING 4412) occur; but the end (the point aimed at as a limit; the conclusion of an act or state 5056) is not at once (directly; once or soon; immediately 2112).” Luke 21:9
“But when these things BEGIN (to commence 756) to happen (come into being 1096), stand erect (to unbend, fig. to be elated 352) and lift up (raise up 1869) your heads, because your redemption (ransom in full; specifically, Christian salvation 629) draws near (to adjudge (to declare to be true) 1948).” Luke 21:28.
The rapture comes into being when wars and instabilities BEGIN, NOT when they end at the second coming! We are in the time of wars and instability. Brothers and sisters, stand erect, be elated because our salvation in Christ is about to be declared true!
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The Present Evil Age:
Jesus Christ ‘who gave Himself for our sins, so that He might deliver (to tear out, PLUCK, rescue 1807) us out (out of place, time or cause 1537) of the present (be at hand 1764) evil (hurtful, fig: calamitous/diseased/derelict 4190) age (by implication; the world 165), according to the will (choice, specifically purpose or decree 2307) of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” Galatians 1:4.
With the definitions of the Greek subbed in: Jesus Christ who gave Himself for our sins, so that He might pluck/rescue us out of the place/time of the hurtful/calamitous world at hand, according to the purpose/decree of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
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Do NOT be afraid?
If the church is called to enter the tribulation, striving not only to find food/water and shelter, but striving also to keep our heads, why would Jesus and Paul say the following things while failing to warn us of the obvious?
1. While discussing His return to receive us unto Himself, Jesus says, “do NOT let your heart be troubled (agitated 5015),” without mentioning the tribulation? He simply tells us He is returning to receive us unto Himself without ever saying one word about Jacob’s trouble. John 14:1.
2. While speaking of the tribulation, Jesus says, “do NOT be afraid (through the idea of causing to fall; scare or frighten 4422),” when wars and disturbances happen first, (at the BEGINNING 4412)? Luke 21:9. Where is Jesus’ command to not be afraid at the END (…the conclusion of an act or state 5056)?
3. Why, in a passage which deals with end time events, does Paul tell the church to comfort (to call near, to invite or invoke by consolation 3870) and build up (to construct, fig. confirm, edify, embolden 3618) one another without any mention of the tribulation and the need to endure it? 1 Thessalonians 4:18 and 5:11.
Why are we told NOT to be troubled, NOT to fear, but to find comfort in three passages, two of which are taught by Jesus Himself, if the church is to face, what Jesus called, the most horrific time known to mankind? Matthew 24:21.
It is because the church will NOT be present for the tribulation! PreTrib Rapture!
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In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, it is assumed all ten virgins belong to the Master. If not, why would they be waiting on His return? If Jesus is to rapture the church at the end of the tribulation, where will the five unprepared virgins buy oil for their lamps without being martyred or accepting the mark of the beast? Matthew 25:1-13.
PreTrib Rapture is taught by the Bible.
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Some content taken from The Interlinear Bible by Jay P. Green, Sr. Copyright © 1985. Used by permission of Hendrickson Rose Publishing Group, represented by Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2021 on Commentary by Angie Williams. All rights reserved.
All definitions taken from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance James Strong, LL.D., S.T.D. © 1990 by Thomas Nelson Publishers