Does The Church face the Wrath of God? #eschatology
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Tag Archives: Rapture
Is The Return of Christ imminent? Can Jesus Come As A Thief in The Night? #rapture
Is The Rapture Biblical? #eschatology
1 Corinthians 15- The Last Trumpet
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1 Corinthians 15:51-53
In modern day Christianity, these scriptures are typically used to support the doctrine of a “Pre-Tribulation Rapture” , but a few questions should be asked, did the early Church interpret these scriptures to mean this also? Did the early Church have any concept of a Pre-Trib Rapture? From history it appears the Pre-Trib Rapture is a newer idea invented by a man named John Darby around the 1830’s, we can’t really find any Apostles or Church Father who ever supported this idea or concept.
But let’s just take a look at the scriptures for themselves, is Paul teaching a Pre-Trib Rapture here? Paul begins by stating “We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed” This is a good start, but what about those who have died already? Notice Paul says “We shall ALL be changed” Paul isn’t just referencing those Christians who are still alive, he’s referencing ALL Christians throughout history, Paul is talking about the resurrection of the saints into our glorified bodies
Next the Pre-Trib Rapture doctrine really falls apart, Paul says “At any moment, at the LAST Trumpet, for the Trumpet will sound and the DEAD will be raised immortal, and WE shall be changed. Paul states “The LAST Trumpet” , Paul is not talking about the first trumpet before the Tribulation, he states the Last trumpet. We can reference the Last Trumpet in Matthew 24
Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Matthew 24:30-31
The Last Trumpet signifies the Return of Christ, the Rapture of the Church , and the Resurrection of the Saints, The Bible doesn’t support the Rapture of the Church as a separate event from the Return of Christ and the resurrection of the Saints. All the Earth will mourn at the Return of Christ, why? Because it’s the final judgment
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 1 Thessalonians 4:16
The Apostle Paul consistently supports his teaching here in Thessalonians, The Lord himself will descend from Heaven, meaning Christ is Returning, notice the last trumpet is referenced here again also. The dead in Christ, Born Again Christians,, will be resurrected first. This event is not just about the Rapture of the Church, this is a cumulative event including the return of Christ and the resurrection of Christians throughout history
The takeaway from this, is it’s all good news for Born Again Christians. Whatever your belief in the timing of the Rapture, salvation is in Jesus Christ alone and we have Victory through Christ! Let’s not make the Rapture a stumbling block and division for the Church, Amen!
1 Thessalonians 4- The Rapture Part 2
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
Hebrews 9:28 says “Christ will appear a second time”, when we were talking about the return of Jesus Christ, we were not talking about multiple returns. When Jesus returns, it will be his second and final time. With that said, the Rapture and the Return of Christ are essentially the same event. When Jesus Christ returns , raises the dead and raptures the Church, this is the beginning of judgment on the world. Many people try to treat the Rapture and the Return of Christ as separate events, this does not coincide with scripture
Now for those who say “The Rapture” doctrine is man-made, the word Rapture is derived from the Latin word Rapturo, which simply means “caught up”. The Rapture is Biblical and not a man- made doctrine, this is what Paul was teaching here to the Church of Thessalonica, what is man-made are the additions that people add on to the teaching, such as the timing of the Rapture and when Christ will return
Paul lays this out very simply, The Lord (Jesus) himself shall descend from heaven. This is simply the return of Christ. The dead will rise first, all the Born Again Christians who died before the return of Christ will be resurrected at this moment. Those Born Again Christians who are still alive will be Raptured with Christ in the air. So at this moment the Church, past and present, are now with Jesus Christ. There is nothing complicated about this doctrine, it’s only humans who try to greatly confuse this teaching
Then Paul says “So shall we be forever with The Lord” (v17) Once we are Raptured we are with Christ for all eternity. The Apostle Paul tells us “We will reign with Christ” (2 Timothy 2:12) Many false teachers try to complicate the Rapture and Seconding coming of Christ teachings to sell books , but it’s not complicated, read your Bible, not false teachers
While many Christians argue and fight over the timing of the Rapture and the return of Christ, this was actually the opposite reason Paul taught us this doctrine. Paul says “Encourage one another with these words” (v18) how many people are we encouraging with the promise of the Rapture? Mostly Christians argue with each other over the rapture, some I see even disown one another as brothers and sisters. This is not conduct being led by the Holy Spirit, this is fleshly , ego driven carnal attitudes, it’s not from God
Encourage one another with the good news, Christ is coming back for his Church, when the trumpet sounds we will all be raised immortal and reign with our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen!
1 Thessalonians 4- The Rapture Part 1
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15
The early Church always had the expectation that Christ was going to return soon, and we as Christians should have the same mentality today, as Jesus said “Nobody knows the day or hour” (Matthew 24:36) However the Church of Thessalonica started becoming concerned, when their loved ones were passing away, and there was still no resurrection of the dead.
Paul begins his teaching with “I would not have you be ignorant or uniformed, brethren” (v13) This statement indicates Paul is going to explain an already known doctrine into greater detail. Some will say this is a new doctrine that Paul was introducing, I disagree. The return of Christ, the Rapture of the Church, ect, these were all well known by the 1rst Century Church, Paul is now going to explain all this into greater detail because the Church needs to understand God’s plan
“Concerning them who are asleep (dead) that you sorrow not” Paul is telling the Church, when your saved loved ones pass away , you don’t have to mourn their deaths like the rest of the world, because they are going to be resurrected just like Christ. Now sometimes this brings up the argument for “soul sleep”, Paul has said “To be absent from the body, is to be present with The Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8) I don’t think Paul was every teaching or supporting the idea of “soul sleep”, how would it be encouraging if your loved ones didn’t exist until the resurrection? For me, I don’t believe the idea of “soul sleep” is compatible with the overall theology of The Bible
Paul then says “Even as others, which have no hope” Paul is talking about non-believers, unsaved people. Outside of Christ there is no hope for anyone, this is why the resurrection of Christ is the central doctrine of Christianity. As Paul said “If Christ is not risen then our faith is worthless or useless” (1 Cor. 15:17) All of our hope is in Jesus Christ, and Christ is the firstfruits (1 Cor. 15:23) meaning we who are saved, will all be risen just like Christ into a perfect and immortal body
Then Paul goes on to explain the order of the resurrection, those who are dead and already “sleep in Jesus” will be resurrected first, and then who are still alive at the return of Christ, will be resurrected second. Paul reaffirms this with his teaching to the Church of Corinth “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (1 Cor. 15:52)
The Apostle Paul is reminding the Church, that we have a living hope in Jesus Christ our Lord, who has already defeated sin and death, Amen!
Matthew 24- Every Eye Will See Him
Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: Matthew 24:26-29
When Jesus returns, every eye will see him, as it states in the scriptures here “As the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the Son of Man coming” meaning the entire world is going to see Jesus Christ return, it will not just be a certain group or a secret rapture, the world will know when Christ returns, there will be no mistake about it.
Reminds me of Revelation 1:7 “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” Notice the scripture says “Every eye shall see Him (Christ)” Many believe this was fulfilled in 70 AD, but how is that possible? Did the entire world see Christ return? The obvious answer is No, I believe Christ is going to return and the entire world will witness this event, joyful or mournful
Another interesting note here is the scriptures say “Immediately after the tribulation” Remember the tribulation described previously was a tribulation never seen before and never to be seen again. So how does the Pre-Trib Rapture fit into this? Hmmm…from a scriptural perspective it would appear to be Post Trib Rapture
And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Matthew 24:30-31
All the Earth will mourn the return of Christ, why? This is why it’s important the Church is fulfilling the Great Commision, because time is running out! People need to repent and receive Christ while they still have the opportunity to do so, don’t delay! Remember this is what Jesus said to the religious leaders referring to Daniel 7, the Son of Man coming in the clouds! Jesus revealed He is the Son of God, the Messiah
Notice it says “He shall send his angels to gather the elect from the four winds” If the Pre-Trib rapture is true , how are the elect still on the Earth? The four winds indicate the entire Earth , Christ is now gathering his elect at this moment after the tribulation.
I’m not here to argue for a particular view on the Rapture, however if we follow the teachings of Christ, I think the answer is very clear. Regardless, Christ is going to return soon, and every eye will see him and every knee will bow before him (Philippians 2) Amen!
Raptured
As they were going along and talking, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire which separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven. 2 Kings 2:11
When we talk about the “Rapture” doctrine it becomes controversial. Many say the Rapture doctrine is made up or it will never happen, however it has already happened, several times. As its documented in 2 Kings Elijah was “Raptured” to Heaven and never faced death.
The word “Rapture” is the English translation for the Latin word “Rapturo” which simply means “taken up”. Those who argue the word Rapture was never in the Bible, technically are wrong because it was in the Latin translation called the Vulgate.
By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God. Hebrews 11:5
Enoch was another person who was “Raptured” and never faced death. But the conspiracy theorist say Mr. Google says the Rapture was madeup in the 1800’s , wrong again. Its noted in the Book of Genesis that Enoch was “taken up” to Heaven and never faced death
And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. Acts 1:9
Jesus Christ was “Raptured” or Ascended to Heaven after the 40 days of his Resurrection. Why is it so hard for Christians to believe they will be “Taken Up” into the clouds to meet the Lord?
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. 1 Thessalonians 4:17
The Apostle Paul taught about a great Rapture that was to come, Christians who have an issue with this doctrine believe it takes away from the death and persecution of current and past Christians, it doesn’t. The Rapture is an event that will kick off the Great Tribulation. It doesn’t mean there currently is no suffer or persecution for Christians.
I think the Rapture is a special event that is going to kick off the greatest Revival the world has never seen. As many , including Orthodox Jews, will come to Christ during the Tribulation and enter his Kingdom forever! Amen!
Revelation Chapter 3- The Churches
“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. v1
Church of Sardis = The Spiritually Dead Church
Jesus clearly identifies himself again by the One who is holding the 7 Spirits of God (Holy Spirit) and 7 Stars (Angels/Messangers)
The 7 Spirits of God is the Holy Spirit. Remember 7 is the symbolic of completion. If you reference Isaiah 11, it describes the 7 characteristics of the Holy Spirit
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. Isaiah 11:2
This Church/Assembly appears to have a Sin problem, as Jesus says they are appear to be alive but are actually spiritually dead. When you live in sin you are the walking dead. It appears because of their sin, Jesus is withholding the Holy Spirit and Angels from the Church
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, Ephesians 2:1
Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. v2-3
Jesus is giving this Church a “Wake Up” call literally! He is telling them if they don’t Repent and change their ways. Jesus reminds them that his return will be like a “Thief in the Night” nobody will know his day or hour of Return
More support the Church always believed in the imminent return of Christ, which supports a Pre-Trib Rapture view, as a Post-Trib would require many events to take place before the Return of Christ, including the rise of the Anti-Christ, The Tribulation, Armageddon, ect
For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:2
You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ v4-6
Notice even though the majority of the Church of Sardis are false converts, there are few that are true believers recognized by Christ. “For they are worthy”, there is a remnant of true believers in every denomination and sect of Christianity, we shouldn’t condemn a whole group based of their affiliation
Jesus also brings up the “Book of Life” , notice I will not blot out your name, meaning the name was originally written in there, I think supports the idea of “age of accountability”
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. v7-8
Church of Philadelphia = The Faithful Church
Notice Jesus acknowledges this Church has “Little Power” Yet Christ wont allow this Church to be over Powered! Meaning Jesus is holding this Church in his hands, when we are weak Christ makes us strong!
The Christians of Philadelphia suffered a lot of persecution as they had little money or power, but Jesus never let them go!
Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10
Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you v9
Synagogue of Satan is a term introduced here in Revelation, a group of ethnic Jews who reject Jesus as the Messiah and Lord, they are hostile to the gospel, and have become an enemy of God
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. v10-11
Probably the strongest support for a Pre-Trib Rapture, Jesus promises the Church will be kept from the hour of trial (Tribulation) which shall come upon the whole world. This is not a promise just for the Church of Philadelphia but the entire body of Christ!
and to await His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Jesus our deliverer from the coming wrath. 1 Thessalonians 1:10
He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ v12-13
Think about what a Pillar is, a permanent structure, Jesus is saying we will never be removed from Gods presence! Here Jesus reveals the New Heavens and Earth and New Jerusalem talked about more in Revelation 21. And again Jesus mentions we will receive a New Name! One can only wonder the awesome plans our Lord and God has instore for his people!
The nations will see your righteousness, And all kings your glory; And you will be called by a new name Which the mouth of the LORD will designate. Isaiah 62:2
“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. v14-16
Church of Laodicea = Lukewarm Church
This Church represents mostly the Church Age we are living in today. Notice this is the last of the Churches also, which should give you a sign!
The City of Laodicea was very wealthy, and this Church really represents the False Prosperity Gospel we see today blinding millions who believe they are actually Christians but never Repented. As Jesus said these people are not really saved at all and he spit them out!
The water is neither hot nor cold, its so nauseating makes you want to vomit it out of your mouth, this is how Jesus views false worship and works.
God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24
Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. v17-18
Jesus confirming this Church is full of rich people from a worldly perspective, however spiritually they are poor and dead. They rely on the physical materials of this world instead of God. Their works will be tested and refined in the fire by God through trial and testing
Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. v19
God disciplines those He loves, just as a Parent does with a child. Again a final plea by Christ for the Church to Repent before the final judgement
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ” v20-22
Jesus is knocking on the door of anyone who is willing to listen and open their heart to him! Notice Jesus says we can sit at the throne of God with him in Victory!
Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. John 14:23
This will be the last mention of the Church until Chapter 20- more strong evidence for a Pre-Trib Rapture
The Rapture
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Jesus died and rose from the dead, if you are washed in the Blood of The Lamb you will be risen again also. Death has been defeated at the cross. Satan has no power over you unless you submit to him, resist the devil and he will flee from you. Rejoice for you have eternal life thru Jesus Christ!
According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 1 Thessalonians 4:15
The next few scriptures are what we call “The Rapture” when Jesus returns he will resurrect the dead and take his remaining alive followers to heaven. This is the beginning of the “Tribulation” the end of the earth before its restored once again.
For 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. 1 Thessalonians 4:16
Make no mistake Jesus is coming like a thief in the night. And when he does every eye will see him. And with his command he will resurrect the dead. So mourn no more for your loved ones will be brought back to life for evermore
After 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. 1 Thessalonians 4:17
The Christians who are still on The Earth will be taken to Heaven and saved from the horrors of the Tribulation. Are you going to be in that group? Are will you be left behind? Make sure your washed by the Blood of Jesus, allow him into your heart and confess he is your Lord and Savior.
Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:18
These words are only condemnation for those who reject Jesus, but for Christians these are word to rejoice by. Encourage one another with these word in Jesus Name Amen
Unashamed of Jesus 