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Rapture Signs?

By Chris Schang

One of the most astonishing and interesting events in the end times is the rapture of the church. The rapture is when the Lord Jesus Christ returns in the air to gather his church age believers and wisk them off to Heaven to the place he has prepared for them. The rapture will result in the disappearance or vanishing of an untold numbers of people who have placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and his completed work on the Cross. In contrast, those who do not place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ in the last days will find themselves going through the dreaded Tribulation period. This is the described as the "time of Jacob's trouble" as God pours out his wrath on unbeleiving Israel and unrepentant sinners.
A question that is frequently asked is are there any rapture signs that indicate that the rapture is about to take place? In my opinion that the answer is a yes and no.
Emphasis added.:biglol

http://raptureforums.com/Rapture/rapturesigns.cfm
 
It never ceases to astonish me how folks can ,with a straight face, declare with such assurance 'the signs pointing to the rapture are stronger and more obvious than ever' while defining the same as a signless ,sudden and even secret event.

:toofunny:toofunny:toofunny

This nonsense was enough to get serious people to peruse the system that started it all a century ago. And still folks will cling like pups to a dead mother.

Comically sad.
 
It never ceases to astonish me how folks can ,with a straight face, declare with such assurance 'the signs pointing to the rapture are stronger and more obvious than ever' while defining the same as a signless ,sudden and even secret event.

:toofunny:toofunny:toofunny

This nonsense was enough to get serious people to peruse the system that started it all a century ago. And still folks will cling like pups to a dead mother.

Comically sad.

Okay, I'll bite since it appears you're seeking an audience. Are you saying there is to be no rapture, it has already happened, or that there is no way of knowing of it?

1 Thessalonians 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. It does not appear from this that we will know the exact time.

There are to be indicators lest we be completely unprepared. 1 Thessalonians 5:3-4 For when they shall say, Peace and safety, 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

Another is Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Thanks.
 
It never ceases to astonish me how folks can ,with a straight face, declare with such assurance 'the signs pointing to the rapture are stronger and more obvious than ever' while defining the same as a signless ,sudden and even secret event.

:toofunny:toofunny:toofunny

This nonsense was enough to get serious people to peruse the system that started it all a century ago. And still folks will cling like pups to a dead mother.

Comically sad.

So while the rapture of the church is a secret event where the Lord descends from Heaven, with the sound of an archangel's trumpet, and calls believers up to Him in the air. The Lord will then take the church to Heaven to the place he has prepared for them. This secret event can happen at anytime and without notice, but with the end times signs abounding all around us that the tribulation period is coming quickly down the road we can also figure that the rapture of the church is ever so close as well. Yet at the same time the rapture could have occured at anytime during the church age since we know that nothing is needed to preceed the rapture before it could happen.



Mat 24:29

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:
Mat 24:30

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.
Mat 24:31

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.

Rev 6:12

And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
Rev 6:13

And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.
Rev 6:14

And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
Rev 6:15

And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
Rev 6:16

And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
Rev 6:17

For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

Rev 11:11

And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
Rev 11:12

And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
Rev 11:13

And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
 
Okay, I'll bite since it appears you're seeking an audience. Are you saying there is to be no rapture, it has already happened, or that there is no way of knowing of it?
The 'rapture' is presented as an imminent hope, meaning that from the ascension to the rapture there are no prophesied events to take place. This is a thumbnail of the 'church age doctrine'. The 'rapture' can happen any moment,watch out for falling aircraft etc. But the majority of adherents are lost in a sea of 'signs' and have been for more than a century. Its not possible for an event to be 'signless' and imminent if biblical prophecies are ordained to come to pass in the mean. Many thousands of folks believe the rapture could take place today and believe it could have taken place at any moment over the last two thousand years; Many of these same folks believe the modern state of Israel is the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy. Both cannot be true. So it really is comical to see 'Rapture coming soon, all the signs are here' Bible prophecy in today's headlines!
1 Thessalonians 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. It does not appear from this that we will know the exact time.

There are to be indicators lest we be completely unprepared. 1 Thessalonians 5:3-4 For when they shall say, Peace and safety, 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

Another is Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Its common among futurist to speak of 'that day' or the 'coming of the Lord' as though they were referring to the Second Advent, and sometimes they are ,sometimes they mean the 'rapture' . I dont know which you have in mind.

Thanks.[/QUOTE]The very idea of 'signs' is diametrically opposed to imminence. And even a cursory look as the site linked will show nearly every article is concerned with the 'signs' and how sure they are correct ,this time. Im not sure but I dont think there is much if any article there explaining from Scripture why this event is imminent.
An experienced con man will get his victim to accept a conflict,to compromise his intellect and/or ethics. There are no christian doctrines based on this sort of thing and this nonsense requires a host of compromises. Once you buy in its harder and harder to admit the folly and get out. I would guess most folks reading this have already begun to conjure a way in which they can reconcile their dreams of imminent rapture and unfolding bible prophecy and this is the sad part, no amount of illogic ,conflict or distortion is too much, and its always the same folks who claim to be truly inclined to the Spirit; If you were really saved you could see the 'signs too' ' all real Christians can'...
Jesus told us in a parable, but quite clearly, that the good and the evil would exist side by side until the end. There are but two reasons I can figure for this. It brings God more glory and ,as stated, its better for us. Somehow its better for our eternity that we pass through the historical process as the enemy works his worst. Most of us prefer victory by fiat (rapture,or its kin Millennialism) in opposition to the gradualism Jesus taught, and it costs a great deal. Not the least of which is a poor view of the Person and ministry of the Holy Spirit in history. Our table is set in the presence of our enemy and the enemy will be here so long as the Kingdom continues in history.
 
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Mat 24:29

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:
Mat 24:30

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.
Mat 24:31

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.

Rev 6:12

And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
Rev 6:13

And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.
Rev 6:14

And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
Rev 6:15

And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
Rev 6:16

And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
Rev 6:17

For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

Rev 11:11

And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
Rev 11:12

And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
Rev 11:13

And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
Did you have some point here? If you intend to simply post scripture that is a good thing but be kind enough to start your own thread for that and if you wish to participate here please address the topic.
 
Eugene - Hitch, my apologies, but you have been listening to too many hogwash stories based on man's thinking, and not scripture. Let's examine your own theology as stated in this response.

Hitch - The 'rapture' is presented as an imminent hope, meaning that from the ascension to the rapture there are no prophesied events to take place.

Eugene - You are not establishing truth backed by scripture. Surely you wouldn't have me as those of 1 Thessalonians 4:13, "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."

You write the following all based on what you think; could you elaborate, and I do not mean using quotes from the "Left behind" series of books. Thanks.

Hitch - This is a thumbnail of the 'church age doctrine'. The 'rapture' can happen any moment, watch out for falling aircraft etc. But the majority of adherents are lost in a sea of 'signs' and have been for more than a century. Its not possible for an event to be 'signless' and imminent if biblical prophecies are ordained to come to pass in the mean. Many thousands of folks believe the rapture could take place today and believe it could have taken place at any moment over the last two thousand years; Many of these same folks believe the modern state of Israel is the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy. Both cannot be true. So it really is comical to see 'Rapture coming soon, all the signs are here' Bible prophecy in today's headlines!

Eugene said:
1 Thessalonians 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. It does not appear from this that we will know the exact time.

There are to be indicators lest we be completely unprepared. 1 Thessalonians 5:3-4For when they shall say, Peace and safety, 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness,that that day should overtake you as a thief.

Another is Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Hitch - Its common among futurist to speak of 'that day' or the 'coming of the Lord' as though they were referring to the Second Advent, and sometimes they are, sometimes they mean the 'rapture'. I don't know which you have in mind.

Eugene - What does the bible say of it? I read of a last trump in 1 Corinthians 15:52 suggesting there are other trumps; would you care to establish that all pertain to the same event?

Hitch said:
The very idea of 'signs' is diametrically opposed to imminence. And even a cursory look as the site linked will show nearly every article is concerned with the 'signs' and how sure they are correct, this time. I'm not sure but I don't think there is much if any article there explaining from Scripture why this event is imminent.

I'm not sure we need to explain something of prophesy, but just believe it. Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Hitch said:
An experienced con man will get his victim to accept a conflict, to compromise his intellect and/or ethics. There are no Christian doctrines based on this sort of thing and this nonsense requires a host of compromises. Once you buy in its harder and harder to admit the folly and get out. I would guess most folks reading this have already begun to conjure a way in which they can reconcile their dreams of imminent rapture and unfolding bible prophecy and this is the sad part, no amount of illogic, conflict or distortion is too much, and its always the same folks who claim to be truly inclined to the Spirit; If you were really saved you could see the 'signs too' ' all real Christians can'...

Well Hitch, I don't know if something is nonsense until scripture shows for certain something to be false. I believe you are referring to some accusing you of not being really saved if you do not see things as they do because if you were, and they are so spiritual, you would see things as they do. I do not think that at all, and personally do not care if you do not interpret ends times as I do; our salvation in Christ is not based on that.

Hitch said:
Jesus told us in a parable, but quite clearly, that the good and the evil would exist side by side until the end. There are but two reasons I can figure for this. It brings God more glory and, as stated, it's better for us. Somehow it's better for our eternity that we pass through the historical process as the enemy works his worst. Most of us prefer victory by fiat (rapture, or its kin Millennialism) in opposition to the gradualism Jesus taught, and it costs a great deal. Not the least of which is a poor view of the Person and ministry of the Holy Spirit in history. Our table is set in the presence of our enemy and the enemy will be here so long as the Kingdom continues in history.

When you mention the end I literally take that to be the end of the millennium or 1000 years of peace. To me that includes all among the nations left that will, and will not know our Lord. Satan will be loosed and deceive the wicked nations to compass the camp of the saints, be defeated, wrath and judgment will come to the wicked, and All the righteous from the beginning not already resurrected will be resurrected at this last trump. 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.

Let me leave this off here for the time being and wait to see where you go with it. Thanks Hitch.
 
Eugene - Hitch, my apologies, but you have been listening to too many hogwash stories based on man's thinking, and not scripture. Let's examine your own theology as stated in this response.

Hitch - The 'rapture' is presented as an imminent hope, meaning that from the ascension to the rapture there are no prophesied events to take place.

Eugene - You are not establishing truth backed by scripture.
I didnt say it is true I said that is how it is presented, by presented I mean this is the doctrine according to DTS the world largest dispensational futurist seminary
Surely you wouldn't have me as those of 1 Thessalonians 4:13, "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."
Non sequitur
You write the following all based on what you think; could you elaborate, and I do not mean using quotes from the "Left behind" series of books. Thanks.
Sure if you can be more specific
Hitch - This is a thumbnail of the 'church age doctrine'. The 'rapture' can happen any moment, watch out for falling aircraft etc. But the majority of adherents are lost in a sea of 'signs' and have been for more than a century. Its not possible for an event to be 'signless' and imminent if biblical prophecies are ordained to come to pass in the mean. Many thousands of folks believe the rapture could take place today and believe it could have taken place at any moment over the last two thousand years; Many of these same folks believe the modern state of Israel is the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy. Both cannot be true. So it really is comical to see 'Rapture coming soon, all the signs are here' Bible prophecy in today's headlines!



Hitch - Its common among futurist to speak of 'that day' or the 'coming of the Lord' as though they were referring to the Second Advent, and sometimes they are, sometimes they mean the 'rapture'. I don't know which you have in mind.

Eugene - What does the bible say of it?
Say of what ?
I read of a last trump in 1 Corinthians 15:52 suggesting there are other trumps; would you care to establish that all pertain to the same event?
It obvious there can be but one 'last trump '
I'm not sure we need to explain something of prophesy, but just believe it.
And by that you mean believe your interpretation , which is of course above questioning?
Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
I havent the foggiest notion of what you're getting at here '
Well Hitch, I don't know if something is nonsense until scripture shows for certain something to be false. I believe you are referring to some accusing you of not being really saved if you do not see things as they do because if you were, and they are so spiritual, you would see things as they do. I do not think that at all, and personally do not care if you do not interpret ends times as I do; our salvation in Christ is not based on that.
No I meant just what I posted
When you mention the end I literally take that to be the end of the millennium or 1000 years of peace. To me that includes all among the nations left that will, and will not know our Lord. Satan will be loosed and deceive the wicked nations to compass the camp of the saints, be defeated, wrath and judgment will come to the wicked, and All the righteous from the beginning not already resurrected will be resurrected at this last trump. 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.

Let me leave this off here for the time being and wait to see where you go with it. Thanks Hitch.
Jesus said plainly the resurrection would come at the last day and that resurrection is totally inclusive.
 
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Did you have some point here? If you intend to simply post scripture that is a good thing but be kind enough to start your own thread for that and if you wish to participate here please address the topic.

I do not wish to participate here because of your bad manners.

jock.
 
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