Faithful4Christ said:
I Posted this in another topic, but it applies more to this. I believe in a pre-trib, as you will see.
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;- 2 Thessalonians 2:3
Not being rude, but what do you post-trib guys believe this falling away is?
The phrase "falling away" is the Greek word 'apostasia', from which we get our English word 'apostasy'. It means to fall away from what was once believed. It's used one other time in the NT, in Acts 21:21 rendered as "forsake".
Apostle Paul is simply saying to not be deceived, for Christ's coming and our gathering to Him on the "day of Christ" (i.e., day of The Lord) won't come UNTIL there first comes a great 'apostasy', and the false one is revealed. In Matt.24, our Lord Jesus associated becoming apostate from Him as believing on a false messiah that comes first in His place, which many will say is Christ. In Rev.13:11 forward, we're shown "another beast" that arises from the earth who has two horns like a lamb, but speaks as the dragon (devil). And he sets up false idol worship with the image of the beast. That's what Paul was talking about in 2 Thess.2 with those who fall away to that "son of perdition."
And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. - Matthew 24:22
this, I am confused on. I am almost positive this is pertaining to the Great Tribulation, but if the days have been shortened, they have already started and therefore its neither post nor pre but mid.
All our Lord Jesus is saying is that He shortened the tribulation time upon His saints. He doesn't say with that shortening when the tribulation begins or ends, only that it has been shortened from the time originally given. Where was the length of the tribulation originally given? In the Book of Daniel, as 3 and 1/2 years.
So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. - Matthew 24:44
The only time the Rapture could occur when no one expects it is before the tribulation.....
I just want to hear the thoughts of you guys on these verses, all believers.
What's the rest of the Scripture that 44th verse goes with? What else did our Lord say along with that?
Matt 24:42-50
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
But here in this 43rd verse, our Lord shows that if the goodman of the house knew in what watch the thief comes, he wouldn't allow his house to be broken into. What's our Lord implying there? Watch and you'll be ready, whenever... the thief does come. Stay up at midnight and stay awake, that's the idea, linked with the ten virgins timing of the wedding.
44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
No man knows the day or hour of Christ's coming. But we are given to know the times and seasons of His coming, because He gave us what signs to watch with.
45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
The meaning: blessed are Christ's servants whom He finds still doing His work when He comes. What's the meat in due season? It's about the "strong meat" of Hebrews 5, understanding and discernment. So the true servant of Christ will be giving those of his house "meat" (understanding) according to the times and seasons of His coming. Not just the goodman, but all in the house will be on watch.
48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
(KJV)
Paul said when they shall say, "Peace and safety", then sudden destruction shall come upon them (1 Thess.5). He said they are 'drunken in the night'. It means they aren't watching the times and seasons of Christ's coming, but instead are spiritually drunken and in spiritual darkness as to the times.
