Justice
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Desire to be a vessel of honor unto the Lord Jesus Christ?
Join For His Glory for a discussion on how
https://christianforums.net/threads/a-vessel-of-honor.110278/
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Taking the time to pray? Christ is the answer in times of need
https://christianforums.net/threads/psalm-70-1-save-me-o-god-lord-help-me-now.108509/
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Depending upon the Holy Spirit for all you do?
Read through the following study by Tenchi for more on this topic
https://christianforums.net/threads/without-the-holy-spirit-we-can-do-nothing.109419/
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How are famous preachers sometimes effected by sin?
Join Sola Scriptura for a discussion on the subject
https://christianforums.net/threads/anointed-preaching-teaching.109331/#post-1912042
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The Rapture is wrong !
- Thread starter Elvispelvis
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Justice
Member
How does teaching the rapture/1000 year earthy reign benefit the Lord? I once heard a Sunday school teacher say "I don't want to wait on the second bus" but what if there is no second bus? People may put off salvation because they are believe there's a second chance during the so called 1000 year earthy reign but what if it doesn't happen? Will anyone be held accountable? The bottom line is be ready and don't preach, teach, or even tell something that can lead people astray.
I'm not a 7th dayer but I agree with most of the below link and it ain't pretty.
The 1000 Year Millennium Bible Truth
I'm not a 7th dayer but I agree with most of the below link and it ain't pretty.
The 1000 Year Millennium Bible Truth
watchman F
Member
Even though the Sunday school teacher was wrong, because there is not pretrib rapture or secoond bus. She wasn't talking about the millennium , but rather people being saved during the tribulation after the rapture
As far as the millennium goes..To not believe in it is to simply decide you will not believe the plain meaning of scripture. Why would someone do that?
Thanks for the idea but at this point in time I really don't think I care.
Two weeks of posts were lost so newcomers wouldn't have a clue where I'm coming from with or without my old user name.
My name is Andrew and Andrew was my user name.
I'm still the same person I was before just like the Lord Himself, and He has more than one name.
Jesus Christ is Lord and His primary name. It means the same thing it always has;
The Lord Saves.
Justice
Member
Why? To weed out false man-made doctrines --- To shed light on a lie so those who might accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will not be deceived.
Using the Bible show me the actual words that Jesus Christ will reign on this EARTH for a 1000 years.
Is it here? --- Revelation 20:4 says, "...and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God,...and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."
You would have to be dead/beheaded to be one of the souls of them and ADD EARTH to the verse to make it work. While ignoring the consequences of adding to or taking away from God's words.
So much power is given to the word thousand thus millennium which does not appear anywhere in the scripture.
Psalms 50:10, "For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills."
Do you believe that God owns the cattle on a thousand hills only or does it he own everything?
Explain why God creates a new Jerusalem, Heaven and Earth?
Some after thoughts --- I've decided that the millennium/rapture is the doctrine of the weak because in their minds it offers an easy out. While it sets up the anti-christ who will claim to be God on EARTH and will deceive many. Why do so many think the servants (mankind) are better than the Master Jesus Christ? Would or could we suffer the same painful type of physical death that Christ suffered? (Sarcasm) --- I know God's loves us too much so he won't make us suffer, right???
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life:
The greatest love of all did not come from "self-preservation" but from self-sacrifice.
Jesus Christ Reigns with us now, always and forever!!!
Justice
Member
Amen!!!
Drew
Member
I believe that the scriptures do not teach that there will be any kind of rapture event involving believers leaving the surface of the earth.
Paul’s description of living believers being snatched up in the air in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 is, I suggest, a metaphorical rendering of what he says in two other passages: 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 and Phillipians 3:20-21. Here is the 1 Corinthians 15 passage:
51Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."
When will this happen? At Jesus’s return. From earlier in the same passage:
For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 23But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ's at His coming,
The reference to “being made alive†clearly maps to the raising of the dead to an imperishable state. Now here is the 1 Thessalonians 4 passage:
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. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever
Clearly the same scenario is being described in both texts. Note the structural parallels. In simplified form we have:
1 Cor 15: Return of Jesus à Trumpet à resurrection of dead à transformation of the living
1 Thess 4: Return of Jesus à Trumpet à resurrection of dead à catching up of the living
It would seem rather clear that there can only be a single “fate†for those who are alive when Jesus returns, the trumpet is sounded, and the dead are raised. Granted, it is characterized somewhat differently in the 1 Thess 4 text as in the 1 Cor 15 text. But, given the trumpet is present in both contexts and the resurrection of the dead is present in both contexts, and the overall scenario is about what happens when Jesus returns, we really must conclude that there is an equivalence between “being transformed†(as per the 1 Cor 15 material) and “being caught in the air†(as per the 1 Thess text). There are simply too many factors in common between the 1 Cor 15 context and the 1 Thess 4 context to allow us to see the “transformation†as being an event other than the same event described as being “caught up in the airâ€.
If the standard “rapture†view is to be sustained in respect to the 1 Thess 4 passage, we are left with the following puzzle: We have 2 different events (the “rapture†of 1 Thess 4 and the transformation of 1 Cor 15) both occasioned by a return of Jesus, both accompanied by a trumpet blast, and both accompanied by the raising of the dead.
I suspect that the way the “rapture theologians†get around this is to posit that there are two “returns†of Jesus – one to rapture people away, followed a later “final†return. And there are two trumpet blasts – one at each return. Finally, there must be two raisings of the dead, one at each return.
That sounds mighty forced and awkward and really becomes highly unrealistic upon analysis. If different “return†events are really being described in both passages, then the 1 Thess 4 “raising of the dead†must precede the 1 Corinthians 15 raising of the dead, if rapture theology is to work. Note the implications of this:
1. In the 1 Thess 4 account, it is only those believers who are alive at the time who are raptured. So the dead who get raised are “left behind†along with those who are not raptured. This is a decidedly odd scenario – the living believers are raptured and the world chugs along with two categories of human beings - the resurrected dead and people, who were neither raptured nor raised from the dead. Do you really think that is sensible?
2. In the 1 Corinthians 15 account, describing Jesus’ 2nd “second coming†on the view I am critiquing, Paul tells us that the dead are raised. Fine. But if there has been a prior raising of the dead, then who are those raised at this 2nd return of Jesus? Presumably those who have died since the first “raising of the dead†– as per the 1 Thess 4 material. But Paul has told us the general resurrection sequence in 1 Cor 15 – first Jesus, then when he returns, everybody else. So has Paul forgotten about those raised at the first return of Jesus (the 1 Thess 4) version?
This whole scenario seems surpassingly contrived and downright silly. To be fair, perhaps I have misrepresented what rapture believers actually believe to be the case. Please advice me if this is so and / or comment on the model I have ascribed to those who accept the rapture model.
I suggest that the raising of the dead is a single discrete event in time. It only happens once. So this really does force us to see the “transformation†as being the same event as the “catching up of the livingâ€. Paul is using the “caught up in the air†image to represent the transformation that will take place in the bodies of those who are alive at the time of the resurrection.
Note how the Phillipians 3 text endorses the 1 Corinthians 15 text in respect to what actually happens to those alive at the time of Jesus’ return (if there is only return) – they are transformed, not snatched away:
20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body
Both the 1 Corinthians 15 and the Phillipians 3 texts are asserting that those who are alive at Jesus’ appearing will be changed or transformed so that their mortal bodies will become incorruptible, deathless. This is all that Paul intends to say in Thessalonians, but he uses poetic imagery, from biblical and political sources, to enhance his message. Little did he know how his rich metaphors would be misunderstood two millennia later.
In later post, I hope to show that there is sound Biblical precedent to understand the “caught up in the clouds†image as specifically metaphorical.
Paul’s description of living believers being snatched up in the air in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 is, I suggest, a metaphorical rendering of what he says in two other passages: 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 and Phillipians 3:20-21. Here is the 1 Corinthians 15 passage:
51Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."
When will this happen? At Jesus’s return. From earlier in the same passage:
For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 23But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ's at His coming,
The reference to “being made alive†clearly maps to the raising of the dead to an imperishable state. Now here is the 1 Thessalonians 4 passage:
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. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever
Clearly the same scenario is being described in both texts. Note the structural parallels. In simplified form we have:
1 Cor 15: Return of Jesus à Trumpet à resurrection of dead à transformation of the living
1 Thess 4: Return of Jesus à Trumpet à resurrection of dead à catching up of the living
It would seem rather clear that there can only be a single “fate†for those who are alive when Jesus returns, the trumpet is sounded, and the dead are raised. Granted, it is characterized somewhat differently in the 1 Thess 4 text as in the 1 Cor 15 text. But, given the trumpet is present in both contexts and the resurrection of the dead is present in both contexts, and the overall scenario is about what happens when Jesus returns, we really must conclude that there is an equivalence between “being transformed†(as per the 1 Cor 15 material) and “being caught in the air†(as per the 1 Thess text). There are simply too many factors in common between the 1 Cor 15 context and the 1 Thess 4 context to allow us to see the “transformation†as being an event other than the same event described as being “caught up in the airâ€.
If the standard “rapture†view is to be sustained in respect to the 1 Thess 4 passage, we are left with the following puzzle: We have 2 different events (the “rapture†of 1 Thess 4 and the transformation of 1 Cor 15) both occasioned by a return of Jesus, both accompanied by a trumpet blast, and both accompanied by the raising of the dead.
I suspect that the way the “rapture theologians†get around this is to posit that there are two “returns†of Jesus – one to rapture people away, followed a later “final†return. And there are two trumpet blasts – one at each return. Finally, there must be two raisings of the dead, one at each return.
That sounds mighty forced and awkward and really becomes highly unrealistic upon analysis. If different “return†events are really being described in both passages, then the 1 Thess 4 “raising of the dead†must precede the 1 Corinthians 15 raising of the dead, if rapture theology is to work. Note the implications of this:
1. In the 1 Thess 4 account, it is only those believers who are alive at the time who are raptured. So the dead who get raised are “left behind†along with those who are not raptured. This is a decidedly odd scenario – the living believers are raptured and the world chugs along with two categories of human beings - the resurrected dead and people, who were neither raptured nor raised from the dead. Do you really think that is sensible?
2. In the 1 Corinthians 15 account, describing Jesus’ 2nd “second coming†on the view I am critiquing, Paul tells us that the dead are raised. Fine. But if there has been a prior raising of the dead, then who are those raised at this 2nd return of Jesus? Presumably those who have died since the first “raising of the dead†– as per the 1 Thess 4 material. But Paul has told us the general resurrection sequence in 1 Cor 15 – first Jesus, then when he returns, everybody else. So has Paul forgotten about those raised at the first return of Jesus (the 1 Thess 4) version?
This whole scenario seems surpassingly contrived and downright silly. To be fair, perhaps I have misrepresented what rapture believers actually believe to be the case. Please advice me if this is so and / or comment on the model I have ascribed to those who accept the rapture model.
I suggest that the raising of the dead is a single discrete event in time. It only happens once. So this really does force us to see the “transformation†as being the same event as the “catching up of the livingâ€. Paul is using the “caught up in the air†image to represent the transformation that will take place in the bodies of those who are alive at the time of the resurrection.
Note how the Phillipians 3 text endorses the 1 Corinthians 15 text in respect to what actually happens to those alive at the time of Jesus’ return (if there is only return) – they are transformed, not snatched away:
20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body
Both the 1 Corinthians 15 and the Phillipians 3 texts are asserting that those who are alive at Jesus’ appearing will be changed or transformed so that their mortal bodies will become incorruptible, deathless. This is all that Paul intends to say in Thessalonians, but he uses poetic imagery, from biblical and political sources, to enhance his message. Little did he know how his rich metaphors would be misunderstood two millennia later.
In later post, I hope to show that there is sound Biblical precedent to understand the “caught up in the clouds†image as specifically metaphorical.
Guys,
This is always an endless debate, but let us all remember, there is one King, one Lord, Jesus Christ, and he will come at the time the Father has decided.
We all post in with our comments like we are righteous or have wisdom. Who of us is really worthy of being saved anyway? We all fall short, we should make every effort RIGHT NOW to live for God, to do his will, instead of posting our own view on scripture as we're worthy of praise.
All glory belongs to God, and through his grace we have come to know him through his Son, Jesus Christ. Let us be thankful for the opportunity we have instead of waiting for the end as we're deserving of it.
Why do we argue over the rapture? Is not Christ just? Do we trust him? Whether pri-trib, post-trib, no-trib, back-trib, whatever-trib, he is just, we will receive what we deserve.
Let's make the effort to live as Christ told us everyday, and the glorious Lord will come when he comes. After all, is it for our glory, or Christs? All glory belongs to God, we fall way short, let us continually praise God, live for him, and TRUST him. Christ told us to be on guard, so let us live in Love, Peace, Forgiveness and Humilty, thats a guard far greater than looking to the sky.
All praise to God, through his Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
This is always an endless debate, but let us all remember, there is one King, one Lord, Jesus Christ, and he will come at the time the Father has decided.
We all post in with our comments like we are righteous or have wisdom. Who of us is really worthy of being saved anyway? We all fall short, we should make every effort RIGHT NOW to live for God, to do his will, instead of posting our own view on scripture as we're worthy of praise.
All glory belongs to God, and through his grace we have come to know him through his Son, Jesus Christ. Let us be thankful for the opportunity we have instead of waiting for the end as we're deserving of it.
Why do we argue over the rapture? Is not Christ just? Do we trust him? Whether pri-trib, post-trib, no-trib, back-trib, whatever-trib, he is just, we will receive what we deserve.
Let's make the effort to live as Christ told us everyday, and the glorious Lord will come when he comes. After all, is it for our glory, or Christs? All glory belongs to God, we fall way short, let us continually praise God, live for him, and TRUST him. Christ told us to be on guard, so let us live in Love, Peace, Forgiveness and Humilty, thats a guard far greater than looking to the sky.
All praise to God, through his Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
watchman F
Member
Of course we should weed out man made doctrine, but my question was.why would some choose to not believe what the bible says?
freeway
Member
Watchman I can not show you where we talked about "the days of Noah in this thread, those post are gone.. So since I can not prove it, then I apologize, I'll retract that... watchman F said no such thing.. how's that?
One more thing, wow, I can't believe this thread is still going...
watchman F
Member
Yeah after all the title says it all.Watchman I can not show you where we talked about "the days of Noah in this thread, those post are gone.. So since I can not prove it, then I apologize, I'll retract that... watchman F said no such thing.. how's that?
One more thing, wow, I can't believe this thread is still going...
freeway
Member
Just because you said it is wrong, does make me change my mind one bit. There is just to much proof that says the church is not here, the removal of the restrainer, the wedding of the Lamb and church, and of course my favorite "If" we get raptured at the end of the trib as you say, then who are the sheep at the separation before the Lord. Who are the saints that repopulate the world in the 1000 year reign of Christ? Learn what trumpet are being talked about and what the "days of Noah" are about and you will understand scripture a little better.
watchman F
Member
Of course it doesn't. The very word of God can't budge you.
watchman F
Member
It took me a while this time, but I got your # again benny. I feel sad for you. All of this has been explain to you multiple times.
7 PROOFS OF THE RAPTURE BEFORE THE TRIBULATION
Proof 1
In 2 Thess. 2:1-12 we have a clear proof that the church and O.T. saints will be raptured before the day of the Lord, that is before the second advent, and before the Revelation of the Antichrist, before Daniel's 70th week, before the future tribulation, and before the last seven years of this age which ends with the second advent of Christ to the earth.
In 2 Thess. 2:1-4 Paul beseeches saints not to be deceived by any means or by anybody, as to the coming of the day of the Lord, or the second advent. The two things that were to precede the day of the Lord are:
1. "A great falling away" and
2. "That man of sin be revealed" (2 Thess. 2:3).
Besides these two things Paul revealed that a third great event would take place, this one to precede the day of the Lord or second advent, and also precede the revelation of the man of sin. He said, "he who now letteth [hinders] will let [hinder] until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed" (2 Thess. 2:7-8). Thus it is clear that the hinderer of lawlessness will be taken out of the way before the Antichrist can come. "Our gathering together unto him" of 2 Thess. 2:1 and the hinderer of lawlessness being "taken out of the way" of 2 Thess. 2:7-8 refer to the same event-the rapture of the church and O.T. saints before the Revelation of the Antichrist. And then-when he who hinders lawlessness is taken out of the way-shall that Wicked be revealed.
Two Comings of the Lord From Heaven,But Only One Coming to the Earth
1. A coming of the Lord out of heaven for the saints to meet them in the air and to take them to heaven without coming to the earth (1 Thess. 1:10; 1 Thess 2:19-20; 1 Thess 3:13; 1 Thess 4:13-18; 1 Thess 5:1-11,23; 2 Thess. 2:1,7-8; John. 14:1-3; Lk. 21:34-36; Col. 3:4; Eph. 5:27; Jas. 5:7-8; Rev. 5:8-10; Rev 19:1-10).
2. A coming of the Lord out of heaven with His previously raptured saints to bring them to the earth to fight at Armageddon and to set up a kingdom in the world forever (Rev. 19:1-21; Jude 14-15; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2 Thess 2:7-8; 1 Cor. 15:24-28; Mt. 16:27; Mt 24:29-31; Mt 25:31-46; Zech. 14:1-5; Dan. 2:44-45; Dan 7:9-14,18,22,27).
Twelve Truths of 2 Thess. 2:1-12 That the Thessalonians Knew About
1. That it was possible to be deceived about the rapture and the second advent (2 Thess. 1:1-3).
2. That the day of the Lord, or the second advent, was not at hand and therefore, it was not the time for the Lord to be here reigning on earth (2 Thess. 2:3).
3. That they were not to permit themselves to be deceived (2 Thess. 2:3).
4. That the day of the Lord would begin only at the second advent (2 Thess. 2:3; Zech. 14:1-5).
5. That this day of the Lord, or the second advent, could not have already come because the great apostasy and the Revelation of the man of sin had not yet come (2 Thess. 2:3).
6. That the man of sin will take over the Jewish temple at Jerusalem and declare himself to be God (2 Thess. 2:4). See Rev. 13;Rev 14:9-11; Rev 15:1-4; Rev 20:4-6; Dan. 9:27; Mt. 24:15-22,29-31.
7. That the man of sin (the Wicked one or Antichrist) has a definite time to be revealed (2 Thess. 2:6-8).
8. That "he" who hinders lawlessness and holds back the man of sin will be entirely removed before he will fully come (2 Thess. 2:5-8).
9. That the mystery of lawlessness is already at work in the world (2 Thess. 2:7).
10. That Paul's doctrines had not changed regarding the rapture and the day of the Lord, as false teachers had reported, even forging a letter in his name (2 Thess. 2:2,5).
11. That the man of sin (Antichrist) would be destroyed by Christ at the second advent when the day of the Lord begins (2 Thess. 2:7-8). See Dan. 7:11; Rev. 19:20;Rev 20:10.
12. That Antichrist will come after the working of Satan with all power and great deceptions (2 Thess. 2:8-12). See Mt. 24:24; Rev. 13:1-18; Dan. 8:24-25; Dan 11:37-45.
Seven Other Facts About the Rapture in 1&2 Thessalonians
1. The church waits for Jesus to come from heaven (1 Thess. 1:10).
2. The church will be taken to glory (1 Thess. 2:12; cf. Col. 3:4).
3. Soul winners will have great joy at this coming (1 Thess. 2:19-20).
4. The saints will be established unblameable before God in heaven (1 Thess. 3:13).
5. Both the dead and living in Christ will be raptured to heaven to live with Christ (1 Thess. 4:13-18; cf. John. 14:1-3; Phil. 3:21).
6. God has appointed all saved men to escape His latter-day wrath on men (1 Thess. 5:1-11; cf. Lk. 21:34-36).
7. Saints will be made whole in body, soul, and spirit at the rapture (1 Thess. 5:23; cf. Phil. 3:21).
Who Or What Is the Hinderer of Lawlessness?
Paul definitely said that the hinderer of lawlessness would continue to hinder lawlessness "until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed," whom the Lord shall destroy at His second advent (2 Thess. 2:7-8). If the question of who or what the hinderer of lawlessness is can be settled, the time of the rapture will be automatically settled.
Three Things Hindering Lawlessness in the World Today
1. Human governments (Gen. 9:1-8; Rom 13; 1 Peter 2:14)
2. The Holy Spirit (John. 14:16;Jn 15:26;Jn 16:7-11)
3. The church (Mt. 5:13-16; 1 Cor. 12:28; Rom 12:3-8; 1 Peter 4:10-19)
In no scripture in the two books to the Thessalonians did Paul mention governments or the Holy Spirit as being taken out of the world, but he repeatedly referred to the church as being raptured out of the world and from the earth (1 Thess. 1:10;1 Thess 2:19-20; 1 Thess 4:13-18; 1 Thess 5:1-11,23; 2 Thess. 2:1,7-8). We must, therefore, conclude that the church is the hinderer of lawlessness, and for the following reasons.
1. Human governments will never be taken out of the world to permit the Revelation of the Antichrist. He himself will even reign over ten kingdoms when he comes (Rev. 17:8-17). And many other governments will be here in other parts of the earth throughout all the days that the man of sin (Antichrist) will be here (Dan. 2:44-45;Dan 7:9-14; Rev. 16:13-16; Zech. 14:1-5).
2. The Holy Spirit will never be taken from the world, for Jesus promised that He would abide with us forever (John. 14:16). In Acts 2:16-21; Zech. 12:10 - Zech 13:1,Mt. 24:14; Rev. 7:14; Rev 19:10 and other scriptures we have much proof that the Holy Spirit will still be here throughout the tribulation and the reign of Antichrist. Therefore, He could not be the hinderer of lawlessness that will be taken out of the way.
3. The church will be taken out of the world by rapture, as stated in the above references. It is the only one of the above mentioned three hinderers of lawlessness that is to be taken out of the world, so it must be the hinderer of 2 Thess. 2:7-8.
That this hinderer of lawlessness will literally be taken out of the world is clear from the Greek statement, ek mesou genetai, which means, "out of the midst be gone" (2 Thess. 2:7-8). The Greek phrase ek mesou literally means "from among" and is so translated in Mt. 13:49; Acts 17:33;Acts 23:10; 1 Cor. 5:2; 2 Cor. 6:17; Col. 2:13-14; 2 Thess. 2:7. Whatever is referred to as the hinderer is being taken out of the way, not being brought into the midst of men.
Out of 25 versions examined by this author, not one reads "born out of the midst of men" as said by some who teach that instead of referring to the revelation of Antichrist, this passage (2 Thess. 2:7-8) speaks of his birth. These versions render the passage in 13 different ways, and the thought in every one is not the birth of Antichrist but rather the fact that the hinderer of lawlessness is to be literally removed from the earth, from among men, before the revelation of that Wicked one.
The renderings of these versions are: "be removed" from the midst (4 times); "be gone"-not here (once); "be gotten out of the way" (3 times); "taken from the midst" not born into the midst (once); "coming to be out of the midst" (once); "is taken out of the way" (twice); "gone from the midst" (once); "the restraining power removed" (once); "disappear from the scene" (once); "be out of the way" (once); "steps out of the way" (once); "becomes out of the way" (once); "taken out of the way" (7 times).
Even if we believed that the Holy Spirit would be taken out of the world to permit the revelation of the man of sin, we could not possibly believe that He would abandon the church (the body of Christ), leaving it in the world to go through terrible sufferings without Him. Therefore, the church would be taken out of the world with Him, and thus the rapture of the church before the tribulation is proved either way.
Men have stumbled over the use of the pronoun "he" in 2 Thess. 2:7 for a long time and a great many teachers have not been able to bring themselves to the fact that a masculine pronoun could refer to the church when it has been universally taught that the church is the bride of Christ, a woman, a lady, and a virgin. If the pronoun "she" had been used in 2 Thess. 2:7 every Bible scholar who teaches that the church is the bride of Christ would have automatically believed and taught that this "she" identified the church as the hinderer of lawlessness and would have used this as proof of the church being taken out of the world before the tribulation and Revelation of the Antichrist.
The Church Is Not the Bride of Christ
That the church is not the bride of Christ is clear from many scriptures and facts about the church and about the bride of Christ. First, in no scripture is the church ever called the bride of Christ, though the fallacy can be found universally in commentaries, Bible textbooks, doctrine books, song books, and other Christian writings. Never once is this idea stated in the Bible itself, though it does mention the bride of Christ and tells us exactly who it is. Rev. 21:9-10 the angel who said "I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife," showed it to be "that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God." See also Rev. 21:2 and Rev 22:17. The inhabitants of the Heavenly Jerusalem are called "his wife" in Rev. 19:1-10. The idea is that all the redeemed of all ages who will go to live in that city will become a part of the Holy City, which is the bride. But to call any individual, or any company of saints, or any group of Christians "the bride" is unscriptural. As a whole they can be a part of the bride, but no single one of them and no one company of saints in any age can be said to be the bride of Christ. See John. 14:1-3; Heb. 11:11-16; Heb 12:22-23; Heb 13:14.
Second, it is plain in Eph. 2:14-15 and Eph 4:13 that the church is a man and not a woman. Being the body of Christ who was a man and the head of the church, it is only to be expected that His body (the church) would be referred to as a man and not a woman. It cannot be that the head would be that of a man and the body that of a woman. And so, since the church is the body of Christ as stated in 1 Cor. 12:13, 27; Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18,24, then the church is not to be considered a woman. Therefore, the masculine pronoun in 2 Thess. 2:7 is proper and the only one to use of the N.T. church. It is perfectly scriptural to use the pronoun "he" when referring to the whole body of Christ. The Bible uses it many times when referring to whole companies or nations of people made up of both men and women. For example, all the nation of Israel is called "he" (Deut 32:15; Isa. 11:16; Josh. 22:22).
Third, not once is the N.T. church called a woman, a lady, or a virgin. Furthermore, the church is never referred to by a feminine pronoun. Some think that Eph. 5:22-31 would be an exception to this, but a closer reading of the passage will make the meaning clear. Paul illustrates the headship of Christ to the church and His relationship with it by comparing this headship and relationship to a similar headship and relationship which exist between a man and his wife. Christ and His church are one thing and the man and his wife are another, with the feminine pronoun referring to the woman who is the wife of the man, not to the church as the wife of Christ.
Fourth, some teachers use 2 Cor. 11:1-2 to make the woman a symbol of the church, but Paul is not emphasizing the femininity of the church here. He is simply expressing his desire for his own converts to be pure like a virgin, so that they may be presented in all purity before God. The whole church is not referred to here at all.
Fifth, others use Gal. 4:26 hoping to prove that the church is symbolized by a woman, but again, this is not the intention of the passage. The apostle expresses the idea that the Holy City is the headquarters and the source of all blessings, comparing the City to a mother as the source of blessings to her children. Using the woman of Rev. 12 as a symbol of the church is missing the mark completely, for this woman is a symbol of Israel as a nation-and not the church (Gen. 37:9-10). Israel is clearly shown to be the wife of God in Isa. 54:4-9; Hos. 2:14-18.
Proof 2
Another proof of the rapture of the church and O.T. saints before the tribulation is found in Rev. 1:19 and Rev 4:1. All the dead and living in Christ at this point in time will be raptured to meet the Lord in the air to be taken to heaven to live in mansions, in the Father's house with Christ eternally (John. 14:1-3; Lk. 21:34-36; 1 Cor. 15:23,51-56; Eph. 5:27; Col. 3:4; 1 Thess. 2:19-20; 1 Thess 3:13; 1 Thess 4:13-18; 1 Thess 5:1-11,23; Jas. 5:7-8; Heb 11:10-16; Heb 12:22-23; Heb 13:14; Rev. 5:8-10; Rev 19:1-10).
Christ made it clear to John in t and Rev. 4:1 that all the details of every prophecy in Rev. 4:1 -Rev 22:21. This is confirmed without controversy in the three-fold division of the book of Revelation.
The Three Divisions of Revelation
1. "Write the things which thou hast seen." That is, as the first division of this book write the vision that you saw of me (Christ) in the midst of the candlesticks in Rev. 1:11-18 (Rev. 1:19). This John did in the first chapter of the book.
2. "Write the things which are." That is, in the second division of the book of Revelation write the things that I (Christ) will tell you to write about concerning the churches, or concerning the church on earth. This John did in Rev. 2:1 - Rev 3:22(Rev. 1:19).
3. "Write the things which must be hereafter." That is, as the third and last division of the book of Revelation write the things that I (Christ) will show you after you have completed things concerning the churches. These last things do not concern the things of the churches-they concern events after the church age. These things to happen after the church age were recorded by John in Rev. 4:1 - Rev 22:21 (Rev. 1:19).
The Key to the Book of Revelation
If one will accept this simple three-fold division of Revelation, as in the above, and keep every detail of the events in the proper division as revealed, this will truly serve as the key to an understanding of the entire book. All that is required for an understanding of these events is to take them literally as things to happen on the earth from John's day forward into all eternity to come, making sure above all else that each event is put in its proper place or order of events as they are revealed-each in its own division, not mixing those things concerning the church with those things which must be after the churches.
We have in the things concerning the churches, and the events which must be after the churches two separate and distinct series of happenings that cover two separate and distinct periods of time-one period covering the church age (Rev. 2:1 - Rev 3:22), and the other covering the time from the end of the church period, or church age, into all eternity to come (Rev. 4:1 - Rev 22:5). Whenever we see that "the things which are" belong to the church age, and that "the things which must be after the things which are" belong to the period from the close of the church age on into all eternity, then the entire book becomes as simple to understand as John. 3:16. The main thing to keep in mind is that Rev. 4:1 - Rev 22:21 will be fulfilled after the church age, and, therefore, after the rapture of the church. Not one of these latter-day details has anything to do with the church age.
Out of 25 versions examined by this author, not one reads "born out of the midst of men" as said by some who teach that instead of referring to the revelation of Antichrist, this passage (2 Thess. 2:7-8) speaks of his birth. These versions render the passage in 13 different ways, and the thought in every one is not the birth of Antichrist but rather the fact that the hinderer of lawlessness is to be literally removed from the earth, from among men, before the revelation of that Wicked one.
The renderings of these versions are: "be removed" from the midst (4 times); "be gone"-not here (once); "be gotten out of the way" (3 times); "taken from the midst" not born into the midst (once); "coming to be out of the midst" (once); "is taken out of the way" (twice); "gone from the midst" (once); "the restraining power removed" (once); "disappear from the scene" (once); "be out of the way" (once); "steps out of the way" (once); "becomes out of the way" (once); "taken out of the way" (7 times).
Even if we believed that the Holy Spirit would be taken out of the world to permit the revelation of the man of sin, we could not possibly believe that He would abandon the church (the body of Christ), leaving it in the world to go through terrible sufferings without Him. Therefore, the church would be taken out of the world with Him, and thus the rapture of the church before the tribulation is proved either way.
Men have stumbled over the use of the pronoun "he" in 2 Thess. 2:7 for a long time and a great many teachers have not been able to bring themselves to the fact that a masculine pronoun could refer to the church when it has been universally taught that the church is the bride of Christ, a woman, a lady, and a virgin. If the pronoun "she" had been used in 2 Thess. 2:7 every Bible scholar who teaches that the church is the bride of Christ would have automatically believed and taught that this "she" identified the church as the hinderer of lawlessness and would have used this as proof of the church being taken out of the world before the tribulation and Revelation of the Antichrist.
The Church Is Not the Bride of Christ
That the church is not the bride of Christ is clear from many scriptures and facts about the church and about the bride of Christ. First, in no scripture is the church ever called the bride of Christ, though the fallacy can be found universally in commentaries, Bible textbooks, doctrine books, song books, and other Christian writings. Never once is this idea stated in the Bible itself, though it does mention the bride of Christ and tells us exactly who it is. Rev. 21:9-10 the angel who said "I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife," showed it to be "that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God." See also Rev. 21:2 and Rev 22:17. The inhabitants of the Heavenly Jerusalem are called "his wife" in Rev. 19:1-10. The idea is that all the redeemed of all ages who will go to live in that city will become a part of the Holy City, which is the bride. But to call any individual, or any company of saints, or any group of Christians "the bride" is unscriptural. As a whole they can be a part of the bride, but no single one of them and no one company of saints in any age can be said to be the bride of Christ. See John. 14:1-3; Heb. 11:11-16; Heb 12:22-23; Heb 13:14.
Second, it is plain in Eph. 2:14-15 and Eph 4:13 that the church is a man and not a woman. Being the body of Christ who was a man and the head of the church, it is only to be expected that His body (the church) would be referred to as a man and not a woman. It cannot be that the head would be that of a man and the body that of a woman. And so, since the church is the body of Christ as stated in 1 Cor. 12:13, 27; Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18,24, then the church is not to be considered a woman. Therefore, the masculine pronoun in 2 Thess. 2:7 is proper and the only one to use of the N.T. church. It is perfectly scriptural to use the pronoun "he" when referring to the whole body of Christ. The Bible uses it many times when referring to whole companies or nations of people made up of both men and women. For example, all the nation of Israel is called "he" (Deut 32:15; Isa. 11:16; Josh. 22:22).
Third, not once is the N.T. church called a woman, a lady, or a virgin. Furthermore, the church is never referred to by a feminine pronoun. Some think that Eph. 5:22-31 would be an exception to this, but a closer reading of the passage will make the meaning clear. Paul illustrates the headship of Christ to the church and His relationship with it by comparing this headship and relationship to a similar headship and relationship which exist between a man and his wife. Christ and His church are one thing and the man and his wife are another, with the feminine pronoun referring to the woman who is the wife of the man, not to the church as the wife of Christ.
Fourth, some teachers use 2 Cor. 11:1-2 to make the woman a symbol of the church, but Paul is not emphasizing the femininity of the church here. He is simply expressing his desire for his own converts to be pure like a virgin, so that they may be presented in all purity before God. The whole church is not referred to here at all.
Fifth, others use Gal. 4:26 hoping to prove that the church is symbolized by a woman, but again, this is not the intention of the passage. The apostle expresses the idea that the Holy City is the headquarters and the source of all blessings, comparing the City to a mother as the source of blessings to her children. Using the woman of Rev. 12 as a symbol of the church is missing the mark completely, for this woman is a symbol of Israel as a nation-and not the church (Gen. 37:9-10). Israel is clearly shown to be the wife of God in Isa. 54:4-9; Hos. 2:14-18.
Proof 2
Another proof of the rapture of the church and O.T. saints before the tribulation is found in Rev. 1:19 and Rev 4:1. All the dead and living in Christ at this point in time will be raptured to meet the Lord in the air to be taken to heaven to live in mansions, in the Father's house with Christ eternally (John. 14:1-3; Lk. 21:34-36; 1 Cor. 15:23,51-56; Eph. 5:27; Col. 3:4; 1 Thess. 2:19-20; 1 Thess 3:13; 1 Thess 4:13-18; 1 Thess 5:1-11,23; Jas. 5:7-8; Heb 11:10-16; Heb 12:22-23; Heb 13:14; Rev. 5:8-10; Rev 19:1-10).
Christ made it clear to John in t and Rev. 4:1 that all the details of every prophecy in Rev. 4:1 -Rev 22:21. This is confirmed without controversy in the three-fold division of the book of Revelation.
The Three Divisions of Revelation
1. "Write the things which thou hast seen." That is, as the first division of this book write the vision that you saw of me (Christ) in the midst of the candlesticks in Rev. 1:11-18 (Rev. 1:19). This John did in the first chapter of the book.
2. "Write the things which are." That is, in the second division of the book of Revelation write the things that I (Christ) will tell you to write about concerning the churches, or concerning the church on earth. This John did in Rev. 2:1 - Rev 3:22(Rev. 1:19).
3. "Write the things which must be hereafter." That is, as the third and last division of the book of Revelation write the things that I (Christ) will show you after you have completed things concerning the churches. These last things do not concern the things of the churches-they concern events after the church age. These things to happen after the church age were recorded by John in Rev. 4:1 - Rev 22:21 (Rev. 1:19).
The Key to the Book of Revelation
If one will accept this simple three-fold division of Revelation, as in the above, and keep every detail of the events in the proper division as revealed, this will truly serve as the key to an understanding of the entire book. All that is required for an understanding of these events is to take them literally as things to happen on the earth from John's day forward into all eternity to come, making sure above all else that each event is put in its proper place or order of events as they are revealed-each in its own division, not mixing those things concerning the church with those things which must be after the churches.
We have in the things concerning the churches, and the events which must be after the churches two separate and distinct series of happenings that cover two separate and distinct periods of time-one period covering the church age (Rev. 2:1 - Rev 3:22), and the other covering the time from the end of the church period, or church age, into all eternity to come (Rev. 4:1 - Rev 22:5). Whenever we see that "the things which are" belong to the church age, and that "the things which must be after the things which are" belong to the period from the close of the church age on into all eternity, then the entire book becomes as simple to understand as John. 3:16. The main thing to keep in mind is that Rev. 4:1 - Rev 22:21 will be fulfilled after the church age, and, therefore, after the rapture of the church. Not one of these latter-day details has anything to do with the church age.
Summary of Things After the Rapture-After the Church Age
1. Events in heaven that John saw after he arrived there, as in Rev. 4:1, including the raptured church and O.T. saints who were seen in heaven by this time, being a fulfillment of things revealed here, for the first time, as happening after the churches (Rev. 4:1 - Rev 5:14). The raptured church saints are definitely pictured as being in heaven at this point (Rev. 5:8-10).
2. Events of Daniel's 70th week, or the last seven years of this age between the events which John saw in heaven in Rev. 4 and Rev 5 and the second advent in Rev. 19:11-21. This period covers all the seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven vials, and all other details regarding the two witnesses (Rev. 11:3-12), the woman and the manchild (Rev. 12), the two beasts (Rev. 13:1 - Rev 14:20); and the great whore (Rev. 17).
3. The marriage supper of the Lamb and the second advent (Rev. 19:1-21).
4. The Millennium-1,000-year reign of Christ to put down all rebellion on earth (Rev. 10:1-6; 1 Cor. 15:24-28; Eph. 1:10).
5. Events ending the 1,000-year reign of Christ including the renovation of the heavens and the earth by fire (Rev. 20:7-15; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Heb. 1:10-12;Heb 12:26-29).
6. Events of the eternal new heaven and the new earth (Rev. 21-22; Isa. 65:17;Isa 66:22-24; 2 Peter 3:10-13).
From the above we can see that it would be erroneous to make various details of history a part of things yet to happen which are the seven seals, seven trumpets, seven vials, and other events including the woman and the manchild of Rev. 12. For instance, it would be erroneous to say that the ascension of Christ 65 years before John wrote the book of Revelation was actually the ascension of the manchild (Rev. 12:5) in the middle of events which must be after the churches. In comparing 25 versions with the King James Version, the author has found that every one is in agreement with the fact that the prophecies of Rev. 4:1 on through the 22nd chapter of the book are to be fulfilled in detail after the churches, that is, after the church age-and this is in agreement with the three-fold division of Revelation as stated above.
To quote various renderings of Rev. 4:1 one says, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place hereafter"; another says, "what must come to pass after this"; and others say, "which are to happen in the future"; and, "what things must come to pass"-all referring to what should happen after the churches which John had just completed writing about in the second division of his book (Rev. 2:1 - Rev 3:22).
Proof 3
Another proof of a rapture of the church and O.T. saints before the tribulation lies in the literal fulfillment of Lk. 21:34-36. Christ personally promised all true believers who would meet the conditions that they would "escape all these things" and "stand before the son of man." The things that the "worthy" ones were to escape are those listed in Lk. 21:1-11,25-33; Mt. 24:1 -Mt 25:46; Mk. 13 and Rev. 4:1 - Rev 18:24. The only way they could do this would be to be raptured before these events took place. To escape means that they would not suffer or have to endure these things, and to stand before the Son of man means that they would be raptured bodily so as to be able to stand before Him in bodily presence. They will therefore literally rise "to meet him in the air" and be received by Christ to go up to heaven to live with Him (John. 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:23,51-54; Eph. 5:27; Phil. 3:21; Col. 3:4; 1 Thess. 2:19-20; 1 Thess 3:13; 1 Thess 4:13-18; 1 Thess 5:1-11,23; 2 Thess. 2:1,7-8; Jas. 5:7-8; 1 John. 2:28;1 John 3:1-3; Rev. 1:19; Rev 4:1; Rev 5:8-10; Rev 19:1-10).
The Greek word for "escape" in Lk. 21:36 is ekpheugo, meaning to flee out of the way (Acts 19:16); to get away (Acts 16:27); and to escape danger and even hell (Lk. 21:36; Rom. 2:3; 2 Cor. 11:33; 1 Thess. 5:1-4; Heb. 2:3;Heb 12:25).
Proof 4
A proof of a rapture of the church and O.T. saints before the tribulation is found in Rev. 5:8-10. Here we have the raptured saints of all past ages up to this point already in heaven having been already redeemed and raptured to heaven. They are the "kings and priests" from "every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" who will reign on the earth. They are in heaven at this point in the fulfillment of Rev. 4:1 - Rev 22:21, all of which must be fulfilled after the churches. The fact that they are here revealed as already having been redeemed and raptured cannot be denied. They are pre-tribulation saints and they are in heaven at the very beginning of the tribulation which starts in the first seal and continues throughout the entire seven seals, the seven trumpets, and the seven vials of Rev. 6:1 - Rev 16:21; Rev 18:1-24. The tribulation saints are those that are martyred in this 70th week of Daniel (Rev. 6:9-11; Rev 7:9-17; Rev 14:9-13; Rev 15:1-5; Rev 20:4-7; Dan. 7:21;Dan 9:27). There is a special song of redemption related to the pre-tribulation saints (Rev. 5:8-10) that is entirely different from the song sung 3 ½ years later by the 144,000 (Rev. 14:1-5), and the one sung seven years later by the tribulation saints (Rev. 15:1-5).
Proof 5
In 1 Thess. 5:1-11 Paul makes it plain that the wrath of God that begins in the sixth seal of Rev. 6:12-17 in the first 3 ½ years of Daniel's 70th week is not "appointed" for the church, but for the ungodly world. He said, "God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation [deliverance] by our Lord Jesus Christ," so that both the dead and the living in Christ can live together in the rapture (1 Thess. 5:9-11). In view of this deliverance for both the dead and the living in Christ at the rapture, we are to be comforted (1 Thess. 4:18;1 Thess 5:11). And, since this wrath begins in the first part or in the first 3 ½ years of Daniel's 70th week, at the point of the sixth seal, then the church will be raptured before that. Furthermore, since the raptured saints are seen in heaven-in Rev. 5:8-10-before the first seal begins, we must then conclude that the rapture takes place before any of the seals begin.
Proof 6
The enthroned elders of Rev. 4:4,10; Rev 5:5-8,11,14; Rev 7:11,13; Rev 11:16; Rev 14:3; and Rev 19:4 being seated on 24 thrones around the throne of God as representatives of the raptured saints of Rev. 5:8-10 is proof that they are not only redeemed, but that they are also raptured by this time, that is, before the seven seals, seven trumpets and seven vials begin. The fact that they are seen in heaven in Rev. 5 at a time before the rapture of the 144,000 (Rev. 14:1-5) and before the rapture of the tribulation saints (Rev. 15:1-4) makes it clear that the enthroned elders are representatives of the church and O.T. saints, and not representatives of these other groups raptured later.
1. Events in heaven that John saw after he arrived there, as in Rev. 4:1, including the raptured church and O.T. saints who were seen in heaven by this time, being a fulfillment of things revealed here, for the first time, as happening after the churches (Rev. 4:1 - Rev 5:14). The raptured church saints are definitely pictured as being in heaven at this point (Rev. 5:8-10).
2. Events of Daniel's 70th week, or the last seven years of this age between the events which John saw in heaven in Rev. 4 and Rev 5 and the second advent in Rev. 19:11-21. This period covers all the seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven vials, and all other details regarding the two witnesses (Rev. 11:3-12), the woman and the manchild (Rev. 12), the two beasts (Rev. 13:1 - Rev 14:20); and the great whore (Rev. 17).
3. The marriage supper of the Lamb and the second advent (Rev. 19:1-21).
4. The Millennium-1,000-year reign of Christ to put down all rebellion on earth (Rev. 10:1-6; 1 Cor. 15:24-28; Eph. 1:10).
5. Events ending the 1,000-year reign of Christ including the renovation of the heavens and the earth by fire (Rev. 20:7-15; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Heb. 1:10-12;Heb 12:26-29).
6. Events of the eternal new heaven and the new earth (Rev. 21-22; Isa. 65:17;Isa 66:22-24; 2 Peter 3:10-13).
From the above we can see that it would be erroneous to make various details of history a part of things yet to happen which are the seven seals, seven trumpets, seven vials, and other events including the woman and the manchild of Rev. 12. For instance, it would be erroneous to say that the ascension of Christ 65 years before John wrote the book of Revelation was actually the ascension of the manchild (Rev. 12:5) in the middle of events which must be after the churches. In comparing 25 versions with the King James Version, the author has found that every one is in agreement with the fact that the prophecies of Rev. 4:1 on through the 22nd chapter of the book are to be fulfilled in detail after the churches, that is, after the church age-and this is in agreement with the three-fold division of Revelation as stated above.
To quote various renderings of Rev. 4:1 one says, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place hereafter"; another says, "what must come to pass after this"; and others say, "which are to happen in the future"; and, "what things must come to pass"-all referring to what should happen after the churches which John had just completed writing about in the second division of his book (Rev. 2:1 - Rev 3:22).
Proof 3
Another proof of a rapture of the church and O.T. saints before the tribulation lies in the literal fulfillment of Lk. 21:34-36. Christ personally promised all true believers who would meet the conditions that they would "escape all these things" and "stand before the son of man." The things that the "worthy" ones were to escape are those listed in Lk. 21:1-11,25-33; Mt. 24:1 -Mt 25:46; Mk. 13 and Rev. 4:1 - Rev 18:24. The only way they could do this would be to be raptured before these events took place. To escape means that they would not suffer or have to endure these things, and to stand before the Son of man means that they would be raptured bodily so as to be able to stand before Him in bodily presence. They will therefore literally rise "to meet him in the air" and be received by Christ to go up to heaven to live with Him (John. 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:23,51-54; Eph. 5:27; Phil. 3:21; Col. 3:4; 1 Thess. 2:19-20; 1 Thess 3:13; 1 Thess 4:13-18; 1 Thess 5:1-11,23; 2 Thess. 2:1,7-8; Jas. 5:7-8; 1 John. 2:28;1 John 3:1-3; Rev. 1:19; Rev 4:1; Rev 5:8-10; Rev 19:1-10).
The Greek word for "escape" in Lk. 21:36 is ekpheugo, meaning to flee out of the way (Acts 19:16); to get away (Acts 16:27); and to escape danger and even hell (Lk. 21:36; Rom. 2:3; 2 Cor. 11:33; 1 Thess. 5:1-4; Heb. 2:3;Heb 12:25).
Proof 4
A proof of a rapture of the church and O.T. saints before the tribulation is found in Rev. 5:8-10. Here we have the raptured saints of all past ages up to this point already in heaven having been already redeemed and raptured to heaven. They are the "kings and priests" from "every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" who will reign on the earth. They are in heaven at this point in the fulfillment of Rev. 4:1 - Rev 22:21, all of which must be fulfilled after the churches. The fact that they are here revealed as already having been redeemed and raptured cannot be denied. They are pre-tribulation saints and they are in heaven at the very beginning of the tribulation which starts in the first seal and continues throughout the entire seven seals, the seven trumpets, and the seven vials of Rev. 6:1 - Rev 16:21; Rev 18:1-24. The tribulation saints are those that are martyred in this 70th week of Daniel (Rev. 6:9-11; Rev 7:9-17; Rev 14:9-13; Rev 15:1-5; Rev 20:4-7; Dan. 7:21;Dan 9:27). There is a special song of redemption related to the pre-tribulation saints (Rev. 5:8-10) that is entirely different from the song sung 3 ½ years later by the 144,000 (Rev. 14:1-5), and the one sung seven years later by the tribulation saints (Rev. 15:1-5).
Proof 5
In 1 Thess. 5:1-11 Paul makes it plain that the wrath of God that begins in the sixth seal of Rev. 6:12-17 in the first 3 ½ years of Daniel's 70th week is not "appointed" for the church, but for the ungodly world. He said, "God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation [deliverance] by our Lord Jesus Christ," so that both the dead and the living in Christ can live together in the rapture (1 Thess. 5:9-11). In view of this deliverance for both the dead and the living in Christ at the rapture, we are to be comforted (1 Thess. 4:18;1 Thess 5:11). And, since this wrath begins in the first part or in the first 3 ½ years of Daniel's 70th week, at the point of the sixth seal, then the church will be raptured before that. Furthermore, since the raptured saints are seen in heaven-in Rev. 5:8-10-before the first seal begins, we must then conclude that the rapture takes place before any of the seals begin.
Proof 6
The enthroned elders of Rev. 4:4,10; Rev 5:5-8,11,14; Rev 7:11,13; Rev 11:16; Rev 14:3; and Rev 19:4 being seated on 24 thrones around the throne of God as representatives of the raptured saints of Rev. 5:8-10 is proof that they are not only redeemed, but that they are also raptured by this time, that is, before the seven seals, seven trumpets and seven vials begin. The fact that they are seen in heaven in Rev. 5 at a time before the rapture of the 144,000 (Rev. 14:1-5) and before the rapture of the tribulation saints (Rev. 15:1-4) makes it clear that the enthroned elders are representatives of the church and O.T. saints, and not representatives of these other groups raptured later.
Proof 7
The fact that Rev. 1:1 - Rev 3:22 deals only with the church on earth, and Rev. 4- Rev 19 deals with Israel gives us another proof of a rapture of the church and O.T. saints before the tribulation. Every individual is identified and recognized by his own features and characteristics. Even so, in this case a body of individuals is identified by its many features, characteristics, and peculiarities. If the church is seen on earth and is being dealt with by God during the tribulation in chapters Rev 4- Rev 19 in the book of Revelation, then we must see its earmarks. But they are not to be found there. The terms "church" and "churches" are not found once in this part of the book of Revelation. On the other hand, there are evidences of Israel everywhere in this section. And this fact is most striking: Israel is not mentioned at all in Rev. 1:1 - Rev 3:22 which deals only with the church on earth. This fact shows that the two different institutions are dealt with in different parts of the book of Revelation: first, the church until its rapture in Rev. 1:1 - 3:22; then Israel after the rapture of the church, in Rev. 4:1 - Rev 22:5.
The Hebrew Character of Revelation After Rev. 1-3
1. The word "Lamb" is used of Christ 27 times after Rev. 1-3 (which deals with the church age) and not once in these first three chapters of the book. It is never used by Paul in his epistles to the churches; and outside the book of Revelation it is used only in John. 1:29,36; Acts 8:32; 1 Peter 1:19. The Lamb is the antitype of all Jewish sacrifices.
2. "The Lion of the tribe of Juda" and "the Root of David" (Rev. 5:5) show a Jewish connection.
3. The 144,000 of Rev. 7:1-8; Rev 9:4; Rev 12:5; Rev 14:1-5 are Jewish as well as the woman and her remnant.
4. The events of the seals, trumpets, and vials are a partial repetition of the plagues in Egypt which took place at a time when the Gentiles were seeking to destroy Israel (Rev. 6:1 - Rev 19:21).
5. The tribulation of Rev. 6:1 - Rev 19:21 concerns Israel in particular (see Chapter 2).
6. Daniel's 70th week will be fulfilled in Rev. 6:1 - Rev 19:21 which definitely concerns "thy people" (Israel) and "thy city" (Jerusalem) as indicated in Dan. 9:24-27. The middle and last 3 ½ years of this Week are mentioned many times in connection with Israel but not in connection with the church (Dan. 7:21,25;Dan 9:27;Dan 12:1-7; Mt. 24:15-22; Rev. 11:1-12; Rev 12:5,14; Rev 13:5).
7. The ministry of the angel around the altar (Rev. 8:2-5) and the horns of the altar (Rev. 9:13; Rev 11:1; Rev 14:19; Rev 16:7) are familiar only to Israel.
8. The temple and its worship, the altar, the court of the Gentiles, the Holy City, olive trees, the candlesticks (Rev. 11:4), the ark of the covenant (Rev. 11:1-19; Zech. 4:14; Mal. 4:5-6) and other details here are Jewish-not details related to church worship.
9. "The kingdoms of this world" becoming those of God and of Christ is strictly Jewish in prediction and in fulfillment, being mentioned hundreds of times in the Jewish O.T. as well as in the N.T. (Lk. 1:32-33; Acts 1:6-7; Rev. 11:15, etc.).
10. The dragon, the beast, and the false prophet (Rev. 13:1 - Rev 19:21) are referred to many times in Jewish prophecies in O.T. books whereas the church is not once mentioned as being here when these prophecies are being fulfilled.
11. Michael (Rev. 12:7-12) is truly Jewish as he is the prince of Israel (Dan. 10:13-21;Dan 12:1-9). He is never mentioned in connection with the church.
12. Literal Babylon of Rev. 14:8; Rev 16:17-21; Rev 18:1-24 is solely a Jewish reference and the predictions will be fulfilled when many other Jewish predictions are fulfilled (Isa. 13-14; Zech. 5; Jer. 50-51). Babylon was the place where Israel was held captive for many years (Jer. 25).
13. Armageddon of Rev. 19 is Jewish (Zech. 14:1-14).
—Dake's Topics
The fact that Rev. 1:1 - Rev 3:22 deals only with the church on earth, and Rev. 4- Rev 19 deals with Israel gives us another proof of a rapture of the church and O.T. saints before the tribulation. Every individual is identified and recognized by his own features and characteristics. Even so, in this case a body of individuals is identified by its many features, characteristics, and peculiarities. If the church is seen on earth and is being dealt with by God during the tribulation in chapters Rev 4- Rev 19 in the book of Revelation, then we must see its earmarks. But they are not to be found there. The terms "church" and "churches" are not found once in this part of the book of Revelation. On the other hand, there are evidences of Israel everywhere in this section. And this fact is most striking: Israel is not mentioned at all in Rev. 1:1 - Rev 3:22 which deals only with the church on earth. This fact shows that the two different institutions are dealt with in different parts of the book of Revelation: first, the church until its rapture in Rev. 1:1 - 3:22; then Israel after the rapture of the church, in Rev. 4:1 - Rev 22:5.
The Hebrew Character of Revelation After Rev. 1-3
1. The word "Lamb" is used of Christ 27 times after Rev. 1-3 (which deals with the church age) and not once in these first three chapters of the book. It is never used by Paul in his epistles to the churches; and outside the book of Revelation it is used only in John. 1:29,36; Acts 8:32; 1 Peter 1:19. The Lamb is the antitype of all Jewish sacrifices.
2. "The Lion of the tribe of Juda" and "the Root of David" (Rev. 5:5) show a Jewish connection.
3. The 144,000 of Rev. 7:1-8; Rev 9:4; Rev 12:5; Rev 14:1-5 are Jewish as well as the woman and her remnant.
4. The events of the seals, trumpets, and vials are a partial repetition of the plagues in Egypt which took place at a time when the Gentiles were seeking to destroy Israel (Rev. 6:1 - Rev 19:21).
5. The tribulation of Rev. 6:1 - Rev 19:21 concerns Israel in particular (see Chapter 2).
6. Daniel's 70th week will be fulfilled in Rev. 6:1 - Rev 19:21 which definitely concerns "thy people" (Israel) and "thy city" (Jerusalem) as indicated in Dan. 9:24-27. The middle and last 3 ½ years of this Week are mentioned many times in connection with Israel but not in connection with the church (Dan. 7:21,25;Dan 9:27;Dan 12:1-7; Mt. 24:15-22; Rev. 11:1-12; Rev 12:5,14; Rev 13:5).
7. The ministry of the angel around the altar (Rev. 8:2-5) and the horns of the altar (Rev. 9:13; Rev 11:1; Rev 14:19; Rev 16:7) are familiar only to Israel.
8. The temple and its worship, the altar, the court of the Gentiles, the Holy City, olive trees, the candlesticks (Rev. 11:4), the ark of the covenant (Rev. 11:1-19; Zech. 4:14; Mal. 4:5-6) and other details here are Jewish-not details related to church worship.
9. "The kingdoms of this world" becoming those of God and of Christ is strictly Jewish in prediction and in fulfillment, being mentioned hundreds of times in the Jewish O.T. as well as in the N.T. (Lk. 1:32-33; Acts 1:6-7; Rev. 11:15, etc.).
10. The dragon, the beast, and the false prophet (Rev. 13:1 - Rev 19:21) are referred to many times in Jewish prophecies in O.T. books whereas the church is not once mentioned as being here when these prophecies are being fulfilled.
11. Michael (Rev. 12:7-12) is truly Jewish as he is the prince of Israel (Dan. 10:13-21;Dan 12:1-9). He is never mentioned in connection with the church.
12. Literal Babylon of Rev. 14:8; Rev 16:17-21; Rev 18:1-24 is solely a Jewish reference and the predictions will be fulfilled when many other Jewish predictions are fulfilled (Isa. 13-14; Zech. 5; Jer. 50-51). Babylon was the place where Israel was held captive for many years (Jer. 25).
13. Armageddon of Rev. 19 is Jewish (Zech. 14:1-14).
—Dake's Topics
20 CONTRASTS BETWEEN THE RAPTURE AND THE SECOND ADVENT
1. The rapture is a going up to heaven of all saved men of all past ages (John. 14:1-3; Col. 3:4; Jas. 5:7-8; Rev. 5:8-10; Rev 19:1-10), whereas the second advent is a coming down from heaven to earth of the same people (Rev. 19:11-21; Jude 14-15; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; Mt. 16:27; Mt 24:29-31; Mt 25:31-46; Zech. 14:1-9).
2. The rapture is a coming of Christ from heaven to the clouds (not to the earth) for the saints-both dead (who will be resurrected) and alive-to take them to heaven (1 Thess. 4:16), while the second advent is a coming from heaven with the previously raptured saints to set up a kingdom and rule eternally (Zech. 14:1-9; Jude 14-15; Rev. 11:15; Rev 19:11-21; Rev 22:4-5; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; Mt. 25:31-46; Isa. 9:6-7; Dan. 2:44-45;Dan 7:9-15,18,22,27; Lk. 1:32-36).
3. Our goal in the rapture is heaven to live with Christ in our mansions (John. 14:1-3; 1 Thess. 2:19-20; 1 Thess 3:13; 1 Thess 4:13-18; 1 Thess 5:1-11,23; Rev. 5:8-10; Rev 19:1-10; Col. 3:4; Jas. 5:7-8), while the goal in the second advent is to leave heaven for the earth to reign forever (Zech. 14; Jude 14-15; Rev. 11:15; Rev 19:11 - Rev 20:10).
4. At the rapture Christ does not come to destroy the Antichrist or any other wicked man but to remove the hinderer of lawlessness (the church, Chapter 10, Proof 1), so that the Antichrist can come (2 Thess. 2:7-8), while at the second advent Christ comes back to the earth with all saints of all ages to destroy Antichrist and multitudes of wicked men (2 Thess. 2:7-8; Dan. 7:11; Jude 14-15; Rev. 19:11-21; see also Mt. 24:37-42;Mt 25:31-46; Ezek. 38- Ezek. 39; Zech. 14).
5. At the rapture Christ comes from heaven to the clouds only (not to the earth) to take the good from among the bad (John. 5:28-29; John. 14:1-3; Lk. 21:34-36; 1 Cor. 15:23,51-54; Phil. 3:21; Col. 3:4; 1 Thess. 4:16-18; Jas. 5:7-8), while at the second advent-years later-He comes to the earth with His raptured saints to take the bad from among the good (Mt. 13:30,39-43,49-50;Mt 24:29-31,37-42; Jude 14-15; Ezek. 38- Ezek. 39; Zech. 14; Rev. 19:11-21).
6. At the rapture only those qualified for heaven will be raptured (John. 14:1-3; Lk. 21:34-36; 1 Cor. 15:23; 1 Thess. 4:16; Rev. 20:4-6); only those who are born again will be changed from mortality to immortality and go to heaven. At the second advent, on the other hand, any and all men qualified to live on the earth as citizens will be permitted to continue as natural people into the next age, without any change from mortality to immortality (Mt. 25:31-46; Zech. 8:23;Zech 14:1-21; Isa. 2:2-4;Isa 66:19-21; Dan. 2:44-45;Dan 7:9-14; 1 Cor. 15:24-28; Rev. 2:27-28; Rev 11:15; Rev 20:4-6).
7. At the rapture there will be no battle of Armageddon (John. 14:1-3; Lk. 21:34-36; 1 Cor. 15:23,51-54; 1 Thess. 4:16), while at the second advent Armageddon will be fought (Zech. 14; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; Jude 14-15; Rev. 16:13-16; Rev 19:11-21; Ezek. 38- Ezek. 39).
8. At the rapture there will be no change of home lands on earth among the nations (John. 14:1-3), while at the second advent there will be a general separation of nations back to their original home lands, including Israel (Isa. 11:11-12; Deut 32:8; Ezek. 37; Mt. 24:31; Acts 17:26).
9. At the rapture no man will be sent to hell, but all saints will be taken to heaven (John. 14:1-3; Lk. 21:34-36; 1 Thess. 4:16; Rev. 5:8-10; Rev 19:1-10), while at the second advent millions of men will be sent to hell and none taken to heaven (Mt. 13:30,43-50;Mt 25:31-46; Isa. 14:9-15; Rev. 14:9-11; Rev 19:20; Rev 20:10).
10. At the rapture all saints will "escape all these things that shall come to pass" during the tribulation, and will "stand before the Son of man" (Lk. 21:34-36; John. 14:1-3; 1 Thess. 4:16;1 Thess 5:1-11; Rev. 5:8-10; Rev 19:1-10; see Chapter 10), whereas at the second advent no man who is subject to punishment will escape (Rev. 19:1-21; Mt. 24:29-31;Mt 25:31-46; 2 Thess. 1:7-10).
11. The rapture will take place before the revelation of the Antichrist (2 Thess. 2:7-8) and before the tribulation and fulfillment of Rev. 4:1 - Rev 22:21, while the second advent will take place after these events (Mt. 24:29-31; 2 Thess. 2:7-8; Rev. 5:8-10; Rev 19:11-21). See Chapter 10.
12. At the rapture there will be a resurrection of all the righteous dead (1 Thess. 4:16; 1 Cor. 15:23,51-54; Phil. 3:21), while at the second advent there will be no resurrection of any righteous man, for the first resurrection will then be over (Rev. 20:4-6).
13. At the time of the rapture no man on earth will know who the Antichrist is (2 Thess. 2:7-8), whereas at the second advent all men on earth in the civilized parts will know who he is (Rev. 13:16-18).
14. At the rapture the church and all others who are redeemed saints at that time will be presented to God in heaven (Eph. 5:27; 1 Thess. 3:13;1 Thess 5:23), while at the second advent all raptured saints will be presented to men on earth as their new rulers (Rev. 2:27; Rev 5:10; Rev 20:4-6; Dan. 7:9-27).
15. Before the rapture there will be no marriage supper of the Lamb, whereas just before the second advent there will be such a supper of Christ with all the redeemed of all ages past (Rev. 19:1-21).
16. There will be a seven-year period of tribulation after the rapture (2 Thess. 2:7-8; Dan. 9:27; Rev. 6:1 - Rev 19:21), whereas there will be no tribulation at all after the second advent, for the second coming of Christ ends all tribulation (Mt. 24:29-31;Mt 25:31-46; Rev. 19-20).
17. There will be no end of the world (age) at the time of the rapture, while the age will definitely end at the time of the second advent of Christ to the earth (Mt. 24:1-3,29-31;Mt 25:31-46; 2 Thess. 2:7-8; Rev. 19:1 - Rev 20:10).
18. The rapture is an event that can take place any day without any prophecy being fulfilled or any sign coming to pass (1 Cor. 1:7; Phil. 3:21; Tit. 2:13; 1 Thess. 1:10), while the second advent cannot take place until all of the predictions in Mt. 24 - Mt. 25; Mk 13; Lk. 21:1-11,25-33; 2 Thess. 2:7-8; and Rev. 4:1 - Rev 19:10 have been fulfilled.
19. There will be no reign of the Antichrist before the rapture, but there will be such a reign before the second advent (Dan. 9:27; 2 Thess. 2:7-8; Rev. 6:1 - Rev 19:21).
20. There will be no martyrdoms of saints after the second advent, while there will be multitudes of martyrs after the rapture and between the time of the rapture and the second advent (Rev. 6:9-11; Rev 7:9-17; Rev 13:7; Rev 14:9-13; Rev 15:1-4; Rev 17:6; Rev 18:24; Rev 20:4-6).
We conclude then, that if the church and all other raptured saints are to eat a marriage supper with Christ in heaven (as in Rev. 19:1-10), which happens just before the second advent begins (as in Rev. 19:11-21), then the church cannot remain on earth through the tribulation period. It must arrive in heaven prior to the time of the second advent. Furthermore, if the saints are to leave with Christ at the second advent they must already be up in heaven before that time so as to be able to return with Him. And since the rapture can take place at any moment (as taught in 1 Cor. 15:51-54; Phil. 3:21 and Tit. 2:13)-since it could have happened even in Paul's day according to these passages of Scripture-then we can be certain that the rapture will not take place at a specified time as in the case of the second advent which is predicted to happen at a particular time-that is, at the end of the tribulation period (Mt. 24:29-31; Rev. 19:11-21). This, to us, is truly conclusive proof that the rapture of the church and O.T. saints will take place before the tribulation begins.
—Dake's Topics
1. The rapture is a going up to heaven of all saved men of all past ages (John. 14:1-3; Col. 3:4; Jas. 5:7-8; Rev. 5:8-10; Rev 19:1-10), whereas the second advent is a coming down from heaven to earth of the same people (Rev. 19:11-21; Jude 14-15; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; Mt. 16:27; Mt 24:29-31; Mt 25:31-46; Zech. 14:1-9).
2. The rapture is a coming of Christ from heaven to the clouds (not to the earth) for the saints-both dead (who will be resurrected) and alive-to take them to heaven (1 Thess. 4:16), while the second advent is a coming from heaven with the previously raptured saints to set up a kingdom and rule eternally (Zech. 14:1-9; Jude 14-15; Rev. 11:15; Rev 19:11-21; Rev 22:4-5; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; Mt. 25:31-46; Isa. 9:6-7; Dan. 2:44-45;Dan 7:9-15,18,22,27; Lk. 1:32-36).
3. Our goal in the rapture is heaven to live with Christ in our mansions (John. 14:1-3; 1 Thess. 2:19-20; 1 Thess 3:13; 1 Thess 4:13-18; 1 Thess 5:1-11,23; Rev. 5:8-10; Rev 19:1-10; Col. 3:4; Jas. 5:7-8), while the goal in the second advent is to leave heaven for the earth to reign forever (Zech. 14; Jude 14-15; Rev. 11:15; Rev 19:11 - Rev 20:10).
4. At the rapture Christ does not come to destroy the Antichrist or any other wicked man but to remove the hinderer of lawlessness (the church, Chapter 10, Proof 1), so that the Antichrist can come (2 Thess. 2:7-8), while at the second advent Christ comes back to the earth with all saints of all ages to destroy Antichrist and multitudes of wicked men (2 Thess. 2:7-8; Dan. 7:11; Jude 14-15; Rev. 19:11-21; see also Mt. 24:37-42;Mt 25:31-46; Ezek. 38- Ezek. 39; Zech. 14).
5. At the rapture Christ comes from heaven to the clouds only (not to the earth) to take the good from among the bad (John. 5:28-29; John. 14:1-3; Lk. 21:34-36; 1 Cor. 15:23,51-54; Phil. 3:21; Col. 3:4; 1 Thess. 4:16-18; Jas. 5:7-8), while at the second advent-years later-He comes to the earth with His raptured saints to take the bad from among the good (Mt. 13:30,39-43,49-50;Mt 24:29-31,37-42; Jude 14-15; Ezek. 38- Ezek. 39; Zech. 14; Rev. 19:11-21).
6. At the rapture only those qualified for heaven will be raptured (John. 14:1-3; Lk. 21:34-36; 1 Cor. 15:23; 1 Thess. 4:16; Rev. 20:4-6); only those who are born again will be changed from mortality to immortality and go to heaven. At the second advent, on the other hand, any and all men qualified to live on the earth as citizens will be permitted to continue as natural people into the next age, without any change from mortality to immortality (Mt. 25:31-46; Zech. 8:23;Zech 14:1-21; Isa. 2:2-4;Isa 66:19-21; Dan. 2:44-45;Dan 7:9-14; 1 Cor. 15:24-28; Rev. 2:27-28; Rev 11:15; Rev 20:4-6).
7. At the rapture there will be no battle of Armageddon (John. 14:1-3; Lk. 21:34-36; 1 Cor. 15:23,51-54; 1 Thess. 4:16), while at the second advent Armageddon will be fought (Zech. 14; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; Jude 14-15; Rev. 16:13-16; Rev 19:11-21; Ezek. 38- Ezek. 39).
8. At the rapture there will be no change of home lands on earth among the nations (John. 14:1-3), while at the second advent there will be a general separation of nations back to their original home lands, including Israel (Isa. 11:11-12; Deut 32:8; Ezek. 37; Mt. 24:31; Acts 17:26).
9. At the rapture no man will be sent to hell, but all saints will be taken to heaven (John. 14:1-3; Lk. 21:34-36; 1 Thess. 4:16; Rev. 5:8-10; Rev 19:1-10), while at the second advent millions of men will be sent to hell and none taken to heaven (Mt. 13:30,43-50;Mt 25:31-46; Isa. 14:9-15; Rev. 14:9-11; Rev 19:20; Rev 20:10).
10. At the rapture all saints will "escape all these things that shall come to pass" during the tribulation, and will "stand before the Son of man" (Lk. 21:34-36; John. 14:1-3; 1 Thess. 4:16;1 Thess 5:1-11; Rev. 5:8-10; Rev 19:1-10; see Chapter 10), whereas at the second advent no man who is subject to punishment will escape (Rev. 19:1-21; Mt. 24:29-31;Mt 25:31-46; 2 Thess. 1:7-10).
11. The rapture will take place before the revelation of the Antichrist (2 Thess. 2:7-8) and before the tribulation and fulfillment of Rev. 4:1 - Rev 22:21, while the second advent will take place after these events (Mt. 24:29-31; 2 Thess. 2:7-8; Rev. 5:8-10; Rev 19:11-21). See Chapter 10.
12. At the rapture there will be a resurrection of all the righteous dead (1 Thess. 4:16; 1 Cor. 15:23,51-54; Phil. 3:21), while at the second advent there will be no resurrection of any righteous man, for the first resurrection will then be over (Rev. 20:4-6).
13. At the time of the rapture no man on earth will know who the Antichrist is (2 Thess. 2:7-8), whereas at the second advent all men on earth in the civilized parts will know who he is (Rev. 13:16-18).
14. At the rapture the church and all others who are redeemed saints at that time will be presented to God in heaven (Eph. 5:27; 1 Thess. 3:13;1 Thess 5:23), while at the second advent all raptured saints will be presented to men on earth as their new rulers (Rev. 2:27; Rev 5:10; Rev 20:4-6; Dan. 7:9-27).
15. Before the rapture there will be no marriage supper of the Lamb, whereas just before the second advent there will be such a supper of Christ with all the redeemed of all ages past (Rev. 19:1-21).
16. There will be a seven-year period of tribulation after the rapture (2 Thess. 2:7-8; Dan. 9:27; Rev. 6:1 - Rev 19:21), whereas there will be no tribulation at all after the second advent, for the second coming of Christ ends all tribulation (Mt. 24:29-31;Mt 25:31-46; Rev. 19-20).
17. There will be no end of the world (age) at the time of the rapture, while the age will definitely end at the time of the second advent of Christ to the earth (Mt. 24:1-3,29-31;Mt 25:31-46; 2 Thess. 2:7-8; Rev. 19:1 - Rev 20:10).
18. The rapture is an event that can take place any day without any prophecy being fulfilled or any sign coming to pass (1 Cor. 1:7; Phil. 3:21; Tit. 2:13; 1 Thess. 1:10), while the second advent cannot take place until all of the predictions in Mt. 24 - Mt. 25; Mk 13; Lk. 21:1-11,25-33; 2 Thess. 2:7-8; and Rev. 4:1 - Rev 19:10 have been fulfilled.
19. There will be no reign of the Antichrist before the rapture, but there will be such a reign before the second advent (Dan. 9:27; 2 Thess. 2:7-8; Rev. 6:1 - Rev 19:21).
20. There will be no martyrdoms of saints after the second advent, while there will be multitudes of martyrs after the rapture and between the time of the rapture and the second advent (Rev. 6:9-11; Rev 7:9-17; Rev 13:7; Rev 14:9-13; Rev 15:1-4; Rev 17:6; Rev 18:24; Rev 20:4-6).
We conclude then, that if the church and all other raptured saints are to eat a marriage supper with Christ in heaven (as in Rev. 19:1-10), which happens just before the second advent begins (as in Rev. 19:11-21), then the church cannot remain on earth through the tribulation period. It must arrive in heaven prior to the time of the second advent. Furthermore, if the saints are to leave with Christ at the second advent they must already be up in heaven before that time so as to be able to return with Him. And since the rapture can take place at any moment (as taught in 1 Cor. 15:51-54; Phil. 3:21 and Tit. 2:13)-since it could have happened even in Paul's day according to these passages of Scripture-then we can be certain that the rapture will not take place at a specified time as in the case of the second advent which is predicted to happen at a particular time-that is, at the end of the tribulation period (Mt. 24:29-31; Rev. 19:11-21). This, to us, is truly conclusive proof that the rapture of the church and O.T. saints will take place before the tribulation begins.
—Dake's Topics
