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Rapture ~ The Blessed Hope ~ Assorted Articles
by Tryphosa Thu Sep 29 2016, 08:01
Rapture ~ The Blessed Hope ~ Assorted Articles
Post encouraging, insightful, educational articles here!
Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Titus 2:13
Post encouraging, insightful, educational articles here!
Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Titus 2:13
Last edited by Tryphosa on Fri Apr 07 2017, 08:00; edited 1 time in total
Tryphosa- Posts : 4592
Join date : 2013-06-18
The Rapture Will Take Place Before the Tribulation
by Tryphosa Thu Sep 29 2016, 08:05
The Rapture Will Take Place Before the Tribulation
by Dan Payne
This article will attempt to illustrate several significant considerations contained within the Word of God that demonstrate that the Rapture of the Church will indeed take place before the Tribulation.
Let’s first take a look at the mystery of being changed in a moment as taught by the apostle Paul:
“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed - in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this immortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:51-53).
A key point to observe in relation to the “mystery” that Paul revealed in these verses is contained in the prior verse:
“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does corruption inherit incorruption” (1 Corinthians 15:50).
There will be people who are still alive in the flesh when Jesus returns for His true Church. Our bodies that are made of flesh and blood are prohibited from entering heaven. Therefore the fleshly bodies of the true believers who are still alive at the return of Christ must be changed into glorified bodies authorized to enter heaven. If those who are still alive at the Rapture were going to stay on earth then why would they have to receive new glorified bodies necessary for entrance into heaven? It is obvious that at the Rapture "we who are alive and remain" are not staying on earth but are going to heaven.
The fact that these verses are contained within a very important letter written by the apostle Paul to a prominent church in that day demonstrates that the true Church is in view.
The last trumpet referred to by Paul is the last trumpet sounded for the true Church. The Lord often uses the blast of a trumpet to signify action for His people. There are over 200 verses containing references to the sound of horns and trumpets contained in the Bible!
Here are two such verses that are very significant to the true Church:
“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet” (Revelation 1:10).
‘For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
The similarity of the voice of the angel shouting behind John like a trumpet on the “Lord’s Day” and the voice of the archangel shouting when the “Lord Himself” descends from heaven as described by Paul, cannot be missed.
It is very significant that after the apostle John heard the voice like a trumpet, his own spirit, and not his flesh (see 1 Corinthians 15:50), was immediately taken to heaven.
“After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, ‘Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.’ Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne” (Revelation 4:1-2).
Another very significant point is that John viewed the future events of the Tribulation after he was taken to heaven. This fits the model that the Church will be translated to heaven prior to the Tribulation.
After the true Church hears the last trumpet sounded for her, those who are not part of the true Church are going to hear more trumpets sounded only for them.
Another very important point not to be overlooked is that the Rapture equals a resurrection. The Lord will bring with Him all true believers who have already passed away when He returns for the true Church.
“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).
These verses in 1 Thessalonians portraying the dead in Christ rising are a clear description of a resurrection. However, there is no mention during this resurrection of Jesus coming to the earth to tread the winepress of the wrath of God as described in Revelation chapter 19.
“And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God” (Revelation 19:14-15).
Likewise, there is no mention of a resurrection at all in these verses or in the rest of Revelation chapter 19 and who can deny that the second coming of Jesus is described in Revelation 19?
Is there then a resurrection to take place after the Lord Jesus treads the winepress of His wrath at the end of the Tribulation? Yes indeed:
“And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection” (Revelation 20:4-5).
It’s all about the resurrection! The “first resurrection” takes place in stages with the first fruits being Christ Jesus at His resurrection and the Rapture of His bride before the Tribulation, with the last stage taking place after the events of Revelation chapter 19.
“But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20).
This demonstrates that those who were martyred for their witness to Jesus and who rejected the mark of the beast are resurrected at the end of the Tribulation and are not part of the same group who will return with Jesus when the members of the true Church are changed in the twinkling of an eye.
Those true believers who have passed away before the Rapture will have the amazing experience of returning twice with Jesus to the earth.
First on their way to reunite with those of us who are still alive at the Rapture and the second time joined with us at the second coming of Jesus after the Tribulation.
“And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses” (Revelation 19:14).
When Jesus returns he will bring with Him those who have died in Him (born-again Christians) for they are with Him in heaven now. But they, too, still await the resurrection of the body to receive their new spiritual body. The spirit and soul of these believers will then be united with their new body through this resurrection. Then both those who have been resurrected and those believers who are alive when the Lord returns will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air.
Another significant consideration is how the Lord compared the unexpected suddenness of His return to the unexpected suddenness of the judgment of the Flood in the days of Noah.
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matthew 24:36-39).
It is obvious that the sun and the moon were still giving their light before the judgment of the Flood of Genesis, isn’t it? But what will happen to the sun and the moon after the judgment of the Tribulation?
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:29-30).
Do you see the difference between the coming of Jesus before the judgment of the Tribulation and His coming after? Before the Tribulation judgment, while the sun and moon are still shining, Jesus will return for His true Church and at the same time He will catch the rest of the world by surprise.
“For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3).
Then after the judgment of the Tribulation, when the sun and the moon are no longer shining, the entire world will see Jesus return with the light of His great glory shining brighter than the sun!
Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
http://www.raptureready.com/soap2/payne69.html
by Dan Payne
This article will attempt to illustrate several significant considerations contained within the Word of God that demonstrate that the Rapture of the Church will indeed take place before the Tribulation.
Let’s first take a look at the mystery of being changed in a moment as taught by the apostle Paul:
“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed - in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this immortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:51-53).
A key point to observe in relation to the “mystery” that Paul revealed in these verses is contained in the prior verse:
“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does corruption inherit incorruption” (1 Corinthians 15:50).
There will be people who are still alive in the flesh when Jesus returns for His true Church. Our bodies that are made of flesh and blood are prohibited from entering heaven. Therefore the fleshly bodies of the true believers who are still alive at the return of Christ must be changed into glorified bodies authorized to enter heaven. If those who are still alive at the Rapture were going to stay on earth then why would they have to receive new glorified bodies necessary for entrance into heaven? It is obvious that at the Rapture "we who are alive and remain" are not staying on earth but are going to heaven.
The fact that these verses are contained within a very important letter written by the apostle Paul to a prominent church in that day demonstrates that the true Church is in view.
The last trumpet referred to by Paul is the last trumpet sounded for the true Church. The Lord often uses the blast of a trumpet to signify action for His people. There are over 200 verses containing references to the sound of horns and trumpets contained in the Bible!
Here are two such verses that are very significant to the true Church:
“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet” (Revelation 1:10).
‘For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
The similarity of the voice of the angel shouting behind John like a trumpet on the “Lord’s Day” and the voice of the archangel shouting when the “Lord Himself” descends from heaven as described by Paul, cannot be missed.
It is very significant that after the apostle John heard the voice like a trumpet, his own spirit, and not his flesh (see 1 Corinthians 15:50), was immediately taken to heaven.
“After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, ‘Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.’ Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne” (Revelation 4:1-2).
Another very significant point is that John viewed the future events of the Tribulation after he was taken to heaven. This fits the model that the Church will be translated to heaven prior to the Tribulation.
After the true Church hears the last trumpet sounded for her, those who are not part of the true Church are going to hear more trumpets sounded only for them.
Another very important point not to be overlooked is that the Rapture equals a resurrection. The Lord will bring with Him all true believers who have already passed away when He returns for the true Church.
“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).
These verses in 1 Thessalonians portraying the dead in Christ rising are a clear description of a resurrection. However, there is no mention during this resurrection of Jesus coming to the earth to tread the winepress of the wrath of God as described in Revelation chapter 19.
“And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God” (Revelation 19:14-15).
Likewise, there is no mention of a resurrection at all in these verses or in the rest of Revelation chapter 19 and who can deny that the second coming of Jesus is described in Revelation 19?
Is there then a resurrection to take place after the Lord Jesus treads the winepress of His wrath at the end of the Tribulation? Yes indeed:
“And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection” (Revelation 20:4-5).
It’s all about the resurrection! The “first resurrection” takes place in stages with the first fruits being Christ Jesus at His resurrection and the Rapture of His bride before the Tribulation, with the last stage taking place after the events of Revelation chapter 19.
“But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20).
This demonstrates that those who were martyred for their witness to Jesus and who rejected the mark of the beast are resurrected at the end of the Tribulation and are not part of the same group who will return with Jesus when the members of the true Church are changed in the twinkling of an eye.
Those true believers who have passed away before the Rapture will have the amazing experience of returning twice with Jesus to the earth.
First on their way to reunite with those of us who are still alive at the Rapture and the second time joined with us at the second coming of Jesus after the Tribulation.
“And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses” (Revelation 19:14).
When Jesus returns he will bring with Him those who have died in Him (born-again Christians) for they are with Him in heaven now. But they, too, still await the resurrection of the body to receive their new spiritual body. The spirit and soul of these believers will then be united with their new body through this resurrection. Then both those who have been resurrected and those believers who are alive when the Lord returns will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air.
Another significant consideration is how the Lord compared the unexpected suddenness of His return to the unexpected suddenness of the judgment of the Flood in the days of Noah.
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matthew 24:36-39).
It is obvious that the sun and the moon were still giving their light before the judgment of the Flood of Genesis, isn’t it? But what will happen to the sun and the moon after the judgment of the Tribulation?
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:29-30).
Do you see the difference between the coming of Jesus before the judgment of the Tribulation and His coming after? Before the Tribulation judgment, while the sun and moon are still shining, Jesus will return for His true Church and at the same time He will catch the rest of the world by surprise.
“For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3).
Then after the judgment of the Tribulation, when the sun and the moon are no longer shining, the entire world will see Jesus return with the light of His great glory shining brighter than the sun!
Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
http://www.raptureready.com/soap2/payne69.html
Tryphosa- Posts : 4592
Join date : 2013-06-18
The Rapture, What’s to Fear?
by Tryphosa Thu Sep 29 2016, 08:08
The Rapture, What’s to Fear?
By Jonathan Brentner
What causes fear in us at times regarding the Rapture? Does our apprehension arise from its abrupt nature or its unexpected timing? Does the unknown or the supernatural cause anxiety to rise within us? Perhaps we do not want our dreams for this life to end so soon.
I suspect many of us can identify with a least a few of the above reasons.
Does Scripture give us any help to relieve our apprehensions and hesitations? Is there a way to look at the Rapture that sparks delight and hopefulness rather than dread or even disdain?
I believe there is.
One of the most comforting pictures of the Rapture in Scripture is that of the Bridegroom coming for his Bride. Both Jesus and the apostle Paul purposely used language to invoke images of the Jewish wedding customs of their day when speaking of Jesus’ return for His Church.
The Marriage Covenant
Jewish marriages in the first century AD began with the groom making a covenant with his bride. The groom “would drink a cup of wine with her which sealed the covenant and he would pay the bridal price for her to the father.”[i] The bridal price ensured that the groom would follow through on the covenant.
Do you see the similarities with what Jesus did for us in purchasing our salvation on the cross? He paid the price with His blood so that we, His church, might become His bride.
Jesus’ words regarding the cup of wine He drank with His disciples in the upper room resemble those spoken by a groom sealing the marriage covenant with his bride, “In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood . . .’”[ii]
The drinking of wine from a cup and the announcement of a covenant both spark images of the Jewish marriage customs as well as point to fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the new covenant.
Rest of the article can be found here. http://www.raptureready.com/soap2/brentner3.html
By Jonathan Brentner
What causes fear in us at times regarding the Rapture? Does our apprehension arise from its abrupt nature or its unexpected timing? Does the unknown or the supernatural cause anxiety to rise within us? Perhaps we do not want our dreams for this life to end so soon.
I suspect many of us can identify with a least a few of the above reasons.
Does Scripture give us any help to relieve our apprehensions and hesitations? Is there a way to look at the Rapture that sparks delight and hopefulness rather than dread or even disdain?
I believe there is.
One of the most comforting pictures of the Rapture in Scripture is that of the Bridegroom coming for his Bride. Both Jesus and the apostle Paul purposely used language to invoke images of the Jewish wedding customs of their day when speaking of Jesus’ return for His Church.
The Marriage Covenant
Jewish marriages in the first century AD began with the groom making a covenant with his bride. The groom “would drink a cup of wine with her which sealed the covenant and he would pay the bridal price for her to the father.”[i] The bridal price ensured that the groom would follow through on the covenant.
Do you see the similarities with what Jesus did for us in purchasing our salvation on the cross? He paid the price with His blood so that we, His church, might become His bride.
Jesus’ words regarding the cup of wine He drank with His disciples in the upper room resemble those spoken by a groom sealing the marriage covenant with his bride, “In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood . . .’”[ii]
The drinking of wine from a cup and the announcement of a covenant both spark images of the Jewish marriage customs as well as point to fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the new covenant.
Rest of the article can be found here. http://www.raptureready.com/soap2/brentner3.html
Tryphosa- Posts : 4592
Join date : 2013-06-18
Re: Rapture ~ The Blessed Hope ~ Assorted Articles
by Jarhead Fri Sep 30 2016, 06:04
Come quickly, Lord Jesus! 
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Join date : 2013-04-15 -
Tryphena- Posts : 3319
Join date : 2013-04-15
Is Jesus Coming Back to Rapture all Christian from the Earth?
by Tryphosa Sat Oct 08 2016, 11:01
Is Jesus Coming Back to Rapture all Christian from the Earth?
From The John Ankerberg Show
Published on Oct 7, 2016
www.jashow.org Where does Jesus say He is coming back to rapture all Christians from the earth to meet Him in the air and take them to heaven.
From The John Ankerberg Show
Published on Oct 7, 2016
www.jashow.org Where does Jesus say He is coming back to rapture all Christians from the earth to meet Him in the air and take them to heaven.
Tryphosa- Posts : 4592
Join date : 2013-06-18
“What is the Rapture”? Joel Rosenberg
by Tryphosa Tue Oct 11 2016, 20:14
Many people have asked me this year, “What is the Rapture”? Here’s what I tell them.
Joel C. Rosenberg
The Bible describes a remarkable event that will take place during the last days. This biblical event is the sudden “catching away” of the followers of Jesus Christ, something Bible scholars call the Rapture. It is this amazing event that captured the imagination of millions around the world when Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins wrote their biblically based Left Behind series of novels, selling more than 65 million copies in the process. The novels tried to depict what it would feel like if those in the world who follow Jesus suddenly disappeared “in the twinkling of an eye.” But Christians’ understanding of the Rapture predates the writings of LaHaye and Jenkins by nearly two thousand years. This is, therefore, a scenario worthy of closer consideration.
While the Bible does not indicate precisely when the Rapture will happen, it does teach that all true followers of Jesus Christ will be removed from the earth prior to the beginning of the Tribulation. Because God has not chosen believers to suffer the wrath of the Tribulation, people who have received Christ as their Savior and Lord prior to the Rapture will thus be rescued from the worst of the persecution, wars, natural disasters, and judgments that the book of Revelation, the book of Daniel, and other Scriptures explain will occur during the seven years leading up to the Day of the Lord. People who are not born-again believers in Christ at the moment of the Rapture will remain on the earth. If a person honestly and genuinely repents of his or her sins and receives Christ as his or her personal Savior and Lord at any point during the Tribulation, that person will without a doubt be forgiven of all sin, be regenerated by the Holy Spirit of God, and be saved from ultimate judgment. This is God’s grace and mercy, and it will be available even after the Rapture, though the Bible indicates that such new believers will still have to endure the terrors that will occur on the earth during that time. Many will face martyrdom. Only those who are believers before the Rapture will be saved both spiritually and physically from the wrath to come.
While we cannot preclude the possibility that the U.S. could implode before the Rapture happens, the Bible tells believers to comfort one another with the certain knowledge that as bad as events get on earth, people who trust Christ before the Rapture will be spared from the worst that the prophecies tell us is coming. In this chapter, we will look specifically at the implications for America if the Rapture were to happen in the near future.
First, however, we need to define our terms.
What Does the Word Rapture Mean?
The most famous passage describing what theologians refer to as the Rapture is found in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. The apostle Paul writes:
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
While the word rapture does not appear in modern English translations of the Bible, the concept is rooted in Scripture. The word itself comes from the Vulgate, the Latin translation of the Bible. In 1 Thessalonians 4:17 in the Vulgate, the Greek word harpazō is translated rapturo or raeptius, which means “to seize, carry off by force; to seize on, claim for one’s self eagerly; or to snatch out or away.” Most English translations of the Bible—including the King James Version, the New King James Version, the New American Standard Bible, and the New International Version—have, therefore, translated the word harpazō as “caught up.” But English-speaking Bible scholars who studied the Latin Vulgate decided the word rapture was a useful and suitable term to express the scriptural concept of believers being suddenly removed from the world.
If “you happened to pick up a copy of the Latin Vulgate at a garage sale, produced by Jerome in the early 400s, you would indeed find the word Rapture,” Bible scholars Mark Hitchcock and Thomas Ice have noted. “The Vulgate was the main Bible of the medieval Western church until the Reformation. It continues to this day as the primary Latin translation of the Roman Catholic church. . . . It should not be surprising to anyone that an English word in regular use today was developed from the Latin. That word, of course, is rapture.”[ii]
Complete article here: https://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/2012/12/21/many-people-have-asked-me-this-year-what-is-the-rapture-heres-what-i-tell-them/
Joel C. Rosenberg
The Bible describes a remarkable event that will take place during the last days. This biblical event is the sudden “catching away” of the followers of Jesus Christ, something Bible scholars call the Rapture. It is this amazing event that captured the imagination of millions around the world when Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins wrote their biblically based Left Behind series of novels, selling more than 65 million copies in the process. The novels tried to depict what it would feel like if those in the world who follow Jesus suddenly disappeared “in the twinkling of an eye.” But Christians’ understanding of the Rapture predates the writings of LaHaye and Jenkins by nearly two thousand years. This is, therefore, a scenario worthy of closer consideration.
While the Bible does not indicate precisely when the Rapture will happen, it does teach that all true followers of Jesus Christ will be removed from the earth prior to the beginning of the Tribulation. Because God has not chosen believers to suffer the wrath of the Tribulation, people who have received Christ as their Savior and Lord prior to the Rapture will thus be rescued from the worst of the persecution, wars, natural disasters, and judgments that the book of Revelation, the book of Daniel, and other Scriptures explain will occur during the seven years leading up to the Day of the Lord. People who are not born-again believers in Christ at the moment of the Rapture will remain on the earth. If a person honestly and genuinely repents of his or her sins and receives Christ as his or her personal Savior and Lord at any point during the Tribulation, that person will without a doubt be forgiven of all sin, be regenerated by the Holy Spirit of God, and be saved from ultimate judgment. This is God’s grace and mercy, and it will be available even after the Rapture, though the Bible indicates that such new believers will still have to endure the terrors that will occur on the earth during that time. Many will face martyrdom. Only those who are believers before the Rapture will be saved both spiritually and physically from the wrath to come.
While we cannot preclude the possibility that the U.S. could implode before the Rapture happens, the Bible tells believers to comfort one another with the certain knowledge that as bad as events get on earth, people who trust Christ before the Rapture will be spared from the worst that the prophecies tell us is coming. In this chapter, we will look specifically at the implications for America if the Rapture were to happen in the near future.
First, however, we need to define our terms.
What Does the Word Rapture Mean?
The most famous passage describing what theologians refer to as the Rapture is found in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. The apostle Paul writes:
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
While the word rapture does not appear in modern English translations of the Bible, the concept is rooted in Scripture. The word itself comes from the Vulgate, the Latin translation of the Bible. In 1 Thessalonians 4:17 in the Vulgate, the Greek word harpazō is translated rapturo or raeptius, which means “to seize, carry off by force; to seize on, claim for one’s self eagerly; or to snatch out or away.” Most English translations of the Bible—including the King James Version, the New King James Version, the New American Standard Bible, and the New International Version—have, therefore, translated the word harpazō as “caught up.” But English-speaking Bible scholars who studied the Latin Vulgate decided the word rapture was a useful and suitable term to express the scriptural concept of believers being suddenly removed from the world.
If “you happened to pick up a copy of the Latin Vulgate at a garage sale, produced by Jerome in the early 400s, you would indeed find the word Rapture,” Bible scholars Mark Hitchcock and Thomas Ice have noted. “The Vulgate was the main Bible of the medieval Western church until the Reformation. It continues to this day as the primary Latin translation of the Roman Catholic church. . . . It should not be surprising to anyone that an English word in regular use today was developed from the Latin. That word, of course, is rapture.”[ii]
Complete article here: https://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/2012/12/21/many-people-have-asked-me-this-year-what-is-the-rapture-heres-what-i-tell-them/
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Billy Crone - The Rapture: Don't Be Deceived
by Tryphosa Tue Nov 15 2016, 20:28
VFTB 349: Pastor Billy Crone - The Rapture: Don't Be Deceived
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Farag Pt.4 Rapture of the Church
by Tryphosa Fri Nov 18 2016, 12:47
A Watchman Report: Why the Rapture of the Church Has to Happen Before the 7 Year Tribulation - Pt. 4
Published on Nov 17, 2016
In this prophecy update, pastor J.D. begins part four of a series on why the rapture of the church must happen before the seven-year tribulation, because of the Revelation to us.
All the signs of the last days are converging at the same time. Bible Prophecy is happening right before our eyes and like birth pains, the predicted events are happening more frequently and more intently. Never, in the history throughout the world have so many forces, including economic, scientific, techno-logic, ecologic, cultural, geopolitical, moral, spiritual and religion, converged together to bring this world that's already teetering over the edge into the abyss, to a point of no return. Jesus said when you see all these signs happening, know that I am near, even at the door.
Published on Nov 17, 2016
In this prophecy update, pastor J.D. begins part four of a series on why the rapture of the church must happen before the seven-year tribulation, because of the Revelation to us.
All the signs of the last days are converging at the same time. Bible Prophecy is happening right before our eyes and like birth pains, the predicted events are happening more frequently and more intently. Never, in the history throughout the world have so many forces, including economic, scientific, techno-logic, ecologic, cultural, geopolitical, moral, spiritual and religion, converged together to bring this world that's already teetering over the edge into the abyss, to a point of no return. Jesus said when you see all these signs happening, know that I am near, even at the door.
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Re: Rapture ~ The Blessed Hope ~ Assorted Articles
by Tryphosa Fri Nov 18 2016, 13:00
A Watchman Report: Why the Rapture of the Church Has to Happen Before the 7 Year Tribulation - Pt. 4
The above video is a few years old, but has very good info.
5:00 Mika, called out (convocation) assemble God's people
8:15 Wedding, war, confrontation, 2 trumpets
10: 2 trumpets first one for Israel, one for (bride) church
11: 2 different trumpets, angel trumpet for Israel, mystery
13: last trump for bride
14: angel trumpet for Israel
15: trump of God for church
16: angel, God
17: Replacement theology explained
25: Elect is Israel, Jews, trumpet of angel for Israel, trumpet of God for church
The above video is a few years old, but has very good info.
5:00 Mika, called out (convocation) assemble God's people
8:15 Wedding, war, confrontation, 2 trumpets
10: 2 trumpets first one for Israel, one for (bride) church
11: 2 different trumpets, angel trumpet for Israel, mystery
13: last trump for bride
14: angel trumpet for Israel
15: trump of God for church
16: angel, God
17: Replacement theology explained
25: Elect is Israel, Jews, trumpet of angel for Israel, trumpet of God for church
Tryphosa- Posts : 4592
Join date : 2013-06-18
Facts on Why it's a PreTribulation Rapture
by Tryphosa Mon Dec 05 2016, 09:49
Get The Facts on Why it's a PreTribulation Rapture - Billy Crone #Rapture
Published on Dec 3, 2016
Published on Dec 3, 2016
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Re: Rapture ~ The Blessed Hope ~ Assorted Articles
by Jarhead Tue Dec 06 2016, 05:32
The choir always likes to hear the message!!
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Billy Crone: The Rapture of the Church (Stearman)
by Tryphosa Wed Dec 21 2016, 15:21
Billy Crone: The Rapture of the Church
Prophecy Watchers
Published on Dec 21, 2016
Pastor Billy Crone just returned from a whirlwind tour of Europe, a mission focused on getting to the roots of the rapture. Does the name Margaret McDonald ring a bell? How about John Nelson Darby and the real source of his 19th century rapture revelation? Or the unbiblical concept of a pre-wrath rapture? Crone’s trips to Scotland and the UK have exposed a deceptive agenda, all designed to discredit the blessed hope and convince Christians that they will be subject to all or part of the horrors of the Tribulation and the wrath of God. Don’t be deceived! In a thought provoking interview Billy sets the record straight by going right to the source of the confusion. Don’t miss this powerful defense of the rapture!
Prophecy Watchers
Published on Dec 21, 2016
Pastor Billy Crone just returned from a whirlwind tour of Europe, a mission focused on getting to the roots of the rapture. Does the name Margaret McDonald ring a bell? How about John Nelson Darby and the real source of his 19th century rapture revelation? Or the unbiblical concept of a pre-wrath rapture? Crone’s trips to Scotland and the UK have exposed a deceptive agenda, all designed to discredit the blessed hope and convince Christians that they will be subject to all or part of the horrors of the Tribulation and the wrath of God. Don’t be deceived! In a thought provoking interview Billy sets the record straight by going right to the source of the confusion. Don’t miss this powerful defense of the rapture!
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Re: Rapture ~ The Blessed Hope ~ Assorted Articles
by Tryphosa Wed Dec 21 2016, 15:26
I agree JH!Jarhead wrote:
The choir always likes to hear the message!!
The interviews may be simular from Billy Crone, but it's encouraging none-the-less!
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Gary Stearman: The Rapture is the Resurrection
by Tryphosa Fri Feb 03 2017, 14:01
Gary Stearman: The Rapture is the Resurrection
Published on Feb 2, 2017
The controversy over the Rapture of the Church has reached a fever pitch. Pre-trib, pre-wrath, post-trib—what camp are you in? Critics call it "Christian escapism," while others believe the Church will endure the wrath of God and be forced to die for their faith. A few others call it the "doctrine of demons!" Starting at the beginning, Gary details the history of the rapture and why this important biblical doctrine is nothing more than the resurrection of the "Church Age." You won't find a better teaching on this important subject! Live from 412 Church in San Jacinto, California!
Published on Feb 2, 2017
The controversy over the Rapture of the Church has reached a fever pitch. Pre-trib, pre-wrath, post-trib—what camp are you in? Critics call it "Christian escapism," while others believe the Church will endure the wrath of God and be forced to die for their faith. A few others call it the "doctrine of demons!" Starting at the beginning, Gary details the history of the rapture and why this important biblical doctrine is nothing more than the resurrection of the "Church Age." You won't find a better teaching on this important subject! Live from 412 Church in San Jacinto, California!
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Rapture :: by Grant Phillips
by Tryphosa Fri Feb 24 2017, 20:36
Rapture :: by Grant Phillips
The Pre-Tribulation Rapture is one of the most hated, scorned and mocked subjects one could address in the world today. Terry James, of Rapture Ready, once said something like, “It hits a nerve with Satan.” I believe that statement rests on the very pulse of the problem.
Shockingly, even in the Christian community, anticipation of the Rapture is often dismissed as a frivolous, useless waste of time. Often, those who study and share prophecy are mocked as thrill seekers and failures in sharing the gospel.
I’ll grant you that the gospel is sharing the good news of available salvation to all who come to Jesus Christ in genuine belief. It is the good news of being born again spiritually into the family of God by coming to the Father through His only begotten Son, the only way to the Father by the way. This is wonderful news to any who will listen and accept the message, but isn’t Jesus’ return for us also good news?
Why would God dedicate 25-33% of the Bible to prophecy, if prophecy isn’t important? Why would Jesus speak so much about His return, if it weren’t important? Some will say that He never spoke of the Rapture of the Church, but I disagree and will come back to that later.
Many believe that those of us who believe in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture are escapists. We just want to escape the horrors of the Tribulation, so we naively believe that we’ll be ushered out before God’s wrath begins. For my part, I agree with them, except for the “naiveté” part. I would have to say that I am an escapist. I want nothing to do with the Tribulation and I’m thankful beyond expression that Jesus will remove His bride from this earth before He allows one day of the seven-year Tribulation to begin.
So if I’m convinced that I’m out of here at the Rapture, why do I continue to bring it up? I don’t have a worry in the world about going through the Tribulation, so why should I even mention it? I’m safe. I’m okay. Here’s the thing; if you don’t know Jesus as your Savior, you’re not safe. You’re not okay. Unless you die beforehand, you will experience every horrible moment of the Tribulation, and that is why so many of us keep bringing it up. We want you to go with us in the Rapture, and not suffer the wrath of God during the Tribulation.
Even though I have no idea of when the Rapture will occur, I know it will. I’ve always felt it would occur in my lifetime, but it may not. That’s okay. I’ll still be coming back with Jesus to get you (if you are part of the bride) and my new heavenly body.
Complete article:
http://www.raptureready.com/2017/02/24/rapture/
The Pre-Tribulation Rapture is one of the most hated, scorned and mocked subjects one could address in the world today. Terry James, of Rapture Ready, once said something like, “It hits a nerve with Satan.” I believe that statement rests on the very pulse of the problem.
Shockingly, even in the Christian community, anticipation of the Rapture is often dismissed as a frivolous, useless waste of time. Often, those who study and share prophecy are mocked as thrill seekers and failures in sharing the gospel.
I’ll grant you that the gospel is sharing the good news of available salvation to all who come to Jesus Christ in genuine belief. It is the good news of being born again spiritually into the family of God by coming to the Father through His only begotten Son, the only way to the Father by the way. This is wonderful news to any who will listen and accept the message, but isn’t Jesus’ return for us also good news?
Why would God dedicate 25-33% of the Bible to prophecy, if prophecy isn’t important? Why would Jesus speak so much about His return, if it weren’t important? Some will say that He never spoke of the Rapture of the Church, but I disagree and will come back to that later.
Many believe that those of us who believe in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture are escapists. We just want to escape the horrors of the Tribulation, so we naively believe that we’ll be ushered out before God’s wrath begins. For my part, I agree with them, except for the “naiveté” part. I would have to say that I am an escapist. I want nothing to do with the Tribulation and I’m thankful beyond expression that Jesus will remove His bride from this earth before He allows one day of the seven-year Tribulation to begin.
So if I’m convinced that I’m out of here at the Rapture, why do I continue to bring it up? I don’t have a worry in the world about going through the Tribulation, so why should I even mention it? I’m safe. I’m okay. Here’s the thing; if you don’t know Jesus as your Savior, you’re not safe. You’re not okay. Unless you die beforehand, you will experience every horrible moment of the Tribulation, and that is why so many of us keep bringing it up. We want you to go with us in the Rapture, and not suffer the wrath of God during the Tribulation.
Even though I have no idea of when the Rapture will occur, I know it will. I’ve always felt it would occur in my lifetime, but it may not. That’s okay. I’ll still be coming back with Jesus to get you (if you are part of the bride) and my new heavenly body.
Complete article:
http://www.raptureready.com/2017/02/24/rapture/
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Billy Crone on the Rapture with Dr. David Reagan
by Tryphosa Tue Mar 14 2017, 18:57
There are a few posts here with Billy Crone, but it seems like there is always something more that gets explained.
Billy Crone on the Rapture
Published on Mar 13, 2017
What is the Rapture of the Church? Find out with guest Billy Crone on the show Christ in Prophecy.
Billy Crone discusses with Dr. David Reagan
Billy Crone on the Rapture
Published on Mar 13, 2017
What is the Rapture of the Church? Find out with guest Billy Crone on the show Christ in Prophecy.
Billy Crone discusses with Dr. David Reagan
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Hitchcock on Claims of Bible Prophecy
by Tryphosa Tue Mar 21 2017, 15:10
He ends with the rapture on this video, but also covers some fulfilled prophecy, excellent primer.
Hitchcock on Claims of Bible Prophecy
Published on Mar 21, 2017
Does the perfect track record of fulfilled Bible prophecy assure future Bible prophecies will come to pass? Find out with guest Mark Hitchcock on the show Christ in Prophecy.
Hitchcock on Claims of Bible Prophecy
Published on Mar 21, 2017
Does the perfect track record of fulfilled Bible prophecy assure future Bible prophecies will come to pass? Find out with guest Mark Hitchcock on the show Christ in Prophecy.
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The Rudiments of the Rapture :: By Bill Perkins
by Tryphosa Fri Apr 07 2017, 08:03
The Rudiments of the Rapture :: By Bill Perkins
“Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord” (1Thess. 4:17).
The upcoming Rapture, literally the “catching away,” is to me, the most intriguing of all biblical doctrine. Nothing could be more exciting than thinking about not dying physically, but rather changing from earth to heaven.
Everything seems normal, then very quickly everything changes forever.
The Greek word for this term “caught up” is “harpazo” which means “to seize, catch up, snatch away by force.”
This is the same Greek word used to describe how the Spirit “snatched” Philip away from the Ethiopian eunuch.
“When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched (Greek-harpazo) Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus” (Acts 8:39-40).
Philip was miraculously transported by God from one place to another. (Imagine him telling that story to his family!)
The English word “Rapture” comes from a Latin word, “rapio,” which means to seize or snatch in relation to being carried away in spirit or in body from one place to another.
Therefore the Rapture of the Church is the forceful removal, or carrying away, of believers from earth to heaven.
Most believers living today sense the day of the Rapture is getting close. I think the current generations have an odds-on chance of being in this ultimately famous group if they live out a normal life span.
Read complete article: http://www.raptureready.com/2017/04/06/the-rudiments-of-the-rapture/
“Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord” (1Thess. 4:17).
The upcoming Rapture, literally the “catching away,” is to me, the most intriguing of all biblical doctrine. Nothing could be more exciting than thinking about not dying physically, but rather changing from earth to heaven.
Everything seems normal, then very quickly everything changes forever.
The Greek word for this term “caught up” is “harpazo” which means “to seize, catch up, snatch away by force.”
This is the same Greek word used to describe how the Spirit “snatched” Philip away from the Ethiopian eunuch.
“When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched (Greek-harpazo) Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus” (Acts 8:39-40).
Philip was miraculously transported by God from one place to another. (Imagine him telling that story to his family!)
The English word “Rapture” comes from a Latin word, “rapio,” which means to seize or snatch in relation to being carried away in spirit or in body from one place to another.
Therefore the Rapture of the Church is the forceful removal, or carrying away, of believers from earth to heaven.
Most believers living today sense the day of the Rapture is getting close. I think the current generations have an odds-on chance of being in this ultimately famous group if they live out a normal life span.
Read complete article: http://www.raptureready.com/2017/04/06/the-rudiments-of-the-rapture/
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The Number One Prophetic Sign: Convergence
by Tryphosa Mon Apr 17 2017, 22:02
[size=36]The Number One Prophetic Sign: Convergence[/size]
What is the number one prophetic sign? What sign more than any other, points to the soon return of Jesus Christ?
While any number of signs are present, I believe one stands out above all others. In fact, Jesus Himself told us what it is.
When the disciples said, "Tell us the signs of your coming and the end of the age" (Matthew 24:3), Jesus detailed a number of things to look for.
He then said, "When you see all these things, you can know my return is near. I'm right at the door" (Matthew 24:33).
He also said, "When all these things begin to happen, look up for your salvation is near!" (Luke 21:28).
This means the number one sign of Jesus' return is all the signs appearing together.
Both Jesus and the prophets told us what signs to look for, and the appearance of just one is reason enough to take notice.
But the arrival of one sign after another should really get your attention. This convergence of signs is the number one prophetic sign - the number one reason to believe Jesus is right at the door.
Read more at http://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=1164#68SYVVr4HDEvDBsl.99
What is the number one prophetic sign? What sign more than any other, points to the soon return of Jesus Christ?
While any number of signs are present, I believe one stands out above all others. In fact, Jesus Himself told us what it is.
When the disciples said, "Tell us the signs of your coming and the end of the age" (Matthew 24:3), Jesus detailed a number of things to look for.
He then said, "When you see all these things, you can know my return is near. I'm right at the door" (Matthew 24:33).
He also said, "When all these things begin to happen, look up for your salvation is near!" (Luke 21:28).
This means the number one sign of Jesus' return is all the signs appearing together.
Both Jesus and the prophets told us what signs to look for, and the appearance of just one is reason enough to take notice.
But the arrival of one sign after another should really get your attention. This convergence of signs is the number one prophetic sign - the number one reason to believe Jesus is right at the door.
Read more at http://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=1164#68SYVVr4HDEvDBsl.99
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Re: Rapture ~ The Blessed Hope ~ Assorted Articles
by Tryphosa Tue Apr 18 2017, 11:00
Jesus lists convergence signs in Luke 21.
So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?” Luke 21:7
And He said:
“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; Luke 21:25
And if you notice Luke 21:25 is about the last of the convergence signs Jesus mentioned.
So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?” Luke 21:7
And He said:
“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; Luke 21:25
And if you notice Luke 21:25 is about the last of the convergence signs Jesus mentioned.
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Re: Rapture ~ The Blessed Hope ~ Assorted Articles
by Tryphosa Tue Apr 18 2017, 11:30
Hhmmm...just noticed in Matthew 24 (written for the Jews)
“Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Matthew 24:30
Isn't the sign of the Son of Man referred to as the same sign as the Rev 12 woman? Seems like I read that in one of the articles or in one of the videos. Anyway it appears to be at the end of the convergence signs.
“Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Matthew 24:30
Isn't the sign of the Son of Man referred to as the same sign as the Rev 12 woman? Seems like I read that in one of the articles or in one of the videos. Anyway it appears to be at the end of the convergence signs.
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Re: Rapture ~ The Blessed Hope ~ Assorted Articles
by Jarhead Tue Apr 18 2017, 18:34
The Matthew 24 passage refers to the 2nd Coming ~ the clue is that they will SEE Him.
The Rapture will have believers snatched outta' here in the twinkling of an eye ~ big difference. We meet Him in the air; He does not come to earth.
The Rapture will have believers snatched outta' here in the twinkling of an eye ~ big difference. We meet Him in the air; He does not come to earth.
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