The Rapture
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Introduction
Introduction
Prophecy has always been a very fascinating study. Many, many people wish to know the future. This is supported by the popularity of horoscope readings and fortune tellers. We are curious people, and we are always seeking answers. And one of the most elusive answers of all is our future. How will we die? What is life like after death? What is the end of mankind? It is this last question on which Hollywood has made billions of dollars. It seems the most significant money-making movies are ones that address the Apocalypse.
I contend that if you really want the truth about your future and the future of all mankind, that only source is the Bible, God’s Word. God has given us everything we need to know about our beginning, middle, and end.
Many people disregard the authority of Scripture today. They claim it is a book of antiquity and useless to today’s modern society. Yet, amazingly, when you begin to preach and teach concerning the end of times from God’s Word, people sit up and take notice. So, over these summer months, we will study prophecy and, in particular, what the Bible teaches about the future of planet Earth and its inhabitants.
Why study it? Why examine the end times? Why should we be concerned about our future? The answer is quite simple. It reveals the truths that God wants His people to know. Those very truths are the means He uses to incite us to live holy and minister to others around us.
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
As we reflect upon Biblical prophecy, I pray that we will be enlightened, challenged, and inspired with hope just as others through history. Let us then have an ear to hear what the Holy Spirit says to us through prophecies of God’s Word.
Christ’s Return for His Bride, the Church, is a Sure Prophecy!
Christ’s Return for His Bride, the Church, is a Sure Prophecy!
The Bible clearly teaches that we are living in the dispensation of Grace. A dispensation is those duties that God assigns to mankind or to specific people for a period of time for which they are accountable to Him. Without going into a whole lot of explanation, seven recognizable dispensations are found in the Bible. One of those is the Dispensation of Grace.
Some Basic Information about the Dispensation of Grace.
Some Basic Information about the Dispensation of Grace.
The recipients of this dispensation are those who are not saved and those who are saved.
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
The duty of this dispensation is centered on God’s Grace.
For unsaved people, their duty as they hear of God’s Grace through the gospel of Christ is to believe and obey.
Those who are saved must follow Grace’s teachings as outlined in God’s Word.
As for people’s response during this dispensation, some will hear and obey, and others will not.
God’s reaction to each person’s response is simple. Those who hear and obey will enjoy all the benefits of God’s Grace. Those who reject will be banished to eternal hell.
When will this dispensation end? Some believe it will end with the Rapture, and others think it will end with the Second Coming of Christ. I, for one, am of the opinion that it will end with Christ’s Second Coming. Here are some reasons:
Even during the Tribulation, the unsaved still have the same duty of hearing and obeying the gospel.
Even during the Tribulation, many people will be saved.
9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
There is no indication in Scripture that a special dispensation is given for or during the Tribulation Age.
What is God’s purpose for the current dispensation?
During this dispensation, He is building His kingdom through the local church.
During the Tribulation, He will prepare both Jew and Gentile for His Second Coming and His Millennial reign.
The Rapture marks Christ’s return to the earth’s atmosphere when He will receive His Bride, the local church, to Himself. A truth that is taught in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
and 2 Thessalonians 2:1
1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
It is also implied in several others:
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maran-atha.
(Maranatha means Our Lord Comes)
20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
NOTE: Many, if not all, of these passages, may also refer to Jesus’ Second Coming to earth.
We must understand that the Rapture is not Christ’s Second Coming or a part of it. The Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ are two very different events.
The Biblical Facts about the Rapture!
The Biblical Facts about the Rapture!
Jesus will DESCEND FROM HEAVEN!
Jesus will DESCEND FROM HEAVEN!
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
He will come personally – “For the Lord himself…” (The Greek pronoun “autos” (himself) literally means “he himself and no other.”)
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
He will come as far as the earth’s atmosphere – “…shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air…”
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
He will bring the souls of those who have died before with Him. – Other verses to consider are:
23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
The souls of the dead saints will be united with their resurrected bodies.
Jesus will SHOUT!
Jesus will SHOUT!
It will be a command for the bodies of the departed Saints to rise up from the dead.
28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
It will be with a commanding voice like an archangel – both authoritative and loud.
9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:
2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,
3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.
It will be with a trumpet blast that signifies a bodily transformation of His people…
The dead from corruptibility to incorruptibility
The living from mortality to immortality
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
It will happen at eye-twinkling speed.
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
Jesus will then RECEIVE HIS BRIDE, THE LOCAL CHURCH.
Jesus will then RECEIVE HIS BRIDE, THE LOCAL CHURCH.
Christ will rapture us from the earth to meet Him in the air.
He escorts us quickly and safely to Heaven.
In Heaven, we, as His bride, He will…
Present us glorified (Eph. 5:25-27; Jude 24)
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Marry us
7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Live with us forever (1 Thess. 4:17; 5:10)
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
The Blessings We Will Reap at the Time of Rapture!
The Blessings We Will Reap at the Time of Rapture!
The Rapture is considered to be a time of great blessings for believers. Notice a few verses that describe the anticipation of Christ’s return for us.
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Christ’s return is a blessed hope to us as we await His coming.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Peter described it as lively or living hope because of Christ’s resurrection.
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
All of our hope is founded solely in Jesus Christ.
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Our hope is alive because He lives and will live forever!
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Our hope is founded in Christ, and His Word is truth. Therefore, our hope rests upon God’s true and certain Word.
2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
Consequently, as we anticipate the Rapture, we can know that there are several benefits to be reaped when He returns for us because of God’s promises.
Our bodies will experience a complete transformation! (1 Thessalonians 4:13
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
This physical transformation will consummate the process of sanctification.
20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
The remnants of this flesh (vile body) will be changed entirely. We will no longer battle with our sinful flesh because we will have a new, glorious body.
The bodies of the dead saints are currently experiencing corruptibility (aka – disorganization and decay). Our bodies (if we are still living) are in a state of mortality (destined to die and decay). However, that all changes at the Rapture. The corruptible become incorruptible. Mortality becomes immortality.
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
Why is it necessary for our bodies to be changed?
In its current state, we inherently still possess the old sinful nature.
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
This old sinful nature may work for life here on earth, but it cannot work in the future that God has prepared for us.
48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
Therefore, our bodies must be changed before we arrive in Heaven. Both living and dead believers will be made like the resurrected, glorified body of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It will be a body that will still resemble who we are and be capable of eating and drinking.
36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
43 And he took it, and did eat before them.
21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
We will see and experience the glory of Jesus Christ, our Lord!
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
It was the Lord’s desire that we share in His glory.
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
Just as a wife shares the glory of her husband, so the church will one day share the glory of the Lord Jesus.
We will share the glory of His resurrected, changed body. (Philippians 3:20-21)
We will share His moral glory.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
We will share the glory of His exalted position far above all creatures.
20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
And we will share the visible radiant glory of light.
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
We will receive our entire inheritance!
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
According to God’s Word, an estate is given to another for his or her possession. As God’s people, we are joint heirs with Christ, thereby receiving our part of God’s inheritance.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
What is our inheritance?
Right now, we have unlimited resources and blessings in Him.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
In the future, our inheritance will consist of those spiritual realities and blessings that God is preparing and reserving in Heaven.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
Notice Peter said it will be an inheritance that is incorruptible (indestructible), undefiled (not stained by sin), unfading, and reserved just for us.
We will see and understand our fruit from our time of living and ministering on earth.
19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
In this passage, Paul is referring to those who were believers at Thessalonica. They were products of Paul’s ministry. They had been saved and discipled by Him. As a result, Paul could say that at Christ’s coming, they would be his hope, his joy, and his crown.
We will enter our eternal life.
2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Some False Teachings about the Rapture
Some False Teachings about the Rapture
Partial Rapture
Partial Rapture
Those who teach this false teaching hole that only spiritual gospel believers, who are watching and waiting for Christ’s return, will be raptured before the Tribulation begins. Those who are not ready (carnal gospel believers) will be left to go through part or all of the Tribulation, with its “purifying fires.” Those left behind will be raptured individually when they are ready or just before Jesus returns to establish His earthly kingdom.
Objections to this False Teaching
It conditions the privilege of participating in the Rapture, including the glorification of the body, on meritorious works, contrary to the whole scheme of salvation disregarding...
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
It ignores the fact of Jesus’ atoning work as having delivered gospel believers at the time of their salvation from divine judicial condemnation of all their sins - past, present, and future - and to prepare them for eternity disregarding...
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
It overlooks the final sanctification of gospel believers when they are presented faultless before the presence of God’s glory disregarding...
24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Post-tribulation Rapture
Post-tribulation Rapture
This false teaching holds that the Lord will return and will remove believers from the earth at the end of the Tribulation, just before or as a part of His second coming to earth. There are 3 views among those who teach such rubbish:
The Tribulation is now past and the Rapture as well as the Second Coming of Christ may occur at any time.
Believers are now in the Tribulation and the Rapture as well as the Second Coming of Christ are still future.
The Tribulation is still future with the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ at its close.
Objections to this False Teaching
It ignores the possibility of another interpretation of Matthew 13:24-30 that understands the “wheat” to represent post-rapture saved people who will be on earth during the Tribulation days.
It disregards “parousia” as an ordinary word for “coming” and “presence”.
17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.
The failure of some to distinguish between believer’s suffering from man’s hostility and from God’s wrath.
29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
It overlooks the absence of a resurrection event in Revelation 19:11-21 like that in 1 Thessalonians 4:16. The pre-cross dead saved people and Tribulation martyrs will be resurrected for the millennial kingdom, but this appears to be later, before Revelation 20:4. If the Rapture were to take place at the end of the Tribulation, there would be no “sheep” for the Lord to separate from the “goats” in His judgment of Tribulation survivors (note Matthew 25:31-46).
Mid-tribulation Rapture
Mid-tribulation Rapture
This false teaching holds that believers will be raptured in the middle of the Tribulation, before the final three and half years. Believing that believers will not be exposed to God’s wrath, this position holds that believers will be translated before the outpouring of the vials of God’s wrath as noted in Revelation 16:1-12. It sees the Rapture as occurring with the “last trump” of 1 Corinthians 15:52, which is the seventh Trumpet judgment of Revelation 11:15.
Objections to this False Teaching
It overlooks the word “filled” in Revelation 15:1
1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.
The word “filled” means “completed” or “finished” indicating that all the divine judgments of this age, including those introduced by the breaking of seals and the blowing of trumpets, are expression of divine wrath. Thus, “in them (the Vial Judgments) is filled up (completed, finished) the wrath of God.”
This view also disregards the fact that trumpets, as in the past, will signal various events in the future.
31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
NOTE: See also Numbers 10:1-10.
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
The “last trump” may represent the last of a series of trumpet blasts that signal a series of events. which are involved in the resurrection of dead bodies and the transformation of living ones.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Pre-wrath Rapture
Pre-wrath Rapture
This false teaching places the Rapture in the 3rd quarter of the Tribulation. Those who hold this view contend the Rapture will take place after the great Tribulation against the Jews (Matthew 24:15-22) and before the time of the Divine wrath against Gentile earth dwellers. This tribulation against Israel will start in the middle of the Tribulation age, with the Antichrist’s violation of the peace accord (Daniel 9:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). This period of Jewish trouble will be immediately followed by the Day of the Lord, a time of God’s wrath upon the earth. The time of Divine wrath will be introduced by the 7th Seal Judgment and will include the Trumpet Judgments (Revelation 8:1 and following). It is just before these judgments that the Lord will rapture the local church (Matthew 24-27).
Objections to this False Teaching
One, this view fails to accept the fact that the whole Tribulation Age is time of Divine wrath upon all earth dwellers, for all the judgments of the Tribulation Age are expressions of God’s Wrath (see Revelation 15:1).
Two, the 6th Seal Judgment is a visual preview of the Divine wrath that will be expressed by the Bowl (Vial) Judgments (Revelation 16) in reply to the martyrs’ call in the 5th Seal Judgment for Divine vengeance (Revelation 6:8-17).
Three, the 7th Seal Judgment will introduce the Trumpet Judgment series (Revelation 8-9), all of which will occur in the first half of the Tribulation Age, excepting the 7th Trumpet Judgment, which relates to Satan’s earthly activities during the second half of the Tribulation Age (Revelation 11:14; 12:7-12).
Note that because of their severity, Trumpet Judgments five through seven are called “woes” (Revelation 8:13; 9:12; 11:14; 12:12).
Four, all the seven seals, with their judgments, are broken in the first half of the Tribulation Age.
Additional Support for Pre-tribulation Rapture
Additional Support for Pre-tribulation Rapture
The Local Church Appears UNRELATED to the Tribulation Age
The Local Church Appears UNRELATED to the Tribulation Age
It would stand to reason that if the Lord loves and gave Himself for the local church there would be more direct references to it. However, the opposite is true, there are no references to the local church found between Revelation 4:1 and Revelation 19:7. It is quite significant that after the Holy Spirit’s rebuke of the seven churches there is no mention of a local church afterwards. Thus, it would seem that the local church is unrelated to the divine purpose, ministry, and people of the Tribulation.
The Local Church is UNRELATED to the Divine Purpose of the Tribulation Age
The Local Church is UNRELATED to the Divine Purpose of the Tribulation Age
The ultimate purpose of the Tribulation Age is the purifying of earth’s population before the arrival of the King of Kings, the Lord Himself. Such preparation includes a worldwide evangelistic effort through the ministry of 144,000 Israeli evangelists, God’s dealing Israel as to bring about the repentance of the elect Jewish remnant, and His pouring out of His Divine wrath upon wicked Gentiles. Thus, the local church does not need this special preparation before the Rapture.
The Local Church is UNRELATED to the Ministries of the Tribulation Age
The Local Church is UNRELATED to the Ministries of the Tribulation Age
There will be two successive Divine ministries during the Tribulation Age. In the first half of the Tribulation Age, there will be the ministry of the 144,000 saved Israeli evangelists. They will preach the gospel of the kingdom throughout the world with unprecedented results (Matthew 24:14; Revelation 7). They will be martyred at the beginning of the second half of the Tribulation Age by Satan through his human agent, the Beast out of the sea, who will prohibit all gospel proclamations (Revelation 12:17; 14:1-5).
During the second half of the Tribulation Age, there will be the ministry of God’s two witnesses (Revelation 11:3-14). Although he will prohibit any proclamation of the gospel, the Beast out of the sea will not be able to silence these two men. Endowed with Divine power, they will bear witness to the fact of God’s existence in the midst of worldwide atheism. Also, being prophets, they will cry out against the unprecedented sin and blasphemy of those days. Moreover, they will declare that the world upheavals and distresses are visitations of Divine wrath. At the end of this period, they will be killed, will be resurrected, and will ascend into heaven. If the local church is on earth during this time, why does God use these special forces rather than the local church?
The Local Church is UNRELATED to the Gospel Believers of the Tribulation Age
The Local Church is UNRELATED to the Gospel Believers of the Tribulation Age
Several groups of saved people belong to the Tribulation Age: the 144,000 Israeli evangelists (Revelation 7:1-8; 14:1-5); the earlier martyrs of the forepart of the Tribulation Age (Revelation 6:9-11) and the later martyrs killed during the second half of the Tribulation Age (Revelation 7:9-17; 13:7, 15; 15:2), the elect Jewish remnant (Revelation 12:13-14), and a few saved Gentiles, who will survive this age (Matthew 25:31-34). However, nowhere is there any indication that local churches will be on earth during this time.
An Interval of Time is Needed Between the Rapture of the Saints and Their Return with Christ
An Interval of Time is Needed Between the Rapture of the Saints and Their Return with Christ
Only the saved can enter Christ’s earthly kingdom, thus, the Tribulation Age is the formation of a nucleus of saved people who will repopulate the Millennial Kingdom (Matthew 25:34). Saved survivors of the Tribulation age will enter the kingdom with unsaved bodies, which will be capable of reproducing children and transmitting inherent corruption to their offspring. If the local church were raptured just before the Lord’s second coming, these survivors would be changed and raptured.
Practical Value as We Anticipate the Sound of the Trumpet (The Rapture)
Practical Value as We Anticipate the Sound of the Trumpet (The Rapture)
The fact that Christ’s return is imminent makes a great impact on the lives of all His people who believe it.
It comforts them in times of bereavement.
It comforts them in times of bereavement.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
It engenders patience in them in times of adversity.
It engenders patience in them in times of adversity.
7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
It deters them from sinning.
It deters them from sinning.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
It deters them from spiritual lethargy.
It deters them from spiritual lethargy.
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
It incites them to diligence.
It incites them to diligence.
12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
It incites them to abide in Him.
It incites them to abide in Him.
28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
It incites their love for Him and His return.
It incites their love for Him and His return.
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
All of us, as believers, can profit from the Lord’s appeal to the Tribulation Age saved people to be watchful and ready.
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
To be watchful is to keep awake or be alert. God has wisely withheld the time of the Lord’s return so that we might constantly be on the lookout for Him and always be occupied with our spiritual duties.
48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
To be ready is to be prepared for His return. How do we prepare? The answer comes about by another question. What we do if we knew that the Lord was coming one month from today? For some, it might mean securing their salvation. For others, putting their spiritual life in order. And yet, for others, it might mean dedicating more time to prayer and Scripture meditation, or witnessing to unsaved friends and relatives, or possibly making right any sins in our lives and wrongdoing to others. The question for all of us is would you be prepared if He were to come today?
