Eschatology (3)

Raptured Believers & the Day of the Lord

The Church During the Tribulation (Two Key Events)

I. The Judgement Seat of Christ

2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

Romans 14:10 ESV

Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;

A. The Meaning of the Words associated with Judgement Seat

Critērion = the instrument or means of trying or judging anything; the rule by which one judges- standard or criteria.

James 2:6 ESV

But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court?

1 Corinthians 6:2–4 ESV

Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church?

Bēma = a raised place mounted by steps, a platform, tribune; the official seat of a judge; a structure resembling a throne which Herod built in the theatre at Caesarea from which he used to view the games, give out rewards, and make speeches- thus associated with this word is the idea of prominence, dignity, authority, honor, and reward rather than the idea of justice and judgement. Acts 18:12-16

* This is the word Paul chose to describe the event in 2 Cor. 5:10 and Rom. 14:10.

B. The Time of the Bema of Christ

1. The Reward is associated with the Resurrection. (see also 1 Thess. 4:13-17)

Luke 14:14 ESV

and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

2. When the Lord returns to the earth with His bride to reign, the bride is seen to be already rewarded!

Revelation 19:8 ESV

it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

** “The righteousness of saints”, literally “the righteous deeds of saints” - in plural form- cannot refer to the imparted righteousness of Christ, but the righteousness which have survived examination and has become the basis of reward.**

Revelation 4:4 ESV

Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads.

Who were the 24 elders:

-Likely humans

Because the Time is Near: John MacArthur Explains the Book of Revelation Around the Throne

First, the reference to the twenty-four thrones they sit upon indicates that they reign with Christ. Nowhere in Scripture do angels sit on thrones, nor are they pictured as reigning. The church, on the other hand, is repeatedly promised to rule with Christ (2:26–27; 3:21; 5:10; 20:4; Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:30; 1 Corinthians 6:2–3; 2 Timothy 2:12).

Because the Time is Near: John MacArthur Explains the Book of Revelation Around the Throne

The Greek word translated “elders” is never used in Scripture to refer to angels, but always to men. It is used to speak of older men in general, and the rulers of both Israel and the church. There is also no clear use of this word outside of Revelation to refer to angels. Further, “elder” would be an inappropriate term to describe angels, who do not age.

Because the Time is Near: John MacArthur Explains the Book of Revelation Around the Throne

While angels do appear in white (John 20:12; Acts 1:10), white garments more commonly are the dress of believers. That is particularly true in the immediate context of Revelation. Christ promised the believers at Sardis that they would “be clothed in white garments” (3:5). He advised the Laodiceans to “buy from Me … white garments so that you may clothe yourself” (3:18). At the marriage supper of the Lamb, His bride will “clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean” (19:8). White garments symbolize Christ’s righteousness imputed to believers at salvation.

Because the Time is Near: John MacArthur Explains the Book of Revelation Around the Throne

That the elders wore golden crowns on their heads provides further evidence that they were humans. Crowns are never promised to angels in the Bible, nor are angels ever seen wearing them. This crown in Greek refers to the victor’s crown, worn by those who successfully competed and won the victory. Christ promised this crown to the loyal believers at Smyrna (2:10; cf.1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12).

-Likely represent the Raptured Church

Because the Time is Near: John MacArthur Explains the Book of Revelation Around the Throne

In the Bible, the number twenty-four is used in Scripture to speak of completion and representation. There were twenty-four officers of the sanctuary representing the twenty-four courses of the Levitical priests (1 Chronicles 24:4–5, 7–18), as well as twenty-four divisions of singers in the temple (1 Chronicles 25). Whoever the twenty-four elders are, then, they likely represent a larger group.

Some believe the elders represent Israel. But while individual Jews have been and will continue to be redeemed throughout history, at the time of this vision the nation as a whole had not yet been redeemed. The elders also cannot be tribulation saints, since they too had not yet been converted. Others split the twenty-four elders into two groups of twelve, one representing the church and the other Israel. Yet in all their appearances in Revelation, they appear as a unified group of twenty-four, never as two groups of twelve.

The most likely option is that they represent the raptured church, which sings the song of redemption (5:8–10). They have their crowns and live in the place prepared for them, where they have gone to be with Jesus (John 14:1–4).

3. The Reward is associated with “that day”. (1 Corinth. 4:5, 2 Tim. 4:8, Rev. 22:12)

1 Corinthians 4:5 ESV

Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.

2 Timothy 4:8 ESV

Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

Revelation 22:12 ESV

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.

C. The Who and What being Judged

- The People involved.... Christians (2 Cor. 5:1-10)

For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in heavens. (v.1)

He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as guarantee. (v.5)

We walk by faith and not by sight (v.7)

We would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord (v.8)

- The Object of the Lord’s Examination of the Believer

a. Salvation is NOT being considered since the salvation Christ gives perfectly delivers us from all judgement

Romans 8:1 ESV

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

John 5:24 ESV

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

1 John 4:17 ESV

By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.

b. The believer’s work are brought into judgement as seen in the phrase “the things done is his body” (2 Cor. 5:10) and “every man’s works shall be made manifest (1 Cor. 3:13-15) . This will be done to determine whether “they be bad or good”

1 Corinthians 3:13 ESV

each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.

2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

**NOTE: The word for bad isn’t the typical use of the word. It does not indicate the usual ethically or morally evil, but rather means, “good for nothingness”.... carrying with it the idea of worthlessness.

D. The Results of this Examination… A Reward Received or a Reward Lost (1 Cor. 3:10-17)

1. There will be a loss of reward for that which is proven by fire to be destructive.

**NOTE: Things done in the strength and for the glory of the flesh, regardless of what the act might be, will be disapproved.

1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

**NOTE: Adokimos (word for “disqualified” or “castaway”. When Paul uses this word, he is showing that he is not expressing fear that he will lose his salvation, but rather that which he has done shall be found to be “good-for-nothing”.

2. There will be a reward bestowed for that work that is proved to be indestructible by the fire test.

Crowns are Given for these Acts:

a. An Incorruptible Crown for those who get mastery over the old man

1 Corinthians 9:25 ESV

Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

b. A Crown of Rejoicing for the soul winner

1 Thessalonians 2:19 ESV

For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?

c. A Crown of Life for those enduring trials

James 1:12 ESV

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

d. A Crown of Righteousness for loving his appearing

2 Timothy 4:8 ESV

Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

e. A Crown of Glory for being willing to feed the flock of God

1 Peter 5:4 ESV

And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

II. The Marriage of the Lamb

John 3:29 ESV

The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.

Romans 7:4 ESV

Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God.

2 Corinthians 11:2 ESV

For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.

Ephesians 5:25–33 ESV

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

A. The Time of the Marriage

Revelation 19:7–9 ESV

Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”

1. Prior to the rapture, the church is still anticipating this union.

2. According to Revelation 19:7-9, this marriage takes place or has already taken place before the second advent.

* “the marriage of the Lamb is come.”- ēlthen (Aorist tense) is translated is come, signifying a completed act, showing us that the marriage has been consummated.

*It appears that we will be accompanying Jesus Christ at the time when He will destroy the armies of the world and cast out the rulers of the earth (Armageddon), taking His place as rightful King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Revelation 19:14 ESV

And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses.

Revelation 19:8 ESV

it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

3. The marriage is seen to follow the events of the bema of Christ because the wife appears in the “righteousness of the saints” (Rev. 19:8).

**Therefore, the marriage itself must be placed between the Judgement Seat of Christ and the Second Advent.**

B. The Participants of the Marriage

The Marriage of the Lamb is an event which so evidently involves only Christ and the Church. (Acts 15:14- Taking out… a people for His name)

*What about Israel?

Daniel 12:1–3 ESV

“At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

Isaiah 26:19–21 ESV

Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a dew of light, and the earth will give birth to the dead. Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until the fury has passed by. For behold, the Lord is coming out from his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, and the earth will disclose the blood shed on it, and will no more cover its slain.

-Dan. 12:1-3 and Is.26:19-21 make it pretty clear that the resurrection of Israel and the Old Testament Saints will not take place until the second advent of Christ.

*What about Tribulation saints?

Revelation 20:4–6 ESV

Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.

-Rev.20:4-6 also makes it quite clear that these will not be resurrected until the second coming of Christ as well.

*Will Israel or Tribulation saints have any involvement in the marriage?

-In this connection, it seems necessary to distinguish between the marriage of the Lamb and the marriage supper. The marriage of the Lamb is an event that has particular reference to the church and takes place in heaven. The marriage supper is an event that involves Israel and takes place on the earth. In Matt. 22:1-14; Luke 14:16-24; and Matt. 25:1-13, where Israel is awaiting the return of the bridegroom and the bride, the wedding feast or supper is located on the earth and has particular reference to Israel. The wedding supper, then, becomes the parabolic picture of the entire millennial age, to which Israel will be invited during the tribulation period, which invitation many will reject and so they will be cast out, and many will accept and they will be received in. Because of the rejection the invitation will likewise go to the Gentiles so that many of them will be included. Israel, at the second advent, will be waiting for the Bridegroom to come from the wedding ceremony and invite them to the supper, at which the Bridegroom will introduce His bride to His friends (Matt. 25:1-13).

From Pentecost’s Book Things to Come pg. 227-228

Additional Information Regarding the Church during the Tribulation

She will be active in the worship of Jesus and God and will be observing God’s judgement toward the inhabitants on earth.