Signs of the Times

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Signs of the Times
Our Winter Series at
Part X The Rapture

• Pastor Brett Peterson

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Last week we covered the Sixth seal and
established that the breaking of the sixth seal
is the start of the Day of the Lord.

• Paul, writing to the Church about the Rapture
  says this
• (1Co 18) who will also confirm you to the end,
  blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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The day of the Lord is glorious (the Rapture
and Marriage supper), but at the same time
terrible (judgment and wrath)It is exactly when
we are rescued from that wrath!
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Events of the sixth seal.
World mourns, hides in caves wrath is about to
begin
Sun moon grow dark Meteor shower
Israel saved
Rapture
After the rapture, everyone who believes will be
a part of the nations that live on the new earth,
but not part of the Church.
5
Rev 2124 The nations will walk by its light,
and the kings of the earth will bring their glory
into it. Rev 2125 In the daytime (for there
will be no night there) its gates will never be
closed Rev 2126 and they will bring the glory
and the honor of the nations into it

• Back to the sixth seal we know the wrath of God
  is about to start at this exact point Rev 612
  I looked when He broke the sixth seal,.
• Rev 617 for the great day of their wrath has
  come, and who is able to stand?"

6
1Th 19 For they themselves report about us what
kind of a reception we had with you, and how you
turned to God from idols to serve a living and
true God, 1Th 110 and to wait for His Son from
heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is
Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.

• The word rescue is very specific
• ????µa? rhuomai
• To draw or snatch from danger, rescue, deliver.
  
• It is only used for someone in danger and thus
  rescued.

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1Th 19 For they themselves report about us what
kind of a reception we had with you, and how you
turned to God from idols to serve a living and
true God, 1Th 110 and to wait for His Son from
heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is
Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.
a??aµe?? anaméno - to wait patiently continue
steadfastlydont give up waiting!

• Present infinitive - to keep on waiting for
• It does not mean it is imminent or unexpected!
• Dont give up, or give in, but give all for Jesus!

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1Th 19 For they themselves report about us what
kind of a reception we had with you, and how you
turned to God from idols to serve a living and
true God, 1Th 110 and to wait for His Son from
heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is
Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.
The Rapture - Tit 213 waiting for the blessed
hope and the appearing of the glory of our great
God and Savior, Christ Jesus,

• What does He do at the Rapture?

9
Notice the rapture is called an appearing of
Jesus.It is never referred to a secret or
hidden event that no one sees.It will come like
a thief, but everyone will see it!
10
1Th 19 For they themselves report about us what
kind of a reception we had with you, and how you
turned to God from idols to serve a living and
true God, 1Th 110 and to wait for His Son from
heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is
Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.
The Rapture - Tit 213 waiting for the blessed
hope and the appearing of the glory of our great
God and Savior, Christ Jesus,

• to appear. An appearing, appearance. Epipháneia
  is spoken of the first coming of the Lord Jesus
  (2Ti_110). Also of the Rapture Epiphaíno
  (G2014) in the mid. pass. form, epiphaínomai, to
  appear, to manifest oneself.

11
1Ti 614 that you keep the commandment without
stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord
Jesus Christ, 1Ti 615 which He will bring
about at the proper time--He who is the blessed
and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of
lords,
12
2Ti 47 I have fought the good fight, I have
finished the course, I have kept the faith 2Ti
48 in the future 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.
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Tit 212 instructing us to deny ungodliness and
worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously
and godly in the present age, Tit 213 looking
for the blessed hope and the appearing of the
glory (glorious appearing) of our great God and
Savior, Christ Jesus, Tit 214 who gave Himself
for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and
to purify for Himself a people for His own
possession, zealous for good deeds.
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1Th 19 For they themselves report about us what
kind of a reception we had with you, and how you
turned to God from idols to serve a living and
true God, 1Th 110 and to wait for His Son from
heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is
Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.
????µa? - rhúomai To draw or snatch from danger,
rescue, deliver from fire, drowning, etc.You
need to be in danger in order to be rescued!

• When does this wrath come! At the breaking of
  the 6th seal!
• It is important to know what the Bible says about
  this this is what we will be rescued from!

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Rev 612 I looked when He broke the sixth seal,
and there was a great earthquake and the sun
became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the
whole moon became like blood Rev 613 and the
stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree
casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great
wind. Rev 616 and they said to the mountains
and to the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from
the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and
from the wrath of the Lamb Rev 617 for the
great day of their wrath has come, and who is
able to stand?

• Same word here appearing!!!

16
Jer 2319 "Behold, the storm of the LORD has
gone forth in wrath, Even a whirling tempest It
will swirl down on the head of the wicked. Jer
2320 "The anger of the LORD will not turn back
Until He has performed and carried out the
purposes of His heart In the last days you will
clearly understand it.

• We will be rescued from the wrath at the
  appearing of the Lord.
• In the last days we will understand it.
• We are in the last days!
• How will we be rescued?

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The Rapture
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What is the Rapture?

• The Rapture
• 1 Cor. 1550 I declare to you, brothers, that
  flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of
  God, nor does the perishable inherit the
  imperishable.
• 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery We will not all
  sleep, but we will all be changed--

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How will we be changed?

• 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at
  the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the
  dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be
  changed.
• 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with
  the imperishable, and the mortal with
  immortality.

20
How will we be changed?
Rom 823 And not only this, but also we
ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit,
even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting
eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption
of our body.

• 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at
  the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the
  dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be
  changed.
• 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with
  the imperishable, and the mortal with
  immortality.

21
We will be changed in an instant, however the
whole event of the Rapture may take longer

• He will come in the clouds - a glorious
  appearing
• There will be an announcement of His coming and a
  trumpet call
• The dead in Christ will rise first
• Then we who are alive and remain will be caught
  up(changed in an instant)
• Then we will be gathered together to meet the
  Lord in the air!2Th 21 Now we request you,
  brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord
  Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him,
  Mat 2431 "And He will send forth His angels
  with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER
  TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one
  end of the sky to the other.
• Mat 2432 "Now learn the parable from the fig
  tree when its branch has already become tender
  and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer
  is near
• Mat 2433 so, you too, when you see all these
  things, recognize that He is near, right at the
  door.
• Mat 2434 "Truly I say to you, this generation
  will not pass away until all these things take
  place.

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The main support for the Rapture is this verse

• 1 Thess. 415 According to the Lord's own word,
  we tell you that we who are still alive, who are
  left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly
  not precede those who have fallen asleep.
• 16 For the Lord himself will come down from
  heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of
  the archangel and with the trumpet call of God,
  and the dead in Christ will rise first.

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• 17 After that, we who are still alive and are
  left will be caught up together (gathered
  together) with them in the clouds to meet the
  Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord
  forever.
• 18 Therefore encourage each other with these
  words.

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• 17 After that, we who are still alive and are
  left will be caught up together with them in the
  clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we
  will be with the Lord forever.
• 18 Therefore encourage each other with these
  words.

• Strong's 726. arpazw harpazoto seize--catch
  (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force, as in
  rescuing a drowning person), gathered.
• In Latin this is RAPIO. It is from rapio that we
  get the word Rapture.
• Thus, "Rapture" has the literal meaning of being
  caught up, gathered, or snatched away.

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Mat 2440 "Then there will be two men in the
field one will be taken and one will be left.
Mat 2441 "Two women will be grinding at the
mill one will be taken and one will be left.
Mat 2442 "Therefore be on the alert, for you
do not know which day your Lord is coming. Mat
2443 "But be sure of this, that if the head of
the house had known at what time of the night the
thief was coming, he would have been on the alert
and would not have allowed his house to be broken
into. Mat 2444 "For this reason you also must
be ready for the Son of Man is coming at an hour
when you do not think He will.

• Any verses talking about not knowing the day or
  the hour or passages talking about Jesus coming
  like a thief in the night are all talking about
  the Rapture of the Church not the second coming!

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The Rapture is the most glorious event that will
ever occur in history. It is when the Church
(both those who have died and those who are
alive, will be taken to be with Jesus Christ.
This is the first resurrection. This is the
glorious appearing of Jesus Christ to the world!

• When does this event occur?

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First, what do all Biblical scholars agree upon
2nd Coming of Christ

• Whether pre-trib, post-trib, or pre-wrath, most
  pre-millennial scholars agree on the following
  timeline of events

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End time events in perspective
2nd Coming of Christ
The 70th week
29
2nd Coming of Christ
Pact
The 70th week
30
2nd Coming of Christ
Pact
Armageddon
The 70th week
31
Abomination
2nd Coming of Christ
Pact
Armageddon
The 70th week
32
There are many views
2nd Coming of Christ
Rapture?
Rapture?
Rapture?
Rapture?
The 70th week
33
These four are the most accepted
Pre-wrath
Post
Pre
Mid
2nd Coming of Christ
Rapture?
Rapture?
Rapture?
Rapture?
The 70th week
34
What does the Bible say?Here is what we know
for sureJoh 336 "He who believes in the Son
has eternal life but he who does not obey the
Son will not see life, but the wrath of God
abides on him." 1Th 59 For God has not
destined us for wrath, but for obtaining
salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,1Th 110
and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He
raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues
us from the wrath to come.

• The first point that three of the views agree
  upon we will not be here for the wrath of God.

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So, when does the wrath of God occur?Rom 25
But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant
heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in
the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous
judgment of God, (seventh seal trumpet
judgments)This comes at the end of the sixth
seal, when the wrath beginsRev 616 and they
said to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on
us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits
on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb
Rev 617 for the great day of their wrath has
come, and who is able to stand?"

• The wrath begins at the breaking of the seventh
  seal. This is the trumpet judgments, and the
  last trumpet starts the bowls of wrath.

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So, we can now add the wrathTo our timeline
Pre-wrath
Post
Pre
Mid
2nd Coming of Christ
Rapture?
Rapture?
Rapture?
Rapture?
wrath
The 70th week
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We can also remove Post because they believe we
will be here for the wrath, just protected.
Pre-wrath
Post
Pre
Mid
2nd Coming of Christ
Rapture?
Rapture?
Rapture?
Rapture?
wrath
The 70th week
38
This leaves three views to consider.
Pre-wrath
Pre
Mid
2nd Coming of Christ
Rapture?
Rapture?
Rapture?
wrath
The 70th week
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The First half of the 70th week of Daniel is not
wrath!However, it is a time of refining for the
ChristianThe first half God is not dealing with
the nation of Israel they are follow the false
Messiah.God only deals with them the second
half!The first half God is purifying the Church!
40
First, lets address the arguments for pre-trib.
Tim Lahaye came up with several reasons
pre-trib is Biblical.Nowhere among their
reasons will you find an appeal to a Bible verse
which specifically states the Lord will return
before the Tribulation. Why? Because it does not
exist! LaHaye freely acknowledges the absence of
any explicit pre-Trib passages.1 To get an idea
of how rare it is for a major Bible doctrine to
be established without an explicit teaching in
Scripture, consider the counsel of premier
pre-Trib scholar, John Walvoord. In his writings
he strongly condemns the promotion of any
doctrine not explicitly taught in the Scriptures.
He refers to such practices as "desperate
exegesis."2 Desperate or not, the absence of a
definitive text forces pre-Tribulationists to
engage in that very practice.
41
How should the absence of an explicit pre-Trib
text affect our inquiry? For one thing, it should
raise the evidentiary standard for their
arguments. These arguments are not being offered
to confirm direct evidencethey are being offered
in place of direct evidence. This is a fact
that any honest Biblical scholar readily admits
to!
42
Reason 1 for being a Pre-Tribulationist"The
pre-Tribulation view is the most logical view of
Second Coming Scriptures when taken for their
plain, literal meaning whenever possible."3
Pre-Trib Argument The pre-Trib view provides
the most logical fit. Pre-Tribulationists
contend there is no single Bible passage
outlining the order of end time events. II
Thess. 2 does give us a clear order of events
(more on this later)Matt. 24 gives us the signs
of Christs coming to gather His elect for the
four winds (clear order of events)
43
Pre-Trib Argument The Pre-Trib view is based on
the literal approach of interpreting Scripture.
At least ten times in his book, LaHaye
intimates that those who oppose pre-
Tribulationalism do so because they have
abandoned the literal approach. Over and over,
pre- Tribbers charge spiritualization by
opponents. Walvoord even refers to the "fact that
spiritualization of Scripture goes hand in hand
with denial of the pretribulation rapture."7
Yet, this is exactly what pre-trib scholars
do!This argument is easily disproved
44
We find it is the pre-Trib camp which
continuously engages in spiritualization. For
instance, consider the treatment of Revelation
41. This, of course, is the verse where
pre-Tribbers contend the rapture occurs. LaHaye
freely admits the plain reading of the passage
does not support a pre-Trib rapture teaching, yet
that does not dissuade him from declaring it just
the same. He writes, "The Rapture of the
Christian is not explicitly taught in Revelation
4 but definitely appears here chronologically at
the end of the Christian age and before the
Tribulation" 8This is not taking the literal
interpretation of this text in any way!

• Rev 41 AfterG3326 R1theseG3778 thingsG3778
• 1) with, after, behind 1) this, these,
  etc.
• They say this phrase denotes a complete change in
  dispensations. It is after the church age
  after the rapture. This phrase does not mean that
  at all!

45
In fact, it is simply used to tell us the order
that John received the visions and is use
throughout the New TestamentJoh_322 Joh_51
Joh_61 Joh_71 Joh_1938 Joh_211 Act_1320
Act_1516 Act_181 Act_1921 Rev_119
Rev_41 Rev_79 Rev_912 Rev_155 Rev_181
Rev_191 Rev_203They then say the voice
like a trumpet is the trumpet of the rapture,
but it is the same voice that spoke to John in
Rev. 1!

• Rev 110 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day,
  and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound
  of a trumpet,

• There are too many more examples of improper
  exegesis to go over this morning

46
NotesTim LaHaye, No Fear of the Storm, p. 188.
John Walvoord, The Rapture Question, p. 72. Tim
LaHaye, No Fear of the Storm, p. 219. Hal
Lindsey, There's a New World Coming, p. 122. Tim
LaHaye, No Fear of the Storm, p. 240. Ibid., p.
220. John Walvoord, The Rapture Question, p. 72.
Tim LaHaye, Revelation, p. 76.
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Number Two"The Rapture is described as
imminent.9 "No unfulfilled prophecy stands
between the Christian and the Rapture, while many
signs must be fulfilled before the Second
Coming."10 This is known as the any moment
theory of the Rapture. It could occur right now,
or it could have occurred in Paul lifetime, or
that of Martin Luther.First, we know that world
events were not in place for the Rapture to have
occurred prior to 1948. In fact, only in that
past 20 years has the world been in the position
to fulfill all the prophecies about the last days!
48
Note the following quote by Walvoord, as he seeks
to establish the doctrine of immanency. "The
prospect of being taken to heaven at the coming
of Christ is not qualified by description of any
signs or prerequisite events. Here referring to
John 14, as in other passages dealing with the
coming of Christ for the Christian, the hope is
presented as an imminent hope."11 Did you get
that? By pre-Trib logic, because rapture passages
contain nothing to preclude immanency, they
somehow "prove" immanency! And they ignore the
fact that every passage on the Rapture gives
signs that will occur prior to the event!

• Joh 1428 "You heard that I said to you, 'I go
  away, and I will come to you.' If you loved Me,
  you would have rejoiced because I go to the
  Father, for the Father is greater than I.
• Jesus clarified when He would come later at the
  Olivete Discourse

49
Scriptural basis for the any moment
raptureTherefore be on the alert, for you do
not know which day your Lord is coming. (Matt.
2442). Be on the alert then, for you do not
know the day or the hour. (Matt. 2513). For
this reason you be ready too for the Son of Man
is coming at an hour when you do not think He
will. (Matt. 2444). However, in context, all of
these passage have signs that precede the coming!!
50
1Th 52 For you yourselves know full well that
the day of the Lord will come just like a thief
in the night. 1Th 53 While they are saying,
"Peace and safety!" then destruction will come
upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman
with child, and they will not escape. 1Th 54
But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the
day would overtake you like a thief 1Th 55
for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We
are not of night nor of darkness 1Th 56 so
then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be
alert and sober.
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1Th 52 For you yourselves know full well that
the day of the Lord will come just like a thief
in the night. 1Th 53 While they are saying,
"Peace and safety!" then destruction will come
upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman
with child, and they will not escape. 1Th 54
But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the
day would overtake you like a thief 1Th 55
for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We
are not of night nor of darkness 1Th 56 so
then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be
alert and sober.
This tells us plainly, we will see that day, but
it wont overtake us like a thief.
52
But it will overtake the apostate church like a
thiefRev 33 'So remember what you have
received and heard and keep it, and repent.
Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like
a thief, and you will not know at what hour I
will come to you.If you know the signs to watch
for, you will be awake and ready!Rev 13
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the
words of the prophecy, and heed the things which
are written in it for the time is near. 4 John
to the seven churchesRev 17 BEHOLD, HE IS
COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, and every eye will see
Him, even those who pierced Him and all the
tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is
to be. Amen.
53
If not knowing the day or hour of the Rapture is
told to the church, why, in Revelation is it only
for the apostate church?Mat 2436 "But of that
day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of
heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. Mat
2437 "For the coming of the Son of Man will be
just like the days of Noah.
54
Mat 2511 "Later the other virgins also came,
saying, 'Lord, lord, open up for us.' Mat 2512
"But he answered, 'Truly I say to you, I do not
know you.' Mat 2513 "Be on the alert then, for
you do not know the day nor the hour.
55
Mar 1329 "Even so, you too, when you see these
things happening, recognize that He is near,
right at the door. Mar 1330 "Truly I say to
you, this generation will not pass away until all
these things take place. Mar 1331 "Heaven and
earth will pass away, but My words will not pass
away. Mar 1332 "But of that day or hour no one
knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the
Son, but the Father alone. Mar 1333 "Take
heed, keep on the alert for you do not know when
the appointed time will come. no one knows the
day or the hour is a Hebrew phrase used often in
Jesus day and continues to today. It is talking
about a feast day.
56
There is one feast of the Lord that is called The
hidden feast. In fact, the sages of Israel
Have always said of it, no one knows the day Or
the hour of this feast The Feast of Trumpets
57
Walvord admits that there are NO passages
teaching the concept of imminence - . Instead, he
offers passages which, in his words, "contribute
to the concept of imminence." Among these are,
John 141-3, I Thessalonians 4-5, and I John
31-3.
58
Joh 141 "Do not let your heart be troubled
believe in God, believe also in Me. Joh 142
"In My Father's house are many dwelling places
if it were not so, I would have told you for I
go to prepare a place for you. Joh 143 "If I
go and prepare a place for you, I will come again
and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there
you may be also.

• Jesus later gave them the signs of His return
  Matt. 24
• About 25 years after the Lord spoke the words
  recorded in John 14, the Apostle Paul wrote a
  letter to the Christian at Corinth. In that
  letter (under the inspiration of the Holy
  Spirit), Paul revealed the mystery of the rapture
  of the Christian. "Behold, I tell you a mystery
  we shall not all sleep, but we shall 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 imperishable, and we shall be
  changed." (I Corinthians 1551-52). A mystery,
  according to Vine's Expository Dictionary of New
  Testament Words, is a truth previously withheld
  by God, but now made known by Divine revelation.

59
The second section of Scripture Walvoord offers
in defense of imminency is I Thessalonians,
Chapters 4 and 5. However, he makes reference to
just one verse "Therefore, comfort one another
with these words." (418). Walvoord does not say
how this passage contributes the concept of
imminency. He merely asserts the rapture had been
taught as an imminent hope. LaHaye, however, is
not so reticent. From this phrase, he develops a
"comfort" argument in favor of imminency. In his
words, "the hope and comfort aspect of the
Rapture demands that we escape the Tribulation,
being raptured out of this world before God's
wrath begins." 12

• He also forgets to frame this passage on the
  rapture in context the sign preceding the
  rapture

60
1Th 32 and we sent Timothy, our brother and
God's fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to
strengthen and encourage you as to your faith,
1Th 33 so that no one would be disturbed by
these afflictions for you yourselves know that
we have been destined for this. 1Th 34 For
indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you
in advance that we were going to suffer
affliction and so it came to pass, as you know.
1Th 35 For this reason, when I could endure it
no longer, I also sent to find out about your
faith, for fear that the tempter might have
tempted you, and our labor would be in
vain.(apostasy) 1Th 37 for this reason,
brethren, in all our distress and affliction we
were comforted about you through your faith 1Th
38 for now we really live, if you stand firm in
the Lord.

• Two signs persecution and apostasy

61
1Th 413 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. 1Th 414 For if we believe that
Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring
with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
1Th 416 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. 1Th 417 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. 1Th 418 Therefore comfort one another
with these words.

• In context, this was written to comfort them
  about those who died as Christian! The comfort
  is that they will be raised! Its the
  resurrection of the dead that is comforting!!!!

62
The third passage which, we are told, contributes
to imminency is I John 31-3. "See how great a
love the Father has bestowed on us, that we
should be called the children of God and such we
are. For this reason the world does not know us,
because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are
children of God, and it has not appeared as yet
what we shall be. We know that, when He appears,
we shall be like Him, because we will see Him
just as He is. And everyone who has this hope
fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is
pure."

• This verse actually supports the appearing of
  Christ at the Rapture and helps disprove the
  secret rapture misconception!
• Obviously, it offers no indication that a Coming
  of the Lord is without reference to signs.
  Walvoord, however, suggests the presence of the
  word hope amounts to an argument for imminency.
  "The hope of seeing Christ as He is and being
  like Him is a purifying hope." And this hope, he
  claims, "is realistic in proportion to its
  imminency." 13

63
To grasp the futility of this logic, we need only
view the formal argument.First premise
Christian should be concerned about the Coming of
the Lord for the Christian (the rapture). Second
premise If an event is imminent, Christian will
be more concerned. Conclusion The coming of the
Lord for the Christian is always presented as an
imminent event. Believe it or not, the three
passages above, along with their corresponding
arguments, represent the strongest "Biblical"
arguments to be found in behalf of this doctrine.
Little wonder Walvoord could not bring himself to
say these passages actually teach imminency.
64
Scripture NEVER presents the rapture as a
signless (imminent) event. But the problems for
imminency do not stop there. Perhaps even more
threatening is the fact that a number of
Scriptures seem to contradict the doctrine.
These problem texts imply that either an
extended period of time or certain prophesied
events must transpire before the Lord's return.
Following are six such texts
65
. The Lord's promise to Peter that he would die
at an old age. (See John 2118-19). Herein is a
huge problem for imminency. If the rapture was
presented as imminent, as pre-Tribbers maintain,
that means it could have happened at any moment
from Pentecost until now. Yet, the Lord, Himself,
prophesied that Peter would die an old man. This
prophecy directly contradicts the pre- Trib
doctrine of imminency

• That the rapture could occur at any moment. A
  number of years would have to pass before Peter
  became old and died. That means, at least during
  those intervening years, the rapture could not
  have occurred. Otherwise, Peter would have been
  translated, which would have made the Lord a
  false prophet.
• That the rapture is without reference to signs.
  Based on the Lord's prophecy, it was impossible
  for the rapture to occur before at least one
  future eventthat being Peter's death. The
  obvious implication is that the Lord did not
  teach imminency.

66
The parables which imply a long interval of time
before the Lord returns. (See Matt. 2514-30, the
parable of the talents Luke 1911-27, parable of
the minas). These passages argue against the
concept of an any moment rapture.FirstMat
251 "Then the kingdom of heaven will be
comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps
and went out to meet the bridegroom.

• Notice, they went out from the brides house to
  meet the bridegroom, meaning they knew the day,
  they simply did not know the hour of His coming.
• Usually the bridegroom came right at Sundown, as
  the first star appeared in the sky.

67
Mat 252 "Five of them were foolish, and five
were prudent. Mat 253 "For when the foolish
took their lamps, they took no oil with them,
Mat 254 but the prudent took oil in flasks
along with their lamps. Mat 255 "Now while the
bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and
began to sleep. Mat 256 "But at midnight there
was a shout, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to
meet him.' Mat 2513 "Be on the alert then,
for you do not know the day nor the hour. 1Th
54 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that
the day would overtake you like a thief 1Th 55
for you are all sons of light and sons of day.
We are not of night nor of darkness 1Th 56 so
then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be
alert and sober. 1Th 57 For those who sleep do
their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk
get drunk at night. 1Th 58 But since we are of
the day, let us be sober, having put on the
breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet,
the hope of salvation. 1Th 59 For God has not
destined us for wrath, but for obtaining
salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

• The wise virgins were those who were ready to
  wait, to endure, to overcome the night. They were
  alert to the dangers of worldliness and
  complacency.

68
Walvord, although admitting there are texts which
raise difficulties for the doctrine of imminency,
he states, "most of the hindrances to the coming
of the Lord at any moment in the first century no
longer exist. A long period has elapsed Peter
and Paul have gone home to the Lord only the
specific signs of Matthew 24-25 remain to be
fulfilled." Matt. 24 25 are the Rapture, not
the second coming!Mat 2436 "But of that day
and hour no one knows, not even the angels of
heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. Mat
2437 "For the coming of the Son of Man will be
just like the days of Noah. Mat 2438 "For as
in those days before the flood they were eating
and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage,
until the day that Noah entered the ark, Mat
2439 and they did not understand until the
flood came and took them all away so will the
coming of the Son of Man be. Mat 2440 "Then
there will be two men in the field one will be
taken and one will be left. Mat 2441 "Two
women will be grinding at the mill one will be
taken and one will be left. Mat 2442
"Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know
which day your Lord is coming.
69
Ulimately, the doctrine of imminency rests on
fear of two things
70
Pastor Chuck Smith said that if the Rapture
isnt imminent, no one would be in Christian.
They would know they had time to play until the
tribulation started, and then they would get
right with God.LaHaye also suggested that apart
from the anticipation that goes with an imminent
rapture, the Christian would become "carnal and
spiritually dead." In other words, he argues that
the Lord's return is imminent, simply because, in
his opinion, imminency is necessary for the
well-being of the Christian. Lahaye said that if
the Christian had to go through hard times, she
would not survive.I categorically disagree with
both statements!This is escapism mentality and
denies the Power of God to preserve His Christian
even if the gates of hell come against it!!!!!!!!

• Mat 1618 "I also say to you that you are Peter,
  and upon this rock I will build My Christian and
  the gates of Hades will not overpower it.

71
Tim LaHay writes, "It is impossible to understand
how a loving bridegroom, as the Lord presents
Himself, would permit His Christian (which
Ephesians 5 designates as His bride) to suffer
such a terrifying time just prior to their
wedding, marriage supper, and one-thousand-year
honeymoon." 14, "...and others were tortured,
not accepting their release, in order that they
might obtain a better resurrection and others
experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also
chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they
were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were
put to death with the sword they went about in
goatskins, being destitute, afflicted,
ill-treated (men of whom the world was not
worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and
caves and holes in the ground." (Hebrews
1135-38). And how did Peter comfort the
Christian of that day? It was through what could
be called another rendition of Paul's "blessed
hope" "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery
ordeal among you, as though some strange thing
were happening to you but to the degree that you
share the sufferings of Christ, keep on
rejoicing so that at the revelation of His
glory, you may rejoice with exaltation." (I Peter
412-13).
72
Today, Christians are being beheaded, tortured,
and killed for their faith all over the 10/40
window.We are told toJam 12 Consider it all
joy, my brethren, when you encounter various
trials, Jam 13 knowing that the testing of
your faith produces endurance. Jam 14 And let
endurance have its perfect result, so that you
may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
73
LaHaye's writings "Frankly, one of my principal
objections to the mid- and post-Trib theories is
their destruction of imminency. For if Christ
cannot come at any moment, these views cannot
instruct us to look for His return. Instead they
advise us to look for the inaugurating of the
Tribulation period, when AntiChrist signs a
covenant with Israel for seven years for the
rebuilding of the Temple, the mark of the Beast,
the advent of AntiChrist himself..." Yes, this
sounds like Gods Word!1Jo 218 Children, it is
the last hour and just as you heard that
antiChrist is coming, even now many antichrists
have appeared from this we know that it is the
last hour.

• This does not preclude the longing to go home and
  be with the Lord! The waiting for and looking
  for the signs that would indicate Christs soon
  return!
• Paul said Phi 121 For to me, to live is Christ
  and to die is gain.

74
Next Argument by pretibbers"It explains why
there is no Bible instruction on preparation for
the Tribulation." 1LaHaye writes, "Doesn't it
seem strange that although the Bible advises
Christians how to face ordinary, everyday
troubles, it submits absolutely no instructions
related to the worst time the world will ever
face, a period filled with frightening events
that have never even come close to being
fulfilled? Pre-Tribs have a simple answer. We
won't be there!" Folks, the Bible is filled
with information on how to endure to the end!
And encouragement to the Christian for the exact
events of the first 5 seals!

• In fact, almost 75 of the New Testament is
  instruction on how to persevere to the end,
  endure to the end, stand strong in the faith,
  fight the good fight, hold to doctrinal truth,
  etc.!!!

75
Rom 835 Who will separate us from the love of
Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or
persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril,
or sword? Rom 836 Just as it is written, "FOR
YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG
WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED."
Rom 837 But in all these things we
overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.
Rom 838 For I am convinced that neither death,
nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor
things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
Rom 839 nor height, nor depth, nor any other
created thing, will be able to separate us from
the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our
Lord.
76
Tribulation is to be expected in the life of a
Christian. "In the world you have tribulation,
but take courage I have overcome the world."
(John 1633). And again, "Through many
tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God."
(Acts 1422). In fact, afflictions are a
believer's destiny. "...for you yourselves know
we have been destined for this." (I Thessalonians
33). Persecution is also to be expected. "All
who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be
persecuted." (II Timothy 312). All periods of
calamity come from the hand of the Lord. "The One
forming light and creating darkness, causing
well-being and creating calamity I am the Lord
who does all these." (Isaiah 457). But, God is
faithful and will not allow us to be tempted
(tried) beyond what we are able to handle. (I
Corinthians 1013). Though sin is definitely in
view here, there is also an implication that God
will limit the amount of adversity that comes to
us.
77
We are not to be surprised at the presence of
affliction. "Beloved, do not be surprised at the
fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for
testing, as though some strange thing were
happening to you but to the degree that you
share the sufferings of Christ, keep on
rejoicing so that also at the revelation of His
glory, you may rejoice with exultation." (I Peter
412). We must never think the presence of
affliction suggests the Lord has abandoned us.
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution,
or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just
as it is written, 'For thy sake we are being put
to death all day long we were considered as
sheep to be slaughtered.' But in all these things
we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved
us." (Romans 835-37). We should keep a proper
perspective, weighing present trials against
eternal blessings. "For momentary, light
affliction is producing for us an eternal weight
of glory far beyond all comparison." (II
Corinthians 417). We should count it all joy
when we fall into diverse temptations (See James
12-4). And also, "But we also exult in our
tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings
about perseverance and perseverance, proven
character, and proven character, hope and hope
does not disappoint, because the love of God has
been poured out with in our hearts through the
Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 53-5).
78
We are not to fear death at the hands of our
persecutors. "And do not fear those who kill the
body, but are unable to kill the soul but rather
fear Him who is able to able to destroy both soul
and body in hell." (Matthew 1028). We must
entrust ourselves entirely to the Lord. "Let
those who suffer according to the will of God
entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in
doing what is right." (I Peter 419). We should
trust the Lord to see us through all our trials.
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous but
the Lord delivers him out of them all." (Psalms
3419). And also, the Lord is "my strength and my
stronghold, and my refuge in the day of
distress." (Jeremiah 1619). We must make prayer
and love toward the brethren our top priorities.
"The end of all things is at hand therefore be
of sound judgment and sober spirit for the
purpose of prayer. Above all keep fervent in your
love for one another." (I Peter 47-8). We must
persevere during times of tribulation. (See
Romans 1212). "For you have need of endurance,
so that when you have done the will of God, you
may receive what was promised. 'For yet in a
little while, He who is coming will come, and
will not delay. But My righteous one shall live
by faith and if he shrinks back, My soul has no
pleasure in Him.' But we are not of those who
shrink back to destruction, but of those who have
faith to the preserving of the soul." (Hebrews
1036-39). And again, "After you have suffered
for a little while, the God of all grace, who
called you to His eternal Glory in Christ, will
Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and
establish you." (I Peter 510).
79
General conditions during the TribulationExpect
deception. AntiChrist will come in accordance
with the activity of Satan, with all power and
signs and false wonders. (II Thessalonians 29)
In addition, "many false prophets will arise, and
will mislead many." (Matthew 2411). God will
cause unChristian to accept Satan's deceptions.
"And for this reason God will send upon them a
deluding influence so that they might believe
what is false." (II Thessalonians 211). Know
that Christian will be hated among all peoples
because of the name of Jesus. (Matthew 249)
Many who call themselves Christians will fall
away when persecution starts. (II Thessalonians
23). And from the parable of the sower, "And the
one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places,
this is the man who hears the word, and
immediately receives it with joy yet he has no
firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and
when affliction or persecution arises because of
the word, immediately he falls away." (Matthew
1320-21). Even friends and family will betray
Christians to avoid persecution. (Matthew 2410,
Luke 2116) Some Christian (but not all) will be
put to death. (Luke 2116). Matt.1033
80
Some pre-tribers quote the following for proof of
an early scholar who supported a
pre-tribEphraem, the Syrian, A.D. 373, "...all
saints and the elect of the Ruler are gathered
together before the tribulation which is to about
to come and are taken to the Ruler in order that
they may not see at any time the confusion which
overwhelms the world because of our sins."
 This is the only reference from antiquity that
appears to teach a pre-trib rapture, but when you
read it in context, we find that he is talking
about the rapture taking place after the
abomination of desolation!!But when the time of
the abomination of his desolation begins to
approach, having been made legal, he takes the
empire.... Therefore, when he receives the
kingdom, he orders the temple of God to be
rebuilt for himself, which is in Jerusalem who,
after coming into it, he shall sit as God and
order that he be adored by all nations ... then
all people from everywhere shall flock together
to him at the city of Jerusalem, and the holy
city shall be trampled on by the nations for
forty-two months just as the holy apostle says in
the Apocalypse, which become three and a half
years, 1,260 days. In these three years and a
half the heaven shall suspend its dew because
there will be no rain upon the earth ... and
there will be a great tribulation, as there has
not been, since people began to be upon the earth
... and no one is able to sell or to buy of the
grain of the fall harvest, unless he is one who
has the serpentine sign on the forehead or the
hand....
81
Further, this is not from Epraems works, but
from a writing called psuedo-Epraem. That means
it was not from Ephraem and cant be dated
accurately.  Jeffery, the pre-trib scholar who
quoted Epraem and said he supported the pre-trib
rapture also said the followingSome of the
early Christian writers wrote about the
persecution of the tribulation as if the saints
will be present. However, a number of early
Christian commentaries suggested that the
Christian will be delivered supernaturally before
the Great Tribulation. I agree with him! The
rapture will take place at the breaking of the
sixth seal the great tribulation!!
82
There are certain names, looking back through the
centuries, that stand out in Christian history
such as John Wyclif, John Huss, Martin Luther,
Philipp Melanchthon, Hulreich Zwingli, William
Tyndale, Nicholas Ridley, Hugh Latimer, John
Foxe, Edwin Sandys, John Calvin, Armenias, John
Knox, King James, Isaac Newton, Thomas Newton,
John Wesley, and every writing prior to 1830 AD.
It is of clear knowledge, that none of these men
believed that the Christian would be taken out
before the appearance of Antichrist. In fact, to
the contrary, they understood that the Christian
would suffer at the hands of AntiChrist and the
career of the man of sin, the Son of Perdition,
would be ended by the coming of Christ at the end
of the age.
83
George Ladd, seminary professor, after making a
survey of Christian history says "Every
Christian father who deals with this subject
expects the Christian to suffer at the hands of
Antichrist ...we can find no trace of
pre-tribulationism in the early Christian and no
modern pre-tribulationist has successfully proved
that this particular doctrine was held by any of
the Christian fathers or students of the Word
before the nineteenth century." The Blessed Hope,
pg. 31, George Ladd.
84
"The Didache", written after the New Testament,
is considered to be one of the earliest pieces of
Christian literature, stated that the AntiChrist
would come, that many would be offended and be
lost, and that this time of woe would be followed
by the resurrection of the just. The Blessed
Hope, Pgs. 20,21, Ladd.
85
Irenaeus (Polycarps disciple, and Polycarp was
Johns disciple)(130-202 A.D.) spoke of "the
resurrection of the just, which takes place after
the coming of Antichrist." He spoke of kings who
"shall give their kingdom to the beast, and put
the Christian to flight. After that they shall be
destroyed by the coming of our Ruler." "In the
end the Christian shall be suddenly caught up"
and having overcome, will be "crowned with
incorruption." It is evident that Irenaeus did
not believe in a pre-tribulation. Against
Heresies, Chap. 351 304, 261 291, Irenaeus.
86
Tertullian (160-240 A.D.) believed that
AntiChrist would rise to power and persecute the
Christian. He affirmed it was customary for
Christians to pray for a part in the resurrection
to meet Christ at the end of the world. On The
Resurrection of the Flesh, Chap.22, Tertullian.
87
Walvoord, in The Rapture Question, pg. 148 says
that neither pre-tribulation nor post-tribulation
rapture is taught in scripture. I agree, and
that leaves us with the pre-wrath rapture
view! Dr. Richard Mayhue, who teaches at
Masters Seminary and believes in a pre-trib
rapture states this in his The Prophets
Watchword, the Day of the Lord, pg. 181-182,
perhaps the position of pre-tribulationism is
correct although its proof at times has been
logically invalid Again, I agree. So what is
the logical teaching of scripture? It looks to
be the pre-wrath view
88
Yes, the Christian will be here until the great
commission is completed.It is a command to the
Christian and the final sign of Christs return
89
1Co 1519 If we have hoped in Christ in this
life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.
1Co 1520 But now Christ has been raised from
the dead, the first fruits of those who are
asleep. 1Co 1521 For since by a man came
death, by a man also came the resurrection of the
dead. 1Co 1522 For as in Adam all die, so also
in Christ all will be made alive. 1Co 1523 But
each in his own order Christ the first fruits,
after that those who are Christ's at His coming,
(Rapture)1Co 1524 then comes the end

• Mat 2414 "This gospel of the kingdom shall be
  preached in the whole world as a testimony to all
  the nations, and then the end will come.

90
1Co 1519 If we have hoped in Christ in this
life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.
1Co 1520 But now Christ has been raised from
the dead, the first fruits of those who are
asleep. 1Co 1521 For since by a man came
death, by a man also came the resurrection of the
dead. 1Co 1522 For as in Adam all die, so also
in Christ all will be made alive. 1Co 1523 But
each in his own order Christ the first fruits,
after that those who are Christ's at His coming,
1Co 1524 then comes the end
Note that the end is the end of the Christian
age. This happens at the Rapture of the
Christian. The fullness of the Gentiles have
come in. The end is when we have taken the
Gospel to all nations. Some may say this
isnt the Churches job

• Mat 2414 "This gospel of the kingdom shall be
  preached in the whole world as a testimony to all
  the nations, and then the end will come.

91
Act 16 So when they had come together, they
were asking Him, saying, "Lord, is it at this
time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?"
Act 17 He said to them, "It is not for you to
know times or epochs which the Father has fixed
by His own authority Act 18 but you will
receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon
you and you shall be My witnesses both in
Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even
to the remotest part of the earth."

• Mar 1615 And He said to them, "Go into all the
  world and preach the gospel to all creation.
• Mar 1616 "He who has believed and has been
  baptized shall be saved but he who has
  disbelieved shall be condemned.

92
The Great commission is given to the Christian!
We were given the Holy Spirit to fulfill the
great commission and see the fullness of the
Gentiles come in!So, when does the fullness of
the Gentiles come in?Rom 1125 For I do not
want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this
mystery--so that you will not be wise in your own
estimation--that a partial hardening has happened
to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has
come in Rom 1126 and so all Israel will be
saved

• We find that the fullness of the Gentiles come in
  at the same time Israel recognizes Jesus as
  Christ and is saved their hardened hearts are
  opened!
• Israel embraces Christ as Christ after the
  abomination of desolation. They are then taken
  to the wilderness and saved from the wrath of God
  and the persecution of Satan.

93
Rev 1213 And when the dragon saw that he was
thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman
who gave birth to the male child. Rev 1214 But
the two wings of the great eagle were given to
the woman, so that she could fly into the
wilderness to her place, where she was nourished
for a time and times and half a time, from the
presence of the serpent. Rev 1215 And the
serpent poured water like a river out of his
mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her
to be swept away with the flood. Rev 1216 But
the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened
its mouth and drank up the river which the dragon
poured out of his mouth. Dan 121 "Now at
that time Michael, the great prince who stands
guard over the sons of your people, will arise.
And there will be a time of distress such as
never occurred since there was a nation until
that time and at that time your people, everyone
who is found written in the book, will be
rescued. Dan 122 "Many of those who sleep in
the dust of the ground will awake, these to
everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and
everlasting contempt.

• The woman is Israel she is protected for 3 ½
  years in the wilderness the last half of the
  70th week of Daniel.

94
Daniel 12 breakdownvs. 1 now at this time
When? When the AntiChrist is back at the Holy
Mountain. He will come to an end - an end of his
world peace and governance. Michael is always
seen as the protector of Gods people, even
Moses, in Jude, where he fights over the Body of
Moses. time of distress such as never occurred
since there was a nation until that time It is
highly significant that our Lord Jesus in the
Olivet Discourse (Matt 2421) picks up and
enlarges on this prediction, saying "For then
there will be great distress thlipsis unequaled
from the beginning of the world .Jesus in
context says this will take place just after the
Abomination of Desolation! (this is the breaking
of the 6th seal)
95
Daniel 12 continuedVs. 2 the Resurrection -
imperfect tense - an incomplete action - an
action and another action. Our Rabbis agree -
some will resurrect here for everlasting life,
the others will not resurrect now, but will stay
in the ground to their shame and be resurrected
for judgement later. (Midrash, Rambam, haMishnah,
Sanhedrin 10, Saadiah, HaRamban, and
Emunos).Jesus taught two resurections in John
528-29 by teaching a "general" resurrection of
the righteous and a general resurrection of the
wicked.At Daniel 122, the angel taught Daniel
that there would be a general resurrection of the
righteous and one for the wicked.Daniel 1213
speaks of a resurrection at the end of the age.
96
There are only two resurrections!This clarifies
Daniel 12Rev 204 Then I saw thrones, and they
sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And
I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded
because of their testimony of Jesus and because
of the word of God, and those who had not
worshiped the beast or his image, and had not
received the mark on their forehead and on their
hand and they came to life and reigned with
Christ for a thousand years. Rev 205 The rest
of the dead did not come to life until the
thousand years were completed. This is the first
resurrection. Rev 206 Blessed and holy is the
one who has a part in the first resurrection
over these the second death has no power, but
they will be priests of God and of Christ and
will reign with Him for a thousand years.
97
John has elsewhere indicated that the kingdom
reign will be shared by every believer who
overcomes (226-28 312, 21) and is purchased by
Christ's blood (510). Also, in 1 Corinthians
62-3, Paul clearly speaks of all Christian--not
just martyrs--exercising judgment in the future.
Revelation 510 indicates that the kingdom will
be a "reign on the earth." The first
resurrection is the Rapture, and it happens after
the martyrs number is complete!This is just
after the 5th seal! Again we see a resurrection
taking place at the 6th seal!
98
And all Israel will be protected in the
WildernessRev 125 And she gave birth to a
son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations
with a rod of iron and her child was caught up
to God and to His throne. Rev 126 Then the
woman fled into the wilderness where she had a
place prepared by God, so that there she would be
nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty
days.(3.4 years)Rev 1214 But the two wings of
the great eagle were given to the woman, so that
she could fly into the wilderness to her place,
where she was nourished for a time and times and
half a time, from the presence of the serpent.
Whos the male child that was caught up
(raptured) at this point?
Rom 1125 For I do not want you, brethren, to be
uninformed of this mystery--so that you will not
be wise in your own estimation--that a partial
hardening has happened to Israel until the
fullness of the Gentiles has come in Rom 1126
and so all Israel will be saved just as it is
written, "THE DELIVERER WILL COME FROM ZION, HE
WILL REMOVE UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB." Rom 1127
"THIS IS MY COVENANT WITH THEM, WHEN I TAKE AWAY
THEIR SINS."
Israel is blind until the abomination! Thats
when the fullness of the gentiles come in!
99
The Male Child rules with a rod of Iron and is
raptured right after the Abomination of
Desolation.Rev 225 'Nevertheless what you
have, hold fast until I come. Rev 226 'He who
overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the
end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE
NATIONS Rev 227 AND HE SHALL RULE THEM WITH A
ROD OF IRON, AS THE VESSELS OF THE POTTER ARE
BROKEN TO PIECES, as I also have received
authority from My Father Rev 228 and I will
give him the morning star. Rev 229 'He who has
an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the
Churches.'
100
2Ti 212 If we endure, we will also reign with
Him If we deny Him, He also will deny usRev
510 "You have made them to be a kingdom and
priests to our God and they will reign upon the
earth." Rev 206 Blessed and holy is the one
who has a part in the first resurrection over
these the second death has no power, but they
will be priests of God and of Christ and will
reign w