Five Myths About the Rapture

Crisis Magazine ^ | November 2003 | Carl E. Olson

[redgolum]

That was one of the things we covered, but I had forgotten to mention it.
Dave, it appears that much of the RCC position on the End Times is similar to the LCMS. Is this accurate or a misunderstanding on my part?

To be honest, I don't worry a whole lot about the End. God has it figured out, and I will trust him to get it right.

[SoothingDave]

Dave, it appears that much of the RCC position on the End Times is similar to the LCMS. Is this accurate or a misunderstanding on my part?

I'm not a great scholar on the subject, tending to eschew it for other more concrete subjects. But it would not surprise me to find the Lutherans sharing much of our worldview. The greatest thing to be understood is that the main audience for the book was contemporary, as it described contemporary events.

To be honest, I don't worry a whole lot about the End. God has it figured out, and I will trust him to get it right.

Ditto. I trust the Lord's statement that we will not know the time over my own clever attempts to break the code. If we simply keep our noses clean and our oil supply ready to go, we won't miss out when the Prince comes for the wedding.

SD

[snerkel]

Do you know what an "ad hominem" is?

Yes. An ad hominem is a logical fallacy, subcategorized as changing the subject, used in an attempt to redirect the focus of the discussion to discussing the poster instead of the comments which have been made by the poster. There are several types of ad hom's, would you like those defined also?

My comment was right on target. You said that if I don't share your ultra-literal interpretation that I am "discounting" the Scripture. I provided a counter example where we are on the opposite sides.

I did? Could you direct me to the post?

It is perfectly relevant. I interpret "millennium" in the same non-literal way you do "Unless you eat the flesh of the son of man you have no life within you."

It is not relevant, it is a complete deflection from the topic of the discussion. As I stated earlier, what I believe in reference to transubstantiation has no relevance to this discussion.

[Cvengr]

IMHO, the Left Behind series isn't well established in a theologic timeline, but it is a method to fish for those who might come to Him via an interest in Prophecy and a 'Book-of-the-Month-Club' format.

[Cvengr]

You might find 'Things to Come' by Dwight Pentecost and "MidTribulation Rapture' by Rosenthal to be good seminary type study material on the topic.

My first response to the position that we are already in the Millenium and past the Tribulation is in reference to the 7 trumps, vial judgments, and bowl judgments.

We haven't seen these events transpire on Earth. A third of mankind hasn't been wiped out, a mountain hasn't fallen into the sea, waters haven't been made bitter, bugs made to torment man for 7 months haven't been unleashed,...just off the top of my head.

I'd fairly easily state that the Adversary hasn't been bound for the past 1000 years.

With respect the the Lord Jesus Christ, I sense he is still remarkably merciful and not ruling by a rod of iron at present.

In the timeline of human history future, there are still many dispensational lessons yet to be taught after this current age is past.

IMHO, we're still in the age of a race, a spiritual race now known as the Gentiles. God's promises haven't been broken, but rather added to by His grace.

Palestinain Covenant still hasn't been fulfilled. Israel land and a remnant still remain to be fulfilled.

[IGNATIUS]

All who've lived before experienced separation of soul and body---and such will most likely be the fate of today's pilgrims even though the Lord might finally indeed return to "judge the living and the dead" during our watch. But whenever that awesome time ending event occurs we meanwhile seek "a good defense before the Dread Judgement Seat of Christ" (liturgy of St.John Chrystostom).Eastern Orthodoxy teaches one to focus upon repentance and being prepared for either event.

The courage of those heroic martyrs who were torn apart,burned alive,beheaded,eaten by animals,starved,frozen,etc bears upon one's mind and heart. This two millenium history spans those who would not place even a little bit of incense on Caesar's altar to gain a more few years,those millions who died under militant Islam,and tens of millions who suffered the Christian Holocaust under Communism this past century.

So, why especially should Christians who just happen to be alive when the Tribulation starts be given a free pass?