The key is to be ready no matter if the Rapture does or does not happen.
I’ve always interpreted when Christ said that one will be taken and the other left as a cautionary note that not one of us knows which of us is really saved. The best person we can think of may have sins only known to them that will keep them out of heaven.
Thank-you for this needed instructions.
It is clear that major and minor prophets continually refer to the second coming, the hope of Israel, occurring for the remnant of Israel and thereby all Israel shall be saved Romans 11. The Lord is described specifically as returning to the Mount of Olives( as I write this I’m within walking distance of that very location) where he will set up his Millennial Kingdom to rule and Reign for a thousand years. Now if people want to refer to the Rapture as his prophesied second coming for the Remnant remnant of Israel, so be it. Book chapter and verse available upon request
The more I read and study the Bible and pray, I’ve come to a “theory” that I can best describe in an analogy:
In the world of art, there is a practice where a painting is covered over in white, and a new painting is applied. And a current painting may have several paintings under it. One can, with the right process, peal back the painting to see the paintings under it. In fact, I believe that some greats have been discovered that way.
So, when the bible talks of “the whole earth”, it is really referring to the SURFACE of the earth. And it was destroyed in the great flood and will be destroyed before the new Jerusalem comes in for a soft landing. But what about before that?
I propose, that as we peal back the “layers” of the surface of the earth, we find Neandertal, we find Dinosaurs, we find ancient civilizations, etc.
In fact, the bible really doesn’t speak of “forever”. There is no Greek word for it. It speaks of “ages”. I can only imagine after this “surface” is destroyed, that there will be age after age after age. But here’s the kicker - there may be age after age after age BEFORE genesis 1.2 After all, it says “in the beginning”. It begs the question, “The beginning of what?”
I submit that it aligns with the teaching of the bible to answer the question with this: “The beginning of this particular set of ages.”
There is so much more going on than we could possibly imagine, and even what we DO know about our reality is far beyond what the writers of the Bible could comprehend.
Christianity is not for the weak of heart and mind.
Not knowing the day or the hour isn't just God being mysterious again. You really aren't supposed to know.
Sloppy.
“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.“
I’ll meet the Lord in the air - caught up to be with Him forever.
If someone else rejects God’s plan, it’s on them...
Unless you stand too close to me when it happens.
I intend to grab a sinner in each hand when He catches me up.
>>> Christ will return to resurrect, to purge, to heal, and to establish the eternal kingdom of God on this earth.
lol... you believe Jesus will resurrect, but you do not believe He will rapture?
The rapture IS the resurrection... the resurrection of the Body of Christ.
and btw... “Rapture” comes from “Rapturo” meaning to be “caught up or snatched away unexpectedly... FOUND in the Latin translation of the bible (one of the earliest translations which was not widely used)
WE (the body of Christ) are NOT appointed unto wrath.
The tribulation period is ALL ABOUT God’s wrath upon the earth.... and the restoration of Israel to the true Messiah.
Excellent post!
All of our words and deeds
will echo forever into eternity.
May God have Mercy on us all.
Be Ready!
7
Your commentary shows you have excellent intelligence. But like the Pharisees prayers that are but words falling on deaf ears, your intellect will not help you meet and experience Christ.
You can read and know every word of a bicycle operating manual, but still not know how to ride. It is similar with meeting Christ Jesus.
Most Christian’s proclaim Jesus as you Saviour, as I do. Then they treat Jesus as a lifeguard that can pluck you out when drowning (save you when you die.) While Jesus can do that, which would you sooner have, a lifeguard that waits until you are drowning to rescue you, or a lifeguard that teaches you how to swim?
Jesus is teaching us how to swim (act as Jesus would) and when we do, we too will do the things that He does and even more with Him in us.
It really is that simple.
Jesus is here already, but those without ears can’t hear Him and those without eyes can’t see Him. We must be raised up to do so. How do we raise up? By following the two most important commands He gave us.
Just as a swimmer can raise up in the water, those who embrace Jesus in Love can raise up in consciousness. When you do, you are born anew and experience Jesus.
Thanks for posting will review later
This will be a Good thread.
I’m sorry, but Jesus said that he is going away to PREPARE A PLACE FOR US, admittedly not HERE. That where He is there we may be also.
I don’t know how else that passage could be interpreted any other way without a lot of tortured pretzel logic. Jesus was more plain-spoken than you give him credit for.
Not to say that we won’t be back, or that that place won’t be the permanent dwelling for us. But there it is.
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The English word “rapture” may not be in the Bible just like “Trinity” is not, but the original Greek texts use the word “Harpozo.” The meaning of Harpozo in Greek is to take, snatch by force or catch up. The Latin word is “Raptura”. That’s most likely why we hear people use the English word “rapture” nowadays. Even though we know the basics as described in the Bible, some of the details of the way things play out may be left to speculation. No matter how this goes down,, whether it be Pre-trib, Mid-Trib, Post-trib or someway else, it is a day I hope that followers of Jesus pray that comes quickly.
A proper understanding of Old Testament scripture is necessary if one wishes to understanding NT scripture and he Book of Revelation. There are over 600 references in Revelation to the OT. Jesus wiping away every tear doesn’t occur until eternity. If the author doesn’t have those basic facts correct, he certainly can’t understand deeper eschatological doctrine.
Versus "THIS generation" as referring to the generation that sees these signs. I do not get into prophecy debate much (and am suffering from a gall bladder attack), but it seems like if Revelation was fulfilled in 70A.D, then you must believe that:
The Lord has come and gathered together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." (Matthew 24:31)
The great river Euphrates was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. (Revelation 16:12)
The great city Babylon has been thrown down, so that it has been "found no more at all". - Revelation 18:21
And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, has been heard no more at all in it; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, , has been found any more in it ; and the sound of a millstone has been heard no more at all in it ; (Revelation 18:22)
The devil has been "cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season." (Revelation 20:3)
Or that all these prophecies are somehow allegorical, as with the extensive description of the future temple in Ezekiel.
Sorry: I do not buy it.