After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”
Rev 4:1
Many believe, as I do, that this transition in the Book references the Translation that we who are alive, informed, and left until the coming of the Lord will experience. I am "encouraged" by this - and I hope you are, too.
And to reiterate, this event is not the Second Coming... that event comes some time later.
These are things I believe, based on careful study of God's Word - and a heart that is open to learn.
Amen! It sounds like some people think Rapture believers are simply duped by end-time preachers, books and movies instead of arriving at the belief by conducting a careful and faithful study of the word of God. I would never question whether someone is a genuine Christian based upon their belief or rejection of the Rapture - that is not what gives us eternal life. There are “disputable matters” - matters of conscience in which God has given us liberty and we shouldn’t quarrel over them to the point of division or anger. That does not honor the Lord.
Also,in chapter 3:... I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock...(No more open door for the church that is admonished..."I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire")