Posted on 03/08/2024 9:36:46 AM PST by Roman_War_Criminal
If you read through the New Testament, you’ll quickly notice how its various authors point their readers back to the first Book of the Bible: Genesis. Peter, Paul, and the Lord Jesus Christ all interpreted Genesis 1-11 as real, literal history. In fact, the Lord Jesus draws a fascinating parallel between the calling up of the Church from this world (the pre-tribulation Rapture) and the dramatic events that occurred during Noah’s life.
Consider how Jesus used the historical backdrop of Genesis 6-9 to illustrate an important truth about the pre-tribulation Rapture: “But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matt. 24:37-39 KJV).
There are a number of details that we can unpack from Jesus’ statement(s) here, but I’d like to begin by pointing out the context of what was going on during Noah’s day. According to Genesis 6:5, “the wickedness of man was great in the earth.” This was a time of immense wickedness and moral depravity. Demonic activity was interfering with the created order (Gen. 6:1-2), and the hearts of men were dead set on doing evil continually in the sight of God, demonstrating a full-scale rejection of the Creator and His laws.
In the words of Martyn Iles, “We crave the status of Creator. We want to redefine what he has already defined. We have forgotten that we are dust.”
Certainly, the men and women of Noah’s day were content with living as they saw fit, choosing to forge their own way in this world and forgetting that it was God who set the standard for how human beings are to live.
Interestingly, Jesus shares some details of what people were occupying themselves with in the days that led up to the Deluge: they were eating, drinking, and partaking in marriage. We know that God’s perfect design for marriage had already been corrupted and compromised by man (refer to Gen. 4:23) by the time Noah had been born, so it’s likely that many people were participating in polygamy and other perversions of God’s pattern for the one-man and one-woman union that He instituted in the Garden of Eden.
I think Jesus’ point, however, is that people were doing their usual routine when the waters of judgment suddenly fell upon them. They were so caught up in their normal, day-to-day affairs that they were unaware of the times in which they were living. It’s likely that their hearts had been so hardened from years of unrepentant, rampant sin that they were completely ignorant of eternity and the things of God.
This kind of ignorance was not an excusable ignorance, either, because we know from Scripture that all people are aware of God’s existence (Rom. 1:20) and possess a conscience that is capable of differentiating right from wrong. This kind of ignorance was a willing, intentional one brought about by constant rebellion against God and His Word. As a result, Noah’s generation was blindsided by the onset of the Flood and the ensuing cataclysm.
Sadly, it seems as though many in our world today have also neglected the things of eternity in favor of what’s temporary and material. The Scriptures plainly teach that Christians should be on high alert for the coming of our Lord Jesus in the air (Lk. 21:34-36), especially since we do not know when this wonderful event might occur. It very well could be tonight, or it could be a few months from now. The reality is that we don’t know! Nevertheless, we can (and should) learn from Noah’s example so that we will be ready when our Lord comes back.
While the majority of people were busy in their routines, Noah was busy working on the Ark that God had commanded him to build. He was resolute in carrying out the task that God had given him to do, understanding the gravity of the situation (even though there hadn’t ever been a global Flood before). At the same time, Noah was also busy preaching the truth!
Peter referred to Noah as “a preacher of righteousness.” What an amazing testimony to have! There’s even an ancient Jewish tradition that purportedly reveals the contents of Noah’s preaching: “Be ye turned from your evil ways and works, lest the waters of the flood come upon you, and cut off all the seed of the children of men.” If there’s any truth to this statement, we can see that our forefather in the faith was preaching a message of repentance to his brothers and sisters in Adam. Noah was pleading with them to turn from their wickedness and kneel before God while there was still time.
I want us to ask ourselves this question now: are we encouraging people today to do just that? To turn from wickedness and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation while there is still time?
This should be the very heart of our evangelism efforts and outreach. Jesus is our ark of salvation, and He has invited all people to lean upon Him in true faith and repentance!
If perchance you are reading this article and the Rapture has already occurred, there is still hope for you yet. Flee to Christ for salvation as the very name of God is a strong tower and a place of refuge from danger (Prov. 18:10). Though the coming days will be difficult, you can rejoice and take comfort in knowing that your eternal destiny is secure with Christ, just as Noah and his family were secured by God aboard the ark.
As we wait for the coming of our Lord in the air, may we learn from His teaching and take His Word as He has written it. Genesis 1-11 is the historical foundation for the rest of the Bible, and it was Jesus who has given us a valuable lesson about our way out from the coming destruction by referring to the life of Noah and the events of the Flood. Jesus was not bringing up a fictional fable to articulate a real, eschatological event. He was pointing back to real history so as to warn those with ears to hear about the danger of missing the real Blessed Hope.
As soon as we start to spiritualize or allegorize elements of the Bible that are clearly literal events, this unlocks the door of compromise. Instead, a good understanding of God’s Word from beginning to end will allow us to better comprehend “all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) and point others to the Creator.
I agree!
THE HOUR is coming on the world - not The Church.
Note the usage of “Earth Dwellers” or “those that dwell on the Earth” in Revelation.
It’s used 11 times in Revelation:
Revelation (3:10; 6:10; 8:13; 11:10 2xs; 13:8, 12, 14 2xs; 14:6; 17:8).
Bkmk
“Time to start talking about a 7 year pretribulation Rapture, and buckle up for the persecution to come.”
Some of us are still waiting for you to make good on your promise that if Christ did not return on September 23, 2017, you would admit to being a false prophet:
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/3587124/posts?page=1#13
For months we went round and round on many prophetic issues, and you were so adamant that it was simply impossible that you could be wrong or that the rapture would not occur when you predicted. Then the time came and went, and you never admitted your error. And here we are 7 years later and you seem to be talking about these issues as if you learned nothing from your catastrophic error.
Are you going to admit it like you said you would?
Even if you don't your post is there for all to see that you indeed are a false prophet. Your posts are rejected.
Sadly, we've seen a number of false prophets on these forums.
As much as I’m inclined to engage in yet another lengthy debate on the finer points of eschatology, I’ve stated my case repeatedly in favor of the pre-wrath rapture view.
Rather, I think I’ll share a couple of links to some prophecy-inspired songs that I found moving. I think many believers might be edified by them regardless of your particular persuasion on the specifics of the rapture.
This song, “Watchman”, is by Josh Garrels and was released today:
https://open.spotify.com/track/1bIsLjXl7s874EnRkjIDHK?si=7298e34009134f3f
His earlier song, “Revelator”, is amazing in its capture of the splendor of the message of Revelation:
https://open.spotify.com/track/1tGCFrQFPYEYUKGtJu1FP5?si=08948a1853f84192
If you can’t/don’t access Spotify you can find these songs on other platforms like Apple Music and YouTube.
Anyway, if it’s not your cup of tea, I understand, but some might appreciate these songs.
A great Thomas Ice pdf on earth dwellers can be found at:
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1045&context=pretrib_arch
So thanks — this will start my devotion time tomorrow.
Hey , I believed the Calvary Chapel pre-tribulation rapture teachings. Having the Rev 12 Great Sign show up seemed to fit the start of the Seven Year Tribulation. Especially since there was another Eclipse seven years later. Sorry to have interpreted the signs wrong. Really sorry that you are so offended.
“Well, the good news is that redeemed by the Blood of Jesus Christ believers who refute the “rapture” or when it does or does not take place will still take part in it!”
No disagreement there.
“Of course, the wicked at heart will rejoice that all these people have simply disappeared...free stuff for the taking, lots of job openings, depopulation, etc.”
And can you imagine the tens of millions murdered, raped, and tortured in the ensuing carnage following the Rapture?
It is the Black Swan event Globalists are hoping for too - they know about, they believe it will happen, and are preparing their lies to cover it up.
There’s no such thing as a “Secret Rapture”. All will witness it.
Unleaner: I view you as a Brother in Christ. We may slightly disagree on the timing of these things - but it’s trivial man. You add an extra flavor to the discussion and help dust off the nonsense that is clearly way out in left field on these threads.
I don’t have spotify, but I will google these nonetheless.
Titus 2:13 is written on my heart:
“looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,”
If I am wrong about it - I’m wrong. I still get a crown right? 2 Timothy 4:8
I think you will too.
A lot of good folks believe in Pre-Wrath.
One thing is for sure, the longer - The True Body of Christ lives on Earth, the more Grace, Strength, and Endurance we’re going to need. I don’t know about you, but my spirit groans daily here.
God Bless You Brother - Love in Christ always!
Bro:
Thanks for the links and your posts!
I pray you have a blessed weekend!
The Bible says no man knows the date or hour yet you chose to believe a group that claimed they knew in clear contradiction of the Word.
In fact, you were positive it was going to happen.
And here's another whopper from you.
*****
To: Carpe Cerevisi
Fake News! And it doesn’t end in 2024. That is the start of 1000 years without Satan or demons.
5 posted on 9/19/2017, 4:32:08 PM by SubMareener (Save us from Quarterly Freepathons! Become a MONTHLY DONOR) [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies | Report Abuse]
*****
Sorry to have interpreted the signs wrong. Really sorry that you are so offended.
I'm not offended at all.
However, you have been shown, like many before who try to say this date or that date the Rapture will happen, to be wrong.
Which means you are a FALSE PROPHET.
Now you appear to further compound your error by refusing to admit you are a false prophet when you said you would.
Playground rules. Put up or hush up.
You need to hush up.
Wow!
What a heart wrenching story!
Like a hit in the gut.
I can relate to this young man’s story. My first child was miscarried - and now in Heaven in the Loving Arms of our Father.
But the pain is still there.
I pray this young man reaches out to Jesus for His needs. Maybe this circumstance happened to bring him into the fold?
The Lord will make life miserable for folks who are His or will be His until they get on their knees.
The heart-hardening in these last days is just sickening.
These lost just seem to want to embrace their eternal damnation. As if it’s their goal - their prize.
Just wow!
Thank you, brother. Likewise.
I believe it is important when reading, learning, and sharing Bible prophecy to focus on the primary purpose of God giving us prophecy in the first place. Knowledge of end-times events is certainly important and one of the purposes of prophecy, but it is not the main purpose.
I Corinthians 13:2 NKJV
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
I Corinthians 8:1b NKJV
Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.
Revealing Jesus is the main purpose of prophecy.
Revelation 19:10 NKJV
And I fell at his feet to worship him [i.e. the angel]. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
Luke 24:27 & 45 NKJV
And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself...
And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.
The book of Revelation is not merely a revealing or unveiling of the future, it is the revelation of (about/concerning) Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. He is eternal and almighty.
Revelation 1:8 NKJV
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
He has the power over life and death, Heaven and Hell. He is the final Judge and Arbiter of right and wrong, eternal punishment and reward.
Revelation 1:17-18 NKJV
And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.”
He alone is worthy to determine the destiny of the world.
Revelation 5:1-7 NKJV
And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it. So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.
If our primary fascination with Bible prophecy becomes just the knowledge of things to come, we will be like Peter who was awestruck at the presence of Moses and Elijah but lost sight of the incomparable person and presence of Christ.
Matthew 17:5-8 NKJV
While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
Keeping receipts!
That’s quite a tool to have in the bag..
Christ's second coming is loud and visible, BEFORE the angels gather the elect. The false secret rapture theory is none of that...life as normal until all of a sudden people are gone. THAT is why it's called secret. Understand?
“I am not aware that there was any definite teaching that there would be a SECRET rapture of the Church at a SECRET coming, until this was given forth as an utterance in Mr. Irving’s Church, from what was there received as being the voice of the Spirit. But whether anyone ever asserted such a thing or not, it was from that supposed revelation that the modern doctrine and the modern phraseology respecting it arose. It came not from Holy Scripture, but from that which falsely pretended to be the Spirit of God, while not owning the true doctrine of our Lord’s incarnation in the same flesh and blood as His brethren, but without taint of sin."
Watch therefore is meaningless, if you cannot know the season. The Wise men knew that Jesus was to be born. They were watching the signs. There is a Hebrew Holy day that cannot be known, it must be watched for. THIS is that day of His coming. By keeping track of the Calendar of Yehova, when the new year starts, when each month starts et al, you can know when things are close. Gods Holy days predict the events, from Birth to Resurrection, to the return.
This book; “It was a Riddle, not a Command”, opened up my perspective beyond the Sunday sermon point of view. I highly recommend it.
“Tribulation” and “Wrath” are two different things. The first is allowing Lucifer to have a short season to wreak havoc, and “Wrath” is Father God pouring out judgement.
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