Blessed Hope of the Rapture

Inevitability of God

Ken

“From everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God” (Psalm 90:2 KJV). True religion starts and ends with God. That is the inevitability of God. There is none like Him. Any attempt to build the Kingdom of God on any other foundation will “frustrate the grace of God” (Galatians 2:21) and aid the enemy in the delay of the return of our True King to take His place on the Messianic Millennial Throne of David. Herein is the seeming paradox of Christianity. Is our goal to fulfill the Great Commission of evangelizing the world with the saving grace of Jesus and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20), which requires more time; or, is it to warn the Church to be ready for imminent departure at the Rapture or Harpazō (1Thessalonians 4:17)? 

Both are true, but it is only the Holy Spirit, who will blend both goals for their appointed time fulfillment. Remember, all of the events of Acts 2 and the subsequent Church Age were directed by the Spirit of Christ to engage in the Great Commission, though the disciples were correctly awaiting the establishment of the Davidic Throne. “When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). The Holy Spirit managed the disciples by preparing them to direct their immediate attention on evangelism (1:8). But, our secret is we need not account for how the world will deal with all the world ending issues of human existence— though we are not oblivious nor insensitive to accomplishing the little we can — our emphasis must be upon keeping our hand on the Gospel Plow (Luke 9:62), strengthening the saints (Jude 1:20), and literally hastening our Lord’s return, i.e., “while waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2Peter 3:12 NET). 

Apparent delay will only use the enemy’s wrath to praise God’s name (Psalm 76:10) in the salvation of those previously unreachable. Jesus Christ is Yeshua the Anointed One, who will return not as a lowly sacrifice for our sins but as the KING of Kings and LORD of Lords (Revelation 19:16) to reign over us in an earthly kingdom. “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28).

To end as we started, our LORD is the Inevitable God. He will win the battle. “The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, He shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: He shall cry, yea, roar; He shall prevail against His enemies” (Isaiah 42:13). Righteous energy belongs only to the Almighty. The saints of God participate in the LORD’s inevitability only so far as we walk righteously. “God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God” (Psalm 62:11). What inspires us to right action? God’s Spirit. “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before His throne” (Revelation 1:4). 


Father, You are the “high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; [You] dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Isaiah 57:15). May Your Spirit direct us to keep our eyes upon Jesus that all will be done until it is the appointed time for our departure and Your Son’s return. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Your Name, we pray. Amen. 

Suffer the Little Children

Ken

“Lo, children are an heritage [literally, inheritance] of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is His reward” (Psalm 127:3 KJV). God’s original command to “be friutful, and multiply” (Genesis 1:28), contained not only the authorization for marriage and the family, but the supply and funding for the children, who are our inheritance from Him. When children are not viewed as an inheritance from the LORD, then society’s ills are multiplied. Throughout history children have been sacrificed to pagan deities, and God absolutely abhors it. “Say to the Israelites: Any Israelite or any foreigner residing in Israel who sacrifices any of his children to Molek is to be put to death. The members of the community are to stone him” (Leviticus 20:2 NIV). 

Jesus represents God’s highest exposition of Himself to us, since He is the Son of God. His declaration is, “Suffer [literally, let] little children [Greek, paidion, young children], and forbid them not, to come unto Me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). Jesus represents Himself as an attractive force for little children, who must not be forbidden from coming to Him. The problem is not if children should come to Jesus but how not to prevent them from coming. Our bringing “them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4) is like cooperating with gravity to keep us from becoming disattached from the planet. God’s Kingdom refers to Heaven, because it is His undisputed domain since Lucifer was cast out. Yahweh knew Lucifer would betray Him like Jesus knew Judas Iscariot would also. Jesus is the magnet for our children, and we must study how not to interfere with His attractive force with our children. 

We no more give ferrous metal the right to choose or reject its attraction to a magnet than we should give our children the opportunity to reject their attraction to Jesus. “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me” (John 12:32). Those who value the choice of rejecting Jesus, misuse and misunderstand their understanding and temptation. Timothy’s mother Eunice and grandmother Lois were responsible for feeding the understanding of God’s Word to Timothy. “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2Timothy 3:15). The Serpent introduced temptation to Eve, when he twisted and misrepresented God’s Word. “Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” (Genesis 3:1). 

How young is too young to bring children to Jesus? 

First, if they are old enough to follow the Lord, then they are not too young to be brought to Jesus. “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children” (Ephesians 5:1). 

Second, if they are old enough to obey the voice of God (the Word of God), then they are not too young to be brought to Jesus. “Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be My people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you” (Jeremiah 7:23). 

Third, mind you, I am not necessarily talking about old enough to take the loyalty oath of baptism or being written down in the church membership rolls, but old enough to have as much relationship to the Lord as can be had without declaring themselves Children of God by virtue of their Physical Birth. “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again” (John 3:7). 

Fourth, fear not so much too young of a profession, since all who confess Christ as Lord, must still persevere to the end. “And ye shall be hated of all men for My name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Mark 13:13).

Fifth, if they are too young to know they must love Jesus more than anything and anyone, including their own life, then they can be taught to follow Jesus, but the Holy Spirit needs to work this into their understanding before they can be confirmed in their faith. “If any man come to Me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26). 

Sixth, if they are too young or unaware of their need to bear the Cross of Responsibility toward the Lord, His Church, and the world, then they need to be taught to follow Jesus until the Spirit can impress their need of responsibility and suffering for the Lord. “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after Me, cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:27). 

Seventh, if they are too young or unaware of their necessity to forsake everything for Christ, then they still should be taught to follow Jesus, until the Holy Spirit can impress upon them their need of forsaking all for Christ. “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:33). 

In conclusion, if this seems too much for anyone, much less Young Children, and if it seems too much human responsibility and not enough of God’s grace, then we may begin to comprehend our need of the Holy Spirit to accomplish anything of Saving, Sanctifying, and Glorifying Grace in our lives. “And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (1Peter 4:18). 

Did we really think we were getting into Heaven because we willed ourselves to be and do all that God requires? Perish the thought! “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). It has always been God working, convincing, and inspiring us to obey Him; but, especially in this New Covenant Age, we have been given the “Gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). We were promised long ago an especial Advocate to Inspire, Assist, and Comfort us, the Blessed Paraklete, the Holy Spirit. Young Children need to be taught their Birth Right, as soon as they can receive it, after their parents comprehend it. “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27). 

And, this is only the beginning of our warfare until the Lord Returns for us (Rapture). 

Father, teach us to teach our children to come unto Jesus, as soon as we can comprehend our opportunity and responsibility. Grant us a vision of what You will accomplish in these Last Days before it is time for Your Son to return. Overcome the Wicked One, who would keep us in darkness about the Great Harvest You are about to secure. Open our eyes to what You are doing in the Name of Jesus by the moving of Your Spirit. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Your Name, we pray. Amen and amen.

Basic Christianity

Ken

“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment” (Hebrews 6:1-2 KJV). Elementary or Basic Christianity is built upon a foundation of: (1) turning away from self-righteous, dead works, i.e., “repentance from dead works” (6:1), (2) confidence or faith in the Living God, i.e., “faith toward God” (6:1), (3) pledging our loyalty to Christ through a public display of water baptism, and entering into communion with the Body of Christ through baptism, i.e., “doctrines of baptisms” (6:2), (4) reception of gifts of the Holy Spirit through the “laying on of hands” (6:2), (5) anticipation of our future physical resurrection from the dead or our reuniting with departed saints at the Rapture, i.e., “resurrection of the dead” (6:2), and (6) anticipation of our future reward, i.e., “eternal judgment” (6:2). Are these not already “principles of the doctrines of Christ” (6:1) or “elementary instructions” (6:1 NET) for us, so that we “may move on to maturity” (6:1 NET) or “perfection” (6:1 KJV)? First, since “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20), then dead works must be self-righteous works, which only justify us and not God, from which we are to turn away from in repentance. Second, to “have faith in God” (Mark 11:22) is fundamental to repentance. Third, willingness to pledge our loyalty to Christ in water baptism is fundamental to those whom “shall [not deny Christ] before men” (Matthew 10:33) and whom are “baptized into Jesus Christ” (Romans 6:3) and His communion. Fourth, recognition and preparation by others in the Body of Christ through the “laying on of hands” (Hebrews 6:2) is empowering disciples through the power of the Holy Spirit to make disciples, i.e., “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2Timothy 2:2 ). Fifth, preparing ourselves for the Resurrection or the Rapture — whether we are the “dead in Christ [who] shall rise first” (1Thessalonians 4:16) or “are alive and remain [who] shall be caught up together with them in the clouds” (4:17) at the “twinkling of an eye” (1Corinthians 15:52). And, sixth, the Bema Seat Judgment is the anticipation of those who have died in faith or were Raptured, to be rewarded and not punished, i.e., “For we must all appear before the judgment seat [Greek, bema] of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad [loss of reward, not punished]” (2Corinthians 5:10). Father, where we have poor understanding, strengthen us, because we desire to be those, who go on to maturity and perfection in the face of upcoming hardship. Number us among those, who seek to add to our understanding and who refuse to be at ease in Zion. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Your name, we pray. Amen and amen.

Importance of the Rapture

Ken

Perhaps the most difficult doctrine to believe is the Rapture of the Church. If you can believe Israel was prophesied a coming Messiah (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; Daniel 9:26), then you can believe the Church has been promised a Second Coming of that same Messiah. “Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11 KJV). But, is that a picture of the Rapture? No, it is not the Rapture. Then, what is the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ? The Rapture and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ are two separate events. Read on to see the difference. 

[This is intended as a more comprehensive read. Scan ahead to see how long. Come back later and examine the pivotal design of the Rapture.]

Question: What Scripture depicts the Rapture best? 

Answer: The Rapture (Greek, harpazō) is described best in First Thessalonians 4:16-17: “16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up [Greek, harpazō, caught up, violently but firmly plucked] together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1Thessalonians 4:16-17). Rapture and Resurrection are without debate, placed together by the LORD. This cannot simply be at the point of death of the individual saint. Prophecy demands more. “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter” (Proverbs 25:2). 

Christ’s Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) portrays the Rapture of the Bride of Christ: 

(1) In the Jewish custom, a marriage was contracted by the parents of the bride and the bridegroom, where the parents of the bridegroom would pay a dowry to the parents of the bride. “Now He that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest [Greek, arrhabōn, pledge, downpayment] of the Spirit” (2Corinthians 5:5). The Father has given His Holy Spirit as the downpayment for us to be His Son’s “bride, the Lamb’s wife” (Revelation 21:9). Both the “Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (22:17). Before the Rapture is consummated, there is opportunity for the Bride of Christ to be spiritually enlarged by new members of the Body of Christ. 

(2) The betrothal of the Bride came through God saving us by the “precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1Peter 19). We are now in the stage of awaiting the Bridegroom to come for us. “Which is the earnest [downpayment] of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:14). Though the actual coming of the Bridegroom is indeterminate, it is at hand, so the Bride must be careful to be ready. Christ’s Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25) depicts the Wise Virgins as those who are ready, and the Unwise Virgins as those who were foolishly unprepared. “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 24:44). Readiness involves believing and walking “in the light” (John 12:36; 1John 2:7) free of known sin, and conducting our Master’s “business” (Luke 2:49). 

(3) The Marriage Supper of the Lamb would be the next stage of the Jewish ceremony; however, even before the actual Marriage Supper, the Judgment Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10) or Bema Seat Judgment (2Corinthians 5:10) would seem to coincide with the opportunity to praise the Bride to be wedded and feted. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad [Greek, kakos, worthless]” (2Corinthians 5:10). 

Question: You say you believe in the Resurrection of the Dead in Christ. When will the Marriage Supper of the Lamb take place, if the alive and remaining Christians are caught up “to meet the Lord in the air” (1Thessalonians 4:17), who then accompany Him to defeat the Antichrist at Armageddon (Revelation 16:16), which is the Great Banquet of God (19:17 NET), feeding the flesh of the rebel kings to scavenger birds?

Answer: Scripturally, the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9) takes place directly before the Battle of Armageddon (19:16). What we know as the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is the Messiah’s return to defeat the Antichrist at Armageddon. “And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (19:16). The perceived difficulty is time. How can all these things take place? The answer is simple. “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” (2Corinthians 5:8). We change from our present dimension to the dimension of eternity. Everything promised by God can easily take place, because time will have no restriction or effect upon the outcome. God can easily Rapture Christians prior to the Beginning of the Seventieth Week of Daniel, conduct a Bema Seat Judgment, entertain the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, then complete the Second Coming Return at Armageddon, all within seven years. The catching up takes place before the Tribulation Week, while the completion of the Second Coming takes place at the End of the Seventieth Week of Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27). 

Significance of the Rapture 

First, the Literal Interpretation of the Word of God is the foundation of all doctrine, much less the Rapture. To be clear, the Literal Interpretation of the Word of God does not deny the use of figurative, parabolic, or poetic language; but, it insists that God is to be taken at His Word, meaning what He says, and saying what He means, as we allow for any other person. “God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good” (Numbers 23:19). God’s Word is absolutely efficient in accomplishing everything He says. “So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). 

As the amillennialists, who deny a literal Millennium is intended by the words “thousand years” (Revelation 20:2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7); because Peter used the comparative, “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2Peter 3:8); would they also fail to see the literalness of the Psalmist’s use of ‘thousand’ in Psalm 84? “For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Psalm 84:10). The Psalmist did not demand a ‘thousand’ to be the equivalent of a single ‘day.’ Neither should we force Peter to promote a ‘thousand years’ to mean only a day. Nor should we conclude John’s use of ‘thousand years’ to also mean only one day. “The premillennial return of Christ to institute a literal kingdom is the outcome of the literal method of interpretation of the Old Testament prophecies. It is only natural, therefore, that the same basic method of interpretation must be employed in our interpretation of the rapture question. It would be most illogical to build a premillennial system on a literal method and then depart from that method in consideration of the related questions. It can easily be seen that the literal method of interpretation demands a pretribulation rapture of the church” (p. 193, Things to Come: A Study in Biblical Eschatology (1965), J. Dwight Pentecost).

Second, the Doctrine of Imminency (coming at any moment) to deliver the Righteous, at Christ’s return for us, is reinforced with the Rapture, i.e., the Pre-Tribulational Rapture prior to the onset of the Seventieth Week of Daniel (Daniel 9:26). As far as can be known, the Rapture is the next thing that must be accomplished before the Tribulation Week can begin. “Waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Corinthians 1:7). “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). “The Lord is at hand” (Philippians 4:5). “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). “The Judge standeth before the door” (James 5:9). “I come quickly” (Revelation 3:11; 22:7, 12, 20). 

Third, a promise of judging the earth without harming the godly (as in Lot’s deliverance from Sodom) is the promise to be kept from the ‘hour of temptation’ — not simply overcoming temptation (1Corinthians 10:13) — was and is promised to the Church of Philadelphia, of whom Christ said, “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” (Revelation 3:10). Why such a magnanimous promise? Because He is the Most Generous Master and an Utterly Capable Judge. “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 [obedience], and hast not denied My name [faithfulness]” (3:8). Oh, to be counted among that number! 

Fourth, pray that you would be worthy to escape all the events of the Tribulation Week, as a testament to the promise of the Lord Jesus Christ. “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” (Luke 21:36). Though Pre-Tribulation Rapture adherents defend the concept of salvation by grace through faith, they must consistently abide by the literalness of Christ’s Luke 21:36 commandment with promise to watch and pray that we “may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass” (21:36), i.e., through a Pre-Tribulational Rapture. Remember, “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20). 

Fifth, our hope is in the Lord (Psalm 146:5), but thank God, He has emboldened us through His promise of Rapture and Deliverance, as we see the disintegration of the world around us. “But evil people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves” (2Timothy 3:13 NET). We shrink not from admitting the boldness and hope produced by the Doctrine of the Rapture. “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). 

Sixth, the Rapture solves a problem, not viewed by most as a problem. How does flesh and blood inherit eternity? Well, of course, God simply makes it to happen, when it is needed. Quite correct. But, can the Rapture be such an obvious solution? “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1Corinthians 15:50-53). The Rapture is the means to accomplish this inheriting eternity “in the twinkling of an eye” (15:52).  Thank you, Chuck Missler, for reminding of this thought (from The Rapture: Christianity’s Most Preposterous Belief). 

Seventh, the Church Age ends where Daniel’s Seventieth Week starts again. Most prophetic confusion comes from mixing or replacing the Church for Israel. When Scripture explicitly grants the New Covenant, made to Israel (Ezekiel 36:27) to be inherited also by the Gentiles, then no confusion takes place. But, when Daniel’s Seventieth Week begins, the Church Age has ended, since the Church has departed in the Pre-Tribulational Rapture. So, the Rapture returns the focus to Israel, who has been blinded since their rejection of Messiah Jesus (Romans 11:25). “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not” (Matthew 23:37).

Eighth, no Resurrection without the Rapture, and no Rapture without the Resurrection. “For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1Thessalonians 4:16-17). Debates about the Rapture would be reduced or eliminated, if the timing of the Rapture had to coincide with the Resurrection, which is what the above Sixth Point references. 

Ninth, no Church in the Seventieth Week of Daniel, and no Seventieth Week of Daniel with the Church. Ekklēsia (Greek, church) does not appear outside of Christ’s Seven Letters to the Churches in Revelation 2 and 3, except in the plural (22:16) as part of the epilogue at the end of the Revelation. The Church is absent from the discussions of the remaining 19 chapters of the Book of Revelation. Why? Because the Church has been Raptured. Immediately after the invitation given to the Church of Laodicea, the door promised to the faithful Church of Philadelphia, is offered even to Lukewarm Laodicea, of whom nothing good is said. To Laodicea: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20). Notice, immediately after the invitation is given to Lukewarm Laodicea, Revelation 4:1 begins with, “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter” (Revelation 4:1). 

No guarantee that any or all Lukewarm Professors of the Christian Religion repented of their lukewarmness, but it is notable that Christ cared enough to make the offer, to make it with the same door of deliverance from the “hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world” (3:10), then He opens the door with the Rapture. “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter” (4:1). Also, notice the phrase, “Come Up Hither” (4:1), coinciding with a Pre-Tribulational Rapture, appears again in the Resurrection of the Two Witnesses, when they are Raptured into Heaven in the presence of the entire world (11:12). The Two Witnesses are first resurrected from the dead, then they are raptured; so, understandably, some term this a Pre-Wrath Rapture. And, their Enoch-like (OT, previously translated without physical death), Moses-like (called down plagues on Egypt), or Elijah-like (OT, previously translated without physical death) ministry of calling down judgments upon the earth are immediately positioned before the Seventh Trumpet Judgment (11:15). But still, notice the absence of the Church in the Tribulation. 

Tenth, the Rapture of the Church accomplishes what the Apostle Paul said, “I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you” (Romans 10:19). In other words, the Gentile world, chiefly through the Church, will arouse the obstinate Jew to jealousy, because the Church escaped the Wrath of God of the Tribulation Week, which they now face. “I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy” (11:11). Our Salvation and Rapture will ultimately provoke the Jew and Israel to jealousy and finally to repentance. This is part of God’s masterplan to win back Israel. “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!” (11:33). Pray for all men; but especially, pray for the salvation of Israel. God most certainly will answer! 

Eleventh, the Restraining Influence of the Holy Spirit will obviously be removed, when all the Spirit Indwelt people are removed at the Rapture. “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He [the Holy Spirit] who now restrains will do so until He [the Holy Spirit] is taken out of the way” (2Thessalonians 2:7 NKJV). This will have the effect: (1) The right action promoted by the Holy Spirit with all humanity, will be felt less because the Christians are removed from the world, and (2) Satan will have to immediately offset this with “signs and lying wonders” (2Thessalonians 2:8-9). Remember, the bizarreness and outlandishness of the imagination will be available to the Wicked One, since the Holy Spirit has withdrawn His people to represent truthful opposition to Antichrist’s lie, that He is the God of the Universe. “And then shall that Wicked [Antichrist] be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming: Even him [Antichrist], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders” (2Thessalonians 2:8-9). 

Twelfth, the Rapture clearly distinguishes between Israel and the Church. The initial difficulty of the Apostles to comprehend the nature and scope of their present circumstances, i.e., do you need to become a Jew first before you become a Christian, illustrated the learning necessary to function in this Church Age. Debate as to who is “in Jesus” (1Thessalonians 4:14) or “in Christ” (4:16) “which are alive and remain” (4:17), are determined by our appreciation of the nature of faith. But, Spiritual Israel is now part of the Spiritual Church. Paul understandably answered the concerns of the Early Church over the reluctance of the nation of the Jews to admit Jesus to be their Messiah. Israel is temporarily relegated to a status of Blindness — but, not forgotten. “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in” (Romans 11:25). The Rapture is about the Church. The Second Coming is more about Israel. “And His [Messiah Jesus] feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south” (Zechariah 14:4).

NOTE: I have previously posted representing the Rapture as only a part of the Second Coming, which is more attractive to those who barely admit to the Rapture as an eschatological event. However, I would like to correct that emphasis. The Rapture (1Thessalonians 4:17) is a distinct and separate event from the Second Coming (Revelation 19:11-21), and both the Lord Jesus Christ and the Antichrist are well aware of the difference. A time separation between the two events of about seven years of a Tribulation Week (Daniel 9:24-27, especially v. 27) is sufficient for the prophesied events of Revelation 4 through 19 to take place. The Rapture is a Blessed Hope (Titus 2:13) for the Saints Departed and the Church Remaining to be reunited and gathered to their Lord, while the Second Coming is a fearful time of judgment and “fiery indignation” (Hebrews 9:27) upon those, who reject the KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. Honesty compels me to change my position, as often as I receive increased light or understanding to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2Peter 3:18).

Father, Your plans for the Church are “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20). Thank You for showing us how we rightly have this Blessed Hope of the Rapture. Fortify us that we may be “stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as [we] know that [our] labour is not in vain in the [You]” (1Corinthians 15:58). Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Nearly 2,000 Years of Coming Quickly?

Ken

Jesus said, “I come quickly [Greek, tachu, soon, suddenly]” (Revelation 3:11; 22:7, 12, 20 KJV). What part of nearly 2,000 years sounds quick? If He meant to keep us in a constant state of readiness, then He chose His words wisely. Did Paul think he might be alive, when Jesus returned? “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1Thessalonians 4:17). Yes, he seemed to include himself in that last statement of “we which are alive and remain” (4:17). But, don’t the words, “I come quickly,” lose their impact over the passing years? Not if you consider that “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2Peter 3:8). Isn’t that difficult language to use around small children? Only if they haven’t been growing. “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). We have been warned not to fall asleep, as if we would miss something, otherwise. 

“1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do” (1Thessalonians 5:1-11).

Father, make us to be ready. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Doctrine of the Imminent Return of Jesus Christ

Ken

If I had a theory that human history would be only 7,000 years, would that immediately qualify as entry to the Flat Earth Club? Until we can be persuaded by Scripture, a theory is only a theory, not doctrinal fact. And, we have no obligation to believe anything, unless necessity forces a choice. “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel” (1Corinthians 9:16 KJV). On the other hand, before Jesus ascended back into Heaven, He promised to return, but more important, He promised we would be present with Him. If that was only a promise of being indwelt by the Holy Spirit, He would not need to depart to prepare a heavenly place. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3). He was promising at any moment to return to us, fetch us, and bring us to be at that heavenly place with Him. He said, “Surely I come quickly” (Revelation 22:20); and, we were further instructed “to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come” (1Thessalonians 1:10). Coming quickly, while we are waiting qualifies for an Imminent Coming. “Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching” (Luke 12:37). 

You can see that a Pre-Tribulational Rapture fits nicely with the Doctrine of the Imminent Return of Jesus Christ. 

  1. The Lord draws near, standing before the door. “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the Judge standeth before the door” (James 5:7-9). 
  2. Wake up. “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” (Romans 13:11).
  3. Throw off. “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light” (Romans 13:12).
  4. Put on. “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Romans 13:14).

Father, may we be a blessed servant found watching to “be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” (Luke 21:36). Help us to keep our garments clean. Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen. 

First Coming Is Incomplete Without The Second Coming

Ken

“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28 KJV). Our salvation is complete, when we shall come into His presence at His Second Coming, for we shall lose our present corrupted bodies of flesh and become like Him. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is” (1John 3:2). We are saved from the penalty of sin (eternal death), the effects of sin (physical suffering), and the power of sinning (necessity to commit sin). 

All will confess to being saved from eternal death, since the “gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). 

According to our faith, some will lay hold of physical healing in the atonement, i.e., “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5 cp. Matthew 8:16-17). 

But, possibly the most overlooked benefit in the Atonement is the Gift Within the Gift — the giving of the Holy Spirit. We are saved from the necessity to sin by the inspiration of the Indwelling Holy Spirit to cause us to obey Him. “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27 cp. Acts 2:38). 

We certainly will have all of these fulfilled by the time we stand in His presence at His Second Coming. “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).

Father, only You can give us full deliverance, but as always, it is according to our faith. You saved us not just to deliver us from eternal pain or physical suffering, but to gain for Yourself a people devoted to Your obedience by Your Spirit. May we embrace this truth and overcome the wicked one by faith. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, amen.

How to Be Ready for the Rapture

Ken

“We which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1Thessalonians 4:17 KJV). In the Second Coming of Christ, if the Rapture represents Christ’s “caught up [Greek, harpazō, snatched away]” (4:17) saints, who meet Him in the air before they return with Him, then a ready state of heart must be present in the disciple, as represented in the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), where “oil” (25:3) represents the Holy Spirit. Perseverance or readiness is not simply an assumed theological condition based upon ‘praying Jesus into your heart’ or ‘baptism,’ though you need to do both. Rather, readiness understands it is “God which worketh [Greek, energeō, is working] in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). You can tell if the Holy Spirit is inspiring you “to do of His good pleasure,” (2:13), because you are presently walking in loving obedience. “And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him” (Acts 5:32). Obedience is not the forced act of a fearful slave under an overbearing tyrant, but it is the sweet submission of a trusting child to a Loving Father. 

[This is the short version, but scan ahead to see a more developed explanation. The following will disappoint those desiring a discussion of the Mark of the Beast, who is the Antichrist, the Battle of Armageddon, etc., but it may surprise those who have not been inclined to study prophecy.] 

Simeon and Anna: Ready for Christ’s First Advent

What story speaks of those who were ready for Christ at His First Advent, because it will instruct us about our being ready for Christ at His Second Advent? Remember the story of Simeon and Anna from the birth of Jesus and His dedication in the Temple? “There was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him” (Luke 2:25). He was “just and devout” (2:25), while he waited for the “consolation of Israel” (2:25). He knew from the OT Scriptures that Israel was promised a “Messiah” (Daniel 9:25, 26); but, it required the teaching of the Holy Spirit for Simeon to connect Daniel’s prophecy with Isaiah’s “light of the Gentiles” (Isaiah 42:6; Luke 2:32) and to conclude this was the one prophesied by Isaiah, who would later cite Isaiah’s prophecy in Luke 4:18-19, stopping short of the phrase “and the day of vengeance of our God,” since that would be for the Messiah’s Second Coming: “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified” (61:1-3). Would we have been like Simeon, walking with justice and devotion awaiting the Messiah? Simeon had oil in his lamp like the Five Wise Virgins (Matthew 25). 

And, “Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four [84] years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:36-38). She “served God with fasting and prayers night and day” (2:37), indicating complete devotion, which we all can do from an upright heart. “Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in His commandments” (Psalm 112:1). “Stablish Thy word unto Thy servant, who is devoted to Thy fear” (119:38). Anna immediately recognized Jesus as the Promised Messiah, because she was looking for Him, i.e., “And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). Anna, walking in complete devotion, had oil in her lamp like the Five Wise Virgins (Matthew 25). 

The Holy Spirit’s Righteous Restraining Influence Removed

The biggest difference we can make for the world of those around us, is for the Spirit’s righteous restraining influence to be felt, when we are removed at the Rapture. Obviously, our righteous actions in holding back or restraining wickedness has significance, for we do not and should not contribute to the wickedness around us. “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” (Matthew 5:13). Both intentionally and unintentionally, our righteousness influences or effects those around us.  “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid” (5:14). Even inadvertently, our righteousness has an effect upon the world around us. Jesus said that “it cannot be hid” (5:14) by the most introvert disciple. And, all of this is foundational and comes prior to our obedience in spreading the Good News of Salvation and building the Kingdom of God through the Great Commission. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20). 

Why Righteousness Is So Important Yet Misunderstood 

Or, Am I More Into Being Right or Righteous?

First, righteousness is right action or doing right, which means Almighty God is the source of all righteousness. We intuitively know this, but look at the Scriptural evidence to anchor that in our understanding. 

  1. “That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from Thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25). 
  2. “The LORD is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works” (Psalm 145:17).
  3. “O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto Thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither Thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against Thee” (Daniel 9:7). 
  4. “In His [Messiah’s] days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is His name whereby He shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Jeremiah 23:6). 
  5. “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1John 2:1). 
  6. “If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him” (1John 2:29). 
  7. “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous” (1John 3:7). 

Second, righteousness or right action was possible in the beginning, and must still be possible today, or it would be unrighteous of God to require it, on penalty of sin. However, though righteousness may be possible, it is unlikely without the help of the Holy Spirit. And, now we have the comfort and aid of the Holy Spirit to inspire obedience and accomplish righteousness. Consider the Scripture: 

  1. “All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death” (1John 5:17). 
  2. “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:4). 
  3. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).
  4. “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27). 
  5. “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:13-14). 
  6. “Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:21). 
  7. “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently” (1Peter 1:22).

Third, righteousness is most commonly misunderstood as a checklist of right actions, e.g., keeping the Ten Commandments, instead of continually maintaining a right relationship with our Righteous God. A right relationship primarily with God will always give you secondarily a right relationship with “your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 19:19 NET). Our righteous conduct with our neighbor is the result of our rightly relating to God. To be clear, righteousness is primarily a right relationship with God, and any relationship demands the active participation of both God and you. The Pharisees prided themselves in the keeping of the Law, and even added traditions or embellishments, that no one could ever keep. However, they ignored practical examples of righteousness: Enoch (walked with God), Noah (walked with God), Abraham (friend of God), David (man after God’s own heart). Whenever we see the word “righteousness” in Scripture, if we substitute “right relationship,” we will possess a better appreciation of righteousness. 

  1. “And he [Abraham] believed in the LORD; and He [the LORD] counted it to him [Abraham] for righteousness [as a right relationship with Himself]” (Genesis 15:6 KJV). 
  2. “By faith Enoch was translated [raptured] that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony [walking with God in a right relationship], that he pleased God” (Hebrews 11:5). 
  3. “These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God [in a right relationship]” (Genesis 6:9). 
  4. “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you [not walking in a right relationship], that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). 
  5. “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of [a right relationship with] God” (Romans 10:3). 
  6. “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself [restoring a right relationship with Himself], not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2Corinthians 5:18-19). 
  7. “For through Him we both have access [of a right relationship] by one Spirit unto the Father” (Ephesians 2:18). 

In conclusion, our Blessed Hope is Jesus Christ, but the hope of His Return and our soon Rapture is legitimately, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). If we understand righteousness to be primarily a right relationship with Christ, and further comprehend our relationship must relentlessly be pursuing Christ, i.e., “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14), then we will be continually looking for Him. “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28). With that persistent heart attitude, we will be ready for the Rapture. Even so, come Lord Jesus, amen. 

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