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Now is the time to preach endurance, not escape
Living in America, it is easy to develop a theology of escape, one that says, “When times get hard, God will remove us from the scene. When real tribulation comes, we will be long gone.” But is that the attitude we should be encouraging? Is not the gospel made for hard times? In the last decade, Christians in Syria suffered bombing, hunger, torture, exile, and death. They did not escape the hard times. To this moment, Christians in Nigeria are being butchered and beheaded and raped and kidnapped. They have not escaped the hard times. Some years ago, pastors in the state of Orissa, India, were given a choice as gasoline was poured over their wives and children. Deny Jesus, and you all live; refuse, and your family will be burned alive in front of your eyes. They did not escape the hard times either. In fact, throughout Church history, God’s people have experienced living hell in this world, and throughout history, we have survived. Moreover, throughout history, we have overcome and thrived. READ MORE: The “Rapture”: Fact or Fallacy? Introduction: Regretfully, a great majority of those under the banner of Jesus’ Name are ignorant of the reality that - hundreds of thousands of Christians worldwide are being tortured and beheaded, and their homes and churches are being torn down to the ground. They are being burned alive, their daughters are being raped and sold to the highest bidders for sex slavery and forced into child marriages. It’s in our everyday news - many hide their eyes from the genocide that is happening before our very eyes - some are burned alive, some are put into vats of acid, some are crucified - being hunted down like wild animals and slaughtered. Where is the outcry from the men of God, who are chosen to speak out against the atrocities and terrors perpetrated against those who live under the banner of Yeshua’s Name? How many preachers have you heard speak to you about these crimes against Christians in their weekly sermons? How many Pastors have petitioned for their churches to pray for the persecuted families in Jesus across the globe? There is a strange silence in most assemblies. Why do you find most churches strangely silent about Christian tribulation - as if it isn’t happening? I am convinced that many preachers are bound up and say nothing - because it would bring attention and apparent contradiction to what they have been teaching in their eschatological constructs. Namely, a doctrine called “the Rapture.” As we will discover in this study, there will be a separation and gathering of both the followers of Jesus and those who have chosen to live their lives their way. One will be taken – the other left. Yeshua was very detailed in His discourse about how and when He would come back to gather His Faithful. I’m saying this upfront - I believe the Pre-Trib Rapture teaching to be one of the greatest insults to those precious souls dying daily for their faithfulness to Jesus. I will show you why I believe this to be true. It is my prayer that you will take an honest look at the evidence with me, which speaks volumes against this twisted eschatological fantasy. So now let’s check it out: The paradigm of the rapture is that the coming of Yeshua will take place in two separate stages. The first will be a secret rapture—or a carrying away of the saved to heaven—at the beginning - or middle of seven years of tribulation, during which the antichrist will appear. The second phase of Yeshua’s Coming occurs at the close of tribulation - when Jesus will return to Earth in triumph and glory. As Jesus comes down to rescue the believer from suffering and great trouble, the Christian disappears. For all the world knows, the only trace evidence of this secret rapture is found in the clothing left behind as they are whisked away, with the majority unaware of what had just happened. Many are out doing their daily routines, and all of a sudden - poof – the believer darts into heaven - and the rest of the world is left behind to experience what they think is God’s Wrath - when, in fact – it is Satan’s. This is the scenario taught among a broad base of Pastors, preachers, and theologians. Some of the Rapture portraits believers have concocted would be funny - if it weren’t for the severe nature and consequences of believing in this maligned doctrine. Oh, by the way, it is a doctrine that can be traced back to the last couple of hundred years. The proponents of this teaching argue that the disciples and early church fathers believed in a two-phase coming of Jesus. However, those willing to take a careful look at the Bible will see that the rapture theory doesn’t stand up to the scrutiny of Yahweh's Word. In recent times, the rapture was popularized in the 1970s by the prophecy expert Hal Lindsey. Hal wrote “The Late Great Planet Earth”- a book that outsold the Bible in the 1970s. Two other books – “The Rapture”- and “Vanished into Thin Air” - surfaced to promote and deepen this theological perversion. Oh - by the way, he postulated that Jesus would come back no later than 1988. That should have been a clue to someone. From there, others joined in. Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye popularized the rapture theory in their book “Left Behind.” “Left Behind” tells the story of the end times - in which true believers in Jesus have been "raptured" or (taken instantly to heaven), leaving the world shattered and chaotic. Lahaye also became the founder and president of Tim LaHaye Ministries and founder of the Pre-Trib Research Center. He became very wealthy by promoting his concept of how believers are “taken” to heaven before the great tribulation in the “great escape.” According to the late Jerry Falwell, “In terms of its impact on Christianity, "Left Behind is probably greater than that of any other book in modern times, outside the Bible.” In my estimation, I believe this series of popular books (the Left Behind Series) solidified the modern rapture teaching as truth, making it very popular among most evangelical churches. It is interesting how Bible Teachers twisted the Scriptures to fit such an unbiblical - two-phase - Second Coming narrative. What does the Bible have to say about the how and when? “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God—and the dead in Christ will rise first." Then, we who are alive and remain shall be caught up (Raptured) together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) Contextually, this passage is a conclusion to what the writer began - reassuring those who had lost loved ones - that they should not grieve as one who has no hope – but – will see their deceased loved ones again, to those who had believed: “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13) Then Paul explains precisely how this will happen chronologically: “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.” Yes - he reaffirms to the readers that we have hope that one day we will see our loved ones again. Those who have “fallen asleep” (died) will God bring them back to life. They will be with Yeshua. Then, he further explains - exactly how (chronologically) this will happen: “According to the Lord's Word, we tell you that we who are still alive - who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede (go before) - those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Thessalonians 4:15) Please notice from this revelation – the “Rapture” will not be for us - who are alive on this Earth, when He comes back – UNTIL – Jesus calls the dead up out of their graves. In our beginning text (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17), we discovered these basic facts concerning the details of the “Rapture”: 1. The Coming Rapture will be a very audible event: He descends to Earth with a Shout - so loud - that the dead are going to wake up out of their sleep. Add to this: The Archangel’s Voice - loud enough for the whole world to hear. And the horn is going to blow Yahweh’s Trumpet blast, ushering us into His New Kingdom! 2. The focus of Yeshua’s First Reward will be to raise His believers from the dead to Eternal Life. This is the First Resurrection. Two groups are given His Attention when He comes back: the deceased and those who endured until the end. Yahweh’s very first action will be to Resurrect those out of the ground who loved Him: “The dead in Jesus rise first.” 3. The following Order of Business for Our Savior is clearly outlined. After the Resurrection of the Just, His focus then shifts to those who survived. “Then” – after the first resurrection, He gives His Reward to those alive, transforming them from Mortal to Immortal. 4. After the Resurrection, the transformed will be “caught up to meet them (the resurrected dead) in the air.” Let’s get this in order – the dead go up to meet Jesus in the air first, as then Jesus brings with Him the incorruptible to reunite the living with the dead, both now clothed in immortality. We are meeting them both in the sky. Oh, what a happy reunion that will be! Not only that - but the absolute ecstasy will be: “And so, we will be with the Lord forever.” (1 Thessalonians 4: 17) In conclusion to this, the Apostle Paul sums it up by saying: “Therefore comfort (encourage) one another with these words.” (v18) Yahweh’s Word admonishes us to instill hope - to those who have lost loved ones. For many – they live with no hope. They do not believe there is life beyond the grave. Many never get over the grief of losing a loved one - because they think the dead are gone forever. However, a believer in Jesus has hope. According to what we have just examined, we will be together with the Lord Forever! This should both comfort and encourage us! Some would have you believe that these Scriptures are giving us comfort because the Rapture of the church happens before the great tribulation in these passages. That is reading into the text – something that is not there (eisegesis). Here are the facts to build our understanding - 1) the resurrection happens first, and 2) The “caught up” happens afterward. When is the Resurrection? With this definite sequence of truths, let’s explore what the Bible reveals about when the resurrection will occur. If we can determine the timing of the raising believers from the dead, then - we can ascertain when the believers are “caught up” afterward. We understand that the Apostle Paul declares that Yahweh’s Trumpet will blow as Yeshua comes to “reward each one according to their works” (Matthew 16:27). Let’s add to this additional information concerning the Trumpet Blast that ushers in eternal life. The Resurrected are raised at: “The Last Trumpet”: “Behold, I tell 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 Trumpet.” For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52) There is another dimension in this passage that complements the text in Thessalonians. This revelation provides us with additional insight into the “when” the Trumpet blows: at the Last Trumpet.” Those who have studied the “trumpets” recognize that there are many Trumpet blasts that will usher in Yahweh’s Kingdom – just before He arrives. In essence, resurrection ensues at the sound of the “last” trumpet. Here are more details: “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” (v.53). This instant transformation must take place – as it is written: “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.” (1 Cor 15: 50) "How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?" (v35) “So, it will be with the resurrection of the dead: The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable…in a moment in the twinkling of an eye – at the Last Trumpet” (v42, 51) “it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.” (V.43) “For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality - then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” (V.53-54) The most inconceivable moment of excitement has arrived - when the reality of eternal life through Yeshua comes with a Pay-Day attached to it.! Now that we have established that the dead are raised "at the Last Trumpet,” let's find out where we can find a “Last Trumpet” in another part of the Bible. There are Seven Trumpets found in the Book of Revelation - His Warnings of Impending Judgment. Yes, there will be six warnings to the Earth in the First Six Trumpets. But on the Seventh and Last One, that’s when the Righteous are rewarded. Payday has arrived: “Then the seventh angel sounded, and there were loud voices in heaven, shouting from Jesus and the proclamation of the Archangel, saying,' The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.'” This is the Day of Intervention. Now – He Destroys those who had destroyed the Earth, and - the Restitution has arrived. Yeshua becomes King and will Reign with Righteousness Forever! This is when it will all take place - at the Last Trumpet when the eternal one replaces the Temporal World. It is at this last Trumpet (7th) - that the reward of eternal life is granted: Yes! Yeshua will be handing out what He had determined. This is also the time when Yahweh's Wrath is poured out into a scoffing world. Now - let's look at the Timing of this powerful world-shaking event found in Revelation: "I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, and the whole moon turned blood red, Remember these signs - "after the tribulation." This prophetic picture of the signs in the heavens pinpoints when the Day of Wrath Comes - after the unleashing of the Sixth seal. Along with the very audible-visible revelations about His Coming so far, let’s look at another prophetic picture of how Jesus described His Coming –when it would happen and what will take place: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. _ (Matthew 24:25) Remember – just before Yeshua Comes back to give a reward – that is when the Trumpet Judgments are unleashed – that the powers of the heavens will be shaken. There will be no mistaking these very troubling signs coming from above. The Earth has been brought to the Day of Reckoning. For many, there is no way out now. Another critical piece of information pinpointing His Return is “after the tribulation of those days.” The sensible way to interpret the above evidence – is to read it just as it reads. After the tribulation, Yahweh’s Judgments are hitting the Earth: As the first Trumpet sounds – the power of the heavens begins: This prophecy collaborates - when and where these signs are coming from. Let’s now take a look at what happens – as the Trumpet Judgments fall on an unrepentant Earth: After the Tribulation, following the Trumpet Judgments, they see Yeshua Coming on the clouds of heaven – the sight of “power and great glory.” Oh – there’s that Trumpet again! This time, Yeshua describes the Trumpet: “And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” (Matthew 24:29-31) This is the Resurrection Day. This indicates that the signs preceding the Lord’s coming will occur after the tribulation. His Coming will be ushered in with the Great Sound of a Trumpet. According to this truth, they (all the peoples of the Earth) will see Him Coming in the clouds, and all of them will mourn. There are no indicators that suggest this Coming Event will be in secret. From what we have discovered so far, there is nothing to back up a secret “Rapture” where the wicked do not know what happened to their loved ones who were “taken” - and where they are taken to. Quite the contrary. In Revelation - John collaborates: “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of Him” … (Revelation 1:7) Again – the same - identical testimony: Yeshua Coming in the Clouds - all the peoples (every eye) will behold and mourn (cry out) because they are terrified by beholding the One who is Coming to bring His Wrath on this sin-sick planet. This is Harvest Time. We discover this - in yet another revelation: “I looked, and there before me was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one like a Son of Man with a crown of gold on his head and a sharp sickle in his Hand. Then - another angel came out of the temple and called in a loud voice to him who was sitting on the cloud, “Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe. So - He who was seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.” (Rev 14:14 -16) At the same time - the command goes out: “Take your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the earth’s vine because its grapes are ripe.” The angel swung his sickle on the earth, gathered its grapes, and threw them into the great winepress of God’s Wrath. (Revelation 14:18-19) Here is how our Savior explained this same picture of gathering - at Harvest Time: “The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are Angels: Yes - Jesus Commands His Angels to do the harvesting. We must understand the chronological sequence of events: “Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time, I will tell the harvesters: “First, collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then, gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.” Jesus made this clear-cut warning: “Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night, two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.” (Luke 17:33-35) Again – there is evidence here that both the good and the bad will be together. According to Jesus, the Angels will gather first the wicked. Ultimately, when the angels gather, the evil will face a Fiery Judgment. Contrary to popular opinion, it is not the believer that is taken – but the wicked. Continuing in this discourse, Jesus then introduces a person who is asking the whereabouts of the “taken”: “Where, Lord?” they asked. He replied, “Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather.” First of all, common sense would dictate that the question of “where” would be directed to the one who is no longer in the field or grinding at the mill. Why should one ask about the one who is left? The one remaining in the field is still there - still in the same spot. The question relates to the one that was taken. “But as the days of Noah were, so shall ALSO the coming of the Son of Man be. Just as in the days before the flood, they continued to eat and drink, marry and give in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark. And they knew not until the flood came and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.” According to this critical prophecy, the wicked and Noah lived together until the Flood. Jesus said very clearly that the “taken” were the evil. Noah and his family were the only ones “left” on Earth. There seems to be a lot of confusion as to who the “Left Behind” are! 9 out of ten will say that - it is the believers that are taken into heaven and the wicked left on Earth to suffer the Great Tribulation. Let’s go back for a moment and review our findings thus far: This is payday for both the wicked and the believers. This will be the Day when Yahweh will repay those who afflict the saints and when the saints will “be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will repay trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to those who are troubled... This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with His Powerful Angels." (2 Thessalonians 1:5 -7) Yes – on that Day, He will come back with His Angels to gather both the wicked and Righteous with compensation in mind. The wicked will be gathered to be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the Presence of the Lord and the Glory of His Might - on the Day He comes to be glorified in His holy people - and to be marveled at among all those who have believed." (2 Thessalonians 1:9 -10) Paul tells us what happens after the Resurrection: "For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ, all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then those who belong to Christ at His Coming; then comes the End, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. (1 Corinthians 15:20-23) Jesus will Resurrect His Faithful - on the Last Day: “This is the will of the Father who sent me, that of all that He has given me, I should lose nothing but should raise it up on the Last Day." “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I, Myself, will raise him up on the Last Day." “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the Last Day.” “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the Last Day.” (John 6:39, 40, 44, 54) Paul prophesied of this same day - when he would get his reward: “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only - but also all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8) Jesus will deliver us from His wrath: “Wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.” Only the wicked are appointed the wrath of God - salvation for the believer: “For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus,” The dead in Jesus will stay in the grave until the wrath has passed over: "Your dead shall live; together with my dead body, they shall arise.” Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust, for your dew is like the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. Come, my people, enter your chambers and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment until the indignation is past. For behold, the LORD comes out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity.” (Isaiah 26:19-21) Job understood when he would be resurrected: “Oh - that You would hide me in the grave, that You would conceal me until Your wrath is past…” (Job 14:13) Conclusion: The Dead are raised on the Last Day, at the Last Trumpet, and then comes the end. At this time, the ones who have remained faithful until the end – those who are alive will be gathered up (Raptured) with the resurrected on that Day. The believers will not suffer God’s Wrath - but will be delivered to eternal life. Thoughts are coming together to provide a complete picture of Yeshua: "He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him." Hebrews 9:28 |