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Rapture of the Church

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What is the Rapture of the Church?


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Rapture - What is the Rapture of the Church? Videos & Articles. When Does the Rapture take place? Are You Ready for the Rapture? Rapture Scriptures & Videos of John MacArthur & others. What does Rapture mean? Go right to the: Rapture Article


ON THIS PAGE - QUICK LINKS:

1 - INTRO - RAPTURE - BY SO4J-TV
2 - END TIMES - VIDEOS
3 - SCRIPTURES ON THE RAPTURE
4 - RAPTURE ARTICLE



 


Rapture Video - Are You Ready?

 

Rapture - Intro


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Intro Commentary: By Martha Mac / SO4J.com ® / SO4J-TV & Video Productions

Rapture of the Church - What is the Rapture of the Church? In short Rapture means to be Caught Up. Before Jesus comes back to Earth to Judge the World & Set up His Kingdom (2 Tim 4:1), He is going to Rapture the Church— True Repentant Believers. (1 Thess 4:16-18, 1 Cor 15:51-56, 1 Thess 5:1-11, Matt 25:13). Jesus is going to take them off this Sinful Ungodly World, and Transform their Bodies into Glorious Bodies— it will happen in the "Twinkling of an Eye" (1 Cor 15:51-56). Rapture Scriptures Here

WHEN Does the Rapture of the Church Happen? The Bible indicates that the Rapture should happen sometime before what is called the Tribulation— and there are Many Believers who believe the Rapture could happen PRE-Tribulation, and some believe it will happen right before the GREAT Tribulation (i.e. called PRE-Wrath)..etc. This page is NOT a Debate FOR or AGAINST: Pre, Mid, or Post-Tribulation. Below we have Videos & an Article to help one to get some Basic Information as to What Exactly is the Rapture (?), etc..but as far as the actual Timing of the Rapture— No matter when the exact Arrival Time is for Christ to Rapture & Take His Church (Bride of Christ - Eph 5:27)

Jesus told us:

"BE READY...(He) is COMING at an HOUR you do NOT EXPECT."
John MacArthur - Rapture of the Church


True Believers who endured until the End will then be: Rewarded in Heaven at the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Cor 3:10-15, 2 Cor 5:10, Matt 25:14-30)— They'll later return with Jesus (Rev 19:14) at the 2nd Coming of Christ (Rev 19:11-18), & then Rule & Reign with Jesus Forever!

End Times - Videos
End Times Videos

CHAPTER INFO IN THIS ABOVE VIDEO:

  • END TIMES VIDEO: INTRO - PART 1 of 7
  • END TIMES VIDEO: PROPHECIES OF JESUS - PART 2 of 7
  • END TIMES VIDEO: NATION OF ISRAEL - PART 3 of 7
  • END TIMES VIDEO: RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH - PART 4 of 7
  • END TIMES VIDEO: ANTI-CHRIST RISES - PART 5 of 7
  • END TIMES VIDEO: ANTI-CHRIST RULES WORLD 666 - PART 6 of 7
  • END TIMES VIDEO: ARMAGEDDON/RETURN OF JESUS-PART 7 of 7

Rapture Scriptures

(and More)
"We Shall Behold Him" By Sandi Patty (FULL)


*FYI - LABOR PAINS: Jesus talked about "LABOR (BIRTH) PAINS" in: Matt 24:8, Mark 13:8...when talking about the Tribulation.

 

 

Days of Judgment & More Scriptures: 2 Pet 3:3-15, 2 Pet 2:5-10, Matt 24:3-51, Luke 21:7-36, Mark 13:4-26



The Rapture - Article


Jesus is Coming - Are You Ready? SO4J-TV & Video - SO4J.com


By Amazing Bible

 

ARTICLE LINKS:

  1. THE RAPTURE: WARNING
  2. WISE & FOOLISH VIRGINS
  3. THE RAPTURE - IN BRIEF BY SCRIPTURE
  4. THE RAPTURE - IN BRIEF BY SCRIPTURE 2
  5. THE RAPTURE
  6. HAS THERE EVER BEEN A RAPTURE BEFORE?
  7. THE TWO QUESTIONS
  8. WHEN WILL THE RAPTURE COME IN RELATION TO THE OTHER EVENTS? HE MOST RENOWNED SCHOLARS
  9. CONFUSION AND MAKING GOD'S WORD OF NO EFFECT
  10. COMMANDS TO WATCH
  11. THE WATCHMAN
  12. SOUND BIBLICAL REASONS SHOWING THE RAPTURE IS DURING OR AFTER THE TRIBULATION
  13. SOUND BIBLICAL REASONS SHOWING THE RAPTURE IS PRIOR TO THE TRIBULATION
  14. 7 FEASTS OF ISRAEL
  15. SOUND BIBLICAL REASONS SHOWING THE RAPTURE IS PRIOR TO THE TRIBULATION CON'T
  16. SOUND BIBLICAL REASONS SHOWING THE RAPTURE IS PRIOR TO THE TRIBULATION CON'T
  17. SOUND BIBLICAL REASONS SHOWING THE RAPTURE IS PRIOR TO THE TRIBULATION CON'T
  18. WHAT HAPPENS TO A PERSON'S BODY THAT IS RAPTURED?
  19. WARNING
  20. FINAL NOTE -HOW THE SAINTS WOULD REACT TO THE TRIBULATION, IF THEY KNEW WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE
  21. JESUS IS ANNOUNCED TO THE HUMBLE

QUICK LINKS FOR THE WHOLE PAGE:

1 - INTRO - RAPTURE - BY SO4J-TV
2 - END TIMES - VIDEOS
3 - SCRIPTURES ON THE RAPTURE


1 - The Rapture - Warning
People Get Ready Jesus is Coming!

The Rapture comes next. Just before the Rapture, we might expect some kind of a warning that Jesus is now returning to rapture "His" people. It may be a warning that only some will recognize.

It will be too late for those that are not watching and ready. God’s Word admonishes us,

The Wise & Foolish Virgins - Matthew 25:1-13


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Get Ready! - Steve Lawson

Then it continues "Be likened unto." The ten virgins represent ten Christians. These are ten people that believe in Jesus. They had lamps, and their lamps were burning. They went forth to meet the Bridegroom. All ten were waiting for the return of Jesus Christ to come for them.

The next verse defines the difference between being wise and foolish."

These had oil in their lamps, but they failed to take extra oil in their jars. The oil represents the Holy Spirit, which can be illustrated in the lamps that burn in the tabernacle and in the temple. These were not prepared to wait a long, long time for their Bridegroom to come and take them.    

The wise had oil in their lamps and also took additional oil in their jars. These were prepared to wait as long as it would take, till the Bridegroom would come and take them away. They knew what to expect. They made the needed preparations. They were prepared to replenish their lamps as needed. The foolish did not prepare. They did not know what to expect. They were not prepared for the long wait and all that might go along with it. Their root withered away.

The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep-NIV. The Bridegroom was a long time in coming, and, indeed, the church has now been waiting for the Bridegroom for nearly 2000 years. We see pictured here the church age that will see the return of Jesus to take His bride away. All ten virgins became tired and fell asleep.

Here is the warning that the Bridegroom is about to arrive. Here is the warning that the Rapture is about to happen. From this warning, we may note, that just prior to the Rapture actually happening, there will be some kind of a cry, or a warning, so that all the virgins will know the time, for the Bridegroom to carry His bride away, is at hand. The cry was made at midnight. Some might consider this indicates the cry just before the Rapture may happen at midnight, Israeli time.

When the bridegroom (in the Jewish marriage of olden times) was returning for his bride, a shout would let her know that he was arriving. He had made a contract for her some time before. He had then gone away to prepare a place for her. Once his father approved the bridal chamber, he would then give permission to go and fetch his bride, who had been patiently waiting for him. Now the bridegroom anxiously returns for her. She has made herself ready. She always kept oil in her lamp, for she was never quite sure when her bridegroom would return. It might be at night, so she had to be ready. There would be a "shout" or warning that the bridegroom was coming, just before he would enter to take her away to the dwelling place he had prepared for her.

In this last generation of time, true born-again Christians should be anxiously awaiting for the "shout," which signals that the Bridegroom is arriving to "snatch" us away. Through all the signs and prophecies that God’s Word has given, we "know" that it is near, even at the door.
The Second Coming - A Warning to be Ready!

It appears up to this time that either the foolish virgins did not realize their lamps had gone out, or they just did not care, as the bridegroom tarried.

Here is a picture of five foolish Christians. They believed in Jesus. Their lamp was burning. They had oil. They were a light for Jesus, but, as time passed, they ran out of oil. As time passed, their lamps faded and then went out. We might say that in the time of testing, they fell away. Perhaps, they became lukewarm as a result of all the deceptive, lukewarm preaching.

The foolish virgins, or foolish Christians, now realize that their lamp went out. The foolish virgins still believed in Jesus, but their flame had become cold. Their love for Jesus had become cold. Though they did believe in the Rapture, it caught them by surprise. They realized they were not ready to meet Jesus. He had come as a thief in the night to them. They were not truly expecting in their heart that He would come when He did. They were unprepared.

The wise virgins, even though they had fallen asleep, still had oil in reserve. Their lamps, or light for Jesus, did not go out.                             

But now, the foolish Christians turn to them for oil.

It is interesting to note, the wise virgins thought that they did not have enough oil for both themselves and the foolish virgins. They told the foolish virgins to go to them that sell. Was the supply of oil that the wise virgins had running low in this lukewarm age of falling away?

Did the foolish virgins go to their preacher to get oil? Note the words, "Buy for yourselves."It might be difficult to buy oil at midnight. The Holy Spirit cannot be shared. The Holy Spirit regenerates each person individually. These Christians were not ready. They didn’t understand that once the shout had gone out, it was too late. They couldn’t be saved and taken in the Rapture. Yet, in this short span, from the time of the "shout" to the time Jesus will return, they will try in vain to get ready; however, it is too late. (Note, there is no indication in this parable of a great revival waking up the church before the Rapture.)

The foolish virgins depart to go buy more oil. It appears, as we will see, that they went to the blind leaders of the blind, or a "different Jesus." They did not know how to get saved. They were blind.

And while they were gone, Jesus came. All those wise Christians that were ready, whose lamps had not gone out, were raptured and went to the marriage.

Now the foolish virgins return. To whom had they gone? They could not have gone to born-again preachers, as the born-again preachers would have been raptured. They seemingly went to the blind leaders of the blind. Apparently, they could not recognize the difference. It appears, they now think they got saved. They think they now have oil, as they say, "Lord, Lord Open to us."They seem to say, "Jesus, we have accepted You as our Savior." There is a difference between accepting Jesus and "receiving" Him, as the KJV states. Seldom do ministers preach "will Jesus accept us?" in this Laodicean age. We appear to have a picture of five foolish Christians that are terrified. They recognized that the Rapture had happened. They recognized that they had been left behind. They are pleading, OPEN TO US—but it is too late. We might also conclude from this that once the cry is made, just before the Rapture occurs, from that point on, no one will get saved. None of the foolish virgins were able to get saved, even though they tried.

The terrifying message comes forth, "I know you not." They now face the Tribulation, but will they survive?

There are many foolish virgins in this last generation that will be left behind when the Rapture comes. They may be screaming, "No, Jesus, don’t leave me!" We may note, only those that were "ready" were taken.

Jesus continues in His message to the five foolish virgins whose lamps went out. He tells them and all the foolish virgins, "Watch Therefore." These did not watch. Then the second message to the foolish, "Ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the son of man cometh." The foolish are not watching. They do not understand. They are not ready. They do not know the day or hour. Clearly, this message is to all the foolish virgins to watch and be ready; then they should understand.

There is a clear message here. A person can believe on Jesus. They can believe that the Rapture will come. Their light can be burning, but it can go out. If Jesus comes and finds them not ready, they will be left behind. (Note, there are some that relate this parable to the second coming of Jesus at Armageddon.)

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The Rapture will be a great joy for the saved, but a "horror" for the unsaved. For the unsaved, death and the lake of fire lies ahead for most. However, some will get saved during the Tribulation, but they will go through such a horrible time that words cannot adequately describe it. Death by decapitation lies ahead for most that do.


2 - The Rapture - In Brief by Scripture

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So the saints are to be:

They are to look, in other words, for the Rapture. In looking for the blessed hope, the saints are to

And the saints are to be patient, as it is written,

For the saints are to Be...Ready - Luke 12:40. And when certain signs and prophecies

And when the Lord does come to take His people,

For there is a day coming when - John 9:4 "No man can work."

For those saints that have kept God’s Word, the Lord promises,

For God cannot allow the Tribulation to come forth until He removes "His" people. As it is written,

3 - The Rapture - In Brief by Scripture

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Then, of the saints which are alive, it is written,

For those left back on the earth that were not taken in the Rapture,

For they were left behind, because they would not repent. It is written,

The saints that were watching and trusting in Jesus were raptured.

4 - The Rapture

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The word "Rapture" does not appear in the King James Version of the Bible. However, it is a word that symbolizes such biblical terms as the translation, caught up, our gathering together unto Him, and some other terms which are used in God’s Word. The words, "translate" or "translation" mean to carry away, remove, transport, change sides, transferral; thus, translation or rapture.

It is a term used to describe the removal from the earth of all living people that have received Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. The Scriptures show us that in the twinkling of an eye, all over the earth, all people whom Jesus "knows" will be removed from the earth to be with Him.

It will be as in the days of Noah, when all those that trusted in God were removed before the flood came. The raptured people will never know death (or sleep). In the twinkling of an eye, they will be changed and will be with Jesus in a new incorruptible body.

5 - Has There Ever Been a Rapture Before?

The answer is yes.

The Bible also tells us in 2 Kings 2:1-12, how Elijah was translated. We also see John in the Spirit on the Lord’s day- ref Rev 4:1. Jesus was taken up- (Acts 1:9).

6 - The Two Questions

  1 - At what point in the last generation does the Rapture come?
  2 - What happens to a person’s body when he is Raptured?

7 - Question 1 - When will the Rapture Come in Relation to the Other Events?

(The Most Renowned Scholars)

Among the ten best known, born-again Bible prophecy scholars in the world, at the time this was written, beginning with Hal Lindsey, all without exception (to our knowledge) are convinced by God’s Word that the Rapture will come before the Antichrist is revealed and the Tribulation begins.

Of the ten best known, born-again evangelists in the world, at this time, all without exception (to our knowledge) are convinced by God’s Word that the Rapture will come before the Antichrist is revealed and the Tribulation begins.

8 - Confusion and Making God's Word of No Effect

Why then does there seem to be confusion among some people on this subject? The answer is clear.

Some people hold the incorrect position that the Rapture will take place in the midst of the Tribulation. Some hold the misguided position that the Rapture will come at the end of the Tribulation. Others hold the mistaken position that the Rapture will come after the Tribulation, and there are others who hold yet a different position. There are some misguided people who do not believe there will be a Rapture. They do not believe that Jesus will actually return as the King of kings and the Lord of lords, as the Scriptures clearly point out. They do not believe there will be a period called the Tribulation. Others believe that Jesus returned about 1800 years ago, and still others about 100 years ago.                   

No matter how famous a Bible teacher is, or how anointed he appears to be, or how much he proclaims the Gospel, when there is confusion on a major Bible subject, such as the Rapture, which is clearly and unmistakably stated in the Bible, something is wrong.                                      

A person that believes the Rapture will come during or after the Tribulation, also may not "even begin" to understand what the Tribulation will really be like. There has never been in the history of the earth a time, either before the flood or after, that will be as bad as what is soon to come.

These people usually do not understand the trumpet Judgments and when they will occur. Some mistakenly try to associate the Rapture with the seventh trumpet of Rev 11:15. They may not consider the blowing of the trumpets in Numbers chapter ten. The words "trump" or "trumpet" or "trumpets" appear in the Bible app. 114 times. Several different Hebrew and Greek words are used.

They may not understand the seven feasts of Israel and their significance. They may not understand the biblical reasons for the Rapture. They may not understand the Jewish marriage customs. Neither do they usually understand that there will be very few people left alive after the Battle of Armageddon. For some reason, many Scriptures are not understood correctly by these people.

The Scriptures clearly show that the born-again saints are to understand the Bible regarding the times which would precede the Tribulation. Then, knowing and understanding the times, they are to watch and be ready for the Rapture. As it is written, LOOKING (which can also mean watching) FOR THAT BLESSED HOPE, AND THE GLORIOUS APPEARING OF THE GREAT GOD AND OUR SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST - Titus 2:13. Regarding the Rapture, it is written, WHEREFORE COMFORT ONE ANOTHER WITH THESE WORDS - 1 Thess 4:18. We are not to watch for the Tribulation, but for the blessed hope. In watching for the blessed hope, we are comforted. God forbid, there would not be comfort, if we had to go into the Tribulation.

By watching for the Tribulation, instead of the blessed hope, we nullify the Word of God. To watch for the Tribulation, is to watch for the most horrible time in the history of the world. To think that one would enter this utterly terrifying period, when many will be killed, would mean the Christian would live a life of fear. During the Tribulation, those who receive Jesus Christ will not have power to stand against the Antichrist.

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The saints will be given into the hand of the Antichrist. As it is written,

Most saints that get saved, during the Tribulation, can expect to be horribly persecuted, beaten, and then killed by being beheaded.               

Those that teach the Rapture will not come prior to the Tribulation, as already mentioned, are making certain Scriptures of no effect. They are not teaching the people to watch for the "blessed hope," that is, the return of Jesus to take "His" people. They are not teaching others to watch as God commands.

Those that teach the Rapture will not come prior to the Tribulation are making God’s Word of no effect (null and void). This is exactly what Satan wants to do.

The Scriptures show that we are to watch. Those who do not teach that the Rapture will soon come are, in effect, teaching a form of rebellion against God’s commands.

9 - Commands to Watch

The watchman is to warn the people. Teachers of the Bible are watchmen. Ministers are watchmen. The saints are watchmen. A person watches for things they believe will happen. They believe these things will happen, because there is evidence of some kind. We watch, because the Bible tells us of certain events that will come to pass. It gives us certain things to watch for. We watch, because God commands us to do so. When certain events come to pass, we are to warn others of what is yet to come. We warn them to prepare themselves. We warn the people, so they may not perish. If they choose not to believe and heed the warning, their blood is upon themselves. But if we are unfaithful and do not warn the people, their blood is upon us as watchmen.

How can a person watch, if they cannot read and their minister does not tell them these things? Many fulfilled prophecies indicate the Tribulation is very close. The Tribulation is preceded by the Rapture.

10 - The Watchman

We are in the latter day generation (or period of time) that will see the Rapture, the Tribulation, and the return of Jesus to this earth with power and great glory.

The sword shall come during the Tribulation. Nevertheless, God has made a way for His people to escape. It is called the Rapture. The people that God has called to be watchmen are themselves being warned by God to warn others of what is coming. They are being admonished to tell the people to watch and be ready. They need to tell the people what to watch for. They are being exhorted not to let their house be broken up. If they are faithful and obey God, then they are pure from the blood of all men (Acts 20:26-27).

However, when the Rapture comes, and the Tribulation follows, and Jesus returns, if the watchman did not warn the people, then the blood of those whom he should have warned that perished, God will require at the watchman’s hand.

To that teacher of the Bible or saint that God has called to be a watchman, woe to him, if he does not warn the people.                                       

Some will not warn the people, because they fear what others will say about them. They fear certain people in their church, or denomination, or others. They do not want to be ridiculed and persecuted, or even fired from their position. Woe to the fearful and unbelieving, as they do not believe they will perish, even though, it is written,

Few people, in this latter day generation, are watching. Many know nothing about such events as the Rapture, the Tribulation, and the second coming of Jesus. Many others deny there will be a Rapture. Many deny there will be a Tribulation. Many deny Jesus Christ will physically return to this earth. Others believe in these events, but make an excuse, such as, "No man knows." They make light of it and convince themselves that it is a long way off. Only a very few believe these things will come to pass shortly. Only a very few are watching and ready.

11- Sound Biblical Reasons Showing Rapture is During or After the Tribulation

    1 - There are none.

12 - Sound Biblical Reasons Showing the Rapture is Prior to the Tribulation

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1 - The Saints are commanded to watch. They are not commanded to watch for the Tribulation, but for the blessed hope, which is the Rapture. Scriptures proving this have already been covered in the previous text. If the saints were to go through the Tribulation, it would contradict and nullify God’s Word.

2 - Of the Sints that get saved during the Tribulation, most will be greatly persecuted and killed. The few that survive will go into the Millennium to repopulate the earth. If the Rapture came after the Tribulation, there would be no saints to go into the Millennium. This would make the fulfillment of God’s Word on this subject, impossible.

3 - The Judgment of the nations, mentioned in Matt chapter twenty-five, is held immediately after the Tribulation and Armageddon. If the Rapture had just happened, there would be no "sheep" at this Judgment. As it is written, Matt 25:33 "And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left." The sheep are those that are saved. The goats are the unsaved. Again, God’s Word could not be fulfilled, if the Rapture came after the Tribulation.

4 - If the church were to go through the Tribulation, it would contradict many verses in the Bible. Most of the saints will be beheaded. The Bible clearly shows, the Antichrist will prevail against the saints. Anyone that claims the church will go through the Tribulation does not appear to understand what the Tribulation will really be like. Very few people will be left alive afterward. If Jesus did not come back exactly when He does, there should no flesh be left alive. The Scriptures on this were covered in the preceding text.

5 - 1 Thess 4:18 It is written, "Wherefore COMFORT one another with these words." If we were watching for the horrible Tribulation period, we would not be comforted. We would be terrified. This Scripture could not be fulfilled, if the saints were to go into the Tribulation period.

6 - Luke 21:28 It is written, "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption (or your being caught up) draweth nigh." In Luke chapter 21, events of the Tribulation are described. Verse 28 shows that when these events begin to happen, after Israel’s rebirth, then we are to know that the Rapture is about to happen. Note, it did not say, when they "have" happened, but when they "begin" to happen. They begin to happen as birth pangs of a woman about to have a child. Again, if a person was going to go through the Tribulation, the wording of this verse would be inaccurate.

7 - Luke 12:43 It is written, "Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. (which denotes working for, or serving God)." The Scriptures clearly show that during the Tribulation a time will come when the saints will not be able to work.

This Scripture of the Lord appearing at the Rapture very clearly shows that it happens before the Tribulation. During the Tribulation, especially the second part, it will be nearly impossible to work; before the Rapture comes, the saints can be working. Verse 45 confirms it is the period prior to the Rapture when people are saying, "My Lord delayeth His coming." This same message is confirmed in Matt 24:45-48.

13 - The Seven Feasts of Israel

8 - The Seven Feasts of Israel give us God’s timetable. These are covered in Lev chapter 23.

    In the Bible, the number seven is used to mean "total" or "completeness." It seems evident that all Bible doctrine and prophecy are founded in these feasts. They reveal the time for the fulfillment of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, His coming again, and the millennial Kingdom.

The following chart gives a brief example of what is being said. These events occurred on the exact dates that God had set over 1400 years before Jesus was born. Keep in mind that the Jewish day begins in the evening (near dusk), on the previous day. Feasts appear in the order that God gave them (Lev 23).

 

THE 7 FEASTS OF ISRAEL - Leviticus 23

 l - Passover

Fourteenth day of the first month. Jesus was crucified. Jesus became our Passover (fulfilled).

2 - Unleavened Bread

Fifteenth day of the first month. Jesus buried. The middle loaf of bread is hidden or buried (fulfilled).

3 - Firstfruits

Sunday following Unleavened Bread. Jesus resurrected. He became the Firstfruits of them that died (fulfilled).

4 -  Pentecost

Also called Feast of Weeks in the Old Testament. Fiftieth day after Firstfruits. The Holy Spirit came in His fullness (fulfilled).

5 - Trumpets

First day of the seventh month. The Rapture (not yet fulfilled). Next major event.

6 - Atonement

Tenth day of the seventh month. Repentance of Israel. When they shall look upon Him, Whom they have pierced (not yet fulfilled).

7 - Tabernacles

Fifteenth day of the seventh month. The coming state of rest. Jesus reigns on earth for one thousand years (not yet fulfilled).

It should be noted that these seven feasts were observed on specific days. When Jesus came the first time, He fulfilled the first three feasts on the precise days and in the same order that God had given them. The fourth feast was also fulfilled ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven, when He sent the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. The last three feasts are awaiting fulfillment and are associated with events surrounding His second coming. Please note that when Jesus returns the second time, there are actually two phases to His coming: 1) before the Tribulation, He comes in the clouds to rapture the saints-ref 1 Thess 4:16,17; and 2) after the Tribulation, He physically returns to the earth, and every eye shall see Him-ref Matt 24:29,30; Zech 12:10. The next feast to be fulfilled is Trumpets; the next event to be fulfilled on God’s prophetic timetable is the Rapture. In the wilderness account, there were two trumpets blown, the first one and the last one. The first trumpet was for the gathering or calling of the people; the second (or last) was for the people to move out.

There are two events in the Rapture.

It should also be noted that there is a cry made (a notification or to call aloud), alerting the virgins that the Bridegroom is coming; afterward, they "move out" or are taken (Matt 25:6).

Did God give us the day of the year, when the Rapture will happen, as He did for Jesus to be crucified, to be buried, to rise from the dead, and the coming of the fullness of the Holy Spirit? The answer is, clearly, yes.

This shows clearly that the Rapture does not happen after the Tribulation.

The name of each feast gives us a clue to what the fulfillment of that feast would be.

The Feast of Passover was fulfilled on God’s exact date, when Jesus became our Passover Lamb.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread was fulfilled, when Jesus (representing the middle loaf that is hidden) was buried on this exact date. Unleavened bread represents no sin. Jesus was called the Bread of life and was without sin.

The Feast of Firstfruits was fulfilled on God’s exact date, when Jesus became the Firstfruits out of the grave. He rose from the dead.             

The Feast of Pentecost was fulfilled on God’s exact date, when the Holy Spirit came in His fullness upon the chosen disciples. This marked the beginning of the summer wheat harvest; the firstfruits of the second harvest are offered at this feast.

The next feast is the Feast of Trumpets. The next major event to look for is the Rapture, which involves the blowing of trumpets.                   

God has set specific dates for certain events to happen to fulfill His Word.

9 - In the Revelation, the church is mentioned many times. However, after Rev 3:22, the words "church and churches" do not appear again as referring to a church present on the earth. The seven churches previous to chapter four represent "completeness." They are described as candlesticks.

A bit further on in the Revelation, the events of the Tribulation begin to unfold, which clearly denote the church is gone.

10 - The seven churches (which represent the entire church age) are covered in Rev chapter 2 through Rev chapter 3:22. The very next verses indicate the Rapture.

What was the Bible just talking about? "the seven churches." After the seven churches comes the Rapture of the church. From this point on, no church is ever mentioned as being present on the earth during the Tribulation. The only thing mentioned is the "great harlot," which is an abomination before God and shall be destroyed sometime during the Tribulation.

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11 - The evangelizing of the earth during the Tribulation is clearly given to the 144,000 male, virgin Jewish saints from the twelve tribes of Israel-ref Rev 7 and 14. These come forth during the first part of the Tribulation. They will preach the "Everlasting Gospel" and the "Gospel of the Kingdom" (Rev 14:6)

There is absolutely no mention of the church evangelizing the earth at all during the Tribulation. If the church were present, the Scriptures concerning the 144,000 would undoubtedly be incorrect.

12 - Ten times in the Revelation the word "wrath" is mentioned as pertaining to the Tribulation.

The Scriptures are very clear. The Tribulation is a time of God’s wrath. The saints will be delivered from the wrath to come. Even a little child should be able to understand this clearly.          

Other biblical words that are associated with the Tribulation or Armageddon are: cruel, trouble, distress, wasteness, desolation, darkness, gloominess, clouds, thick darkness, blood, vengeance, destruction, fierce anger, fire, jealousy, revengeth, furious, arrows drunk with blood, sword, devour flesh, terrible, great distress, men’s hearts failing them for fear, powers of heaven shall be shaken, wars, great earthquakes, famines, pestilences, and fearful signs. This is only a partial list.

13 - In Luke 21:8-26, many of the verses are dealing with the Tribulation. Then Jesus gives us a command: Luke 21:36 "Pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things." We may ask, "Escape all what things?" The answer is, all those things that have been described, which includes the Tribulation. In other words, the saints are to pray that they are accounted worthy to escape the Tribulation by being raptured. The Rapture is covered in verse 28.

14 - What a Temptation it will be as the people come face to face with death or worshipping the image of the beast! What a temptation it will be to have a newborn baby starving in your arms, as you cannot buy or sell without the mark of the beast! Will a mother watch her baby slowly starve to death, or take the mark? Will a person stand by and watch as their loved ones are beheaded, and then themselves, or will they give in and worship the image? Most people will do nearly anything when their life is at stake. What a day of temptation it will be! The Bible calls the Tribulation, Rev 3:10 "The hour of Temptation."

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Once Noah was safe, then the flood came. God waited until Noah and his family were able to escape the terrible Judgment that was about to come upon the earth. It is written,

We may say, the Lord knows how to deliver the saints out of the Tribulation and its temptations.

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15 - The Tribulation is a great time of temptation. When a person prays the Lord’s prayer, do they not pray the following?

    Matt 6:13 "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil"
    Luke 11:4 "And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil"
    Matt 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation"
    Mark 14:38 "Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation"
    Luke 22:40 "he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation"

16 - Again, the next verse is unmistakably clear. The saints that keep God’s Word will absolutely, beyond any doubt, not go into the Tribulation.

17 - The next verse also is extremely clear. If a person repents, they will not go into the Great Tribulation. If they do not repent, they will go into the Great Tribulation.

18 - Gen 19:22 It is written, "Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither."

The Lord is saying, I cannot do anything till the righteous are taken out of the way. Then the Judgments shall come. THEN THE LORD RAINED UPON SODOM AND UPON GOMORRAH BRIMSTONE AND FIRE FROM THE LORD OUT OF HEAVEN-Gen 19:24. In the same manner, the Lord will rain His wrath upon the inhabitants of the earth during the Tribulation, after the righteous are removed by the Rapture.                                  

19 - 2 Thess 2:1 "It is written,"Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, (which is the Rapture)."

The people are being told that they know something. That something is, "What withholdeth" (or what is restraining, or holding the Antichrist back). Paul had apparently clearly explained what it was that was withholding the Antichrist from coming forth.

Paul is assuring the people that the Antichrist is still being held back from being revealed until something happens. That something is very clearly stated. Verses one through three have shown us an order of events. First, there had to come a falling away. Religious deception was also alluded to. Second, the saints had to be gathered unto Jesus in the Rapture. Third, the Antichrist could then be revealed. From these words of God, the people could know what was holding back the Antichrist from coming forth. The falling away had to occur. Then the Rapture had to take place. Until the "catching away" of God’s people comes, the Antichrist shall not be revealed, which is "seal one." Once the Antichrist is revealed, then the signing of the covenant with Israel can occur - (Dan 9:27). This begins the Tribulation.

There is a specific time for the Antichrist to be revealed. There is a specific time for the Rapture to happen.

These Scriptures show very clearly that the Rapture must come first, and only then will the Antichrist be allowed to come forth and the Tribulation begin.

20 - 2 Thess 2:7-8 "For the mystery of iniquity" (or secret power of lawlessness) "Doth already work" (or is already at work): "Only he who now letteth (or is restraining) will let, until he be taken out of the way (the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way-NIV). And then shall that wicked (or lawless one) be revealed."                                  

"For the nystery of iniquity (or secret power of lawlessness) doth already work (or is already at work). The mysterious, hidden power that is behind wickedness or sin, and the planned coming forth of the Antichrist is already working to accomplish its purpose. Satan and his kingdom are already at work.

"Only 'He' Who now letteth (or is restraining) will let (or will continue to do so-NIV), until "He" be taken out of the way.

To paraphrase this verse, it is saying that someone ("he") is holding back, or restraining the Antichrist from being revealed, or from being let loose, or coming forth until that someone ("he") is taken out of the way or is removed.

The "he" in this verse is much debated among Bible scholars. God’s Word has shown the Rapture of the saints must occur and then the Antichrist can be let loose or come forth and be revealed. Some may say the "he" represents the church. Others may say the "he" represents the Holy Spirit. Others may say the "he" represents the restraining power of the Holy Spirit that is in the believers. There are other opinions as well.

There is no question that the Holy Spirit will not leave the earth, because people cannot be saved apart from the Holy Spirit. Multitudes of people will be saved during the Tribulation, which follows the Antichrist coming forth. So it would appear that the "he" would represent the restraining power of the Holy Spirit that is in the believers. The Holy Spirit does appear to be holding back the Antichrist from being revealed; however, there is a day coming when it appears that He will let the Antichrist come forth. "He will be taken out of the way," perhaps, means that His restraining power will be taken out of the way. Thus, the Scriptures can be fulfilled.

As a result, when the church is raptured, immediately the Antichrist should come forth and be revealed, in order to initiate his plan to dominate the world. AND THEN, once the saints have been raptured, "Shall that wicked" (or lawless one), which is the Antichrist, "Be revealed". The Antichrist will be allowed to come forth, be revealed, and confirm a covenant with Israel which begins the Tribulation (2 Thess 2:7-8; Dan 9:27)

Again, the Scriptures are showing us clearly, the Rapture comes before the Antichrist is revealed and before the Tribulation.                             

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21 - As we have noted, the dead in Christ rise first, then we which are alive and remain shall join them in the air. Since the Scriptures show us that the resurrection happens prior to the Tribulation, then we have absolute proof that the Rapture, which immediately follows, also has to happen before the Tribulation.

Twenty-one reasons have come forth that scripturally show the Rapture will come prior to the Tribulation. Some of these have also shown that the Rapture must come before the Antichrist can be revealed.

22 - The following Scriptures portray the raptured saints before the throne of God prior to the first seal of the Revelation being opened. This, again, clearly shows the Rapture comes before the Tribulation.

The four living beings and the elders appear to be singing. "Saying, Thou art worthy to take the Book (or scroll), and to open (or break) the seals thereof."

In this passage, taking the scroll and breaking the seals is mentioned. Opening the scroll is not mentioned at this point.

Here are the saints (US) pictured before the throne of God BEFORE the first seal is ever opened. Here are the saints that have just been raptured (US).

We are redeemed "To" (or for) "God by thy Blood." Angels are not ransomed by the blood of the Lamb. We (the saints) are. Where do we (the saints) come from? We come "Out of every kindred" (or tribe), "And tongue" (or language), "And people, and nation. It is impossible for these to be angels, as the angels do not come from every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.

John heard the voice, "Come up Hither" Rev 4:1, which is symbolic of the Rapture. The church age is over. Now, John is relating what he is seeing. John sees "us." As it is written,

Here is clear, unmistakable proof that the saints will not go into the Tribulation. They shall be raptured and shall be before the throne of God prior to the first seal being opened. Thus, it is written, and thus, it shall be. The question is, how many are really ready? If Jesus came today, would "you" be taken?

The verse continues, and has made US UNTO OUR GOD KINGS AND PRIESTS (to serve our God). We are a kingdom unto God and shall be kings and priests AND WE SHALL REIGN ON (or rule over) THE EARTH. There are those that may say, this verse does not mean exactly what it says. The singing in the verse now turns to the future and shows that we (the saints) shall reign on the earth. This is describing the millennial reign of Jesus Christ, as we shall reign and rule with Jesus for one thousand years. Here the word "we" is used as referring to the "saints." Here again, "we" (the saints) are pictured before the throne of God prior to the first seal ever being opened.

The question arises, are these angels, or are they the saints that are now called angels? The singing that has just been going on used such words as, "redeemed us, made us, and we shall." If these words were correctly translated by the direction of the Holy Spirit, then the angels before the throne appear to be the saints. Consider the following:

This same John, that used the word "angels" in Rev 5:11, thought this person was also an angel, yet he was not. He was a saint that had been redeemed by the blood of Jesus. We might ask, how can this be? Note the words of Jesus.

John "Fell at his feet to Worship" what seemingly appeared to be an angel.

Again, we note that once we are in heaven, Jesus said we are AS THE ANGELS OF GOD. However, the true angels of God are not redeemed.

Considering the Scriptures and what was being said, it appears the multitude of angels before the throne are the saints that were redeemed.

"And the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousand and thousands."

This totals to one hundred million, and thousands of thousands. While this seems like a very large number, "if" this represents the resurrected and raptured saints for all times, then the percentage of people that are redeemed, throughout all of history, is extremely small.

Some might say that this number simply represents an infinite number which no man can know. Nevertheless, if the number is taken as it is written in the KJV, then it appears to be as previously stated.

17 - What Happens to a Person's Body that is Raptured?

There is no Scripture that clearly tells us what will happen to the bodies of the raptured people. The Scriptures have shown us clearly that we will be changed. It is written,

The Scriptures show us that there are two bodies. Our earthly body is of flesh, blood, and bone. Our heavenly body is of flesh and bone. (Luke 24:39).

Again, two bodies are mentioned.

Most people and prophecy scholars alike believe that when the Rapture comes, our old body will simply be changed into our new body. Thus, there will be no bodies left. In other words, when the Rapture comes, the people that are raptured will simply disappear.                            

There is a second opinion also. The second idea is, when the Rapture comes our old body will be put off and we will put on our new heavenly body. Our old body will be left lying wherever we are when the Rapture comes, as if we had just died. It is written,

The Lord seems to be showing that following the Rapture, "Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather" (NIV). There are also other opinions on the meaning of these verses.

18 - Warning

This is a warning. Be not many "teachers," knowing that the teachers of the Bible shall receive the greater condemnation.                            

There are some teachers of the Bible in this lukewarm generation that are falsely teaching that the Rapture will come during, at the end, or after the Tribulation. The Scriptures have shown, beyond any doubt, that this teaching is false. It nullifies God’s Word. It throws people into confusion. It teaches a form of rebellion against some of God’s commands, e.g., we are to watch, to look for the blessed hope, to be ready, and many others. It makes the fulfillment of many Bible verses impossible, such as, who will repopulate the earth during the Millennium, and the return of the saints with Jesus at Armageddon, just to mention two. It would seem to nullify the Jewish marriage customs and the seven feasts. It teaches a theory totally out of context with many prophetic Scriptures. Those who teach something other than the Rapture occurring prior to the Tribulation are teaching doctrine that is inconsistent with sound biblical truth.

Since the days of Paul, the Rapture has always been viewed as an event that could happen at any time. The saints were admonished to watch and be ready, for the imminent return of Jesus Christ could happen at any time. No event was to precede it, such as the Tribulation.         

However, certain parts of the book of Daniel that were closed, until the time of the end, have been opened and are now understood. Other prophecies are also understood. These include Israel’s rebirth, a great military power existing in the land of Magog, and the European Economic Community (also called the revived Roman Empire). These and other prophecies that have been fulfilled all indicate the Tribulation is very close. The Tribulation is preceded by the Rapture.

19 - A Final Note: How the Saints Would React to the Tribulation,
If They Knew What it Would be Like

It is hoped that people might be able to understand that the Tribulation will be the most horrifying, the most terrifying time that has ever been on this earth since the Creation. There will be earthquakes, famines, diseases, sores, pain, fear, droughts, wars, panic, death, and other things of a magnitude that is beyond description. Billions of people will die. Multitudes of people that get saved during the Tribulation can expect to be severely persecuted, brutally beaten, and killed. It will be so bad, that had Jesus not returned at the time He does, no flesh on earth would be left alive.

As has already been stated, any person that has the deceived notion that the church will go through the Tribulation appears to be ignorant of what the Tribulation will be like.

Through faith in Jesus Christ, the true saints will be raptured prior to the Tribulation.

Beware.

Let no man deceive you. This is the age of lukewarmness and religious deception.

It is unmistakably clear that the church will be taken in the Rapture prior to the Tribulation, as proven by the numerous Scriptures that have already been presented.

20 - Jesus is Announced to the Humble

It is lastly noted that the Birth of Christ was not first announced to the great men of the earth or to the religious leaders in Jerusalem, but to humble shepherds-ref Luke 2:8-12. It is much the same today. The coming of Jesus to remove His people from the earth, before the Antichrist comes forth and the Tribulation begins, is not understood by what the world considers to be the great men or the so-called religious leaders of the earth, but to the humble people, the servants of God that have placed their faith and trust in the Jesus of the Bible as their only hope.

THE END


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