As perfectly as the events surrounding the life of Jesus during His first coming fulfilled the prophecy, so shall the future events. One in which there is great controversy amongst the churches is the rapture and its timing compared to the tribulation and the millennium of Christ. This presents as men try to interpret the signs. In the big picture does it matter so much. Probably not. What does matter is that Christ lived, died, paid the penalty that we might find life, hope and everlasting fellowship with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Yet, I do wish to present to you why I believe in the pre-tribulation rapture.
Going fully back to the time of Enoch, we see that he was “taken by God”. Consider the first person ever raptured from earth. “23 And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. And Methuselah lived a hundred eighty and seven years, and begat Lamech. (Genesis 5:23-25). This rapture occurred prior to the time of judgement which came under Noah his great-grandson. Elijah was also raptured; yet, he plays an important future role during the tribulation period as one of the witnesses that will be martyred and resurrected. Still, his rapture occurred before the captivity of Judah and Israel; hence before the “tribulation” that they would face due to judgement. They had sinned grievously against God by following idolatrous worship while not heeding the warnings of the prophets.
New Testament Scripture Regarding Pre-Tribulation Rapture
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 (I Thessalonians 4:17-18). Christ’s Second coming brings Him all the way to the earth, where He will ride into Jerusalem to reign for a thousand years. Jesus Said. When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations (Matthew 25:31:32). This is as was also presented as truth by Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Nehemiah, and the list goes on.
Jude tells us that even Enoch prophesied of that day when Christ would return in judgement. And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him (Jude 1:14-15).
Christ, Himself presented a distinct difference between His returning for the church (All Believers) and His return to reign upon earth. He likened it to Noah being placed in safety before the floods began (Matthew 24:37-42).
Signs of a Pre-Tribulation Rapture from Revelations
Although the Book of Revelations speaks to the churches at the beginning, there is no further mention of the church during the opening of the seven seals. In fact, prior to the tribulation judgements, John was taken up into heaven. This was clearly symbolic that the church will be raptured before the tribulation begins. At least in my opinion; but why else is the church heavily mentioned during Revelations 1-3. Yet, there are no instructions to the church after this during the tribulation period. And why was John taken up into heaven for a different view once the tribulation began?
Furthermore, during the commission to teach the gospel message was given to the church. Yet, during the tribulation there will be called 144,000 Jews to testify for Christ. These will include 12,000 from each tribe, as spoken of in Revelations 7 and 14. Beyond that, even Daniel’s prophecy of the 70th week dealt with the nation of Israel (all 12 tribes). The gap between the 69th week and the 70th week was the church age.
Concluding thoughts:
The rapture of the church will bring all believers before the seat of Christ for judgment concerning rewards. Our sins are covered in the blood of Christ. Are you ready? Do you know Him as Savior and Lord? Are you steady about His work of spreading the gospel? Whether the rapture occurs before, during or after the tribulation is not of such grave importance as telling others about Christ while you can. Doesn’t love demand that?
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Series: Finding Faith on the Road to Emmaus
How can we be certain of the second coming of Christ?
God Raised Him from the Dead, Why is that so Important?
That One Day When Darkness Covered the Light
One Detailed Portrait of Christ’s Death Foretold
The Greatest Question: Who Do You Say Jesus Is?
Why is it Important that Jesus be a Priestly King?
Why Did They Reject Jesus as King?
Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem. Why Really?
Did Jesus Come to Offer Salvation to All?
How to Certainly Know Jesus As the Lion of Judah
God Works All Things According to His Will
How Can I Be Certain Jesus is the Christ?
Was Jesus the Savior they Waited For?
How was Christ’s Suffering a Part of His Glory?
Why is it so Important to Know All the Truth?
How Faith is Found on the Road to Emmaus
Disclosures
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
CREDITS
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