Rapture - Part 4

Believers remain on Earth? (1 Timothy)    Believers remain on Earth? (Titus)    Believers remain on Earth? (James)

Index of Scriptures used in Part 4

Will believers remain on Earth until Jesus' Second Coming? (1 Timothy)

Will believers remain on Earth until Jesus' Second Coming?

1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 6:13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; 6:14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Pre-Tribulation Rapture Interpretation: Pre-Tribulation Rapture believers cite 1 Timothy 6:14 as a rapture verse. "Epiphaneia" meaning to appear or to show. In 1 Timothy 6:14 it refers to the rapture. In 2 Timothy 4:1 it refers to the second coming. "Parousia" meaning presence or coming. In 1 Thessalonians 4:15; 5:23 it refers to the rapture. In 1 Thessalonians 3:13 it refers to the second coming. "Apokalupsis" meaning to reveal or revelation. In 1 Corinthians 1:7 it refers to the rapture. In 2 Thessalonians 1:7 it refers to the second coming. The context is a rapture context and is very similar to other rapture verses. In 1 Timothy 6:11-14, Paul encourages Timothy to pursue righteousness and to fight the good fight of faith until He comes. This encouragement is very much like Paul's encouragement to the Philippian church in Philippians 1:10 and 2:16, which are both rapture verses. The "appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ" does not have to affect a nonvisible and secret rapture. It is true that this word "appearing" (the Greek word is epiphaneia) indicates a very visible coming--or event. However, I still hold that at the moment of the rapture, no one on earth will see Him. He will only be visible to those believers who are raptured and transformed. It may be that His glory will not be seen by those on earth because of the long distance from the earth to where He will be ("in the air," 1 Thess. 4:17). In His second coming He will coming all the way down to the earth, and all will see Him. But in the rapture we really don't know how far from the earth He will be; He may be a hundred miles or more from the earth. Answer: 1 Thessalonians is a single letter which was much later separated into chapters and verses for easier reading. The key is it's one letter. Rapture believers cannot explain how means something different in 1 Thessalonians 4:15 when it means the Second Coming in the rest of the letter (Chapters 2:19, 3:13, and 5:23 and additionally in the second letter written to the Thessalonians, 2 Thess 2:8-9). Usages of in the letters to the Thessalonians Second Coming in 1 Thessalonians 2:19 Second Coming in 1 Thessalonians 3:13 Pre-Tribulation Rapture in 1 Thessalonians 4.15 (according to Pre-Tribulation Rapture believers) Second Coming in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 Second Coming in 2 Thessalonians 2:8 Second Coming in 2 Thessalonians 2:9 The Rapture believer distinctions made between the three New Testament terms that refer to Christ's return are simply untenable. For example, Rapture believers assert that the "coming" (parousia) in 1 Thessalonians 4:15 and 2 Thessalonians 2:1 refers to the "Rapture." Yet the same word is used in 1 Thessalonians 3:13 to speak of Jesus coming "with" His saints, thereby coinciding with the dispensational concept of the "Appearing" (epiphaneia) or "Revelation" (apokalupto) seven years after the "Rapture." Pre-Tribulation Rapture believers apply 2 Thessalonians 2:8 to the "Antichrist," and therefore must understand this as a reference to the "Appearing" seven years after the "Rapture." Yet the verse uses the expression "the manifestation (i.e., "brightness"--epiphaneia) of His coming (parousia)." Thus the term "coming" is used in the New Testament to refer to both dispensational concepts of the "Rapture" and the "Appearing," and the two expressions are, in fact, combined in 2 Thessalonians 2:8 to refer to one and the same event. 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed , whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming The usage of is also used in 2 Timothy 1:10-12 and 2 Timothy 4:1,8 to indicate Jesus' Second Coming (at that day). 2 Tim 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 2 Tim 1:11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 2 Tim 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Tim 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing . The only conclusion that is consistent with the original Greek words and their meaning in context in the two letters Paul wrote to the Thessalonians and the two letters that Paul wrote to Timothy is that the "Rapture" and Jesus' Second coming occur at the same time (i.e. no "Rapture" before the tribulation). Believers will remain on Earth until Jesus' Second Coming.

Summary - Remove these verses from any Pre-Tribulation Rapture Justification

Part 1 Daniel 12 Obadiah 1 Matthew 13:27-40 Matthew 20:2-9 Matthew 24:3-14 (Matthew 10:21-22) Matthew 24:37-39 Part 2 Matthew 24:28-41 Luke 17:26-37 Matthew 24:42-51 Luke 12:37-49 Matthew 25:1-13 John 10:9-10 Matthew 25:31-33 Matthew 28:19-20 (Romans 10:13-15) John 5:23, 5:42-43, 6:45, 8:42, 14:7 Ephesians 3:3-7 1 John 2:23 Jeremiah 31:35-37 Romans 11:17-22 Romans 1:16 Romans 2:8-11 Romans 10:11-13 Matthew 20:2-14> Acts 10:34-35 Part 3 John 14:2-4 1 Corinthians 15:20-25 1 Corinthians 15:50-53 (Daniel 12:1-2, John 5:28-29, John 6:40, 44, 54, John 11:23-24, 1 Thess 4:16, Revelation 1:5, 7) 1 Thess 4:13-18 (Matthew 24:30, Matthew 26:64, Mark 13:26, Mark 14:62, Rev 1:7, 2 Peter 2:17, Jude 1:12) 1 Thessalonians 5:2-23 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 6, 8 Part 4 1 Timothy 6:11-12

Will believers remain on Earth until Jesus' Second Coming? (Titus)

Will believers remain on Earth until Jesus' Second Coming?

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Pre-Trib Rapture Interpretation: From "The Parousia of Christ: The Believer's Blessed Hope", Zachary S. Maxcey, p. 24. The epistle of Paul to Titus was largely concerned with pastoral counsel and advice as Titus was one of Paul's fellow workers. In appealing to Titus, Paul stated that the Gospel of salvation "teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age" (v. 12). As we live our lives in this world, we have a wonderful hope. As Paul expressed it, "while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (v. 13). This hope, obviously, is related to the Rapture of the church rather than the second coming of Christ to set up His kingdom, but the question has been raised as to why it is described as a "glorious appearing." At His second coming Jesus will appear in a glorious event described in Revelation 19:11-16, an event which all the world will see (1:7). On the other hand, the Rapture of the church is never described as visible to the world. The question therefore remains: How can the Rapture be described as a glorious event, as an event which reveals the glory of God? The answer is quite simple.... While the world will not see the glory at the time of the Rapture as they will at the time of the Second Coming, at the Rapture, Christians will behold Him in His glory, and to them it will be a glorious appearing. As stated in I John 3:2, 'What we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is". (Walvoord, Every Prophecy of the Bible, p. 496) Answer: Verses 11 to 14 provides context. From "Rapture of the Church", By Michael E. Pfeil, Within the context of Titus 2:11-14, verse 11 speaks of God's grace and our salvation. Verse 12 instructs us on how to live while we are here in an ungodly world. Verse 14 speaks of our redemption through Christ's sacrifice. Therefore, since verse 13 is surrounded by our redemption in Christ, it would be inconsistent with the biblical record to apply Titus 2:13 only to the rapture of living Christians. Titus 2:11 and 2:14 show that the blessed hope must include our eternal life with the Lord and our guarantee of salvation. In light of that, verse 12 answers the age-old question, "How then shall we live?" This would apply to all Christians throughout history, not just those alive at the rapture. There is no punctuation in the original Greek (i.e. no comma between "that blessed hope and the glorious appearing"). We see that the Greek is used twice in Titus 2:13. - and, also, even, so then, too 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope[,] and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; In the first instance, "the glorious appearing," which is the appositive, renames, or clarifies the "blessed hope." In other terms, "the glorious appearing" is describing the same thing as the "blessed hope" - they are the same event. From "Gods and Emperors: The Greek Language of The Roman Imperial Cult", S. R. F. Price, p. 86-87. They translate as 'manifest' and as 'manifestation'... The predication of implied that the emperor was present in the world like one of the traditional gods. If assimilations tempt us to think of the Incarnation, the use of the next term recalls the Epiphany--God made manifest in the world. Hellenistic kings from Ptolemy V onwards used as part of their official titles. Antiochus IV of Syria combining it with (n. 12). The emperor too was often described as or, in the superlative form, as , 'most of the gods'... The predication of implied that the emperor was present in the world like one of the traditional gods... was not often used explicitly. For imperial visits , which lacks religious overtones, was more frequent. Cf. also (L. Robert, Hellenica xiii (1965) 120--31). What Price says is that primarily means "manifestation" which everyone saw. It never applied to a secret arrival or hidden existence. It was first commonly applied to Emperors manifesting themselves to everyone, then as emperors manifesting themselves as gods to everyone, and then to Greek Gods manifesting themselves to everyone. To use it was acknowledging the religious connotation. Paul was using the same format to apply to Jesus as a God manifesting himself to everyone. This is clearly a reference to Jesus' Second Coming. Believers will remain on Earth until Jesus' Second Coming.

Summary - Remove these verses from any Pre-Tribulation Rapture Justification

Part 1 Daniel 12 Obadiah 1 Matthew 13:27-40 Matthew 20:2-9 Matthew 24:3-14 (Matthew 10:21-22) Matthew 24:37-39 Part 2 Matthew 24:28-41 Luke 17:26-37 Matthew 24:42-51 Luke 12:37-49 Matthew 25:1-13 John 10:9-10 Matthew 25:31-33 Matthew 28:19-20 (Romans 10:13-15) John 5:23, 5:42-43, 6:45, 8:42, 14:7 Ephesians 3:3-7 1 John 2:23 Jeremiah 31:35-37 Romans 11:17-22 Romans 1:16 Romans 2:8-11 Romans 10:11-13 Matthew 20:2-14> Acts 10:34-35 Part 3 John 14:2-4 1 Corinthians 15:20-25 1 Corinthians 15:50-53 (Daniel 12:1-2, John 5:28-29, John 6:40, 44, 54, John 11:23-24, 1 Thess 4:16, Revelation 1:5, 7) 1 Thess 4:13-18 (Matthew 24:30, Matthew 26:64, Mark 13:26, Mark 14:62, Rev 1:7, 2 Peter 2:17, Jude 1:12) 1 Thessalonians 5:2-23 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 6, 8 Part 4 1 Timothy 6:11-12 Titus 2:11-14

Will believers remain on Earth until Jesus' Second Coming? (James)

Will believers remain on Earth until Jesus' Second Coming?

James 5:1 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. 5:2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. 5:3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. 5:4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. 5:5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. 5:6 Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you. 5:7 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. 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh . 5:9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. 5:10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. 5:12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. Pre-Trib Rapture Interpretation: From "The Popular Handbook on the Rapture", p. 87 - In this passage the "coming of the Lord" is clearly the return of Christ. Even though experiencing trials can make us long for Christ to come hack, such troubles can also lead us to be impatient toward others. So James commanded his readers to he patient as they looked for Christ's return. They were going through ordinary problems experienced by many Christians (not the prophesied Tribulation). James warned them that the coming of Christ was "at hand" (verse 8). Because this is the perfect tense of the verb to "approach" or "draw near," it can suitably be translated "the coming of the Lord has drawn near." If something must happen someday, and could happen today, then it can be described as "at hand" and imminent. This event is therefore the rapture, and as such, James reminds us that "we are not separated from it by any known event at all."... James then told his readers to quit grumbling (groaning or sighing) against each other, because the Judge (Christ) is "standing at the door" (literally "before the doors"). Christ is pictured as a Judge who is already standing at the doors of the judgment hall, ready to push them open and begin rendering judgment... There can be no doubt that James pictures this return of Christ as imminent. He assumed it will be followed by Christ's judgment of the church, taught by Paul as the Judgment Seat of Christ. Note: The pretribulational definition of imminence is that there cannot be any prophesied events that must occur before the rapture. With regards to the rapture, "imminent" means without notice. Another term is used for Jesus' Second Coming, "expectant", refers to expecting His return based on the signs that Jesus mentioned. The NT writers anticipated the return of the Lord, but they neither knew or expressly asserted that He would or would not come during their lifetime. They maintained an attitude of expectant preparedness. They urged believers to look for signs and be prepared for (to "expect") His coming. Answer: From "Particulars of Christianity: Preterism, Addendum: The Time Is At Hand" - James 5:8 uses "eggizo" and says that "the coming of the Lord" (not the start of the tribulation) is "at hand." But James wrote his epistle in between 45-50 AD, some two decades or more before any 70 AD event. How long can we stretch the meaning of the Greek words "eggus" and "eggizo" beyond a few years? Furthermore, did Jesus bring salvation to the Roman Christians in 70 AD? If not (if he merely brought judgment on the Jewish nation) then the salvation Paul told the Romans was "at hand" was in fact a great deal more than a decade and a half away. I would argue that we are still waiting for it nearly 2000 years later...Here the commanding precedent is Jesus' statements in the Olivet Discourse. In Luke 21:30-31, Jesus uses "eggus" ("at hand") and says, "when we see the signs leading up to his coming we will know that his coming is at hand." Luke 21 29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; 30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. 31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. In Luke's account, the "at hand" time frame is not applicable to the present time when Jesus spoke the prophecies. Jesus' return was not presently "at hand" when Jesus spoke this prophecy near 30 AD. (Even for Preterists it was 40 years away in 70 AD.) Instead, in Luke's account, the nearness or "at hand" time frame refers to the point in time when the preceding signs begin to be fulfilled. Jesus' return would be "at hand" once the signs began to commence. [end of reference] Verse 5:8 then requires signs to establish the time frame for the "coming of the Lord" as being "nigh" . This changes the meaning of "nigh" as "expectant" rather than "imminent", thus substantiating it's reference to Jesus' Second Coming. Also, the coming of the Lord has been established as the phrase used for Jesus' Second Coming (1 Corinthians 15:23, 1 Thessalonians 4:15, and 2 Thessalonians 2:1,8.), which would correlate with "nigh" being used as expectant. The only two items of information to date the events in verses 5:1 through 5:12 are the two words, and . There are no other events mentioned. Interpretation of these verses must rely on the Greek definitions and usage described in the aforementioned verses. Looking at the context of verses 5:1 through 5:12, they are talking about rich men that are corrupted. Regardless of the how and are interpreted, these people are being admonished to improve themselves (ripen their fruit) before the coming of the Lord, and in their current state, are not the type of people that would be included in the Rapture. Hence, the reference is to Jesus' Second Coming. Believers will remain on Earth until Jesus' Second Coming.

Summary - Remove these verses from any Pre-Tribulation Rapture Justification

Part 1 Daniel 12 Obadiah 1 Matthew 13:27-40 Matthew 20:2-9 Matthew 24:3-14 (Matthew 10:21-22) Matthew 24:37-39 Part 2 Matthew 24:28-41 Luke 17:26-37 Matthew 24:42-51 Luke 12:37-49 Matthew 25:1-13 John 10:9-10 Matthew 25:31-33 Matthew 28:19-20 (Romans 10:13-15) John 5:23, 5:42-43, 6:45, 8:42, 14:7 Ephesians 3:3-7 1 John 2:23 Jeremiah 31:35-37 Romans 11:17-22 Romans 1:16 Romans 2:8-11 Romans 10:11-13 Matthew 20:2-14> Acts 10:34-35 Part 3 John 14:2-4 1 Corinthians 15:20-25 1 Corinthians 15:50-53 (Daniel 12:1-2, John 5:28-29, John 6:40, 44, 54, John 11:23-24, 1 Thess 4:16, Revelation 1:5, 7) 1 Thess 4:13-18 (Matthew 24:30, Matthew 26:64, Mark 13:26, Mark 14:62, Rev 1:7, 2 Peter 2:17, Jude 1:12) 1 Thessalonians 5:2-23 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 6, 8 Part 4 1 Timothy 6:11-12 Titus 2:11-14 James 5:1-12