Rapture - Part 5

Believers remain on Earth? (2 Peter)    God's Protection    Thief in the Night    Believers remain on Earth? (Revelation)

Index of Scriptures used in Part 5

Will believers remain on Earth until Jesus' Second Coming?

Thief in the Night? and Believers remaining on Earth?

Two Topics When will Jesus come as a Thief in the Night? Will believers remain on Earth until Jesus' Second Coming? 2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Pre-Trib Rapture Interpretation: Pre-Tribulation Rapture believers seem to have no consistent understanding of these verses. Some state Peter is talking about an event that occurs Pre-Tribulation while other Pre-Trib supporters say Peter is talking about Jesus' Second Coming. "The defining thing to consider in thinking on the two diametrically different views of the rapture and second coming is wrapped up in the term "thief in the night". The Apostle Peter again uses this mysterious term, first used by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:2: "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" (2 Pet. 3:10). Peter is saying here that the day of the Lord--that time when God and His Christ, His Son, takes over this fallen planet--will begin like a thief in the night. It will be a sudden, catastrophic break-in upon a world doing business as usual. (Read Luke 17:26-29 to understand how things will be going along as usual when Christ comes back.) This description hardly fits the post-trib view, or any other view that says Christ will rapture His Church during a time of unprecedented trouble (Jer. 30:7; Matt. 24:21). This indicates that it will be a total surprise, because a thief in the night doesn't announce his coming with great, cataclysmic fanfare. The break-in is swift, stealthy--a totally unexpected event." Some state the events occur at Jesus' Second Coming. "The thief imagery is also used in 2 Peter 3:10 where the day of the Lord is Peter's subject. This passage is clearly not a reference to the rapture, since it says, "the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up."" Others place the events at the end of the millennium, "This passage doesn't refer to the Second Coming but events that occur at the end of the Millennium. However, even if it was referring to the Second Coming, Peter writes that there is nothing quiet or stealthy about this thief-like event." Answer: Verse 3:10 mentions "a great noise". This noise is also described in Isaiah 13:4-6 that accompanies the Day of the Lord (Jesus' Second Coming). Joel 2:1 also describes the blowing of trumpets in association with the Day of the Lord. Matthew confirms the sound of a trumpet with the Second Coming. Luke 21:25, 27 describes the same event as Matthew 24:29-31, but describes the sound of the trumpet in Matthew as "the sea and the waves roaring". Isa 13:4 The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the LORD of hosts mustereth the host of the battle. Isa 13:5 They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land. Isa 13:6 Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. Joel 2:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand; Matthew 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: Matthew 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Matthew 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Luke 21:27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Likewise, the description of fervent heat in 2 Peter 3:12 at Jesus' Second Coming is also described in Psalm 50:3. Isaiah 34:8-9 describes the heat as turning dust into brimstone. Joel 2:1 & 3 describes a flame that burneth. 2 Thessalonians 1:8 describes the "flaming fire". Psalm 50:3 Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. Isaiah 34:8 For it is the day of the LORD's vengeance, and the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion. Isaiah 34:9 And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch. Joel 2:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand; Joel 2:3 A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them. 2 Thessalonians 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 2 Thessalonians 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: In verse 3:12, believers will be "Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God" - the day of great noise, fire, and works that are burned up. These are not events that occur at a pre-tribulation rapture. So, believers will be on Earth when that day (Jesus' Second Coming) occurs. All of these verses of the same destructions that occur at Jesus' Second Coming firmly places the "thief in the night" in 2 Peter 3:10 at 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 Part 5 2 Peter 3:10-12

Will believers remain on Earth until Jesus' Second Coming?

Revelation 2:24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 2:25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. Pre-Trib Rapture Interpretation: Pre-Tribulation supporters do not cite Revelation 2 in their justification of a pre-tribulation rapture. Answer: Verses 24-26 states that believers need to keep their faith in God to the end. The end is defined as when Jesus will come (verse 25) and rule them with a rod of iron (verse 27). The statement to "rule them" after "I come" indicates Jesus is staying on Earth, indicating that those which need to "hold fast" are those that have remained on Earth until 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 Part 5 2 Peter 3:10-12 Revelation 2:24-27

When will Jesus come as a Thief in the Night?

Revelation 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. Pre-Trib Rapture Interpretation: Jesus is encouraging the beleaguered church by telling them that because they overcome the world and hold on to their faith until the end, he will rescue them from a period of destruction about to fall on the earth, which he will describe next in the book of Revelation. This period of destruction is of course described elsewhere (e.g. Dan 9, Jer 30, Mat 24). But here in Revelation it is going to be described in detail, and so it is introduced with a reminder that God will rescue his elect across the face of the earth by removing them from the trial that is about to fall on it. Answer: The only reference to timing in these verses is "I will come upon thee." This is a description of Jesus coming upon the unbelievers (i.e. those whose works are dead) and who are not watching. The time when Jesus comes upon unbelievers is His Second Coming. This will be unexpectedly, as a thief in the night.

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 Part 5 2 Peter 3:10-12 Revelation 2:24-27 Revelation 3:1-4

Be removed and avoid God's wrath or remain on Earth and be guarded and protected from God's wrath?

Avoid God's wrath or remain on Earth and be guarded and protected from God's wrath?

Will believers be removed (Raptured) from Earth to avoid God's wrath or remain on Earth and be guarded and protected from God's wrath? Revelation 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep <tereo> thee from <ek> the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Rapture Interpretation: While there are several verses that are strong arguments for the pre-tribulational rapture, Revelation 3:10 is one of the most persuasive. In it, every single phrase (and word!) points to God's plan to remove his church from the earth before the seven-year tribulation. Or, In Revelation 3:10, the church at Philadelphia is promised protection from the hour of testing. The great pre-tribulational/post-tribulational debate over this verse concerns the nature of the promised protection. Pre-tribulationists maintain that the church is here promised preservation outside the hour of testing by means of the Rapture (external preservation). Post-tribulationists argue that the Church is preserved in the hour of testing (internal preservation). The solution to the problem of promised protection is bound up in the phrase: <se tereso ek tes horas tou peirasmou> (I will keep you from the hour of testing). Although <tereo> is often translated "keep," a better rendering in Revelation 3:10 would be "preserve" or "protect," since great trials are in view in the "hour of testing." Whatever the promise involves, its great fruit will be the genuine preservation and protection of the church during the hour of testing. This presents an immediate problem for post-tribulationism, which holds that the church will be preserved on earth in the hour of testing. Yet verses such as Revelation 6:9-10; 7:9,13,14; 13:15; 14:13; 16:6; 18:24; and 20:4 present a time of unprecedented persecution and martyrdom for the saints of the Tribulation period. Gundry identifies these saints as members of the church. One wonders, with Sproule, "if multitudes of Christians are going to die under the fierce persecution of Antichrist, Satan, and the wicked, then in what way has God preserved them through the Tribulation?" Moreover, it must be questioned whether this kind of "preservation" would be of any comfort and encouragement to the persecuted Philadelphians. In effect the post-tribulational scheme denies the meaning of "preservation" in <tereo> (keep). Answer: There are several concepts that need to be dealt with regarding these verses in Revelation 3. The concept about the wording and exactly what it means will be dealt with last. The church in Philadelphia is one of seven churches. There have been both an explicit and symbolic interpretation of this prophesy. Revelation 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. Explicit interpretation: There are seven churches, The church of Ephesus needs to repent or have it's candlestick removed (will not be preserved). Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. The church in Smyrna will experience tribulation ten days (meaning it will be present during the tribulation to experience the 10 days of tribulation). Revelation 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. The church in Pergamos also needs to repent or else suffer the wrath of God (the wrath of God occurs after Jesus returns - i.e. the fight against them occurs after "I will come to thee" - so the church will be present during the tribulation until Christ comes). Revelation 2:16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. The church in Thyatira will face the tribulation (will be present during the tribulation) as an example to the other churches unless they repent. Revelation 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. The church in Sardis only has a few true believers. Revelation 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. The church in Philadelphia will be kept from the tribulation (i.e. protected from the tribulation - see the wording analysis below). Revelation 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. The church of the Laodiceans will not receive any protection from God for being prideful. Revelation 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. So, the church of Philadelphia is only one of seven churches. The keeping (protection) from tribulation is not a global or total phenomenon - it only applies to a specific portion of the churches at a specific location in the world. Symbolic interpretation: A number of expositors down through history have held that the seven churches represent seven sequential stages of church history. If this were the case, the church at the time of the tribulation would be the last church - the church of Laodiceans and not the church of Philadelphia. In this case, the church (all believers everywhere) have past the time of the church of Philadelphia and is now in the time of the church of the Laodiceans which God has said He will "spue thee out of my mouth" and try by fire - meaning the entire church will go through the tribulation. In both the explicit or symbolic interpretation of Revelation, there is no rapture that removes people from the Earth to Heaven. Wording in Revelation 3:10 As mentioned above, <tereo> means to "preserve" or "protect" (not "remove"). <tereo> is used 63 times in the New Testament - 61 times it means to preserve and 2 times to watch (as in preserve a memory of). It is never used to mean "remove" in the New Testament. The method cited in the Bible as the means of protection is the hedge. Hedges are mentioned as being put around people for their protection: Job 1:9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. Hedges are also mentioned as being put around the vineyard (the church) for its protection: Isaiah 5:1 Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: Isaiah 5:2 And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes. The "fence" here is later explained in Isaiah 5:5 to be a hedge When God removes his protection, he takes away the hedge: Isaiah 5:4 What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? Isaiah 5:5 And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: (repeated) When God removes his protection, he takes away the hedge: Isaiah 5:4 What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? Isaiah 5:5 And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: The means of protection in Revelation 3:10 is a hedge to prevent the tribulation from affecting the vineyard (the church - specifically only the church of Philadelphia), and does not mean removing anyone to some other place. Concerning the word <ek>, the English translation as "from" is not the only English translation. The other instances of it's use are "among or betwixt", "on" as in "on the right/left", "at", "through", "by reason", "over", and "because". Several Bible translations translate <ek> in Revelation 3:10 as "through", so "from" is not a completely agreed upon translation. This usage as "through" is consistent with <tereo> (protect or preserve) - as in one is protected through a trial. Some people have suggested that if it meant "through", then the word "en" would have been used. While <en> is also used with <tereo> to mean "through", "en" is also translated as "at", "among or within", "under", "on", "has been", and "because". Each of these translations of <en> are almost the same as <ek> - but neither word is used in the context of "remove". In John 17:15, Jesus is praying that his disciples specifically not be removed from the world (separated from everyone else - not removed from Earth). The use of <tereses> (a variation of <tereo> - Strongs #5083) is to guard them against evil. The intent is that they remain among everyone else, but that they would be guarded. In Galatians 1:4, Christ gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from (literally, "out of," <ek>) this present evil age. Yet, the interpretation is that we remain in the world and that we are to be guarded. In Hebrews 5:7, Jesus died, but through His resurrection, he passed through (out of) death. He remained on Earth through this period and was never removed from it. The uses of <ek> in these other verses that also describe protection from evil it never refers to removing anyone from the Earth. With regards to "if multitudes of Christians are going to die under the fierce persecution of Antichrist, Satan, and the wicked, then in what way has God preserved them through the Tribulation?", the statement ignores the fact that <tereo> only means "to preserve", so there is no option to question otherwise. It must mean more than what the Pre-Tribulation Supporters are comprehending. The martyrs in Revelation 6:9-10 are all saints from all times that were slain for their belief, not just those that perish (if any do) during the Tribulation. Even so, the martyrs are perfect examples from Mark 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. They have saved their lives - they are preserved. The millions of Elders arrayed around Jesus in Heaven in Revelation 7:14 are all saints from all times that have gone through great tribulation, Revelation 7:14 "And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." This is not a reference to the tribulation in Revelation that starts in Chapter 8, since Revelation 7:3 states, "Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads." Revelation 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. For true disciples of Jesus, this speaks back to Mark 8:35. It is also not specific to the church - it applies to everyone that refuses to worship the image. Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. This is speaking of the true disciples of Jesus, and is a reference back to Mark 8:35. Regarding Revelation 16:6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy. Again, this speaks back to Mark 8:35. Regarding Revelation 18:24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. Again, this speaks back to Mark 8:35. Regarding Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. Again, this speaks back to Mark 8:35. For all of these verses that speak back to Mark 8:35, Revelation 20:6 states that they will receive the ultimate in preservation, "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years." The Pre-Tribulation Rapture Believers do not understand that there is more to preservation than just preserving the mortal body.

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 Part 5 2 Peter 3:10-12 Revelation 2:24-27 Revelation 3:1-4 Revelation 3:7-10

When will Jesus come as a Thief in the Night?

When will Jesus come as a Thief in the Night?

Revelation 16:12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. 16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 16:14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. 16:16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon. Pre-Trib Rapture Interpretation: The Pre-Wrath Rapture view has the Church raptured just before the bowl judgments (Revelation 16) that occur during the last quarter of the Tribulation. The bowl judgments are the only judgments this view considers to be the wrath of God, leaving the Seal and Trumpet judgments as wrath from man and Satan. But, isn't it Jesus Himself who breaks the seals that launch each of the Revelation 6 seal judgments which occur at the beginning of the Tribulation? Also, the seven angels who blow the trumpets that initiate each of the trumpet judgments are given their trumpets at the throne of God (Revelation 8:2). And, Revelation 15:1 states that the bowl judgments at the end of the Tribulation finish the wrath of God, not begin His wrath. Because these judgments are initiated by Jesus Himself at the beginning of the Tribulation, the whole Tribulation must be God's wrath, which the Church is exempt from. Answer: In these verses, the thief in the night occurs after the people receive the mark of the beast (Revelation 16:2) and the vial of the sixth angel. Verse 16:15 is a future reference to Jesus' Second Coming in Revelation 19:11-13. Yet, for specifying this window of time at the end of the tribulation, the instruction is still to watch or be caught unawares (walking naked). The nakedness in 16:15 relates to Ezekiel 16:7-8 where the covenant covered the nakedness of the House of Israel. Ezekiel 16:7 I have caused thee to multiply as the bud of the field, and thou hast increased and waxen great, and thou art come to excellent ornaments: thy breasts are fashioned, and thine hair is grown, whereas thou wast naked and bare. Ezekiel 16:8 Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine. To be without the covenant is to revert back to being naked. A phrase in the Midrash, "I was naked of works, I was naked of commandments, and I was naked of deeds" explains that those that do not keep God's commandments are naked. The garments referred to in 16:15 are the commandments. Midrash 200. He called to Adam and said "Why do you flee from Me?" [Adam] replied (Genesis 3:10), " 'I heard Your voice in the garden' - and my bones trembled. 'I was afraid because I was naked, and I hid.' I was naked of works, I was naked of commandments, and I was naked of deeds." It is therefore written "because I was naked, and I hid." God used clothing to serve as reminders and symbols of His truths and commandments. Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

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 Part 5 2 Peter 3:10-12 Revelation 2:24-27 Revelation 3:1-4 Revelation 3:7-10 Revelation 16:12-16

Will believers remain on Earth until Jesus' Second Coming?

Will Believers remain on Earth until Jesus' Second Coming?

Revelation 22:10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward <misthos> is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Pre-Trib Rapture Interpretation: Pre-Tribulation Rapture believers acknowledge that this verse describes Jesus' Second Coming. Answer: Verse 22:11 describes that there will be unjust, filthy, and righteous people when He retruns in verse 22:12. This is in harmony with the parable of the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:27-30) where both the righteous and unrighteous grow together until Jesus returns. In verse 22:12, the reward <misthos> is the same Greek word used in the parable of the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-14) when they were given their payment (their hire) at even (the end of the day). Matthew 20:8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire <misthos>, beginning from the last unto the first. This parable is consistent with Revelation 22:12 in that the payment / reward is given at the end of the day when the lord called the laborers to him. In other words, when Jesus returns. The calling of the laborers to the lord is also consistent with the description of Jesus' Second Coming described in Matthew 24:27-31 when he has the angels gather his people to Him ("call the labourers"). Matthew 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. 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 Part 5 2 Peter 3:10-12 Revelation 2:24-27 Revelation 3:1-4 Revelation 3:7-10 Revelation 16:12-16 Revelation 16:12-16 End of Topic