Tag: Eschatology

The Harvest of the Earth is not a Rapture

On By TimIn Return of Jesus, Revelation 01Leave a comment

Revelation 1:7 (MEV): Look! He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

This is John’s introduction to an event that is sometimes confused with the rapture. This idea of coming in the clouds is always about judgment. In 1 Thessalonians 4:17, Paul clearly states that the saints (Spirit-baptized believers) that are alive meet the previously dead saints (Spirit-baptized believers) in the clouds together. Paul does not tell us Jesus comes in the clouds. That is because the rapture is not judgment. This is the precision of the message.

Then What is It?

Revelation 14:14–20 (MEV): I looked. And there was a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like a Son of Man, having on his head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. Then another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Thrust in Your sickle and reap. The time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” So He who sat on the cloud thrust His sickle on the earth, and the earth was harvested.

Another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven. He also had a sharp sickle. Yet another angel who had authority over fire came out from the altar. He cried with a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe.” The angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vintage of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. The winepress was trampled outside the city, and blood came out of the winepress, up to the horses’ bridles, for one hundred and eighty-six miles.

All the nations will be brought to battle Jerusalem. God will gather them just as a vintner gathers grapes.

I under that that is graphic language. This event is not going to be very enjoyable. The earth is being harvested for judgment. This is the gathering of the nations in the final battle at what is known as Armageddon. (More on that in a later post.)

But first, some background.

Space Invaders

There is a modern fascination with mastering the heavens. We fly planes and have sent rockets zooming through space. There has been a push to militarize the heavens. The US even has established a Space Force branch of the military.

Weaponizing the air began soon after the Wright brothers invented flight. Hubs were affixed to plains.

That progressed to delivering bombs with rockets. Wernher von Braun mastered rocketry during WWII. He was swiftly brought to the US and he revolutionized the air and beyond.

In the 80s Ronald Reagan, then President of the United States proffered an idea that helped broker a peace agreement with the USSR. It came after both sides would stubbornly not move on their position. He had a private meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev, then Secretary General of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. Reagan asked if the USSR would aid the US if an invader from space were to attack. Both men agreed they would help each other. This became the impetus for finding agreement for a stand down if the Cold War.

In a speech before a gathering of the United Nations, Reagan spoke of the meeting and what was discussed. It shocked the world that leaders would discuss a fringe topic like space aliens. I fondly remember the lampooning Reagan took.

But the issue is serious. In that, a different kind of threat was hinted at. A vastly greater one that could unite humanity for a common goal.

There would be weaponry needed to neutralize that threat. Some were already being considered and even built. The idea has certainly been embraced in the last 40 years. And now we have the Space Force.

The Science

Science now embraces it, as the idea of panspermia is theorized to deal with the seeming impossibility of abiogenesis. That is, the science of the first cell becoming alive. Panspermia is the theory that life was seeded by some alien race on Earth. To me, that sounds like God did it, but hey. That just cannot be.

The idea offered is that earth is just one giant science excitement of hybridization and selection.

Do I believe there are space aliens?

Maybe… But I don’t think so. I think it will be part of the fake story that will be used as an explanation for the mass disappearance of people will be needed when the body of Christ is raptured. There will be what is called space aliens or space brothers that come down when we go up. They will tell those remaining that they were responsible for removing those that cannot move to the next vibration or evolve. They will also say they seeded life here and can help fix the problems.

Many of those in the New Age movement also teaches this.

Why Say This?

I know that sounds kooky. Humans are building weapons to fight an invader. The enemy is also building an army of humans because he is vastly outnumbered. The world will come together to fight what they will call space invaders. It will be an attack from above.

A Day of the Lord

Zechariah 12:1–10 (MEV): The oracle of the word of the Lord against Israel.
Thus says the Lord, the One who stretches out the heavens and establishes the earth and forms the spirit of man within him: I am going to make Jerusalem a cup of reeling before all the surrounding nations. And when there is a siege against Judah, it is also against Jerusalem. And it will be on that day that I will set Jerusalem as a weighty stone to all the peoples. All who carry it will surely gash themselves, and all the nations of the land will be gathered against it. On that day I will strike every horse with confusion and its rider with madness, but for the house of Judah I will keep My eyes open although I will strike with blindness every horse of the peoples. Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, “There is strength for us with those residing in Jerusalem by the Lord of Hosts, their God.” On that day I will set Judah like a fiery pot among wood and as a flaming torch among cut grain. And they will devour to the right and left all the surrounding peoples, while Jerusalem will still reside in her place, the place of Jerusalem.

The Lord will deliver the tents of Judah as before, so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of those dwelling in Jerusalem will not eclipse Judah. On that day the Lord will defend those residing in Jerusalem; and even the one who stumbles among them will be as David on that day. And the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the Lord going out before them. On that day I will seek to destroy all the nations who come out against Jerusalem. And I will pour out on the house of David and over those dwelling in Jerusalem a spirit of favor and supplication so that they look to Me, whom they have pierced through. And they will mourn over him as one mourns for an only child and weep bitterly over him as a firstborn.

On that day… Count how many times it’s there in that passage. It’s a future day for Jerusalem. A day of loving kindness from the One whom they have pierced. It will cause them to mourn.

John cites that in the introductory passage above. He is coming and will be seen even by those who pierced Him. That’s Jesus.

To Jewish Readers

Consider that passage in Zechariah. The word Lord used there is the unspeakable name of God, Jehovah. He is the One speaking and plainly says they (Israelis) look to Him Who they pierced through. Ask yourself one question, when did Jehovah get pierced?

The Lord Fights

That day will be cleansing for the people of God, the Israelis. They will be reconciled to their God. They will also divide spoil from the battle He fought.

Zechariah 14:1–4 (MEV): A day of the Lord is coming when your spoil will be divided in your midst. For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem for battle. The city will be captured and the houses plundered and the women ravished. Half of the city will go to exile, but the remainder of the people will not be cut off from the city. Then the Lord will go out and fight those nations as He fights in the day of war. On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is to the east of Jerusalem. And from east to west the Mount of Olives will be split in two halves by a very great valley so that one half moves to the north and the other to the south.

It will be a two-fold battle, the nations will be gathered and seek to take the city. To all those dwelling there, the cause would be dire. Then sudden destruction comes upon the attackers.

In That Day

Even in the much-talked-about invasion by God of Magog (Ezekiel 38-39,) there seems to be a multi-pronged conflict. Look at the phrases God uses… I will turn you back, drive you on, take you up, and bring you against.

Ezekiel 39:1–4 (MEV): Moreover you, son of man, prophesy against Gog and say: Thus says the Lord God: I am against you, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshek, and Tubal. And I will turn you back, drive you on, and take you up the north parts and bring you against the mountains of Israel. And I will strike your bow out of your left hand and will cause your arrows to fall out of your right hand. You shall fall upon the mountains of Israel, you and all your troops and the peoples who are with you. I will give you to the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured.

Also pay attention to the familiar phrases encountered; on that day, in that day, and in the latter years. The reference is to the day of the Lord and is not necessarily always meant to encompass just a singular day.

This is also the call to the great feast I’ve written of before.

Ezekiel 39:17 (MEV): As for you, son of man, thus says the Lord God: Speak to every kind of fowl and to every beast of the field: Assemble and come. Gather on every side to My sacrifice that I sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that you may eat flesh and drink blood.

Jesus said, wherever the carcass is, the eagles will be gathered together (Matthew 24:28.) He is referencing this particular day.

It’s the Lord Who fights for Israel.

The Gathering Place

Isaiah 29:1–2 (MEV): Woe to Ariel, to Ariel,
the city where David lived! Add year to year, observe your feasts on schedule. Yet I will distress Ariel, and she shall be a city of lamenting and sorrow, and she shall be as an Ariel to me.

Fascinating is the name Isaiah applies to Jerusalem. It’s Ariel. While many consider the meaning as Lion of God, it also connotes a gathering of God (like from exile) or the place of assembly.

This is indeed weighty material to consider. God is telling us in advance what will happen. But consider the words of the Psalmist….

Psalm 48:1–8 (MEV): Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in His holy mountain.

Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. God is known in her citadels as a refuge.

For the kings were assembled, they passed by together. They saw it, and so they were astounded; they were alarmed, they hurried away. Trembling seized them there, and pain like a woman in labor; You break the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.

As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of Hosts, in the city of our God; God will establish it forever. Selah

At the beginning of the song, there is no hint of its prophetic nature. The nations are gathered to Jerusalem. What did they see that caused sudden alarm?

Jerusalem will be rescued by the One the world considers space invaders. It will be led by Jesus and His army of saints. They will come down with the host of heaven. He will come and vanquish His enemies.

The entire portion of the Psalm is really a prophetic song to be sung in yet future. The refrain ends with the admission that God told them the things that would happen before they did and they did happen.

Jesus will rescue Jerusalem.

The Rapture (Part 7) – The Last Trump

On By TimIn 1 Corinthians 15, RaptureLeave a comment

As we continue to explore the Rapture and the many aspects of it, in part 4 we learned that the text in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 has a military style. The underlying Greek words hint at military-style orders being given. It is with that in mind that we shall explore the idea of the last trump.

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, for the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:51–52 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The Moedim

The idea of the last trump has been connected by some to a particular Jewish Feast Day, Yom
Tehurah (or the day of blowing.) This is an appointed time, one of seven feasts (Hebrew: moedim) of Israel established in Leviticus 23. Yom Tehurah is a day known for trumpet blasts, specifically using the shofar. On this day, there is even a specific trumpet blast titled “the last trump.” It is a note that is held for as long as the blower can blow.

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: Concerning the feasts of the LORD that you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My appointed feasts.

Leviticus 23:1–2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The seven feasts (more information can be found here) are arranged on the Jewish calendar. There are three spring feasts: Passover, The Feast of Unleavened Bread, and Firstfruits. There are three fall feasts: Feast of Trumpets, The Day of Atonement, and Feast of Booths. There is one late spring feast between the two groups, it is Shavuot (The Feast of Weeks or Pentecost.)

I group them that way for a particular reason. The feasts are likened to the Menorah which has seven candlesticks, three on either side of the middle.

It is without question that Jesus fulfilled the spring feasts. Some say He even fulfilled the fourth. With that in mind, it is easy to understand why some think that the Feast of Trumpets is going to be the feast fulfilled by the rapture.

The Trumpet

With our English translations, it is difficult to find the precision in Hebrew. Both Hebrew words shofar and khatzotzerah are translated to the English word trumpet. Both words tend to be blurred together. There is a distinction, and it is that Which needs to be explored.

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: Make for yourself two silver trumpets. Of a hammered work you will make them, and you will use them for summoning of the assembly and directing the breaking up of the camps.

Numbers 10:1–2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Here we encounter the Hebrew word khatzotzerah. It is translated as trumpet. These silver trumpets had specific uses. They are not musical instruments but have specific purposes. They were used to call the assembly together. They announced the time to begin breaking camp to journey on. They were used militarily and for other various purposes.

When they blow both of them, all the assembly will assemble themselves to you at the door of the tent of meeting. If they blow only one, then the leaders, who are heads of the thousands of Israel, will gather themselves to you.

Numbers 10:3–4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is the call to assembly. When two are blown simultaneously, the entire assembly meets. When one is blown, the leaders assemble.

When you blow an alarm, then the camps that lie on the east will set out. When you blow an alarm the second time, then the camps that lie on the south will set out. They will blow an alarm for their setting out. But when the assembly is to be gathered together, you will blow, but you will not sound an alarm.

Numbers 10:5–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is the call to break camp. There was a specific order to breaking camp. The alarm blown on the trumpet signaled the camps in cardinal directions, east, south, west, and north. The signal used was different than that used to call an assembly. And the final blow of the trumpets would mean the entire congregation is on the move.

The sons of Aaron, the priests, will blow the trumpets, and they will be to you as an ordinance forever throughout your generations.

Numbers 10:8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

These trumpets were under the control of the High Priest. They were to be blown only by priests (sons of Aaron.) This is the primary distinction between the use of the shofar and the use of the silver trumpet.

And if you go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresses you, then you will blow an alarm with the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the LORD your God, and you will be saved from your enemies.

Numbers 10:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

That confirms that these trumpets are used to sound alarm for remembrance when enemies approached. The use of this alarm comes with a specific promise from God.

Also in the day of your gladness, and at your appointed days, and in the beginnings of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings that they may be a memorial for you before your God. I am the LORD your God.

Numbers 10:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

These trumpets were also used in the celebration of the Jewish feasts. They were blown in glad tidings, at the beginning of months. They were blown over burnt offerings and peace offerings. They were also clearly used during the feast days.

In the way the silver trumpets are used, they can be associated with a typification of prayer.

The Shofar at the Feast of Trumpets

The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to the children of Israel, saying: In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath, a memorial with the blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation.

Leviticus 23:23–24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The idea presented in the phrase blowing of trumpets is literally a blast or blowing. It is the Hebrew word tehurah. The word trumpet is assumed. Tehurah means blowing similar to blasting out a note.

As in the citation from Numbers 10, the silver trumpets are blown (Hebrew taqa,) not blasted. Except for when the alarm is blown in verses five and six. There we have both words used taqa tehurah (blow an alarm or blow a blast.) In that sense, it is instruction on how to blow a particular signal.

In Leviticus 23 it is the idea of blasting that assumes the use of a shofar (ram’s horn.) That is the trumpet used on that day. It’s a day of blowing trumpet blasts.

We can already see a distinction in the usage given in the law.

But I don’t think that the trumpet used for assembling the body of Christ is either of these.

The Last Trump

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, for the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:52 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s the last trump. Let’s examine the companion passage from 1 Thessalonians. Chronologically, this was written before Paul wrote the first epistle to the Corinthians.

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

1 Thessalonians 4:16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s the trumpet call of God. It is not the trumpet call of the shofar, nor those of the Aaronic priesthood. Like the latter, it is a summoning for the body of Christ to come together in assembly, both dead and alive. It is like the blowing of the silver trumpets, but this trumpet is singular. It is not like the blasts of the shofar on the Feast of Trumpets, the last of which signaled the close of that feast.

Also, note that this is the trump of God. It is not the trump of Gabriel or any other angel. Therefore it cannot be connected to the trumpets of the angels in Revelation 8 through 11. Simply put, there is no connection between the last trump and the seventh trumpet. The dates of the writing of the two books are separated by almost 40 years. That seventh trumpet could not be the context of what Paul was declaring in either epistle. It had not yet been revealed.

The last trump must have meant something of significance to the Christians to whom Paul addressed. It is the last call to assembly for the body of Christ. All Spirit-baptized believers are called to assemble, in the clouds.

Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall be forever with the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is a powerful idea to the early believers. In the wilderness, the blasting of the silver trumpets indicated the congregation was moving. Each cardinal direction would have been given a blast to begin moving. The final blast indicated the entire congregation was assembled and on the move. That is most likely the idea conveyed by Paul. Therefore, the last trump at the time of the rapture will indicate that the entire body of Christ is called up together: both the living and the dead.

The Rapture (Part 6) – Why a Change?

On By TimIn 1 Corinthians 15, RaptureLeave a comment

In the last installment, we learned the mystery was revealed by Paul. We will explore the need for change.

Now this I say, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does corruption inherit incorruption.

1 Corinthians 15:50 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

A Change to the nature of the Body is Necessary

The bodies we inhabit today are mortal. The flesh is corrupted with death. The flesh became corrupted when Adam ate of the forbidden fruit.

And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”

Genesis 2:16–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

And to Adam He said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ Cursed is the ground on account of you; in hard labor you will eat of it all the days of your life. Thorns and thistles it will bring forth for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your face you will eat bread until you return to the ground, because out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you will return.”

Genesis 3:17–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Until the fall, the bodies of Adam and Eve were not corrupted. There was no death. As they ate, mortality entered as God had ensured the body would return to the dust. We know that is true. When our bodies die, they deteriorate into a skeleton, and given enough time, the skeleton also disintegrates back into the dust.

The mortality is passed onto the entire progeny of that first man. The mortality is inherited.

Therefore as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, so death has spread to all men, because all have sinned.
For until the law, sin was in the world. But sin is not counted when there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of Adam’s sin, who was a type of Him who was to come.

Romans 5:12–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sin is not passed down, death is. Because these bodies are corrupted. They’re dying.

With these bodies, we cannot enter the eternal state. There needs to be a change.

We Shall be Changed

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, for the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:51–52 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We shall be changed, and the change will be faster than instantaneous. Not all of the Spirit baptized believers in the body of Christ will not die. Some will remain and be changed instantly. (But not before those who have previously passed on.)

For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will not precede those who are asleep.

1 Thessalonians 4:15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We shall not all sleep. All will be changed. Not all of us will die. But all of us will be changed. Some will not undergo the process of physical death. All will undergo a change in that moment. The dead would be raised up incorruptible, no longer to die. And those mortal believers alive will put on immortality.

The change will happen in the twinkling of an eye. The Greek word for moment is atomos, it is from where the English word atom comes. It is a small measurement of time. It can be likened to the amount of time it takes to recognize a face on someone. That flash of recognition is the twinkling of an eye.

For this corruptible will put on incorruption, and this mortal will put on immortality.

1 Corinthians 15:53 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The dead whose bodies had deteriorated into dust will put on incorruptible bodies. Their bodies will no longer suffer death. In the same way. The living mortals will instantaneously put on immortality.

Looking back at another text, we see clearly that Paul identifies himself with the living and not the dead.

Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall be forever with the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Death is Gone

Paul knew that the rapture was imminent. It was his hope to be caught up, and he identified with the living. This is an important concept as we move forward in 1 Corinthians 15.

When this corruptible will have put on incorruption, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then the saying that is written shall come to pass: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

1 Corinthians 15:54 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The instant this happens for anyone s the voiding of death. This is the victory, and as we’ve learned from previous installments this is the proclamation to principalities and powers. Those that rule in the unseen realm do not have victory over death. Believers are beyond their grip and control.

Paul is citing this:

He will swallow up death for all time, and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces; and the reproach of His people He shall take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken it.

Isaiah 25:8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is also cited in Revelation 21.

“O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?”

1 Corinthians 15:55 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is another citation from the Tanakh. This si another reference to the writing of a prophet.

I will ransom them from the power of Sheol. I will redeem them from Death. O Death, where are your plagues? O Sheol, where is your sting? Compassion is hidden from My eyes.

Hosea 13:14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In this case, God has no compassion for death, his enemy.

This is the victory the church-age believer has. Death is swallowed up. It has no power.

The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:56–58 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

That is the exhortation. Our belief in God is not in vain.

The Rapture (Part 5) – The Mystery

On By TimIn 1 Corinthians 15, RaptureLeave a comment

Now that we understand who the rapture is for in part 1, what the rapture is in part 2, and in part 3 how it will happen; we discover that a change is necessary for those raptured to enter the kingdom of God. These flesh and blood bodies cannot enter there. This is an important thing to consider.

A Mystery

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:51 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul tells us a mystery. This word can have some unintended baggage in English. In English, it means something we cannot know. The word in Greek is musterion. It simply means something that has not been known or revealed heretofore. That is, this idea has been hidden until Paul revealed it. That tells us that Jesus didn’t teach it. Some do try to shoehorn the rapture into the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24.) It isn’t there. It wasn’t revealed until Paul taught it.

The Scriptures do define the usage of this word clearly.

You may have heard of the administration of the grace of God which was given me for you, how by revelation He made known to me the mystery, as I have written briefly already, by which, when you read it, you may understand my knowledge of the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, how the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members, and partakers of the promise in Christ by the gospel.

Ephesians 3:2–6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul is telling us these mysteries were not revealed in the Tanakh. They are revealed in the New Testament apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit. These mysteries are new truths.

To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the incomprehensible riches of Christ, and to reveal for all people what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ, so that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He completed in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.

Ephesians 3:8–12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This tells us that there is a purpose to hiding these truths in the Tanakh only to be revealed later. It is the things Jesus did, the Spirit indwelling believers making them a new man. It is this instant transformation of the body of Christ into His glorious Kingdom.

Each in this body is also tasked with making these things known to other humans, yes… But also, the unseen powers that work in this world. It is by the works of Jesus that we can access the presence of God directly now.

I have been made a servant of it according to the commission of God, which has been given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, even the mystery which has been hidden from past ages and generations, but now is revealed to His saints. To them God would make known what is the glorious riches of this mystery among the nations. It is Christ in you, the hope of glory, whom we preach, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present them perfect in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 1:25–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is Christ in us, the hope of glory. That is the rapture. It is this sure destiny for the church saint.

It is also for this reason that the second coming and the rapture are not the same things. The second coming was revealed in the Tanakh. In fact, there is much more spoken of in the Tanakh than in the New Testament. The mystery of the rapture is revealed for the first time in the New Testament.

The Rapture (Part 3) – What it is Not

On By TimIn 1 Thessalonians 04, Rapture2 Comments

The previous post attempted to explain what the rapture is. We know the rapture is a catching away of church saints. It helps to have an understanding of what the rapture is not, and the other things people say about the rapture.

Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall be forever with the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The Word Rapture is Not in the Bible

This is often one of the most widely used ideas used to deny the rapture. It is true, that the English word rapture is not in the Bible. But the Greek word for the rapture is. That word is harpazo. Here is a definition from a reliable lexicon.

ἁρπάζω harpazō, – ‘snatch, seize’, i.e. take suddenly and vehemently, or take away in the sense of
1. to make off w. someone’s property by attacking or seizing, steal, carry off, drag away
2. to grab or seize suddenly so as to remove or gain control, snatch/take away

Definition provided by William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 134.

The word rapture enters the English language from Middle French rapture, which is derived from the medieval Latin raptura. Raptura is defined as seizure and/or kidnapping. The medieval Latin word has as its root the Latin raptus, which conveys the idea of a carrying off.

For the word nerds like I tend to be, here is a technical explanation (not that I do prefer technical illustrations.) In the text above from 1 Thessalonians, the Koine Greek verb form ἁρπαγησόμεθα (harpagēsometha) is used. It means we shall be caught up or taken away. The Koine word is correctly translated into the Latin Vulgate as rapiemur, meaning we are caught up or we are taken away. The Latin word has a root in the Latin verb rapio, meaning to catch up or take away.

Clearly, the word idea meant by rapture is in the Bible. To help alleviate any confusion let’s use an older, yet still reliable lexicon.

RAP’TURE, noun [Latin raptus, rapio.]
1. A seizing by violence. [Little Used.]
2. Transport; ecstasy; violence of a pleasing passion; extreme joy or pleasure.
  Music when thus applied, raises in the mind of the hearer great conceptions; it strengthens devotion and advances praise into rapture
3. Rapidity with violence; a hurrying along with velocity; as rolling with torrent rapture
4. Enthusiasm; uncommon heat of imagination.
  You grow correct, that once with rapture writ.

Noah Webster, American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828 (https://webstersdictionary1828.com/)

Using the word rapture or the term catching up to translate harpazo doesn’t change the way we understand the doctrine. Jesus comes and catches church saints up and away. We know now that the word rapture is not ‘not in the Bible.’

The Rapture is Not the Second Coming

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days, ‘the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’
“Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

Matthew 24:29–31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is the second coming of Jesus. It is markedly different than the rapture. As we’ve learned from previous posts, the rapture is for church saints. The second coming is for Israel, which is easily discerned by the usage of the term elect. It is almost always a term used for Israel as the chosen to make God known to the world. We also know this by the immediate context and audience. Jesus is speaking to a small group of Jewish disciples about as they asked Him what the sign of His coming would be and that of the end of the age (Matthew 24: 3.)

Yes, there are similarities to the rapture of church saints. There is the coming in the clouds, but with great power and glory. There is the great sound of the trumpet, military language for sure. But there is no shout, no voice of the archangel. The elect are gathered, yet the text is silent on where they are gathered.

Let’s examine the other two gospel accounts of the same event.

“But in those days, after that distress, ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give her light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers that are in heaven will be shaken.’
“Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. Then He will send His angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of the earth to the farthest part of heaven.

Mark 13:24–27 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

“There will be signs in the sun and the moon and the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men fainting from fear and expectation of what is coming on the inhabited earth. For the powers of heaven will be shaken.
Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near.”

Luke 21:25–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Each of these accounts describes the same event. There are intriguing details in all three and some that are unique to each.

Common details include coming in the clouds with great power and glory. There are a lot of natural disasters that precedes the event. There is also a sense of doom and foreboding. Two accounts mention the elect being gathered. I will leave the rest for you to examine, and see what other commonalities you can uncover.

The unique details are the things that ought to draw our attention. In the Luke account, a subtle exhortation gives us a hint to the rapture. “When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near.” Jesus is encouraging His disciples to look up for redemption when these things begin to happen, not after. That is an important, yet subtle detail. Especially when we examine the Matthew passage, “immediately after the tribulation of those days.” Redemption for saints is when these begin to happen, the second coming is after the tribulation.

Remember the previous post from Acts 1.

When He had spoken these things, while they looked, He was taken up. And a cloud received Him from their sight.
While they looked intently toward heaven as He ascended, suddenly two men stood by them in white garments. They said, “Men of Galilee, why stand looking toward heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you to heaven, will come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

Acts 1:9–11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The rapture occurs in like manner to Jesus’ assumption. It is a private event for those (future) church saints present. There is no fear. There is no perplexity. There is no mourning.

Paul, in another epistle referencing the rapture, calls it the blessed hope.

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly, righteously, and in godliness in this present world, as we await the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all lawlessness and purify for Himself a special people, zealous of good works.

Titus 2:11–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Contrast that with the passage in Matthew that says “all the tribes of the earth will mourn.” These are not the same events.

Now to really ruffle feathers.

The Rapture is Not Middle-Tribulation Nor Post-Tribulation

I understand that statement may be hard to take. But the passages cited above provide us with all we need to know that the rapture occurs before the tribulation. There are other ways to know this.

Alas! for that day is great, so that no one is like it; it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it.

Jeremiah 30:7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I encourage everyone to keep in mind when reading the Bible and encounter the phrase ‘that day.’ Most often it is a reference to the end times or last days. Jeremiah calls those days Jacob’s Trouble. In other places, it is described as a time of unprecedented trouble. It is even called great tribulation to explain its unprecedented severity.

“And at that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who shall be found written in the book.

Daniel 12:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

For then will be great tribulation, such as has not happened since the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever shall be.

Matthew 24:21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

These citations are not meant to be all-inclusive, but they serve as sufficient witnesses to this period of time being unprecedented. God even foretold this to Moses as he was dying.

The LORD said to Moses, “You are about to lie down with your fathers, and this people will rise up and begin to prostitute themselves after the gods of the foreigners of the land, where they are going to be among them, and will forsake Me and break My covenant which I have made with them. Then My anger will burn against them on that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide My face from them, and they will be devoured, and many disasters and troubles will befall them, so that they will say in that day, ‘Have not these disasters come upon us because our God is not among us?’ And I will surely hide My face in that day for all the evil things which they shall have done, in that they turned to other gods.

Deuteronomy 31:16–18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

When these things begin to happen look up for redemption. We are looking to a blessed hope. As previously discussed, the rapture serves as the end of the ministry of the church saints on earth.

The tribulation is judgment for Israel, not the Spirit-baptized church saints. The church escapes that judgment.

The Rapture is Not Already Passed

Because we understand that the rapture comes just as the days of tribulation being, it could not have happened in the first century. This is a view called preterism, which claims all things in the Bible have already happened. Let us look again at Daniel 12.

“And at that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who shall be found written in the book.

Daniel 12:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Preterism will tell you that the Day of the Lord happened when the temple was destroyed in Jerusalem in 70 AD. That just cannot be true given the verse in Daniel. What happened in Jerusalem then, happened in a little backwater of the great Roman Empire. Sure it was devastating to Israel and her people, but relatively non-concerning to the rest of the empire.

Looking at the 120 million or so people that perished in and around the 20th century is surely a great sign of terrible trouble for a greater number of people. Yet according to what we read, even that won’t match what comes.

Given modern knowledge, preterism cannot be true.

The Rapture is Not This

I tell you, on that night two men will be in one bed; the one will be taken and the other will be left. Two women will be grinding grain together; the one will be taken and the other will be left. Two men will be in the field; the one will be taken and the other will be left.”

Luke 17:34–36 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This text is often used as a rapture text. Examining the context and evidence that surrounds it provides a different conclusion. One that is very different. Let’s see the whole passage and what we can learn.

For as the lightning flashes and lights up the heavens from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in His day. But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.
“Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. They were eating, drinking, marrying, and were given in marriage until the day when Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.
“Likewise as it was in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built. But on the day that Lot departed from Sodom, fire and brimstone rained from heaven and destroyed them all.
“So will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. On that day let him who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away. And likewise let him who is in the field not return to the things behind. Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night two men will be in one bed; the one will be taken and the other will be left. Two women will be grinding grain together; the one will be taken and the other will be left. Two men will be in the field; the one will be taken and the other will be left.”
They asked, “Where, Lord?” He replied, “Where the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.”

Luke 17:24–37 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Like the previous citations from the Gospels, this text is not describing a blessed hope. Jesus sets the tone in the discussion as judgment and begins that discussion with the days before the judgment carried out by the flood. The unbelievers died in the waters. Was it because they couldn’t discern the signs?

To continue pressing His point, the destruction of Sodom is remembered. This is to demonstrate the sudden revealing of the Son of Man. It won’t be expected, at least not with joy for redemption. It comes with a heavy sense of foreboding. People are suddenly taken away.

Those present ask an intriguing question… Where?

They wanted to know where these taken would be. Jesus answers “Where the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.” That is a reference to scavenging birds feasting on a dead corpse. It is explained here.

In Conclusion

We know the rapture is not not in the Bible. It is not the second coming. It does not happen during or after the tribulation. It has not already happened. And it is not the gathering of the elect, nor is it the gathering of unbelievers for a bird feast. As always, my intentions are not to be exhaustive, but to provide enough of a starting point for your own excursion into the depths of God’s Word.

The Rapture (Part 2) – What it Is

On By TimIn John 14, Rapture3 Comments

From the previous post we learned for whom the rapture is inended tobenefit. It is a body called the church. A proper ecclesiology is a necessary foundation to understanding the rapture. Let us now explore what the rapture is.

“Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also. You know where I am going, and you know the way.”

John 14:1–4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There are many that consider this a rapture passage. It is my opinion that it may be used that way, but there are deeper meanings. It is a promise of Jesus to return for the individual believer and receive them to Himself. In that way, each church saint is promised to see the second coming of Jesus. I see that simply because Jesus used personal pronouns here, and addresses what He says to individuals, not just to a corporate body. (This is easily seen in the King James Version for English readers in the difference between ye and you.) Each of us that are believers need not fear. Jesus is coming for each of us.

This passage serves well as a background to attest that Jesus promises to return for the believing saints and receive them to Himself. He told this to His disciples at the Last Supper. Judas was not present, as Jesus had previously sent him on to the betrayal he had set to do. All that were present to hear this were believers. The rapture is just for believers. That is an important idea to keep in mind.

He is Coming Back.

Now that we know that Jesus is going to return to receive saints to Himself, let us explore and see if there are other details to add to this understanding.

But I would not have you ignorant, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and arose again, so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will not precede those who are asleep.

1 Thessalonians 4:13–15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The first epistle to the Thessalonians serves as a major contributor to our understanding of the event called the rapture or catching away. I understand there is some controversy with the word rapture. Let’s examine that in detail in another installment. For now, the word suffices as an explanation.

Now, let’s move to some more background information that can help our understanding of what Paul is saying. This has to do with how Paul did his mission work.

When they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. According to his custom, Paul went in, and on three Sabbaths he lectured to them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I preach to you, is the Christ.” Some of them were persuaded and joined with Paul and Silas, including a great crowd of devout Greeks and many leading women.

Acts 17:1–4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

As he entered a new city, it was Paul’s custom to first preach the Gospel to the Israeli folks in the synagogues. After all, salvation is for everyone who believes, Jewish folk first but also to the Gentile (Romans 1:16.) After preaching to the Israelis in that place, Paul would then preach to the Gentiles. As folks believed, Paul would organize them into a local church. He would remain in the place long enough to teach them all about God. Then he would raise up leaders for that local body and move to a new city.

Paul’s work in Thessalonica was interrupted. There arose great persecution in Thessalonica. Paul had to flee with much of his work unfinished.

But the Jews who did not believe became jealous and, taking some evil men from the marketplace, gathered a crowd, stirred up the city, and attacked the house of Jason, trying to bring them out to the mob. But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brothers to the city officials, crying out, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, and Jason has received them. They are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” They troubled the crowd and the city officials when they heard these things. When they had taken a bail payment from Jason and the rest, they released them.

Acts 17:5–9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We see what Luke tells us in the books of Acts affirmed in Paul’s lengthy introduction in the epistle. Paul recounts the history of the founding of the church. In it, he introduces some things he will expound upon.

For we know, beloved brothers, your election by God. For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance, just as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. You became followers of us and the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit. Therefore you were examples to all who believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For the word of the Lord sounded out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith in God has gone forth, so that we do not need to say anything. For they themselves declare how we were received by you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Jesus, who delivered us from the wrath to come.

1 Thessalonians 1:4–10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s that last phrase that Paul will expand upon later, waiting for Jesus to come from Heaven. Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come. That is a reference to future events, the return of Jesus, and the wrath to come. His resurrection from the dead is cited as the power that delivers. (I know the MEV uses the past tense delivered, but the Greek word is in the present tense.) That said, Paul is setting the idea to be expanded upon.

But we, brothers, being taken from you for a short time, in presence, not in heart, endeavored all the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. Therefore we wished to come to you—even I, Paul, once and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Will it not even be you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?

1 Thessalonians 2:17–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Yet again, Paul references a yet future event. Paul was hindered from returning to Thessalonica, and Timothy was sent in his place. Timothy was to encourage them and teach them. Upon returning to Paul, Timothy gave a report. That report leads to the rest of the content of the letter. To help fill in the gaps of their understanding as Paul’s initial ministering and teaching were cut short.

But just now Timothy has come from you to us and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good memories of us, desiring greatly to see us, as we also desire to see you.

1 Thessalonians 3:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The Rapture

With Paul’s references to the return of Jesus, the Thessalonians were clearly taught certain things about the rapture. From Acts and the introduction in the 1 Thessalonians, we see evidence of continued persecution of saints in the city. Obviously, some of those saints were martyred, and concerns arose over what happens to those martyrs who won’t participate in the benefits of being caught up alive. This was of obvious grave concern to Thessalonians.

As an aside, I think the concern of those in Thessalonica indicates that Paul unequivocally taught them that the rapture was for the church saints. Their question had to do with saints that passed before the rapture and not getting the new body and meeting Jesus in the clouds.

Paul sets out to assure the Thessalonians that those who are asleep will also benefit from the rapture. They will go before those who are alive. “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.” We who are alive will not precede those who sleep in Jesus.

In Jesus

Paul uses the phrase in Jesus to be precise. It can be worded differently such as in Him or in Christ. Paul does use it differently, but the precision is just the same. It serves as a shorthand term that references the believer’s identity or position. That identity is by Spirit baptism into the church or the body of Christ.

For by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, whether we are slaves or free, and we have all been made to drink of one Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The Rapture is for the Body of Christ.

In Jesus is a carefully used phrase to limit the rapture to church saints. These saints dead or alive both receive the benefits of the rapture. There is an order, and those who have passed beforehand have the preeminence in the event, however slight it may seem. It is for those in Jesus.

This brings us right back to the idea of proper ecclesiology. We know that the church most definitely had a beginning of that Pentecost in Acts 2. In my opinion, the rapture will end of the baptism into the body of Christ. Just as the Spirit came down on the saints at the first Pentecost, the Spirit will be raised with the saints alive at the catching away. It is sort of pictured in Jesus’ baptism where the Spirit came down on Him. At His assumption, the Spirit never was taken away. The body of Jesus was caught up in the clouds.

When He had spoken these things, while they looked, He was taken up. And a cloud received Him from their sight.

Acts 1:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

To my way of thinking, this is a prophecy that is being acted out. The body of Christ is taken up in the clouds. I marvel at such things but read the next verses.

While they looked intently toward heaven as He ascended, suddenly two men stood by them in white garments. They said, “Men of Galilee, why stand looking toward heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you to heaven, will come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

Acts 1:10–11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There were (future church) saints promised baptism of the Holy Spirit right there with Jesus. They watched Him taken into heaven in the clouds. Unnamed angels (we presume they are angels) announced to those present the promise of His return in like manner.

It is my contention, the rapture will be the other bookend to the age of church saints as they, like Jesus, will all be removed in the twinkling of an eye. It will be a private event just for church saints, just as Jesus’ assumption was a private event. He will return in like manner.

The Earthly End of the Ministry of the Church

It is the Holy Spirit working in the Spirit baptized body of Christ that now restrains evil and will be removed. In Revelation just after Jesus finishes His letters to the seven churches, John is caught up to heaven (Revelation 4.) The word church doesn’t appear in any of the text in Revelation describing the events of the tribulation (the wrath to come.) The text is then distinctly Jewish in content.

Just as the ministry of the church had a distinct beginning, it will have a distinct ending. I will say, the idea of the church being removed doesn’t change the way people are saved. People can and will be saved by faith after the rapture of the church, just as they were before the birth of the church.

Pray Toward the Temple, Part Two

On By TimIn 2 Chronicles 6, Prayer, ProphecyLeave a comment

“When Your people go out to battle against their enemies, in the way that You send them, and when they pray to You toward this city that You have chosen and the house that I have built for Your name, then hear from heaven their prayer and plea and act for their cause.

2 Chronicles 6:34–35 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

When Israel is called to fight their enemies, God will lead. The people are to pray to God seeking Him to act for their cause. This, even in light of God calling them to battle.

“When they sin against You (for there is no one who does not sin) and You are angry against them and give them to their enemies, and they are taken captive to a land, whether distant or near, and they turn their hearts in the land that they have been taken captive, and they repent and seek Your favor in the land of captivity saying, ‘We have sinned, done wrong, and acted wickedly,’ and if they turn in repentance to You with all their heart and all their soul in the land of their captivity that they were taken to, and pray toward the land that You have given to their fathers, and toward the city that You have chosen, and toward the house that I have built for Your name, then hear from heaven, from Your dwelling place, their prayer and supplication, and maintain their cause, and forgive the people who have sinned against You.

2 Chronicles 6:36–39 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Note the same truth taught here, that Paul taught in Romans. There isn’t one person who doesn’t sin. That means there is not one person who doesn’t need to seek God for forgiveness. I would also extend that to mean there is not one person that doesn’t have to forgive, too.

We must remember to keep our hearts pointed toward God.

There is something else. As we encountered prophetic statements earlier, we come to another that is more than likely prophetic.

For thousands of years, the nation of Israel has been scattered. We hear talk about the “ten lost tribes.” These were the northern portion of the kingdom of Israel after the split into Israel and Judah. Israel was eventually taken away captive and scattered. Judah remained.

Solomon is making statements that look forward to Jesus yet again, the King of Kings coming to take His throne. He will rule over all tribes of Israel from Jerusalem.

Jewish people have never stopped praying for Hod to remember them. I have had the opportunity to accidentally overhear the wailing prayers in a local synagogue. It was a bit disconcerting, and I can remember scoffing in my mind at the time. As I remember Jesus compared the private prayers of the publican with the outlandish public ones of the Pharisee. That memory of hearing them come from the dark inside of that synagogue has always stayed with me, and it comes to light now.

Jewish people have been praying for thousands of years in the diaspora. Even when they keep Pesach (Passover,) they end the meal by singing L’Shana Haba’ah B’Yerushalayim. It means next year in Jerusalem. It is prophetic worship sung by millions of people every year.

Being alive in these times is wondrous. This generation has been the one to observe the regathering of the people to the land of Israel. We have watched a nation born in a day. And Solomon is looking forward to our time and already asking God to forgive them.

The Prophecy of the Anointed King

Blessed be he that comes in the name of the Lord:
we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord.

Psalm 118:26 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Prophecy is a pattern given. We see the pattern practiced in life. And eventually, the real pattern is played out.

It is the same here. This is the prayer that welcomed Jesus on that first Palm Sunday. It will also be the prayer that welcomes Him back to Earth to take the throne of David as promised.

“You will not lack a man sitting on the throne of Israel before Me(.)” This was cited in part one. And is one of the continuing themes in this prayer.

“Now, O my God, may Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to the prayer that I offer in this place.
“Now rise up, O Lord God, to Your resting place, both You and the ark of Your strength. And let Your priests, O Lord God, be clothed in salvation and Your loyal ones rejoice in goodness. O Lord God, do not turn Your face from Your anointed.
Remember the mercies of Your servant David.”

2 Chronicles 6:40–42 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Solomon closes his dedication prayer by citing Psalm 142:8–10. W we are again catapulted forward toward future events.

God will remember the mercies of David, His servant. As is written in the Psalm, this points to the future Anointed King, Jesus.

Note: An encouragement to do further study. 1 Kings 8:22–53 also records this dedication. There are some differences. As an exercise for yourself, compare the two and see what God might show you.

Pray Toward the Temple, Part One

On By TimIn 2 Chronicles 6, Prayer, Prophecy2 Comments

And he said:
“O Lord God of Israel, there is no God like You in the heavens or on the earth, who keeps covenants and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their heart. You have kept what You promised Your servant David my father. You have both spoken with Your mouth and fulfilled it with Your hand, as it is this day.

2 Chronicles 6:14–15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is the dedication prayer offered by Solomon at the completion of the temple He built for God. He reminds God (as if, but I think it is a form of worship) of keeping His Word to those who have followed Him with all of their heart. He cites that God kept His promises to David. Given the immediate context, it follows that David must have walked before God with all of his heart. We know in other places, God calls David a man after His Own heart.

But we know David. We know his foibles. There is encouragement in this for us.

“And now, O Lord God of Israel, keep what You promised Your servant David my father saying, ‘You will not lack a man sitting on the throne of Israel before Me, if only your sons take heed to their way to walk in My law as you have walked before Me.’ And now, O Lord God of Israel, may Your word be confirmed which You have spoken to Your servant David.

2 Chronicles 6:16–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

God has promised to David a man of his line sitting on the throne of Israel continuously. Like prophetic statements, this one is a pattern, one that is identified near-term and completed later. It holds true here.

There is a bit of prophetic utterance here. Jesus is a son of David and has walked in the law. He will be the future King.

And now comes the point of his prayer. He explains how to walk before God with all his heart.

“For will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? The heavens, even the highest heavens, are not able to contain You, much less this house that I have built. But respond to the prayer of Your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, to listen to the cry and prayer of Your servant who prays before You, that Your eyes might be open toward this house both day and night, to the place that You have said that You will set Your name, in order to hear the prayer of Your servant for this place. And listen to the pleas of Your servant and Your people Israel when they pray toward this place. And may You respond from heaven, the place of Your dwelling, so that You hear and forgive.

2 Chronicles 6:18–21— Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In answer to his rhetorical question, Solomon explains that the temple cannot hold God. But it can serve as a reminder to a vast audience as they pray. Though he cited Israelites, I think the broader audience may surprise some.

Though I like that last word in this selection, forgive. I want to draw some attention to that. Forgiveness is the point and purpose of prayer. We seek forgiveness for ourselves and our own deeds. We are also to seek forgiveness for the deeds of others and those we share life with including our people as a nation.

Forgive

“If a man sins against his companion, and the companion swears and puts him under a curse, and the wronged man comes with an oath before Your altar at this temple, then You will hear from heaven, and You will act and judge Your servants, to repay the guilty one by bringing his way on his own head; and to vindicate the innocent one by rendering to him according to his righteous behavior.

2 Chronicles 6:22–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I know God hears the cries of injustice. I know God avenges. God will certainly repay.

Let’s think about this for a moment. There is a broader application that might be a bit imperceptible. Say you did something to someone inadvertently, and they were set back, upset, and maybe even mad. You didn’t intend to offend and do not know of the offense. But the wronged party asked God to avenge. Would you want that vengeance or mercy?

It is this idea of going to God for forgiveness, as the wronged party has put vengeance in God’s hands. When we ask forgiveness for our own foibles, the disposition of punishment is God’s. He is to avenge.

It seems to me that this seeking after God’s heart is both we see our own need to be forgiven. If we let God sort things out, He does justly.

It is this idea presented by Solomon as he says God will judge His servants. The word is plural. Solomon makes the matter a bit vaguer. He says God will repay the guilty one and vindicate the innocent.

I see room to consider that our first assessment of guilt in the matter might depend on other factors. In my opinion, this reminds us of our own condition before God.

There is the temporal judgment of sin in this life. It’s not that sudden death comes, but other things. These drastic conditions come to remind us to point ourselves back toward God to seek forgiveness.

The Calamity of War for the Nation of Israel

“If Your people Israel are struck before enemies because they have sinned against You, and they return and confess Your name and pray and seek Your favor in this house, then You will hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your people Israel, and You will bring them back to the land that You gave them and their fathers.

2 Chronicles 6:24–25 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We also bear responsibility in seeking forgiveness for the sins committed in our national homes. We are all collectively responsible in those situations. I am responsible for the U.S. and there are times I neglect to pray for the forgiveness of the grievous things done to God by the nation. I can list more than a few. The responsibility is mine to pray.

Though the instruction is given to Israelis, I do believe it is a general principle we all can live by.

The Calamity of Natural Disaster for the Nation of Israel

“When the sky is shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against You, and they pray toward this place and confess Your name and turn from their sin when You afflict them, then You will hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your servants and Your people Israel because You will teach them the good path in which they will walk, and You will send rain on the land that You have given to Your people as a possession.

2 Chronicles 6:26–27 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sometimes what befalls a people isn’t warfare, but natural calamity. Solomon reminds the nation in his prayer, to turn collective attention back toward God. Part of turning back is turning away from sin. It is in this latter part that the rise and catastrophic fall of nations are strewn throughout history.

Yet when they do turn, God then promises to teach them. Perhaps it is a slightly hidden demonstration of principle. One which we don’t ever have to fix ourselves up before turning from corrupt ways toward God. He is responsible for clean-up and encouragement.

When Calamity one’s to Individuals

“When there is famine in the land or when there is pestilence, blight, mildew, winged locust, or grasshopper, or when enemies besiege them in the land up to their city gates, in whatever plague or sickness, whatever prayer or plea that is made by any man or by all your people Israel, when each man knows his own affliction and his own sorrow, and stretches out his hands toward this house, then You will hear from heaven, the place of the habitation of Your dwelling, and forgive, and You will render to each according to his conduct, for You know their hearts (for You alone know the heart of people), so that they may fear You and walk in Your ways all the days that they live on the land that You have given to our fathers.

2 Chronicles 6:28–31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Then there are things that happen individually to people. The previous point of judging each for conduct is highlighted again. Instead of seeking to sort things out ourselves, we put the responsibility back to God. We turn our hearts to Him.

God does forgive sin.

Again, I would remember this is written to Israel about Israel. There are still principles to glean for our own conduct. These serve as models to follow.

“When foreigners are not from Your people Israel and come from a distant land, because of Your great name, mighty hand, and outstretched arm, and they come and pray toward this house, then hear from heaven, from Your dwelling place, and act on everything for which the foreigner calls on You, that all the peoples of the earth may know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel; and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by Your name.

2 Chronicles 6:32–33 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This my favorite part. It is where Solomon talks about gentiles.

Solomon is asking God to hear the gentiles’ prayers. The prayer of a gentile directed toward God is heard. God does what is asked. Everything a gentile asks for God to do, He acts!

I think it pertains primarily to seeking the forgiveness of sin. That seems to be the point of praying toward the temple. Rest assured, God hears and it is done.

A gentile never was kept from approaching God. A prayer of seeking forgiveness directed toward the temple was never not heard.

There is a Deeper Truth Here.

Then the Jews said to Him, “What sign do You show us, seeing that You do these things?”
Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

John 2:18–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There it is. It should have already come to you. A prayer directed to this Temple is always acted on. It points to Jesus.

It also shows that gentiles were never excluded from salvation.

Much is Said About ‘This Generation’

On By TimIn Last Days, Luke 17, Olivet Discourse, ProphecyLeave a comment

When He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation. Nor will they say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For remember, the kingdom of God is within you.”

Luke 17:20–21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

As Jesus discussed with the Pharisees, He was answering their question of when the kingdom of God comes. The Pharisees are expecting some great heroic Vanquisher to restore Jerusalem from Roman rule. It’s as if that is the Kingdom Jesus is speaking about. Jesus said the Kingdom comes within people. Meaning your allegiance to the Kingdom is within you and is your responsibility.

The conversation then turns to address the misunderstood idea of the Kingdom of God only being the Valiant King ruling in Jerusalem.

Then He said to the disciples, “The days will come when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. They will say to you, ‘Look here,’ or ‘Look there!’ Do not follow after them. For as the lightning flashes and lights up the heavens from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in His day. But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.

Luke 17:22–25 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus called that time the days of the Son of Man. What Jesus is teaching here is end times when He conquers the world.

The phrases used by Jesus are emphatic that some would draw disciples’ attention away from Him. It’s hinted at that there are more than just one that would draw believers away, like false Messiahs. The language is similar to that used in another place.

Just as lightning flashes in the sky and lights up everything, these days would not be unmistaken for anything else. They would be, overtly visible. All would know what is happening.

This is connected to the Olivet Discourse where Jesus vividly describes the days of the Son of Man.

“So, if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert,’ do not go there; or, ‘Look, He is in the private chambers,’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.

Matthew 24:26–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Remember in our introduction texts, Jesus is specific and speaks of this generation as alive then. He speaks that He must suffer from them.

There are other texts that use that phrase like this one:

Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.

Matthew 24:34 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Many teachers will connect this phrase to the entire data if the Son of Man in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:3-31.) They will use it to disprove futurism. Futurism is the belief that Jesus will come again to rescue His church and set the world right, reigning on David’s throne. The phrase is used to debunk any idea of the rapture, too.

It’s clear in the text. Jesus applies this generation in His Parable of the Fig Tree to a yet future generation that sees the leaves come back. He has shifted His description from the days of the Son of Man to that of what leads up to those days.

That fig tree is used figuratively as Israel. Israel has come back in our generation. We witnessed it. We are those of this generation of the fig tree. It means the days of the Son of Man are very near future.

Rolling back to our text in Luke 17:25, Jesus wasn’t speaking in parables and was addressing what must occur in the short-term future. He would suffer.

He also clearly told those members of this generation listening to Him that day, they would long to see one of the days of the Son of Man. But they would not.

It follows that the days of the Son of Man were much farther into the future than could be perceived. Therefore, for this reason (among countless others,) Amillennialism is not true. Amillennialism is the belief that all of the apocalyptic (considered yet future) Bible passages were fulfilled by the siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Some even teach that Jesus already came back at that time.

In Jesus’ own words… Those teachings can’t be. The days of the Son of Man could not occur in the 70 AD siege. Jesus said members of this generation alive then would long to see one of those days, but would not.

They Shall Come Into the Land Restored from the Sword

On By TimIn Ezekiel 38, Israel, Last Days, ProphecyLeave a comment

And the word of the Lord came to me, saying: Son of man, set your face against Gog of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshek and Tubal, and prophesy against him, and say: Thus says the Lord God: I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshek and Tubal.

Ezekiel 38:1–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Ezekiel is prophesying against the nations around Israel. This particular passage, it comes as a stark contrast to what comes before. That is speaking of the restoration of Israel. I would think that the timeliness of that could also be considered prophetic. That restoration reads specifically as both Judah and Israel being gathered together as one nation. That assembly is happening today.

It comes as the backdrop for the set-up for what most scholars agree is something yet future. I contend that yet future is almost now.

The term Gog refers to an unidentifiable person some think it is even a supernatural entity. The other names in the text are geographical in nature. These places are named in what is referred to as the Table of Nations in genesis 10. Magog refers to part of Asia. Josephus identified Magog as the land of the Scythians. It is said by some the Great Wall of China was called the Ramparts of Magog. This most likely identifies the area around and including Ukraine and Russia.

The entire area is marked by three names, Rosh, Meshek, and Tubal. These would include the area directly north of Israel. This would fit with many of the prophetic warnings to Israel and Judah that were recorded at the same time. The invasion would come from the north (mentioned later in the text.) As it happened with Babylon.

And I will turn you back and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses, and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armor, even a great company with buckler and shield, all of them handling swords.

Ezekiel 38:4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There are words here that are noteworthy. “I will turn you back.” God is saying that to these nations, He will make them turn back. It sounds like a reverse course, at least that is what seems to be said. Perhaps it is an about-face on a peripheral approval of peace accords.

It looks as like something is being used as bait to draw them. That fits with what is spoken of later in this. Some speculate that it is the massive gas deposits Israel has recently discovered. But I will leave that for the reader to discover.

This will be a vast military invasion of Israel. The text states horses will be used. Could that be literal?

What is intriguing to me is what is missing. In the other prophetic warnings of invasion recorded by Ezekiel and other prophets, the machines of warfare are mentioned… Camps and siege works along with a prolonged period of time. These are not mentioned here, which lends itself to happening that are more sophisticated and short-lived.

Persia, Ethiopia, and Put with them, all of them with shield and helmet.

Ezekiel 38:5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Roughly… Iran, Ethiopia, and Libya would help with the invasion.

I will do so to Gomer and all its troops, Beth Togarmah of the north quarters and all its troops, and many peoples with you.

Ezekiel 38:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This names what is the modern area of Turkey. It will also join the coalition. All of these nations would be allies in an invasion of Israel.

Be prepared and prepare yourself, you and all your companies that are assembled to you, and be a guard to them. After many days you shall be called. In the latter years you shall come into the land that is restored from the sword, whose inhabitants have been gathered out of many peoples, against the mountains of Israel which had been always a waste. But its people were brought out of the nations, and they, all of them, are dwelling safely.

Ezekiel 38:7–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

As God speaks to this confederation of invaders, He establishes some specific markers with a precision that seems to fit the current situation. I mean that they fit right into events of late.

This invasion is prophesied to be in the latter years. That is where we are… In what the Bible calls the last days. It is the latter years of the last days.

They shall come into the land restored from the sword.

This is huge! That is exactly what we are seeing today. Unprecedented peace agreements are being made between Israel and some of her age-old enemies. The land is being restored from the sword… And the centuries of warfare over it.

The modern-day inhabitants of Israel are gathered out of many places. They have returned to Israel and settled. They have restored the mountains of Israel which have always been a waste. The mountainsides are now terraced and homes are built on them.

And all of these people were brought from other lands to the wasteland. They’ve trained it. They’ve made it alive again. It’s happening right before our eyes. And soon, Israel will be dwelling safely.

You shall ascend and come like a storm; you shall be like a cloud to cover the land, you and all your troops, and many peoples with you.

Ezekiel 38:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It will be a sight to see…