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Loading ...Jesus Christ On Rapture, End Times & Tribulation
Posted on 8th June 2008 by LaVrai
I am not looking to insult or anger anyone with this post. My aim is only to have readers seriously consider the possibility that the so-called rapture is not an escape route for ‘true’ Christians during end time tribulations. Based on what Christ Jesus told HIS disciples in the book of Matthew chapter 24, there is no rapture before Messiah returns to earth. I am well aware that there are numerous other related prophecies concerning the return of Christ Jesus, but I pay particular attention to this passage because the instructions, guidance and information comes straight from the horse’s mouth, if you will. Yes, I know the entire Holy Bible is authored by the Holy Spirit, and I mean HIM no disrespect. But we cannot discount the importance of Christ Jesus’ words given directly to the disciples (which include the entire Church, the full body of which has not yet been gathered).
I raise this issue because clinging to Christ Jesus in faith is a matter of literal life and death. If you are 100% convinced that the things Christ Jesus told HIS disciples they would face before HIS earthly return will not happen to you because you will be divinely removed from the earth before such things — doesn’t your belief contradict the words of our LORD and SAVIOR? What does that say about your faith? And what if — what if — you are not divinely taken from the earth before all hell breaks loose on Christians? What will you do when your hope in being raptured is shattered? Will you blame GOD or will you accept responsibility for falsely putting your hope in a theory and not in our LORD and SAVIOR Christ Jesus?
Based on the words of Christ Jesus, I can only find reason to be 100% sure that I and many members of the Body (i.e., the Church) will suffer greatly before the great and glorious day of our LORD’s return.
***
Matthew 24 (NKJV):
Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Temple
1 Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. 2 And Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”
The Signs of the Times and the End of the Age
3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”
4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
The Great Tribulation
15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.
23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand.
26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.
The Coming of the Son of Man
29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 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. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
The Parable of the Fig Tree
32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near-at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
No One Knows the Day or Hour
36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. 42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
The Faithful Servant and the Evil Servant
45 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. 47 Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, 51 and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Questions Regarding The Words Of Our LORD And SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST
How do I know this passage pertains to the literal end of the world as we know it and not just the period of these particular disciples? Because the disciples specifically ask of the time of Christ Jesus’ coming and the end of the age in verse 3. Christ Jesus also references ‘the end’ and HIS return several times throughout the passage.
How do I know Christ Jesus returns after the tribulation period? Because Christ Jesus gives a blow-by-blow account, if you will, of the series of events that lead to HIS glorious return. The LORD makes it clear that false christs, wars, famines, etc. are the beginning of sorrows — and not the actual tribulation in verses 4-8. In verse 5, Christ Jesus says then they will deliver you up to tribulation and will kill you. The false christs, wars, famines, etc. are the contractions, if you will; the tribulation is the actual labor. Also, take note of verses 29-31.
Has the gospel been preached throughout the entire world as yet? Although we have many ministries around the globe and various technological advances that make the decimation of information quick and easily accessible, it is quite likely that there are some areas in the world in which the Gospel has not yet been proclaimed.
Aren’t we already in the tribulation period? In verse 9, Christ Jesus says Christians will be hated by all nations. As Christians are not being widely persecuted in many parts of this world, I would say no. There are many intolerant nations in Asia and Africa where people literally lose their life for professing Christ Jesus, but these are just some nations, not all nations. ‘All nations’ indicates that there will be a universal attitude concerning Christianity. We do seem, however, to be experiencing the ‘contractions.’
Isn’t it possible Christ Jesus will come secretly and reveal HIMSELF to only a few believers first? No. In verses 27-31, Christ Jesus says the entire world will see HIM when HE returns, and the mention of angels sounding trumpets indicates that it will be quite a loud and grandiose affair. But Christ Jesus does say that definitely many impersonators and false christs, false jesuses, false teachers and false prophets will crop up and fool false christians.
Aren’t there clues and codes in the Holy Bible that reveal to those who have ‘understanding’ the exact date of Christ Jesus’ return? No. In verse 36, our LORD and SAVIOR Jesus Christ says only our FATHER knows the day and hour of Messiah’s return. Will you believe Jesus Christ or men of mere flesh and blood?
If ‘true’ believers aren’t raptured, then how can we be saved? Christ Jesus said if we endure to the end of these persecutions and tribulations, we will be saved. The end, according to these words spoken by our LORD and SAVIOR Christ Jesus, equals this so-called ‘rapture’ … which is after the tribulation. When Christ Jesus returns, the tribulation will be brought to an end and all believers will be gathered to HIM, our hope.
***
There are probably thousands of ‘expert’ theologians and end time teachers who believe they have undeniable proof that the Holy Bible indicates that ‘true’ believers will be removed from the earth and spared from imprisonment, persecution and torture. There are even ‘experts’ who think they know the exact day month and year of Christ Jesus’ return. They have charts, cross-references to even extra-Biblical texts, etc. to help prove their theories. I have none of that. I only have our LORD Christ Jesus’ words. I pray that’s good enough, for I am obviously no ‘expert’ or theologian.
As for these ‘experts’ and theologians, have any of them accounted for what Christ Jesus said concerning pregnant women during this time, and the babies that will, according to their theory, be ‘left behind?’
Though born in sin, how can a child who cannot yet choose between good and evil be held accountable for its condition? Will GOD ALMIGHTY leave yet-to-be born babies and innocent children behind to be murdered and persecuted when there is grace for those who are right with HIM to be spared such things?
GOD will not divinely remove these innocents from their mothers’ womb or snatch away a suckling babe from its mother’s breast during this time– as Christ Jesus said plainly, “But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!” These innocents will be ‘left behind’ because no one will escape this wrath, this divine judgment. If you die having rejected Christ Jesus or have not submitted to HIS will and embraced HIS gift of salvation before HE returns for “all the tribes of the earth” to see, you will suffer eternal damnation. Based on verses 40-44, the saved will not be taken to be joined with Christ Jesus until HE actually returns. And this passage indicates that Christ Jesus only returns to earth once — and everyone will see HIM and mourn (those who reject HIM).
So if you can’t be moved to accept the LORD’s words that all Christians will be subject to persecution during tribulation times, know that these times will be even more difficult for you because you have hardened your heart and steeled yourself against the truth.
Let me remind you, your faith and hope should not be in the rapture. Your faith and hope should be in Christ Jesus and HIS return to rule among the nations (on a new earth).
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.
Titus 2:11-15
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. 15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.
Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. …The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen (2 Corinthians 13:11-14).
Loading ... Loading ...Further Reading:
Will You Give In, Or Hold On To Christ Jesus?
No One Knows The Day Or Hour Of Christ Jesus’ Return
Jesus Christ Describes How He Will Return To Earth
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Video: Cause Of Great ‘Falling Away’
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Well written, LaVrai. I am Post-Trib and have always held on to that belief. Back in the days when I was not as well educated with the Bible as I (hopefully) am today, someone asked me how I could be so sure. I simply told him that if the Rapture were real, then our Lord would have stopped mid-sentence in Matthew 24, and said something to the effect that we need not worry about what happens after because it won’t apply to us.
Yet He doesn’t say that, but gives the exhortation to “see that we are not troubled” and that these things *must* happen before He returns. While it’s doom and gloom for the rest of the world, we rejoice in our hearts that our redemption is near.
AMEN. — LaVrai
The rapture is a hot button for me so I try to refrain from arguing. I used to be pretrib as a result of listening to other preachers - but not so now. I’m post trib and I arrived at this by the plain reading of the text and without any presuppositions. (I had to pray that the Lord would remove all the junk in my head before I started because it’s too hard to read without doing so)
What I’ve found is that the pretribbers won’t disagree with you on the verses you cited above because they’ve invented a way out (pretrib rapture) so that they don’t have to explain those verses. I think this is a dangerous teaching (pretrib) and if played out to it’s natural conclusion - given the direction the world is going, I believe it can be fatal. I do not think this is a ‘minor’ issue (if there are any) because I believe this deception has everlasting consequences.
Welcome, Carol. I agree with what you say — this issue is very important because it affects our eternal fate. Many have been deceived into putting hope into something the Holy Bible doesn’t support. We must pray that GOD ALMIGHTY opens the eyes of HIS people. — LaVrai
My understanding of Revelation is the about 1/3 to1/2 of the world’s population will be destroyed in the beginning. The probability of a nuclear exchange happening between the United States and Russia is quite high. We will probably face a nuclear holocaust resulting in the death of millions of Christians here. Many have equated Mystery Babylon to the United States which is destroyed in one hour in Revelation. We all should value each day that we do live like we are going to meet the LORD tomorrow. After the holocaust, those Christians who do live will have to endure to the end. Most of us will be the dead in Christ who rise first to meet the LORD in the air whether the Rature is Pre-, Mid-, or Post-Tribulation. None of us are assured of tomorrow.
Thank you, Michael. You wrote “None of us are assured of tomorrow.” –That’s all I would like each of us to consider, and I say this with love. Stop putting your hope in a ‘rapture’ and instead put your hope only in Christ Jesus — who could call any of us at any moment. Live each day for Christ. –LaVrai
