What is meant by the Rapture of the Church? When might it happen?

What is meant by the Rapture of the Church? When might it happen?

by | Sep 21, 2022 | End Times, Jesus' Teaching, Prophecy, Rapture

Since Jesus ascended into heaven, his followers–the Church–believed that he would visibly return as both judge and ruler of all creation. The earliest recorded creeds affirmed that Jesus would “come again to judge the living and the dead.” Additional confessions written since the Reformation continue that understanding.

The physical return of Jesus remains a central tenet of the church, but there has been much debate about when that will take place. In last week’s post we wrote about signs of the end times, but Jesus, himself, told his followers that God alone knows when Jesus will return.

What, then, is the rapture? The English noun/verb “rapture” comes from the Latin noun raptura/verb rapio that appears 14 times in the New Testament. It means “to remove suddenly or snatch away.” That’s the expectation–that all believers will be caught up to meet Jesus in the air just prior to the Great Tribulation.

In the book Daniel 9:24-27, we read about the angel Gabriel explaining the prophecy of the seventy weeks to Daniel. He describes a period of 490 years, the final seven of which will be a Great Tribulation for the nation Israel and the world. Christians won’t be subjected to this great tribulation since they will be snatched away.

Paul affirms this in his letter to the church in the Greek city of Thessalonika:

and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

1 Thess. 1:10

For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thess. 5:9

Jesus says the same thing in Rev. 3:10.

Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

Rev. 3:10

Jesus promised to return and remove His people from the earth:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.  My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

John 14:1-3

This promise is reaffirmed by the Apostle Paul:

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

1 Thess. 4:16, 17

Since Jesus promised he will remove his followers from earth at an unknowable time before the earth plunges into a time of terrible tribulation, it only makes sense that each of us is ready for his return. If you would like to learn more about what it means to become part of the Church that will be raptured, please read our post, How does one become a Christian? 

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What is the Millennial Reign of Christ? When is it?

What is the Millennial Reign of Christ? When is it?

by | Oct 14, 2020 | End Times, Heaven, Hell, Rapture

To fully answer these questions, we must review the sequence of end-time events as written about in the Bible and how they affect both believers and non-believers. Though Biblical scholars differ in their understanding of these complex issues, they agree in their understanding of the effects of these events on those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

We are now in what is called the Church Age which began following Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection and the subsequent arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. This Church Age will continue until what is called the rapture, when we believers and all deceased believers in Jesus Christ will be “taken up” from the earth and be forever with Christ. As to your question ‘When’, it would appear we are getting closer and closer to this event. As mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:1-7 and elsewhere in scripture, “…. sin will abound and man will deny and even mock Christ at this time.” 

Then a period of time known as the Tribulation will begin and last for seven years. During this period, there will be massive devastation and loss of life and there will be a world leader known as the Antichrist sitting on a throne in Jerusalem. It is described in the Book of Revelation.

Immediately following, a period known as the Millennium, i.e. 1000 years, will begin. It will be ruled by Christ and we as believers will be with Him as leaders. There will be also present those Jews and others who accepted our Savior during the Tribulation. This is generally referred to as the Millennial reign of Christ. Following this period comes the final White Throne Judgement by Jesus described in the Revelation to John at the end of the Bible. That ushers in the of the eternal dwelling for believers in the new Heaven and eternal separation from God (hell) for the non-believers.

While the exact sequence of the events I have just described may be debated, the important thing for you is to answer the question: Where will you be? Have you made your life’s commitment to Jesus?

If you would like to learn more about Jesus and his power to set you free from sin while offering you an opportunity to enjoy an eternity free from guilt, pain and shame, please go to our Next Steps page.

Is the Move of The US Embassy to Jerusalem Fulfillment of Bible Prophecy? (Part 2)

Is the Move of The US Embassy to Jerusalem Fulfillment of Bible Prophecy? (Part 2)

by | Aug 22, 2018 | End Times, Rapture

Let’s start the response by looking at where we are today. We will explore five perspectives to get a better understanding of upcoming events.

First from a Moral Perspective

America today, and also Europe, Australia, and even New Zealand are in a progressive state of moral decay. Bible commands on abortion, homosexuality, marriage, and others are being disregarded by governments and peoples everywhere. And it gets worse each year not better. The Bible actually prophetically describes these present conditions in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and 4:3-4;

“…there will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, un holy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power… always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth…”

“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”

Today every one of these is being fulfilled. If you doubt it, just listen to the news.

Second from a Physical Perspective

The Nation of Israel has been restored. On May 14, 1948 it was recognized as an independent nation, a biblical miracle after 1878 years in dispersion. Now all the promises and words of prophecy regarding Israel can be fulfilled literally. Additionally, Israel and of course Jerusalem, is at the center of world problems with enemies surrounding it on all sides as predicted. Also Russia, Iran, Turkey, Libya, etc., are all in a position to fulfill the invasions of Israel foretold in Ezekiel chapters 37-39.

Third, from a Communication Perspective

The proliferation of smart phones and the 24/7 news cycle along with a host of other technologies, allows people in every nation throughout the entire world to see events as they occur. That provides one way of fulfilling Bible prophecy that all the world will see Jesus when He returns.

Fourth, from a Current Events Perspective

Technology and powerful forces in the financial sector are laying the groundwork for a single international financial system and a single economic system, just as predicted in the Bible 2000 years ago. The era of a cashless world is not far away. Curious? See what China just worked out with Turkey. Is this the technology that will be used during the reign of the Antichrist?  Additionally, anti-semitism against Israel is growing daily fulfilling the prophecy that all nations will turn against her including even America once the Rapture has occurred.

Lastly

Jerusalem is to become the world capital of all nations under the Antichrist . America recognizing it as Israel’s capital and moving our Embassy there is a real beginning. Watch as many nations will follow. Every nation will want to have an embassy in Jerusalem as it will surpass the influence of Washington D.C., Beijing, and Moscow combined.

In Summary

The Bible has been exactly correct for 3000 years and there is no reason to believe the remaining prophecies will not occur exactly as stated. CAUTION IS REQUIRED however, as we cannot know the day or the hour of Christ’s return. SO DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PREDICT ONE. We are just to be aware of the times and BE PREPARED, as it could be at any moment.      ARE YOU READY? DON’T BE LEFT BEHIND!

Is the move of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem a fulfillment of Bible prophecy? (Part 1)

Is the move of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem a fulfillment of Bible prophecy? (Part 1)

by | Aug 15, 2018 | End Times, Rapture

WOW what a timely question. To set the stage for answering this question, let us first review the Bible’s End Time events and then see if and how this move of the Embassy may tie in. We will need to have a two part answer to properly respond due to the complexity of the considerations. So Part 2 will be posted next week. You won’t want to miss it.
We are now in the Church Age period and many Bible scholars say the next event for those who have trusted in Jesus is what is termed The Rapture. Jesus comes down from Heaven in the air and takes all the dead believers and the living believers up with Him. (See our 11-20-17 posting for more details on the Rapture event)
The nation of Israel signs a peace treaty with a person called The Antichrist. Israel relies on the treaty with the expectation of a world peace. This begins what is called the Seven Year Tribulation Period and although the effects of the rule of the Antichrist are worldwide, Israel is the center-point at this time. (See Epicenter by Joel Rosenberg)
After three and one half years into the Tribulation, the true nature of the Antichrist is revealed and he, along with a false Holy Spirit and Satan, attempts to destroy the nation of Israel. It is during this second half of the tribulation period when catastrophic and devastating events occur worldwide. This is God’s wrath poured out on unbelieving nations.
A remnant of Jews escape Israel and at the end of the seven years Jesus returns with believers and defeats the Antichrist and his cohorts in a final battle, Armageddon.
Following this Period, Jesus rules with His people on earth for 1000 years, a time known as the Millennial Reign. The Bible also suggests that at that time King David, the king of Judah who reigned 1,000 years before Jesus, will return as regent to rule over Israel. (Ezekiel 37:24) These will be exciting times. Stay tuned.

What will it be like on earth the moment after the Rapture?

What will it be like on earth the moment after the Rapture?

by | May 18, 2018 | Hope, Rapture

This question seems to arise more frequently now as the global culture and morality continues to deteriorate. It is also a timely question given that the nation of Israel is celebrating its 70th anniversary of statehood on May 14, 2018. Most Bible scholars note that the last significant prophetic event needed to be in place before the Rapture was the founding again of Israel as a nation after it’s 1900 years of dispersion.

Christians do not agree on every detail of what will occur in the final events of this world’s history.  We don’t know the timing of “The Rapture” — the moment that Jesus Christ returns to earth–is described in the Bible in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. Jesus comes for believers, both living and dead.

Jesus said when asked by the apostles about this event, “only the Father knows the day and the time.” (Matthew 24:36) Jesus also said, “that it would come like a thief in the night or when it is least expected.” We tell you a truth, this warning needs to be heeded. Now is the time to accept God’s gift of redemption and forgiveness and eternal life as no one would want to be left behind on earth immediately after the Rapture.

Now to the question of what it will be like on earth for those left behind. If, as many believe, the Rapture occurs before the “time of tribulation” described in the Jesus’ Revelation to John at the end of the Bible, three little words describe what’s coming; panic, chaos and mayhem with a great amount of fear thrown in for good measure. Accidents will occur on a scale never imagined or experienced before and with that millions upon millions will die. Just think; planes in the air without pilots, cars without drivers, trains without engineers, etc. True believers in Jesus in every profession and place on the planet will disappear in an instant. Christian doctors, EMS crews, policemen, soldiers, and the like will no longer be there to provide care or protection.

Lastly, at that moment, the primary restraining forces of evil, the Holy Spirit and the Christian church will have departed planet earth. Just use your imagination on what earth will look like.  Evil forces will be unchecked. Finally, with the Christians gone it opens the door for the Antichrist to make his appearance as a false peacemaker that the world will embrace during the Tribulation. For more of the story, read the book of Revelation in the Bible and just be sure that you know Jesus as your Savior so you won’t have to experience any of this horror.

Is Jesus Really Coming Again?

Is Jesus Really Coming Again?

by | Jan 5, 2018 | End Times, Jesus' Teaching, Rapture

The Bible tells us that Jesus is actually coming again on two occasions.  The reason Jesus is coming again on the first occasion is to ‘take up from the earth’ those who believe in Him, both the living and the dead,  to be with Him forever. 0nly true believers will see Him at this event. This is the Hope of every Christian. The rest of the world will wonder what happened to all these people. Two of the Bible verses that describe this are:
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air……to be with the Lord forever.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18) (Note: Jesus does not set His foot on the earth in this event)

“I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.” (Luke 17:34-35)

This first event will occur either shortly before the beginning of the Tribulation, or sometime during the Tribulation. The timing is a mystery as only God knows the day and hour for it to happen. The Tribulation is  a future period of seven years of suffering and persecution, especially for the Jews, during which God will pour out His wrath on all the other unbelieving nations of the world. (See Matthew 24 for the signs of the times for the Tribulation to commence.)

The reason Jesus is coming again for the last time, which is called the Second Coming of Christ, is to fulfill His promises, to defeat Satan and his army in the battle of Armageddon, and to rule the earth for one thousand years, called The Millennium.  Here Jesus comes to the earth and stays for a thousand years.   In Acts 1:10-11 the Bible states:

“They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.  ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.’”

This second and final return of Jesus will occur at the end of the Tribulation. Are you reconciled with God through faith in Jesus Christ so you will not be ‘Left Behind’ to experience God’s wrath and condemnation? You must be ready today because Jesus will come at an hour when you do not expect Him. No one knows if they will have tomorrow just like those on the Amtrak train wreck in Tacoma who perished unexpectedly.

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