Endtime News Update: The Reasons I Believe in the Rapture.

This article is for anyone who is seriously looking for the truth. We are commanded to seek out the truth by Christ. To be a truth seeker, means not settling for anything less than the truth. There is only one constant, one truth in this life. Love is the truth. In fact, it is the only truth that exists in this universe. The Lord Yahweh, set in motion, when He spoke this universe into existence, a set of laws that permeate all of creation. These laws are based upon LOVE. Not just “human” phileo love, but godly divine love (agape.)

Jhn 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Jhn 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Can you do this? I am serious. Ask yourself right now, if one of your friends were about to die would YOU take his/her place to save them? If you answered NO, you are a scared and cowardly person. You cower in fear of those who oppose you, but there is hope for you. If you said yes, then, you have an understanding of Yahweh. Not everyone has the heart of a warrior. Not everyone has the courage to step forward to counted worthy, but yet this is what this is about, isn’t it? Christ had the courage to die for YOU. They whipped Him with a flagrum, which is called scourging. A flagrum is a short whip with lead balls and sheep bones tied into leather thongs. A naked victim was tied to a flogging post and deep stripe like lacerations that were usually associated with considerable blood loss were struck in multiple fashion at the victim’s body, tearing flesh all the way to the bone.

Christ was stripped of his clothing, and his hands were tied to an upright post. His back, buttocks, and legs were flogged either by two soldiers (lictors) or by one who alternated positions. The severity of the scourging depended on the disposition of the lictors and was intended to weaken the victim to a state just short of collapse or death. After the scourging, the soldiers often taunted their victim.

As the Roman soldiers repeatedly struck Christ’s back with full force, the iron balls would cause deep contusions, and the leather thongs and sheep bones would cut into the skin and Subcutaneous tissues. Then, as the flogging continued, the lacerations would tear into the underlying skeletal muscles and produce quivering ribbons of bleeding flesh. Pain and blood loss generally set the stage for circulatory shock. The extent of blood loss may well have determined how long the victim would survive on the cross.

At the Praetorium (The headquarters of the Roman military governor, wherever he happened to be (Matt. 27:27; Mark 15:16; John 18:28). In Philip. 1:13 it possibly denotes the body of judges forming the supreme court at Rome.), Jesus was severely whipped. (Although the severity of the scourging is not discussed in the four gospel accounts, it is implied in one of the epistles [1Peter 2:24]. A detailed word study of the ancient Greek text for this verse indicates that the scourging of Jesus was particularly harsh.) It is not known whether the number of lashes was limited to 39, in accordance with Jewish law. The Roman soldiers, amused that this weakened man had claimed to be a king, began to mock him by placing a robe on his shoulders, a crown of thorns on his head, and a wooden staff as a scepter in his right hand. Next, they spat on Jesus and struck him on the head with the wooden staff. Moreover, when the soldiers tore the robe from Jesus' back, they probably reopened the scourging wounds.

The severe scourging, with its intense pain and appreciable blood loss, most probably left Jesus in a pre-shock state. Moreover, hematidrosis had rendered his skin particularly tender. The physical and mental abuse meted out by the Jews and the Romans, as well as the lack of food, water, and sleep, also contributed to his generally weakened state. Therefore, even before the actual crucifixion, Jesus' physical condition was at least serious and possibly critical. (Scourging.)

This is the kind of love I am going to be talking about in this article. If I have got your attention, then, stay tuned because I am going to drag this article/video out until it is a fine piece of work that should prove the pre tribulation rapture is real to any unbeliever that is interested in seeking the truth. I warn you now, do not read/watch this unless you are a serious researcher and you want to see more proof of the truth. God did not die for us in vain. He alone accomplished a GREAT work that set into motion an unprecedented sequence of events that we, in the 21^st century, are now watching with our very eyes come to pass. Cutting off people’s heads is NOT love. Committing suicide is NOT love. Sitting on the fence is NOT love.

I will not attempt to prove in this article that all the end time prophecies in the Holy Bible are real and unraveling before our eyeballs every day. I will, however, show you that without agape love or God’s love you are an empty and shallow being living out your days in the threshold of a mundane existence. I pray your eyes will be opened before it is too late. The clock is ticking and God’s arms are open, but there will come a point in time very soon when God’s door will be closed. My belief stands firm and I know God is TRUE. I will start this article with the number one reason why I firmly believe that the rapture, caught up, harpazo, etc… is REAL.

Mat 24:40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Mat 24:41 Two [women shall be] grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Mat 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

Luk 17:34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two [men] in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.
Luk 17:35 Two [women] shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

Luk 17:36 Two [men] shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

In these scriptural passages, there is no war, there is no riots, there is no CONCERN going on in the peoples actions. These people are going about their normal business, not a care in the world, then, ZAP – they are SNATCHED! Caught up! Raptured: in the blink of an eye. In Jason Hommel’s piece below we can see the differences.

The "taken and left" verses:

There is much debate as to the meaning of these two verses. Who is taken, the righteous in the rapture or the wicked in judgment (Matt 13:40-42, 48-50)?

Matthew 24:40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Matthew 24:41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

These two phrases describe a picture of what happens when the Feast of Trumpets is observed. Dr. Stephen Cook of Mission Ministries notes at http://www.angelfire.com/oh/MissionMinistries/feast3.html the following:

"At the instant that the Jewish workers heard the trumpet sound, all would immediately stop harvesting, even if they were not finished (think about that!) and go to the Temple for worship! In those days, as it is sometimes today, a Jew & an Arab might be working side by side in the fields - but when the trumpet sounded on this particular day, the Jew would stop and go to worship, while the Arab kept on harvesting."

Before I learned that this verse may be a Feast of Trumpets reference, I was able to note that these verses aptly describe the rapture by the definitions of the words for "taken and left". The word for "taken" is paralambano, which means to receive and join together. In marriage, two are joined as one, (Gen 2, Eph 5:31-32, and Matthew19:5,6, Mark 10:8, 1 Corinthians 6:16). The marriage, of course, symbolizes how in the rapture we are to be joined with Christ. Paralambano is also the word used in John 14:1-3 to describe how Jesus will paralambano, or take us or receive us, to be with him, which is a clear rapture passage.

2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive [paralambano] you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Young's Literal translation reads as follows:

Matt 24:40 Then two men shall be in the field, the one is received [paralambano], and the one is left;
41 two women shall be grinding in the mill, one is received [paralambano], and one is left.

It has been noted that paralambano does not necessarily signify the rapture because the word was used negatively since it is used to describe how Jesus was arrested in Mat 27:27. However, harpazo, which is the rapture word used in 1 Thess 4:17 is also used to describe Paul's arrest in Act 23:10. Since Paul's arrest could not be used to prove that harpazo is not a rapture word, then Jesus’ arrest cannot be used to prove that paralambano is not a rapture word. In fact, the use of paralambano to signify an arrest, or seizing, signifies that the word is a more appropriate, not less appropriate word for rapture. The fact that paralambano is used to describe an arrest, as harpazo does, means that the word is very similar to harpazo, the word for rapture. The rapture is when Jesus will paralambano us, or harpazo us, or rapture us, which is to say he will seize us and take us away by force. (2 Hommel.)

It is often argued against the pre tribulation rapture that Philip was only moved to a different part of the Earth and that is the real meaning of Strong’s G726 harpazo. This way of thinking leads many Christian’s to believe that they will be taken to the place of safety in this same way. Sadly, many do not put the remnants of the Laodicean church in this light. Therefore, those whom are to be caught up will be whisked away to Petra or some similar place while the great tribulation engulfs the rest of the world.

Act 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

ALL views of the rapture/caught up/resurrection occurs BEFORE the Day of the Lord!!! Pre, Mid, Post tribulation viewpoints are all being debated because no one seems to have definitive proof WHEN Christ will reclaim or steal away His bride. The proof is clear, since prophecy is clear, but all Christians are divided on this single doctrine because it has become the viewpoint among many to not research and find the truth.

(Obviously, the Post Tribulationist's are afraid of the Rapture, because this is the only way that that verse makes any sense. Yes, fear of the Lord is a good thing, but you should not let it affect your theology to the point where you are praying for the Lord to not come until after 7 years of tribulation!.... Also, being a post tribulationist, if you disbelieve Christ's ability to cleanse you of sin, and believe you need further cleansing through tribulation, being a post tribulation believer, there is plenty of extra time to repent, 7 years, and/or simply stand up for Christ and accept a beheading to achieve "tribulation saint status", which may give one a full license to sin all they want until that time, since the immanency of the rapture, which comes first, is removed. Perhaps the post tribulationist's feel they deserve punishment for their sins, because they have a hard time accepting the free gift of salvation through Christ. I'm speculating that IF the post tribulationist does really want to go through the tribulation, Christ may let them. After all, one may be able to disobey when the trumpet call goes out to "Come up here!") (3 Hommel.)

Though prophecy is not to be interpreted by any one individual, I believe that each of us as an individual have our own personal relationship with God. He knows where we stand with Him. The choice God gives to us is quite clear to me. It is these thoughts inside our brains that keep us from God and what He wills for us. God does not want to see any of His children unnecessarily go through unneeded pain and suffering. This can also be demonstrated by the monks and priests who cut their flesh (Mortification) to feel they are absolved from sin. Paul proved to us through all his letters that the “work” that we need to be done is on the inside of ourselves, in our hearts. Not with our bodies. One can choose to go through the great tribulation because somewhere inside the inner talk within them is not clean. Take for the example the law that was given to Moses:

Mat 5:27 ¶ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
Mat 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Mat 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Mat 5:30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell.

The old laws have indeed changed, but not in the way the modern Christians believe. The old laws were NOT done away with at the Cross. Christ did NOT nail them to the cross. God’s laws are alive and well TODAY! (Psa 93:5 Your royal laws cannot be changed. Your reign, O LORD, is holy forever and ever.) Christ is rather showing us the “growth” we need to be cultivating in our maturity into the GOD FAMILY. To put it another way, a infant drinks milk because it cannot handle digesting solid food, but an adult eats solid food because its bodily system can handle the complex breakdown of protein by acids and enzymes. One does NOT feed a two month old baby T-bone steak for dinner.

The belief structure we hold within us is centered on the thoughts we entertain in our minds or inner life. If we are constantly living in thoughts of, “I have to prepare for the tribulation,” “I have to stock food and water because I won’t be able to buy or sell,” “I have to protect my family.” Entertaining thoughts like this consistently shapes our lives into our perceived realities. We forget that God is in charge and He takes care of everything. Remember what Christ said;

Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Mat 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.

How many times do we forget this fact? Constantly. The command is quite clear – SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD. When we start to contemplate God’s will and begin to make His will our own, we become of like mind. There is no fear in this mind. Only perfect trust that God loves you more than you can know and that you can rely on Him for everything.

The point of choosing thoughts about the rapture WILL make you to prepare for such an event. Your focus is on this belief daily. The point of the pre tribulation rapture is to be a comforting hope to the believer, to teach us how to live in the NOW, to remove the bride of Christ from the curse of the law and the seven year tribulation, and to place our focus firmly on God, which prepares the bride for departure. God gave us this choice and I have come to understand this truth by following the Holy Spirit.

Where is “rapture” found in the Bible? The word “rapture” is not found in the King James Version of the Bible. The Greek word for “rapture” is the Strong’s word – Harpazo – G726. This is a part of doctrine. Anyone who claims that this word is not in the Bible, are desperately seeking to cast any doubt that they can find on this issue. If one is honest with themselves, they will realize that they are TRYING really hard to find any reason to NOT believe in the rapture. These are also people who do not do the research. They cling to whoever told them, “this is the way, walk you in it.” Open your Bible and let the Holy Spirit led you into all truth. Many people feel this way, and it is because somewhere inside their minds and hearts they believe they MUST go through the great tribulation. “They cannot admit even the possibility of a pre tribulation rapture, because it is impossible for their spirit to admit it” (1 Hommel). Confusing the meaning of words to even try to imply there is no pre tribulation rapture, surely does not indicate a learned pupil (disciple). Indeed, anyone who picks up their cross and follows Jesus Christ and does His will is a disciple. Disciple means learner or pupil. In the scriptures below, “caught up” means to be seized or carried off by force. There is no volunteering going on here. God is coming like a thief in the night for His bride.

2Cr 12:2 I knew ¹⁴⁹² a man ⁴⁴⁴ in ¹⁷²² Christ ⁵⁵⁴⁷ above ⁴²⁵³ ⁰ fourteen ¹¹⁸⁰ years ²⁰⁹⁴ ago ⁴²⁵³, (whether ¹⁵³⁵ in ¹⁷²² the body ⁴⁹⁸³, I cannot ³⁷⁵⁶ tell ¹⁴⁹²; or whether ¹⁵³⁵ out ¹⁶²² of the body ⁴⁹⁸³, I cannot ³⁷⁵⁶ tell ¹⁴⁹²: God ²³¹⁶ knoweth ¹⁴⁹²;) such an one ⁵¹⁰⁸ caught up ⁷²⁶ to ²¹⁹³ the third ⁵¹⁵⁴ heaven ³⁷⁷².

2Cr 12:4 How that ³⁷⁵⁴ he was caught up ⁷²⁶ into ¹⁵¹⁹ paradise ³⁸⁵⁷, and ²⁵³² heard ¹⁹¹ unspeakable ⁷³¹ words ⁴⁴⁸⁷, which ³⁷³⁹ it is ¹⁸³² ⁰ not ³⁷⁵⁶ lawful ¹⁸³² for a man ⁴⁴⁴ to utter ²⁹⁸⁰.

1Th 4:17 Then ¹⁸⁹⁹ we ²²⁴⁹ which ³⁵⁸⁸ are alive ²¹⁹⁸ [and] remain ⁴⁰³⁵ shall be caught up ⁷²⁶ together ²⁶⁰ with ⁴⁸⁶² them ⁸⁴⁶ in ¹⁷²² the clouds ³⁵⁰⁷, to ¹⁵¹⁹ meet ⁵²⁹ the Lord ²⁹⁶² in ¹⁵¹⁹ the air ¹⁰⁹: and ²⁵³² so ³⁷⁷⁹ shall we ²⁰⁷¹ ⁰ ever ³⁸⁴² be ²⁰⁷¹ with ⁴⁸⁶² the Lord ²⁹⁶².

Rev 12:5 And ²⁵³² she brought forth ⁵⁰⁸⁸ a man ⁷³⁰ child ⁵²⁰⁷, who ³⁷³⁹ was ³¹⁹⁵ to rule ⁴¹⁶⁵ all ³⁹⁵⁶ nations ¹⁴⁸⁴ with ¹⁷²² a rod ⁴⁴⁶⁴ of iron ⁴⁶⁰³: and ²⁵³² her ⁸⁴⁶ child ⁵⁰⁴³ was caught up ⁷²⁶ unto ⁴³¹⁴ God ²³¹⁶, and ²⁵³² [to] his ⁸⁴⁶ throne ²³⁶².

Lexicon Results

Strong's G726 - harpazō

ἁρπάζω

Transliteration harpazō		Pronunciation här-pä'-zō (Key)
Part of Speech verb		Root Word (Etymology) From a derivative of αἱρέω (G138)
TDNT Reference 1:472,80	Vines View Entry

Outline of Biblical Usage

1) to seize, carry off by force

2) to seize on, claim for one's self eagerly

3) to snatch out or away

For those whom believe that they will be taken to a place of safety during the great trib, you could possibly be right, but you’re STILL a Laodicean and you will have to go through the refiner’s fire. Those who get raptured have become worthy to escape ALL these things (Luke 21:36). Those who will be raptured will be going to heaven for seven years to be hidden. They made themselves ready and prepared to be with Christ (Rev. 19:7). The last church was/is not yet worthy, but can become worthy through the fire. Compare these two scriptures:

Rev 3:14 ¶ And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Revelation chapter twelve is a synopsis or condensed statement giving an overall view of a subject, which in this chapter is of what is to befall the church just before and during the great tribulation. Revelation chapter twelve shows us that after the “manchild” is raptured, then, archangel Michael and his angels fight against the dragon and his angels. This war in heaven results in Michael casting Satan and his angels out of heaven forever. It is my personal belief that the very act of the rapture of the manchild is what sends Satan and his angels into a fury, which causes an instant battle in heaven. There are numerous scriptures that show this battle and what will happen (future tense) in heaven. (Isa. 14:12-14 & 34:4, 5; Dan. 8:9-12, 25; Rev. 12:4, etc.) Remember, Satan still has access to heaven in our twenty-first century time now (Rev. 12:10 accuser of the brethren), but after this second and final war in heaven, Satan and his angels will never again enter heaven.

Satan falls to Earth with his outcast angelic host, then, Satan turns to the woman who gave birth to the manchild and his anger is unleashed. Laodicea, the last church, is the woman who is running into the wilderness, but is still protected of God. This is the “place of safety” many church goers cling to as their source of comfort. To me this is not much comfort. They have missed the whole idea of the manchild and that God raised the manchild up from inside the woman (church) to be His very own (Isa. 66:5-9). Isa. 66:5 is literally talking about the woman (church) kicking out its own people, whom God placed in His church, but at the pre tribulation rapture, He shall appear to our joy and they will be ashamed. Laodicea WILL BE made worthy or perish forever. Laodicea is the lukewarm church, the five foolish virgins with no oil in their lamps. This is why they are sent to buy from those who sell.

Rev 12:12 Therefore rejoice, [ye] heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
Rev 12:13 ¶ And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man [child].
Rev 12:14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
Rev 12:15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.
Rev 12:16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.
Rev 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

The marriage of the Lamb to the bride is the greatest love story ever. To know how much God loves us we can read the scriptures especially in the Songs of Solomon. How could we even think that there is not a rapture before the great tribulation? Would any husband leave his wife to go through a horrendous ordeal, to be beaten, murdered, and raped? God gave us marriage to teach us about love and how to love even though our love is mostly carnal. I believe the Feast of Trumpets is all about this kind of love. The wedding theme is prevalent through ancient and modern Israeli and Judean marriage traditions. You can read more about Jewish wedding tradition on your own. There is plenty of information on the web.

Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

2Cr 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present [you as] a chaste virgin to Christ.

Rom 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, [even] to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

Jhn 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Jhn 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.

The love (agape) of God, when bestowed upon us, allows God to live in our heart (Rev. 3:20). The word “will sup” is:

Lexicon Results

Strong's G1172 - deipneō

δειπνέω

Transliteration deipneō		Pronunciation dāp-ne'-ō (Key)
Part of Speech verb		Root Word (Etymology) From δεῖπνον (G1173)
TDNT Reference 2:34,143	Vines View Entry

Outline of Biblical Usage

1) to sup

Once Christ and the Father come inside of our heart we will share a most intimate and blissful intercourse. The meaning of the word intercourse here does not imply sexual relations, but rather an interchange of thoughts, feelings, emotional responses, etc. The word “sup” is also being symbolically used to represent the Messiah’s feast, which symbolizes salvation in the kingdom. God’s love is extraordinary because He deals with us even though we trespass against His laws every day. I have watched God orchestrate circumstances in my life and the lives of others to open our eyes to His understand and wisdom.

Ephesians 3:17-19 – NLT – And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

If we are honest with ourselves, we can surely know just how HARD it is to find love, REAL LOVE. We look everywhere, but from the source of where love comes from. No one ever stops to think of who the author of real love is, and that included me. I could not understand this until I basically threw everything that I thought I loved out of my life. Yes, even my family. I threw out all my expectations of what I thought love should be and God began to show me a greater love that I could not comprehend at first. His love was so overwhelming to me I immediately knew why no flesh can stand before the Father and live. God is a consuming fire. God is love. “It's difficult for us to even fathom a Love like this, let alone produce it in our own strength. And the reason is, this kind of Love is supernatural. It originates in the heart of God and just keeps on coming no matter what the one being loved does or doesn't do. This kind of Love never stops flowing. In other words, there are no conditions or stipulations which would cause real Love to cease” (Missler). Once we begin this journey, a literal stepping out in faith, God begins to show us the adventure that really is in life.

God's Love, therefore, is not a human love, but, in fact, is completely opposite. Our natural, human love (the love we were born with) will always be a conditional love that is dependent upon three things: how we feel; what our circumstances are; and how that other person responds to us. In other words, natural love will always seek the good of itself and not the other person and will always be based upon certain reciprocal expectations, "I'll love you, if you'll love me. But, if you stop loving me, I will stop loving you." This is why C.S Lewis calls natural, human love, a "need love." In other words, we need something from the one we love.

Now, there are three different types of human love: Our natural, emotional love, our natural, sexual love and, our natural, friendship love. The one thing that all three of these human, need loves have in common, is that they force the one loving to look horizontally (to the person being loved) to meet his own need for love. And therein lies the problem. There is no way that any of us can ever completely satisfy one another's built-in need for love. Our deep need for love can only be fulfilled by looking vertically to the Person who created us in the first place.

Thus, natural, human love (by itself) will always let us down and will always continue to fail us. It's important, however, that we don't completely negate all the natural loves, because they can be beautiful and they can be fulfilling, but only if they are built upon Agape as the foundation or the glue that holds everything together.

So, God's Love and natural love are not the same at all. They are totally opposite and it's vitally important that we understand these differences because confusion in this area is one of the reasons why so many of us are having problems in our marriages and our relationships. (Missler.)

I abandoned everything to pursue this love with all that I was and I did not have delusions of grandeur. I made a commitment to God that I wanted to know everything there is to know about Him that I can possibly know. I made time for God. Not many people can do this these days because there is always an excuse. I set my alarm for three o’clock in the morning and, then, I went to work studying the Word of God nearly every day for three or more years. I still study, but it is not as intense. I have grown substantially in this amount of time. I have a good relationship with God now and my goals are now sharper. My questions to God were clearer, but in no way is my passion subsided. The passion has actually grown and deepened. What I found by seeking, searching, praying, begging, knocking, and pleading was nothing short of refreshing. I began to feel clean inside. I began to cast hate out of my life. I began to live a whole new life. This kind of experience comes with a price. You have to let yourself die (spiritually speaking). You have to let go of this world, yourself, and your preconceived notions of what reality should be about. We must die to the life we have lived for ourselves and begin to live this physical existence with Christ leading our way (Matt. 16:25 & 10:39, Luke 9:24 & 17:33).

If you chose to begin this journey with Christ, I will tell you from experience it is like being married to someone, with one exception. We are the ones who must gravitate towards being more like Christ NOT vice versa. Having a relationship with Christ is not like any relationship you will have with another human being or any creature. You must follow Him! You must obey Him! His ways are not grievous nor are they a burden. In fact, it is the opposite. God’s way is light/light on the heart. Knowing with all your soul that someone (CHRIST AND THE FATHER) actually gives a damn about you is all you will ever need to be complete. You will literally glow with the love He grows inside of you.

No amount of words can describe the love of God, but stories can sometimes get the point across. I was humbled by the truth in this article by Nancy Missler.

A precious example: In the mid 1930s, a dear, sweet German (Protestant) pastor was abducted from his church. He was suspected of harboring, abetting and aiding Jews. He was immediately taken to prison and put in a five-foot cell. There was no hearing, no trial-not even time to let his family know what had happened to him. For weeks, this gentle pastor asked the prison guard outside of his cell door if he could use the pay phone at the end of the hall to call his wife and family and, at least, let them know he was alive. The guard, however, was a contemptible man who hated anyone and everyone that had to do with Jewry. He not only wouldn't let the pastor use the phone, he determined in his heart to make this man's life as miserable as possible.

The despicable guard purposefully skipped the pastor's cell when meals were handed out; he made the pastor go weeks without a shower; he kept lights burning in the pastor's room so he couldn't sleep; he blasted his short wave radio hoping the intolerable noise would finally break the pastor; he used filthy language; he pushed him; he shoved him; and, when he could, he arranged for the pastor to have the most difficult job in the labor gang.

The pastor, on the other hand, prayed continually not to let hate consume him. He prayed instead to be able to love this guard with God's Love. As the months went by, whenever he could, the pastor would smile at the guard; he would thank him when his meals did come; when the guard was near his cell, the pastor would tell him about his own wife and his own children; he even questioned the guard about his family and about his goals, ideas and visions; and, one time, for a quick moment, he had a chance to tell the guard about Agape Love. The guard never answered a word, but obviously, he heard it all.

After months and months of unconditionally loving this sadistic guard, God's Love finally broke through. One night, as the pastor was again quietly talking, the guard cracked a smile for the first time; the next day, instead of the pastor's cell being skipped for lunch, the pastor got two meals; the following evening, he was allowed, not only to go to the showers, but to stay as long as he wanted; the lights began going off at night in his cell and the radio noise ceased. Finally, one afternoon, the guard came into the pastor's cell, asked him for his home phone number, and the guard personally made the "long awaited" call to the pastor's family.

A few months later the pastor was released.

Not many people would allow their selves to be treated like this for any length of time, but this is the point about being a Christian, isn’t? We are supposed to be different (1Pe 2:9 But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:). We are supposed to be unique because we do not embrace the attitudes and character of the god of this world, Satan (2 Cor. 4:4).

1Cr 13:4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud,
1Cr 13:5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
1Cr 13:6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
1Cr 13:7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
1Cr 13:8 Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages [fn] and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever!
1Cr 13:9 Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture!
1Cr 13:10 But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless.

God’s love and His passion for us is reflected in the Songs of Solomon.

Sgs 6:8 Even among sixty queens and eighty concubines and countless young women,
Sgs 6:9 I would still choose my dove, my perfect one— the favorite of her mother, dearly loved by the one who bore her. The young women see her and praise her; even queens and royal concubines sing her praises:
Sgs 6:10 "Who is this, arising like the dawn, as fair as the moon, as bright as the sun, as majestic as an army with billowing banners?"

God also shows us His love for us by the act of marriage. The bridal week is a parallel to the seven years of the great tribulation (Judges 14:1-18 & Genesis 29:22-28). The same parallel is shown by Jacob and Samson in that they both have a waiting period before they collect their bride. Both these men also make a feast on their wedding day that lasts seven days. Again a year for a day rule applies here. There are also scriptures that prove God will “hide” his bride in the time of the indignation.

Psa 27:4 One [thing] have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
Psa 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
Psa 27:6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

Deu 33:3 Yea, he loved the people; all his saints [are] in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; [every one] shall receive of thy words.

Job 5:21 Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh.

Psa 31:20 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

Psa 50:5 Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.

Psa 83:3 They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.

Psa 91:1 ¶ He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

All the above scriptures are more than enough to show that God’s beloved people will be hidden before the great tribulation rages for seven years. God saved Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus before King Herod could kill baby Jesus along with the other children that were exterminated. Noah was told to enter the ark BEFORE the rains began, the bride will be kept apart from the trial that is to come upon all humanity. The reason for this trial is to purge those who can be made worthy, to inherit eternal life, but who have been lackadaisical in their belief in Christ. As Christians, we are called to go the extra mile, walk in Christ’s shoes, and to be a witness just like He was for the Father we all uphold in our hearts. The bride has experienced her tribulation and refining fire BEFORE the great tribulation. She is found worthy. There remains no need for her to be further refined. SHE HAS MADE HERSELF READY (Rev. 19:7). The Philadelphian church WILL BE KEPT FROM THE HOUR OF TEMPTATION that is to come upon the WHOLE WORLD (Rev. 3:10). The last church, Laodicea, is found arrogant and haughty.

The Philadelphians:

Rev 3:7 ¶ And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

Rev 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
Rev 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

The Laodiceans:

Salvation is NOT conditional to suffering tribulation. Salvation is a free gift from God and cannot be earned. Any Christian’s walk will affirm that tribulation comes to us because of our walking in perfection as God is perfect (Mat. 5:48). For some of us this is difficult and strenuous as we stand for what we believe in Christ. The more we STRIVE to walk as God walks we encounter resistance from satanic forces that try and knock us off the strait and narrow way. We mostly get this venomous rebuttal from those closest to us like family and friends. We have tribulation because we are at odds with the world. We have made an inward choice to walk contrary to the things of this world and thus we have come out of her (Rev. 18:4). We do not walk in the world’s desire for lust, greed, and envy. We ARE different. We have no need to experience the great tribulation because we all ready do not need to pull ourselves out of this world and its attachments. The bride of Christ has all ready resolved herself to living as a stranger here on Earth during her time here.

Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Genesis 12:1-20 shows us the perfect example of our ancient father Abraham and his great desire to please God by following exactly what God wanted of him. Abraham left his earthly father by taking his family into the desert to follow God’s will. Abraham gave no thought to God’s integrity and whether God would actually bring him to the “promised land,” he just simply followed God’s word explicitly and thus became abundantly enriched for his loyalty. We as modern Christian’s should offer no less than our forefather, Abraham did. Give God everything and He will in turn give more than we could possibly understand or behold (Mal. 3:10).

Luk 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Christ will “receive” us unto himself (John 14:3). The rapture is especially mentioned in the Old Testament.

Isa 26:19 Thy dead [men] shall live, [together with] my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew [is as] the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
Isa 26:20 ¶ Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.
Isa 26:21 For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.

The Bible is clear in its teaching. If we do not know when the season of the rapture will occur, then we will be punished for NOT watching. These scriptures are only a few of what Christ commanded us to be watchers.

Rev 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. (Laodicea is caught not watching. This is a huge clue.)

Mat 24:50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for [him], and in an hour that he is not aware of,

Luk 12:39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.

Mar 13:23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.

Amo 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

2Pe 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know [these things] before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

1Th 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

This warning also goes for those who say that Christ delayeth his coming.

Mat 24:48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;

Mat 24:49 And shall begin to smite [his] fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
Mat 24:50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for [him], and in an hour that he is not aware of,
Mat 24:51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint [him] his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Mat 8:10 When Jesus heard [it], he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Mat 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Mat 8:13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, [so] be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

There are so many scriptures that prove the rapture of the bride happens BEFORE the great tribulation. I want to put to rest most arguments I get from many non-pre tribulation rapture unbelievers. I will never convince them that what I believe is true because this simple doctrine may not be true for them. I guess it all depends on how honest they want to be with themselves.

Rev 4:1 ¶ After this I looked, and, behold, a door [was] opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
Rev 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and [one] sat on the throne.

The word “door” is:

Lexicon Results

Strong's G2374 - thyra

θύρα

Transliteration thyra		Pronunciation thü'-rä (Key)
Part of Speech feminine noun		Root Word (Etymology) Apparently a root word [cf "door"]
TDNT Reference 3:173,340	Vines View Entry

Outline of Biblical Usage

1) a door

a) the vestibule

b) used of any opening like a door, an entrance, way or passage into

c) in a parable or metaphor

1) the door through which sheep go in and out, the name of him who brings salvation to those who follow his guidance

2) "an open door" is used of the opportunity of doing something

3) the door of the kingdom of heaven (likened to a palace) denotes the conditions which must be complied with in order to be received into the kingdom of God

In the above Thayer’s Lexicon, if you look towards the bottom, we are looking for our scripture Rev. 4:1 and we find, “power of entering, access into, God’s eternal kingdom, Rev. 3:8 cf. 7, [but al.al.; add here Rev. 4:1]. This is the exact clarification of the word “door” that we are looking for to describe how this word is being used in the sentence. John the apostle is entering heaven with power after he was told to “come up, hither.” This is a direct relation to the rapture as we will see.

The other scripture used here to mean the exact statement of the word “door” is Rev. 3:8.

Rev 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

The parallel is precise. God is telling the Philadelphian church that they are worthy to go through the door into heaven just as John was in Rev. 4:1. Another proof is the LEFT BEHIND church of Laodicea has Christ standing at their door, wanting them to open up so He can give them eternal life.

Another use for the “open door” is the parable of the ten virgins (Mat. 25:1-13).

Mat 25:10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Mat 25:11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
Mat 25:12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

Luk 13:23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
Luk 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
Luk 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
Luk 13:26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.
Luk 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all [ye] workers of iniquity.
Luk 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you [yourselves] thrust out.
Luk 13:29 And they shall come from the east, and [from] the west, and from the north, and [from] the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
Luk 13:30 And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

Eze 46:1 ¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened. (The new moon only occurs as a celebration of God’s feast days during the Feast of Trumpets. All of God’s Holy Days are full moon celebrations.)

Isa 26:2 Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.

Psa 118:19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, [and] I will praise the LORD:
Psa 118:20 This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.

Jhn 10:7 ¶ Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
Jhn 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. (These are also parallel verses that prove to us that we must obey Christ to obtain agape love. See Stewart Best’s Dark Light Series for clarification. http://thelightgate.com/ . )

The “door” to heaven is opened in Revelation 4:1 then closed, but does not reopen until Revelation 19 when Christ is returning to Earth with His saints and all the angels. The bride/manchild is not mentioned again throughout the book of Revelations until the nineteenth chapter. This is when the bride accompanies her husband from heaven to take their kingdom and rule for 1,000 years. With the above scriptures we can easily see that in the Old Testament and in the New Testament are in harmony with each other and in agreement that God’s chosen will be allowed to go through the door.

Not all of us humans can agree 100% with each other, but the “manchild” will be the nation of people that will be speaking as one because they are one in God. The “manchild” will be speaking the same thing. Incidentally, thesouloartist a sister in Christ from YouTube said something the other day that is remarkable in that many Christian’s believed a few decades ago that the internet would be where the church would end up and interestingly, they are right. YouTube is becoming the new hot spot for Christian’s from all over the world. The scattered church is reorganizing.

Jhn 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
Jhn 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
Jhn 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
Jhn 17:25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.
Jhn 17:26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare [it]: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

Christ is willfully requesting the Father that those He has given to Christ BE WITH HIM WHERE HE IS! Christ is in heaven! How can anyone going through the great tribulation behold Christ’s glory?

Jhn 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will [my] Father honour.

Jhn 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.

1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Another HUGE consideration I have to place in this paper is the importance of Christ stressing to believer’s to be like children.

Mat 18:1 ¶ At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
Mat 18:2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
Mat 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Christ is saying, without a doubt, “You MUST change or YOU will NOT enter heaven.” God

wants us to be humble, lowly, obedient, and of a contrite heart. We know this as a fact because of our own personal experience. Remember when we told God, “No. I can do this,” and somehow when we are finished being independently prideful and mess everything up, we cry, scream, or pout our way back to God to beg Him to fix it. I am guilty of this and I know many also carry this kind of anxiety for not being able to do it ourselves. If we could only remember what it is like to be a little child. The child that depends on its parent for everything, then, we can be taken care of by God. It is only in this submissive position do we have any help from an Almighty God. The minute we start showing any initiative of our own, God will not get in our way, and He will just the same let us fall on our butts so we can return to Him once we see again that God was right in the first place.

Do not think that I am saying to be submissive means to let any demon or Satan do whatever they want to you. God’s Word is very explicit in that we have power over these creatures by calling on the name of Jesus Christ and His authority to resist Satan and his minions. We also have the armor of God, which we should be visually putting on everyday because we Christian’s are engaged in war everyday with evil. This wonderful article below is the best way to describe the relationship building character we are to have with our heavenly Father.

Children, especially infants, are utterly dependent on everyone around them for their very existence. If a newborn is not fed every day by his mother, he will not live. If a toddler is not bathed, she will never think to be clean on her own. If a five year old is not sent to kindergarten, he will never know that learning to read and write is essential. As we grow older we move into independence, but that is not what Jesus is calling us to as believers. He is calling us back to our childhood, and reminding us of our complete dependence on the Father.

Children are also extremely trusting. You never have to tell your eight-year old that food will be in the cupboard when she gets home from school, she simply believes in your provision. In the same way the little boy so quickly offers to be thrown into the air and caught by his father. He simply believes and trusts that his father will keep him safe.

As we grow into adulthood we have this notion that complete freedom and independence is a given, a rite of passage. And we live in a culture that thrives on personal autonomy and independence. As a friend of mine preached recently, we have a longing to be independent. We don’t want help, but Jesus is telling us that if we aren’t like little children, utterly dependent on the Father for life and salvation, we will not enter the Kingdom. That is a staggering thought.

We can’t enter the kingdom unless we are like children because there is no room for self-sufficiency where Christ reigns as king. It is quite humbling to admit that we are incapable of taking care of ourselves. I spend more time attempting to do things too difficult for me, when I very easily could have just asked for help and been done quicker. The Bible has a word for this. Pride, and we are all dripping with it. But, we are grafted into a family where God is our Father. In a family, children believe that their father will protect and provide for them. When I was a little girl I never was fearful that my dad wouldn’t be there to protect me if I was scared, and I never questioned his ability to provide food for our table. Yet so often I find myself worrying about whether or not my perfect, heavenly Father will provide the food for my table now. This is pride and unbelief in the sovereign purposes of our great God.

We must become like children because we must admit that we cannot do anything apart from the hand of our heavenly Father. We also must believe in the provision and protection of a perfect Father, who will never disappoint us, never abandon us, and never hurt us. Our theology of God has everything to do with our everyday lives.

So, as we seek to become like children, let us look first to Christ because it is by him that we are made sons of God. But let us also look to the little children in our churches. Maybe, just maybe, we will learn something theological. (Reissig.)

The next part of this paper, I will discuss the importance of Matthew 24:30. For a more in depth discussion about verses 29 and 31, please visit Jason Hommel’s website. He has a great argument for these verses. http://www.bibleprophesy.org/matt24commentary3.htm.

Some of the most discouraging comments about the false doctrine of the pre tribulation rapture came from people I trusted and loved. It took a long time for God to build strength in me to overcome the deep deception prevalent in the post tribulation rapture theory. The fact is simple. All people gain their knowledge through some medium, either friends, family, pastors, or the media. The real student begins to learn wisdom when they give heed to what the Holy Spirit is teaching. Finding this path (voice) is the most crucial and trying phase of our growth as Christians. Remember to rely on God completely and all truth will be revealed to you. Ask Him every question you have and expect Him to answer. God will answer. This is a tough path, but one that must be taken for us to have a relationship with God. And only those who are constantly seeking the truth and relying on God are those who are being perfected daily.

Jason Hommel has clear some issues I kept bumping into while I was studying the Bible. I could never figure out why the rapture of the bride MUST occur BEFORE the great tribulation. That is to say, I could not find the definitive key words that would bring the scriptures of the pre tribulation rapture to life and maintain a sustainable argument. I kept running across scriptures in the Bible that were only half studied by elders, pastors, and ministers. I became divided in my understanding and begged God for an answer. God gave me the truth. Scriptures can have double meanings, but if we do not possess the child like state of mind, the Holy Spirit can not reveal these things unto us.

Mat 11:25 ¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

These are the scriptures that most people trip over because they have been asking the wrong questions or possibly not listening to God is saying when He does give the answer.

Mat 24:29 ¶ Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
Mat 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Mat 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

These scriptures are what the majority of people base their belief in the post tribulation rapture. They look right past the fact that there are TWO events wrapped up in verse 30. The first is that the sign of the Son of man appears in heaven. The second is then all the earth mourns. It is very specific to pay attention to the colons used throughout the Bible. They are indeed markers that show us the “hidden things of God.” Below is an excerpt from Jason Hommel website that shows the double meaning:

Why the rapture is also in view in Matt 24:29-31

This event appears to be the rapture for several reasons.

1. It reads like the rapture. Even if this passage were strictly and only speaking of the supernatural gathering together of the Jews carried one by one by Angels to another location, that alone is certainly similar to various rapture events such as happened to Philip in Acts 8:39-40 who was transported from place to place, and to Elijah in 2 Kings 2:11-12

2. The parallel passage from the gospel of Mark 13:27 say they are gathered "from... earth to... heaven." The rapture is a gathering of people into the air, 1 Thess 4:17.

3. It is "A great sound of A trumpet" in Matthew and not necessarily "the great trumpet" of Isaiah 27:13. Why is Matthew more vague, saying "a trumpet" instead of "the great trumpet"? Is it because two events are in view? The point is that a trumpet sounding blast is a key element of the rapture mentioned in 1 Thess 4:16 "the trump of God" and 1 Cor 15:52, "at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound."

4. It mentions the son of man "coming in the clouds", as does 1 Thess 4:17. "...caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air..."

5. As I have already noted, and will continue to explore, Matthew 24 is filled with double references. These passages can easily be describing BOTH the pretribulation rapture, and the posttribulation gathering together of the Jews. I believe it is typical of the Lord to conceal things in prophecies like this. It hides things from unbelievers, and makes the study of his word glorious, bringing glory to God. ("It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter." --Prov 25:2)

Furthermore, a third event might also be in view which is the posttribulation return from out of heaven of those who were previously raptured. The return of the saints from out of heaven following Jesus Christ is pictured in Revelation 19. The first reason for this idea is that Matthew writes they are gathered "from one end of heaven to the other" and not gathered from the earth as does Mark. The second reason is the "great trumpet", because this is associated with the Day of Atonement, which should be fulfilled at the end of the tribulation with the defeat of Satan. The third reason might be that the two events, the gathering of the Jews from the earth, and the gathering of the saints from heaven, all together into Christ's presence at his return, happens at the same time. If these two gatherings from the earth and heaven happen at once, it would make sense that these two events are blended together in scripture. Thus, the term "elect" can easily refer to both the Jews and to the previously raptured Christians.

6. Matt 24:30 appears to be the rapture because of the mention of the sign, "the sign of the Son of man in heaven". Those who deny the pretribulation rapture have challenged, "Where does the Bible ever describe two returns in one verse?". Well, in Matt 24:30, the "son of man" is mentioned twice, first as a sign in heaven, and then, after the nations mourn, he is coming in the clouds. The pretribulation rapture would, indeed, be a sign for the nations.

As an aside, if the rapture is "the sign of the Son of man in heaven", then it supports the argument that Jesus remains in heaven at the rapture. This is an important point, because it refutes the argument from Acts 3:21 that Jesus cannot return before the "time of restitution of all things" which is supposed to be after the tribulation. This argument is refuted because Jesus remains in the sky, in heaven, at the rapture. (Sky and heaven are nearly interchangeable terms in scripture.) Acts 3:21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

I wonder, if the sign of the son of man in heaven is not the rapture, then what else would it be? And there is no statement in Matt 24:30 that the three sequential events need happen simultaneously. There could easily be 7 years from the sign to the coming of Christ in glory. After all, there needs to be time for the nations to mourn, which would be the tribulation. (2 Hommel.)

I use a process that I call “mapping” to look at the language being spoken by the Holy Father in the Bible. This way of looking at many scriptures ties together the “language” being spoken of a particular idea. I use this method for clarification and for God to reveal “hidden” ideas in the Bible to me. A reference book is needed for this kind of study. By breaking down the “language” the truth becomes known.

Mat 24:29 ¶ dImmediately after the tribulation of those days eshall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
Mat 24:30 fAnd then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: gand then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, hand they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Mat 24:31 i And he shall send his angels ll with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

d) Dan. 7:11,12

Dan 7:11 I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld [even] till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.
Dan 7:12 As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.

e) Isa. 13:10; Ekez. 32:7; Joel 2:10, 31 & 3:15; Amos 5:20 & 8:9; Mark 13:24; Luke 21:25; Acts 2:20; Rev. 6:12

Isa 13:10 For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.

Eze 32:7 And when I shall put thee out, I will cover the heaven, and make the stars thereof dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon shall not give her light.

Joe 2:10 The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:

Joe 2:31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.

Joe 3:15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.

Amo 5:20 [Shall] not the day of the LORD [be] darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?

Amo 8:9 And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:

Mar 13:24 ¶ But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,

Luk 21:25 ¶ And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

Act 2:20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:

Rev 6:12 ¶ And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

f) Dan 7:13

Dan 7:13 ¶ I saw in the night visions, and, behold, [one] like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

g) Zech. 12:12

Zec 12:12 And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart;

h) Mat 16:17; Mark 13:26; Rev. 1:7 (Look where “h” is in relation to the scripture. The letter “h” comes at the very end of the sign of the Son of man in heaven and the mourning of the people.)

Mat 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

Mar 13:26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

Rev 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. (All these people are wailing because they know that the end of the age of Satan and man have come to an end and they are seeing Christ returning to earth the second time. When they see Christ and His bride coming in the clouds to set up Christ’s kingdom for the 1,000 year reign, of course, they are wailing because 3/4ths of all life will die on the Earth at Christ’s second coming. This is a tell tale scripture that often gets mistranslated by post tribulation believer’s.)

i) Matt. 13:41; 1 Cor. 15:52; 1 Thess. 4:16

Mat 13:41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;

1Cr 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

ll) Or, with a trumpet, and a great voice.

As you can see, I pull all the scriptures out of the main scripture, thus we have all the separated letters of the alphabet describing that particular statement made in the passage. We can see that the first part of verse thirty shows that only the sign of the Son of man is seen, which is the rapture of the bride to the wedding feast (7 years). Then the second event is where all the world will see Christ returning from heaven with His saints and all the remnant of Israel will be gathered from the four corners of the earth and brought to the promised land. This part alone I give thanks to God and to Jason Hommel for clarifying, because without this particular double event meaning of verse thirty compared with Ezekiel 38-39, the conclusion of WHEN Gog and Magog attacks Israel would be lost to conjecture. This is a larger study that I will not touch upon in this paper, but I will say that I am in agreement with Mr. Hommel that Ezek. 39:9 is referring to the seven year tribulation period. This I base on also the comparison of Ezek. 38:19, which is directly related to Hag. 2:6,7 & Rev. 16:18, which leads directly to Daniel 12:1. Try the mapping for yourself.

The letters “d” and “e” show us that AFTER the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, etc…. The letter “f” is the most revealing that we can see clearly the Son of man goes before the Ancient of Days IN HEAVEN! God the Father is the Ancient of Days (Dan. 7:9,13,22 & Ps. 90:2). Most Orthodox Christian’s believe the Ancient of Days is the Son of God, but how can the Son come to himself for all power to rule on earth and bring everything into subjection under our Holy Father in heaven? It does not make any sense to me. God the Father sits on the throne in heaven, not the Son of man. The Son of God sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven. Therefore, the Son of man goes before the Father in heaven to be coronated. In this event, the bride of Christ and all those whom attended the marriage supper of the Lamb will have the privilege of witnessing Christ coronated as King of kings, and Lord of lords. I ASSUME at this time, Christ will also be given His new title and command from the Father, which Revelation 19:16 says, “And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

Most New Testament translations (including most Greek manuscripts) have Revelation 19:11-16 indicating Yeshua will have a "tattoo" on his thigh, as what follows:

And I saw the heaven opened, and there was a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Trustworthy and True, and in righteousness He judges and fights. And His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns, having a Name that had been written, which no one had perceived except Himself and having been dressed in a robe dipped in blood – and His Name is called: The Word of יהוה. And the armies in the heaven, dressed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. And out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations. And He shall shepherd them with a rod of iron. And He treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of El Shaddai. And on His robe and on His thigh (or "banner") He has a name written: SOVEREIGN OF SOVEREIGNS AND MASTER OF MASTERS.

The idea that Yeshua would have a tattoo on his thigh or anywhere on His body is in direct conflict with Leviticus 19:28, which states:

‘And do not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor put tattoo marks on you. I am יהוה.

The following was taken from the Explanatory notes under "Thigh" in The Scriptures (TS98) version. It references the problem with Leviticus 19:28 and a possible solution to the conflict.

"Thigh: Here we have a strong indication of Revelation originally being written in Hebrew. If this word was written in Hebrew, it would have been ragel. It's possible though, that the copiers of Revelation could have overlooked the small extension of the dalet (ד), which would have made it a resh (ר). If the word was dagel, it would have meant "banner", which makes much more sense than "thigh", because in the latter case two rules are broken:
(1) In Way. 19:28 we are forbidden to make tattoo's on our bodies [Leviticus 19:28].
(2) A person whose thigh was exposed was considered naked. See Mk. 14:51, Shem. 28:42, Way. 16:4. When Revelation was copied it would have been easy to see the Hebrew "d" (ד) as a "r" (ר), if the former was not carefully written down. As the Hebrew script developed, the dalet and the resh, especially from around 700 BCE and onwards looked almost identical. It is also seems that Messiah, when he appeared to his followers He spoke Hebrew, even though they could understand Greek very well (Acts 26:14)." (Hanok.)

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written,.... This name, afterwards expressed, is said to be written on his vesture, in allusion to the custom of persons of note and eminence having their names interwoven in their garments, and which was sometimes done in letters of gold, as Zeuxis had (t); and it is expressive of the conspicuousness of Christ's kingdom, which now will come with observation; his judgments, the administrations of his kingly office, will be manifest, and he will reign before his ancients gloriously: and its being said to be written on his thigh may mean either that it was upon that part of his garment which covered his thigh; or else that it was also on his sword, which he sometimes girt upon his thigh. Mr. Daubuz has given an instance out of Victor Vitensis, of Clementianus, a monk, who had written on his thigh,

""a manichee" disciple of Jesus Christ.''

And this being done in Africa, he supposes it to be a Phoenician custom continued. It may here denote the perpetuity of Christ's name, power, and dominion, which will continue to the latest posterity, Psalm 72:17 which spring from the thigh; and it may denote the subjection of his people to him, signified by the putting the hand under the thigh, Genesis 24:2. And this name is

King of kings and Lord of lords; which will well suit him now when he shall be openly King over all the earth; See Gill on Revelation 17:14.

(t) Plin. Nat. Hist. l. 35. c. 9. (Gill.)

Many post tribulation believers use Matt. 24:29-31 to show how the rapture will take place at the second coming of Jesus Christ because they associate the word “mourn” with the wrath of God. These are two distinctive emotions and should not be confused as meaning the same event.

Lexicon Results

Strong's G2875 - koptō

κόπτω

Transliteration koptō		Pronunciation ko'p-tō (Key)
Part of Speech verb		Root Word (Etymology) A root word
TDNT Reference 3:830,453	Vines View Entry

Outline of Biblical Usage

1) to cut, strike, smite

2) to cut from, cut off

3) to beat one's breast for grief

The people of the earth are mourning because of the startling and surprising event that caught them all off guard (because they were supposed to be watching) and at this point they are gnashing their teeth and wailing for their unbelief in the pre tribulation rapture. Honestly and truthfully ask the question, “How can one be beating their breast for grief and be provoked to wrath at the same time.” The wrath spoken of in the Bible is of the gathering together of the nations unto the valley of Megiddo.

Mourning, bewailing, or lamenting in grief, is a description that fits the rapture parable of Matt 25:1-13, where the foolish virgins are left behind the shut door of the rapture. Other false-believers to whom the Lord says "I know you not" are described as weeping and gnashing their teeth. First, those who didn't have the proper wedding garment in Matthew 22:13 are described as "weeping and gnashing of teeth". Second, the evil servant in Matthew 24:51 is described as "weeping and gnashing of teeth". Third, it's the unprofitable servant who mourns, Matthew 25:30 "And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

Both mourning and anger seem incompatible with the description of the world that is carrying on as usual with normal daily activities and taking no note. Thus, the time when people are not taking any note is appropriate for before Armageddon when people are in anger, and before the tribulation when people are in mourning. Thus, when people are "eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage", this is the time before the rapture, before the tribulation.

Matthew 24:
36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

This description in Matt 24:36-41 where people are living their lives as usual, is out of place with the description of how they will act after the beginning of the stellar signs and the Day of the Lord when the nations are mourning, as described in verses 29-31. The mourning in grief and lamenting seems most appropriate for the beginning of the tribulation, and anger is appropriate for the end. (2 Hommel.)

I am grateful to Jason Hommel for his diligent research of the matters concerning the pre tribulation rapture. There is no doubt that all Christian’s must come together for our education and learning. Each one of us has “a” piece to God’s big picture puzzle. By seeking, we can find each other and fit out pieces together, which gives us the larger understanding of what God wants us to be looking for. This is why God commands us to show ourselves approved (2 Tim. 2:15). I also believe this is how we show each other brotherly love.

The next revelation of Matt. 24:29-31 is found again in verse thirty. The word “they” is oddly used to express other people that are not included in a specific group. Meaning “they” are being referred to as someone other than us. Here is Collins English dictionary meaning:

World English Dictionary

they (ðeɪ)

—*pron*
1.	refers to people or things other than the speaker or people addressed: they fight among themselves
2.	refers to unspecified people or people in general not including the speaker or people addressed: in Australia they have Christmas in the summer
3.	not standard refers to an indefinite antecedent such as one, whoever, or anybody: if anyone objects, they can go
4.	an archaic word for those : blessed are they that mourn.. (“they”.)

The correct word to be used in this sentence should be the word “you,” since most people believe the blessed hope is seeing Christ return AFTER the great tribulation. The word “you” would include those surviving through the most horrible event mankind has ever been through. Again I refer to Jason Hommel because of his exquisite work done on this matter.

And there is another key word in this verse: THEY. It says "they shall see the Son of man"... Now, if seeing Christ return after the tribulation was the blessed hope of the believer, wouldn't the appropriate word be YOU? Why the change, unless it signifies that faithful believers, YOU, are no longer there?

Luke also contains the different words "they" and "you", but also includes a phrase that might be a final warning to be especially ready, which suggests to be ready for the rapture.

Luke 21:27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

The question must be asked, why didn't Jesus say in verse 27, "and then shall YOU see the Son of man coming"? The answer is that YOU would be behind Jesus, following after him as depicted in Rev 19. The armies that follow him out of heaven would include faithful believers such as YOU.

The phrase "when these things begin to come to pass" indicates a pretribulation rapture before all these things come to pass. It does not say "after these things completely come to pass..." Nor does it say "when these things begin to come to pass, hide your heads, for you will have to endure tribulation for several years". And a few verses later, Luke records one of the strongest pretribulation verses in the Bible:

Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

n order to escape the abomination of desolation, which is among "all these things that shall come to pass", the rapture must be before the tribulation.

Regarding the abomination of desolation, it also says "YOU", instead of "they". It has been argued that this indicates that we would have to go through the tribulation to become the "YOU" that sees the abomination. But this is a wrong conclusion for the following reason. All the word "you" proves is that there will be believers in the tribulation. But "believers in the tribulation" is not a valid reason to say the rapture could not have happened earlier. Some people left behind after the rapture will repent. From Rev 3:10, we see that the tribulation is the "hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth." So, some will be tried and found faithful who were not raptured and kept from the hour. Scriptural examples of saints in the tribulation are from Rev 7, the "a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations" & Rev 12:17, the "the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Revelation 12:17's "remnant" are those left behind after the rapture of the man child, which we will see is the rapture of the Church. (Hommel.)

I have given a general, but detailed exposition of one particular scripture that post tribulation believers use to back to their credit for the false statement that the pre tribulation rapture is incorrect. I hope this clears up some of the misunderstandings that post tribulation believer’s cling too. In effect, the pre tribulation rapture is true and doctrinally sound. Now let us look at the real question at hand between pre and post tribulation viewpoints. This should further clarify that the doctrine of pre tribulation rapture is correct.

When does the Day of the Lord start? This is the biggest determining factor in which doctrine is true. When one can determine the meaning of the Day of the Lord, then, all other doctrines of the Bible fall into place and a bigger picture is seen.

The great tribulation and the Day of the Lord are both called a time that has never been before or will ever be again. When we look at the words used of “tribulation” and the “Day of the Lord” it can be clearly seen that the words are exactly alike. If we try to separate these meanings, we have lost the direction scripture is trying to show us, which is a key to unraveling prophecy.

1Th 3:4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

Lexicon Results

Strong's G2346 - thlibō

θλίβω

Transliteration thlibō		Pronunciation thlē'-bō (Key)
Part of Speech verb		Root Word (Etymology) Akin to the base of τρίβος (G5147)
TDNT Reference 3:139,334	Vines View Entry

Outline of Biblical Usage

1) to press (as grapes), press hard upon

2) a compressed way

a) narrow straitened, contracted

3) metaph. to trouble, afflict, distress

The Strong’s word – thlibo, (suffer tribulation), is used this way to distinguish the “Narrow Way.” This same meaning is shown is other scriptures and incidently, refer to all those whom love God unto death. The meaning for this word is the everyday tribulation, afflictions, and refining fires we all face as Christian’s that purge us of sins and bring us closer to God. Every Christian or lover of God must go through this type of distress. This is also referred to as the NARROW WAY. This kind of tribulation refines us and cleans us out and also has nothing to do with OPPRESSION.

(See also: 2 Col. 1:6; 4:8; 7:5; 2 Thes. 1:7; 1 Tim. 5:10; Heb. 11:37)

The next scriptures are relevant to the comparison with the “great tribulation” and the “Day of the Lord.”

Rev 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Lexicon Results

Strong's G2347 - thlipsis

θλῖψις

Transliteration thlipsis		Pronunciation thlē'-psēs (Key)
Part of Speech feminine noun		Root Word (Etymology) From θλίβω (G2346)
TDNT Reference 3:139,334	Vines View Entry

Outline of Biblical Usage

1) a pressing, pressing together, pressure

2) metaph. oppression, affliction, tribulation, distress, straits

By finding these scriptures in the above Thayer’s Lexicon, there is clearly a difference in the definition of this type of tribulation. (2 Col. 1:4; 7:4; Jn. 16:33; Phil. 1:16(17); Mt. 13:21; 24:21, 29; Mk. 13:24; Act 14:22; Rom. 2:9; 5:3; 8:35; 12:12; 2 Thess. 1:6; Rev. 1:9; 2:9,10,22; Rev. 7:14.) These verse absolutely show that this type of definition of tribulation is indeed, Great Tribulation. These are the afflictions of those hard pressed by siege and the calamities of war, Mt. 24:21,29 etc…. The afflictions which Christ had to undergo (and which, therefore, his followers must not shrink from), Col. 1:24.

The most important out of all these scriptures is Jn. 16:21.

Jhn 16:21 y A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.

y) Isa 13:8; 21:3; 26:17; Mic 4:9; 1Th 5:3

Isa 13:8 And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces [shall be as] flames.

1. Isaiah 13:8 - S Ps 31:13; S 48:5; S Isa 21:4

2. Isaiah 13:8 - Ex 15:14

3. Isaiah 13:8 - S Ge 3:16; S Jn 16:21

4. Isaiah 13:8 - Joel 2:6; Na 2:10

Isa 13:9 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.

1. Isaiah 13:9 - S Isa 2:12; Jer 51:2

2. Isaiah 13:9 - Jer 6:23

3. Isaiah 13:9 - S Isa 9:19

4. Isaiah 13:9 - Isa 26:21; 66:16; Jer 25:31; Joel 3:2

Isa 21:3 Therefore are my loins filled with pain: pangs have taken hold upon me, as the pangs of a woman that travaileth: I was bowed down at the hearing [of it]; I was dismayed at the seeing [of it].

1. Isaiah 21:3 - S Job 14:22

2. Isaiah 21:3 - S Ge 3:16; Ps 48:6; Isa 26:17; 37:3; Jer 30:6; 48:41; 49:22; Jn 16:21

3. Isaiah 21:3 - Da 7:28; 8:27; 10:16

Isa 26:17 Like as a woman with child, [that] draweth near the time of her delivery, is in pain, [and] crieth out in her pangs; so have we been in thy sight, O LORD.

1. Isaiah 26:17 - S Isa 21:3; S Jn 16:21; Rev 12:2 (I find it extremely interesting that Rev. 12:2 fits in perfectly with this scripture. Both refer to a time when the “manchild” or the child of the “woman” will be born. This is also verified by Isa. 66:7. The child of the woman is the “nation born in one day,” and the “manchild” born of Israel or the church. I believe that there are some slight differences between the bride/church and the last church. Laodicea compromises much of the remaining people of Israel. These will go through the great tribulation to be refined, since they are found lukewarm. Christ is taking His bride out of the church, since she was kicked out anyway (Isa. 66:5 & Luke 6:22).

Mic 4:9 ¶ Now why dost thou cry out aloud? [is there] no king in thee? is thy counsellor perished? for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail.

1. Micah 4:9 - Jer 8:19

2. Micah 4:9 - S Ge 3:16; Jer 30:6; 48:41

1Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

1. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 - Jer 4:10; 6:14; Eze 13:10

2. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 - Job 15:21; Ps 35:8; 55:15; Isa 29:5; 47:9,11

3. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 - 2Th 1:9

This scripture of John 16:21 is important to point out because of the astounding reference that Jesus is making to the pre tribulation rapture. In verse 22 we see Jesus telling the disciples, “And ye now therefore have sorrow.” He is describing the first “tribulation” word we defined. All Christian’s must go through this to be reconciled to God, and it is of mourning from being away, physically, from our Creator. The word for “she is in travail” in verse 21 is Strong’s G5088 – tikto. This word means to “bring forth, bear, produce (fruit from the seed).

Another point to bring to the discussion table is of the Prophet Daniel.

Dan 12:1 ¶ And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. (Archangel Michael, if you do a mapping on this scripture, is literally standing up in heaven for the translation of the saints {Rev. 12:7-9}, which brings about the war in heaven. Michael is standing for the “CHILDREN” of thy people.)

The war that erupts in heaven after the rapture clearly comes down to Earth, which Daniel speaks of this time in Dan. 12:1 as being a “time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation,” EVER. Clearly Satan hates us to the core of his being because this war in heaven is the dividing line laid out by God in times past who gets to go into the lake of fire forever and who gets to live with God forever. This type of tribulation will have been unknown to the human species since we have been here on Earth. Wallace Jackel breaks down further the Great Tribulation in this excerpt:

1. The Great Tribulation is a period of suffering and travail unique and unparalleled in human history. The Word of God leaves us in no doubt as to that. It is designated by Daniel, a "time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation" (Daniel 12:1), and by our Lord declared to be "Great Tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be" (Matt. 24:21), while in Revelation 7:14 it is referred to as "the Great Tribulation" or more literally "Tribulation, the Great One."

Our Post-Tribulation friends, when confronted with this testimony, seek to obviate the force of these Scriptures, first by playing down the acute travail and suffering of this period, and by asserting that despite the terrors of the Great Tribulation the Church will be miraculously preserved through it. All this sounds plausible until we begin to examine the global nature of the Tribulation judgments.

These judgments will be so world-wide in their scope, particularly at the end of Tribulation, that escape will be well-nigh impossible.

The deliverance of Israel in Egypt is offered as proof of God's ability to preserve a people in the midst of judgment. However, the position of Israel in Egypt and the Church in the world, are not analogous. All Israel dwelt in one place and the Egyptians in another, but believers will be scattered throughout the world, often inhabiting the same dwellings.

The former judgments were local, but the latter will be cosmic.

The Tribulation is declared to be "the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world," (oikoumene, the inhabited earth {the world KJV}). (Rev. 3:10).

Isaiah declares that the earth itself will be mightily shaken and affected. (Isaiah 24:17-20).

"Fear, and the pit, and the snare, are upon thee, O inhabitant of the earth.

"And it shall come to pass, that he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake.

"The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved (broken), the earth is moved exceedingly.

"The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again."

Isaiah 13:13: "Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the Lord of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger."

Isaiah 2:19-21: "And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth."

Revelation 6:13-14: "And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

"And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places."

It is evident from these, and other parallel Scriptures, that the whole course of nature will be dislocated, and convulsed, filling the inhabitants of the earth with consternation and dread.

2. The Tribulation is characterized by the outpouring of divine wrath and vengeance. From this particular form of judgment, the believer is eternally free by virtue of the work of Calvary. (Romans 8:1). The Church was forewarned by her Lord that its pathway through this world would be beset with travail and persecution.

"In the world ye have tribulation." (John 16:33). "We must through much tribulation enter the Kingdom." (Acts 14:22).

But Tribulation incidental to the Christian life is not the Great Tribulation. There are at least three Greek words which have a direct bearing on the issue before us.

There is the word "thlibo", which means to press or afflict used in 1 Thess. 3:4, then there is a kindred word "thlipsis" which means pressure or affliction, used to describe the sufferings of Christians generally.

In several instances the word is also used of the "Great Tribulation": Matt. 24:21, 24, 29; Rev. 7:14, but there is another word which interests us greatly at this point, that is the word, "orge", translated "wrath". This word is found in many passages connected with the Tribulation:

Rev. 6:16: "Hide us from the wrath of the lamb." Rev. 6:17: "The great day of his wrath is come." Rev.16:19: "The wine of the fierceness of his wrath." Rev.19:15: "The fierceness and wrath of almighty God."

The word is used in some other significant connections, viz:

It was this form of wrath against which John the Baptist warned his hearers - Matt. 3:7.

It is referred to in Romans 1:18 as the wrath of God revealed from heaven against unrighteousness.

Concerning the sinner, John says the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36). While in Romans 5:9 we are assured that "we shall be saved from wrath through him."

The particular judgment implied by this word is judicial and penal, it is judgment as a punishment, it is vengeance reserved for evil doers. From this form of wrath the believer is blessedly exempt, otherwise it would be a denial of the most vital principle of the Gospel that Christ suffered once for sins.

The Apostle Paul assures us in 1 Thessalonians 5:9, "God hath not appointed us to wrath (orge) but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ" and again in 1 Thess. 1:10. "Whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath (orge) to come." The Authorized Version does not bring out fully the meaning of this promise. The tense here is future, "which delivereth us from the wrath to come." (R.V.) The Amplified New Testament renders this passage "Who personally rescues and delivers us out of and from the wrath which is coming and draws us to himself."

Believers, then, can wait without fear for that blessed event, being assured that before His wrath falls He will take His own into His presence.

Some who dissent from this interpretation raise a query. If the Church is destined to tribulation and God has not intervened to rescue her in the past why should He do so in the future? God will intervene and that for the best of all reasons.

The Church in the past has suffered the wrath of men but as we have already observed the "Great Tribulation" represents the wrath of God. This is something quite distinct and apart from anything the Church has ever suffered in the past. Believers through faith in Christ have passed beyond the reach of judicial displeasure and wrath.

3. A further argument is drawn from the relationship of the Church to the Holy Spirit and the appearance of Anti-Christ. (2 Thess. 2:7-8).

"For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

"And then shall that Wicked be revealed."

Sin and lawlessness have been at work in the world from the beginning, but as the age draws to its end it will work itself up to a terrible climax. The flood of iniquity is pent up and ready to burst forth, infernal hordes are straining to be unleashed, but there is a power, holding it all in check.

"He that letteth will let" (Katecho," to hold down or hold fast). Who is the power holding down iniquity, like steam under pressure?

This power is declared to be a person (v.7) and it is evident that whoever this power is he is more powerful than men or the Devil. This being the case He can be no other than a Divine person and we believe him to be none other than the Holy Spirit acting in a variety of ways through providence, through legislation, through civil government, but principally through the Church.

When "He who restrains is taken out of the way" the Church will accompany the Spirit homeward to glory for it is inconceivable that the Church should be left when the Holy Spirit has completed his work in calling out the Church, and has removed his official dwelling from earth to heaven.

Immediately this takes place, Anti-Christ, already risen to a place of great power, is openly revealed. If the Church does not know Anti-Christ, the chief actor of the Tribulation, it is clear evidence that it will not see the Tribulation.

Thiessen discussing the relationship of the Church to the Tribulation writes:

"That which `withholdeth' (neuter verse 6) and `he who letteth' (`hindereth') (masculine verse 7) is none other than the Holy Spirit. He no doubt employs human government and human laws, as also providential interventions in the accomplishment of His purpose...but more especially the testimony and influence of the Church. When the Church is caught up, the Holy Spirit will be taken from the world in the peculiar sense in which He is present on earth today.

"He will no longer be here in the same degree of manifestation. He will be here at that time in some such way as He was present in the world before the Day of Pentecost."

These comments anticipate and answer an objection raised at this point by those who reject the Pre-Tribulation Rapture. If the Holy Spirit departs with the Church, how can sinners be converted in the Tribulation?

It is important to observe that the operations of the Holy Spirit are not the same in each age. It is obvious that the Holy Spirit operated from heaven in Old Testament times, and that He came intermittently to the earth to possess chosen individuals, but in New Testament times the abode of the Holy Spirit has been on the earth. His work is to convict and regenerate sinners and thus call out the "Bride of Christ" and indwell the corporate body with His fullness. When the Church is completed, the Holy Spirit, having accomplished His work in this age, removes His abode once again to heaven.

With His abode once again in heaven, the Holy Spirit is free to operate in much the same way as in Old Testament times. It must be remembered that multitudes will enter the Tribulation with an exact knowledge of the Gospel, and with an abundance of Bibles, and Christian literature at their disposal. The shock of the Rapture will cause widespread grief and alarm, and since God has not revoked the promise, "whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved," multitudes will cry out to God for mercy.

It, however, matters little what difficulties our friends choose to invent at this point; the Word of God plainly declares that multitudes will be saved, during the time of Tribulation, and the basis of their salvation will be the cross of Christ. (Jackel.)

After the rapture of the bride, Israel will become engaged in a war with all the nations around her for seven years. This information is much too in depth for this article. I ask that you please review http://www.bibleprophesy.org/ for these answers to your questions. Even though this is merely one website on such matters, I believe Jason Hommel has nailed this topic down.

After the rapture of the bride to heaven, the world and those left behind will be in great deception. Many scared and fearful people will cling to the false conclusion that will be generated to masses about what exactly happened to the people. The governments of the world will lie to all the people.

2Th 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

Some of these lies may be when the world leaders decide to reveal the alien agenda, claiming, “These people we taken from the earth because they were not ready to evolve into a higher consciousness.” I believe this for would be the likely deception to be used, since the hybrids, or fallen angels offspring called the Nephilim have been made for centuries for this specific period of time. There could also be the revelation of two different kinds of “aliens” whom I call the fallen angels since they are the same thing. Many people are aware of the “Nordic” looking people and the “Grey’s.” There could be a blaming of one supposed “evil” species has kidnapped all these people for whatever reasons (to be eaten, slaves, etc…), while the other “goodly” beings will be our supposed progenitors’ or creators. These ideas are not strange, but what is peculiar is the fact that many people across the globe will abandon the ONE TRUE GOD almost overnight. This is called the great apostasy.

There is a dividing line drawn in the sand by the beast after the rapture of the bride. There are some people who will finally understand why they have rejected God and they will repent. These are the Laodiceans of the last church era until the end of this age. The reason I believe the great apostasy will happen AFTER the rapture is the unmistakable fact that Christianity will be the new hated belief structure in the world. This is why many Christian’s will be martyred during the second half of the great tribulation.

Islam will be in full force after the rapture of the bride. Some even speculate there will be a huge gather of people together under the title of Christlam. This is where the Laodicean church will be martyred by having their heads cut off, because they will not accept Islam, Islam states that they must die if they will not conform. This will be the radical new One World Religion that will come upon the scene during the great tribulation. Watch the growing religon of Islam and its Sharia law coming into full swing all around the globe. The Koran states that Muslims are not to wipe out the people until the Mahadi comes. This coincided perfectly with the rapture of the bride and the remnant of the church to go through the tribulation to be refined.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co36btQYAsw&feature=uploademail – This is the best description I have heard to date of the anti-Christ and who he is or will be.

If you would also like to know more about a description of the anti-Christ, just read the Apocalypse of Elijah http://eashoa-msheekhah.com/uploads/2/7/5/8/2758715/9686953-the-apocalypse-of-elijah.pdf .

The world is in a state of accelerated collapse. Not just of our monetary systems, but of extreme moral decay. Morality, which is based upon God’s laws, uphold the fabric of the universe. These “laws” can be broken, but with a consequence of death. Thank our Heavenly Father for loving us so much to send His only Son to us, to redeem us from this sentence of death forever. Very soon, the whole world shall witness the departure of the bride of Christ. God speed that day and the coming of the righteous reign of the only Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Works Cited

All scriptural references, please refer to: Blue Letter Bible. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/ >.

Gill. < http://bible.cc/revelation/19-16.htm >.

Hanok. “Will Yeshua (Jesus) have a "tattoo" on His thigh? Revelation 19:16 .” Web. Accessed

23 Oct 2011. <

http://jewsandjoes.com/will-yeshua-jesus-have-a-tattoo-on-his-thigh-revelation-19-

16.html >.

1 Hommel, Jason. “Why I Believe the Rapture will Happen Before the Tribulation.” Web.

Accessed 19 October 2011. < http://www.bibleprophesy.org/ >.

2 Hommel, Jason. “Why the rapture is also in view in Matt. 24:29-31.” Web. Accessed 23 Oct

2011. < http://www.bibleprophesy.org/matt24commentary2.htm >.

http://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/g173.html

3 Hommel, Jason. “Scriptures showing that the Rapture is “PRE” Tribulation.” Web. Accessed

03 Nov 2011. < http://www.bibleprophesy.org/pretribrapture.htm >.

Horvath, Allen. Explanation of the Islamic anti-Christ. YouTube. Accessed 23 Oct 2011.

< http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co36btQYAsw&feature=uploademail >.

Jackel, Wallace. “Vistas of Coming Glory.” Web. Accessed 5 Nov 2011. <

http://www.despatch.cth.com.au/Books_V/Jackels_book.htm#p2 >.

Missler, Nancy. “What is God’s Love, Really?” Web. Accessed 2 Nov 2011. <

www.khouse.org/articles/1998/129/ >.

Reissig, Courtney. “Unless you Become Like Children.” In view of God’s mercy. Web. Accessed

23 Oct 2011. < http://cdtarter.blogspot.com/2008/01/unless-you-become-like-

children.html>.

"they." Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition. HarperCollins

Publishers. 23 Oct. 2011. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/they>.

“Scourging.” Web. Accessed 31 Oct 2011. < http://the-crucifixion.org/scourging.htm >.

Endtime News Update

Monday, November 28, 2011

The Reasons I Believe in the Rapture.

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