  I have changed the title of this article 'IS THE SECOND COMING THE RAPTURE??'which was one I gave this when I 1st wrote in the late 1990's,when the word rapture is used I would have been pertaining to be taken off the earth before the coming of Christ at his Second Coming,hence the title.I believe that 'END TIMES:WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TELL US' is more appropriate.I do still believe the gathering of all his people will not happen until his Second Coming(unless maybe the Bible is wrong)Then the gathering after the tribulation would be called 'The Third Coming of Christ"???? I'll let you decided, please read what I have and think about it. Also please read this bit of information before proceeding I cannot deny the validity of what the disciples heard (was passed on correctly)from Christ,in that what they taught was the truth, yet when these teachings were passed on (in years to come),some of these religious leaders began to drift from what was actually taught by the disciples, and began adding some of their own understandings into the word of God. This is very sad ,in that the scriptures being tainted in a way that full truths, have been compromised. But in same respect the same can also be said as to any scripture given,which is why one must look into as many scriptures as possable in regaurds to the subject (using best judgement as to what may be the truth,. in same must do this vigorously and asking God to guide you in finding the truth). One must enter this with open mind & no pre-set judgements( as too allow the Holy Spirit in God to let you see the truth), for if you have pre-set judgements the truth may be overcome by your own pre-set thoughts. One example of the way (at least of the new testament), that men began to use their own thoughts in their teachings: A few amillenialists such as Albertus Pieters understand Pseudo-Barnabas to be amillennial. In the second century, the Alogoi (those who rejected all of John's writings) were amillennial, as was Caius in the first quarter of the third century.With the influence of Neo-Platonism and dualism, Clement of Alexandria and Origen denied premillennialism. Likewise, Dionysius of Alexandria argued that Revelation was not written by John and could not be interpreted literally; he was amillennial. Just this alone shows the varing off of the teachings, handed down by the disciples & already rejecting some of their writings.(note this is only the 2nd century,didn't take long for man to start his own views,instead of staying with what was written & passed down). Also another 2nd century writer: According to most biblical scholars, the findings at Nag Hammadi have shown Irenaeus' description of Gnosticism to be largely inaccurate and polemic in nature.Though correct in some details about the belief systems of various groups, Irenaeus's main purpose was to warn Christians against Gnosticism, rather than accurately describe those beliefs. Irenaeus He was also a disciple of Polycarp, who was said to be a disciple of John the Evangelist..Unlike many of his contemporary Christians, he was raised in a Christian family rather than converting as an adult, wrote a number of books, but the most important that survives is the five-volume On the Detection and Overthrow of the So-Called Gnosis, normally referred to by the Latin title Adversus Haereses ("Against Heresies"). Book I talks about the Valentinian Gnostics and their predecessors, who go as far back as the magician Simon Magus. Book II provides rational proof that Valentinianism contains no merit in terms of its doctrines. Book III shows that these doctrines are false by providing evidence from the Gospels. Book IV consists of Jesus' sayings, and stresses the unity of the Old Testament and the Gospel. The final volume, Book V, focuses on more sayings of Jesus plus the letters of Paul the Apostle. My point is, is that all scripture maybe be tainted to some extent , and no one, can 100% say what is truth and what isn't. You may theorize everything,yet it would still be guess work(at this point). You need the guidance of the Holy Sprit itself. if any gain of the truth is to come to you. Which means all pre-determined thinking,must be cast aside, and a whole devotion that the Holy spirit can guide you into this,if any wish to succeed, in this venture. Please read on: END TIMES:WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TELL US Matthew 24:1-3 1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. 2 And Jesus said unto them,See ye not all these things? Verily I say unto you,there shall not be left here one stone upon another,that shall not be throne down. 3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and the end of the world? Mark 13:1-4 1 And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him,Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! 2 And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 Tell us, when shall all these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? Luke 21:5-7 5 And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, 6 As for these things which ye behold, the days will come,in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another,that shall not be thrown down. 7 And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? ( In these passages, there is some controversy as to how many questions are asked by the disciples(about what is to come). Well let's look at this controversy. How many questions were asked? Let's look at the way these passages are worded in the Greek. Matthew 24:3 states "...Tell us, when these things will be? " This is a question, looking at its content,it must be clear that it is talking about the destruction of the temple, in which Jesus had just previously described as,"...There will not at all be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." Now the next question that was asked,"...and what the sign of Your presence, and the termination of the age? " This question does not seem to be directed to what Jesus had just previously spoke about.This question is more directed to the coming of Christ and the end of the the world Mark 13:4 "Tell us, when these things will be?..." This question is also directed to what Jesus had just previously spoke of. The key words are, these things, which refers to things just talked about. Continueing on, "...And what the sign when are about all these things to be accomplished?" This also seems to be directed to the things in which Jesus had just previously talked about. Now if we look at this a little closer, we notice that this is a two-part question about the same subject. ( #1 When will they happen? and #2 What will be the sign in which they will end? ) Continueing on, Luke 21:7"...when, then, these things will be? " Once, again, this is directed to the things Jesus had just previously talked about.Next, "...And what the sign when are about these things to occur? " Again, this is about what Jesus had previously talked about. Looking at these, we find that these too, are a two-part question. ( #1 When will they happen? and #2 What will be the sign when they will occur? ) If we compare Mark and Luke's writings, we discover that between both of their writings, we can come up with a three-part question directed to what Jesus had just previously talked about. ( #1 When will they happen?,* both Mark and Luke recall this part.*#2 What will be the sign when they will occur?, * only Luke recalls this part.* #3 What will be the sign when they will end? * Only Mark recalls this part.*) Jumping back to Matthews writings,let's re-examine his recallation. "...Tell us, when will these things be? " Just as Mark and Luke, Matthew recalls the first part of the question asked by the disciples concerning the destruction of the temple.So we now know that all three,Matthew, Mark, and Luke all recall the first part. Looking at Matthews recallation of a second question."...and what the sign of Your presence, and of the termination of the age? " Just as Mark and Luke,Matthew recalls a two-part question. But does this question concern the destruction of the temple?No, Jesus was not present at the destruction of the temple. Also the destruction of the temple was not the termination of the age.So then what was this two-part question directed to? If we examine it closely, we can come to the conclusion that this question is directed to the Second Coming of Christ. How do we know this? Well think about it. The first part of the question talks about Jesus's presence, and the second part talks about the end of the age. The only time Jesus is present concerning the end of the age, would be at his Second Coming. Some would say that there is talk of a pre-tribulation rapture spoken of here.Well let's examine this again with a pre-tribulation rapture point of view. According to pre-tribulation rapture Christ does not come to earth, but invisibly in the clouds, and all that believe in him will join him,together with the dead in Christ, in the clouds, then return to heaven for a period of seven years, until the Second Coming. Well, I don't see a presence of Christ(appearing invisibly) happening here. Presence, would mean that he would be here with us.Secondly there is no talk of anyone joining him in the air to be brought up to heaven(for a period of time,then to return at a later date). Also as we read on we will find out that Jesus does not answer such a question. If the disciples,which Jesus,loved asked a question pertaining to the rapture,don't you think that he would answer them? ) Let's continue on with what Jesus had to say about these questions. Matthew 24:4-8 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man decieve you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall here of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass,but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation,and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines,and pestilences and earthquakes, in divers places.8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. Mark 13:5-8 5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: 6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ ;and shall deceive many. 7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. 8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and ther shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. Luke 21:8-11 8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. 9 But when ye shall here of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. 10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation,and kingdom against kingdom: 11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. Luke 21:12-24 12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute [you], delivering [you] up to the synagogues,and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. 13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony. 14 Settle [it] therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: 15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. 16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and [some] of you shall they cause to be put to death. 17 And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake. 18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish. 19 In your patience possess ye your souls. 20 ¶ And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. 21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out;and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. 22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. 24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. (If we were to look at these passages carefully, all three are talking about things that will come to to pass,and must come to pass.Let's examine Luke's writings. Instead of saying "...these are the beginning of sorrows",and going on discribing them.He instead goes on to describe events that would take place "...before these things..." meaning the things about to be described in Luke 21:12-24 are pertaining to events before the great Tribulation. Though they may sound simular to the desciption given in Matthew and Mark concerning the great Tribulation.Luke is describing events leading up to and finalizing the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem. Reading Luke 21:24 should prove this assumption. " And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times,of the Gentiles be fulfilled.") Matthew 24:9-28 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. 15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place,(whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. 19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: 21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. 23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here [is] Christ, or there; believe [it] not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that,if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before. 26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, [he is] in the secret chambers; believe [it] not. 27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. Mark 13:9-23 9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. 10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations. 11 But when they shall lead [you], and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. 12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against [their] parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. 13 And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 ¶ But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not,(let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: 15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter [therein], to take any thing out of his house: 16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment. 17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter. 19 For [in] those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. 20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days. 21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here [is] Christ; or, lo, [he is] there; believe [him] not: 22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if [it were] possible,even the elect. 23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. (In the writings of Matthew and Mark they do not go back to describe the events that take place before the sorrows,instead they go on to describe the sorrows. So in Matthew 24:9-28 and Mark 13:9-23 are describing the events of the great Tribulation.) Now all three, Matthew, Mark and Luke describe the Second Coming of Christ. Matthew 24:29,30 29 " Immediatly 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 heaven shall be shaken: 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." Mark 13:24-26 24 "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light. 25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory." Luke 21:25-27 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; 26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with great power and glory." (So far I have not seen anything pertaining to a pre-tribulation rapture, or any kind of rapture, for that matter.And all the disciples questions have been answered.) Let's read on a little further. When will he gather his people? Matthew 24:31 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." Mark 13:27 27 "And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven." Luke 21:28 28 " And when these things begin to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." (Well, finally something that sounds like a rapture. Matthew and Mark are both talking about a gathering together,of Christ's elect. Matthew and Mark talks about gathering them from the four winds and also from all ends of heaven. Mark takes it one step further and states that the uttermost parts of the earth will take part in the gathering also. Matthew states that a great sound of a trumpet will start this great gathering. The gathering which Matthew and Mark write about takes place after the tribulation, after the sun shall be darkened,after the moon shall not give her light, after the stars of heaven shall fall, after the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken,and after they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. Luke, once again takes a look backwards, as he writes about a redemption drawing near, when these things begin to pass. ( The things which are talked about here,are the events of the great tribulation.) Let's continue on with more words spoken by Christ himself as remembered by his disciples. Matthew 24:32-36 32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. 34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, til all these things be fulfilled. 35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. 36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but the Father only. Mark 13:28-33 28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: 29 So in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. 30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. 31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no,not the angels which are in heaven,neither the Son, but the Father. 33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. Luke 21:29-36 29 And he spoke to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; 30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. 31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. 32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away till all be fulfilled. 33 Heaven and shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 34 And take heed for yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness,and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 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. (Let's examine this 'Fig Tree' parable and see if we can shed some light on what is being compared here. "When her branch is young and tender",meaning that it is still young and feable,still growing and developing. "and putteth forth leaves",meaning it is starting to expand and grow,displaying itself."ye know that summer is near:",meaning that it's growth will flourish,even more so,yielding more and more leaves.Summer is when they will flourish the most,showing all they can show.Displaying all they have grown into. Now,what would this have to do here,in concerns with a generation passing away?Also with warnings that will come to pass? First we have to look at what "this generation"is.If we compare the word 'generation' in the 'Greek',it's possable meanings,what will we find? The KJV New Testament Greek Lexicon
Verily I say unto you, that this group of followers in Christ shall not pass, till all these things be done. Now let's compare this statement to the "Fig Tree" parable,which was given just before this statement. This group of followers in Christ,being young and learning,spreading the word of Christ,will continue to grow,as time draws near.As the time of Christs return gets closer,so will the followers in him,start flourishing ,in his words.Example of this: Mark 13:9-23 9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. 10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations. 11 But when they shall lead [you], and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. 12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against [their] parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. 13 And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Just as when the leaves of the "Fig Tree" flourish in the summer,showing all it's glory and beauty,same will be said of "the followers in Christ"("generation"),when his Coming draws near. ( I would like to examine this last passage, taken from Luke. 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. Out of the three writers that we have been studying, Luke is the only one to write of being worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass.In some interpretations, this word "escape" has a meaning that one must be taken out of this world to be accomplished. I have a slightly different veiw on this word. Let's take a look at some other passages containing this word.) Genesis 19:17-29 17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee,neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed. 18 And Lot said unto them, Oh, not so, my Lord: 19 Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die: 20 Behold now, this city [is] near to flee unto, and it [is] a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, ([is] it not a little one?)and my soul shall live. 21 And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken. 22 Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar. 23 The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar. 24 ¶ Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;25 And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. 26 ¶ But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. 27 ¶ And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the LORD: 28 And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace. 29 And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt. (As we look at the previous passages,we will see that Lot had escaped God's wrath,on Sodom and Gomorrah.Lot was not taken off the earth to accomplish this escape.He was directed by God,a way to escape.Had Lot not listened and refused to do what God had told him,he would not of escaped.As Lot's wife did not escape,she looked back when she was told not to!!And was turned into a pillar of salt.) 1 Corinthians 10:1-33 1 ¶ Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 ¶ Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as [were] some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]. 14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 ¶ I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. 16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17 For we [being] many are one bread, [and] one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. 18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? 19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? 20 But I [say], that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. 22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? 23 ¶ All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's [wealth]. 25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, [that] eat, asking no question for conscience sake: 26 For the earth [is] the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. 27 If any of them that believe not bid you [to a feast], and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat,asking no question for conscience sake. 28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth [is] the Lord's, and the fullness thereof: 29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another [man's] conscience? 30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 33 Even as I please all [men] in all [things], not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they may be saved. (The previous passages are describing temptations that man have and will possably encounter.Also that he will give us a way to escape these temptations. 1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]. None of these ways of escape,were brought forth by being taken off the earth.) 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28 1 ¶ But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 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. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 ¶ Therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet,the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11 ¶ Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. [And] be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men]. 15 See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves,and to all [men]. 16 ¶ Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 ¶ And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful [is] he that calleth you, who also will do [it]. 25 Brethren, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. 27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen. (Here are some other passages describing ways in which God is telling us how to escape the sorrows of the tribulation and his wrath,which is to come upon all the earth.And once again,nothing is mentioned about being taken off the earth. It is stated:"Let us,who are of the day","Us" must be those who believe and follow the ways of Christ. "of the day" must be the day of God's wrath. "be sober,putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet,the hope of salvation." I believe this is God's way of showing us how to escape the sorrows of the tribulation and his wrath,as he also has shown others a way of escape. For as we read on ...God has not appointed us to wrath,but to abtain salvation by our Lord_Jesus Christ.) Matthew 24:36-42 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. 42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Luke 17:26-30 26 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. 27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into_the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; 29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed [them]_all. 30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. (Here are a couple more examples,describing ways of escape from God's wrath.The word escape is not used in the passages,but that is what they did.Noah escaped the destruction of mankind by means of an ark,in which God had_directed him to build.Noah and his family were not taken out of the earth for God to destroy mankind.He was shown a way of escape.Some would also take these passages as a rapture(or proof of a rapture) "For as in the days of Noe [were},so shall also the coming of man be","And as it was in the days of Noe,so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man." "Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot","Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed." These are comparisions to how the coming of Christ will be.The pre-tribulation rapture theory uses the following passages in hope prove the rapture: "Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken,and the other left.","Two [women shall be] grinding at the mill; one shall be taken,and the other left. "The rapture believes that the one taken in these instances are being raptured by Christ leaving the other to go through the tribulation. One other note here.I did this writing on this subject,in 1997-98.At that time they had this view.Now they have accepted,for the most part that the ones left are the ones saved. If you read the passages before,the keywords here are "them and they" , which discribe who is being talked about. " 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,", "And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.","They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,and the flood came, and destroyed them all.", "Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;","But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed [them] all. "Who is being talked about?The unbelievers,of course. until the flood took them away,and the flood came,and destroyed them all,it rained fire and brimstone from heaven,and destroyed [them] all.The subject being talked about is,those being taken or destroyed. In the parable,the ones taken are the subject being talked about.The ones being taken,are taken out of the way,leaving the others to salvation!!Once again there is no rapture described here.) ( I would like to exame these verses from Revelation 3:13-19 for a minute,as they will come relavent,soon,in my discription) Revelation 3:13-22 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. 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; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 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: 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. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 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. 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. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (some may say that these verses are an opening to the Rapture to escape the things,which are to be described in the next chapter of revelations. I tend to disagree,but it does remind me of the parable of the 10 virgins from Matthew 25:1-13) 1"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' 7"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.' 9" 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' 10"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 11"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!' 12"But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.' 13"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. (Basically in the previous verses from Revelation 3:13-22, the spirit is requesting that a letter be sent to the church of the Laodiceans: 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: be zealous and repent,for as by acceping him,he will enter into your house(if you want him) In the same respect to those that overcometh, and shall be there,when I knock,I will open the door(when the time comes)to him. This is all that is being said here, a statement, because he knoweth their works, and that they need to be zealous and repent,and that they who listen(to his words) ,shall the door be open to them) Revelation 4:1 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. (This passage, from Revelation, is also misinterpeted, by the pretribulation theory.The pretribulation theory believes this to coinside with last trump referred to in I Corinthians 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." and the trump of God,spoken of in I Thessalonians 4:16-17 "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:","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." First off, if we read Revelation 4:1,it is a singular person being invited up into heaven,[I looked,I heard].John was brought up to heaven,for the sole purpose,of being shown what was to come to pass in the end times,before the Second Coming of Christ(and after that).And after seeing this,to write what he saw for others to read. Secondly,he was not told that at that particular invitation,into heaven,that he would forever be with the Lord from that point on.Another point,he did not meet Christ in the clouds,as Christ was decending to earth,he went straight to heaven.Also he did not gather with the dead in Christ in the clouds. There also was nothing spoke of,pertaining to the dead in Christ being risen up,prior to John entering heaven. Let's take a look at the trumpet,refered to in these passages.In Revelation 4:1, the trumpet talked directly to John. In I Corinthians 15:52 and I Thessalonians 4:16 the trump[trumpet],Was sounded to start an event that was about to occur,and was not directed to any one person. Looking at the phrase, come up hither,this phrase only occurs three times in the Bible.[Proverbs 25:7"For better [it is] that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.",Revelation 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.", and Revelation 11:10-12"And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth."" And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, andthey stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them."" And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them."] In these passages,there is not an instance of calling a multitude to, come up hither. In Proverbs 25:7 it is determining a way of phrase which would best suit the situation. In Revelation 4:1, it is inviting John up to be witness to events,that will come to pass. In Revelation 11:12, it is used in calling God's two prophets,back to heaven,after making a display of God's great power of resurrection. I really find it hard to believe that there is any kind of rapture prophisied here!!) (Let's look at at another example of God's power, in which he allows his people to be put right in the middle of destruction,yet, allows no harm to come to them) Daniel 3:20-27 20 And he commanded the most mighty men that [were] in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, [and] to cast [them] into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their [other] garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 22 Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, [and] spake, and said unto his counsellors,Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. 25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, [and] spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come [hither]. Then Shadrach, Meshach,and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. 27 And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. (Here we have three people in the midst of a burning fiery furnace,yet not even the smell of it was passed onto them. Once again,here is a perfect example that God can protect you,from anything, anytime.There is no need to be taken out of something to escape its wrath or destructive forces!!! As stated in: Matthew 21:21,22 Jesus answered and said unto them,"Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this [which is done] to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done." " And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." Mark 11:22-26 And Jesus answering saith unto them, "Have faith in God." "For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass;he shall have whatsoever he saith." "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray,believe that ye receive [them], and ye shall have [them]." "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses." "But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." All you need is to have a strong,believing,faith in God,and what he is capable of,asking for protection,to escape his wrath of the tribulation,is as simple as that.For he has not appointed us to wrath!! ) Matthew 23:33 -39 33 Ye serpants, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? 34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men,and scribes: and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues and persecute them from city to city: 35 That upon you may come all the righteous bloodshed upon the earth,from the blood of Zach-a-ri'as son of Bar-a-chi'as, whom you slew between the temple and the alter. 36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. 37 O Je-ru'sa-lem, Je-ru'sa-lem, thou that killest the prophets,and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings,and ye would not! 38 Behold, your house is left unto desolate. 39 For I say unto you, ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. (I'd like to add a comment here.As Jesus was talking with this generations of vipers,he asked them,"how can ye escape the damnation of hell?"He then went on describing what they have done to deserve the damnation of hell.He then answers them with a way to escape the damation of hell,in stating:"ye shall not see me henceforth,till ye shall say,Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord."Which in meaning,they would need to accept Jesus,as the Son of God,and also,accept them that spread his word.And in excepting these things,must also follow in the ways of Christ.Once again,here is another example of people being shown a way of escape!! ) Romans 2:1-11 1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another,thou condemnest thyself;for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2 But we are sure that the judgement of God is according to truth against them that commit such things. 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgement of God? 4 Or despisest thou riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgement of God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth,but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gen'tile; 10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good,to the Jew first, and also of the Gen'tile: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God. I Corinthians 10:1-15 1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant,how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Mo-ses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritial drink; for they drank of the spiritial Rock that followed them; and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it written,The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them commited,and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted,and were destroyed of serpants. 10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolitry. 15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. (Here again were some more examples of what to do and not(or people that have done) to do in escaping God's punishment or wrath.It is even told how not to obtain his wrath,yet not one of them stated anything about having to be removed from the earth to be accomplished) (Let's take a look at I Thessalonians 4:13-18) I Thessalonians 4:13-18 1Th 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 1Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 1Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 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: 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. 1Th 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. ( Here as well the basic subject here is of the dead in Christ.In that they will not miss out on his glorious return,when the time comes.Also it is stated that those that are "alive & remain", will be gathered to join the dead & Christ in the clouds.Just as the previous verses stated the ones left,after the others have been destroyed or taken away,will be saved.) II Thessalonians 2:1-17 1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and [by] our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (Here Paul is expressing when Christ will come, that certain things Must happen first.In doing this also stating not to misinterpret what was said in the first letter("That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us"),as the Thessalonians had done,which is why he sent this second letter to them.) 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? ( Here again is reminding the Thessalonians, that he had already stated these things ,when he was with them.Basically saying that they had misinterpreted what he had said) 6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth [will let], until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 [Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given [us] everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. ( So if this second letter was sent to clarify any wrong interpretations ,that may have been regarding his first letter,it is safe to assume that both letters are talking about the same thing.With what is being described to have to happen before Christ return,"Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first,and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;".Even states let no man decieve you of this. These events will not take place until Mid tribluation at best.Since there is nothing in the Bible about Christ coming at that point,(with the exception of the one 'who will claim to be Christ' and 'set himself on the throne' causing 'the abomination of desolation'),the desciption of Christs coming in these letters must be at the Second Coming. By believing that he will come at anytime sooner than the events described,is just what Satan wants,in that he can feed on your desire of longing for Christs return,thinking that he delays his coming.As the following verses will show.) II Peter 3:1-18 1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in [both] which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: 3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as [they were] from the beginning of the creation. 5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day [is] with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 [Seeing] then [that] all these things shall be dissolved, what manner [of persons] ought ye to be in [all] holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 15 And account [that] the longsuffering of our Lord [is] salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 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. 18 But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen. Luke 12:22-48 22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. 23 The life is more than meat, and the body [is more] than raiment. 24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? 25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? 26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more [will he clothe] you, O ye of little faith? 29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 35 Let your loins be girded about, and [your] lights burning; 36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. 37 Blessed [are] those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. 38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find [them] so, blessed are those servants. 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. 40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. 41 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? 42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom [his] lord shall make ruler over his household, to give [them their] portion of meat in due season? 43 Blessed [is] that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. 45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; 46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for [him], and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not [himself], neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many [stripes]. 48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. Matthew 24:43-51 43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched,and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. 45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46 Blessed [is] that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; 49 And shall begin to smite [his] fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; 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, 51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint [him] his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ( Reading these passages,it shows that it is prophesied that people will be looking for Christ sooner than he will come,wondering why he has forsaken them, and is late in his coming. There are no signs in the bible stating that he will come earlier,than is prophesied? Other than the Thessalonians misinterpreting Pauls first letter.By Paul sending his second letter ,reassuring them of what must come first before Christs return. It is no doubt that the Satan could use this to his advantage,where as many were confused by Pauls first letter, that he could some how use this for his own deception. Think about this,I Thessalonians 4:16, is pretty much the strong point of Christ coming at an earlier date,for people believing that he will come before Christ's Second Coming,even tho a second letter was sent by Paul to try to correct this misunderstanding. Also that this thought of Christ coming early was not practiced or thought to be around 1830: The rise in belief in the "Pre-Tribulation" rapture is sometimes attributed to a 15-year old Scottish-Irish girl named Margaret MacDonald (a follower of Edward Irving), who in 1830 had a vision that was later published in 1861. The popularization of the term is associated with teaching of John Nelson Darby, prominent among the Plymouth Brethren, and the rise of premillennialism and dispensationalism in English-speaking churches at the end of the 19th century. In 1908, the doctrine of the rapture was further popularized by an evangelist named William Eugene Blackstone, whose book, Jesus Is Coming, sold more than one million copies.The first known appearance of the theological use of the word "rapture" in print occurs with the Scofield Reference Bible of 1909.My big concern is that too many Christians will be holding onto this idea that they will be taken to heaven before the final persecution and that since they are expecting an early exit, they will not prepare themselves spiritually for when they will need it most. Let's take a look at the parable of the 10 virgins, found in Matthew 25:1-13: 1"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' 7"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.' 9" 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' 10"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 11"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!' 12"But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.' 13"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Jesus calls each of us to be ready for His return. In this parable, the five wise virgins have made provisions for what they will need to be able to meet their master when he comes. Likewise, we are called to be ready and to endure until Christ returns, not to look for an easy exit. (See Matthew 24:1-14, especially verse 13; Matthew 10:17-22; and Mark 13, especially verse 13.) Christ states he will gather his people ,at his Second Coming.It is just that his "Second",not third.So as to believe that Christ will come two more times to gather his people,when the end of all,as we know it ,will be changed at his Second Coming,in a blink of an eye.That is how fast everyone with be gathered & changed when the gathering at the Second Coming happens.If this was to be done twice,wouldn't this be his Third Coming?) To be continued!!! May The Lord Be WithYou Always, Your Brother In The Lord Jesus Christ, Wayne R. Hurlburt Jr. |
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