DOCTRINE OF THE RAPTURE
I.
Introduction and summary description.
A.
The term “rapture” is derived from the Latin verb rapere, which is used to translate the Greek verb a`rpazw/harpazo (caught up) in the
Latin version of 1Thess.4:17.
B.
The term “rapture” does not appear in the OT or NT, but this does not
mean that it is wrong or doctrinally incorrect as it communicates a biblical
premise and concept. (The term “trinity” does not appear in
scripture either, but we recognize it to be a valid concept.)
C.
It refers to the physical transfer via resurrection of believers from
earth to heaven and was first introduced by Christ at the 1st
advent. Joh.5:25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is (cp. 4:23
that denotes this hour is a time frame being ushered in and refers specifically
to the Church Age), when the dead (believers) shall hear the voice of the son of God; and
those who hear shall live.” Joh.14:
3 “And if I go to prepare a place for
you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you
may be also.”
D.
What He taught briefly, as with many doctrines, was explained more
fully by the Holy Spirit to the communicators of the first century. Joh.16:12-15; cp. 1Cor.2:9-13
E.
The rapture, as distinguished from the 2nd Advent, concludes
our current dispensation (Church Age), which began on the day of Pentecost, and
ushers in “the day of the Lord”, which somewhat overshadows the rapture due to
the nature of it’s momentous events.
II.
Vocabulary synonymous for the rapture.
A.
As this was a new “mystery” doctrine revealed to the Church
(1Cor.15:51), there is no Hebrew vocabulary reference.
B.
Since there is not a unique word for the rapture, many Greek words are
used to describe the event and each one provides a different nuance that gives
us insight into what this one event actually entails.
1.
a`rpa,zw – Verb: “caught up”;
means to seize by force, to snatch out or away from something. This word emphasizes the power involved and
focuses in on the Deity of the Son that is the instrument behind resurrection
(Joh.5:25).
2.
avpokalu,yij – Noun:
“revelation”; means an uncovering or a disclosure. This word indicates that Jesus Christ will be
publicly revealed to all the Church for the first time in history. 1Cor.1:7; 1Pet.1:7, 13
3.
avpolu,trwsij – Noun: “redemption”;
means a release that is secured by the payment of a ransom. This word emphasizes that the sacrifice of
Christ for sins also secured the ultimate freedom for the body. Rom.8:23; Eph.1:14,
4.
evlpi,j – Noun:
“hope”; means expectation or confidence.
This word expresses our anticipation of the event as well as our
confidence that it will occur. Ti.2:13;
1Pet.1:3; 1Joh.3:2, 3
5.
evpifa,neia – Noun:
“appearing”; means a sudden appearance or manifestation. This word was used by the Greeks of the appearance
of deities and emphasizes both the suddenness appearance of Christ and evidence
that He is Deity. 1Tim.6:14; 2Tim.4:8;
Ti.2:13
6.
h`me,ra – Noun:
“day”; This word indicates that the rapture will occur on a particular
day. Mat.24:50; 1Cor.1:8;
7.
parousi,a – Noun:
“coming”; means a personal presence, arrival or advent. This word emphasizes that Jesus will bodily
return to do all that He has promised and that the believers will encounter Him
face-to-face. 1Cor.15:23; 1Thess.2:19;
8.
swthri,a – Noun: “salvation”; The basic meaning of this word
is a deliverance that provides or procures safety from harm or loss. This word emphasizes that the rapture is the
event that delivers the Church from the events of the tribulation. 1Thess.5:9; 1Pet.1:5
9.
a;nw klh,sewj – Adj. + Noun:
“upward call”; these words reflect an invitation or calling that is of
heavenly origin. It emphasizes that the
rapture and accompanying resurrection is all part of the plan of God, which
opportunity is available for all in the Church age who respond with +V at least
to the SAJG that opens the doors for a potential “better resurrection”. Phi.3:14
III.
Definition and description:
A.
The Church Age (CA) was a mystery dispensation, not understood by even
the most advanced of OT believers.
1Pet.1:10-12
B.
Certain doctrine of the CA are also mysteries, not taught in the OT so
as to be understood by +V.
C.
The rapture is one of these mystery doctrines. 1Cor.15:51
D.
The rapture is the event that concludes the CA that began on the day of
Pentecost.
E.
It involves the instantaneous transformation of the physical body into
a resurrection body like Christ’s.
1Cor.15:51-52; 1Joh.3:2
F.
It then involves the removal of all CA believers from the earth to meet
the Lord in the air. 1The.4:13-17
G.
It is an event reserved for CA believers exclusively:
1.
1Thess.4:16 note that it is “...oi` nekroi. evn Cristw/|/the dead in Christ..”
2.
The resurrection of all OT believers occurs seven years later at the 2nd
advent. Dan.12:1,2,13
F.
While the vast majority of CA believers will be dead, one generation of
believers will be alive at His coming.
1Cor.15:51; 1Thess.4:15, 17
IV.
Precedents for the rapture.
A.
While this doctrine was not taught in the OT, the principle of resurrection
was (See Doctrine of Resurrection) and under this principle there are OT
believers who illustrate that God could even remove a person from the earth
apart from physical death.
B.
These include:
1.
Enoch in Gen.5:24.
2.
Elijah in 2Kgs.2:1-12
C.
A future witness during the Tribulational period that a rapture did
occur will be supported by the two witnesses, Moses and Elijah, who will be
bodily removed from the earth to heaven.
Rev.11:11-12
D.
While the OT examples clearly reveal that it is not inconsistent for
God to do such a thing, one could not arrive at the doctrine of the Rapture
from these examples.
V.
Categories of humanity at the rapture.
A.
Unbelievers, who are pictured to be asleep and drunk. 1Thess.5:5-7
vs.5 “for you (saints of
Thessalonica/believers) are all sons of
light and sons of day. We are not of
night nor of darkness; vs.6 “so then let us not sleep/kaqeu,dw (this word is different
from “sleep” in
1.
Verse 5 obviously differentiates believers as those of “light and day”
from unbelievers who are of “night or darkness”. Cp. 2Cor.6:14
2.
Paul exhorts these believers not to operate in the same spiritual state
as unbelievers (seen in the word “sleep”), but rather live their lives
spiritually alert/awake and spiritually coherent/sober to God’s plan.
3.
He then exposes the complete spiritual condition of all unbelievers in
vs.7.
4.
He states that they both “sleep” and “get drunk” under the
auspices/instrument of “darkness/night”.
5.
It is this combination of activities that sets all believers apart from
believers.
6.
“Sleeping” refers to a life of complete insensibility/unawareness/
incomprehensibility to the spiritual realities of God’s plan, which obviously
includes His plan for human history.
7.
Getting “drunk” denotes the unbelievers over indulgence and
intoxication of pursuits of the cosmos, under their STA’s via –V.
8.
It is the willing unbroken pursuit of satisfying the “flesh” under –V
(getting drunk) that places the unbeliever in a state of spiritual disregard
(sleep) to the Plan of God.
9.
Unbelievers live their entire life according to the dictates of
darkness/cosmos and therefore are oblivious to the realities of BD.
10.
The comparison of “not sleeping as others do” indicates the reality
that believers can and do operate spiritually like unbelievers.
B.
Maladjusted/negative/reversionistic believers who are said to be
“asleep”. 1Thess.5:10 “who died for us, that whether we are awake
or asleep (same vss.6,7), we may live
together with Him.”
1.
It is vs.10 that designates two potential spiritual conditions of
believers.
2.
As the negative unbelieving counterparts, there are believers who
“sleep” spiritually and operate as if they are of the “night”.
3.
This includes believers who are insensitive to, or unaware of prophetic
realities.
4.
It also includes those who are maladjusted to the doctrine and are not
living their lives in light of the impending arrival of their Lord. Mar.13:35-37
5.
As vs.8 indicates, it is believers who are “sober” that reflect those
who are adjusted and “awake” in vs.10.
6.
It is the maladjusted believer who is caught up in the pursuits of
life, not engaged in MPR and consistent isolation of the STA that will be
caught “napping” at His return.
7.
Though they too will be part of this resurrection, Christ’s return will
find their “spiritual house” in disarray and unprepared for this unexpected
guest.
8.
This is in light of maladjusted believers who may even recognize the
principle of the rapture and claim to be looking for it, but in reality their
approach to God is “lukewarm” and therefore have no real appreciation and are
not fully prepared for His impending arrival.
9.
It is Rev.3:16 that openly declares that it is when the Church
Universal corporately is in this state of sleep that will mark the end of the
CA bringing on the rapture.
10.
It is because the vast majority of believers do not take God’s entire
plan seriously that He will “vomit them out of His mouth”.
C.
The adjusted/+V believer who is spiritually “awake” at His return. 1Thess.5:10
1.
It is the adjusted believer who will have their soulish “eyes” wide
open at His return.
2.
This refers to all believers who died previously spiritually “awake”
and awaiting the “prize” as well as those who are still living and in tune with
BD.
3.
They are cognizant of their period of history since they are “awake”.
4.
In turn, they are also spiritually “sober” (vs.8) and have adorned
themselves with faith, love and the hope of salvation.
5.
Their faith refers to both the inhale and exhale faith of BD.
6.
Their Christian life reflects the consistent intake and application of
sound teaching.
7.
In addition, their application is out of love/avga,ph reflecting their consistent
pursuit of Divine good production.
8.
The confidence these believers exude is derived from their
understanding of faith in Christ for their salvation.
9.
It is their understanding and faith that their salvation is a
deliverance that will culminate in the form of resurrection as the personal
evidence provided for them as to the extent of their faith.
10.
In other words, their hope of salvation/deliverance will be manifested
in the revelation of their resurrection body, all that accompanies that and the
deliverance it provides in time, whether dead or alive.
11.
That is the force of “salvation” in vs.9, as it is a deliverance from
God’s wrath in time, not His eternal wrath of condemnation. (That
this wrath is not eternal condemnation note Rev.20:11 that explicitly states
that judgment of all unbelievers/Great White Throne Judgment is after the
dissolution of the existing heaven and earth, which is the conclusion of man’s
history and time as we know it.)
12.
The adjusted believers are “alert and sober”, indicating that they are
on top of their spiritual walk, realizing their place in history. 1Thess.5:4,6
13.
As Rev.3:15-17 verifies that most believers who exist in the latter
part of the CA are lukewarm, it also reveals that there are the exceptions who
will recognize the full magnitude of Christ’s return and be living their lives
accordingly. Rev.3:18a
VI.
The order of events at the rapture.
A.
Jesus Christ will arise from the right hand of God (3rd
heaven), where He has been seated for some 2000 years. Psa.110:1
(See the Doctrine of Ascension and
Session)
B.
He will travel through the reaches of stellar space (2nd
heaven) to the atmosphere (1st heaven) of planet earth.
C.
At His descent, He will utter a great shout with the intensity of an
archangel’s voice and there will be a trumpet blast. 1Thess.4:16
D.
The shout looks to be the command of resurrection and the trumpet looks
to be the command to the newly resurrected group to assemble in the air.
E.
The dead in Christ will be resurrected from their graves as their
souls/human spirits are reunited with their newly resurrected body. 1Thess.4:16
F.
In a moment, in a twinkling of an eye (measured in nanoseconds/one
billionth [10-9]), those dead first and then those who are alive at
this time will be transformed into their resurrection bodies. 1Thess.4:17; 1Cor.15:52
G.
Both groups will be caught up simultaneously to a meeting of the Lord
in the air. 1Thess.4:17
H.
The first order of business will be the administration of the Bema
seat, the distribution of rewards.
1Thess.2:19-20 cp. 2Cor.5:10; 1Pet.1:7,13;
I.
The Church will travel back to the third heaven and remain with Christ,
which depicts the “marriage” of Christ to the Church, during the seven-year
period known as the tribulation.
Rev.19:7-8
J.
At the end of the seven-years, the Church militant will return with
Christ to take possession of the planet at Armageddon. Rev.19:14
K.
During the thousand years of the Millennium, the wedding supper will be
held. Rev.19:9; Mat.22:2-14
VII.
The true doctrine of imminence/near/impending time of the rapture.
A.
This section deals with two extreme approaches regarding the time of
the rapture from date-setters versus those who say you cannot know the rapture
generation.
B.
It also answers the question that has often been asked as to whether or
not Paul believed that the rapture was an event that could or would occur in
his lifetime. Ex. 1Cor.15:51,52 where interpreters take the “we” and infer Paul
is speaking only of those believers alive at the time of the writing. Cp.1Thess.4:15
C.
One supposed advantage of this position is that believers of any period
of history would be looking for His coming and would, theoretically, tend to
remain alert and ready.
D.
The apologetics against date-setters is simple as declared by Christ
Himself regarding the upcoming eschatological events in Mar.13:32 “But of that day or hour no one knows, not
even the angels in heaven, nor the Son (Doctrine of Kenosis), but the Father alone.”
E.
Therefore, any attempt to name a date or specific day is to be totally
avoided as well as complete separation from date setters.
F.
The next question then is if we can’t know a specific time, to what
extent is unknown regarding the time of the rapture.
G.
That answer is found in Christ’s teaching i.e., what was unknown in our
Lord’s day was the time elapse until
that generation surrounding the revealed events. Mar.13:28-30 cp. Mat.24:32-34
H.
In addition, the very fact that there are commands to alertness
indicates that one must be able to identify some signs of His return or it robs
the exhortation of its force. Mat.24:42;
25:13; Mar.13:33-37; Luk.12:37; 1Thess.5:6
I.
Paul too, enjoins the Church to be prepared lest that “day” overtake
them like a thief, which suggests that one can know approximately when this
impending event will occur. 1Thess.5:4
J.
Other evidence that the rapture generation may know that it is the
rapture generation.
1.
Historical precedent:
a.
The Flood generation. Gen.6:3
b.
The Exodus generation.
Gen.15:13,14
c.
The Conquest generation.
Num.14:28-35
d.
The Post-exilic generation.
Jere.25:11 cp. Dan.9:2
e.
The First advent generation.
Dan.9:25
1)
Daniel’s 70 weeks = 70 years with each day equaling 1 year.
2)
The 7 weeks and 62 weeks together = 69 weeks or 69 x 7 years or 483
years.
3)
The issuing of the decree was
4)
Until Messiah the Prince references the triumphal entry of Christ dated
5)
Per the Jewish calendar of reckoning: 483 years x 360 days = 173,880
days.
6)
Per the Julian calendar: From
444 BC to 33 AD = 476 years (444 to 1 BC = 443 years + 33 = 476). Each solar year = 365 days, 5 hours, 48 min.
and 45.975 seconds or 365.242 days per year.
Therefore, 476 years x 365.242 days = 173,855 days + the 25 days between
March 5th and 30th = 173,880 days.
f.
Even the 2nd advent generation will be able to know the time
of the 2nd advent ushering in the Millenium, based on the fact that
the tribulation begins with the rapture and lasts 7 years completing Daniel’s
70th week. Dan.9:27
g.
Is the rapture generation the only generation in all God’s plan that is
kept in the dark?
2.
From direct Scriptural statements.
a.
God does not hide His activities from those who are positive. Amos 3:7
b.
Heb.10:25 states that it is possible to see the day of the Lord
approaching.
c.
Jesus Himself says that one can see the events designating the time of
His return. Mar.13:29
d.
Heb.9:28 states that Christ will appear to those who are eagerly
looking for His return.
3.
The argument based on the two classes of believers as seen in
1Thess.5:1-11.
4.
The explicit teaching of Christ regarding the 2nd advent
denoting the characteristics of the end of this age. Mat.24:3ff
a.
The proliferation of false christs.
vs.5
b.
The proliferation of wars.
vss.6-7a
c.
The proliferation of natural disasters.
vs.7b
d.
In response to the disciple’s question as to the specific sign (“the sign”) of vs.3, He tells them to
learn from the parable of the fig tree vs.32, which is symbolic of the nation
e.
In context then, it is only when all of the other “things” (vs.3)
coupled with “the sign” of
f.
Without the “fig tree” in place, no
5.
Additional characteristics are revealed concerning the end of this age
and serve as “signs” to know when the rapture is imminent.
a.
An unprecedented peace movement.
1Thess.5:1-3; cp. Rev.6:2, where the rider on the white horse has a bow
but no arrows. He conquers with treaties
and peace propaganda. This is compared
to the next horse, which is red = war.
b.
Paul prophesies personal degeneracy in the Rapture generation. 2Tim.3:1-9
c.
Paul calls this entire age evil and says that the mystery of iniquity
was at work even in his day. Gal.1:4;
2Thess.2:7
d.
This lawlessness approaches maturation in the last days. Psa.2:1ff
e.
It reaches full maturation in the antichrist. 2Thess.2:8-12
f.
There is unprecedented religious apostasy. 2Pet.2:1-3
g.
The appearance of uniformitarian evolutionists. 2Pet.3:3-6
h.
The Church will be in a state of “lukewarmness” and then its extraction
will occur. Rev.3:16
6.
Key players in the maturation of prophecy have been exposed and must be
in place isagogically before His coming.
a.
As per the prophecy to Nebuchadnezzar.
Dan.2:31-45
b.
This must include the re-gathering of
c.
The presence of the major prophetic players as stipulated in Ezek.38:1-16
1)
Gog = ruler of
2)
Magog = the
3)
4)
5)
Put =
6)
Gomer =
7)
Beth-togarmah =
d.
Other major prophetic entities now in place, include:
1)
Lion =
2)
Eagle’s wings plucked =
3)
Political
4)
Leopard = the oriental block.
Dan.7:6; Rev.16:12
5)
The 4th beast = Revived Roman Empire (RRE)/European Common
Market. Dan.7:7
6)
The spiritual
K.
It is essential then, that all these things above as stipulated by
scripture, must be in place before the rapture can occur or else they must come
into existence within the 7-year time span of the tribulation.
L.
Therefore, Paul’s use of “we” in Gal. and 1Thess. is simply an
oratorical use of public address and refers to the members of the CA as a whole
and is not an affirmation that Christ will return during His lifetime as we can
conclude Paul also understood the necessary events that needed to occur.
M.
In addition, it is clear that His coming is clearly recognizable by the
generation that is eyewitness to the culmination of the events foretold.
N.
Therefore, the false imminence denies the Church the ability to
identify the Rapture generation, which doctrine is promulgated by Darby and and
most pre-Millennialists.
O.
The true imminence declares that Christ could come at any time once all of the necessary
prophetic items are in place. He could
not have come at any time in
the CA, and certainly could not have returned before the nation of
VIII.
The time of the rapture.
A.
Again, the time of the rapture is keyed to
B.
The time lapse between the “fig tree” and all the events, which include
the rapture, 7-year tribulation and 2nd advent, is one generation.
C.
The view that the genea/generation refers to the race of Hebrews is not
supported by grammatical usage as it is genoj that means stock, kindred
or family, while genea refers to a generation of people.
D.
The view that He was referring to the generation that was present with
Him is inconsistent with the fact that the abomination of desolation had to
transpire. Mat.24:15
E.
The only interpretation that is sound theologically and grammatically,
is the generation that sees the budding of the fig tree will be represented at
the 2nd advent.
F.
Based on our understanding of the prophetic word, coupled with the
revised chronology, we now know the mystery age to be approximately 2000 years
in length.
1.
The prophecy to
2.
The prophecy of 2Pet.3:8
a.
From Adam to Abraham was ~2000 years.
b.
From Abraham to Christ was ~2000 years.
c.
The Millennium is 1000 years.
Rev.20:6
d.
Therefore, the missing two days of the CA are ~2000 years.
e.
This provides 7000 years of human history, or one seven-day week.
G.
Though the events surrounding His coming are fused together with the 2nd
advent, the doctrine of a separate resurrection (The Rapture) that occurs apart
from the 2nd advent and other resurrections was first taught by
Christ. Joh.5:25 cp. vss.28-29, (which “hour” in these two verses reference
the time period of the 1st resurrection (2nd advent) and
2nd resurrection (Great White Throne Judgment) of Rev.20:5-6 cp.
11-15)
H.
This if further substantiated in the reference of a “descending/coming”
of Christ’s that is not completely to the earth, which is unquestionably His
intent for coming at the 2nd advent, but only to the upper
atmosphere (1st heaven), at which place those who are resurrected
will ascend up to meet Him.
1Thess.4:16-17
I.
The rapture is not to be confused with the “day of the Lord” as further
seen in:
1.
The rapture is consistently spoken of as a secret event, “like a thief in the night”, while the
second advent is always viewed as a public event. Mat.24:43 cf. vs.30
2.
The rapture involves believers only, while the day of the Lord involves
believers and unbelievers.
1Thess.4:16-17 cp. 5:2-4
3.
The rapture is referred to as a deliverance, while the day of the Lord
involves destruction. Heb.9:28 cp.
1Thess.5:3; Isa.13:6,9; Eze.30:3; Joel 1:15; Amos 5:18
4.
The rapture occurs “in the
twinkling of an eye” (1Cor.15:52), while the day of the Lord lasts about
1000 years. 2Pet.3:10-13 cp. Rev.21:1
5.
The rapture is a promise of Christ to return and gather the Church to
Himself (Joh.14:3 The 11 Disciples are a part of the Church), while the day of
the Lord fulfills the OT prophecies to
J.
It is also clearly documentable that the timing of the rapture is
pre-tribulational.
1.
The Church is seen to be a separate entity and dispensation of
believers and are dealt with as a separate category from OT saints and the Age
of Israel. Eph.5:23, 27, 31-32 that
speaks of the mystery of the union of the Church with Christ as His Bride.
2.
The Church is specifically promised a pre-tribulational
deliverance. Rev.3:10 “...I also will keep (thrh,sw – f/a/i
from thre,w meaning
to guard/protect) you from (evk – “out from”; not evn – “in”; the Lord is
promising to protect them “from” it, not to protect them while “in” it; a word
study of this preposition with the verb “keep” grammatically documents this
[Joh.17:15b] as other prepositions such as apo or en are used to indicate keeping
while in the sphere or alongside something)
the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to
test those who dwell upon the earth.”
3.
This promise is found elsewhere in the epistles. Rom.5:9; 1Thess.1:10 “and to wait for His Son from/evk heaven, whom
He raised from/evk the dead, that is Jesus, who delivers (r`u,omai – p/d/ptc meaning “to
rescue from danger”) from/evk the wrath to come.”; cp. 5:9
4.
The Church is not told to look for the events of the tribulation, but
for our resurrection and return of Christ, since that event takes place
first. Rom.8:23-25; Phi.3:20-21;
Heb.9:28
K.
False views of the timing of the rapture include:
1.
The post-millennial view: This
view states that the Church ushers in the Millennium and Christ returns after
the 1000 years (also known as amillennial).
(This view rejects so many things
as to be completely indefensible.)
2.
The post-tribulation theory:
This view states that the Church goes through all the tribulation and is
taken by Christ at the 2nd advent.
(This view confuses the rapture
with the 2nd advent.)
3.
The mid-tribulation view: This
view states that the Church goes through half of the tribulation and is taken
out before the period of God’s wrath. (This view denies the fact that there is no
overlap of dispensations as seen in Daniel’s 70th week.)
4.
The split-rapture theory: This
view states that only the faithful, advancing believers are taken at the
rapture and the reversionists are left here to endure the events of the
tribulation. (This view mis-interprets 1Thess.5: 9-10.)
IX.
It is because of apostasy, which saturates the cosmos that the rapture
and resultant Divine wrath occurs.
A.
The apostasy surrounding God’s word, as is prevalent in the last days,
is of such a magnitude that even the Church is diseased by it. 2Pet.3:3; ITim.4:1; 2Tim.3:1-7
B.
It infiltrates the Church to such a degree that it renders the Church
corporately, during the Laodicean period, to a state of “lukewarmness” and
disqualifies her from further perpetuation as custodians of God’s plan,
invoking her removal. Rev.3:15
C.
The reason for removal of the Church falls right in line with why
Israel was removed as God’s priest nation, making room for the Church to begin
with i.e., a misrepresentation of BD. (By comparison, we see that it was because
of a corporate faithfulness of the Church as seen during the
D.
It is this apostasy that demands Divine wrath as seen in the thief,
pregnant woman and drunk motifs.
1.
That day comes as a thief in the night to the reversionist. Joel 2:1, 9; 1Thess.5:2
2.
As surely as a pregnant woman suffers, so they will see temporal
judgment. Isa.13:6 cp. 8; 1Thess.5:3
3.
Like a drunk, they reel under divine judgment, being under the
influence of evil. Isa.24:20; Jer.51:7,
57 cp. Rev.18; 1Thess.5:7
X.
It is the responsibility of the communicator of BD to orient those who
will give him an ear as to their time and place in history.
A.
This is seen in the messages sent to the seven churches in Rev.2-3.
B.
As taught by Christ in the analogy of slaves and the
doorkeeper/porter. Mar.14:33-37; vs.33 “Take heed, keep on the alert, for you do
not know when the appointed time is.” vs.34
“It is like a man, away on a journey
(Christ at the right hand in Session),
who upon leaving his house and putting his slaves/servants in charge (the
Church), assigning to each one his task
(distribution of the spiritual gifts),
also commanded the doorkeeper (communicative gifts such as the P-T) to stay on the alert.” vs.35 “Therefore,
be on the alert – for you do not know when the master of the house is coming
(exactly at what time in the future that the events surrounding His coming will
fall into place), whether in the evening
(first watch, early in the CA), at
midnight (maybe in the second 500 years of the Churches existence), at cockcrowing (or another 500 years), or in the morning (late in the CA) – “
vs.36 “lest he come suddenly and
find you asleep.” vs.37 “And what I say to you I say to all, ‘Be on
the alert!’”
1.
The time periods presented did not mean that the rapture could happen
at any time during the CA.
2.
Rather, they represent the fact that until the pertinent prophecies
were fulfilled, no one could ascertain as to the length of time the CA would
exist.
3.
Not until now, in our present era of the Church, can we say without a
doubt, that the length of time for the Church is ~2000 years.
4.
Not until now can believers without a doubt know that the two days
specified in Hos.6:2 is definitely a period of 2000 years.
5.
It is through progressive revelation as seen in the historical and
isagogical events as they occur, that the revelation of the timing of the
rapture unfolds.
6.
While one could definitely determine that there is a parenthesis of
time between the 69th and 79th weeks of Daniel, not until
the reemergence of the nation
7.
It is the P-T’s responsibility to be especially alert so as to be able
to notify the other slaves of the Master’s return via study and observation.
C.
Those who are disoriented to their place in history will place their
focus on a false premise and in so doing endanger the fulfillment of God’s plan
for their lives, which is to be found irreprehensible at His coming. 1Thess.3:11-13
XI.
As adjusted believers, we are to apply the following as the rapture
generation.
A.
Have a correct mental attitude (MA), as seen in the following Greek
verbs:
1.
prosde,comai – Means to expect, to look for or wait for
something. Ti.2:13; Jud.21
2.
avpekde,comai – Means to expect anxiously, to await eagerly. This word of eager anticipation is used only
of the rapture in the NT. Rom.8:19, 23,
25; 1Cor.1:7; Gal.5:5; Phi.3:20; Heb.9:28
3.
prosdoka,w – Means to expect or look for something. Luk.12:46; 2Pet.3:12, 13, 14
4.
evlpi,zw – Means to hope for, have confidence in. Rom.8:24, 25; 1Cor.15:19; 1Pet.1:13
B.
Make the correct applications in this regard.
1.
Remain alert. 1Thess.5:6, 10 (Don’t fall asleep.)
2.
Remain sober. 1Thess.5:6, 8;
1Pet.1:13; 4:7 (Remain calm and
controlled and don’t fall into the pursuits of the flesh.)
3.
Be patient in your niche.
Rom.8:25 (Don’t overreact to the suffering and testing.)
4.
Be patient with people.
Jam.5:7-8 (Don’t react to the mass of –V, especially the super rich who
manipulate money, government, society, justice, etc.)
5.
Groaning. Rom.8:23 (Denotes
Divinely inspired dissatisfaction.)
6.
Diligence. 2Pet.3:14 (Stay
hot in a lukewarm time.)
7.
Provide comfort using this doctrine.
1Thess.4:18
8.
Intensify your drive to maintain MPR.
Heb.10:25
C.
Avoid the following misapplications of this doctrine.
1.
Believers who are immature or spiritually unstable have used this
doctrine as their excuse for indefensible activities.
2.
This doctrine does not mean that we should quit our jobs. 2Thess.3:6ff
3.
This doctrine does not mean that we should not plan for the
future. Pro.6:6ff; 24:30ff
4.
It does not mean that we should incur excessive debt or fail to use
financial common sense. 1Thess.4:11-12
5.
It does not mean that we are exempt from obedience to the government or
other authorities. Rom.13:1ff
6.
We are not to overreact to the evil of our times and spin off into the
“survivalist” mode of existence as some are doing.
7.
We are to conduct ourselves in the some decorous/sober fashion as if we
did not live in the rapture generation.
8.
On the other hand, we should be even more keenly aware that finances,
details, etc. are even more limited in their duration for us than believers of
previous generation.
9.
We should also recognize that applications of doctrine must be made
quickly.
10.
Another misapplication is to continue life as normal with no regard for
the fact that you live in the final days of the CA.
D.
Understand that there is a special curse placed upon those who remain
negative to the end as seen in Paul’s statement and prayer in 1Cor.16:22
1.
Maranatha is a prayer that means “Our Lord/Marana” “Come/qa”.
2.
It is His return that will reveal those who loved Him or not.
3.
This love/file,w indicates the closest of relationships that one can have for another
and is based upon who and what the object of the love is.
4.
The only way one can truly have this “phileo” love for Christ, is to
apply “agapao” love towards Him.
Joh.14:15, 24
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will
come again,
and receive you to Myself; that where I am (note: where “I am” is in
the 3rd
heaven and that is where He
is to take CA believers first
before His return to earth
at the 2nd Advent),
there you may be also.