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V. THE “RAPTURE” or CATCHING AWAY OF THE CHURCH
There is much speculation and debate over which prophetic event occurs next. One group of scholars believes that the antichrist makes his appearance next. Another group believes that the Rapture (catching away of the Bride, or Church to meet the Lord) occurs next. There are really three schools of thought on this subject, and they are defined as: 1) Pre-Tribulation 2) Mid-Tribulation, and 3) Post-Tribulation.
DEFINITIONS:
1) Pre-Tribulationists believe that the rapture is the next prophetic event to occur. This means that all Spirit-filled believers, both dead and alive will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. Following this they will return to earth with him at his literal second coming as a police force. (to rule & reign with him) 2Tim 2:12, Rev 5:10,
Rev 3:21. Then will follow the reign of the antichrist for 7 years (Tribulation). Followed by the battle of Armageddon, then the 1000 years of peace (Millennial Reign) while Satan is bound in the bottomless pit for the thousand years, to be followed by Satan being loosed (campaign) and then to be destroyed. Next the white throne judgement, followed by a new heaven and a new earth.
2) Mid-Tribulationists believe that the rapture will occur after the first 3 & 1/2 years of tribulation. Satan will fully possess the antichrist and the "Peace-Plan" will be in effect during the first half of the millennium. Then God begins to pour out his wrath, the Church will be raptured.
3) Post-Tribulationists believe the Church will remain on earth for the whole tribulation period, including the pouring out of God's wrath, but believe the Saints will be "Hidden".
I personally believe it will be one of the first two.
The Bible says in Jude:
Jude 1:14-15
And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
How can he "come with 10,000s of saints" that haven't gone to be with him? Also the Bible teaches that the Church is not subject to his wrath:
1 Thess. 1:10
And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
1 Thess. 5:9
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
I personally believe this to mean that we won't be here to be frightened by the terror of his wrath, either.
Read 1Thess 4:13-18, and also 5:1-11. In chapter 5:3 says …"when they shall say Peace and Safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them,.….and they shall NOT ESCAPE". I believe there is a notable separation between us when the Bible says "THEY".
Now it is also true, that for all the Spirit filled believers to suddenly disappear there must be some "world commotion" or else they would be greatly noticed.
Please look at history:
Noah entered the ark before the rains fell. Also Enoch was translated before the wrath. Lot was led out of Sodom & Gomorrah before the wrath fell. But it is also true that Israel was spared from 8 of the 10 plagues, and was not removed first.
Rev 4:1 says John saw a "door was opened in Heaven", …then a voice says.."Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter." Could this be the rapture?
Read: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-14
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