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Rapture timing

And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold the bridegroom cometh; Go ye out to meet him.
MATTHEW 25:6

Why Most Christians believe in a pre-tribulation rapture?

A Majority of todays Christendom believes that Christians will be caught up in a pre-tribulation Rapture. The General explanation given by many pastors/theologians when faced with this issue is to SPLIT the second coming of Christ into two phases. One is named as a secret coming (rapture) to gather the Bride and then the public advent to Judge and Rule the world and later usher this world into the millennial reign. They believe that there is a gap of 7 years between both the phases of this coming. Historically speaking, this is a doctrine that originated in the 1830s (by Margaret Macdonald, John Darby and Scoffield) and was never taught by early Christian Fathers and apostles, till then. There is not even a single bible verse, which splits the return of Christ into two phases. This split is artificially manufactured and pushed in by modern theologians who want to escape persecution during the Great Tribulation. In the process, they violate a basic principle of interpreting the scriptures as written in Proverbs 30:6, which requires us NOT TO GO BEYOND WHAT IS WRITTEN. These preachers play with biblical terminologies to split the second coming of the Lord into two phases and beguile many folks. They say that the so-called Secret coming is different from the Day of the Lord, which is the public advent. There are numerous biblical passages that negate this theory. I would like to quote one of them and move on, after clarifying this matter. II Thessalonians 2:1 speaks about the rapture Now we beseech you, brethren, by our gathering together unto him (RAPTURE), This day is referred as the Day of Christ in verse 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. This same day is also mentioned as the Day of the Lord in I Thessalonians 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. Even Apostle Peter says that the Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night in II Peter 3:10. Verse 14 exhorts the believer to wait and watch for the Day of the Lord when these cataclysmic events will unfold. Hence the rapture and the DAY OF THE LORD is one and the same event. The people who believe in a pre-tribulation rapture have never really studied the BIBLE.

No passage ANYwhere in the entire Bible explicitly (directly and clearly) puts right before (or at the start of) the tribulation a single one of the constituent parts (events) that make up the rapture, such as :
a "coming" of Christ, a resurrection of the saints (...or church, or believers) a translation of the saints (...bodies changed & glorified) a gathering of believers (...e.g. by angels) a catching-up (rapture) of the saints

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Quotes from some eminent Christians when they came to know about the PreTribulation Rapture theory.

A. W. Tozer: Here is a doctrine that was not known or taught until the beginning of this century and it is already causing splits in churches. Philip Mauro: "The entire system of dispensational teaching is modernistic in the strictest sense; for it first came into existence within the memory of persons now living; and was altogether unknown even in their younger days; It is more recent than Darwinism. A system of doctrine that contradicts what has been held and taught by every Christian expositor and every minister of Christ from the very beginning of the Christian erasuddenly made its appearance in the later part of the nineteenth century". Harry Ironside: Until brought to the fore through the writings and preaching and teaching of a distinguished ex-clergyman, Mr J. N. Darby, in the early part of the last century, it is scarcely to be found in a single book or sermon through a period of sixteen hundred years. (Harry Ironside, The Mysteries Of God, 1908). Alexander Reese: "About 1830 a new school arose within the fold of Premillennialism that sought to overthrow what, since the Apostolic Age, have been considered by all premillennialist as established results, and to institute in their place a series of doctrines that had never been heard of before. The school I refer to is that of The Brethren or Plymouth Brethren, founded by J. N. Darby. (Alexander Reese, The Approaching Advent of Christ, page 18)

Another terminology twist brought in by these theologians is to say that the Elect of Matthew 24 and Mark 13 are not the raptured church, but the left behind group or the Jews etc. The Bible never teaches these stories. For Jesus, his ELECT is his Bride. It cannot be any one else. That is why he is speaking to his disciples about this, in a very private conversation. He is not speaking to the Public. I am really sorry to see that many sincere souls have fallen for this deception (The very thing Jesus and his apostles warned us about). The Secret (hidden) coming theory is a wrong teaching that has been perpetrated by people with devious intentions and they have succeeded in poisoning many Christians. Nowhere in the Bible, Jesus or his apostles mention of a secret coming. All references to his second coming are in the public. Yes I do agree that this coming would be a surprise to the majority (thief in the night). However, true Christians will never the surprised. Revelation 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.. Matthew 24:27 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. Throughout the New Testament, the second coming of the Lord is mentioned by the word Parousia in

the Greek originals. Parousia is a very significant word in which, it is used for a dignitary of very high position (Usually kings) visiting one of his cities. In the Parousia visit, the city executives welcome the dignitary, by going out of the city and meeting him at a designated place in his route. After this meeting, the entire group proceeds to the city and enters the city. This term makes it clearer that there is only ONE instance of his Second coming. The Rapture is a stopover event happening in the midair where the bride meets him. Further to which, the Groom and the Bride comes on this earth. Sample references of Parousia can be found in Matthew 24, I Corinthians 15:23, I Thessalonians 2:19, I Thessalonians 3:13, I Thessalonians 4:15-17, II Thessalonians 2:1, James 5:7-8, II Peter 3:3-13, II Peter 1:16, I John 2:28. The preachers of the west (following the ways of Balaam), who have been living a very comfortable life, have advocated this doctrine of pretribulation rapture to continue with their luxurious life. Micah 3:11 The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil (TRIBULATION) can come upon us. These preachers want the crown without bearing the cross. They are

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false prophets. Ezekiel 13:6-7 They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word. 7 Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken? The Danger that I see coming is, people of many Churches are not being prepared to face the Tribulation period. They are made to expect that the Rapture will happen before the tribulation starts and it will be hunkydory for us, up in heaven with Jesus. However, in reality when they face the tribulation, they will not be able to resist the onslaught and will fall an easy prey and be lost for eternity.

As a Christian, God has taught me that I cannot continue to live a life of a normal person and expect to receive a crown without taking the cross. In todays modern world most of the Christian Ministers and church members live a well-to-do life as do people of other religions. We face different types of problems in life. But so do the non-Christians. How many of us are facing trials and temptations in life because of our Christian Faith? It is important for us to know that, changing of teachings to suit your desires would not make God change his plans. Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.. HIS words are found in the Bible. Please study it slowly and carefully. Mere reading to complete the bible-reading plan will not be of any use.

What are we supposed to be watching? We are supposed to watch for the events mentioned before the coming of the Lord unfold. Each of them is discussed in order, in this issue. The last item in the list is the darkening of the Sun and the moon as mentioned in Joel 2:31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.. This event of effect on the Solar System has been prophesized at many places, to occur before the DAY OF THE LORD. When the sky becomes supernaturally darkened, every believer will know that the day of the Lord is extremely close. That is why Christ reminds us in Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. All these events unfold after the Tribulation period. Hence our redemption would happen after the Tribulation. Very clearly it is stated in many biblical passages. However, when we go through these passages we should maintain an attitude of openness, so that we do not allow our preconceived (already existing) viewpoints twist the contexts, so that we force it to align to what we have been already taught. This is a danger that has been highlighted by Apostle Peter in II Peter 3:16 .which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. The sequence of the events leading to the coming of our Lord is given in many scriptural passages.( Page 5)

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What DOES the bible say?

What we do not know about Christs second coming is the exact day or the hour. The rest of the timing is very clear. However, many churchs teaching does not align to what the early Christians had believed. Many still teach that Christ could return any moment. It could be today, tomorrow or any other future day. This doctrine of our church implies that, all signs preceding the second coming of our Lord is fulfilled and therefore nothing is remaining. However, after my study I know that the Bible does not support such a view. There is a specific order of events that should happen before the Lord returns. We still have very important events remaining in the sequence, which needs to happen before the return of our Lord. The Lord expects us to discern the times and be prepared accordingly. We cannot be sitting in the dark and expect the Lord to make an appearance at any future time, starting now. Matthew 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? Consider the following verses from 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.2For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.3For 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.4But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
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Very clearly the above passage states that true Christians are not in the dark, about the timeframe of the coming of our Lord. They will surely know the times and seasons. Gods people will not be surprised. Except for the exact day, the rest is known. The ones in darkness are those who says, they do not know when the Lord will return. Hence the return of the Lord is as a Thief, for them. Revelation 3:3 states that the return of the Lord will be as a thief for those who do not watch for him. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. If we have to watch for him, we need to know the exact sequence of the events, which will lead to his coming. The closest parallel that I could think for this event is the countdown of a space shuttle launch. i.e. 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1,ZERO. Hence it is quite surprising that some theologians teach that the ZERO moment could come anytime while the countdown is going on, irrespective of the number in the counter. Our God is not a God of confusion (I Corinthians 14:33). He is a God of order and brings up the final climax in gradual steps, one at a time. Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Very clearly, Gods people will see the DAY APPROACHING with each number of the countdown happening. There is nothing that Jesus has hidden from us. He has told us EVERYTHING. Mark 13:23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you ALL things..

This also means that Jesus has not missed out anything. If there was a pre-tribulation rapture, Jesus would have mentioned it as well. As he did not even mention it in any of these passages, it means that there is no such event. There is ONLY one Rapture and that happens AFTER the TRIBULATION (Matthew 24:29-30). The bible does not mention about any pre-tribulation rapture as taught by many modern theologians. Therefore, even as Jesus never mentioned of any Pre-tribulation rapture, many are indirectly accusing him of being a liar or not having complete understanding about his own second coming. Consider Matthews 24 where our Lord Jesus after giving a sequence of events that needs to occur before his coming. In Verse 36, he states that But of that DAY and HOUR knoweth no man, no not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. However, we will come to know when the day is near. Matthew 24:33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. The return of the Lord will not catch true Christians off-guard because they are not in the DARK. I Thessalonians 5:5:6 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. The sequence of the events leading to the coming of our Lord is given in many scriptural passages. In the underlying sections, I will make an effort to bring out the ORDER as validated by many biblical passages.

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SCRIPTURAL PASSAGE 1
In Matthew Chapter 24. His disciples asked Jesus about the sign of his coming and the end of the World (verse 3) to which he responds in a very sequential (Orderly) manner. It is very important that we take note of the usage of the words THEN,WHEN and AFTER by Jesus to put these events into the right sequence. It is also important to note that the events are addressed to an audience who represent his Church. Jesus is not addressing it for the benefit of the people of this world or the so-called left behind group. The Sequence of the events that will herald the coming of the Lord is as follows. The current world events clearly depicts that we are in the phases from 1 to 3. We are gradually stepping into phase 4. 1. All around deception (Deceiving and getting deceived). Verse 4.Forms of deceptions discussed below. Verse 5 states that there will be preachers those come in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. There will be preachers inside Christendom who will say that Jesus is Christ. Now when Christians will hear from preachers who proclaim that Jesus is Christ, they will let their guards down because they think that the preacher is confessing the right thing. However, these preachers will inject dangerous doctrines into their sermons. As the people have already let their guards down because of the right initial confession, they will be trapped in believing the rest of the deception that follows. Verse 11 states that False Prophets shall arise to deceive many. 2. Calamities (Man made & Natural) Verse 6 & 7a states that there shall be wars and rumors of wars. Nations shall rise against Nations and Kingdoms shall rise against Kingdoms. Read any newspaper and there is no doubt, this is a daily occurrence. Such events will continue to increase in its intensity and frequency. Verse 7 states that there shall be Famines, Pestilences and Earthquakes in diverse places. Frequencies of these things are increasing very rapidly and we can expect this happening much more frequently and with increased intensity, in the near future. 3. Events affecting Christians Verse 12 states that Love of many Christians shall wax (gradual) cold because of abounding iniquity (Also called the MYSTERY OF INIQUITY). Verses 9,10,11 & 13 states that Christians will be persecuted both physically and spiritually. There will be large-scale betrayal and hatred amongst the brethren. The endurance of true Christians will be tested. This event is also called the Great Falling away. Note the term THEN at the start of verse 9. It succeeds wars,

What did the early church fathers teach?

Those whom the apostles personally instructed, and those taught in turn by them, were most likely to know and adhere to the original teachings.

Justin Martyr (100 to 167 A.D.) lived near the time of the apostle John (died 100 A.D.); Justin taught the resurrection and rapture of believers would occur at the beginning of the millennium (Christ's 1000-year reign, which starts just after the Second Coming). Justin also wrote, "the man of apostasy [Antichrist] ...shall venture to do unlawful deeds on earth against us the Christians" (Trypho cx). Irenaeus (130 to 200 A.D.) who said he held the actual apostles' teaching, wrote, "they [the ten kings of Rev. 17:113] shall ...give their kingdom to the beast [Antichrist], and put the Church to flight" (Against Heresies V, 26, 1). Irenaeus also said : "but he [John] indicates the number of the name [666 of Antichrist] now, that when this man comes we may avoid him, being aware who he is" ( Against Heresies V, 30, 4). Tertullian (150 to 220 A.D.) attached the rapture of 1 Thessalonians 4, to the start of Christ's millennial kingdom on earth. Tertullian said the tribulation situation will be such "that the beast Antichrist with his false prophet may wage war on the Church of God" (On the Resurrection of the Flesh xxv).

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4. Events affecting the world Verse 14 states that The Gospel will be preached throughout the entire world. Verse 15 states that Anti-Christ will desecrate the temple at Jerusalem. The Church shall see this action by Anti-Christ. Note the verse in which it is addressed to his disciples When ye therefore shall see. Very clearly the Church shall be present in this very earth to SEE this event. Verse 16 to 26 describes the Great Tribulation for Christians. Note the usage of the word THEN in verse 16,21 and 23. This event occurs after Anti-Christ has set himself in the Holy Temple of the Jews. DECEPTION and PERSECUTION will happen in a MASSIVE SCALE. It is important to note that the Great Tribulation will have terrible effects for the Jews as well. However, the focus of Jesuss comments is for his disciples (the Church). Verse 22 states very clearly that the ELECT shall go through the tribulation. The Bride of Christ does not escape the tribulation period. Moreover verse 20 says clearly that the Church need to pray that this event does not occur when we are in a low spiritual state. Verse 29a states that Tribulation ENDS. Note the word AFTER. 5. Events affecting the universe Verse 29 states that Just AFTER the TRIBULATION There shall be a major shaking up of the heavens. Effects can be seen in the Sun, Moon and the Stars.

Jesus and his apostles taught only one resurrection for the church.
Consider scriptures. the following

John 6:39 And this is the Fathers will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
There are only two orders of this first resurrection (1. Christ and 2. His Church) at his coming after tribulation as given in Revelation 20: 5, 6

Verse 30 Verse 31. The Trumpet shall sound and the angels assigned for that purpose would catch up the Church. The Angels shall gather the Church from the four corners.

These same sequences of events are also mentioned in Mark chapter 13. It is surprising that theologians are claiming to know about this event better than Jesus himself. If there was a pre-tribulation rapture, Jesus would have surely mentioned it and comforted the disciples that they need not worry because they will be taken out of this time of tribulation. Gods people have endured times of tribulation ever since the creation of Mankind. However, nowhere in the earlier occurrences, did God take away his people before the trouble. They always went THROUGH it. Consider the following instances.

Noah and his family were preserved IN the GREAT FLOOD. He did not remove them from the FLOOD The Hebrews were preserved IN Egypt when the Lord was pouring his plagues on the Egyptians. He did not remove them from Egypt Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were preserved IN the Fire. Daniel was preserved IN the Den.

1 Corinthians 15:20,23 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christs at his coming. Revelation 20:5 ...This is the first resurrection.
There are no resurrections between Jesus Christs resurrection and the First resurrection of revelation

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SCRIPTURAL PASSAGE 2
The same sequential order of events is also reiterated in II Thessalonians Chapter 2. Apostle Paul does not change the sequence. His Letter to the Thessalonians is to the CHURCH and not for the so-called Left Behind group. He is certain that the church will be witness to all these events. 1. Deception Matt 24:5,11 (II Thessalonians 2:3a) 2. Falling Away Matt 24:10,11,13 (II Thessalonians 2:3b) 3. Anti-Christ Revealed Matt 24:15 (II Thessalonians 2:3c,4) As mentioned earlier, Anti-Christ will be revealed and Tribulation will happen to the Church during the last days. Hence we are expected to look for the SEQUENCE of events leading to the coming of our Lord as mentioned in verse 3 and 4. One Surprising statement that is seen in II Thessalonians 2:2,3a is Pauls warning that some will try to deceive us saying that the coming of the Lord will happen before the Anti-Christ is revealed. Paul Calls that deception. 2That 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. 3Let 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; You really do not need a big degree in English to know that St Paul is speaking about the Pre-Tribulation doctrine which will come during the last days and will deceive many. Am I wrong in thinking that most of todays Christians are deceived in this matter? Without the great falling away, the Anti-Christ will not be revealed. We will all be either part of the Falling away or the standing ones. We cannot be both. Christians of Last days WILL SEE the Anti Christ. Paul makes it very clear. My personal belief is that, the Pre-Tribulation rapture belief by todays Christians is the strong delusion, which will cause the great falling away. Most of todays Christians are not being prepared to face the time of tribulation. Suddenly they will realize that Anti-Christ is rising to the power and they will feel betrayed by Jesus for not keeping his word of coming and rapturing them before the reign of Anti-Christ. Hence they will respond by surrendering to the Anti-Christ. DEAR READER, Even after reading these biblical passages (Some more to follow), which clearly proves the coming of our Lord is AFTER the Tribulation, you can still align with your old belief of Pre-Tribulation rapture. What you are doing is, having pleasure in unrighteousness by not believing the Word of God. II Thessalonians 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. The reason for that is, you still enjoy the old company of theologians and teachers who take you to error. You are not willing to make the choice made by Moses. Hebrews 11:24,25 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaohs daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Coming back to the Falling away event, notice that the restrainer is a WHAT and not a WHO. II Thessalonians 2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. This immediately disqualifies the restrainer from being a particular personality. Instead it tells us the EVENT of falling away from the truth, as the RESTRAINER. We need to see verse 7 in this light. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.. Based on the above explanation, the he in II Thessalonians 2:7 is simply anyone who is part of the falling away. When Paul writes about he, he is breaking it down and describing it on an individual level. The Greek word for letteth is Katecho. It means, to restrain. Only he who restraineth the anti-Christ will continue to do so until he be taken out of the way. How does he restrain Anti-Christs appearance? Look at the verse it is situated in. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work. By allowing the mystery of iniquity to work in him and at the same time associating himself with true Christians, he is restraining the Anti-Christ. There are a huge number of people in Christendom, who are not truly saved. They masquerade as Christians and true Christians have no way to find out their wicked heart by which they are serving Satan and deceiving the true brethren. This Falling away is the event, when the Lord separates the wheat from the tares as written in Matthew 13:30-40. Daniel solidifies the identity of the restrainer and agrees with Pauls statement to the Thessalonians. Daniel 8:23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. The Restrainer is the falling away and must come into FULL before Anti-Christ is revealed. The people who had pleasure in unrighteousness are the ones that will fall away as God will send them a strong delusion that they might believe a lie. Staying true to form, Paul places the second coming of Jesus and our gathering to him at the end, because it will not take place till the Falling away has happened and Anti-Christ has not risen to power.

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This phenomenon of falling away was also observed in the early church. 1John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. Now given the above explanation, I would also like to make it clear that the Restrainer is not the Holy Spirit as some teachers teach. This is because the promises concerning the Holy Spirit does not line up with the Restrainer text. 1. The Holy Spirit is the Comforter (John 15:26 and John 16:7). Will the Comforter abandon us to face the Anti-Christ alone? No. God will never do that. Unimaginable. John 14:15-17 states that the Holy Spirit will be with us FOREVER. 2. The Holy Spirit is called the Comforter, Counselor and The Spirit of Truth (John 14:15-17). Now at what point in time will the lambs of Jesus Christ need a. Truth, the most? b. Council, the most? c. Comfort, the most? 3. Such a presupposition also makes the character of Jesus, questionable. Is he a good shepherd? Does he leave his lambs to face the darkest hour of history, alone? God Forbid!!! He promised that he will never leave us or forsake us, even unto the end of the world. (Hebrew 13:5 & Matthew 28:19-20). Matthew 13:40 helps us identify the end of the world As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world..

SCRIPTURAL PASSAGE 3
To further explain the early apostolic position about the timing of the Rapture, we can look into a very well known biblical passage often quoted for rapture. I Corinthians 15:52-54 52In 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. 53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. Now it is important for us to see where did St Paul get this phrase Death is swallowed up in victory from? Without doubt, he gets it from Isaiah 25:8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.. Now it is important that we see the context of the events mentioned by prophet Isaiah. Therefore, the verse that will shed light on the time of this event is Isaiah 24:23 (Remember that Classifications by chapter and verses are the work of men. The Original texts never had any chapters or verses) Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously. If we go back to Matthew 24:29, we see that after the tribulation, the Sun and the Moon will stop giving their light. All scriptures link the time of Jesuss second coming to the period immediately after tribulation. None of the scriptures state it as a two phased approach as taught by many in todays Christendom. Pauls citation of Isaiah 25:8 is important because it verifies that he was, indeed, contextually linking the rapture and the day of the Lord together as one unified event in his famous rapture passage of I Thessalonians 4:16. However, the significance of Isaiah 25:8 continues. Just like Apostle Paul, Apostle John also quotes from the same verse. Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. The THEM in this verse refers to the multitude in verse 9. After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;. Again what becomes of particular interest is the context that surrounds this verse. Revelation 6:12 describes the effect on Sun and Moon, before the day of the Lord And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; Since Paul quotes from Isaiah 25:8 in relation to the rapture of the Church and John also quotes from the very same verse in relation to the Great Multitude of Revelation 7:9, it reveals that the Great Multitude is in fact a description of the Resurrected and Raptured Church. Secondly according to Paul, the rapture is a post-tribulation event from the perspective of not only Prophet Isaiah but from the

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Perspective of Apostle John as well. Thirdly it also proves that Paul was not the lone pioneer on the rapture frontier, as some try to portray him but he is actually gathering his information from the already established truths. Fourthly it proves that Paul and John adhered to the same viewpoint. The Rapture of the Church will not occur until after the Great Tribulation.

SCRIPTURAL PASSAGE 4
The Bible is clear. The Rapture occurs at the 7th Trumpet (LAST TRUMPET) of the Revelation. Revelation 10:7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.. John speaks of a MYSTERY at the 7th Trumpet or the LAST TRUMPET. Listen to what Paul reveals to us about this MYSTERY. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 51Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 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. The CLEAR, CONTEXTUAL, BIBLICAL MYSTERY is that the rapture will occur at the LAST or the 7th Trumpet. Paul knew it and John knew it. Jesus told us that it would happen during the days of Anti-Christ. Needless to say that, if Rapture ever happens before the tribulation (as taught by many), that trumpet can never be called the LAST TRUMPET, as it will be followed by 7 trumpets AFTER that. Hence a pre-tribulation rapture is not in the plan of God.

SCRIPTURAL PASSAGE 5
The Marriage of the Lamb involves the Lamb (Jesus Christ) and his Bride (The Church). Therefore the Marriage is the PICTURE of the event of uniting the Lamb and his bride. That event is the resurrection and the rapture of the Church. Revelation 19 mentions the marriage and lists a short chronological order of the events surrounding it. 1. Babylon (Headquarter of Anti-Christ) is Fallen Revelation 19:2 2. Marriage of the Lamb is come Revelation 19:7-9 3. Christ descends from Heaven to tread the winepress in Armageddon Revelation 19:15. The Marriage is listed to occur after the fall of Babylon. But when does the fall of Babylon occur? Revelation 13 & 14 provides a broader view of the events concerning the end of this age. Angel declares that Babylon is Fallen in Revelation 14:8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. Notice that the fall of Babylon is an event that occurs during the Great Tribulation. Also another important fact we need to understand here is that, the rapture is evidently spoken in Revelation 14 as opposed to Revelation 4 where it should have been, if it was a pre-tribulation rapture. To make this even clearer, let us compare the timelines of Revelation 14 and 19. Revelation 14 Babylon is Fallen (Rev 14:8) Christ sends his angels to gather the elect (Rev 14:15) The Wicked are gathered to the winepress (Rev 14:19) Winepress is trodden. Armageddon (Rev 14:20) Revelation 19 Babylon is Fallen (Rev 19:2) The Marriage of the Lamb is come (Rev 19:7-9) The Beast's armies are gathered (Rev 19:19) Winepress is trodden. Armageddon (Rev 19:20)

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Everything is identical except for the second row. In fact the truth is, they both are the same. One is literal and the other is figurative. Why did John take this approach? Simply because Jesus uses the same method to describe the end of age to his disciples. First he gives a literal statement in Matthew 24 and then follows it with the figurative one in Matthew 25. Matthew 24:30-31 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. 31And 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. In Matthew 25 he described the 5 out of 10 virgins who were ready when the Bridegroom arrives, for the marriage. The truth is that the marriage of the Lamb concept originated with this parable of Jesus Christ. This parable is in context with the gathering of the elect mentioned by Christ, immediately after the tribulation. What can we expect to happen in the near future? The World will continue to grow worse. The Anti-Christ will be revealed. Christians, Church, Jews and Israel will be hated and persecuted unmercifully for a while. The Hatred will find its apex and culmination in the revealed Anti-Christ. The World will adore him and Worship him. But Gods people will know him and refuse to follow him. But after this period of tribulation, we will be rescued and delivered and taken out of the way. RAPTURED!!! This will happen at the time of the 7th Trumpet of the Revelation. The 1st Six trumpets would already have been blown as a sign to the World of Jesuss soon return. Simultaneously the WRATH and Judgment of God will be poured on the people of this earth. The Church will be preserved from this Wrath and Judgment just as Noah and his family was preserved in the Flood. Let God (and his Word) be true and every man a liar. Romans 3:4

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G.P Sam, who used to believe in a Pre-Tribulation rapture, as was taught in his church, writes this article. All glory be to God who, in his mercy opened his eyes of understanding to proclaim the truth of the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ