Rapture What is the meaning of the word

Rapture

What is the meaning of the word 'rapture' ? The word 'rapture' is not in the bible but neither is the word ‘Trinity' which is a term used by many to refer to the Godhead (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). Likewise, the word ‘Rapture' has come into prominent use to describe an experience based on 1 Thess 4: 16 that Christian believers living at a certain time all over this earth will be 'caught up' or 'caught away' to meet the Lord Jesus Christ in the air. 1 THESS 4: 16 -18 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: 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. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

The reason for the rapture is very simple. God has appointed 2 times of judgments in the future. One is called 'the great Christian tribulation (3 1 /2 years – timeframe 4 chart)' and the other the 'Day of the Lord (7 years) – timeframe 5 - chart'. The great Christian tribulation is a judgment on the church (1 Pet 4: 17) while the 'Day of the Lord ' is a judgment on Gentile nations for all their ungodly sins and works (2 Pet 3: 10). 1 Pe 4: 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 2 Pet 3: 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in 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.

When the rapture takes place, true Christians that have accepted Christ's death as an atonement for their sins are raptured up to meet Christ in the air to rule and reign with Him. The unsaved Church left behind after the rapture will go through the 3 1/2 year Christian tribulation period (timeframe 4 study). The rapture then is God's great door or exit from the coming flood of judgment. This would compare to the door left open in the ark in the days of Noah for anyone to enter in to escape the coming flood. Jesus told the Philadelphia church (Rev 3: 8, 10) that he would put before them a door, that is, a way to escape the trials that are coming upon the whole earth.

Rev 3: 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Rev 3: 10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. But the Laodicea Church was left behind (see timeframe 3). Rev 3: 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Book of Revelations has much to say about events connected with the rapture. However, to fully understand appreciate Revelations, you must realize that between the rapture and Christ’s visible appearing Revelations divides the events into two sections. Revelations chapter 1 – 3 covers the Church age (see chart above). Then Revelations splits into two sections. Rev 4 -11 John records the activity during the rapture, 3 1/2 yr great Christian tribulation (timeframe 4),

Day of the Lord (timeframe 5) from heaven's point of view. From Rev 12 -19 in the same order (rapture, timeframe 4, timeframe 5) records same events from earth's point of view. This way John gives us the full picture because there is great activity in heaven and on earth during this time. In Rev 20 -22 Christ and the raptured saints are back on the earth to rule for a 1000 years (Kingdom) and then the perfected Kingdom forever.

The study of the rapture from earth’s point of view and events leading up to it were covered in timeframe 3 study of Rev 12. Dragon with 7 crowned heads and 10 horns (Antichrist and his empire) stood in front of the sunclothed woman to try and prevent the birth of the manchild (rapture of true Church). But the manchild (Church) was immediately raptured up to God’s throne and the woman (professing unsaved church left behind. Click on image for review of Rev 12

Now, let us look at the events connected with the rapture from heaven’s point of view. We start out study with Rev 4. Rev 1 -3 dealt with Church Age before the rapture. Rev 4: 1 -3 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 show thee things which must be hereafter. 2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. 3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

John is a picture of what happens to the believer at the rapture. Notice he hears the voice as of a trumpet and immediately is caught up to God's throne. Compare this with 1 Thess 4: 16. Notice also John sees an open door. This is the same open door (the rapture) which Jesus said to the Philadelphia church (Rev 3: 8) that He would open to escape the trial that is coming upon the while world, (3 ½ year Christian tribulation and terrible 7 yr Day of the Lord.

Rev 4: 2, 3 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. 3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. Revelations 4: 3 shows us the rainbow around God’s throne at the time of the rapture and before any of the 7 seals are opened. God is telling us He has not forgotten His Covenant with Noah that he will not destroy all flesh by a flood. Genesis 9: 14 -16 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: 15 And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.

Rev 4: 4 -11 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. 5 And out of the throne proceeded lightning's and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 6 And before throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. 7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. 8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. 9 And when those beasts give glory and honor and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, 10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before throne, saying,

11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Who are the 24 elders and 4 beasts 24 Elders and 4 Beasts [KJV] (correctly called 'Living Ones) as the original greek is ’zoon’ "living creatures"; not ‘therion’ as used for carnal beast. Rev 5: 8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. It is clear from Rev 5: 9 the 24 elders and four living ones are blood bought Christians. Why is this redemption song a new song. Because they are singing it for the first time in heaven around the throne of God and of the Lamb (Jesus).

After the rapture Christians are gathered into different groups to rule and serve with Christ. One group is the 24 elders clothed in white raiment which is the righteousness of the saints (Rev 3: 5). Rev 3: 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. The crowns are those promised to them in 2 Tim 4: 8, 1 Cor 9: 25). 1 Corinthians 9: 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 2 Timothy 4: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

The number 24 is a combination of 12 + 12. At the rapture both Old Testament saints and New Testament saints will be there around the throne. The 12 tribes of Israel symbolized the divine government of the O. T. while the 12 Apostle the new. 24 Elders symbolizes then the church now in heaven after the rapture. The 24 elders are sitting and we read in Eph 2: 6 that Christ as raised up the church to sit with Him in heavenly places, Eph 2: 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: What do the 4 Living Ones do The 4 Living ones differ from the 24 elders in that they lead in worship and praise. The number 4 means they also do activity that connects with the earth (in Rev 6 - Christ, 4 Living Ones, and the 4 Horsemen working together greatly affecting what goes on in the earth). The 4 living ones show the 4 natures of Christ that are taught in the 4 gospels. The Lion - Kingly nature; The Ox - the servant nature; Man - earthly nature; Eagle - heavenly nature. At the rapture we shall be changed and the Bible says when we see Christ we shall be like Him (1 John 3: 2, Phil 3: 21).

1 John 3: 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. Philippians 3: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. The 4 Living Ones have 6 wings full of eyes front and behind. 6 is the number of man and wings denotes how quick they can travel. As resurrected Christians we can travel in the air, in space or be somewhere at the speed of thought. Jesus demonstrated these truths after His resurrection and then ascended slowly and visibly back up to heaven. The eyes all over the wings are the 7 spirits of God which is the working of the Holy Spirit broken down into His 7 offices that are listed in Isa 11: 1, 2 that were upon Christ. Isa 11: 1, 2 1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

2 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; In Rev 5: 6 Jesus is described as having 7 eyes which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth, Revelation 5: 6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. The number 7 in the Bible denotes completeness. When John saw Jesus having the fullness of the Holy Spirit he could only put it in the language of the Holy Spirit. Though there is only one Holy Spirit He breaks down into 7 offices. When Jesus ascended to heaven after His death and resurrection He sent the Holy Spirit which gave birth to the Church on Pentecost (Acts 2). All these 7 offices of the one Holy Spirit now operate in the saved believers in the Church. This is what is meant by Jesus sending the 7 Spirits of God into the whole earth. Notice Jesus is described as having 7 horns. Horn denotes power or strength and is used that way

in many scriptures. Again the number 7 is completeness. John again could not put into words what He was seeing but in the language of the Holy Spirit meaning Jesus had complete or all power. This confirms Jesus own words after His resurrection in Matt 28: 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Between the rapture (Rev 4, 12 to Christ’s visible return Rev 20), the following chart shows the 6 seals opened during the 3 ½ Christian tribulation period followed by the opening of the 7 th seal trumpet/vial judgments during terrible Day of the Lord.

Father sits on throne Christ John hears sound like a trumpet, voice of an Archangel, and is immediately caught up to God’s throne. John represents the believers who go up in the rapture. Christ returns to earth with saved immortal Saints Millenium

Other scriptures connected with the rapture The dead being separated at the rapture The unsaved dead that rejected Christ are cast into hell fire having everlasting shame and contempt. The saved in Christ resurrected to shine as the stars forever and ever. The rest of the dead will be judged at the great white throne at the end of the Millennium (Daniel 12: 1 -3, Matt 13: 24 -30, Matt 13: 47 -50).

Daniel 12: 1 -3 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was sincethere was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. 2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. Matt 13: 24 -30 Tares and the Wheat Notice: Tares gathered first into bundles to be burned. 24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? 28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. Matt 13: 47 -50 Net of good and bad fish bad cast into furnace of fire to be burned. 47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: 48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. 49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth

Teachings of what happens among the living at the time the rapture takes place. It will be a time of separation. Saved are taken – unsaved left behind. Matt 24: 40 -42 one left, one taken 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. Matt 25: 1 -13 Wise virgins separated from the foolish 1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Interpretation: Parable of 10 Virgins 10 virgins Ten is a round number when used prophetically or symbolically in scripture and means any number including the number ten itself. Virgins are those that outwardly profess to be pure - that is saved. Jesus is referring to the church before the rapture. Matt 25: 1 which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. The bible teaches that the church one day will be the bride of Christ. This does not happen till first Christ returns for thechurch and as we studied in previous verses this does not happen till the rapture. However, in the early days of the church age after Christ's resurrection, there were those that expected Christ to return very soon. They did not have access to all the N. T. scriptures that we do currently, but their lamp refers to their heart or their spirit. Back in the early church they did not have electricity like we do. To have light you had

to light a lamp with oil or burn a candle. Oil is not mentioned in this verse but their lamp is referring to their spirit. Proverbs 20: 27 talks of the spirit of man is like a candle. Prov 20: 27 27 The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly. Psalms 18: 28 David says that God could light his candle, that is - God could light David's spirit with His Spirit. They all anticipated the Lord returning. Psa 18: 28 28 For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.

Matt 25: 2 -4 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. The number 10 being divided into two five's means division. Simply saying, that the church was divided into two camps: wise and foolish. The foolish took no oil with them but the wise had oil in their vessel. Oil is known throughout scripture as being symbolic of God's Holy Spirit. The prophets were anointed with oil (1 Samuel 16; 13) and we are to pray for the sick anointing them with oil (James 5: 14). 1 Sam 16: 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. James 5: 14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

Matt 25: 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. The ten virgins at the beginning of this parable symbolized the church in it's early history after Christ died, was buried and resurrected. Their was an expectancy that Christ the bridegroom would come soon. Within the church their were those that were truly saved and had the Holy Spirit (oil in their vessel) and then their was the foolish that considered themselves saved but were not (no oil in their vessel). However, Christ did not come in their lifetime and they fell asleep (died). Asleep here (vs 5) is used in the sense that though they died they will awake again in the future (Daniel 12: 2). Dan 12: 2 2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Matt 25: 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Now we pass down in history to the darkest hour of the church age (midnight hour - vs 6). This would be when Antichrist is ruling on the earth. However, their will be a great revival due to prophecy being fulfilled before the rapture (timeframe 1, timeframe 2 and timeframe 3 (chart)) causing a great expectancy once again toward the end of the church age for the bridegroom (Christ) to come. So, today throughout the land there is an great expectancy for Christ’s soon return.

Matt 25: 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. Here in vs 7 once again all the virgins (10 virgins) church at this time) arose and trimmed their lamps. This means they were getting ready for Christ's return. They were trimming their lamps meaning they were doing what they believe to do to be right when the bridegroom (Christ) comes. Matt 25: 8, 9 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. Once again we have this division at the return of the bridegroom (Christ). Their are within the church just like the beginning of the church age the wise that are truly saved and the foolish which are not. The foolish are acting like their saved but their heart condition before God was that they had no oil in their vessels. Oil once again symbolizing the Holy Spirit which stays in your heart once you receive Christ as your personal savior and are born again unto eternal life. The

foolish ask the wise for oil but the wise could not give them oil only Christ can give them the Holy Spirit. The wise said we cannot give you oil for your lamp you got to get that for yourself. Only Christ can save an individual. Notice the foolish went elsewhere. They went to other churches that preached only what they wanted to hear (see timeframe 3 - church before the rapture). Matt 25: 10 -13 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. And while the foolish were doing their own thing except getting the real Holy Spirit (by being truly saved by repentance and accepting what Christ did on the cross for their sins) the bridegroom (Jesus) returns and the wise went

in to the marriage and the door was shut (the rapture took place). This reminds me of the days of Noah when Noah and his family and all the animals that had enough sense to go into the ark and then God shut the door. Noah preached 120 years and time was up, the door was shut and those outside could not get in to avoid the coming flood. We read in vs 11 the foolish virgins now crying out for the Lord to open the door for them and the Lord said 'I know you not'. They never knew the Lord in their heart. They never asked Jesus to be their savior and dwell within their heart. The parable ends with a warning confirming that this is what will happen when Christ returns and though we may not know the day or hour we are to be wise and have oil (Holy Spirit) in our lamp (our spirit, heart) - the evidence of being saved. These foolish went into Christian Tribulation period (timeframe 4 - chart).

When will the rapture take place It is clear from the chart above the rapture takes place during the reign of Antichrist at the end of timeframe 3 (Days of Noah) and timeframe 4 (Great 3 ½ year Christian Tribulation period). Let us look at some very strong scriptural cases for this viewpoint. Old Testament proofs: Daniel 7: 9 -11, Daniel 8: 9, 10, Daniel 9: 26, 27, Daniel 12: 1 -4, Habakkuk 2: 6 New Testament proofs Rev 3: 14 -22, Rev 4, 5, 6, Rev 12 Let us study Jesus answer to sequence of events of the end of the age and of His coming again found in Luke 21: 5 -36.

Luke 21: 5 -36 And as some spake 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? The questions asked and that Jesus is going to answer is more clearly defined in Matthews account (Matt 24: 1 -3). Matthew 24: 1 -3 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 thrown 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 of the end of the world?

3 questions the disciples of Jesus asked: 1: When will the present temple (Herod’s) be destroyed and not one stone left unturned. 2: When is the sign of the end of the world (Greek is AION meaning ‘age’) 3: What is the sign of your coming back to earth Jesus answered the first question at the temple where they just left to have this discussion on the Mount Olivet. Matthew 23: 34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; 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 blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. 36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. 37 O Jerusalem, 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 you 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. It is well documented in history that the people that destroyed both the city of Jerusalem and the temple (Herod's) were the Roman armies led by Titus around 70 A. D. within a generation (about 40 years) of what Jesus prophesized. Titus, pronounced TY tuhs (A. D. 41 -81), a Roman emperor, was noted for his generosity and his regard for the people's welfare. He was born in Rome, the oldest son of Emperor Vespasian. Titus served as a military tribune (military leader) in Germany and Britain. He later helped his father put down a revolt by Jews in Palestine that began in A. D. 66. Titus captured Jerusalem in 70 A. D. after a long siege. He played a prominent role during his father's reign and succeeded him in 79. The destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum, when Mount Vesuvius erupted, occurred

in the first year of Titus' reign. Contributor: F. G. B. Millar, D. Litt. , Camden Prof. of Ancient History, Oxford Univ. World Enclopedia 1998 It is said the temple was put of fire and that gold melted right down into the foundations of stone. The soldiers left not a stone unturned to get at the gold fulfilled Jesus words that not a stone of the Temple will be left unturned (Matt 24: 2, Luke 21: 6).

The two questions remaining that Jesus answered his disciples as Jesus sat on the Mount of Olivet overlooking the Temple buildings and speaking to His disciples were: Matt 24: 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 of the end of the world? 1: What is the sign of your coming back to earth 2: When is the sign of the end of the world (Greek is AION meaning ‘age’)

1: What is the sign of your coming back to earth 2: When is the sign of the end of the world (Greek is AION meaning ‘age’) Jesus answers the second question first and the first question last. This is because the end of the age Jesus had in mind was the Church Age that started at Pentecost in Acts 2 and ends at the end of the great 3 ½ yr Christian Tribulation Period. However, the rapture as we have seen and will also see in our Mount Olivet discussion, happens just before the great Christian Tribulation period (chart). When Jesus tells us the Church Age has ended then He immediately begins to answer first question; signs that would lead up to His visible return.

Luke 21 on the Mount Olivet discourse by Jesus gives us the most insight to when the rapture takes place as well as the great 3 ½ year Christian Tribulation Period. We read in Luke 21: 8: 9 Luke 21: 8, 9 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 hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.

Luke 21: 8, 9 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 hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. Massive deception, many saying ‘I am Christ’ followed by wars, commotions, that will terrify many. However, it may look like the end of the Church Age but it is not. Other events, Jesus said must also be fulfilled which are covered following Luke 21: 9. But before we look at those events let us look at these initial signs. These initial signs will accompany the rise of Antichrist and all tie in with Daniel 7 and Daniel 8. Jesus said these two signs will precede the rapture. It was the rapture Jesus had in mind when He said 'the time draweth near' (Luke 21: 8) and not to follow these false Christ’s on the earth. Many Christians at this time will be looking for the rapture. Jesus knew that and that is why He said ‘the time draweth near’. To further confirm Jesus had the rapture in mind when He said ‘the time drawth near’ and to not follow these many false

Luke 21: 8, 9 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 hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. Christ’s we read at the end of Jesus discourse of these signs and many others that follow these words in Luke 21: 28 Lu 21: 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Jesus after listing many things to be fulfilled refers back to the initial signs of Luke 21: 8, 9 and tells the believers to look up for your redemption draweth nigh. You can tie those words of Luke 21: 28 and put it this way ‘the time of your redemption drawth nigh’. Jesus is talking to believers - Christians who already redeemed. The redemption Jesus is talking about is not your soul which happens when you are saved (redeemed), but what happens to body at the rapture. At the rapture our

Luke 21: 8, 9 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 hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. Lu 21: 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. changed from a mortal and corruptible body to an immortal and incorruptible body (1 Cor 15: 51 -53). 1 Corinthians 15: 51 -53 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall 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. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

Romans 8: 22, 23 tells us all of creation groans and travails in pain together till we receive the redemption of our body. Ro 8: 22, 23 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. The reason the whole of creation is groaning and travailing in pain together waiting for the rapture (redemption of our bodies) is because Satan and his angels have caused havoc in the past in the universe. The raptured saints are now the new rulers with Christ as Kings and priests. Satan and his angels will be dethroned and cast into hell and the bottomless pit.

Luke 21: 8, 9 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 hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. Lu 21: 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Summing up Luke 21: 8, 9 and what Jesus said in Luke 21: 28 we will be here to witness the signs that accompany the rise of Antichrist but the Church Age has not ended (the end is not by and by – vs 9) but that the ‘time draweth near’ – the rapture is near. Now, following Luke 21: 8, 9 Jesus is going to list another lengthy list of signs and the parable of fig tree and Jesus ends with these startling words in Luke 21: 36: Luke 21: 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Lu 21: 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Luke 21: 8, 9 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 hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. Luke 21: 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. According to Luke 21: 8 Jesus has the saved believers on earth for the first signs (Luke 21: 8, 9) but the whole next list of signs the saved will escape according to Luke 21: 36. It is clear those worthy (read saved) go up in the rapture which clearly goes along with ‘the time that was drawing near’ and ‘lifting our heads for the redemption of our body was near’

What are the signs and events the raptured believers will escape following Luke 21: 8, 9? Luke 21: 10 -36 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. 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. 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 power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. 29 And he spake 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 earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 34 And take heed to 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 us compare Matthews account and apply what we learned from Luke’s account of the Olivet discourse. Luke 21: 8, 9 And he said, Matthew 24: 4 -6 And Jesus Take heed that ye be not answered and said unto them, deceived: for many shall Take heed that no man deceive come in my name, saying, I you. am Christ; and the time 5 For many shall come in my draweth near: go ye not name, saying, I am Christ; and therefore after them. shall deceive many. 9 But when ye shall hear of 6 And ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not rumours of wars: see that ye be terrified: for these things not troubled: for all these must first come to pass; but things must come to pass, but the end is not by and by. the end is not yet. Based on our study of Luke’s account we can put the rapture after vs 6 because Matt 24: 4 -6 match Luke 21: 8, 9. The rest of Matt 24 that follows Matt 24: 6 would cover the same events Luke 21: 10 -36 said the saved believers will escape. Luke 21: 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

What signs and events does Matthew 24 say we will escape Jesus continues to answer the disciples second question first. What signs leading to the end of the Church Age because this signs are fulfilled before the first question – signs of His visible coming. Matt 24: 7: 14 continues with the signs and events following the rapture to the end of the Church Age. Matthew 24: 7 -14 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. 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. These verses cover the Great 3 ½ Christian Tribulation period that will be covered in timeframe 4 (chart). Timeframe 4 ends with the Church Age ending, the resurrection of the Tribulation martyrs as part of the first resurrection.

After Jesus answered the disciples second question first about signs leading to the end of the Church Age, now in Matt 24: 15: 31 list the signs and events that answer the first question disciples asked – What is the sign of your coming? . In other words what are the main events leading up Christ’s visible return. Matthew 24: 15 -31 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, 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. 29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall 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. 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.

Jesus begins with the abomination of Desolation that Daniel spoke of (Antichrist putting an idol of himself in the rebuilt temple built in timeframe 3). These events begin halfway through Daniel’s 70 th week - same timeframe as timeframe 5 (chart). Daniel’s 70 th week is 7 years so halfway would be about 3 ½ years before Christ visibly returns (Kingdom).

Father sits on throne Christ John hears sound like a trumpet, voice of an Archangel, and is immediately caught up to God’s throne. John represents the believers who go up in the rapture. Christ returns to earth with saved immortal Saints Millenium

Like days of Noah – Rapture happens Jesus warned in Matthew 24: 38 -41 and elsewhere that what happened in Noah’s day leading up to the flood is a picture of what it will be like in the rapture generation. Matthew 24: 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. Enoch – a type of those raptured (caught up to the Lord before death) before the tribulation period It is written Enoch walked with God and he was not for God took him. That is, God removed him from men. This was before the flood and is a like picture of those that will be removed from men via the rapture to escape the coming flood of judgment.

Genesis 5: 22 And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: Genesis 5: 24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. Hebrews 11: 5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Jude 1: 14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, Rapture verses 1 Thessalonians 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. 1 Corinthians 15: 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed,

Who are the sons of God mentioned in Genesis 6 whose offspring were giants in those days before the flood? Genesis 6: 1 -4 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, 2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. 3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. 4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. Sons of God are angels Job 2: 1 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.

Job 38: 4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. 5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? 6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; 7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? What does the New Testament tell us about these particular angels Jude 1: 6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. 7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. 2 Peter 2: 4 -5 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of

darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; 5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; What is meant by first estate the angels left? We know from Eph 6: 12 Satan’s angels have different ranks: principalities, powers, thrones, dominions. How far Satan’s dominion into outer space we do not know. Many believe the sun is Satan’s throne. We do know that Satan is the god of this world system and the prince and power of the air. It would seem from Jude 1: 6 that Satan’s angels have certain estates or dominions in our atmosphere or space and they were given them when they were first created. However, Satan encouraged them to leave those estates and go after the daughters of men that were fair and intermarry them. Why would Satan do this and tempt God? Because God told him in Gen 3: 15 that the seed of the woman would bruise his authority and kingdom. By morally bringing down the human race through his angels taking

wives creating mutant giants believing that God could not find a woman worthy to bring about a promised and pure seed. God’s reaction. Cast those rebellious angels into hell as an example of rebellion to the other angels (Jude 1: 7). Destroy the mutated world by a flood except Noah and his family who found grace in the eyes of God. Change earth’s climate so man’s days would number no greater than 120 years. Genesis 6: 5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

Noah’s day a pattern for Rapture Generation Genesis 7: 16 And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in. Some of Satan’s angels took wives and produced giants Gen 6: 1 -4 Enoch Giants, great wickedness Enoch caught up to be with the Lord before the flood. A picture of the living saved raptured before the Day of the Lord (flood of judgment that is coming upon the whole world). S a v e d Ark - Safe in Ark from tribulation below R e t u r n Flood waters – flood of judgment After Noah and his family entered the Ark God shut the door and the flood came. The ark represents Jesus Christ. Noah and his family represent believers safe in Christ riding out the flood. Those left behind experience the flood of judgment. At the end of the flood the Ark returned back to land so the saved will return with Christ at the end of the Day of the Lord. Satan’s angels that left first estate to take wives cast into hell as example to others (Jude 1: 7)

Daniel 7: 8 -11 follow the same pattern as in Noah’s days Daniel 7: 8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. 9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. 10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. 11 I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.

Noah’s day – a picture of Rapture Generation New begining S a v e d Daniel 7: 8 Thrones cast down Ancient of Days ------Daniel 7: 9, 10 ------ R e t u r n Daniel 7: 11