It Doesn't Really Matter What I Believe About the Rapture! I'm Saved Either Way!
Before we study the Pre-Trib Rapture, we must look at some Bible facts about Antichrist. At the heart of the whole Pre-Trib View is whether or not the Church will go through the Tribulation and face Antichrist. So the beginning portion of this Blogsite will be a quick look at Antichrist.
First we need to assure our Readers of something important. We are not attempting to recruit anyone from his or her present Church or Denomination. We are only trying to point out what the Bible teaches about last day events. If the Reader discovers truth from what we present, please share it with your fellow Church people. If you are a Pastor, please share what you learn with your Congregation. If you are a member of a Congregation, please share what you learn with your Pastor and inform him of this Blogsite. Ask him to help you understand the truth about the Rapture. We have a special Blogsite specifically for Pre-Trib Pastors called, "Dear Pastor, How Many of these 64 Rapture Questions Have You Pondered?" We also have a similar Blogsite for Laymen who are familiar with Pre-Trib teachings, but are not as versed as a Pre-Trib Minister. This Blogsite is called, "64 Un-Answered and Un-Answerable Pre-Trib Rapture Questions." If you pray for God's Holy Spirit for strength, courage, and knowledge, He will use you in a very special way to bring souls closer to Him.
Many of this Author's Friends say, "You may be right about the Rapture, but it doesn't matter what I believe, because I'm Saved!" These Friends enjoy the Churches they attend and don't want a disagreement with their Pastors and fellow Church members. They often say, "We're all going to the same place anyway. If the Rapture happens, I'll be glad!! If not, everything'll be all right! I'm saved, so it doesn't matter!!" In this Blogsite, let's examine what the Bible says about the consequences of a false view of End-Time events.
It Matters BIG Time!
It matters because, some who consider themselves saved could unwittingly receive the Mark of the Beast. The Bible clearly says that everyone wearing the Mark will be forever lost. Billions of Christians are listening to their have Pastors assuring them that they are saved, and thus CANNOT be lost, no matter how grievous their sin, even wearing the Mark of the Beast! Add to this the fact that all Pre-Trib Pastors are assuring their congregations that they have no need to fear the Mark because God will not allow Antichrist to inflict the Mark till they all have been Raptured away to Heaven. The Ministers say this is the specific reason they'll be Raptured to Heaven; to spare them having to deal with Antichrist and the Tribulation.
What if there's NOT a Rapture Before the Tribulation?
After over 30 years of carefully evaluating Pre-Trib Dispensationalism, this Author has concluded that Christians will absolutely face Antichrist and they will go through the Tribulation. However, God has promised that when the last portion of the Tribulation occurs, the Seven Last Plagues, none of His people will suffer. During the first part of the Tribulation, God's people will be tested, and some even give their lives as witnesses for the Lord. However as we go through this Blogsite, we will show how millions, possibly billions, of Christians will be BLIND SIDED and spiritually BODY SLAMMED by the, "Great Tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world" (Matt.24:21)! Instead of being, "Snatched Away" from earth, these people will be totally unprepared and thus be perfectly set up for Antichrist's Delusions! So, it matters!
Worse - MUCH WORSE!
Billions of people are presently being told that they are, "Christians in Good Standing," members of, "The Bride of Christ," God's True Church People," but as we proceed, we'll see many Bible warnings that tell us what the last day delusions will be. Be prepared for many shocking facts. Sadly many who think they are Christians in good standing will be among those who will be unwittingly worshiping Antichrist. "And ALL that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the Lamb's Book of Life" (Rev.13:8)! "And ALL the World wondered after the Beast (Antichrist)! And they worshiped the Dragon (Satan) who gave power unto the Beast! And they worshiped the Beast, saying, Who is like unto the Beast? Who is able to make war with him" (Vss.3-4)? Jesus, Paul, and John told us exactly what Christians should watch for. Let's look at just a few of their warnings:
Antichrist NOT a Gross Looking Monster
Preachers often portray Antichrist as an ugly, evil looking Creature bringing terrible things upon the people of Earth. Some literature portrays a Monster branding 666 on the foreheads of Zombie-looking people. This is exactly the description Satan wants us to see. The Bible's descriptions of Antichrist show a very charismatic, good looking man that, from all appearances, is kind and gentle. In his grand deception of the earth's masses he'll perform, "great signs and wonders" (Matt.24:24; Rev.13:13)!
"Acts of God"
The History Channel often shows Antichrist segments featuring Popular Preachers describing Antichrist, "Bringing Unimaginable Catastrophes upon Humanity." Satan has always been responsible for horrid weather and causing death and destruction all over our planet. However, when God allows Satan to use Antichrist to organize his followers in their final attempt to destroy God's people, Satan, through Antichrist, will make certain promises. Antichrist will declare that all of the bad weather, earthquakes, and other so-called, "Acts of God" that are occurring in excess are because God is angry with earth's inhabitants because they are disobeying His 10 Commandments. But the Commandments Antichrist refers to are not God's 10 Commandments, but rather a set of 10 Commandments that looks almost exactly like the real thing, but will have some slight changes. Underscore, "changes." Antichrist will promise the world that, if they will obey his slightly revised 10 Commandments, all of this destruction will stop. But almost no one will notice the slight alterations. Let's ever remember that Satan is a master deceiver! Daniel prophesied, "He (Antichrist) will think to Change the Times and the Laws" (Dan.7:25).
Mark of the Beast
If we search the Bible from cover to cover, and list all verses that give a hint as to what the Mark of the Beast could be, Daniel's reference to the, Changed Time and Law, tops the list. The next two Bible verses identifying the Mark are as follows. John was shown in Revelation that Satan will, "Make war on the Remnant of her seed, who keep the Commandments of God, and have the Testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rev.12:17). Immediately after writing this, John gave the most comprehensive prophetic description of Antichrist found anywhere in Scripture. Immediately after giving this description, John wrote the following: "Here is the patience of the saints. Here are they that keep the Commandments of God, and have the the faith of Jesus" (Rev.14:12). Obviously the Commandments of God and Antichrist's "changed law," will be at the center of Antichrist's Mark.
Do these three Bible Verses tell us something? It seems they do! They portray God's people obeying His Commandments during the Tribulation, and Satan making war on them because they obey God. Antichrist is saying we either obey his "Changed Law,"or we will be killed (Rev.13:15).
Let's stop a moment and do a Reality Check. If we look at the Ten Commandments in the Bible, there is only one Commandment dealing with time. "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it Holy." Now let's be honest. Christians explain the Sabbath Commandment in two way, and in both we see that word, "Change," the same word that describes what Antichrist will do.
1 - "The Sabbath is CHANGED to Sunday."
2 - "The 7th day, Saturday, is still the Sabbath, but the Early Church CHANGED the worship day to Sunday."
So, if Antichrist showed up today, and wanted to "Change a Commandment," specifically the Commandment having to do with TIME, wouldn't his work be done already? And what if, "Thinking to Change the Times and the Laws," is the Mark of the Beast? As we've seen in the top three Bible Verses describing Antichrist, this "change," seems to be the top contender for the Mark. And what if John is correct when he says that all who wear the Mark of the Beast will be forever lost and will be the focus of the Seven Last Plagues?
So, our original Question was, "Does it make a difference what we believe?" If what we have presented above is true; if changing (abolishing) God's Sabbath Commandment becomes the the Mark of the Beast, over 98% of Christians would already there. That is approximately 1/3 of earth's population. Another 1/3 honors Friday and rejects the Sabbath. At this present time, less than 1% of the world's population actually honors the Sabbath. So, if rejecting God's Sabbath does become the line of demarcation between God's people and Antichrist's people, would it be safe to say that, "all the world wondering after and worshiping the Beast," is well on its way?
In a vision, John, "Heard a Great Voice from the Temple saying to the Seven Angels, Go your ways, and pour out the Vials (Bowls) of the wrath of God upon the earth" (Rev.16:1)! These 7 Last Plagues are God's way of intervening on behalf of His Commandment Keeping People. Those who've allowed themselves to be deluded by Antichrist and are following Antichrist's "Changed Time Law" (Dan.7:25) will be the recipients of these 7 Plagues, while God's people are totally protected. Do we know for sure that God's people will be safe throughout these Plagues? John says they will.
Warning From John and Jesus
John was shown the only way for earth's living inhabitants to avoid these 7 Last Plagues. He wrote, "And I heard another voice from Heaven, saying, COME OUT OF HER MY PEOPLE, that ye that ye be not partakers of her sins and that ye RECEIVE NOT OF HER PLAGUES" (Rev.18:4)! Does it matter what we believe? The Bible says all who, "Wonder After and Worship the Beast and receive his Mark" will suffer "Torment" of these Plagues and be eternally lost (Rev 14:9-12)!
Christian's Excuse for Discarding The Sabbath
What have Christians used to explain why they feel it is acceptable to "Change" God's only Commandment dealing with time? They declare, "Grace Frees Them to Disobey God's Law."
So what does this have to do with Pre-Trib and the Rapture?
Pre-Trib and the Sabbath
It is a Pre-Trib Doctrine that during this present "Grace Dispensation," Christians are to follow the popular belief that says, "Grace allows us to disregard God's Law." In fact, Pre-Trib says God is pleased that Christians have "Changed" His Sabbath Commandment. Unless the Reader is a Pre-Trib Minister, and has attended a Pre-Trib College or University, be prepared for a shock. Pre-Trib says God will change His standard after He Raptures His Church to Heaven. According to Pre-Trib, God requires His people change back to honoring the Sabbath during the Great Tribulation. Pre-Trib also says the whole world will obey the Sabbath Command for a thousand years during what they call the "Millennial Kingdom" here on earth. So, let's look at other Pre-Trib Doctrines that most people, even most Pre-Trib Church members, will be surprised. As we proceed, it will become more and more clear that it matters what we believe.
One Taken—One Left Behind
Study Text #1 “Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left" (Mt.24:40). This is the flagship Bible verse for Rapture promoters. Dispensational Professors and educated Pre-Trib promoters, however, admit the verse has NOTHING to do with their Pre-Trib Rapture. However, as long as the text is used as proof by their Ministers, let's see how it's a powerful Scripture denouncing Pre-Trib.
Immediately AFTER the Tribulation
After Jesus said, "One is Taken - The Other LEFT," He told His Disciples exactly when He would "Take one and leave one." He said, “Immediately AFTER the Tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give its light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. 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. 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” (Matt.24:29-31). Underscore "after" and "Gather His Elect," because Jesus went on to tell who'd be "gathered" "immediately AFTER the Tribulation," when, "Two shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left" (Vs.40)! The Bible is clear when we stop trying to stretch it around our Theories and Doctrines. Now that we know the time when, "One is taken and one is left," let's look at who the "One Taken" is.
Who are the Elect?
If Jesus sends angels to, “gather together His Elect,” obviously the people left behind are NOT His Elect! What REALLY happens to those, "Left Behind?" Jesus said, “Then [when angels are gathering His Elect] shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, the other left” (Vss.40- 41). Jesus compared His Second Coming to Sodom during Lot's day in which those left behind were all destroyed. He compared it to Noah’s day in which the left behind were going about their daily lives, “until the day Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all” (Lk.17:27). Those left behind, outside the ark, were all destroyed. The Theory, however, says the people left behind when Jesus comes will be alive, and they will be the Elect. So the very phrase used to promote a Pre-Trib Rapture is a Scripture text denying it. There'll be no one Left Behind to read the books and watch the movies instructing them on how to use their second chance.
When Jesus spoke of the, “Great Tribulation” He was quoting Daniel. Let’s look at Daniel.
Daniel - No Rapture Before Time of Trouble
Study Text #2 “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince who standeth for the children of thy people, and there shall be a time of trouble [the Great Tribulation], such as never was since there 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. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt” (Dan.12:1-2).
Daniel says, "every one" of God’s people will be delivered.This means every saved person from planet earth, period. Every saved person that has died, and every saved person alive when Jesus comes will be taken to Heaven to the place He prepared for them (See Jn.14:1-3). All the saved who are, “alive and remain” (1Thess.4:17), and all the saved who, “sleep in the dust” (Dan.12:2) will be taken to Heaven when Jesus comes. The Bible lists only two resurrections—one for the righteous at Jesus’ Coming and one for the wicked when they face Judgment at the end of the 1000 years (See Rev.20:5).
Fake Letter To The Thessalonians - Fake Pre-Trib Letter!?!
Study Text #3 “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together unto Him, 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. Let no man deceive you by any means; for that Day (the Day of our gathering together unto Him) shall not come, except there come a falling away (apostasy) first, and that man of sin (Antichrist) be revealed, the son of perdition, Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he, as God, sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Remember ye not that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things” (2Thess.2:1-4). Pre-Trib insists the Church will be "snatched away" BEFORE the Man of Sin (Antichrist) is "Revealed," and allowed to do his evil work. But Paul said, “Let no man deceive you by any means; for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin [Antichrist] be revealed, the son of perdition” (Vs.3).
"Was Paul Wrong?"
Paul gave the exact order of events in 2 Thessalonians, but Pre-Trib insists we must reverse the order of events! Does it matter?
Jesus and Paul say, "No Pre-Trib Rapture!" and "No Pre-Antichrist Rapture." So what about all those Popular Preachers telling us, "You don't need to worry about Antichrist because you'll be in Heaven when he works?"
The "Last" Trump
Study Text #4 “Behold, I show you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed, 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” (1Cor.15:51-52).
Jesus also said there'll be a trumpet at His Second Coming when, “One is taken and the other left [behind].” He said His trumpet would blow, "immediately after the Tribulation." “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” (Matt. 24:29-30). It appears that Paul was quoting Jesus word for word. We suggest he may have been, and because Paul said, "Last Trump," there can be no doubt that he and Jesus are describing the same event.
2 Trumpets - 7 Years Apart
But, Pre-Trib says the trumpet Paul refers to occurs 7 years before the trumpet Jesus refers to. If Pre-Trib is correct, Paul should've written, "FIRST Trump" not the "Last Trumpet." If Paul and Jesus are referring to the same trumpet, Paul wrote correctly. If not, if Pre-Trib is correct, Paul wrote incorrectly!
"Let No Man Deceive You!!!"
When Jesus and Paul gave us the sequence of Last Day Events, they both warned that "Men would deceive us." Paul wrote, “Let no man deceive you by any means” (2Thess.2:3). Jesus said, “Take heed that NO MAN DECEIVE YOU” (Matt.24:4). Obviously they were keenly aware that Satan would be "Deceiving" people, specifically about the order of events! Perhaps it is because Satan will use this in setting up his Last-Day Delusions! So, does it matter what we believe? Jesus and Paul say it does absolutely!
Secret "Snatching Away"
Study Text #5 “For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; Then we who 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" (1Thess.4:16-17).
There's Paul's, "LAST Trump" again, and here he adds details making it anything but secret! He wrote of clouds, a shout, and the Voice of the Archangel. Pre-Trib says Paul is describing the Rapture they have built their whole belief system upon. But the clouds, a trumpet, a shout, and the Voice of the Archangel sounds exactly like what Jesus said about His Second Coming: “The Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 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” (Matt.24:30). John wrote about the same event as Paul, and he added a detail that makes it anything but "Secret." “Behold He cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see Him” (Rev.1:7). This is the same event that Paul and Jesus wrote about, and John cleared up any possibility of it being a secret, "snatching away" event. Pre-Trib says there are 2 "Comings of Jesus" in the future. First a Rapture in which Jesus will not be visible to everyone, followed in 7 years by the Second Coming when every living person on earth will see Him. If John was not referring to the very next time Jesus comes, wouldn't he have made that clear? Again, does it really matter what we believe?
Secret Chamber
We suggest that God will not allow Satan to, "Fake a Second Coming" with Clouds, a Trumpet heard around the world, a massive number of Angels, and all of the other glorious happenings that will be seen by, "Every Eye" at Jesus Coming. But, a "Secret" coming is entirely possible for Satan to fake. It may even be probable! Jesus warned of "False Christ's." Perhaps this is why Jesus warned us with the following? "If any man shall say unto you, 'Lo, here is Christ, or there, Believe it NOT" (Matt.24:23)! "Wherefore if they say unto you, 'Behold He is in the desert,' Go not forth! 'He is in the SECRET Chambers,' believe it NOT! For as the lightening cometh out of the east and shineth even unto the west, so also shall the Coming of the Son of Man be" (Vss.26-27)! Is Jesus warning us NOT to be deceived that there'll be anything "SECRET" about His Coming! We suggest Jesus believed it matters what we believe.
Jesus Coming With All His Saints
Study Text #6 “To the end He may stablish your hearts unblamable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints” (1Thess.3:13).
Pre-Trib says, “With His Saints,” refers to the Second Coming because those "Saints" are the Church People that were Raptured 7 years before His Coming. It sounds like a good point, until we notice that Paul is writing directly to the Thessalonian Church. Earlier we looked at a second letter Paul sent to this same Thessalonian Church saying, “Let no man deceive you by any means; for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition” (2Thess.2:3). Let's Paraphrase Paul’s message: "Let no man deceive you! If anyone claims I've written a letter saying Jesus is going to come and take you to Heaven BEFORE Antichrist is revealed, don’t believe it!"
In our study text about Jesus coming with His Saints, Paul was saying to the Thessalonian Church, "Establish Your hearts so that when Jesus comes with all His Saints, you will be able to stand in Holiness Unblamable before God." Was Paul assuming the Thessalonians would have been "Left Behind" at the Rapture? If the Thessalonians were Raptured 7 years before the event Paul was writing about, then he would need to refer to the Thessalonians as being a part of the "Saints" returning with Jesus. A simple reading of Paul's words clearly indicates that the Thessalonians, along with All Believers will be here on earth when Jesus comes with all His saints. The key word is “your.” “To the end He may stablish your hearts unblamable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.” In order for Pre-Trib to be correct, Paul would have written this letter to the, "Left Behind Jews," not the Thessalonian "Church."
If Paul believed in a Pre-Trib Rapture, he'd have written the following to the Thessalonians:
"To the end He may stablish the hearts of those left behind after the Rapture, who become believers later, unblamable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ when He brings all of you with Him. This message is NOT for you Thessalonians because when our Lord comes, you'll have been in Heaven for 7 years." We'd best let Paul's words say what they say. It matters!
Who Are Those Saints?
Who are the “Saints” Jesus brings with Him? He told us already. He said, “When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all His Holy Angels with Him, He shall sit upon the throne of His glory” (Matt.25:31). His Angels are these Saints.
God’s Wrath Poured out on Earth
Study Text #7 “For God hath not appointed us to wrath but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Thess.5:9).
Pre-Trib says God takes his Church to Heaven so they'll not be hurt during the Tribulation. Is God unable to preserve His people during the Tribulation? His wrath is toward those trying to hurt His People. God promised his people they'll not receive these plagues. “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” (Rev.18:4).
"My People" - His ELECT
God's Church and His Elect are one and the same (See 1Pet.1:1; Rom.8:33; Col.3:12; Tit.1:1; Js.1:1; 2Jn.1).
The Elect is the Bride of Christ! Jesus will protect His Bride! He said: “And ye shall be hated of all men for My name’s sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish” (Lk.21:17-18). “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” (Lk.21:36). Paul said, “For God hath not appointed us to wrath but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Thess.5:9).
Paul’s Crown at Christ’s APPEARING
Study Text #8 “I charge thee, before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick [living] and the dead at His appearing and His Kingdom” (2 Tim.4:1). “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” (Vs.8). What “day” did Paul expect to receive his crown? The DAY of Christ's “Appearing and His Kingdom,” Was Paul miss-informed? Pre-Trib says Paul won't receive his crown at Christ's Appearing, but 7 years before when he's Raptured. Pre-Trib says Jesus doesn't make an, "Appearing" when He "Raptures" His Church to Heaven. We suggest Paul wrote it like the Holy Spirit gave it to him.
Will the Second Coming be a Surprise?
Study Text # 9 “Watch, therefore, for ye know the hour your Lord doth come" (Matt. 24:42)!
Also: “Behold I come as a thief. Blessed is He that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame” (Rev.16:15). We'll simply say here that Pre-Trib actually places these Prophecies as Christ's Second Coming and not at the Rapture that they teach. But, Jesus said, “Watch YE,” “YOU know not the hour.” (See Also Lk.12:39; 1Thess.5:2; 2Pet3:10). In most cases, when Jesus says, "Ye," and, "You," He was speaking to His Disciples. Any Pre-Trib teacher will tell us the Disciples were the founders of His Church, not representatives of "Left Behind" people; not representatives of a future generation of Jews after the Church has been Raptured to Heaven.
"Watch"
Study Text #10—“Watch ye, therefore; for ye know not when the master of the house cometh… Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.” “Watch therefore for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Mk.13:35-36)! Note also: “Watch, therefore; for ye know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of man cometh” (Mt.25:13). “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels who are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for ye know not when the time is” (Mk. 13:33). “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. For like a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 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” (Lk.21:34-36).
Pre-Trib says all of the above texts above are Second Coming and not the Rapture they have built their whole system upon. Thus, according to Pre-Trib, every time Jesus used the words, "Ye," and "Your," in these Prophecies, He is not referring to His Church, but to a future generation of Jews after the Church has been Raptured into Heaven. But, again, every time Jesus said "Ye" and "You," He was speaking to His Disciples, who are the founders of His Church. So, regardless of what anyone says, according to Jesus the Church will be here on earth and "Watching" for His Second Coming. text says the Second Coming is a surprise and all texts are directed to the Church. Would Jesus have said, “Take heed, watch and pray; for ye know not when the time is” (Mk. 13:33), if the persons referred to by "Ye" were already in Heaven, and had been there for up to 7 years? He wouldn’t and He didn’t!
“Hearts Overcharged with Surfeiting”
Study Text #11 “And take heed to yourselves [speaking to His Disciples, thus His Church] lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and the cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares” (Lk.21:34)! We have another Website devoted entirely to what Jesus really said when He warned of "Surfeiting". It's called Hearts Overcharged With Surfeiting. We'll give a hint as to what you'll see in that Website. "Surfeiting" has as it's root word, "Harpazo." Harpazo is the word from which Pre-Trib gets their word "Rapture" and it means "Carried Away up" which could also be translated "Snatched Away Up." Thus Jesus could have meant, "Do Not let your hearts be Overcharged with excitement believing you'll be Raptured Away instead of facing Antichrist and the Tribulation!" If this is what Jesus was really saying, and the overwhelming evidence says this is so, it is very important. Jesus would not have warned us if He didn't think it mattered. So, does it matter what we believe?
New Covenant and The Lord’s Supper
Study Text #12 “For this is the blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matt.26:28).
These are Jesus' words as He instituted the Lord’s Supper. Every Christian Church celebrates this service, and except for Easter, it is the Church's highest activity. The Lord's Supper supports the proclamation that Christians are New Testament believers. Thus, the Church is New Testament. The question now is, is the Church also New Covenant?New Testament Church?
Ask a Pre-Trib Minister the question: “Are We New Testament Believers?" He'll answer in no uncertain terms, "WE ARE Absolutely!" He will tell you all about how the Old Testament people were, "Under the Law," and how God demanded they obey it, but now, we are "Under Grace and Free from the Law!"
New Covenant Church
Then ask the same Minister, "Are We New Covenant Believers?" If he is a well studied Pre-Trib Minister, he will tell you that the Church actually has nothing to do with the New Covenant. He will tell you that the New Covenant is not for Christians in the Grace Dispensation, but rather for a future generation of Jews that are not converted to Christianity until after the Rapture. He'll say that the New Covenant is ONLY for the Jews during the Tribulation and the Millennial Kingdom. To prove his point, he'll quote the following: “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a New Covenant with ISRAEL, and with the house of Judah…This shall be the Covenant that I will make with the house of ISRAEL: After those days, saith the Lord. I will put My Laws in their minds and I will write them in their hearts" (For the complete quote, see Jer.31:31 and Heb.8:8-10 and 10:16). The Minister will then explain that, since the New Covenant will involve the Law, it can't be for the Church because the, "Church" is free from the Law. He will quote some variation of, "Grace Frees Us From Obeying God's Law!!"
New Testament, but, NOT New Covenant?
So, according to our Pre-Trib Ministers, the Church is New Testament but actually NOT New Covenant. But, there's a problem! In the original Greek, New Covenant and New Testament are EXACTLY, Identically, the same word! The Greek word is, “dia-the-ke” (pronounced dee-ath-ay-kay). Every time the word “covenant” or “testament” appears in the New Testament portion of the Bible, the original Greek word is always “dia-the-ke" and ALWAYS means "Covenant." If the Church is "New Testament," it is "New Covenant! Why is this Important? It's important because if it is true, Jesus, in His own words, established the New Covenant with His Church. He instituted the Lord’s Supper with His Disciples, the founders of His Church. He instructed His Church to Celebrate His, "Lord's Supper" often. Jesus said He would Celebrate this "Lord's Supper" with them, in His Kingdom. John called this future, Heavenly, "Lord's Supper" the "Marriage Supper of the Lamb." Christ's Church is to be the "Bride of Christ" at this Marriage Supper. Thus, the notion that the New Covenant is only for a future generation of Jews CANNOT be! Jesus wouldn't set up a New Covenant and a Lord's Supper Celebration for His Church if this Covenant was not for His Church! Let's look at this "Marriage of the Lamb" a little closer.
New Covenant and the Bride of Christ
Study Text #13 “But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s Kingdom” (Matt.26:29).
Reading this in it's context shows that the Church and the New Covenant CANNOT be separated.
“For this is the blood of the New Testament (New Covenant), which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s Kingdom” (Matt.26:28-29). Jesus is saying that, someday, in His Father’s Kingdom, He will celebrate the, “Marriage Supper of the Lamb” with His “New Covenant People.” If this Supper is the "Marriage Supper Lamb," this Supper is with Christ's Bride, His Church! Luke adds more: “I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the Kingdom of God” (Lk.22:16). “I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the Kingdom of God shall come” (Vs.18). Jesus says this Heavenly Supper will NOT take place until the Kingdom of God is established, and ONLY New Covenant people participate in this Supper. Pre-Trib says Jesus partakes of this Supper 7 years BEFORE the Kingdom is established. Pre-Trib's also says there'll be NO New Covenant believers participating in the Marriage Supper because these New Covenant Jews were Left Behind at a Rapture! So, if the Church is "New Covenant," and there is No future Generation of Jews that will be the New Covenant Believers, this changes everything. The Church will need to take a close look at all of the Bible descriptions of what New Covenant means. The "Bride of Christ" has some responsibilities.
Satan's Bait and Switch
Who's the REAL Bride of Jesus? Has the enemy of our souls done a Bait and Switch? Revelation Prophesies much about about the, "Bride of Christ," and a "Great Whore." Satan intends to make the "Great Whore" appear to be the Christ's Bride. Is Satan's "Bait and Switch" working? For complete details on this, see The Bride of Christ. Before leaving this section on the Bride of Christ, we need to look at something. Pre-Trib is based on Dispensationalism. Dispensationalism says there are 7 Dispensations from Creation till the end of the Millennium when Jesus creates a New Earth. Pre-Trib says that one of these Dispensations, the one we are living in now, the one they call the "Grace Dispensation" and "Church Dispensation," requires Christian Believers to set aside God's Law because of Grace. All other 6 Dispensations require obedience to God. Pre-Trib says ONLY those living during this so-called, "Grace Dispensation," can become the BRIDE of CHRIST. In other words, based on Pre-Trib's own description of their belief system, only disobedient people, people disregarding God's Law, can become the Bride of Christ!! For more on this, including documentation from Pre-Trib Dispensationalists verifying what we are presenting here, see Website "The Bride of Christ." The Bible is all too clear that the Great Whore is disobedient to God and the Bride of Christ is obedient. Following is Scripture showing this: "The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the Remnant [the ELECT] of her seed, who keep (obey) the Commandments of God and have the Testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rev.12:17). "Here is the patience of the saints [the Elect; Bride of Christ], here are they that keep the (obey) the Commandments of God and have the Faith of Jesus" (Rev.14:12). Now let's see what the Bible says about the woman associated with Antichrist, the Great Whore. Obviously that woman will obey whatever Law Antichrist put's forth. "And he (Antichrist) shall think to change the Times and the Laws" (Dan.7:25).
"Bridezilla"
The TV Show, Bridezilla, shows a Bride that thinks the rules of Common Sense and Common Coutesy do not apply to her, since, after all SHE'S THE BRIDE!! Much the same is true concerning a popular version of the Bride of Christ. The real Bride of Christ will reflect Christ's Character. The false Bride is the opposite, even showing a "Better-Than-Thou" attitude, claiming she is exempt from obedience to God's Law. She claims that because of "Grace," disobedience is not only acceptable, "Grace" makes it is necessary.
Who is the GREAT WHORE in Revelation?
The "Great Whore" is the Religion of Antichrist; the outgrowth of the "apostasy" ("falling away") Paul prophesied (See 2Thess.2:3). She embraces Antichrist's "changed times and laws," promoting the notion that, "Grace Frees us to Disobey or Change God's Law." The Great Whore, will actually be the inflicter of the Mark of the Beast upon the real Bride of Christ.
Millions are being told that they are the Bride of Christ, but in reality, they are actually in the process of being set up to be part of the Great Whore. Because of the Doctrine, "Grace allows us to Disobey God's Law," millions are embracing Antichrist's, "Changed Times and Laws." Today we hear Preachers take this "Grace" movement one step further, and their message of "Freedom" moves to, "Grace DEMANDS us to disregard God's Law." Our Preachers are telling us that if we obey God's Law, we are rejecting "Grace," in favor of "Legalism." Satan's Bait and Switch is working well for him. So Sad!! In pulpits all over the world, preachers who think they are teaching truth are actually unwittingly working for the enemy of our souls!
Who is the Bride of Christ?She is ALL of the Redeemed from Creation to the Second Coming of Jesus. Jesus has gone to prepare a place for His Bride and when she’s ready, He will come to receive her to Himself that where He is, there she may be also (Jn.14:1-3). She is God's true Church and She is New Covenant Israel.
Christ's Bride is NOT a limited group of, "Grace Agers." Christ's Bride is made up of Believers who, through the working of the Holy Spirit, reflect Christ's Character. The World, and the Universe, will witness Christ's Bride's obedience to God. "The 144 Thousand"
Although the Bride of Christ will include Believers from Creation to the Second Coming, John, in Revelation, seems to imply that there will be a special, "Tribulation Group" that has a closer connection with Jesus throughout eternity. Pre-Trib says, however, that there'll be NO Tribulation Believers within Christ's Bride. Revelation describes 144 Thousand Israelites. Could you, Dear Reader, be part of them? The Bible and Mathematics says you can! Pre-Trib says NO! Pre-Trib also says the 144 Thousand CANNOT be part of Christ's Bride! Pre-Trib says that the 144 Thousand are completely disqualified because, when the Church is Raptured, the 144 Thousand will be "Left Behind" when Jesus takes His Bride to Heaven. But, Revelation says the 144 Thousand are given the top spot within the Bride of Christ. See The Bride of Christ and The 144 Thousand for more details.
Isaiah's Tripple End-Time Warning
Study Text #14 "Behold the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth the inhabitants thereof" (Isa.24:1)! "The land shall be utterly emptied and utterly spoiled; for the Lord hath spoken it" (vs.3)! "The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof, because they have Transgressed the Laws, Changed the Ordinance, and Broken the EVERLASTING COVENANT! Therefore (because of this) hath the CURSE devoured the Earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate, therefore the inhabitants of the earth are BURNED and few men are left" (Vss.4-5)!
Isaiah warned that in the Last Days, just before the Lord Comes, 3 grevious sins would cause God to be angry with earth's inhabitants.
1 - Transgressing His Laws
2 - Changing His Ordinance
3 - Breaking His Everlasting (New) Covenant
According to Isaiah's Prophecy, just before Christ's Coming, all but a very few of earth's inhabitants will be guilty of these offences against God's Commandments, Changing His Ordinance, and rejecting Christ's Everlasting New Covenant. Did Isaiah Prophesy correct?
Pretty much all of Christianity is guilty of the three offences Isaiah Prophesied. However, since we are discussing primarily Pre-Trib and Dispensationalism, Isaiah's prophecy is actually a perfect fit. We'll look at each in the light of Dispensationalism.
1. Transgressing God's Laws - As we have show already, Pre-Trib Dispensationalism says that, because we are living in the "Grace Dispensationalism," Grace allows us to disregard the Law during this time. In light of Isaiah's prophecy, we suggest Dispensationalism might need to examine their view on this.
2. Changing the Ordinance - Pre-Trib says the Sabbath Ordinance has been changed during the "Grace Dispensation" and says that Sunday has temporarily replaced it.
3. Broken the Everlasting Covenant - As we have shown before, Pre-Trib Dispensationalism says the New Covenant is not for the Church, but is for a future generation of Jews that will convert to Christianity after the Church has been Raptured to Heaven.
Opportunity For Satan's Delusion
If Pre-Trib is correct and it is mandatory for the Church to disregard God's Commandments, replacing them with "Grace" until the Church is Raptured, and if it is acceptable and mandatory to "Change one of God's Ordinances," and if the New Covenant is NOT for the Church but a future, "Left Behind" generation of Jews, then we are safe with the popular Pre-Trib Rapture Theory! BUT, if Pre-Trib is incorrect, and Jesus IS going to curse and destroy with fire all of earth's inhabitants that, "Transgress His Laws, Change His Ordinance, and Break His New Covenant" (Isa.24:5), then what we believe and teach matters, and could determine not only our salvation, but the salvation of those to whom we witness! If the prophecies of Isaiah, Daniel, Jesus, Paul, and John are true, all but a very few of earth's inhabitants will be lost and destroyed when Jesus comes! Let's pray that we will teach only what God's Word teaches!!The Church in the Book of Revelation
Text #15 “I, Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the Churches" (Rev.22:16)! Pre-Trib says the warnings and instructions in Revelation are NOT for the Church, but ONLY for that future generation of Jews that will be "Left Behind" when Jesus comes to take His People to Heaven. Pre-Trib says the 144,000 Jews will be Left Behind because they will not believe in Jesus at that time. So, to believe and teach that none of the warnings in Revelation are for us could cause us to be totally unprepared for what we will face. If Jesus appeared to John on the Isle of Patmos and gave him the most comprehensive warnings about End-Time Events found anywhere in Scripture; warnings specifically for the Church, and the Church proclaims these latest and best warnings have nothing to do with them, such reckless disregard for Christ's Words will cause many to walk directly into Satan's Delusions and his trap!! Does it Matter what we believe? "I Come Quickly" with "Rewards"
Text #16 “And behold I come quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give EVERY man according as his work shall be” (Rev. 22:12)! Jesus said “every” man. He also said “Behold I come Quickly." Surely the words, "Come Quickly" refer to the very next time Jesus comes to Earth. Pre-Trib says only, "snatched away" or "Raptured" people get their rewards at this time. If Pre-Trib is correct, billions of Left Behind people could not receive their rewards then, but must wait 7 more years. We suggest that if Jesus said, "EVERY Man," He meant every man. Pre-Trib places itself further from what Jesus said by claiming there will be a Millennial Kingdom here on earth filled with mortals. Thus, according to Pre-Trib, it will be 1007 more years before, "Every Man" receives his "Reward." Let's look at all of the people Pre-Trib says CANNOT receive their "Rewards" when Jesus comes to take His People to Heaven:
1- Those "Left Behind" that later become believers. (This would include the 144 Thousand (Rev. 14:1), and the “Great multitude which no man can number” (Rev. 7:9).
Before we study the Pre-Trib Rapture, we must look at some Bible facts about Antichrist. At the heart of the whole Pre-Trib View is whether or not the Church will go through the Tribulation and face Antichrist. So the beginning portion of this Blogsite will be a quick look at Antichrist.
First we need to assure our Readers of something important. We are not attempting to recruit anyone from his or her present Church or Denomination. We are only trying to point out what the Bible teaches about last day events. If the Reader discovers truth from what we present, please share it with your fellow Church people. If you are a Pastor, please share what you learn with your Congregation. If you are a member of a Congregation, please share what you learn with your Pastor and inform him of this Blogsite. Ask him to help you understand the truth about the Rapture. We have a special Blogsite specifically for Pre-Trib Pastors called, "Dear Pastor, How Many of these 64 Rapture Questions Have You Pondered?" We also have a similar Blogsite for Laymen who are familiar with Pre-Trib teachings, but are not as versed as a Pre-Trib Minister. This Blogsite is called, "64 Un-Answered and Un-Answerable Pre-Trib Rapture Questions." If you pray for God's Holy Spirit for strength, courage, and knowledge, He will use you in a very special way to bring souls closer to Him.
Many of this Author's Friends say, "You may be right about the Rapture, but it doesn't matter what I believe, because I'm Saved!" These Friends enjoy the Churches they attend and don't want a disagreement with their Pastors and fellow Church members. They often say, "We're all going to the same place anyway. If the Rapture happens, I'll be glad!! If not, everything'll be all right! I'm saved, so it doesn't matter!!" In this Blogsite, let's examine what the Bible says about the consequences of a false view of End-Time events.
It Matters BIG Time!
It matters because, some who consider themselves saved could unwittingly receive the Mark of the Beast. The Bible clearly says that everyone wearing the Mark will be forever lost. Billions of Christians are listening to their have Pastors assuring them that they are saved, and thus CANNOT be lost, no matter how grievous their sin, even wearing the Mark of the Beast! Add to this the fact that all Pre-Trib Pastors are assuring their congregations that they have no need to fear the Mark because God will not allow Antichrist to inflict the Mark till they all have been Raptured away to Heaven. The Ministers say this is the specific reason they'll be Raptured to Heaven; to spare them having to deal with Antichrist and the Tribulation.
What if there's NOT a Rapture Before the Tribulation?
After over 30 years of carefully evaluating Pre-Trib Dispensationalism, this Author has concluded that Christians will absolutely face Antichrist and they will go through the Tribulation. However, God has promised that when the last portion of the Tribulation occurs, the Seven Last Plagues, none of His people will suffer. During the first part of the Tribulation, God's people will be tested, and some even give their lives as witnesses for the Lord. However as we go through this Blogsite, we will show how millions, possibly billions, of Christians will be BLIND SIDED and spiritually BODY SLAMMED by the, "Great Tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world" (Matt.24:21)! Instead of being, "Snatched Away" from earth, these people will be totally unprepared and thus be perfectly set up for Antichrist's Delusions! So, it matters!
Worse - MUCH WORSE!
Billions of people are presently being told that they are, "Christians in Good Standing," members of, "The Bride of Christ," God's True Church People," but as we proceed, we'll see many Bible warnings that tell us what the last day delusions will be. Be prepared for many shocking facts. Sadly many who think they are Christians in good standing will be among those who will be unwittingly worshiping Antichrist. "And ALL that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the Lamb's Book of Life" (Rev.13:8)! "And ALL the World wondered after the Beast (Antichrist)! And they worshiped the Dragon (Satan) who gave power unto the Beast! And they worshiped the Beast, saying, Who is like unto the Beast? Who is able to make war with him" (Vss.3-4)? Jesus, Paul, and John told us exactly what Christians should watch for. Let's look at just a few of their warnings:
Antichrist NOT a Gross Looking Monster
Preachers often portray Antichrist as an ugly, evil looking Creature bringing terrible things upon the people of Earth. Some literature portrays a Monster branding 666 on the foreheads of Zombie-looking people. This is exactly the description Satan wants us to see. The Bible's descriptions of Antichrist show a very charismatic, good looking man that, from all appearances, is kind and gentle. In his grand deception of the earth's masses he'll perform, "great signs and wonders" (Matt.24:24; Rev.13:13)!
"Acts of God"
The History Channel often shows Antichrist segments featuring Popular Preachers describing Antichrist, "Bringing Unimaginable Catastrophes upon Humanity." Satan has always been responsible for horrid weather and causing death and destruction all over our planet. However, when God allows Satan to use Antichrist to organize his followers in their final attempt to destroy God's people, Satan, through Antichrist, will make certain promises. Antichrist will declare that all of the bad weather, earthquakes, and other so-called, "Acts of God" that are occurring in excess are because God is angry with earth's inhabitants because they are disobeying His 10 Commandments. But the Commandments Antichrist refers to are not God's 10 Commandments, but rather a set of 10 Commandments that looks almost exactly like the real thing, but will have some slight changes. Underscore, "changes." Antichrist will promise the world that, if they will obey his slightly revised 10 Commandments, all of this destruction will stop. But almost no one will notice the slight alterations. Let's ever remember that Satan is a master deceiver! Daniel prophesied, "He (Antichrist) will think to Change the Times and the Laws" (Dan.7:25).
Mark of the Beast
If we search the Bible from cover to cover, and list all verses that give a hint as to what the Mark of the Beast could be, Daniel's reference to the, Changed Time and Law, tops the list. The next two Bible verses identifying the Mark are as follows. John was shown in Revelation that Satan will, "Make war on the Remnant of her seed, who keep the Commandments of God, and have the Testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rev.12:17). Immediately after writing this, John gave the most comprehensive prophetic description of Antichrist found anywhere in Scripture. Immediately after giving this description, John wrote the following: "Here is the patience of the saints. Here are they that keep the Commandments of God, and have the the faith of Jesus" (Rev.14:12). Obviously the Commandments of God and Antichrist's "changed law," will be at the center of Antichrist's Mark.
Do these three Bible Verses tell us something? It seems they do! They portray God's people obeying His Commandments during the Tribulation, and Satan making war on them because they obey God. Antichrist is saying we either obey his "Changed Law,"or we will be killed (Rev.13:15).
Let's stop a moment and do a Reality Check. If we look at the Ten Commandments in the Bible, there is only one Commandment dealing with time. "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it Holy." Now let's be honest. Christians explain the Sabbath Commandment in two way, and in both we see that word, "Change," the same word that describes what Antichrist will do.
1 - "The Sabbath is CHANGED to Sunday."
2 - "The 7th day, Saturday, is still the Sabbath, but the Early Church CHANGED the worship day to Sunday."
So, if Antichrist showed up today, and wanted to "Change a Commandment," specifically the Commandment having to do with TIME, wouldn't his work be done already? And what if, "Thinking to Change the Times and the Laws," is the Mark of the Beast? As we've seen in the top three Bible Verses describing Antichrist, this "change," seems to be the top contender for the Mark. And what if John is correct when he says that all who wear the Mark of the Beast will be forever lost and will be the focus of the Seven Last Plagues?
So, our original Question was, "Does it make a difference what we believe?" If what we have presented above is true; if changing (abolishing) God's Sabbath Commandment becomes the the Mark of the Beast, over 98% of Christians would already there. That is approximately 1/3 of earth's population. Another 1/3 honors Friday and rejects the Sabbath. At this present time, less than 1% of the world's population actually honors the Sabbath. So, if rejecting God's Sabbath does become the line of demarcation between God's people and Antichrist's people, would it be safe to say that, "all the world wondering after and worshiping the Beast," is well on its way?
In a vision, John, "Heard a Great Voice from the Temple saying to the Seven Angels, Go your ways, and pour out the Vials (Bowls) of the wrath of God upon the earth" (Rev.16:1)! These 7 Last Plagues are God's way of intervening on behalf of His Commandment Keeping People. Those who've allowed themselves to be deluded by Antichrist and are following Antichrist's "Changed Time Law" (Dan.7:25) will be the recipients of these 7 Plagues, while God's people are totally protected. Do we know for sure that God's people will be safe throughout these Plagues? John says they will.
Warning From John and Jesus
John was shown the only way for earth's living inhabitants to avoid these 7 Last Plagues. He wrote, "And I heard another voice from Heaven, saying, COME OUT OF HER MY PEOPLE, that ye that ye be not partakers of her sins and that ye RECEIVE NOT OF HER PLAGUES" (Rev.18:4)! Does it matter what we believe? The Bible says all who, "Wonder After and Worship the Beast and receive his Mark" will suffer "Torment" of these Plagues and be eternally lost (Rev 14:9-12)!
Christian's Excuse for Discarding The Sabbath
What have Christians used to explain why they feel it is acceptable to "Change" God's only Commandment dealing with time? They declare, "Grace Frees Them to Disobey God's Law."
So what does this have to do with Pre-Trib and the Rapture?
Pre-Trib and the Sabbath
It is a Pre-Trib Doctrine that during this present "Grace Dispensation," Christians are to follow the popular belief that says, "Grace allows us to disregard God's Law." In fact, Pre-Trib says God is pleased that Christians have "Changed" His Sabbath Commandment. Unless the Reader is a Pre-Trib Minister, and has attended a Pre-Trib College or University, be prepared for a shock. Pre-Trib says God will change His standard after He Raptures His Church to Heaven. According to Pre-Trib, God requires His people change back to honoring the Sabbath during the Great Tribulation. Pre-Trib also says the whole world will obey the Sabbath Command for a thousand years during what they call the "Millennial Kingdom" here on earth. So, let's look at other Pre-Trib Doctrines that most people, even most Pre-Trib Church members, will be surprised. As we proceed, it will become more and more clear that it matters what we believe.
One Taken—One Left Behind
Study Text #1 “Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left" (Mt.24:40). This is the flagship Bible verse for Rapture promoters. Dispensational Professors and educated Pre-Trib promoters, however, admit the verse has NOTHING to do with their Pre-Trib Rapture. However, as long as the text is used as proof by their Ministers, let's see how it's a powerful Scripture denouncing Pre-Trib.
Immediately AFTER the Tribulation
After Jesus said, "One is Taken - The Other LEFT," He told His Disciples exactly when He would "Take one and leave one." He said, “Immediately AFTER the Tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give its light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. 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. 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” (Matt.24:29-31). Underscore "after" and "Gather His Elect," because Jesus went on to tell who'd be "gathered" "immediately AFTER the Tribulation," when, "Two shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left" (Vs.40)! The Bible is clear when we stop trying to stretch it around our Theories and Doctrines. Now that we know the time when, "One is taken and one is left," let's look at who the "One Taken" is.
Who are the Elect?
If Jesus sends angels to, “gather together His Elect,” obviously the people left behind are NOT His Elect! What REALLY happens to those, "Left Behind?" Jesus said, “Then [when angels are gathering His Elect] shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, the other left” (Vss.40- 41). Jesus compared His Second Coming to Sodom during Lot's day in which those left behind were all destroyed. He compared it to Noah’s day in which the left behind were going about their daily lives, “until the day Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all” (Lk.17:27). Those left behind, outside the ark, were all destroyed. The Theory, however, says the people left behind when Jesus comes will be alive, and they will be the Elect. So the very phrase used to promote a Pre-Trib Rapture is a Scripture text denying it. There'll be no one Left Behind to read the books and watch the movies instructing them on how to use their second chance.
When Jesus spoke of the, “Great Tribulation” He was quoting Daniel. Let’s look at Daniel.
Daniel - No Rapture Before Time of Trouble
Study Text #2 “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince who standeth for the children of thy people, and there shall be a time of trouble [the Great Tribulation], such as never was since there 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. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt” (Dan.12:1-2).
Daniel says, "every one" of God’s people will be delivered.This means every saved person from planet earth, period. Every saved person that has died, and every saved person alive when Jesus comes will be taken to Heaven to the place He prepared for them (See Jn.14:1-3). All the saved who are, “alive and remain” (1Thess.4:17), and all the saved who, “sleep in the dust” (Dan.12:2) will be taken to Heaven when Jesus comes. The Bible lists only two resurrections—one for the righteous at Jesus’ Coming and one for the wicked when they face Judgment at the end of the 1000 years (See Rev.20:5).
Fake Letter To The Thessalonians - Fake Pre-Trib Letter!?!
Study Text #3 “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together unto Him, 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. Let no man deceive you by any means; for that Day (the Day of our gathering together unto Him) shall not come, except there come a falling away (apostasy) first, and that man of sin (Antichrist) be revealed, the son of perdition, Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he, as God, sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Remember ye not that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things” (2Thess.2:1-4). Pre-Trib insists the Church will be "snatched away" BEFORE the Man of Sin (Antichrist) is "Revealed," and allowed to do his evil work. But Paul said, “Let no man deceive you by any means; for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin [Antichrist] be revealed, the son of perdition” (Vs.3).
"Was Paul Wrong?"
Paul gave the exact order of events in 2 Thessalonians, but Pre-Trib insists we must reverse the order of events! Does it matter?
Jesus and Paul say, "No Pre-Trib Rapture!" and "No Pre-Antichrist Rapture." So what about all those Popular Preachers telling us, "You don't need to worry about Antichrist because you'll be in Heaven when he works?"
The "Last" Trump
Study Text #4 “Behold, I show you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed, 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” (1Cor.15:51-52).
Jesus also said there'll be a trumpet at His Second Coming when, “One is taken and the other left [behind].” He said His trumpet would blow, "immediately after the Tribulation." “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” (Matt. 24:29-30). It appears that Paul was quoting Jesus word for word. We suggest he may have been, and because Paul said, "Last Trump," there can be no doubt that he and Jesus are describing the same event.
2 Trumpets - 7 Years Apart
But, Pre-Trib says the trumpet Paul refers to occurs 7 years before the trumpet Jesus refers to. If Pre-Trib is correct, Paul should've written, "FIRST Trump" not the "Last Trumpet." If Paul and Jesus are referring to the same trumpet, Paul wrote correctly. If not, if Pre-Trib is correct, Paul wrote incorrectly!
"Let No Man Deceive You!!!"
When Jesus and Paul gave us the sequence of Last Day Events, they both warned that "Men would deceive us." Paul wrote, “Let no man deceive you by any means” (2Thess.2:3). Jesus said, “Take heed that NO MAN DECEIVE YOU” (Matt.24:4). Obviously they were keenly aware that Satan would be "Deceiving" people, specifically about the order of events! Perhaps it is because Satan will use this in setting up his Last-Day Delusions! So, does it matter what we believe? Jesus and Paul say it does absolutely!
Secret "Snatching Away"
Study Text #5 “For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; Then we who 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" (1Thess.4:16-17).
There's Paul's, "LAST Trump" again, and here he adds details making it anything but secret! He wrote of clouds, a shout, and the Voice of the Archangel. Pre-Trib says Paul is describing the Rapture they have built their whole belief system upon. But the clouds, a trumpet, a shout, and the Voice of the Archangel sounds exactly like what Jesus said about His Second Coming: “The Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 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” (Matt.24:30). John wrote about the same event as Paul, and he added a detail that makes it anything but "Secret." “Behold He cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see Him” (Rev.1:7). This is the same event that Paul and Jesus wrote about, and John cleared up any possibility of it being a secret, "snatching away" event. Pre-Trib says there are 2 "Comings of Jesus" in the future. First a Rapture in which Jesus will not be visible to everyone, followed in 7 years by the Second Coming when every living person on earth will see Him. If John was not referring to the very next time Jesus comes, wouldn't he have made that clear? Again, does it really matter what we believe?
Secret Chamber
We suggest that God will not allow Satan to, "Fake a Second Coming" with Clouds, a Trumpet heard around the world, a massive number of Angels, and all of the other glorious happenings that will be seen by, "Every Eye" at Jesus Coming. But, a "Secret" coming is entirely possible for Satan to fake. It may even be probable! Jesus warned of "False Christ's." Perhaps this is why Jesus warned us with the following? "If any man shall say unto you, 'Lo, here is Christ, or there, Believe it NOT" (Matt.24:23)! "Wherefore if they say unto you, 'Behold He is in the desert,' Go not forth! 'He is in the SECRET Chambers,' believe it NOT! For as the lightening cometh out of the east and shineth even unto the west, so also shall the Coming of the Son of Man be" (Vss.26-27)! Is Jesus warning us NOT to be deceived that there'll be anything "SECRET" about His Coming! We suggest Jesus believed it matters what we believe.
Jesus Coming With All His Saints
Study Text #6 “To the end He may stablish your hearts unblamable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints” (1Thess.3:13).
Pre-Trib says, “With His Saints,” refers to the Second Coming because those "Saints" are the Church People that were Raptured 7 years before His Coming. It sounds like a good point, until we notice that Paul is writing directly to the Thessalonian Church. Earlier we looked at a second letter Paul sent to this same Thessalonian Church saying, “Let no man deceive you by any means; for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition” (2Thess.2:3). Let's Paraphrase Paul’s message: "Let no man deceive you! If anyone claims I've written a letter saying Jesus is going to come and take you to Heaven BEFORE Antichrist is revealed, don’t believe it!"
In our study text about Jesus coming with His Saints, Paul was saying to the Thessalonian Church, "Establish Your hearts so that when Jesus comes with all His Saints, you will be able to stand in Holiness Unblamable before God." Was Paul assuming the Thessalonians would have been "Left Behind" at the Rapture? If the Thessalonians were Raptured 7 years before the event Paul was writing about, then he would need to refer to the Thessalonians as being a part of the "Saints" returning with Jesus. A simple reading of Paul's words clearly indicates that the Thessalonians, along with All Believers will be here on earth when Jesus comes with all His saints. The key word is “your.” “To the end He may stablish your hearts unblamable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.” In order for Pre-Trib to be correct, Paul would have written this letter to the, "Left Behind Jews," not the Thessalonian "Church."
If Paul believed in a Pre-Trib Rapture, he'd have written the following to the Thessalonians:
"To the end He may stablish the hearts of those left behind after the Rapture, who become believers later, unblamable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ when He brings all of you with Him. This message is NOT for you Thessalonians because when our Lord comes, you'll have been in Heaven for 7 years." We'd best let Paul's words say what they say. It matters!
Who Are Those Saints?
Who are the “Saints” Jesus brings with Him? He told us already. He said, “When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all His Holy Angels with Him, He shall sit upon the throne of His glory” (Matt.25:31). His Angels are these Saints.
God’s Wrath Poured out on Earth
Study Text #7 “For God hath not appointed us to wrath but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Thess.5:9).
Pre-Trib says God takes his Church to Heaven so they'll not be hurt during the Tribulation. Is God unable to preserve His people during the Tribulation? His wrath is toward those trying to hurt His People. God promised his people they'll not receive these plagues. “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” (Rev.18:4).
"My People" - His ELECT
God's Church and His Elect are one and the same (See 1Pet.1:1; Rom.8:33; Col.3:12; Tit.1:1; Js.1:1; 2Jn.1).
The Elect is the Bride of Christ! Jesus will protect His Bride! He said: “And ye shall be hated of all men for My name’s sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish” (Lk.21:17-18). “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” (Lk.21:36). Paul said, “For God hath not appointed us to wrath but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Thess.5:9).
Paul’s Crown at Christ’s APPEARING
Study Text #8 “I charge thee, before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick [living] and the dead at His appearing and His Kingdom” (2 Tim.4:1). “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” (Vs.8). What “day” did Paul expect to receive his crown? The DAY of Christ's “Appearing and His Kingdom,” Was Paul miss-informed? Pre-Trib says Paul won't receive his crown at Christ's Appearing, but 7 years before when he's Raptured. Pre-Trib says Jesus doesn't make an, "Appearing" when He "Raptures" His Church to Heaven. We suggest Paul wrote it like the Holy Spirit gave it to him.
Will the Second Coming be a Surprise?
Study Text # 9 “Watch, therefore, for ye know the hour your Lord doth come" (Matt. 24:42)!
Also: “Behold I come as a thief. Blessed is He that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame” (Rev.16:15). We'll simply say here that Pre-Trib actually places these Prophecies as Christ's Second Coming and not at the Rapture that they teach. But, Jesus said, “Watch YE,” “YOU know not the hour.” (See Also Lk.12:39; 1Thess.5:2; 2Pet3:10). In most cases, when Jesus says, "Ye," and, "You," He was speaking to His Disciples. Any Pre-Trib teacher will tell us the Disciples were the founders of His Church, not representatives of "Left Behind" people; not representatives of a future generation of Jews after the Church has been Raptured to Heaven.
"Watch"
Study Text #10—“Watch ye, therefore; for ye know not when the master of the house cometh… Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.” “Watch therefore for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Mk.13:35-36)! Note also: “Watch, therefore; for ye know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of man cometh” (Mt.25:13). “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels who are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for ye know not when the time is” (Mk. 13:33). “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. For like a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 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” (Lk.21:34-36).
Pre-Trib says all of the above texts above are Second Coming and not the Rapture they have built their whole system upon. Thus, according to Pre-Trib, every time Jesus used the words, "Ye," and "Your," in these Prophecies, He is not referring to His Church, but to a future generation of Jews after the Church has been Raptured into Heaven. But, again, every time Jesus said "Ye" and "You," He was speaking to His Disciples, who are the founders of His Church. So, regardless of what anyone says, according to Jesus the Church will be here on earth and "Watching" for His Second Coming. text says the Second Coming is a surprise and all texts are directed to the Church. Would Jesus have said, “Take heed, watch and pray; for ye know not when the time is” (Mk. 13:33), if the persons referred to by "Ye" were already in Heaven, and had been there for up to 7 years? He wouldn’t and He didn’t!
“Hearts Overcharged with Surfeiting”
Study Text #11 “And take heed to yourselves [speaking to His Disciples, thus His Church] lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and the cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares” (Lk.21:34)! We have another Website devoted entirely to what Jesus really said when He warned of "Surfeiting". It's called Hearts Overcharged With Surfeiting. We'll give a hint as to what you'll see in that Website. "Surfeiting" has as it's root word, "Harpazo." Harpazo is the word from which Pre-Trib gets their word "Rapture" and it means "Carried Away up" which could also be translated "Snatched Away Up." Thus Jesus could have meant, "Do Not let your hearts be Overcharged with excitement believing you'll be Raptured Away instead of facing Antichrist and the Tribulation!" If this is what Jesus was really saying, and the overwhelming evidence says this is so, it is very important. Jesus would not have warned us if He didn't think it mattered. So, does it matter what we believe?
New Covenant and The Lord’s Supper
Study Text #12 “For this is the blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matt.26:28).
These are Jesus' words as He instituted the Lord’s Supper. Every Christian Church celebrates this service, and except for Easter, it is the Church's highest activity. The Lord's Supper supports the proclamation that Christians are New Testament believers. Thus, the Church is New Testament. The question now is, is the Church also New Covenant?New Testament Church?
Ask a Pre-Trib Minister the question: “Are We New Testament Believers?" He'll answer in no uncertain terms, "WE ARE Absolutely!" He will tell you all about how the Old Testament people were, "Under the Law," and how God demanded they obey it, but now, we are "Under Grace and Free from the Law!"
New Covenant Church
Then ask the same Minister, "Are We New Covenant Believers?" If he is a well studied Pre-Trib Minister, he will tell you that the Church actually has nothing to do with the New Covenant. He will tell you that the New Covenant is not for Christians in the Grace Dispensation, but rather for a future generation of Jews that are not converted to Christianity until after the Rapture. He'll say that the New Covenant is ONLY for the Jews during the Tribulation and the Millennial Kingdom. To prove his point, he'll quote the following: “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a New Covenant with ISRAEL, and with the house of Judah…This shall be the Covenant that I will make with the house of ISRAEL: After those days, saith the Lord. I will put My Laws in their minds and I will write them in their hearts" (For the complete quote, see Jer.31:31 and Heb.8:8-10 and 10:16). The Minister will then explain that, since the New Covenant will involve the Law, it can't be for the Church because the, "Church" is free from the Law. He will quote some variation of, "Grace Frees Us From Obeying God's Law!!"
New Testament, but, NOT New Covenant?
So, according to our Pre-Trib Ministers, the Church is New Testament but actually NOT New Covenant. But, there's a problem! In the original Greek, New Covenant and New Testament are EXACTLY, Identically, the same word! The Greek word is, “dia-the-ke” (pronounced dee-ath-ay-kay). Every time the word “covenant” or “testament” appears in the New Testament portion of the Bible, the original Greek word is always “dia-the-ke" and ALWAYS means "Covenant." If the Church is "New Testament," it is "New Covenant! Why is this Important? It's important because if it is true, Jesus, in His own words, established the New Covenant with His Church. He instituted the Lord’s Supper with His Disciples, the founders of His Church. He instructed His Church to Celebrate His, "Lord's Supper" often. Jesus said He would Celebrate this "Lord's Supper" with them, in His Kingdom. John called this future, Heavenly, "Lord's Supper" the "Marriage Supper of the Lamb." Christ's Church is to be the "Bride of Christ" at this Marriage Supper. Thus, the notion that the New Covenant is only for a future generation of Jews CANNOT be! Jesus wouldn't set up a New Covenant and a Lord's Supper Celebration for His Church if this Covenant was not for His Church! Let's look at this "Marriage of the Lamb" a little closer.
New Covenant and the Bride of Christ
Study Text #13 “But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s Kingdom” (Matt.26:29).
Reading this in it's context shows that the Church and the New Covenant CANNOT be separated.
“For this is the blood of the New Testament (New Covenant), which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s Kingdom” (Matt.26:28-29). Jesus is saying that, someday, in His Father’s Kingdom, He will celebrate the, “Marriage Supper of the Lamb” with His “New Covenant People.” If this Supper is the "Marriage Supper Lamb," this Supper is with Christ's Bride, His Church! Luke adds more: “I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the Kingdom of God” (Lk.22:16). “I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the Kingdom of God shall come” (Vs.18). Jesus says this Heavenly Supper will NOT take place until the Kingdom of God is established, and ONLY New Covenant people participate in this Supper. Pre-Trib says Jesus partakes of this Supper 7 years BEFORE the Kingdom is established. Pre-Trib's also says there'll be NO New Covenant believers participating in the Marriage Supper because these New Covenant Jews were Left Behind at a Rapture! So, if the Church is "New Covenant," and there is No future Generation of Jews that will be the New Covenant Believers, this changes everything. The Church will need to take a close look at all of the Bible descriptions of what New Covenant means. The "Bride of Christ" has some responsibilities.
Satan's Bait and Switch
Who's the REAL Bride of Jesus? Has the enemy of our souls done a Bait and Switch? Revelation Prophesies much about about the, "Bride of Christ," and a "Great Whore." Satan intends to make the "Great Whore" appear to be the Christ's Bride. Is Satan's "Bait and Switch" working? For complete details on this, see The Bride of Christ. Before leaving this section on the Bride of Christ, we need to look at something. Pre-Trib is based on Dispensationalism. Dispensationalism says there are 7 Dispensations from Creation till the end of the Millennium when Jesus creates a New Earth. Pre-Trib says that one of these Dispensations, the one we are living in now, the one they call the "Grace Dispensation" and "Church Dispensation," requires Christian Believers to set aside God's Law because of Grace. All other 6 Dispensations require obedience to God. Pre-Trib says ONLY those living during this so-called, "Grace Dispensation," can become the BRIDE of CHRIST. In other words, based on Pre-Trib's own description of their belief system, only disobedient people, people disregarding God's Law, can become the Bride of Christ!! For more on this, including documentation from Pre-Trib Dispensationalists verifying what we are presenting here, see Website "The Bride of Christ." The Bible is all too clear that the Great Whore is disobedient to God and the Bride of Christ is obedient. Following is Scripture showing this: "The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the Remnant [the ELECT] of her seed, who keep (obey) the Commandments of God and have the Testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rev.12:17). "Here is the patience of the saints [the Elect; Bride of Christ], here are they that keep the (obey) the Commandments of God and have the Faith of Jesus" (Rev.14:12). Now let's see what the Bible says about the woman associated with Antichrist, the Great Whore. Obviously that woman will obey whatever Law Antichrist put's forth. "And he (Antichrist) shall think to change the Times and the Laws" (Dan.7:25).
"Bridezilla"
The TV Show, Bridezilla, shows a Bride that thinks the rules of Common Sense and Common Coutesy do not apply to her, since, after all SHE'S THE BRIDE!! Much the same is true concerning a popular version of the Bride of Christ. The real Bride of Christ will reflect Christ's Character. The false Bride is the opposite, even showing a "Better-Than-Thou" attitude, claiming she is exempt from obedience to God's Law. She claims that because of "Grace," disobedience is not only acceptable, "Grace" makes it is necessary.
Who is the GREAT WHORE in Revelation?
The "Great Whore" is the Religion of Antichrist; the outgrowth of the "apostasy" ("falling away") Paul prophesied (See 2Thess.2:3). She embraces Antichrist's "changed times and laws," promoting the notion that, "Grace Frees us to Disobey or Change God's Law." The Great Whore, will actually be the inflicter of the Mark of the Beast upon the real Bride of Christ.
Millions are being told that they are the Bride of Christ, but in reality, they are actually in the process of being set up to be part of the Great Whore. Because of the Doctrine, "Grace allows us to Disobey God's Law," millions are embracing Antichrist's, "Changed Times and Laws." Today we hear Preachers take this "Grace" movement one step further, and their message of "Freedom" moves to, "Grace DEMANDS us to disregard God's Law." Our Preachers are telling us that if we obey God's Law, we are rejecting "Grace," in favor of "Legalism." Satan's Bait and Switch is working well for him. So Sad!! In pulpits all over the world, preachers who think they are teaching truth are actually unwittingly working for the enemy of our souls!
Who is the Bride of Christ?She is ALL of the Redeemed from Creation to the Second Coming of Jesus. Jesus has gone to prepare a place for His Bride and when she’s ready, He will come to receive her to Himself that where He is, there she may be also (Jn.14:1-3). She is God's true Church and She is New Covenant Israel.
Christ's Bride is NOT a limited group of, "Grace Agers." Christ's Bride is made up of Believers who, through the working of the Holy Spirit, reflect Christ's Character. The World, and the Universe, will witness Christ's Bride's obedience to God. "The 144 Thousand"
Although the Bride of Christ will include Believers from Creation to the Second Coming, John, in Revelation, seems to imply that there will be a special, "Tribulation Group" that has a closer connection with Jesus throughout eternity. Pre-Trib says, however, that there'll be NO Tribulation Believers within Christ's Bride. Revelation describes 144 Thousand Israelites. Could you, Dear Reader, be part of them? The Bible and Mathematics says you can! Pre-Trib says NO! Pre-Trib also says the 144 Thousand CANNOT be part of Christ's Bride! Pre-Trib says that the 144 Thousand are completely disqualified because, when the Church is Raptured, the 144 Thousand will be "Left Behind" when Jesus takes His Bride to Heaven. But, Revelation says the 144 Thousand are given the top spot within the Bride of Christ. See The Bride of Christ and The 144 Thousand for more details.
Isaiah's Tripple End-Time Warning
Study Text #14 "Behold the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth the inhabitants thereof" (Isa.24:1)! "The land shall be utterly emptied and utterly spoiled; for the Lord hath spoken it" (vs.3)! "The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof, because they have Transgressed the Laws, Changed the Ordinance, and Broken the EVERLASTING COVENANT! Therefore (because of this) hath the CURSE devoured the Earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate, therefore the inhabitants of the earth are BURNED and few men are left" (Vss.4-5)!
Isaiah warned that in the Last Days, just before the Lord Comes, 3 grevious sins would cause God to be angry with earth's inhabitants.
1 - Transgressing His Laws
2 - Changing His Ordinance
3 - Breaking His Everlasting (New) Covenant
According to Isaiah's Prophecy, just before Christ's Coming, all but a very few of earth's inhabitants will be guilty of these offences against God's Commandments, Changing His Ordinance, and rejecting Christ's Everlasting New Covenant. Did Isaiah Prophesy correct?
Pretty much all of Christianity is guilty of the three offences Isaiah Prophesied. However, since we are discussing primarily Pre-Trib and Dispensationalism, Isaiah's prophecy is actually a perfect fit. We'll look at each in the light of Dispensationalism.
1. Transgressing God's Laws - As we have show already, Pre-Trib Dispensationalism says that, because we are living in the "Grace Dispensationalism," Grace allows us to disregard the Law during this time. In light of Isaiah's prophecy, we suggest Dispensationalism might need to examine their view on this.
2. Changing the Ordinance - Pre-Trib says the Sabbath Ordinance has been changed during the "Grace Dispensation" and says that Sunday has temporarily replaced it.
3. Broken the Everlasting Covenant - As we have shown before, Pre-Trib Dispensationalism says the New Covenant is not for the Church, but is for a future generation of Jews that will convert to Christianity after the Church has been Raptured to Heaven.
Opportunity For Satan's Delusion
If Pre-Trib is correct and it is mandatory for the Church to disregard God's Commandments, replacing them with "Grace" until the Church is Raptured, and if it is acceptable and mandatory to "Change one of God's Ordinances," and if the New Covenant is NOT for the Church but a future, "Left Behind" generation of Jews, then we are safe with the popular Pre-Trib Rapture Theory! BUT, if Pre-Trib is incorrect, and Jesus IS going to curse and destroy with fire all of earth's inhabitants that, "Transgress His Laws, Change His Ordinance, and Break His New Covenant" (Isa.24:5), then what we believe and teach matters, and could determine not only our salvation, but the salvation of those to whom we witness! If the prophecies of Isaiah, Daniel, Jesus, Paul, and John are true, all but a very few of earth's inhabitants will be lost and destroyed when Jesus comes! Let's pray that we will teach only what God's Word teaches!!The Church in the Book of Revelation
Text #15 “I, Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the Churches" (Rev.22:16)! Pre-Trib says the warnings and instructions in Revelation are NOT for the Church, but ONLY for that future generation of Jews that will be "Left Behind" when Jesus comes to take His People to Heaven. Pre-Trib says the 144,000 Jews will be Left Behind because they will not believe in Jesus at that time. So, to believe and teach that none of the warnings in Revelation are for us could cause us to be totally unprepared for what we will face. If Jesus appeared to John on the Isle of Patmos and gave him the most comprehensive warnings about End-Time Events found anywhere in Scripture; warnings specifically for the Church, and the Church proclaims these latest and best warnings have nothing to do with them, such reckless disregard for Christ's Words will cause many to walk directly into Satan's Delusions and his trap!! Does it Matter what we believe? "I Come Quickly" with "Rewards"
Text #16 “And behold I come quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give EVERY man according as his work shall be” (Rev. 22:12)! Jesus said “every” man. He also said “Behold I come Quickly." Surely the words, "Come Quickly" refer to the very next time Jesus comes to Earth. Pre-Trib says only, "snatched away" or "Raptured" people get their rewards at this time. If Pre-Trib is correct, billions of Left Behind people could not receive their rewards then, but must wait 7 more years. We suggest that if Jesus said, "EVERY Man," He meant every man. Pre-Trib places itself further from what Jesus said by claiming there will be a Millennial Kingdom here on earth filled with mortals. Thus, according to Pre-Trib, it will be 1007 more years before, "Every Man" receives his "Reward." Let's look at all of the people Pre-Trib says CANNOT receive their "Rewards" when Jesus comes to take His People to Heaven:
1- Those "Left Behind" that later become believers. (This would include the 144 Thousand (Rev. 14:1), and the “Great multitude which no man can number” (Rev. 7:9).
2- The "Left Behind" wicked people that never become Believers.
3- The Old Testament Saints that died before Jesus was crucified. (Pre-Trib says these are not resurrected until after a 7 year Tribulation, thus, Old Testament Saints are NOT part of the Bride of Christ.)
4- Not-yet-born saints from the Millennium. (Pre-Trib says billions will be born during a Millennial Kingdom here on earth after Jesus "comes quickly.")
5- Not yet born people that later are deceived by Satan at the end of the Millennium. (We must remind the Reader that we do not believe any of the 5 above groups exist, according to Scripture. As Jesus said, when He "Comes Quickly," He "Rewards EVERY person!”)
"Let the Unjust Be Unjust Still!"
Study Text # 17 “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he that is filthy, let him be filthy still” (Rev.22:11). According to Jesus, when He "Comes Quickly" it is forever too late for sinners to repent! Everyone who's lost will never change! If we are telling the world that everyone will have another chance after Jesus says, "Let the Unjust be Unjust Still," IT MATTERS what we think and teach!!
Revising, Reversing, Rearranging Scripture!
Text #18 “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall ADD unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book; And if any man shall TAKE AWAY from the words of this prophecy, God shall take away his name out the Book of Life, and out of the Holy City, and from the things which are written in this book” (Rev. 22:18-19)! We'll simply say that the above MATTERS! A large segment of Christianity openly denies the above, saying a person's name cannot be removed no matter what!
“Once Saved – Always Saved”
Some think they’ve been “Saved,” thus they cannot be lost, even if they tamper with God’s Word! John seems to disagree. He said our names will be removed if we do!! What happens if our names are Removed from the Book of Life?? Does it Matter?
MARK OF THE BEAST?
The only people who’ll receive the, "7 Last Plagues" of Revelation are those wearing the Mark of the Beast! So, is John REALLY saying, "Tamper with Revelation - Wear the Mark of the Beast?" If our Doctrines revise, reverse or rearrange any part of Revelation, or any Scripture, it WILL Matter!!
Has Anyone Tampered With Revelation?
Unless the Reader is already aware of this, you'll be Shocked! The exact text in which John warned us not to tamper with the words Jesus gave him has been tampered with! In the King James Bible we read the following from Revelation: "If any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life” (Rev.22:19). The NIV Bible and many other translations render this verse as, "God shall take away his part from the Tree of Life." Which is correct? Now there's no way to know for absolute certainty. Researchers have found transcripts showing both versions and they are not certain which is from the original. It may not matter as both phrases convey the same message; eternal lose of salvation. But, someone at some time, tampered with the very words John wrote warning them not to tamper. Be it ever so insignificant—even though the change didn't compromise the original intent, Scripture should be left alone.
Another Example
Let’s look at another Revelation Text. Note the underlined words:
“Blessed are they that do His Commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the City” (Rev. 22:14; King James Version). Compare:
“Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have right to the tree of life and may enter in through the gates into the City" (NIV, and many other versions). Is it, “do His Commandments,” or, “wash their robes?” Again, someone tampered with John's words. Although both statements are truth, and neither promotes bad doctrine, someone added to and took away from the original text. We should never fool around with Scripture!
Was Tampering Done for a Bad Cause?
Good or Bad - Doesn't matter! We should NEVER make changes in God's Word! The Bible makes it clear that, even during the days of the Apostles, the Powers of Darkness were at work claiming that, "Grace frees us to disobey God's Ten Commandments!" Thus, if a person who endorsed this "Grace," false doctrine was asked to transcribe John's Book of Revelation, he could have been horrified by John's statement saying, "Blessed are they that do His Commandments." Thinking such a statement was promoting "Salvation by Works," he might take the liberty change it to, "Blessed are they that washed their robes." The substituted phrase would still be truth, but, the Holy Spirit gave John every message for a reason, thus the message should be left alone! Any tampering with God’s Word is blasphemy! Sadly, as we have shown in this Website, reversing, revising, and rejecting Scripture is done on a grand scale today!
3- The Old Testament Saints that died before Jesus was crucified. (Pre-Trib says these are not resurrected until after a 7 year Tribulation, thus, Old Testament Saints are NOT part of the Bride of Christ.)
4- Not-yet-born saints from the Millennium. (Pre-Trib says billions will be born during a Millennial Kingdom here on earth after Jesus "comes quickly.")
5- Not yet born people that later are deceived by Satan at the end of the Millennium. (We must remind the Reader that we do not believe any of the 5 above groups exist, according to Scripture. As Jesus said, when He "Comes Quickly," He "Rewards EVERY person!”)
"Let the Unjust Be Unjust Still!"
Study Text # 17 “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he that is filthy, let him be filthy still” (Rev.22:11). According to Jesus, when He "Comes Quickly" it is forever too late for sinners to repent! Everyone who's lost will never change! If we are telling the world that everyone will have another chance after Jesus says, "Let the Unjust be Unjust Still," IT MATTERS what we think and teach!!
Revising, Reversing, Rearranging Scripture!
Text #18 “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall ADD unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book; And if any man shall TAKE AWAY from the words of this prophecy, God shall take away his name out the Book of Life, and out of the Holy City, and from the things which are written in this book” (Rev. 22:18-19)! We'll simply say that the above MATTERS! A large segment of Christianity openly denies the above, saying a person's name cannot be removed no matter what!
“Once Saved – Always Saved”
Some think they’ve been “Saved,” thus they cannot be lost, even if they tamper with God’s Word! John seems to disagree. He said our names will be removed if we do!! What happens if our names are Removed from the Book of Life?? Does it Matter?
MARK OF THE BEAST?
The only people who’ll receive the, "7 Last Plagues" of Revelation are those wearing the Mark of the Beast! So, is John REALLY saying, "Tamper with Revelation - Wear the Mark of the Beast?" If our Doctrines revise, reverse or rearrange any part of Revelation, or any Scripture, it WILL Matter!!
Has Anyone Tampered With Revelation?
Unless the Reader is already aware of this, you'll be Shocked! The exact text in which John warned us not to tamper with the words Jesus gave him has been tampered with! In the King James Bible we read the following from Revelation: "If any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life” (Rev.22:19). The NIV Bible and many other translations render this verse as, "God shall take away his part from the Tree of Life." Which is correct? Now there's no way to know for absolute certainty. Researchers have found transcripts showing both versions and they are not certain which is from the original. It may not matter as both phrases convey the same message; eternal lose of salvation. But, someone at some time, tampered with the very words John wrote warning them not to tamper. Be it ever so insignificant—even though the change didn't compromise the original intent, Scripture should be left alone.
Another Example
Let’s look at another Revelation Text. Note the underlined words:
“Blessed are they that do His Commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the City” (Rev. 22:14; King James Version). Compare:
“Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have right to the tree of life and may enter in through the gates into the City" (NIV, and many other versions). Is it, “do His Commandments,” or, “wash their robes?” Again, someone tampered with John's words. Although both statements are truth, and neither promotes bad doctrine, someone added to and took away from the original text. We should never fool around with Scripture!
Was Tampering Done for a Bad Cause?
Good or Bad - Doesn't matter! We should NEVER make changes in God's Word! The Bible makes it clear that, even during the days of the Apostles, the Powers of Darkness were at work claiming that, "Grace frees us to disobey God's Ten Commandments!" Thus, if a person who endorsed this "Grace," false doctrine was asked to transcribe John's Book of Revelation, he could have been horrified by John's statement saying, "Blessed are they that do His Commandments." Thinking such a statement was promoting "Salvation by Works," he might take the liberty change it to, "Blessed are they that washed their robes." The substituted phrase would still be truth, but, the Holy Spirit gave John every message for a reason, thus the message should be left alone! Any tampering with God’s Word is blasphemy! Sadly, as we have shown in this Website, reversing, revising, and rejecting Scripture is done on a grand scale today!
Conclusion - IT MATTERS!! So, does it matter what we believe and teach? If our Doctrine disagrees with Jesus and Scripture, woe be unto us!
Thank you SO MUCH, Dear Reader, for your time and interest! Let's pray for God's Spirit to “Guide us into ALL Truth… And Show us Things to Come” (Jn.16:13). He said He would, and HE WILL!
Your Brother in Christ
Walter C. Martin Jr.
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Check Our Other Websites:
Post-Tribulation Second Coming of Jesus
Will Planet Earth EVER be Destroyed?
How Big is New Jerusalem?
The Great White Throne Judgment - When and Where
Was Margaret MacDonald's Dream Post-Trib?
Antichrist - The Beast - ANOMOS
Thank you SO MUCH, Dear Reader, for your time and interest! Let's pray for God's Spirit to “Guide us into ALL Truth… And Show us Things to Come” (Jn.16:13). He said He would, and HE WILL!
Your Brother in Christ
Walter C. Martin Jr.
---------------------------------------------------------
Check Our Other Websites:
Pre-Tribulation Rapture
Is Pre-Trib's "SECOND CHANCE"Biblical?
Does Pre-Trib Promote a Third Chance
Pre-Trib's Problem with "Jesus Coming Like A Thief"
Does Pre-Trib Promote a Third Chance
Pre-Trib's Problem with "Jesus Coming Like A Thief"
Post-Tribulation Second Coming of Jesus
How to Survive the Great Tribulation - The ONLY Way to Survive
The REAL Tribulation
Eating Pork at Jesus' Second Coming!?!
The Jews and the Sheep and Goats Parable/Prophecy?
Great White Throne Judgment - When and Where
The REAL Tribulation
Eating Pork at Jesus' Second Coming!?!
The Jews and the Sheep and Goats Parable/Prophecy?
Great White Throne Judgment - When and Where
Un-Answerable POST-TRIB Questions
Will Planet Earth EVER be Destroyed?
How Big is New Jerusalem?
The Great White Throne Judgment - When and Where
Antichrist - The Beast - ANOMOS
How to Survive the Tribulation and Defeat Antichrist
Margaret MacDonald's Dream About Antichrist
The Power of the New Covenant
New Covenant = Power over Satan?
Why Does Jesus Wait?
Margaret MacDonald's Dream About Antichrist
The Power of the New Covenant
New Covenant = Power over Satan?
Why Does Jesus Wait?
The Great Tribulation
Why Does God Allow The Tribulation?
Who is the Bride of Christ REALLY?
Who are the 144 Thousand REALLY?
What's Keeping Jesus From Coming Back?
How to Survive the Tribulation
Who is the Bride of Christ REALLY?
Who are the 144 Thousand REALLY?
What's Keeping Jesus From Coming Back?
How to Survive the Tribulation
The Tribulation and the Sheep-Goat Parable/Prophecy
Should We Eat Pigs During the Tribulation?
"LEFT BEHIND" -Who - Pre-Trib
Will Planet Earth Ever Be Destroyed?
Should We Eat Pigs During the Tribulation?
"LEFT BEHIND" -Who - Pre-Trib
Will Planet Earth Ever Be Destroyed?
The Millennium
Where is the Kingdom Of God REALLY?
Where is Satan's Bottomless Pit?
Who is Gog and Where is Magog?
Did Ezekiel Prophesy a Millennial Kingdom Temple?
Where is the Battle of Armageddon REALLY?
Where is the Kingdom Of God REALLY?
Where is Satan's Bottomless Pit?Who is Gog and Where is Magog?
Did Ezekiel Prophesy a Millennial Kingdom Temple?
Where is the Battle of Armageddon REALLY?
The Great White Throne Judgment - When and Where
"Left Behind" Error for Pre-Trib Promoters
The Millennium and the Sheep-Goat Parable/Prophecy and the Jews
Satan is KILLED - DEAD - After His Bottomless Pit
"Left Behind" Error for Pre-Trib Promoters
The Millennium and the Sheep-Goat Parable/Prophecy and the Jews
Satan is KILLED - DEAD - After His Bottomless Pit
Will We Eat Pigs During the Millennium?
Planet Earth WILL be Destroyed After the 1000 Years!
New Jerusalem - How BIG is It?
Great White Throne Judgment Seat - When and Where
Christ's Kingdom - Millennial or EVERLASTING?
Hell Fire
Is God Torturing People Now
Did Jesus Suffer ALL of Your Hell?
The Rich Man and Lazarus?
The Dead - Dead or Alive - What is Death?
Did Jesus Die YOUR Death for You?
Will Satan Ever Die - Bible Says "YES!"
Testing Our Doctrine About Death
The Dead Stand Before Great White Throne Judgment Seat
The Gnostics Attack the Sabbath
Were Gnostics Really Christian?
Were Gnostics Satan's Implants into the Church?
Is Gnosticism Alive and Well in Today's Churches
Is the Church Israel and Israel the Church?
Is the Bride of Jesus the 144 Thousand?
Did Jesus Offer the Jews a Millennial Kingdom in His Ministry?
Will New Jerusalem Sit in Israel? How Big is It?
Christ's REAL EVERLASTING Kingdom is for ALL Believers!
The Sabbath
Is it a Sin to Observe the Sabbath?
Is There a Connection Between the Rapture and the Sabbath?
Will the Sabbath Be Observed By God's People During the Tribulation?
Who REALLY Changed the Sabbath in Early Christianity?
Un-Answered and Un-Answerable Sabbath Questions For Popular Preachers
How to Test Your Doctrine Concerning the Sabbath
Heaven
Marriage in Heaven - Millennial Kingdom?
Strange Animal/Demons the Millennium?
Why Jesus Hasn't Come to Take Us To Heaven?
Good Ministers Teaching Against God's 10 Commandments?
Teaching of Anomia - The Reason Jesus Hasn't Come Yet?
Pre-Trib Rapture and Sabbath
Pre-Trib Rapture and the Sabbath?
Everlasting Gospel Ministries
Planet Earth WILL be Destroyed After the 1000 Years!
New Jerusalem - How BIG is It?
Great White Throne Judgment Seat - When and Where
Christ's Kingdom - Millennial or EVERLASTING?
Hell Fire
Is God Torturing People Now Did Jesus Suffer ALL of Your Hell?
The Rich Man and Lazarus?
Will Satan Die in Hell? Really Die? Bible Says "YES!"
How to Test Your Doctrine About Hell
Great White Throne Judgment Immediately Before Hell Burns
Will Hell Fire Destroy Planet Earth? Apostle Peter Answers!!
When Hell Burns Out, New Jerusalem is on Earth! How Big is It?
DeathHow to Test Your Doctrine About Hell
Great White Throne Judgment Immediately Before Hell Burns
Will Hell Fire Destroy Planet Earth? Apostle Peter Answers!!
When Hell Burns Out, New Jerusalem is on Earth! How Big is It?
The Dead - Dead or Alive - What is Death?
Did Jesus Die YOUR Death for You?
Will Satan Ever Die - Bible Says "YES!"
Testing Our Doctrine About Death
The Dead Stand Before Great White Throne Judgment Seat
The Gnostics Attack the Sabbath
Were Gnostics Really Christian? Were Gnostics Satan's Implants into the Church?
Is Gnosticism Alive and Well in Today's Churches
Paul -Gnostics - Colossians 2?
How to Know if Your Doctrine is Gnostic
Gnostic Doctrines in the Church - Reason Jesus Waits?
Church is Israel - Israel is ChurchHow to Know if Your Doctrine is Gnostic
Gnostic Doctrines in the Church - Reason Jesus Waits?
Is the Church Israel and Israel the Church?
Is the Bride of Jesus the 144 Thousand?
Did Jesus Offer the Jews a Millennial Kingdom in His Ministry?
Will New Jerusalem Sit in Israel? How Big is It?
Christ's REAL EVERLASTING Kingdom is for ALL Believers!
The Sabbath
Is it a Sin to Observe the Sabbath?
Is There a Connection Between the Rapture and the Sabbath?
Will the Sabbath Be Observed By God's People During the Tribulation?
Who REALLY Changed the Sabbath in Early Christianity?
Un-Answered and Un-Answerable Sabbath Questions For Popular Preachers
How to Test Your Doctrine Concerning the Sabbath
Heaven
Marriage in Heaven - Millennial Kingdom?
Strange Animal/Demons the Millennium?
Why Jesus Hasn't Come to Take Us To Heaven?
Great White Throne Judgment - Where and When?
Satan's Death - When!
Will Earth Be Completely Destroyed? (New Heavens and New Earth!)
Is New Jerusalem Actually Heaven? How Big is It?
Christ's Millennial Kingdom Will Be in Heaven!
Christ's Kingdom is Not 1000 Years - It is EVERLASTING!
Great White Throne Judgment - Heaven or Earth
Teachers of Anomia (Law Annulling)Satan's Death - When!
Will Earth Be Completely Destroyed? (New Heavens and New Earth!)
Is New Jerusalem Actually Heaven? How Big is It?
Christ's Millennial Kingdom Will Be in Heaven!
Christ's Kingdom is Not 1000 Years - It is EVERLASTING!
Great White Throne Judgment - Heaven or Earth
Good Ministers Teaching Against God's 10 Commandments?
Teaching of Anomia - The Reason Jesus Hasn't Come Yet?
Pre-Trib Rapture and Sabbath
Pre-Trib Rapture and the Sabbath?
Will Christ's Bride Keep the Sabbath?
Does Your Rapture/Sabbath Doctrine Pass the Test?
Exposing Lucifer/Satan
When Did Lucifer Become Satan?
Will Satan Ever Die? Really Die? All the Way Dead?
Has Satan Introduced False Doctrine into the Church? How to Test
Satan Dies After Great White Throne Judgment
Satan Dies When Earth is Destroyed By Fire
Does Your Rapture/Sabbath Doctrine Pass the Test?
Exposing Lucifer/Satan
When Did Lucifer Become Satan?
Will Satan Ever Die? Really Die? All the Way Dead?
Satan Dies After Great White Throne Judgment
Satan Dies When Earth is Destroyed By Fire
 |
| Walter C. Martin Jr. |
These are just a few of the questions we examine in our Websites.
Thank you, Dear Reader, for checking them. Please feel free to
give us your comments and feedback if you look at our Sites. If you
send us your questions or comments, we will try to answer and add your
question to these Websites. We will Not give
your name or E-Mail address to ANY ONE or ANY Church Group or
Denomination! Nor will we send you ANY annoying E-Mails!! It is NOT our
purpose to get you to withdraw from your present Church, but to invite
you to present things you learn here to your Pastor and Friends.
Let's pray that God will continue sending His Holy Spirit to guide as we prepare for Jesus to come. Thank You!
Your Brother in Christ!
Walter C. Martin Jr
Your Brother in Christ!
Walter C. Martin Jr
