By Jim Stockstill

Unimaginable Horrors of Seven Years of Tribulation

September 14, 2023

Hell on Earth: 70^th Week of Daniel Rapture Part 5

 

Jesus: Olivet Discourse

 

Matthew 24:15 “When ye, therefore, shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso reads, let him understand.)”

Apostle Paul: The Restrainer is Removed

2 Thessalonians 2:1-9 “1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there comes a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6 And now ye know what withholds that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work only HE who now allows will allow until HE is taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,"

The only one that is able to restrain the great Dragon, the old Serpent, the Devil, and Satan, who deceives the entire world (Revelation 12:9), is the Holy Spirit.

We covered:

• Old Testament Saints
• New Testament Saints
• The Ekklesia

The Ekklesia (Mystery) and Israel are Mutually Exclusive. Revelation 2-3 deal with the Church [Ekklesia] and Revelation 4-20 deal with Israel and Earth Dwellers (Gentiles).

Matthew 16:16-23 “16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church [G 1577: Ekklesia]; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

• The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed

Ephesians 3:1-13 “1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery [G3466: hidden thing, secret] was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church [G1577: Ekklesia] the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory."

The Saints During Tribulation

Daniel 7:25 “And he shall speak great words against the most High and shall wear out the saints of the most High and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.”

• [Wear Out: H 1080 (1x)]: To afflict, wear away.
• [Saints: H 6922 (10x)]: Holy – set apart unto God.
  

Tribulation Saints

Scholars estimate millions of people will come to faith in Christ during the seven (7^th week – Daniel 9:27) year period of tribulation who are commonly referred to as the “tribulation saints.”  Scripture confirms that a great multitude of people will be saved during the tribulation.

• Revelation 7:9-16 “9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God forever and ever. Amen. 13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14 And I said unto him, Sir, you know. And he said to me, “These are they which came out of great tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sits on the throne shall dwell among them. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.’

The Apostle John repeatedly states that tribulation saints will face the likelihood of being martyred under the Antichrist’s demonic rule.  The reason why they are called tribulation saints is because most of them will have to pay the ultimate price for their faith.

Revelation 20:4 “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”

• Beheaded [G 3990 (1x)]: To cut off with an Ax – to chop off the head.

The Guillotine will be used worldwide to slaughter the Saints.

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Earth Dwellers: Separate Category During the Tribulation

  

The Seven Thousand Years

Time of the Gentiles be fulfilled

 

Epistle of Barnabas

 

Epistle of Barnabas 15: 7-9 “Therefore, children, in six days, or in six thousand years, all the prophecies will be fulfilled. Then it says, ‘He rested on the seventh day.’ This signifies at the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus, He will destroy the Antichrist, judge the ungodly, and change the sun, moon, and stars. Then He will truly rest during the Millennial reign, which is the seventh day.”

Saint Irenaeus

He was a Greek bishop, and theologian, noted in the second century for his role in guiding and expanding Christian communities in the southern regions of present-day France.  His work, Adverse Hearses, written about 180 BC was a refutation of Gnosticism. [Mystic wisdom – a prime theme of the heresy is that there is a special class or race of humans that is descended from the transcendent realm and is destined to achieve salvation and return to its spiritual origins.]

Originating from Smyrna, he had seen and heard the preaching of Polycarp, who in turn was said to have heard John the Evangelist, and thus was the last-known living connection with the Apostles.

• “The day of the Lord is as a thousand years, and in six days created things were completed. It is evident; therefore, they will come to an end in the six thousandth year.” Against Heresies, 5:28

Hippolytus of Rome

He was one of the most essential second-third-century Christian theologians.  He came into conflict with the popes of his time and seems to have headed a schismatic group as a rival to the bishop of Rome, thus becoming an antipope.  In this view, he opposed the Roman Popes who softened the penitential system to accommodate a large number of new pagan converts.  However, he was reconciled to the Church before he died as a martyr. [John Fox – Book of Martyrs: dragged to death by wild horses]

Hippolytus follows the long-established usage in interpreting Daniel's seventy prophetic weeks to be weeks of literal years.  Hippolytus gave an explanation of Daniel's paralleling prophecies of chapters 2 and 7, which he, as with the other fathers, relates explicitly to the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans.  His interpretation of events and their significance is Christological.

• “The Sabbath is a type of the future kingdom… For “a day with the Lord is as a thousand years.” Since, then, in six days the Lord created all things, it follows that in six thousand years all will be fulfilled.” Fragment 2: Commentary on Daniel 2:4

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The Second Coming

A Consuming Fire: The Lion of the Tribe of Judah

Prophesied

Daniel 2:44-45 “44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. 45 Forasmuch as thou sawist that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.”

• Acts 1:9-11 “9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel 11 which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”

Daniel 7:9-14 “9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. 10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. 11 I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spoke: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed and given to the burning flame. 12 As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. 13 I saw in the night visions, and behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”

• Acts 3:19-21 “19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.”

Daniel 12:1-3 “1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which stands for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, 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. 2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awaken, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever. 

• 1 Thessalonians 3:13 “To the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.”
  

Zechariah 14:1-15 “1 Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. 2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished, and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. 3 Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought on the day of battle. 4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. 5 And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee. 6 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark: 7 But it shall be one day which shall be known to the Lord, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light. 8 And it shall be on that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be. 9 And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one. 10 All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses. 11 And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction, but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited. 12 And this shall be the plague wherewith the Lord will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth. 13 And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from the Lord shall be among them; and they shall lay hold everyone on the hand of his neighbor, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbor. 14 And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem, and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance. 15 And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague.”

• 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 “6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.”

Matthew 13:41 “The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity.”

• 2 Thessalonians 2:8 “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.”

Matthew 24:15-31    

2 Peter 3:1-14

Matthew 26:64         

Jude 14-15

Mark 13:14-27          

Revelation 1:7

Mark 14:62               

Revelation 19:11-20

Luke 21:25-28          

Revelation 22:7, 12, and 20

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Anticipated Rapture Scriptures 

John 14:1-3 “1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

Place [G 5117]: A place or spot where one can settle, abide, and dwell.

• Revelation 12:6 “And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place [G 5117] prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.”

Romans 8:16-20 “16 The Spirit itself provides witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope.”

• John 1:12 “But as many as received him, to them gave them power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
• 1 John 3:1 “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore, the world knows us not, because it knew him not.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature [G 2937: thing created; creation], old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

From our previous studies in the Old Testament, we covered created beings which were the angelic host, the sons of God, or Bene Elohim. Sons (H1121: Ben) and God (H430: Elohim). The other created being was Adam:

Genesis 1:27 “So God created [H1254] man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created [H1254] him; male and female He created [H1254] them.”

2 Corinthians 5:1-4 “1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.”

House [G 3613 (2x)]: A dwelling place or habitation for the spirit.

Jude 1:6 is the other where it states the Angles left their habitation (Oiketerion), or first estate.

1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 “9 For they themselves show us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.”

• Wrath [G 3709]: The day on which the wrath of God will be made manifest in the punishment of the wicked.

Romans 2:1-12 “1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judges: for wherein thou judge another, thou condemn thyself; for thou that judge does the same things. 2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3 And think thou this, O man, who judge them which do such things, and does the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 4 Or despises thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasures up unto thyself wrath [G 3709] against the day [G 2250] of wrath [G 3709] and revelation [G 602: concerning things unknow before – mystery] of the righteous judgment of God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life: 8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath [G 3709], 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10 But glory, honor, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God. 12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law.”

The Day [G 2250]: The day of Jehovah which He will execute terrible judgment upon his adversaries.  Alas for the Day (as we studied) Joel 1:15; the day of the Lord (Joel 2:1, 15; Isaiah 2:12, Amos 5:18, etc.)

• Zephaniah 2:3 “Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger.

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[The Sixth Seal]

 

Revelation 6:17 “For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”

Righteous Judgment [G 1341 (1x):] a just sentence.

Hosea 6:1-5 “1 Come and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. 2 After two days he will revive us: on the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. 3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. 4 O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew goes away. 5 Therefore have I hewed [H 2672: cut out] them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments [H 4941: deciding a case] as the light that goes forth.”

Judgment [G 2920]: Root word of G 1341: Damnation.

• Matthew 10:15 “Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment [G 2920], than for that city.”
• Matthew 11:22 “But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment [G 2920], than for you.”
• Matthew 12:18 “Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment [G 2920] to the Gentiles.”
  

1 Thessalonians 2:18-19 “18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?”

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 “13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so, shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11; 23-24 “9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly, and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 “1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there comes a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.”

1 Corinthians 1:4-9 “4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 5 That in everything ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: 8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”

1 Corinthians 15:1-53 - see below

Colossians 3:1-4 “1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”

Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:28; James 5:7-9; 1 Peter 1:7 &13; 1 John 2:28 and 3:2; Jude 21; Revelation 2:25, and Revelation 3:10.

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The Rapture

 

The Rapture is the popular term used to describe one view of the Lord's return based on the writings of the Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:17.  Many Christians believe that they will be snatched up from Earth before the last days, therefore they call this event the "rapture."  Unfortunately, there are prominent clergy who teach the word “rapture” does not appear in Scripture.  However, if diligent research is applied to the translation of original texts such as Paleo-Hebrew, Greek, and Semitic (Arabic) languages they will find “Rapiemur” in the Latin Vulgate.

• The Vulgate is a Latin version of the Holy Bible, and largely the result of the labors of St Jerome ( Eusebius Sophronius Hieronymus), who was commissioned by Pope Damasus I in 382 A.D. to make a revision of the old Latin translations.  There are 76 books in the Clementine edition of the Latin Vulgate, 46 in the Old Testament, 27 in the New Testament, and 3 in the Apocrypha.

Etymology

Latin

The English word "rapture" is transliterated from the Greek word “harpazo” to the Latin Vulgate word "Rapiemur.”  The words harpazo and Rapiemur are similar but with different origins.  "Rapiemur" is from the Latin future passive “raptura” meaning “seizure, kidnapping” which is derived from “raptus" “we shall be carried away," or "we shall be snatched."

Greek

The First Mention

2 Corinthians 12:1-4 “1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows) such a one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.”

• Paul Stoned at Lystra

Acts 14:19-20 “19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead [G2348: to be dead – perfect tense]. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.”

Paul met a young disciple named Timothy in Lystra and traveled about 60 miles after his death.  Remember the viper that bit Paul – Acts 28:3.

Caught Up [Greek 726 (4 exact phrases)]: Harpazo (pronounced har-pad'-zo), to seize (in various applications):--catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force). 

Thayer's Greek Lexicon: (verb) harpazō

1) to seize, carry off by force

2) to seize on, the claim for oneself eagerly

3) to snatch out or away

Paradise [G 3857 (3x)]: That part of Sheol or Hades was the abode of souls of the pious until the resurrection of Christ.  The abode of God and heavenly beings to which true Christians will be taken after death.

• Luke 23:43 “And Jesus said unto him, verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
• Revelation 3:7 “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”

1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 “15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so, shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” [How is it comforting if you go through hell on earth and then are invited to marry the Son of God?]

• Caught up [G 726]:
• Together [G 260 (10x)]: At the same time, at once.
• Clouds [3507]: Specifically of “the cloud” which led the Israelites through the wilderness.
• Exodus 13:20-22 “20 And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, on the edge of the wilderness. 21 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: 22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.”
• Meet [G 529 (4x)]: To meet one.
• Matthew 25:1,6 “1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.” 6 “And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.”
• Air [G 109 (7x)]: the air (particularly the lower and denser, as distinguished from the higher and rarer), the atmospheric region.
• Revelation 9:2 “And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit."
• Revelation 16:17 “And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.”

With [G 2064]: A primary preposition denoting union; with or together but much closer than G3326 – accompaniment or amid, and G3844 – beside or in the vicinity).

Revelation 12:4-6 “4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman, which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. 5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up [Harpazo] unto God, and to his throne. 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.”

• Psalm 2:7-9 “7 I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."
• Revelation 2:27 “And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.”

• Revelation 19:15 “And out of his mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he trod the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.”

---

Four Primary Schools of Thought on the Rapture

 

There are many opinions regarding eschatology (the doctrine of future things).  However, the majority of Evangelical Christians agree on three things:

1) There is a coming time of tribulation,

2) Following the seven years of tribulation, Jesus will return to establish His kingdom, and,

3) The church [Ekklesia] will be translated from its mortal state to put on immortality in the rapture.

 

1 Corinthians 15:53-55 “53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”

The remaining question today is when will the rapture occur in relation to the tribulation and Christ’s second coming?  Therefore, as instructed by the Holy Spirit in 2 Timothy 2:15, we will examine the “rapture,” or “catching up” from four of the most prevalent schools of doctrine.

• 2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Regarding the “rapture” or “catching up,” we will review the four most prominent views:

• Post-tribulation, mid-tribulation, pre-wrath tribulation, and pre-tribulation rapture.

There are excellent theological scholars who differ on the time of the tribulation and when the church will be raptured from the most diabolic time on earth (Ha-Satan and his angels cast to earth) wherein Jesus stated, Matthew 24:22 “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect, those days will be shortened...”  The different views regarding the tribulation and the “catching up” are not doctrinal issues that should divide true followers of Christ.  The Apostle Paul clearly expresses the Gospel (Good news) of Christ:

• 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 “1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
• Romans 10:9-10 “9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.”

Stay Prepared – Live the life of Christ. 

Matthew 25:1-13 “1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; unless there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward also came the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”

Mark 13:33-37 “33 Take ye heed, watch and pray for ye know not when the time is. 34 For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. 35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: 36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.”

Luke 21:36 “But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Romans 13:11 “Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now, salvation is nearer to us than when we believed.”

1 Peter 4:7 “The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.”

 

https://endtimesforecaster.blogspot.com/2010/05/rapture-whos-right.html

Addendum

1 Corinthians 15:1-53

"¹ Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; ² by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. ³ For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; ⁴ and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: ⁵ and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: ⁶ after that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. ⁷ After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. ⁸ And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. ⁹ For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. ¹⁰ But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. ¹¹ Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

¹² Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? ¹³ But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: ¹⁴ and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. ¹⁵ Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. ¹⁶ For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: ¹⁷ and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. ¹⁸ Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. ¹⁹ If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. ²⁰ But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. ²¹ For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. ²² For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. ²³ But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.

²⁴ Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. ²⁵ For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. ²⁶ The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. ²⁷ For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. ²⁸ And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. ²⁹ Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? ³⁰ And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? ³¹ I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. ³² If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

³³ Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. ³⁴ Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

³⁵ But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? ³⁶ Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: ³⁷ and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: ³⁸ but God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. ³⁹ All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. ⁴⁰ There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. ⁴¹ There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. ⁴² So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: ⁴³ it is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: ⁴⁴ it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.

There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. ⁴⁵ And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. ⁴⁶ Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. ⁴⁷ The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. ⁴⁸ As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. ⁴⁹ And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

⁵⁰ Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. ⁵¹ Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, ⁵² in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. ⁵³ For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality."

 

Blessings in Christ,

Joseph “Jim” Stockstill
“National War Council” – Founder and Chairman
Jim5555@nationalwarcouncil.org
P.O. Box 931
Argyle, TX 76226

nwc@nationalwarcouncil.org
Jim5555@nationalwarcouncil.org
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“He hath shown thee what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.”
Micah 6:8