A Bucket Full of Holes 1
A Bucket Full of Holes 1
A Bucket Full of Holes 1
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The Pre-trib Rapture: A Bucket Full of Holes!
Copyright © 2017
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The Pre-trib Rapture: A Bucket Full of Holes!
Table of Contents
Page:
5. Preface
7. Introduction
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The Pre-trib Rapture: A Bucket Full of Holes!
Preface
A love for the truth is not an option for the believer! If you are
taking the time to read this book it is obvious you have a desire to
get to the truth of the matter under discussion. I commend you for
that. And I pray your understanding would be greatly increased
through this effort. Please proceed prayerfully. Words of truth only
truly become words of life when the wind of the Spirit blows upon
them.
This book is a consolidation of material from three aspects of
my studies and writings on the issue of Christ's Return, and the
myriad of error being presented concerning that event. To the
content of a previous booklet 'Should We Trust The Pre-trib
Rapture Theory?' I have added quite a number of my blog articles
on this subject as well as some additional insights I have received.
The result is what I consider a pretty thorough rebuke of that myth
that hits it soundly from about 50 different points of concern.
Due to the source of this material being many documents written
over time there is a certain redundancy evident in some of the
points raised. Where possible I have edited out such repetition, but
where to do so would detract from important points being made it
was left in. Actually, I suspect this will probably be more
beneficial rather than any annoyance as some times looking at a
point from a little different slant can shed additional light on it.
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Introduction
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I can't help but notice a trend in today's preaching that does not
mirror a ratio of emphasis we see in the Bible. What I mean by that
is: How many times do the Scriptures mention the 'catching away'
of the Church? Not many. One clear description we find in
1Thessalonians 4 and a few not so clear references to it elsewhere.
But the coming Resurrection of the Dead and the transformation of
the living Saints, which is going to be such an indescribably
awesome phenomenon, is either vividly described or plainly
referred to dozens of times in the Bible. It is a theme thoroughly
woven into the fabric of Scripture.
How old is the teaching of the coming Resurrection of the
Dead? Many claim Job to be possibly the earliest writings of the
Scriptures; even he spoke of this event:
For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall
stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after
my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I
see God. Job 19:25-26
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you see in the Bible any notable emphasis placed on the 'catching
away'? I surely do not!
So I ask again, why all this modern day focus on the 'caught up
to meet him' aspect of Christ's Coming? Does the Bible put the
emphasis there? If you stop and think about it the 'caught away'
part of what we experience that day is relatively minor compared
to what we will experience in the Resurrection! How did things get
so turned around to the point where a brief journey upwards
overshadows what transpires in the Resurrection?
The dead awake with the image of Christ. The mortal has put on
immortality (1Corinthians 15:54). No more sickness, disease, or
dying! We've carried the earnest (down-payment) of our
inheritance all these years and now we have the fullness of that
promise in our resurrection. We have now entered eternity in a
glorified body, and death can never touch us. Why minimize that
and maximize being carried up into the sky? Could that be a proper
focus?
I realize pre-trib rapture folk believe that the Resurrection and
the 'catching away' all take place in the same micro-second (a false
belief discussed later). But my point is: Why carry on and on about
the catching away and say so very little, or often nothing at all,
about our resurrection and transformation, and the glory that shall
be revealed in us? You might hear it mentioned in the reading of a
text, but the pre-trib preachers rarely focus on it. Usually the brunt
of the message deals with avoiding the time of great tribulation;
which they incorrectly state is the wrath of God (a false notion we
will also discuss later).
In all false teaching there is found an appeal to the flesh; some
allure or benefit to the carnal nature. I find it telling that the rapture
teaching is usually couched in the context of escaping the time of
tribulation and the Mark of the Beast. While their focus there is on
escapism and personal well-being, the teachings of the Bible
concerning the Resurrection don't carry the same focus. Our
anticipation of resurrection centers on laying aside concern for
your own life and, thru faith in his death on the Cross, following in
the footsteps of Christ; and identifying with his sufferings, death,
burial, and rising from the dead, in the hope of inheriting eternal
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life. A proper focus is not about the preservation of self. It's about
the death of self.
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of
his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his
resurrection: Romans 6:5
We'll look a little more at identifying with his sufferings and
death later. You may, or possibly may not, like what I have to say.
My opinion of what genuine Christianity looks like seems to be
quite different than that of many others.
It is my firm belief the Bible does not teach neither two
resurrections of the believers nor two 'catchings away' of the
Church; one before the great tribulation in addition to the one
clearly taught at the Second Coming. Though many don't realize it
pre-trib theory demands two of each! Since I do not believe the
teachings of a 'pre-tribulation rapture' are portraying the same
event the Bible describes, I will be referring to those teachings as
the 'pre-trib rapture theory'; and the genuine event which transpires
at Christ's Return after the tribulation as the 'catching away'.
I will show many examples of why I say the pre-trib rapture
theory is a deceiving and damaging false doctrine; and has been
fabricated from Stolen Snippets, Deceiving Distractions,
Unbiblical Concepts, and Outright Lies. It is a man-made fable
resting solely upon Scripture stolen out of context and notions
which completely lack any foundation in the Word of God. This is
a bold accusation, and will likely offend many, but as they say:
'The proof is in the pudding!' I hope you will consider what is
written here prayerfully and with an open Bible. May the Holy
Spirit guide us into all truth.
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Have you ever asked why there was a need to come up with the
new name 'The Rapture'? Did anyone really need to rename our
promise of the Resurrection? Do we need a new name for
salvation? For healing? For the Cross? No, those names have been
working just fine! How about for Heaven? No, Heaven doesn't
need a new name either. But, for the sake of discussion, let's say I
came up with a new doctrine that is a little different than what has
been commonly believed about Heaven. And what if I said getting
there is a little easier than what we've been taught? Just how
would I go about promoting my new revelation? How could I get
people to take the bait and swallow the hook?
I couldn't call it Heaven. Folks might look into what the Bible
really teaches on Heaven, and the path that leads there, and call me
on it. I'd need a way to get them to turn loose of long held beliefs,
and embrace my theory instead. I would need some real catchy
phraseology, and have to concoct some very subtle distractions.
First I would have to invent a new name for my new revelation.
Then I could say I'm not talking about that old concept of paradise
but this other more 'enlightened' one. Then I would start pulling
snippets of Scripture out of context that kinda-sorta sound like my
theory; and go to work devising all kinds of clever 'proof texts'
about my new doctrine. Skewed understandings of Bible verses so
cunningly devised that my unsuspecting followers will be totally
convinced they are 'Bible Truth'!
I could probably even get them to finance a book series!
Where could I find a really appealing name? I know! I'll take a
word for Heaven from the Greek, translate it into an obsolete
dialect, then render that word into English; and I'll have a new
name for my new doctrine (don't laugh, that's exactly how they
came up with the name 'Rapture'!). And I can say it's from the
Bible because it is (kinda-sorta).
I've got a great idea! Let's just call this other concept of paradise
'Ecstasy', shall we? Now I've got a catchy name that will appeal to
the senses of the carnal: 'Ecstasy'! ('Rapture' anyone?)
And good news! You can get into this Kingdom of Ecstasy much
easier than was previously believed. New revelation shows us you
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can escape all that 'suffering for Christ' business. You don't have to
identify with his death. And you don't have to suffer persecution
for taking a stand for Jesus in this world. Have it your way! Just
accept my new teaching of escapism and all will be well.
Wouldn't you rather go hassle free to the realm of Ecstasy than
to suffer aggression and hardship along the path to that other
place? (Wouldn't you rather go in the Rapture and escape the end-
time trials and persecutions to be endured by those awaiting the
Resurrection at the Second Coming?)
OK. Enough about my new name for my new doctrine. Please
forgive me for jesting.
But seriously, have you ever wondered why the preaching on an
event called 'the Resurrection at the Last Day' for close to twenty
centuries now becomes preaching on something called the
'Rapture'?
Have you ever questioned why the focus was taken off our
personal identification with the persecution, death, and resurrection
of Jesus (which identification leads to our own resurrection), and
why that focus is now placed instead upon a departure from this
world? That is a pretty significant change of focus! Wouldn't you
agree?
What brought this on? Why the change?
Why? Because many in this day have turned aside to believe in a
fable! This was prophesied to happen, and this erroneous modern
theory is a direct fulfillment of that prophesy. Maybe there is some
truth after all to people saying the pre-trib rapture theory is in the
Bible! Here it is spoken of in this prophesy:
For the time will come when they will not endure sound
doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to
themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall
turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned
unto fables. 2Timothy 4:3-4
...they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be
turned unto fables.
We are living in the day of the fulfillment of those words!
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A Common Misconception
I often hear people say, 'It is not an issue to be concerned with.
It's only a matter of timing. Some just believe differently about
when the same event will happen in relation to end time events;
that's all!' But that notion is in itself a false belief, and a subtle
distraction! It keeps folks from identifying the problem, and seeing
the need to deal with it.
The concept of a pre-trib rapture, and the Resurrection of the
Last Day (that is actually taught in the Bible), are NOT describing
the same event! (There is actually a great dissimilarity between the
two!) I am surprised at how many people don't understand that
Scripture plainly teaches a Resurrection at the Return of Christ to
this world. Even if there was an earlier 'rapture' event there would
still have to be another Resurrection and catching away at the
Second Coming (to deal with those saved during the tribulation).
PLEASE GET THIS! It's NOT the timing of ONE event, but
the introduction of a SECOND that is the issue. We have
many folks in this generation claiming the Scripture is
teaching two resurrections and two catchings away. This
is an 'adding to' of the Word of God and is a very
dangerous practice.
Even theologians who promote the pre-trib theory freely admit
there IS a resurrection at the Second Coming, but say the rapture is
another separate resurrection seven years earlier. Many people do
not understand this, and thus think the (supposed) pre-trib rapture
is the only catching away the theory teaches. This blinds them to
the many Scriptural conflicts the concept of two separate 'raptures'
forces. And those conflicts do exist!
But, since it's easier to pass off a false doctrine if people believe
it's the only game in town, most rapture teachers don't say a lot
about the Second Coming's resurrection. It causes upset in those
who, when searching God's Word for both, find instead truth which
rebukes their theory. The Scriptures portray the Resurrection of the
Righteous as ONE event which transpires at ONE time! When you
put the focus of your studies on the resurrection instead of the
'catching away' this becomes very apparent:
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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... 1Corinthians 15:20-24
This passage gives us a clear biblical order of the Resurrection.
Doesn't sound much like two different 'catchings away' does it?
No, it plainly shows one event. When does this event happen
according to the Bible? At Christ's Coming! And there is also a
doctrinal safeguard built into this passage; a second witness of the
types/shadows of the Old Testament events painting portraits of
N.T. truths. Let's look at that second witness.
Notice the term 'firstfruits' in the passage above. This is a
reference to the Old Testament practice, commanded by the Law,
by which a man would ask God to sanctify, or bless, the harvest of
his fields, orchards, or vineyards etc.. He was to harvest the first
small portion of his crop and take it to the priest as an offering to
God. The priest would lift it up before God as a wave offering, and
this 'firstfruit' offering would sanctify the remainder of the crop;
which the husbandman would then go harvest.
Do you see now why Paul called Jesus the 'firstfruits'? The
offering up of Christ was a firstfruit offering to God. This sacrifice
sanctified the rest of God's harvest, namely us the believers. (The
day Jesus rose from the dead was not called Easter by God's
people; it was the Feast of Firstfruits; which always fell on the
Sunday following Passover)
What a beautiful image of Christ's work on our behalf found
there in the Law. And just what is the pattern given to us here? The
firstfruit offering first, then the remainder of the crop harvested.
The same as we saw in 1Cor. 15! Christ resurrected first; then the
rest of us at his Coming! The harvest of ALL believers down
through the centuries will take place at one time: the Second
Coming! The rapture theory divides our resurrection into two
events, but the Word of God tells us this takes place all at once.
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A Prophetic Pattern
A lot of people will tell you the parable of the wheat and tares is
not about the resurrection of the believers and the catching away of
the Church. The reason they must is because their beliefs on the
end-times are so far from the truth they cannot reconcile them to
the prophetic patterns shown in the Scriptures.
The types, shadows, allegories, and parables of the Bible were
given us as a framework for our beliefs to fit into. They are a
safeguard we must follow to keep our doctrine in line with the
truth. Our beliefs must bear a striking resemblance to the picture
presented by these patterns or something is amiss. Let's see if our
understanding of the end-time scenario fits the Parable of the
Wheat and the Tares:
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world harvest, and the events which transpire WILL fit it perfectly!
But the teaching of many on this issue does not follow that biblical
pattern.
Those promoting the pre-trib rapture theory say this parable
cannot be about the Resurrection of the Just and our catching away
because the tares (they say) are destroyed first then the wheat is
harvested; so this parable must be about something else (a later
judgment or something). This is a very common misunderstanding.
But they are not discerning the real sequence the pattern presents.
What they miss is the tares were not destroyed first in this
harvest of old, only separated and marked for destruction; (...bind
them in bundles). Notice the passage said, 'As therefore the tares
are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this
world'. It's saying the manner in which these tares at the end of the
world are dealt with will mirror that of the tares of the old time
harvest. It's not saying 'Go burn the tares now!'; it's saying 'Go bind
them in bundles for burning.' Think about it. Those tares couldn't
be burned with the wheat still in the ground. It would set fire to the
field and destroy the crop! The field was not burnt until AFTER
the harvest! (Likewise the wrath of God does not fall until AFTER
the catching away at the Second Coming.)
This pattern fits perfectly with the end-time events prophesied
elsewhere in the Scriptures. The Mark of the Beast will identify
and separate the tares, sealing their fate, (binding them for later
burning). Then the Lord will harvest the wheat, gather us up unto
him, and return to burn his field. Just like they did in the days of
old! God's harvest will fit the pattern of the literal harvest or there
was no point in giving the parable in the first place.
Also the Bible says the harvest is the end of the world. This
must take place in conjunction with the Return of Christ which is
at the end. A purported pre-trib rapture would not happen at the
end, but 7 years before the end! That is totally out of sync with this
parable. Their scenario has the wheat harvested (pre-trib rapture)
before the tares are bound up; and then more wheat growing after
this preliminary harvest (the Jews and Gentiles saved during the
tribulation)! No wonder they have to say the parable of the wheat
and tares is not about the resurrection and our catching away. It
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rebukes over and over the bogus order their doctrine presents of
the end-time events!
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• Then the harvest of the wheat. The angels now begin the
reaping of God's long awaited harvest: the Righteous
redeemed!
• Then the separating of the wheat from its chaff. Just as
the wheat in the old-time harvest was lifted by a winnowing
fork into the breeze that blew across the threshing floor,
separating out the chaff; we will be raised by the
resurrection and the wind of the Spirit will free us from
mortality by transforming us into a likeness of Christ's
current glorified state!
• Then the wheat being accepted and received. Just as the
wheat once freed from its chaff was received by the farmer
so will we now be fit to be gathered unto Christ as he
awaits us in the air at his Second Coming!
• Then the husbandman returns to the field and burns it
(along with the tares). After the harvest and in-gathering
the farmer would return to burn his field to destroy the bad
seed (tares), purify the field, and prepare it for the new
season to come. In like manner Jesus will descend to earth,
after the resurrection /catching away at his Second Coming,
and purge this evil world by fire, preparing it for a new era!
The resurrection and catching away of the Church at the Second
Coming (and the fiery vengeance poured out at that time) fit the
prophetic picture of the parable of the wheat and tares like a tailor
made glove! And why shouldn't this be so? Both are plainly
described to us in the Bible! But any other scenario (pre-trib, mid-
trib, no-trib or what-have-you) are, as we have seen, not according
to the prophetic pattern given us by this parable. And thus should
be rejected outright.
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Now Paul brings in the illustration of the Olive tree; and also
begins a rebuke of those who totally reject Israel as a part of God's
future plan; He compares the unbelieving majority of national
Israel to branches who were broken off the natural Olive tree
(election) by their unbelief (rejecting of Christ); and the Gentile
believers as branches of a 'wild' Olive tree which were grafted into
the natural Olive tree (election) through faith in Christ.
This merger of the Church being added into the ranks of God's
elect remnant by faith in Christ is at the heart of the true biblical
understanding of election.
(SIDE NOTE: It is important to note the messianic
Jews do not join us in our election; we join them
in theirs. We are grafted into their election, not
vice-versa. We do not replace them as
Replacement (Covenant) Theology demands; or
stand apart from them as a separate work God is
doing, as Separation (Dispensational) Theology
demands. We are joined to the Jewish Remnant
as one entity in Christ.)
Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on
them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if
thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also
shalt be cut off. 23 And they also, if they abide not still
in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff
them in again. 24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive
tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary
to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall
these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into
their own olive tree? 25 For I would not, brethren, that
ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be
wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is
happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be
come in. Romans 11:22-25
Paul continues his warning against a haughty attitude of the
Gentile believers over their becoming a part of God's chosen; and
introduces us to the reality of the future return of Israel to their
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status as the elect. He brings out the point God is able to graft back
in through faith those who were cut off by unbelief. This promise
of a future deliverance of a believing portion of Israel (1/3?) is
plainly taught in numerous passages of the Bible. It is prophesied
and will come to pass!
As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your
sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for
the fathers' sakes. 29 For the gifts and calling of God are
without repentance. Romans 11:28-29
God still has a call and a future for those of national Israel who
will heed that call and return unto him. But it will not be a promise
fulfilled through lineage or national citizenship. The only door
open to them is the same door we all must enter through; The
Cross of Christ and the Blood which was shed to wash away our
sin. There is no election outside of Christ! And all of the
Covenant promises God made will be fulfilled in Christ. ALL of
them!
We merely skimmed the truths presented us in Romans 11; but
any with an open mind, and a hunger for the truth, should now see
the true concept of election is not given by either Dispensational or
Replacement Theory. God gave this illustration of the Olive tree
as a simple pattern to show us the truth on election. I hope you
would study this out in a thorough fashion, and solidify this truth
in your heart. It will safe-guard you against the wayward and high-
minded theories of those whose education has gotten in the way of
their learning of God's truth.
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time. This sets aside any notion of God removing the Church
before the tribulation so he can concentrate on his 'Jewish elect'.
He has been concentrating on them for 2000 years in Christ!
FOOD 4 THOUGHT: Is God going to split the 'one new
man in Christ' he created in half, and subject half to the
(supposed) 'wrath of God' during the tribulation; but take
the other half off to a wedding feast that only half the
Bride is in attendance of? This is the kind of unreasonable
conclusions Dispensational theology presents. When
confronted with the Biblical truth of election the pre-trib
theory becomes quite nonsensical. Many other aspects
of this folly could be highlighted but I think you get the
point.
Teachers serve an important function in the Church (I should
know because I am one); but a teacher should only be confirming
what the Spirit and the Word are already speaking to you (plus you
can benefit from many hours of research and prayer condensed into
a short teaching). God never intended for 'education' to replace
the function of the Holy Spirit as teacher! All in all you don't
need a guru (or me) to tell you what to think or believe. And with
so many theological theories at odds with each other it is quite
obvious 'higher learning' does NOT necessarily equate to higher
levels of truth!
I hope you are encouraged to reach out and grasp the simple
truth on election presented in Romans 11; and not leave it up to the
'Learned Ones' to tell you what to think or believe. We may
develop a firm understanding of the doctrines of our faith by
simply studying the Scriptures for ourselves (under the guidance of
the Holy Spirit) and choosing to believe what is plainly stated in
them.
May the Holy Spirit, and the Word of God, lead us all into God's
perfect truth. And may God deliver us from the many errors of the
'Learned Ones'!
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Come Spring
What a poignant and beautiful allegory we get from this book of
the Bible. There's a day coming! A wonderful bright spring day
arrives after a time of winter's harshness. Who doesn't anticipate
spring after all the cold and moisture involved with the winter
season? (Up here in Montana it comes in the form of snow and ice,
and often sub-zero temperatures!)
I don't think this allegory is speaking of winter and spring in the
sense of months and years, but in the sense of the time of man, so
to speak. As the closing of a year gives way to the brutality of
winter, and as the fullness of life gives way to the troubles of old
age, so also the fullness of this era of mankind is sadly giving
way to great darkness. But thank God, there IS a day coming!
A coming springtime day in which the Bride of Christ will rise
up to meet the Groom as he returns to earth as promised. Rise up,
my love, my fair one, and come away. If you are a believer and
those words don't stir you deeply you better check your pulse. The
Resurrection at the last day, and our catching away to meet Jesus,
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has been the hope and expectation of the Church for nearly 20
centuries. Just as assuredly as Jesus came to earth to redeem us by
his sacrifice on that Cross, he will return for those he has
redeemed.
Come Sunrise
For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven;
and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be
stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up,
saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither
root nor branh. 2 But unto you that fear my name shall
the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings;
and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
Malachi 4:1-2
A stunning contrast is painted for us here of the marked
difference that day will bring for those longing for his Return
compared to the fate of those who reject his Lordship. One day
but with two very different outcomes for those who experience
it. For the wicked it will be a day of judgment and destruction; a
grim end without hope of redemption. But to the righteous it will
be a day of healing and renewal; the start of a new day full of
promise and blessing; portrayed in the following passage as a
glorious sunrise after a long dark night of great tribulation and
trial.
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the
LORD is risen upon thee. 2 For, behold, the darkness shall
cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the
LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen
upon thee. Isaiah 60:1-2
I know this scenario doesn't jive with what a lot of people are
teaching about the Return of Christ (many erroneously have the
Bride departing before the bitter winter) but this is the pattern
given us here, and so many other places in the Word. Jesus is
coming to dispel the darkness, not to take us away from it.
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Come Kingdom
And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great
voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are
become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and
he shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 11:15
As believers we await a coming King as well as a coming
Kingdom. He has not promised to take us off to his Kingdom; but
he has promised to bring it here to us! The exhortation of the
Scriptures is for us to be awaiting a Return, not a departure.
Isn't that the whole point of praying 'thy kingdom come' like Jesus
said to? Christians have been praying for this day since he
departed!
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the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Matthew 24:40-41
Left behind! Where ever did the pre-trib crowd find that catch-
phrase? Just think about how many sermons have been preached,
books have been written, and films produced (not to mention
millions of dollars made) off of the idea of being 'left behind' by
missing 'the rapture'. Have you ever questioned where in Scripture
did they get the concept of some escaping and others being left
behind to face the great tribulation and the mark of the beast?
THEY STOLE IT!
The verses quoted above are another passage about the Second
Coming of Jesus, and the Resurrection /catching away which
happens at that time! A close look at the context of Matthew 24
shows the entire chapter to be dealing with either the Second
Coming, the events and signs leading up to it, or the warnings to us
concerning it. There is not a pre-trib rapture even so much as
hinted at in the entire chapter.
This is another clear-cut case of Scripture stolen out of its
rightful context and utilized as prostheses for a theory which has
no legs of its own to stand on. This is another theft. Somebody call
the cops! If a judge made the pre-trib rapture theorists give back
all the Scripture they have stolen over the years they wouldn't have
any left to teach on. Their doctrine would have to be 'Left Behind'!
This is just one more example of a false claim leading to a
popular but mistaken notion. Sorry wrong again! All these verses
from Mathew are in their context clearly speaking of the
Second Coming. Verse 40 starts with the word THEN, addressing
the event previously described in the chapter:The Second Coming!
FOOD 4 THOUGHT: What amazes me is how
dispensationalist / pre-trib preachers will go to such
great lengths to convince you Matthew 24 is about
God's dealings with the Jews in the end-times, and NOT
about the Church (in order to say *the elect being
caught up to Christ after the tribulation (Matt. 24:31)
are not really the Church, but the Jews who got saved in
the tribulation). But then they will pull out all these
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phrase is used in another place in the Bible. Let's take a look at that
one also.
I have noted elsewhere that in 1Thessalonians we have a
situation where a chapter-break splits a contextual passage in two,
and if not careful we lose track of some of that contextual
information. It is important to understand that 1Thessalonians 4:13
through 5:11 is all one long contextual discussion; and the subject
of that context is clearly the Second Coming of Christ! Many
refuse to acknowledge this due to the impact that has on their
unbiblical notions, but it is absolutely true. How about we give the
entire section of Paul's letter discussing the Return and catching
away a good look? Here is some of it to start with:
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. 5:1
But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no
need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know
perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in
the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety;
then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail
upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
1Thessalonians 4:16 - 5:3
Do you notice any difference reading this passage without the
interruption of the chapter break? It more clearly shows it's a
description of the Second Coming and the sudden destruction that
follows. This is NOT a pre-trib passage! The fact this passage *ties
the catching away (4:17) to the sudden destruction of the wicked
(5:3) prohibits the notion this is a pre-trib passage. It just does
NOT fit their story!
(*a tie clearly shown also by Jesus comparing the rescue of
the righteous and the immediately ensuing destruction of
the wicked at his Second Coming to the same pattern
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Please briefly ponder the fact this context about the Second
Coming we are discussing is the only place in the Bible this phrase
on the catching away is found!
DO you get the significance of that? I mean SERIOUSLY!
Think about that! The name rapture came from a passage of the
Bible clearly discussing the Second Coming of Christ and the
catching away of the Church at that time! It comes from a stolen
snippet! Even the very name 'rapture' cannot be tied to the pre-
trib theory by the Scriptures! What a joke that is! Excuse me but
I find that quite laughable!
Why did they have to steal a snippet of verse from a Second
Coming passage, and use part of it to fabricate the name rapture?
Why did they not use a verse dealing with the pre-trib Coming of
Christ? The answer is simple.
Because there are none! The Bible teaches no such thing! And
now let's look at that third stolen snippet which was hi-jacked from
this context.
Evidence Of A Hoax!
The pre-trib rapture teaching is just one of many falsehoods of
this day that utilizes stolen snippets, unsupported claims, and even
subtle lies to seduce the undiscerning into accepting it as truth. It
boggles my mind that such evident trickery in its promotion goes
unnoticed (or deliberately overlooked) by so many.
What do you think of all these purloined verses being used to
promote this fable of escapism? Does not this testify of deception
to you? How could we see such evident mistreatment of Scripture
and not be alarmed? But sadly some sleep so soundly not even an
alarm clock could wake them.
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...and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which
burneth with fire and brimstone... Revelation 21:8
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1. Jesus was speaking here only to the Jews, and these words
do not apply to us the Church.
2. The 'Elect' spoken of here are Jews. not the Body of Christ.
3. Some of the references to his Coming in this chapter refer
to the Rapture and some to his Second Coming; and God
has in this modern age given special revelation to some
people to distinguish between the two.
Lets take a look first at the ideas that Jesus was speaking only to
the Jews in Matthew 24; and it's not for us the Christian Church. In
some circles this has gotten to be a very popular notion. I don't
know who dreamed this one up, but all it takes to debunk that
falsehood is a little common sense. What made this teaching
session of Christ any different from all his others? Of course he
was addressing the Jews, he did so all the time. There was no
gentile Church yet; and I doubt that too many of the Romans were
interested.
He was addressing his apostles and disciples; the very
foundation of his Church. The ones who would pass on these
teachings of Jesus to the Gentile believers in a few short years The
same group to which he gave the Great Commission; should we
disregard those words also? If you apply their criteria for
disregarding this chapter to all his other teaching sessions what
would we have left? The few times he addressed the heathen?
Come on!
Jesus said we are to 'keep his sayings' (John 14). He didn't say,
'Keep my sayings unless I was speaking to the Jews.' Matthew 24
is sayings we are to keep. Mark ends his record of the Olivet
Discourse with Jesus saying, 'what I say unto you I say unto all...'
(Mark 13:37). Now how could that possibly be interpreted to mean,
'Today's sermon is for national Israel, and no one else!'?
One of the keys we receive from the Word of God about
discerning false teachers is that they will steal God's Words away
from his people and replace them with smooth words that cause
you to err from the truth (Jeremiah 23, Ezekiel 13). Rapture theory
teachers denying that Matthew 24 is for us is truly a theft in
progress. Personally, I believe the entire Word of God was written
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suggest you take time to study this out completely; reading each
verse that uses these terms in its context. If you can find one verse
teaching that national Israel is at this time the elect of God and
those in Christ are not please let me know, will ya?
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom
my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he
shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. Isaiah 42:1
If you want to look at this spiritually we are God's elect because
we are in Christ, and Christ is God's elect. It's all about our
identification with him. He in us, us in him; making us the elect.
Should we think the Head (Christ) would be God's elect, but not us
the Body of Christ? The subject of election is one of the many
places dispensation / pre-trib theology seriously parts way with the
Word of God. I'll stick with Romans 11!
The third misguided statement from our list above is so hyper-
spiritual it is not even worthy of comment other than to say it
seems like this 'rapture' stuff is getting weirder and weirder as it
progresses. I think old number three just kind of rebukes itself.
We'll leave it at that.
To sum it up, saying the Body of Christ is not God's 'elect' is
quite clearly a lie against the multiple witnesses we have in the
N.T. writings declaring that we most certainly are. And to say we
should not consider the teachings of the Olivet discourse as
relevant to us carries no clout whatsoever. Reading Matthew
chapter 24 (and the corresponding accounts in Mark and Luke)
with the understanding that the Body of Christ is God's elect leaves
no doubt our Resurrection and catching away to meet Christ takes
place at his Second Coming after the tribulation. The claim of an
earlier event is a man-made ear-tickling fable; and speaks contrary
to the clear teaching the Scriptures give on election.
But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be
darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, 25 And
the stars of Heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in
Heaven shall be shaken. 26 And then shall they see the
Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and
glory. 27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall
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gather together his elect from the four winds, from the
uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of
Heaven. Mark 13:24-27
Anyone who says this passage from Mark isn't describing our
gathering together unto Christ is a false teacher, and is in danger of
standing before God as one. Truth sanctifies, but error defiles. If
you have embraced the error of the pre-trib rapture theory you
have allowed yourself to be defiled by a pack of lies.
The Lord desires to cleanse you from that error, and is calling
you to repent, and turn from it today. Please don't harden your
heart against his voice. This pre-trib rapture hoax has brought great
schism into the Bride of Christ, and is one of the spots, wrinkles,
and blemishes the events of the near future are going to remove
from her garment. Why not seek to remove that blemish now, so
God is not forced to do so himself?
For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be
judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of
the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the
world. 1Corinthians 11:31-32
for me to come to the point where I could read the Parable of the
Fig Tree free from distraction. I could go there and read it and get
the gist of it, but never a solid, 'This is what I'm saying, and this is
what I want that information to do for you.' Without realizing it I
would wander away to another train of thought and never get a
fullness of revelation from the parable itself. It took a prompting
from the Lord to show me this, and finally get free from that
distraction.
The Lord showed me the problem was I had listened to a
popularized error about this parable so many times that I thought
the error was the real deal. The deception was that this Parable of
the Fig Tree had to do with the rebirth of the nation of Israel; that a
fig tree symbolizes national Israel and the new growth on the fig
tree was a prophetic image of Israel being reborn. This is a total
fabrication, and a distraction from the true purpose of this parable.
This falsehood causes your train of thought to jump track in the
middle of the parable and head for a different destination. With a
rapture preacher at the controls you start off down the track
receiving the imagery of the fig tree and its new growth; and the
next thing you know you are completely sidetracked; being told
because the fig tree blossomed (Israel reborn 1948) we are now in
the generation which will not pass away before the rapture
happens! This parable has now somehow become a promotion for
the pre-trib theory. And have you ever heard a rapture preacher go
back to the parable and finish the true allegory of it? No, and they
won't; because the purpose of the distraction is to prevent you from
arriving at that station in the first place. You are being hindered
from receiving what Jesus intended you to get from this parable,
What is the purpose of a parable? To highlight similarities of
two things to help give you understanding about one of them. What
are the two things Jesus was paralleling in the parable? Did he
mention, or even hint at, the subject of the rebirth of Israel? Is
there any thing about this passage that would point you in that
direction? The answer is no. The two integers of this equation, if
you will, are 'new growth on the tree' and 'when you see these
things'; but before we discuss the allegory of the parable let's ask a
question; the answer of which surprised me a great deal.
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Is the fig tree truly the symbol of the nation of Israel in the
Bible? After researching and studying this matter I would have to
answer an emphatic NO. We have been sold a falsehood and gladly
paid for it with our love gifts, offerings, and product purchases.
When prompted to question this idea of the fig tree being a type
or figure of Israel I looked up every passage in the Bible using the
words 'fig tree' expecting to see a repetitive theme of such. It is
nowhere to be found! After being told over and over and over by
such 'great' men as Hal L., Jack V., Tim L., Jimmy S. etc., etc., etc.,
that the fig tree symbolized Israel I was quite surprised to see it
does not. The symbolism is not there! And when you do see a fig
tree mentioned in a verse with Israel there are usually other trees
listed also in the rebuke or allegory. Israel is not the fig tree!
Ponder this: If the fig tree represented Israel would Jesus have
cursed the fig tree and condemned it to never bear fruit again? It
withered up from the root and died. How does that fit the picture of
Israel's prophetic rebirth? Not a match; and I don't think Jesus
would have given us an image so out of sync like that if Israel was
typified by the fig tree. He's sharper than that.
If you were going to say any tree in the Bible is used to
represent Israel it would probably have to be the Olive Tree; and
yes, Wikipedia does say the national tree of Israel is the Olive Tree.
Finding a fig tree and the nation of Israel in the same verse (Oh
look, here's a 'proof text'!) is no excuse for stretching that out into
the lie we have been told all these years. There is just as much
support for the Palm, the Pomegranate, the Olive tree, or the Vine;
all are used to speak in regard to Israel in one fashion or another. If
the Scriptures do not portray the fig tree as the symbol of Israel,
and there is no historical usage of it as such, where did this false
idea come from? I guess maybe someone desperate for doctrinal
support saw some similarity in new tree growth and the rebirth of
Israel; and thought it was a straw worth grasping at.
But back to the parable of the fig tree. Now that we are delivered
from the distraction that caused us to jump track in the middle of
the passage maybe we can stay on the rails long enough to see
what Jesus was really trying to teach us. I find it very helpful to
read Luke's account as it contains wordage carefully avoided by
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pre-trib preachers. You may have never noticed they will gladly
preach this parable out of Matthew or Mark, but it's unlikely you
have ever heard one of them expound on these verses from Luke:
And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and
all the trees; 30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and
know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at
hand. 31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come
to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at
hand. 32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not
pass away, till all be fulfilled. Luke 21:29-32
Notice he said and 'all the trees'. If the fig tree is Israel then all
the trees would be what; all the nations? Are all nations to be re-
birthed? Surely not. The pre-trib crowd has a serious problem
there, and that's why most stay clear of Luke on this parable. They
can't quite squeeze their distraction into it. The allegory is not
about a type of tree but about something common to all trees; and
that is they all show signs of new growth in the latter part of spring
right before summer begins. Nothing to do with the fig tree
exclusively, and definitely not anything to do with the prophesied
rebirth of Israel; a wonderfully fulfilled promise, but not one of
the signs Jesus said would herald the season of his Return.
Read for yourself the indicators he gave. The rebirth of Israel is not
mentioned among them; and to introduce that notion into the text is
deceptive!
Jesus was saying in plain language that just like new growth on
a tree signals you the season of summer is at hand; when you see
'all these things' the season of my Return is at hand. We need to get
a grip on what all those things are and watch for them, instead of
focusing upon something that took place nearly a hundred years
ago. He said the season of his Return, not the century! Let's watch
for the signs HE spoke of, and not be distracted away from what
they really are.
If you add up the 'all these things' given in Matthew 24, (and
Mark and Luke) it's quite a list! We're not left in the dark about the
season of his Return. What you are being distracted from by being
occupied with the fig tree = Israel deception is that we are being
told to watch for signs that herald the immediate season (the
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season, not the day or hour) of his Return; and many of these signs
we are told to watch for take place within the time-frame of the
great tribulation! (No! No! Don't look at that look at this
instead!)
I hope now you have an understanding of why pre-trib rapture
theorists are forced to steer you to an altered meaning outside of
the text.
• First: If we are to watch for any signs which must yet be
fulfilled before Jesus returns their doctrine of his 'imminent
Return' is shot in the head, and must be laid to rest. Jesus
would not have told us to watch for signs the Church was
not going to be around to see.
• Second: If we are told by Jesus to watch for events which
transpire during the final three and a half years that would
mean the Church would have to still be here, and then their
pre-trib rapture myth is also gunned down. (R.I.P.)
Jesus gave us distinct indicators to watch for that clue us in to
the season of his Return, and the rebirth of Israel is not on that list.
Let's leave the rebirth of Israel (as wonderful as it is) out of the
Parable of the Fig Tree and accept what is clearly taught there.
...when these things begin to come to pass, then look
up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth
nigh. Luke-21:28
3. The Restrainer
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he
who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the
way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed...
2Thessalonians 2:7-8
One of the greatest hindrances to Bible study in the area of end-
time prophesy is the mess many people make out of the 2nd
chapter of 2nd Thessalonians. The distraction they introduce into
the text has you asking and answering questions, which not only
promote a falsehood in themselves, but so occupy your attention
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that you lose track of what the Apostle was truly saying in the first
place. This subtle beguilement is so effective that it replaces a solid
rebuke of the pre-trib rapture theory in these verses with a 'proof
text' promoting it instead!
The element of deception here centers around a notion that the
main focus of this text is the appearance of the man of sin
(Antichrist), who has a 'restrainer', and that this restrainer is the
Holy Spirit. Therefor the Holy Spirit (along with those he
indwells) must be removed before the evil one can be revealed. But
a proper reading of this chapter, without that attention absorbing
distraction, shows something quite different! Let's first develop
some discernment about this distraction, and divorce ourselves
from it; then we can receive the truths Paul was really presenting.
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whatever you are being told to believe. But if read properly you
see it is actually the appearance of Christ being restrained that is
the primary focus of the first 6 verses of this chapter. That can be
hard to grasp when you have been told to focus elsewhere all these
years.
But please bear with me a bit here and try to understand that
pre-trib theory cannot have anything hindering the coming of
Christ, or their doctrine of 'imminent return' is proven bogus.
And thus the extreme focus placed upon Antichrists restraint. It
keeps you distracted from what this chapter says about the restraint
of Christ's appearance! That is the purpose of this distraction
introduced into the chapter by pre-trib theory.
We shall read the chapter in question in proper order; but for
now, do we see anything about this passage of Scripture, or any
thing taught elsewhere in the Bible that would lead us to believe
verse 7 is a reference to the *Holy Spirit? Where do they get that
idea? It is always a healthy practice to ask, 'Would I get that
understanding from this verse if no one had first given it to me?'
Not likely!
* The Holy Spirit truly restrains sin in the life of
one who is submitted to that influence. But I cannot
see anything here, or in anything else I have ever
studied on the Spirit of God, that would even hint I
should think the Holy Spirit in the Church restrains
evil men from rising to power in the world. There is
no biblical or historical indication of such. In truth
MANY have risen up in the spirit of Antichrist and
slaughtered countless millions with a large segment
of the Body of Christ dwelling right in their midst!
Mao Zedong, Pol Pot, Hitler, Stalin, and on and on.
Why were they not restrained by the Holy Spirit in
the believers? Did God have to remove the Church
for them to rise to power? No! And on that basis
alone I reject the notion of the restrainer of
Antichrist's appearance being the Holy Spirit in the
Church. But there is much greater reason for doing
so, as we will see.
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QUESTION #1.
Pre-trib rapture theorists teach that the Coming of Christ for the
Church, and our gathering together unto him, is 'imminent' (likely
to happen at any second). This concept is a pillar of the pre-trib
theory, and without it the theory collapses. They claim the Apostle
Paul believed this doctrine of 'the Imminent Return' (because it
was revealed to him by God), that he taught this concept to his
followers, and wrote his letters (that we know as Scripture) with
this notion presented in them. My first question is this:
Exactly when did the Coming of Christ and our Resurrection /
Catching-away become imminent? There had to be a time when it
was not imminent (before the Cross for example) and then there
had to have come a moment when it was now imminent. Exactly
when was that moment; when did the rapture BECOME
imminent?
(If you would like you can post an answer on my blog page
(www.pbenson.me), but please NO straw-man (irrelevant issue)
arguments that distract from the subject at hand. I ask that you
would directly answer the question.)
MY ANSWER:
Let me tell you why the pre-trib rapture theorist will not, and in
fact cannot, directly address that question. It is because the
truthful answer is catastrophic to their doctrine. The truth is
that the Return of Christ for the Church could not have been
imminent in the days of the early Church, could not have been
imminent down through the centuries, could not be imminent
today, and will not be imminent until immediately before it
actually happens. This is easily provable by examining the
Scriptures themselves.
THE PROOF:
There are actually quite a number of prophesies that prohibited
the Resurrection / Catching-away from being imminent in the days
of the early Church. Let's first look at just one major road block to
this concept: the prophesied death of Peter by being martyred
as an old man. The Lord Jesus himself gave us this prophesy
(John 21:18). It is an irrefutable truism.
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But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the
ghost, and where is he? 11 As the waters fail from the
sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up:12 So man
lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more,
they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.
Job 14:10-12
This unspeakable event in which the heavens go away is spoken
of in nearly twenty different places in the Bible yet rarely preached
on. Job prophesied this event would precede our Resurrection!
According to the prophesies of the Bible the Resurrection /
Catching-away could not become imminent until after the
heavens vanish. A thorough look at all the passages detailing this
event in the heavens show it to happen either just before, or in
conjunction with, the Second Coming of Christ right after the
tribulation. Many more prophesies could be cited here.
CONCLUSION:
Thus we see the doctrine of the 'Imminent Return' is a provable
lie.
• To say God revealed to Paul the rapture was 'imminent'
in his lifetime is a lie!
• To say the Apostle Paul believed this doctrine is a lie.
• To say Paul taught this doctrine to his followers is a lie.
• To say Paul wrote his letters that we know as Scripture
with this notion presented in them is also a lie.
• To say the Coming of Christ for the Church has been
imminent for two thousand years is a lie.
• To say the Coming of Christ for the Church is now
imminent is a lie.
The Return of Jesus to catch us away will not be imminent
until ALL prophesies that prevent it are fulfilled. The doctrine
of the 'Imminent Return' is not from the Bible; The Bible refutes
such a notion.
QUESTION #2.
Please pay particular attention to the wording of the following
verses.
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what takes place and when; and all the books that are written on
that subject carrying on and on about it. Why you would think
there were oodles and oodles of passages in the Bible giving us all
this info. But where are they? Have you seen them?
The only time the phrase 'marriage supper of the Lamb' is used
in the entire Bible is Rev. 19. In fact it's the only time the phrase
'marriage supper' is in the Bible at all. Many try to force their
marriage supper teachings into a couple of parables mentioning a
wedding found in the Gospels; but the fit is poor and is little more
than seeing what they want to see. Others will preach ancient
Jewish wedding customs like they are the Bible itself. But we are
warned not to do so.
Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of
men, that turn from the truth. Titus 1:14
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and
vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the
rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Colossians 2:8
The only info we have on the marriage supper of the Lamb is
found in Rev. 19 where we are given an announcement the Bride is
ready, followed by the Groom appearing in all his glory with his
holy angels, and then the next image is the fowls being invited to
the supper of the great God, and then the battle of Armageddon
ensues with those 'invited guests' feeding upon the slain.
Not quite the lovely picture we have had painted for us all these
years, is it? I had trouble with it myself, and it took a lot of time to
let loose of the rosy seven year feast in Heaven I had been taught;
and if you cannot receive that the battle of Armageddon is the
marriage supper that's OK with me. But this is the only description
of the marriage supper you can take from the Bible without
wresting parables to say what you want them to. And there is no
biblical foundation for a marriage supper in Heaven.
You can speculate all you want. There is no law against it; it's
part of our learning process. But when you say 'the Bible teaches'
this or that and it does not you are bearing false witness.
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And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the
seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and
having their breasts girded with golden girdles.
Revelation 15:6
It looks to me like these angels in Heaven are wearing the same
white and pure apparel as those guys on horses with Jesus. What a
shocker! Mary and the others at the tomb saw an angel clothed in a
long white garment (Mark 16:5). Daniel also saw an angel clothed
in linen (Dan. 10:5). What else would they be wearing, Levi's?
To say the armies following Jesus out of Heaven are NOT the
angels because they are clothed in white linen is absolutely
ludicrous! This is a prime example of the way the rapture theorists
fabricate 'proof texts'; like inserting their beliefs into this Scripture
to 'prove' a point, while ignoring other relevant passages that
clearly describe the event of Jesus coming out of Heaven with his
angels.
So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God
for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and
tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token
of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be
counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye
also suffer: 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. 2Thessalonians 1:4 10
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the angels? I thought the departed believers had 'entered into their
rest'?
When the martyred Saints call out to God to be avenged (Rev.
6:10), will He tell them to go take care of it themselves? I question
the way the rapture theorists turn Christ's Bride into a vengeful
army; I guess they must take back all their forgiveness towards
their enemies and persecutors, and go kick some major butt on
planet earth?
It just doesn't seem in line with the descriptions we have of the
Return of Christ that He would hang back and let his Bride do any
fighting for him. It gives me this mental image of a loving married
couple at home safe in bed for the night when suddenly they hear
glass breaking and noise of intrusion downstairs. Can you picture
that doting husband turning to his wife and saying, 'Honey, you
wanna get that please?' It just don't seem right, does it?
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give
place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I
will repay, saith the Lord. Romans 12:19
The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the
vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the
wicked. Psalms 58:10
We WILL be present at the battle of Armageddon, SEE the
vengeance of God upon our enemies, and REJOICE in victory.
There is nothing in Scripture to indicate we should think that
believers are the 'armies of Heaven', but plenty to show it's the
holy angels coming out of Heaven with Jesus in Rev. 19:14. It is
not reasonable to teach this unsupported concept as Bible truth,
particularly in light of the facts I have presented here. Let's get it
right, shall we?
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away happens in an instant. We've all seen the movies or read the
books portraying an instantaneous departure of the Church with
everyone leaving a pile of clothes behind; and the bewildered
onlookers are left wondering what just happened. We know this is
in accord with the pre-trib rapture theory, and plays quite well
theatrically, but should we accept this and other aspects of their
narrative as fact when there is no biblical evidence to support so
many of their claims? I want my beliefs to have some Bible behind
them! How about you? Is there any other source to be trusted?
I would like to know who first started this 'poof we are gone
idea'; and just where did he get that idea from? Not from the
Scriptures; it is not in there. We have already shown elsewhere that
the phrase 'in the twinkling of an eye' was hi-jacked from a
description of the resurrected and living Saints being 'changed in
the twinkling of an eye' (1Cor. 15:51-52). It is not about the
catching away, which is in fact not even mentioned in that entire
chapter. But someone decided to purloin the phrase and apply it
elsewhere; namely to describe a pre-trib rapture event. Can anyone
show me biblical evidence the rapture trip up to the sky will be a
split second journey? It's not there! But I do see some strong
indication it will be a gradual ascension, and also quite visible.
Please consider the following verses:
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the
dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the
dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit
that dwelleth in you. Romans 8:11
Paul informs us here we will be quickened (made alive) by the
same means Jesus was – the Spirit of God. Are you filled with that
life giving Spirit? If so I'll see you in the Resurrection!
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...
1Corinthians 15:21-24
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The Bible uses the term 'the resurrection of the dead' to describe
both what Jesus experienced and also what we will experience. We
shall take part in the same event he took part in! First Jesus, and
then later all believers, made alive by the power of the Spirit. Are
we not the Body of Christ; and Jesus is the Head of the Body? The
order we see here is first the Head then the Body.
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of
his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his
resurrection: Romans 6:5
This passage says our experience will be in the likeness of his.
That means what we go through will look like what he went
through. Should the catching away of the Body look any different
than the catching away of the Head? No! Why should we think it
would? We'll be following in the footsteps of our 'Forerunner'.
There is no scriptural foundation for teaching the 'poof we are
gone' rapture picture. It fails to follow the pattern plainly given in
the Word of God. Did the Head disappear in a split-second leaving
behind a pile of clothing? We know for sure he did not:
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 stedfastly
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. Acts 1:9-11
When Jesus was 'caught up' it was a gradual climb up into the
clouds. We don't know exactly how long it took, but we can easily
see it took at least long enough for the disciples to watch him for a
bit, and then listen to some prophetic insight from the angels as
they continued to watch his ascension until finally he disappeared
into the clouds. Where in all the Word of God is there any
suggestion we should be believing in an instantaneous
disappearance of the Body when it comes time to meet the Head
who is waiting up in the air? That is not the pattern given.
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pre-trib rapture theory would you read this verse and say: 'Hey
cool, God is going to catch away the Church before Antichrist and
the Mark of the Beast gets here!' Would you honestly receive that
meaning from this verse if no one had first taught you to think that
way? I highly doubt it.
Also, did God remove the Philadelphia believers (the promise
was written to them after all) from this planet to fulfill his promise
to 'keep' them? Obviously not. And we have no reasonable
expectation he would have to remove us to keep this promise to us
also. God is all powerful; let's not limit the Holy One with our
unbelief.
In concern for the hardships his disciples would face Jesus
prayed:
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the
world, but that thou shouldest *keep them from the evil.
John 17:15
Jesus seemed to be of the opinion God does not need to take us
out of this world to 'keep' us! I'm sure God was faithful to this
promise he made to those Philadelphia believers right in their
situation, as he will be for us also. God will keep us.
(*The Greek word for 'keep' in the above verse is the
same one used in Rev. 3:10.)
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Word and not deny his name? It would be ridiculous to think so.
Did the ones in that fellowship who were not faithful receive the
reciprocal of this promise? Were they transported into the future to
endure the end-time troubles? Neither the faithful or unfaithful in
this Philadelphia church would ever have to worry about whether
or not they would go through the final years of this age. That
cannot be the promise (or warning) this verse was intended to
bring forth to them (and therefor NOT to us).
If the faithful of that group were promised to be 'kept' from
something that the less faithful among them would have to endure
it had to be something common not just to the time in which they
lived, but also to ours (if this promise also applies to us). We have
no right to think this promise spoke one thing to those people
but something entirely different to us; but that is what the pre-
trib teachers would have you believe! The truths of God's Word do
not change from one generation to another. That type of treatment
of God's Word creates an atmosphere where error can flourish
unchecked,
A Closer Look
A useful key of understanding can be found in looking at what
the purpose of what they were being 'kept' from was. It says, “ to
try them that dwell upon the earth.” A verse that comes to my
mind is one, also in John's letters to the churches, where Jesus tells
lukewarm believers to “buy gold tried in the fire” (Rev. 3:18).
Peter also uses this concept of 'gold tried in the fire' in regard to the
trial of our faith (1 Peter 1:7). Think about this: would a goldsmith
or jeweler take some pure 24k gold and throw in in the smelting
pot to refine it? What would be the sense in that; it is already pure.
There is no need to try it. In a similar manner, not all believers
need the fires of purification, but sadly many do.
I don't think it is unreasonable to conclude the promise of
Rev. 3:10 has to do with faithfulness in the life of a believer
causing God to keep them from a process of refining they don't
need to experience. Read the verse again; it says an 'hour of
temptation' to 'try them'. You 'try' gold to purify it! This verse is
not talking about God's wrath, but a work of purification. God
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does chasten his children, but not unnecessarily. And I think this
verse speaks the same wisdom to our generation as it did to theirs.
Keep thyself pure (or you might get a trip to the woodshed).
In Daniels end-time visions we see some of Christ's followers
being tried and made white (Dan. 11:35); but we also see others
who were strong in the Lord doing great exploits for his glory
(Dan. 11:32-33). Not everyone was being tried; not everyone
needed it. There we see God's wonderful promise of Rev. 3:10
(and its reciprocal) being faithfully fulfilled during the great
tribulation! The ones who were faithful being kept from the
testing, and the ones in need of purification being 'made white'.
Sounds like God is being faithful to all here.
There are times God keeps us from trials and tribulations; there
are times he allows them to try us (or maybe even chastise us); and
then there are times he allows suffering for his glory such as
persecution or even martyrdom. We need to have a heart to trust
him in whatever tribulations God allows to come our way.
Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of
God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well
doing, as unto a faithful Creator. 1Peter 4:19
When you look at the condition of the body of Christ in this
nation do you see a Church that even qualifies for the rapture they
claim this verse promises? Has this generation of believers been
faithful and kept the word of his patience? I don't think so! The
Lord is coming back for a Bride without spot, wrinkle, or blemish.
Sin is a blemish on the believer's garment. ... hating even the
garment spotted by the flesh (Jude 1:23). Personally, I think the
Bride could use a trip to the Laundromat! ...his wife has made
herself ready. (Rev. 19:8)
The elements of the pre-trib theory are implicit; meaning some
think they seem to be implied by certain texts. Implicit teachings
fill the doctrinal structures of the Catholic, Jehovah Witness,
Mormon, Christian Science, and other organizations with
falsehoods like soul sleep, annihilation, purgatory, a non-divine
Christ, infant baptism, and so on. If you want to believe something
badly enough you can find plenty of Scriptures that seem to imply
it. The true doctrines of our faith are explicit; meaning they are
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Conclusion
There is not a thing about Revelation 3:10, its wording, its
context, or even common sense that shows it to be relevant to the
supposed promise of a pre-trib rapture, or that it is specific to end-
time events in the first place! This unwarranted claim almost rivals
the foolish one that says John being told 'come up hither' (Rev. 4:1)
means the church will leave before the time of great tribulation.
That idea is so baseless and lame I'm almost embarrassed for the
person when I hear them say it. These wild unsupported claims of
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'proof texts' are nothing more than a grasping at straws, and are the
clear hallmarks of unbiblical doctrine.
The teaching of a rapture before the coming great tribulation is
nothing more than a fabricated fable; a story concocted to entertain
and distract. I wonder if maybe the original draft was signed by a
fella named Aesop? (I assume you've heard of 'Aesop's Fables'.)
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teaching all who were by Jesus redeemed from the fall would rise
at his Coming. Who does it say will be resurrected with Christ?
Those that are his! So the question we need to answer here is: do
the O.T. Saints belong to Christ? We shall see they indeed do.
Most pre-trib rapture teachers say the O.T. and 'tribulation
Saints' are saved in a different manner than us. This is actually a
heretical belief; there is no other way into the Kingdom of God
than through faith in Jesus Christ, and the new-birth that faith
brings!
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say
unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see
the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How
can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the
second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a
man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter
into the kingdom of God. John 3:3-6
Jesus stated plainly only those who have found the new-birth
will enter God's kingdom. It will not matter what 'era' you lived in;
what will matter is did you find the 'Door'? People find that Door
through the preaching of the Gospel.
...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. 1Thessalonians 5:9-10
For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them
that are dead, that they might be judged according to
men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
1Peter 4:6
We are not given to understand everything that happened when
Jesus descended to the region of the dead, but God thought it
important that we know that the Gospel was preached to the O.T.
Saints, and that Jesus freed those captives. They had to receive the
Gospel of grace through faith in the blood of Christ just as we had
to. This is the 'good seed' that once planted in a heart of faith
springs up into everlasting life. Receiving the truth of the Gospel
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and putting your faith in Jesus, and his shed Blood, places you 'in
Christ'. Let's look at the origin of our promise of inheritance:
And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the
heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto
Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
Galatians 3:8
Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made.
He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one,
And to thy seed, which is Christ. Galatians 3:16
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:26
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor
free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one
in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye
Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 3:28-29
We are all made one in Christ! The way that a lot of people
preach the plan of God for mankind they make the absurd claim
God has one plan for the O.T. Saints and another for the Church.
Many actually teach the Church was plan B. That is falsehood.
There is only one plan. God's plan to redeem mankind from the fall
was preached as early as the Garden of Eden when God provided a
covering for the naked man and his mate. Those animals didn't just
slip out of their skins and say, 'Here ya go!'. There was bloodshed
and a loss of life to provide that covering. The Gospel of Christ's
sacrifice was God's plan to 'cover' us with His Righteousness from
the beginning and has never changed or needed upgraded.
The promise to inherit the kingdom was given to Abraham and
his seed. This promise is fulfilled in Christ; and because we are in
Christ we also are Abraham's seed, so it is the same promise to us.
One promise to all. There is no inheritance outside of Christ.
And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one
which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have
everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:40
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Did not the dead see him and believe on him when Christ
preached to them? Jesus said that every one that believes on him
will be resurrected at the last day. Paul said this would happen for
all those who are Christ's at his Coming. (1Cor. 15:23)
But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed,
the lame, the blind: 14 And thou shalt be blessed; for
they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be
recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
Luke 14:13-14
The people who were being addressed in this passage were not a
part of the post-Pentecost Church. Jesus told these people living
under the Law they could take part in the Resurrection of the Just!
Their theory says the pre-trib rapture is the Resurrection of the
Just, and that the O.T. Saints will not take part in that Resurrection.
Who should we believe? I know where my vote is going. How
about you?
This is some of the stuff I was talking about that doesn't get
preached on much outside of a strict dispensationalist crowd. If
you are not already brainwashed into their theology, things like this
might not set well with you, and they know it.
There is no rapture before the time of great tribulation; the
theory is a man-made invention of modern creation. The
Resurrection of the Just takes place at the Second Coming; and
will include all believers from Adam's day to that day. The pre-trib
theory's claim that the O.T. Saints don't get resurrected with the
Church is an unbiblical concept; and is preaching deception.
Some additional thoughts. The pre-trib theory teaches that at the
rapture the Age of Grace is closed out. I see all these web sites
with advice for those who missed the rapture; telling them to read
the Bible for it will show them the way of salvation. If the
tribulation Saints are not saved in the same manner we are what
good is our Bible going to be to them? It teaches grace through
faith, not an alternative way to be saved. It will tell them unless
they are born-again they won't enter the Kingdom, and it will also
tell them to be filled with the Spirit; both of which will be kind of
hard if He left with the Church at the rapture. It will tell them to
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walk in the Spirit, pray in the Spirit, seek for the Spirit to lead them
into all truth. It will tell them 'not of works lest any should boast',
but the pre-trib theory says they are saved by their being faithful to
death, not by grace like we are. I'm sorry, but I kinda think
changing faith into faithfulness is equal to changing grace into
works. If we could be saved by works why the need for the Cross?
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness
come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Galatians 2:21
If the pre-trib rapture theory were true it seems like it would be
better advice to tell them to disregard the Bible. Wouldn't it get
pretty confusing reading a New Testament full of teachings on how
to get saved and live for Jesus in a manner that had already been
dispensed with? No, we know the Bible will work fine for those
going through those days; us the Body of Christ! We serve a God
whose word is true and unchanging; as is his plan of salvation!
And I saw another angel fly in the midst of Heaven,
having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that
dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and
tongue, and people, Revelation 14:6
There will not be a new Gospel of Works during the tribulation!
The Gospel by which people will be saved during that era of
tribulation is the 'everlasting Gospel'. It will be preached by the
Body of Christ awaiting the Second Coming of Christ. And upon
Christ's Return the O.T. Saints will rise along with us!
Tribulation Is A Promise
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might
have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but
be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Jesus promised his followers tribulation in this life. Believers
will not become Tribulation Saints during the Great Tribulation
because you cannot become something you already are! The
Church of Jesus Christ has been in tribulation since its inception.
There is no such thing as a genuine follower of Christ who is not
already a Tribulation Saint!
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them
to continue in the faith, and that we must through much
tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22
As Paul and Barnabas traveled the areas surrounding Antioch
the message they presented was an exhortation to remain steadfast
in the faith because we must undergo much tribulation on the road
to glory. He was cultivating a mindset in them to expect tribulation
as a normal part of Christian life.
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part of what all true believers will face as the world expresses its
opposition to the life of Christ dwelling in his followers.
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution. 2Timothy 3:12
Much of the tribulation a true believer faces in life will be the
direct result of a testimony and lifestyle which confronts the
unbeliever with the sinfulness of their own life. As we move closer
to the end, and the iniquity of man comes to a fullness, so shall the
opposition to the believers increase like never before. Jesus said
then shall be 'great' tribulation (Matt 24:21). The word tribulation
itself actually carries the meaning of pressure, affliction, and
persecution. A look at Strong's Definition for this word is very
enlightening. Tribulation equals persecution! The great tribulation
could rightly be called the great persecution.
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Is Tribulation Wrath?
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain
salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 1Thessalonians 5:9
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Whatever this 'great tribulation' is, the Lord Jesus said it will
be the worst expression of it that ever has been or ever will be!
Could this possibly be describing God's wrath? Absolutely not!
Please pause and ponder this:
1.) If the great tribulation WAS the wrath of God,
according to the words of Jesus (like never was before), it
would have to be worse than the wrath of God which
destroyed the entire world in Noah's day leaving only eight
people alive. How could that be true? Where would the
armies at Armageddon come from, or the wicked upon
whom Jesus vents God's wrath at his Return, if the
tribulation was God's wrath worse than ever been before?
2.) If it were God's wrath it would have to exceed the
wrath to be poured out at the Return of Christ:
...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;
2Thessalonians 1:7-9
The Second Coming of Christ is when the vials of God's
wrath are poured out (Rev. 15:1), This is the day God visits
his wrath upon his enemies (not before). What events listed
as occurring during the great tribulation are greater than the
wrath of Christ's Return? I sure don't see any in the Bible,
do you?
3.) Finally we must ask here: Is the great tribulation
going to be worse wrath than Hell, or the eternal Lake of
Fire? Remember Jesus said: 'such as was not since the
beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be'.
Do you honestly believe that the events of the great
tribulation, as fearsome as they might be, could ever
compare to the wrath of God expressed by eternal
damnation? Come on, let's get real here. Let's get it right!
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Satan's Wrath
But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that
give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress
in the land, and wrath upon this people. Luke 21:23
Some folks point to this verse from Luke and say, 'See, there is
God's wrath being poured out during the tribulation!' But is this
passage referring to the wrath of someone other than God during
the great tribulation? I believe it most certainly is!
... for the devil is come down unto you, having great
wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short
time. 13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto
the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth
the man child. 14 And to the woman were given two
wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the
wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a
time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the
serpent. … ...17 And the dragon was wroth with the
woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her
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‘great tribulation’ itself is his wrath. Notice that when this wrath is
being prepared to be poured out heaven is filled with the spirits of
those who had gotten the victory over the Mark of the Beast and
are awaiting the resurrection. The battle of the Church with the
Antichrist is coming to an end; and now it’s time for payback!
The book of Revelation does speak of God’s wrath AFTER the
Tribulation; but what takes place DURING that time are extremely
serious Judgments along with a call to repentance. This call to
repentance is plainly shown during the time of tribulation. The
wrath of God is not a call to repentance, its purpose is vengeance!
Don’t let anyone deceive you into thinking you won’t be here
because the time of great tribulation is the vengeance of God. The
Bible teaches no such thing. That mistaken notion came from man.
FOOD 4 THOUGHT: And what about the (supposed)
tribulation Saints the rapture teachers speak of who are
found to be on earth during this horrible time; has God
appointed THEM unto his (supposed) wrath? Did not
the Cross of Jesus deliver them from the wrath to come
(1Thess. 1:10)? Are they not the same blood bought
children of God we are? Is 1Thess 5:9 'God has not
appointed us to wrath' no longer true; did it expire? Do
the promises of God's Word not apply to them?
If one group of believers has to endure this time why
not another? Is God going to remove the lukewarm
Church of our generation, who have had such an
abundance of light given them, before this tribulation;
but make a new generation of baby Christians go
through it unsupported by any seasoned elders, mature
teachers, experienced prayer warriors, or the guidance
of the Holy Ghost (without whom they could not even
properly grasp the truth of the Scriptures) because they
have all been given an exemption and left the planet?
Gee, thanks God! (This is all just more unreasonable
pre-trib theory!)
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A Purified People
Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but
the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked
shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
Daniel 12:10
Although referring to the hardships of the ‘great tribulation’ as a
means to chastise a lazy and lukewarm Church is a very unpopular
concept (few even dare to raise the point for discussion) it is not
without Scriptural support.
There are many passages in the Bible which seem to indicate a
purification taking place during this time in regard to the Body of
Christ. And who could deny this to be needful, considering the
state the Church is in today? Is the Bride ready for the Groom? Not
hardly; but nobody wants to face that issue; they just want their
‘rapture’!
The truths the Bible teaches about the last-days are being thrown
aside to make room for the fables of escapism!
Those who say the great tribulation is the wrath of God are
turning the truth into a lie! Jesus was NOT saying that before the
Second Coming there would be a time of God's Wrath like never
before or ever will be. The notion is not even a possibility!
Let's not be putting our faith in made-up fables, but in what is
actually taught plainly in the Bible. The Word of God clearly
teaches the wrath of God is brought upon the wicked at the Return
of Jesus Christ to earth immediately after the great tribulation!
(Matthew 24:29-31, 2Thess 1:7-10, Rev. 11:18)
The Bible does NOT teach that the great tribulation is the
wrath of God!
And neither should YOU! If you have been promoting this error
you now know better, and had better stop it and repent; or you will
stand before God as a deceiver. I hope you can now see the folly of
believing the great tribulation is the wrath of God, and will cast
that falsehood in the trash can where it belongs.
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of our Lord and our gathering together unto him will NOT occur
until after the appearance of the Antichrist. A second witness to
this truth is given in verse 8 of the same chapter.
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 (Greek -
Parousia): 2Thessalonians 2:8
This verse, coupled with the first segment of the chapter, clearly
ties the coming / Parousia of Christ and our gathering together unto
him with the destruction of the Antichrist at the end of his reign of
terror. This could not be so if that event was a pre-trib event as the
Antichrist is destroyed at the return of Christ immediately after the
tribulation (Matt.24:29). Here is one more witness that ties this
together.
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 (Greek -Parousia). 24 Then
cometh the end,... 1Corinthians 15:21-24
The resurrection of ALL those who are the redeemed of Christ
takes place at ONE time: His coming / Parousia. All believers
including those alive at his return as well as those who have died
down through the ages (Old Testament as well as New Testament
believers) will be changed to glorified bodies and caught up to
meet Jesus in one glorious event. This is the Resurrection at the
Last Day also referred to in the Bible as the Resurrection of the
Just.
Please notice the Greek word 'Parousia' is the underlying Greek
word for 'coming' in all of these quoted passages. We see three
things clearly associated with this word that all transpire at this
'coming':
• First. The resurrection of all who belong to Christ.
Those who have called out to God for his salvation from all
ages.
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And there are! And these quotes clearly show they were! Here are
just a few:
Barnabas (40-100): “The final stumbling-block (or source
of danger) approaches…for the whole [past] time of your
faith will profit you nothing, unless now in this wicked
time WE also withstand coming sources of danger….That
the Black One [Antichrist] may find no means of
entrance…” (Epistle of Barnabas, 4).
Hermas (40-140): “Those, therefore, who continue
steadfast, and are put through the fire [of the Great
Tribulation that is yet to come], will be purified by means
of it….Wherefore cease not speaking these things into the
ears OF THE SAINTS…” (The Pastor of Hermas, Vision 4).
Jerome (340-420): “I told you that Christ would not come
unless Antichrist had come BEFORE” (Epistle 21).
Justin Martyr (100-168): “The man of apostasy
[Antichrist], who speaks strange things against the Most
High, shall venture to do unlawful deeds on the earth
against US THE CHRISTIANS…” (Dialogue With Trypho,
110).
Tertullian (150-220): “The souls of the martyrs are taught
to wait [Rev. 6]…that the beast Antichrist with his false
prophet may wage war on the CHURCH of God…” (On the
Resurrection of the Flesh, 25).
Would you like to see more? For scores of similar quotes
showing the Church has always expected to face Antichrist please
see THIS PAGEon the rapture page at www.paulbenson.me .
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Antichrist. This fact is undeniable. And God has always met this
persecution with a supply of grace to endure.
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A Secret Coming?
I have heard many a speaker proclaim a secret invisible Coming
of Christ to 'rapture' the Church' as an integral part of the teachings
of God’s Word, but I have never heard anyone quote a passage
which actually says such a thing! Try as they might to garner
Scriptural support for this notion, there is none. There is not one
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passage in the Bible which explicitly puts forth this concept. It has
to be presupposed, and then collaborated by bits of verse pulled out
of context. Let's look at what the Scriptures really do have to say
about the Return of Christ.
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When preachers are using the phrase ‘like a thief in the night’ to
teach their ‘rapture’ they seldom include these last two verses. That
is because they describe sudden destruction immediately following
the catching away. That doesn't fit the rapture story, but is does fit
the true teaching of the Resurrection and catching away taking
place at the Second Coming. Jesus will visit this world with
sudden destruction at his Return!
And also the passage says Christ's Return will not take the
awake believer by surprise; the Bible says we are not in darkness
that that day should sneak up on us! That doesn't fit their fable
either. Jesus gave us a great number of indicators to watch for that
would herald his Return. We CAN know the season (though not
the day nor hour). Here are a few Luke listed:
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because that’s where he will be: visible in the sky! Not a secret
coming of an invisible Jesus, but a visible Return in the clouds for
all to see.
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same day. The first is the day of the Rapture before the
tribulation, of which (they claim) Jesus said 'no man
knows the day or hour'; this is the 'Unknown Day'. The
second is the day of the Second Coming which (they
claim) the Bible says will be exactly 1,260 days after the
Antichrist begins to rule. Therefor if we can figure the day
of Christ's Coming by the 1,260 day countdown it is a
'Known Day'.
THE CONCLUSION: Since an unknown day and a known
day cannot be the same day; and the day of the Second
Coming is known whereas the day of the Rapture is
unknown the two cannot be the same day. End of story.
Case closed!
I have heard this notion preached very convincingly; but it was
merely the enticing words of man's wisdom (1Cor. 2:4). And for
many this sounds like a solid open and shut case. But is it? Or has
some deception taken place here? Let's engage the safeguard of
Critical Examination, and see if we can discern the truth of this
matter.
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And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor,
free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in
their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell,
save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or
the number of his name. Revelation 13:16
Just as we now see economic sanctions imposed upon 'rogue
regimes' to painfully force them to yield to the will of the
international community; humanity will see this tactic of control
refined to the point where individuals not totally submissive to the
global tyranny will lose the privilege of conducting commerce in a
normal fashion. In a cashless economy where only the identifying
mark of enslavement will grant access to the electronic monetary
system; those refusing to submit to this control will be outcasts and
considered a danger to society. Seen as human vermin, a world
wide program of extermination will ensue. Any not willing to take
the mark and express worship to the exalted ruler and his image
will be seen as unfit to remain among the dominated masses.
And he had power to give life unto the image of the
beast, that the image of the beast should both speak,
and cause that as many as would not worship the image
of the beast should be killed. Revelation 13:15
Somehow this image of the beast will be not only able to speak
to the multitudes, but also determine if people are dutifully
worshiping or not, and cause any dissenters to be killed. The
eternal consequences involved are not up for debate.
And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud
voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and
receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10 The
same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which
is poured out without mixture into the cup of his
indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and
brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the
presence of the Lamb: Revelation 14:9-10
No follower of Jesus can take this mark and submit to the
demand for worship without forfeiting his or her eternal soul and
suffering the wrath of God forever. We can see those facing this
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of the holy city, and from the things which are written in
this book. Revelation 22:18-19
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Before you can preach a Gospel that the pre-trib rapture is a part
of, you first have to insert it into the Gospel. Like a person takes
yeast and kneads it into the dough of a loaf of bread they take the
notion of a pre-trib rapture and knead it into the Word of God to try
and convince you it is an intrinsic part of the Gospel. Many
different tactics are used to accomplish this feat. Attempting to
establish the pre-trib theory as 'the mystery revealed to Paul' is one
of them. But developing a proper understanding of just what the
true 'mystery' is will keep that pre-trib leaven from rising, and
tainting your beliefs. What do the Scriptures say about this
mystery?
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but
we shall all be changed. 1Corinthians 15:51
The idea that the pre-trib rapture is the 'mystery hid from ages
and from generations' (Col. 1:26) comes from a misrepresentation
of this verse from 1Corinthians. This verse is claimed to be
referring to the catching away / rapture, but it is absolutely not.
We'll look at that in-depth a little later, but first let's see if we can
get a handle on the concept of what the Bible refers to as the
'mystery of God'.
The word mystery is used 22 times in the New Testament in a
variety of applications ranging from 'the mystery of iniquity'
(2Thess. 2:7); to the mystery of 'Babylon the Great' (Rev. 17:5).
Many of these usages have nothing to do with the topic at hand.
But there is a very evident focus in the Scriptures on the matter of
a mystery involved in God's dealings with mankind to bring about
a fulfillment of the promise of inheritance and eternal life,
And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the
mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are
without, all these things are done in parables: Mark 4:11
The revelation of this mystery is only for those who will be the
recipients of this promised inheritance. It remains veiled to those
who do not have a 'need to know'.
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the
hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world
unto our glory: 1Corinthians 2:7
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you the hope of glory, and the fact we shall become as he is by the
resurrection of the dead. Let's get it right, shall we?
theory is not correct doctrine. Will you join the countless others
who have woken up, and rejected the errors of the pre-trib rapture
myth?
For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his
voice, 8 Harden not your heart, as in the provocation,
and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
Psalms 95:7 8
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The Plagues
One of the most glaring rebukes of the claim that this story
supports their pre-trib theory is the fact the children of Israel did
not leave Egypt before God poured out the Judgments on that
nation. For this story to support their position they would have
surely departed prior to the plagues. But they did not; they were
right there divinely protected from the judgment of those days!
There is a very striking similarity between the ten plagues God
poured out upon Egypt and the Judgments we see poured out in the
final few years as shown in the book of Revelation (and as Moses
and Aaron were two witnesses against Pharaoh, there will again be
two witnesses who pronounce those plagues). Of the ten plagues
(water into blood, frogs, lice, flies, dead animals, boils, hail,
locusts, darkness, and death by divine judgment) we see eight of
those clearly listed in Revelation. And remember, some of the end-
time events in Revelation (the Seven Thunders) are withheld from
us, so these other two (lice and flies) may very well manifest at this
time also. It would not surprise me a bit.
SIDE NOTE: One of the major tenants of the pre-
tribulation rapture theory is that the Judgments of the
great tribulation are God's Wrath being poured out; and
since we are not appointed to wrath the Church must
vacate earth prior to this time. (I never could see their
logic there. They claim national Israel is God's chosen or
'elect' lady, a bride for Jehovah they say, and yet he
supposedly pours out his wrath upon her? Isn't God's
wrath reserved for his enemies? ( ...he reserveth wrath
for his enemies. Nahum 1:2)
The notion that the great tribulation is the wrath of God is a
falsehood that does not bear up under scrutiny. It is a time of
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words 'go ye not therefor after them' possibly be? Paul also taught
this same thing. Addressing the issue of the day of Christ and our
catching away being 'at hand' (imminent) he clearly said; 'let no
man deceive you by any means for that day shall not come
except...' (2Thess. 2:2-4). I have chosen to embrace and obey those
words of Jesus and Paul (have YOU?), and will not follow those
deceivers who preach the doctrine of the 'imminent return' of
Christ. It is not from the Scriptures!
What I have chosen to follow are the plain and clear words of
Christ which say WHEN YOU SEE THESE THINGS you will
know the day of my Return is NOW at hand (Matt. 24:33). That
was the true purpose of the Parable of the Fig Tree. To point out
indicators we are to watch for that herald this wonderful event. I
have examined the words of Christ closely to tabulate that list of
things I am to watch for. And I am watching closely!
Quite a few of those things have come to pass, or are in the
process of fulfillment, and some are not yet fulfilled. This tells me
the lateness of the hour, but also that the day of his Return is not
quite yet. But we definitely have entered that season.
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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 (Parousia). 24 Then cometh the end...
1Corinthians 15:20-24
This passage clearly speaks that ALL those who are Christ's
redeemed will be resurrected in ONE event, and that is the event of
his Coming (Parousia). The same Coming (Parousia) that destroys
Antichrist at the end of his reign! (2Thess 2:8)
The Resurrection of the Just must precede the catching away.
PERIOD! There can be NO rapture before the resurrection of the
believers at Christ's Coming (Parousia); and likewise there can be
no additional resurrection of believers after this one event (as pre-
trib theory demands) if it were before the tribulation. Either would
be in opposition to what is clearly taught - ONE Resurrection of
the Just!! And as the Bible clearly teaches a resurrection / catching
away at the Second Coming, this makes the notion of a pre-trib
event an impossibility!
If you put the focus upon the resurrection, where it belongs
(instead of our quick trip from earth up to the clouds), any
confusion about timing is cleared up by the Word. Settle this in
your mind! Study it out! Does the Bible expressly show a
resurrection / catching away at the Return of Christ after the
tribulation? If so, the idea of a prior event is a contradiction to
Scripture, and is an absolute farce.
I believe in our ONE resurrection / catching away at the Return
of Christ. It's what is clearly taught in the Bible. The notion of
multiple 'raptures' is out of sync with the truth of God's Word..
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Many will not take kindly to what I say here. But they are words
of truth. And you can mock me, get angry with me, or write me
nasty comments and say whatever you choose; but one thing you
will never be able to say is that I did not warn you!
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region, great fear and anxiety was upon those being bested by the
armies under Joshua. And as we follow the narrative, as long as the
Israelis obeyed God he blessed them, but when they strayed the
curse was manifest.
(SIDE NOTE; Previously the king of Moab had
tried unsuccessfully to get Balaam the prophet
to curse God's people; even offering him great
reward for doing so. But Balaam refused and
would only bless them (Numbers 22–24). But
sadly we see later in (Numbers 31:16,
Revelation 2:14) Balaam gave in to the dark-side,
and taught Balak how to get the blessing of God
taken off of Israel. How? By getting them to
move in disobedience to the words the Lord had
spoken to them. The disregarding of God's Word
brought the Curse upon the people of the LORD.
How is it so many today seem to think we can
follow their poor example without the same
consequences?
The enemy had sent whorish women among the
men of Israel who seduced them into fornication
and idolatry. The result was the blessing of God
was lifted, and the people suffered greatly for it!
Many lost their lives for moving in opposition to
what God had spoken. God was teaching his
people (even in the wilderness) about the notion
of blessing and cursing. That God is the same
God we serve today.)
We see this promise of blessing and curse at work in the lives of
God's people down through the centuries. When Jerusalem fell to
the armies of Nebuchadnezzar it was once again God being faithful
to honor his promises. What a horrible time of death, suffering, and
bondage the disobedience of God's beloved Israel brought upon
them. But it was exactly what God had said would befall them if
they did not hearken to his words of promise. That God is the
same God we serve today.
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which many will not endure to the end). The other a group full of
wisdom and strength doing great things in the name of their God.
Although not exempt from persecution, and quite possibly destined
for martyrdom, these will be about the Fathers business walking in
great grace and power; not as many others who will be desperately
seeking a supply of 'lamp oil' they had been deceived into thinking
they'd never need. It is my sincere goal to be a part of that
victorious group!
... but the people that do know their God shall be
strong, and do exploits. Daniel 11:32
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confession be something along the lines of: 'I'm not sure about
these things' or 'I'm seeking for more light on this matter, and I
don't know for sure what to believe or teach right now'. And ask
the Lord to forgive and cleanse you for any error you have
embraced or promoted. He will gladly do so (1John 1:9).
That neutral position will not defile you and bring you under
judgment for adding to or taking away from what the Bible
teaches. It is a safe place where you can apply yourself to seek
God, and the truth of his Word, on this most serious matter. If I can
convince you to at least assume this safe position I will have made
headway in regard to the main burden of my heart in writing these
words; and that is seeing God's people removed from the danger of
promoting that deceiving and damaging doctrine.
Let's enter the final days of this age under the Blessing of God,
and not under a Curse for failing to give his Word proper regard!
There very much is a curse associated with taking away from and
adding to the Word of God. That curse is a reality!
PLEASE, do not fall victim to it!
what, will cry out for dealings which would make the
compromised and lukewarm shudder and cringe to even
contemplate. Seeking a purified faith and the endurance to carry
you through the coming persecution and affliction doesn't seem to
be on the agenda of those I know who are waiting for their 'any
minute now rapture'.
Why bother with all the effort to get that gold tried in the fire if
you won't be here to need it? I think that view could lead to
complacency; and not somebody sensing a rough pitch-dark road
ahead and seeking to prepare for that journey. A long dark night
takes a lot of oil to keep the lamp ablaze. It's wise to stock up, but
why should I if I think it is not necessary? The foolish virgins had
not prepared for that long dark night, and it cost them the loss of
everything they were waiting for! Buy all the oil you can get while
it is still light; it is hard to find in the dark.
Although the words of warning that 'of that day and hour
knoweth no man' may have been lifted from their true context by
some, they remain a valid admonishment that is to be heeded by us
all.
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. Luke 21:34
Many suppose those who don't hold to the pre-trib rapture
theory completely disregard Jesus' warnings of the unexpected
nature of His arrival, and the danger of it catching you unprepared.
I firmly believe in being ready to meet Jesus at any time. I kind of
sense in his parables and warnings not just an admonition of the
suddenness of his arrival but also something that speaks warning of
the often unexpected end of a life. Those believers who die not
ready to meet him are just as foolish as those poor virgins. They
will appear before him without oil in their lamps also.
Due to the unexpected nature of his coming many claim that it
could not be post-trib; but we've already established his Return is
an unknown day. Maybe some additional insight would be helpful.
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VS.
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And we really do need to know the truth of it. Jesus prayed for his
disciples that they would be sanctified. How? Through God's truth.
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
John 17:17
I feel the believers of our generation have lost sight of a very
critical aspect of the Gospel. And that is this: Truth has a
sanctifying effect on a receptive heart, whereas error and deception
defile a person! This is true for an individual or an entire nation. I
believe this has a lot to do with the condition of the Church in our
nation today; as well as the nation itself. Our congregations are not
being washed with the water of the Word, but soiled with crowd
pleasing perversions of the truth! Most are constantly being fed
outright lies. How crucial is this issue to us?
Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one
convert him; 20 Let him know, that he which converteth
the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul
from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
James 5:19-20
Notice how James ties truth to salvation in these verses. Erring
from the truth, he says, will make you a sinner in need of being
converted and saved from death! Sounds somewhat crucial to me.
To be lured away from the truth is to be lured away from Christ. I
think we need to wake up to the dangerous condition of the 'not
that worried about doctrine' believer. The churches in America are
packed plum full of people who would rather agree to disagree
than make any sacrifice of time or energy to 'prove all things and
hold fast that which is good' (1Thess.5:21).
I once posed a simple question to a professed believer and
received the response: 'I don't know, I'll have to call one of our
elders and see what we believe.' And he promptly did so. Sadly,
this is the question he could not answer: 'Was Jesus actually God
clothed in humanity, or just one of God's created beings? And the
response he got from his elder was even sadder; for it turned out he
was a Mormon; and they do not believe in the deity of Christ. This
devout man had almost no Bible knowledge, but was assured he
was being taught properly from good honest people who did. Some
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The Pre-trib Rapture: A Bucket Full of Holes!
well meaning folk, who I am sure had his best interests at heart,
were feeding him a pack of lies. What are you being fed?
...we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when
we made known unto you the power and coming of our
Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
2Peter 1:16
Even in the days of the apostles there were 'cunningly devised
fables' attempting to lure the believers away from the truth. How
much more should we beware in a day where so many have lost a
love for the truth? Thank God we have a rock to stand upon!
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto
ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth
in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise
in your hearts: 2Peter 1:19
The truth of God's Word will always be the antidote for the
poison of error and deception. Critical examination of teachings,
and the study of Scripture in context, are truly putting that antidote
to work to dispel any poison. Don't be afraid to question your
beliefs! Put them to the test and see how they stand up. Open your
Bible daily and drink deep. It's good medicine!
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
1Thessalonians 5:21
Paul Benson
Visit the website www.paulbenson.me
Visit my Blog-page 'Let's Get It Right!' www.pbenson.me
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