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What Will The Rapture Be Like?



My brothers and sisters, surely we are near to this most amazing event.  Have you found yourself wondering what the rapture will be like?  Will we know what's going on?  Will we have one last opportunity to witness?  Let's explore the answers to these questions!


Examining Jesus' Resurrection into Immortality

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.  And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb,  but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.  But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.  (Luke 24:1-3,12)

We know from the account of Jesus' resurrection from the dead that He did not leave behind His body.  His physical body was transformed from temporal into eternal.  Let's examine John's account, which is more detailed:

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.  So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”  So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb.  Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.  And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb.  He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself.  Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;  for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb.  And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet.  They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.”  Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus.   (John 20:1-14) 

John's account affirms that Jesus did not leave behind His body; it had been changed from material to immaterial.  He did, however, leave behind his grave cloths.  Thus we know that we will not leave behind our bodies, but we will leave behind our clothes.  We will not leave our blood behind; Jesus did not leave puddles of His blood behind.  Our blood will be transformed with our bodies.




Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.  (1 John 3:2) 

I strongly suspect we will also leave behind any non-flesh additions to our bodies (implants, jewelry, fillings, braces, etc), but we cannot know that for sure.




Examination of Our Resurrection/Rapture Into Immortality

Just as Jesus was transformed, we will be transformed from the physical to the immaterial; the temporal to the eternal.

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.  For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.  But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.  (1 Corinthians 15:20-23) 

Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.  I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.  Listen! I am telling you a mystery:  We will not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the blink of an eye, at the last trumpet.  For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed.  For this corruptible must be clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal must be clothed with immortality.  When this corruptible is clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal is clothed with immortality, then the saying that is written will take place: Death has been swallowed up in victory. Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting? (1 Corinthians 15:49-55) 

Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.  (John 5:28-29) 

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus.  For we say this to you by a revelation from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly have no advantage over those who have fallen asleep.  For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will always be with the Lord.  Therefore encourage one another with these words.  (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17)  

This transformation, or changing, from mortal to immortal occurs in the twinkling of an eye—instantaneously.


Our New Clothes

Don't worry, we won't be naked—the Bible tells us we will be clothed in white robes.  The white robes represent the righteousness of Christ:

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.  (Isaiah 61:10) 

And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.”  (Zechariah 3:4) 

Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself  with fine linen, bright and pure— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.  And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses.  (Revelation 19:7-8,14) 



While our own deeds are but "filthy rags" in regards to salvation, it does appear that the righteous deeds we have done in and through Christ may play a part in our wedding garments.  What a sobering thought—what kind of wedding garment am I making?


What Will Our New Bodies Be Like?

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.  (Philippians 3:20-21) 

Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.  (1 John 3:2) 

Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven. (1 Corinthians 15:49) 

Scripture tells us that our bodies will be transformed to be like Jesus' glorious body—we shall be like Him.  What was His transformed body like?

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”  When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.  (John 20:19-20) 

Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”  (John 20:26) 


That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened.  While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.  But their eyes were kept from recognizing him... So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them.  When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them.  And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.  (Luke 24:13-16,28-31) 

We see from these two passages that Jesus could pass through closed doors, cloak Himself from recognition, reveal Himself, and vanish at will.  I would suggest that Jesus demonstrated the ability to pass from one dimension to another—the spiritual to the temporal.  Since our bodies will be as His is, I would not be surprised if we also will be able to transport between these two dimensions.


One Last Opportunity to Witness? 

Although the transformation/resurrection is an instantaneous event (in the blink of an eye), and the catching up also seems to be a rapid event, there may be a slight gap of time between the transformation and catching up events.

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus.  For we say this to you by a revelation from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly have no advantage over those who have fallen asleep.  For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will always be with the Lord.  Therefore encourage one another with these words.  (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17)  

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.  (1 Corinthians 15:51-52) 

Let's examine the sequence of events in the two passages above:


1. Jesus descends from heaven (the third spiritual heaven) into the clouds (the first atmospheric heaven) with the souls of believers who have fallen asleep (died) in Him.

2. Jesus shouts, an archangel's voice sounds, the trumpet of God blasts, and both the dead and alive in Christ get their resurrection bodies.

3. This change happens in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, as the trumpet sounds. The bodies of the dead in Christ presumably join their souls in the clouds at this moment (the dead in Christ rise FIRST).

4. We who are still alive but transformed, are THEN caught up together with those in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.


Our question: Is there a gap between #3 and #4?  There is precedence for this in Matthew's account of the resurrection of "many saints" at the time of Jesus' resurrection.  These were walking around and were seen by many before they went to heaven:

"At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people."  (Matthew 27:51-53)

If the same thing happens at our resurrection/rapture event it might look like this:

  • transformation
  • pause 
  • catching up 

If there is a pause, it might enable us to safely park our cars if we are driving, etc.  But even more importantly, it might enable us to bear witness for Jesus for one last moment.  This would seem to be supported by the definition (from dictionary.com) of the word "remain" (as in, we who are alive and remain):

  • continue to exist, especially after other similar or related people or things have ceased to exist (i.e. the dead in Christ have ceased to "remain") 
  • synonyms: continue to exist, endure, last, abide, go on, carry on, persist, hang in the air, stay around, stand, be extant, hold out, prevail, survive, live on 
  • stay in the place that one has been occupying (does "occupy until He comes" come to mind?) 

It's an exciting possibility to consider, but I do not think that more than a few moments (minutes? hours?) is probable for a few reasons:

  • We know that those left behind are they who refused to love the Truth and so be saved (2 Thessalonians 2:10) 
  • The Bible does not mention a mass salvation event right at the start of the tribulation, other than the 144,000 sealed Hebrews (Revelation 7:1-8).  However, it does seem that many do come to faith at some point after the rapture.   
  • What would happen to the soul of someone who became a believer AFTER the transformation event, then died BEFORE the catching away event? 
  • We are "caught up" together with the resurrected dead in Christ and meet in the clouds... how long would Jesus and the resurrected dead hang out in the clouds to wait? 

The most compelling reason I have for not believing the gap will be longer than a few moments, is that the resurrection from the dead and transformation of the living would seem to set off nuclear-type events.  Why?  It's simple physics—the conservation of energy.  For material to transform to immaterial, a massive amount of energy would seem to be released.  I would suggest that we see as earthquakes in scripture.  Observe  Jesus' and the many saints' resurrection:

“And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. [there may be a time gap here as we know Jesus was the firstfruits of those raised from the dead so He must have been first...] And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:51-54) 

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. (Matthew 28:1-2) 

Observe when the two witnesses are resurrected:

But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood up on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here!” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies watched them. And at that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. (Revelation 11:11-13) 

If there is a similar release of energy at the transformation of the dead and living in Christ, can you imagine what it would look like?  I believe that this explains why we need to be snatched away violently, with great force (harpazo), as opposed to simple ascending.  There will be untold catastrophe unfolding upon the earth in our wake, which helps explain the descriptions of the seals and the first four trumpets.




Whether there is a time gap or not, this is something we can only speculate. 


Will We Feel Anything?

Because the transformation event occurs "in the blink of an eye", we will not feel anything.  Our pain receptors (nociceptors) fire at 5-30 meters per second.   The blink of an eye takes 300-400 milliseconds.  Since a blink takes far less than a second, our neural systems won't be able to sense or respond in that timeframe.

As for the rapture itself—the catching away—the verb used means "to snatch away violently, with great force".  Other places where the same word (harpazo) is used include:

And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried [harpazo] Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.  (Acts 8:39)

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up [harpazo] to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up [harpazo] into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.  (2 Corinthians 12:2-4) 

And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force [harpazo] and bring him into the barracks.  (Acts 23:10) 

Because we will be in our new eternal bodies, and it seems to be a very quick event, I highly doubt that we will "sense" being snatched away either.  Like Jesus' resurrection body, we will pass through anything in our way with no ill effect—just as Jesus passed through the locked doors after His resurrection.


Remember Lot's Wife

On that day, let the one who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away, and likewise let the one who is in the field not turn back.  Remember Lot’s wife.  (Luke 17:31-32) 

This passage in Luke terrified me for awhile.  We know this isn’t the same as Matthew’s mention of the abomination of desolation fleeing (Matthew 24:15).  There is no mention of fleeing here – instead, right after this Luke teaches that one will be taken (other uses of the word include “received”, as in received unto the Lamb and God’s throne) and one will be left.  In context, I personally believe this is a rapture verse.

I remember wondering if I would be like Lot's wife and turn back at the time of the rapture.  I examined my heart, and there is nothing else that would keep me on this earth but my kids.  However, I could definitely imagine myself anxiously looking back for them.

I prayed about it a lot.

I believe that God revealed to me that this is referring to what Jesus also teaches in Luke 9:62:

Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”   

Lot’s wife wasn’t looking back for family, for her kids.  They were with her.  Lot's wife was looking back longingly, because her heart was in Sodom.  Remember how the angels literally had to drag Lot AND his family away, after trying to convince them for hours to leave?  Those who hold back from Jesus and cling to this world are not worthy of Him.

We would do well to examine our hearts – are we holding back from truly following Jesus?

Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it.  (Luke 21:33; See also: Matthew 10:39, 16:25; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24; John 12:25) 

But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.  (Luke 21:36) 

How can we be worthy to enter the kingdom of God and escape all these things that are going to take place?  We must turn and become like children (Matthew 18:2-4) – literally, we must be “born again”.  All true believers will enter the kingdom of God and escape all these things.  For more on this, please see: Who Is Worthy to Escape All These Things? 


The Rapture Experience: Summary 

I believe we will be aware that the rapture is happening.  On the day, in the hour, I believe we will know it is time!  I believe we will hear the shout of command ("come up here"???), the voice of the angel, and the trumpet of God.  I believe we will see Christ in the clouds of heaven, and perhaps the dead in Christ rising around us.

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will always be with the Lord.  Therefore encourage one another with these words.  (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)  

We may also feel, hear, and see earthquakes occurring.  Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.  (Luke 21:28)




The probable sequence would seem to be:


1. Jesus descends from heaven (the third spiritual heaven) into the clouds (the first atmospheric heaven) with the souls of believers who have fallen asleep (died) in Him.

2. Jesus shouts, an archangel's voice sounds, the trumpet of God blasts, and both the dead and alive in Christ get their resurrection bodies.  This change happens in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, as the trumpet sounds.

3. We will not feel anything.

4. This transformation from material to immaterial may result in a huge release of energy around the globe.  This may trigger earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis.

5. We will not leave behind bodies or blood; these will be transformed.

6. We will leave our clothes behind and will be clothed in white robes, representing the righteousness of Christ.

7. The bodies of the dead in Christ presumably join their souls in the clouds at this moment (the dead in Christ rise FIRST).

8. There may be a small time gap (moments?  minutes?  hours?)

9. We who are still alive but transformed, are THEN caught up together with those in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.

10. Our new bodies will pass through material things with no problem.  We will not feel anything.


Based on rapture passages describing the transformation and snatching events occurring "in the twinkling of an eye," I don't believe we will literally have time to look back at the time the rapture takes place.  Our hearts need to be prepared for it in advance—where our treasure is, there our hearts will be also (Matthew 6:21).

Are YOU rapture ready?  If you have doubts, please read Blessed Assurance: A Guide to Rapture Readiness

- - -

Further Reading:

The Blessed Hope

Prophecy Basics

The Called Out Ones

The Day of the LORD

The Letters to the Seven Churches

Post A Comment

134 comments:

  1. I highly recommend buying and watching Before The Wrath as it gives great insight into the Rapture of His church and adds even more flavor to the story!
    https://www.amazon.com/Before-Wrath-Kevin-Sorbo/dp/B08639CHSR

    God bless,
    Matt

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    1. Yes! I'm SO glad they made that as well as The Coming Convergence!

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    2. Yes, my wife and I have watched it - excellent! Plus it gives some great new insights that I hadn't previously considered. Highly recommended!

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  2. Stephanie, and afterwards, we PARTY!
    I don't think it's going to be solemn and serious.
    I don't think we're going to be nervous or scared about being made welcome.
    Jesus has prepared a place specifically for US - we're going HOME!
    Jesus definitely liked to have a good time.
    I think initially, it's going to be like "old home week" and that we are going to have the time of our NEW lives!

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    1. I think we will be excited and rejoice! I agree it won't be solemn or serious, but I think we will wholeheartedly love on and worship Jesus! A good time will become not about fun or about ourselves, but about being filled with the fullness of Joy only found in being in complete union with God. And then, the BEMA!

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  3. Maby...

    Our King shouts - dead in christ rises with soul in body intact (just like our Lord Jesus raised Lazarus)

    The voice of archangel - we get ressurection bodies (just like the angels with our Lord at His ressurection)

    Trumpet of God - come up hither....

    Oh this is all so gut wrenchingly exiting!

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    1. I do think the shout of command will be "Come up here!"

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    2. Being a Supernatural event each person may hear their own name being shouted. That would be cool and not outside of the realm of possibility because God is all-powerful

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    3. Stephanie

      I Agree, More like "Come forth" and the dead in Christ will rise first. The Jonah warning,then........!

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    4. Isaiah -- "Being a Supernatural event each person may hear their own name being shouted."


      Yes. He is a personal God, very personal.

      The angel also will be called by name I expect.

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  4. It is an excellent message! Come PLEASE!!!! O Lord Jesus! Maranatha!

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    1. The Spirit and the bride say "Come!" Come Lord Jesus!

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    2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u_O557eSVY&feature=youtu.be

      And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

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  5. Great article! When you touched on Lot's wife from Luke 17 it made me think of the current time we are living in. In these final days what a wonderful God we have that he is giving us the time to prepare our hearts for His Kingdom. Christians should be taking this time to focus on Heaven, and dropping all connections with the world. Many are waiting for the world to go back to normal, us Christians should be hoping and waiting for the rescue.
    I know when this first started I felt bad for hoping the rapture would occur soon, that I was being selfish, and not concerned that many would be left behind to face the tribulation to come. Now that we are a month plus into this, I'm more at peace with it. If this is it, God has given a final warning to the world. From what we are hearing many are coming to Christ, others are just looking back on the world longing for the days of before. All the while the serpent and his demons are taking a stronger hold on those of this world who long to be like the gods (Gen 3:5).
    The division has been going on for a number of years now; the worldly (abortion/gay marriage/etc) and those who stand on the Lords side (even though they may not be Christians). Mat_13:30  Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
    Keep looking UP!!!

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    1. Hearing this explanation of why Lot's wife looked back is really the only explanation I've ever heard! I always thought she looked back out of curiosity or to witness the destruction. Stephanie's view is spot on.

      My family is sick of me talking about the rapture. My wife wants to hold her future grand babies and my kids want to experience growing up. I'm totally excited to go!

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    2. That is exactly how I feel about it! @ChrisO

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    3. Dean, Blessings. Your comment about the kids struck close to home. As I wrestled with that detail with my 2 younger boys, now 14 and 21, I deeply understood their grief, confusion and feeling of threat by my 'Good News'.

      While the heart of child is bound in foolishness, so, no shame on them, still, it is a picture of the legitimate work of a mortal, wrestling with their mortality, their youth being a good example of many 'adults' on this issue, and the FACT that Death keeps its OWN schedule, for each of us. Seeking to raise them up in the way THEY each should go, I used the moment to do 2 things. 1st, to teach them about the immanency of our own passings, all of us, all the time. Good material for a Dad and his younger sons, at the time, ala rights of manhood, et al. Still, hallowed ground best walked very prayerfully and with heart.

      Honestly, the wonderful young years they envision may be theirs, or not, we do not know. Having them turn that understanding, of waking tomorrow being a gift, and uncertain, to taking full joy in TODAY, and not false 'joy' and 'ownership' in an idol called "Tomorrow', was the goal, there. It was a good start.

      2nd, and this is the teaching I have learned to comfort and edify ALL who feel loss of good things, here, are involved, I addressed their fear, directly. Remember, when you depose a false spirit, ALWAYS replace it with a True one, or 7 worse ones will reside, anew. I sincerely, and as deeply personal as I could communicate it, I informed them that EVERYTHING here is a poor copy of things THERE. NOTHING good which they like here, (not counting desires of the flesh, ofc), will be missing in heaven, NOTHING. The fellowship and friendship on little league and high school football and the Graduation Dance and 1st girlfriend are ALL pictures of deeper and richer realities, above, awaiting. So, to summarize, (1) you have no true 'future' to lose, only an idea of a likely future, and even that is not promised and many never see it; (2) EVERYTHING worthy of your celebration here is only a dim picture of the real good stuff, there; so you won't 'miss out' on ANYTHING, and (3) The Same God Who Fashioned The Reality You Wish Not To Lose Has Fashioned A Better One, For You, Specifically and, though you will have Eternity to explore it, you will never get to the end of how Awesome it is, just for YOU. Maranatha!

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    4. Jimboni, brother!

      YOU BAT THE BALL OUT OF THE PARK!!

      Rubber has met the road with tracks left behind!

      Brilliant!!

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    5. Pastor Rich, Blessings. Coming from you, brother, so well studied and erudite, that means a lot. CAPS, too, wow. Call me a scribe, with a flair for repeating The Master, well, if you must. Shalom, Maranatha!

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    6. Jimboni,

      Sure wish I'd had a dad like you!

      Best,
      dj

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  6. Boy is it time for an upgrade, this old bag of flesh and blood, is looking worn out.. So cannot wait!!

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  7. I was re-born ready... :)

    Don't be a grape!

    🚫 🍇

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  8. Luke 17:31-32 is not a Rapture Passage. That passage is dealing with the abomination of desolation and the Flight of the Jews Into the Wilderness and maybe you heard already knew that.

    I don't believe there will be any physical effects from the releasing of a great amount of energy. We need to remember that the Rapture is not a natural event it's a supernatural event.

    I would like to propose that from the world's perspective the Rapture is so quick that all people would see is other people disappearing but could it be from the church's perspective for us to enjoy it fully it'll take a few minutes as we fly up into the air.

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    1. You are right not a Rapture Passage!

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    2. Hi ;

      I agree. Luke 17 and the example of Lot's wife are not rapture verses, nor AOD verses. In my opinion, they are Sheep & Goats Judgement verses before the 1,000 year reign of Jesus.

      It may not be biblical, but if you believe some folks whom died and came back, they all say they recognized their family and friends. You have got to believe this is the way it will be. Now all we need is our pets and we are good to go. :)

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    3. We were talking about (pets) today and our rescue, Shadow. When God created the animals they were all "good". He gave them to Adam to name and all of the garden to be caretaker. God made animals to have a relationship with man that goes beyond food. For so many reasons I can see animals in heaven. I for one hope it is so as we have several dearly departed friends that we hope to united with once again.

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    4. I know that I am inordinately fond of my dogs but second to my concern about family & friends who have not given their lives to Christ, I am concerned about what will happen to our pets. Any thoughts? Do they go with us or do we need to arrange for their care for after we fly?

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    5. All in, Blessings. A slippery one, surely, to find in Scripture and get into a pen. Having spent some time and effort on the find, and digging into the root words and meanings of 'household', in the Greek, I point you to Acts 16:31 and Paul's & Silas' instructions to his Jailer: (ESV): And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Household, Strong's G3624: oikos: a. strictly, an inhabited house; b. any building whatever; c. any dwelling-place; 2. by metonymy, the inmates of a house, all the persons forming one family, a household; 3. stock, race, descendants of one (wait for it) denotes one's household establishment, one's ENTIRE property, including holdings, possessions and LIVESTOCK. A rather unkind term for our pets, but, if it gets them in, I'M IN! Maranatha!

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  9. Thank you so much for this article!! So much appreciated!! I have given thought to what are new body's would consist of. I think it will be glorified flesh and bone but I wonder/doubtfull it will really contain blood. I also believe that we will not have internal organs. We will not need a digestive system as I believe all food and liquid will some how instantaneously be utilized in ones mouth, only needing it for pleasure and not for ANY need of sustaining our body. Further do not think we will need a respiratory system. Of course I do not know for sure but just think that this NEW body will be a fantastic upgrade in its abilities but without the underlining organs or systems that one would normally associate with the BODY. I sure would hope that many would reply with comments and thoughts on this specific issue! Thanks so much!!

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    1. Could be right. Hard to say. Both a resurrected Jesus and angels are show with the ability to eat. But it's possible that glorified bodies don't produce waste. Whether that means we use all the food perfectly or that it supernaturally "vanishes", I have no idea! Is air still used to move through vocal cords to produce sound waves? Don't know! I think we aren't creative enough to come up with anything outside our scope of this world with the laws of physics as we know it. We can imagine "Superman" types of people, but I think that still falls short. It'll be fun finding out though!

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    2. The specifics of the Rapture have long interested me. Beings with glorified bodies are frequently mentioned as sharing meals with mortals. I suspect that it’s too great and enjoyable a social bond to ever eliminate altogether in the hereafter, though it won’t be necessary for sustaining life. I can imagine all of it being absorbed by us, as high-energy beings, without waste. The respiratory aspect must be similar. I can’t imagine there being an actual need.

      Someone else mentioned the idea of it happening during an awkward moment, but I think that will be irrelevant in the moment. The translation will be instantaneous, without physical reference to anything else. There will be no capacity for silly human features such as awkwardness or shock.

      One thing I’ve wondered about is how much of our earthly appearance and personality will remain. No doubt those aspects would be purified and idealized, though. I suppose that our age, whether very young or very old, will be brought to a neutral level. Or perhaps we will know and recognize each other on an entirely different basis.

      DW

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    3. Well, the angels who fell from heaven were able to reproduce with women on earth. This makes me wonder about the functions of our new bodies. Sexual reproduction isn't "necessary" in Heaven either is it? Even angels apparently have the ability, so I imagine that there will be some form of intercourse in Heaven even if it is not for reproduction. It might be a pleasure in Heaven, maybe one of the things the prophets saw and weren't allowed to talk about.

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    4. Ron/All,

      This may be a poor example but consider creation -- how many creatures can mimic their surroundings? They transform in appearance from one state to another. We see this in colouration of the octopus changing to match its environment.

      The Bible witnesses the angel of the LORD departing in an instant,

      21 Then the angel of the LORD
      reached out the tip of the staff
      that was in his hand and touched
      the meat and the unleavened cakes.
      And fire sprang up from the rock
      and consumed the meat and the
      unleavened cakes. And the angel
      of the LORD vanished from his sight.

      (Judges 6:21 ESV)


      We know that angels appear like us,

      2 Do not neglect to show hospitality
      to strangers, for thereby some have
      entertained angels unawares.

      (Hebrews 31:2 ESV)


      What is hospitality? Does it not include food and drink even warmth and shelter?

      Although from dust we come (Genesis 3:19) we are still made in the image of God. (Genesis 1:26) The Lord Jesus came in His image and dwelt among His creation made in that image. (John 1:14) The glorified image is one which appears to be able to dwell in (physical) temporal space(s) and change to dwell in (spiritual) eternal space(s).

      I believe this is a hint at hyper-dimensionality as the natural state of the glorified body. Moving between spaces is as easy as walking from one room to another and done so instantly.

      How instantly?

      *Perhaps* as long as Planck time which is 1.91112×10−43 seconds. We know this as a "twinkling of the eye".

      Would we *need* to eat? Let's turn that question on its head and ask, "Is there anything to eat?"

      We will certainly be sustained by God Himself; fed wisdom by truth and Love. How then do we see,

      2 through the middle of the
      street of the city; also, on
      either side of the river, the
      tree of life with its twelve
      kinds of fruit, yielding its
      fruit each month. The leaves
      of the tree were for the
      healing of the nations.

      (Revelation 22:2 ESV)


      The study of this gives us pause as we know the source of life and strength is the LORD Himself. May we partake of the tree? May we enjoy its fruit? May we drink from the river? May we take pleasure in these things?

      These are wonderful questions.

      Our temporal existence requires sustenance while the eternal knows no passage of time. Time simple doesn't exist in eternity because eternity exists outside of our four dimensions. From our perspective, all processes in heaven happen instantaneously as an eternal singularity -- yet from the heavenly perspective everything exists outside of space-time as if a moment were captured and held endlessly.

      The glorified body appears to change states as it moves between spaces. Perhaps nature contains clues as to how we may be? A butterfly comes to mind! If so, then how so have we been cocooned these past weeks? Shut-in as in the days of Noah?

      Hmmm...

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    5. Serqonion,

      The fallen sinned in rebellion against God. The corruption of mankind was a temporal event in a hyper-dimensional war.

      I might suggest a prayerful study of what the Bible says about us in heaven? I think you will find that our understanding of carnal sex, even *gender*, has no part in the kingdom.

      PR

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    7. Ron Garbe, Blessings. While I concur with the thoughts behind your post I must object to one finding, concerning blood. While the workings of the glorified body are a mystery, and unlikely we get cut and bleed, but, it is actually Hell where you will find no blood.

      "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life." LEV 17:11.

      Setting aside that The Blood Of Christ, Which Purchased Us ALL, Will Surely Not Be Absent The Third Heaven, irrespective of it's Form and new 'Function', 'LIFE" in this verse is H5315: nephesh: a soul, living being, life, self, person. This verse identifies the soul, apart from the flesh, much like the program on a computer disk, and tells us it LIVES in the blood. This is alongside why it is Christ's BLOOD and not his tears or sweat, which SAVE US ALL. Maranatha!

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  10. In the spirit of accuracy, so none can belittle us, I have some issues with the energy conversion thing. Assuming an average mass of 62 kilograms, one person raptured would release about the same amount of energy as 89 thousand nuclear bombs the size of the one dropped on Hiroshima, or about 13 and a half earthquakes hitting a 9.0 on the Richter scale. Assuming a conservative estimate of 150,000,000 living members of the church, the Rapture would release roughly the same amount of energy as 13 trillion nuclear bombs (same size as before), or about 2 billion earthquakes a 9.0 on the Richter scale. That's enough nukes to stretch from Pluto and back and have some to spare.

    Needless to say, everyone and everything would be gone. Thus, I sort of doubt that God will just dump the energy from our body's out like that. I'm not sure what He will do, but God can shake the earth as a warning with or without the rest energy from our bodies :) .

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    1. Yeah, I don't hold with the Rapture creating destruction like that either. I think the earthquakes in the Bible we're supernatural signs, not a result of physics. So there might be an earthquake at our Rapture, but it won't be due to energy conversion. If anything, there might be thunderclap noise from all the displaced air as all the vanishes bodies create mini vacuums

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    2. Rick Larson released, "Christquake" last year on DVD. His team goes right to the source and finds physical evidence of the earthquake recorded by Matthew.

      The harpazo is as a forceful snatching away. The exchange from temporal to eternal is a hyper-dimensional transaction thus the energy conversion, say matter to energy, if in Einstein terms would happen in the terms of Planck-time and across dimensions.

      Put another way, is it possible put your hand in a fire so fast that you won't get burned?

      Yes, you can. I've done it plenty of times.

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    3. We are living in a digital simulation, as Chuck Missler says. We will be transformed instantaneously, just like running a computer program except at much higher speed. Deleting database "A" and loading database "B" does not cause the computer to overheat. But this is a bad analogy because God's computer is much more efficient than man's.

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    4. Yeah, there is Chuck's interpretation of what we call reality. I've not come to embrace his view. That we are a self-aware simulation that can become as our creator?

      But hey! Disney did it in "Tron Legacy" didn't they when the ISO (Quorra) returned with Sam (son to the grid's creator) to the "real" world.

      Interesting parallels to the Biblical narrative in that story.

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    5. Yuck! I dont like chucks idea either. Annoys me when people try to understand things that are much higher than them and adulterate it with trash human understanding. No offense. That's just how I feel about it.

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    6. If we have multiple parallel universes in play as some science seems to suggest... the Rapture could simply be splitting the reality/universe we're in. The lost go in one direction, the saved go in another, and all the energy released goes into a third dimension where it can dissipate harmlessly?

      I just trust that God knows what He is doing, and that we will understand it all later.

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    7. OK, OK, all that said, it sure seems intuitive that we could see a nice EMP surrounding this event. A flash of light occurs at conception. That global EMP could help explain the weaponry we see in The Revelation, also, as well as the TOTAL collapse of the world system (you think its bad now, wait until EVERY electric device on the planet is FRIED, except the AC's, ofc), AC related events and his control of things.

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  11. When I was a young lad and first heard of the rapture I was worried that I might be caught at an embarrassing time. In the bathroom, taking a shower etc. Would I have time enough to grab a towel?

    In regards to the possible gap between the dead in Christ rising and our rapture. Lets just say I dont think thats happening. Nuff said.

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  12. I enjoyed reading this post. It filled my heart with joy and excitement! None of us know for sure exactly how it will happen . And to be honest, I don't think any of us will care who was wrong or right in that moment of the rapture. We will just love each other and our Savior perfectly. Set free from sin. Rejoicing! You have some good thoughts and insights though. Thank you for sharing!

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  13. John 2:19-21 "Destroy this temple and in 3 days I will raise it up"... "He spoke of the temple of His Body".... this is a good verse to show the Kingdom Hall / Watchtower people because even in their version of the Bible, they did not change the word "Body"...though they teach falsely about His body, this verse can be used to show them that Jesus did rise from the dead, not just a spirit, but with a glorified body.

    Thanks Stephanie, some good points...looking forward to that next lesson on Pentacost

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  14. Excellent post! Just one thing, though... you mentioned that Jesus didn't leave behind pools of blood. I see the point you were making, but... that's because He couldn't! His resurrection body was flesh and bone (Luke 24:39). He had poured out His precious blood to atone for our sins and secure our salvation! :)

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    1. Actually according to Wyatt archeology research that pool of blood hit the Mercy seat! And it was analyzed.

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  15. Trying to see all the Rapture references together in context may shed more clarity.
    There is a order sequence, weather a gap or simultaneous event for the dead rising?
    Right now I tend to the Gap theory.
    1Thes.3:13.
    1Thes.4:14-17.
    1Cor. 15:51-52
    1Cor.15:23.
    2Cor.5:4-9.
    1Thes.5:9-11.
    Colossians 3:4

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  16. If and when the dead do rise incorruptible, we who are alive are also changed in a moment incorruptible we also become that part of the 40 day Jonah warning where ever we are in the world.

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  18. A rapture dream...

    Normally I don't share this sort of thing... Personally I grow tired and pretty skeptical of many so-called youtube dreams and visions that people apparently have (though the Lord is doing wonderful things in countries such as Iran through dreams and visions). I only share this because of a sense to do so and because Stephanie has written well on 'What will the rapture be like?' It may add something. It may encourage. As with any word or dream we have to test all things and hold onto that which is good (1 Thes 5:20-21) right?

    BACKGROUND
    The dream was given to someone pretty close and special to me - my mum! It's not recent. It was actually given in 1965 but my mum told it to me again within the last fortnight and said that she can still see it like it just happened. She is over 80 now. I should also add that she is not someone that has dreams and visions. This is not a common occurrence! At the time, she knew NOTHING about end times or the rapture being a young Christian. She was going to a church who at that stage were encouraging everyone to seek the baptism of the Spirit - so she had been praying and seeking the Lord in the days leading up to it. For whatever reason, He gave her a dream. And not on something she was seeking!

    THE DREAM
    In her dream she saw a whole lot of people standing outside. They were all looking up at the clouds. No one was saying a word to another. She was one of them and she knew that HE, Jesus, was coming! All of them knew it. Everyone was waiting for Him, looking up. And then she saw Him. She saw Him descending in the clouds surrounded by myriads of angels on every side.

    She didn't see herself go up (though we know that this will happen).
    She didn't see her body changed in an instant (though we know that this will happen).

    All she saw was the Lord descending with angels before instantly the scene changed and she was in Heaven, bowed down in worship at His feet. She didn't see others around. It was personal - her and Him. And she said that she had this total, overwhelming, sense and understanding THAT HE HAD DONE EVERYTHING! That there was nothing that she could claim, no righteousness of her own that she could point to, no case for why she deserved on her own merits to be there. She just knew, with her whole being, that He had done it all for her. Worthy is the Lamb!

    That was the end of what she saw. Like I said, she hadn't even heard of the rapture at that stage, nor was she thinking about end times (she didn't know anything about it). Nor was she seeking a dream... But what she saw is as vivid today as when it happened she says.

    We weigh all things against the word. The last word in the Bible attributed to the Spirit is Rev 22:17 - The Spirit and the Bride say 'Come'. It could be that very shortly before He comes, we will know, for the Spirit will speak that firmly and clearly in the hearts of believers...

    'He is coming! He is coming! Go out to meet the bridegroom!'

    We'll wait and see. Hopefully not too long! : )

    PS - Thanks for another great article Stephanie. You've been very busy and diligent lately. Heb 6:10 Good stuff : )

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    1. I had a similar dream many years ago. Didn't segue to heaven but the part about looking up and seeing Jesus coming in the clouds was there.

      Thanks for sharing.

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  19. At https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/22/world/africa/coronavirus-hunger-crisis.html "‘Instead of Coronavirus, the Hunger Will Kill Us.’ A Global Food Crisis Looms.". This clearly points to the world Wide famine during the first 3.5 years of the Tribulation Period during The Third Seal judgment of Revelation 6:5-6 with the Rider on the black horse.

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  20. I need to comment on something that I see often on here. Its the subject of the "Fig tree generation". This is something that has been widely accepted as established doctrine among many believers. It is based on these sculptures Matt 24:34 and Psalms 90:10.

    This is a minor point but worth noting. Nowhere in scripture is the phrase "fig tree generation" found. The words "fig tree" and generation are found but not together. If God didnt put these words together then who did?

    Lets look at Matthew "Verily I say to you this generation shall not pass until all these things be fulfilled." Lets look at "ALL these things". What things? The things he just listed. Between verse 5 and 12 one could say those things are happening now. Famines, pestilences, earthquakes and people in some parts of the world are being killed for their faith.

    Look at verse 14. "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached to all the world..." What is the gospel of the kingdom? Jesus said that im the Messiah, im your King. The kingdom is the future millenial kingdom. After the rapture happens the gospel of the kingdom will return (Rev.14:6,7).
    The gospel of today is that Jesus died for the sins of all mankind and rose again to life everlasting and everyone who believes that shall be saved and join the body of Christ with Him being the head. That could not have been the gospel that Jesus referred to because he hadn't died yet.

    Now lets look at some of the "things" Jesus listed that has not happened.

    In verse 15 it says " When you therefore shall see the abomination of desolation spoken by Daniel the prophet stand in the holy place. Then let them that flee into Judea flee into the mountains". This is describing a mid-trib event. Has it happened yet? Lets read some more. Lightning out of the east, shining onto the west...has that happened? Read to verse 31, have those things happened? The A.O.D. is a mid-trib event, we wont be here. Why would Jesus give us signs to look for that we wouldnt be around to see? Remember, he said ALL these things.

    Lets look at verse 32.This is interpreted to mean that when the fig tree Israel was restored in 1948 then we would know that the end was near. This is private interpretation.(2 Peter 1:20). Look at Luke 21:29. "And he spoke to them in a parable; Behold the fig tree and All the trees, when they shoot forth you will see and know yourselves that summer is nigh at hand. Are we to think that all countries were also restored in 1948? All he was saying is that when you see these things happening that the end is near.

    In Matt 15:22 this is the record of a gentile woman from Canaan pleading with Jesus to help her daughter. In verse 24 he says " I am not sent but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel". Jesus was not sent to the whole world at this time he was sent to Israel. Look at 26, after pleading to Jesus he says "It is not meet to take the childrens bread and give it to dogs". Jesus here is calling the gentiles dogs! This record happened approximately 20 yrs. before the revelation of the Mystery was given to the Apostle Paul. Ephesians 3:3-9. Verse 6 says "That the gentiles should be fellow heirs and of the same body and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel. Part 1.




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  21. Part 2

    Who was Jesus talking to when he said "this generation"? Look at Matt 16:27,28. "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels and he shall reward every man according to his works. I say to you there be some standing here who will NOT TASTE OF DEATH until they see the Son of man coming in his Kingdom.

    How can this be? The answer is that Jesus was not aware of the coming 2000 yr. gap between the ascension and the tribulation. How did he not know? Keep in mind what he said in 24:36 about the new heaven and earth replacing the old. "But of that day knows no man, not the angels but my Father only!

    God the Father kept things from the Son, the revelation of the Mystery was another. Look at another reference to "this generation". Matt 23:36. "I say to you, all these things shall upon this generation". In the context Jesus is berating the pharisees for their past mistreatment of the prophets and that they(the men he was addressing) would pay for it.

    To sum it up, the generation that Jesus was talking about was -his own generation.

    Im not writing this to be contrary or argumentative. Quite the opposite. Whether or not im right one thing we can agree on. The fig tree generation theory is about to be tested.

    Ive never been comfortable with the 2028-7=2021 deadline. If we are still here on Jan 1st, 2022 this theory/model will be invalid.

    There are still reasons to believe that we may be the ones who will live to see the rapture but it may take a little longer. We are coming up on the 2000 yr. anniversary of the crucifixian.

    If we do make it to 2022, dont be upset-he's coming. God bless.

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    1. I think Jesus knew that HE would return between 70-80 years after the Jews were regathered. It would seem contradictory for HIM to rapture us after 2021. Also, the day count and appointed times work out well for that.

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    2. Well, I do agree that people shouldn't get too upset if we're wrong. The Rapture is our blessed hope, but not a guarantee for any particular person.

      As for the "there are those here who will not taste death before seeing the coming kingdom", that seems clearly fulfilled in John seeing it (and then writing about it). But I don't think that invalidates the rest of the idea that a future generation will see it fulfilled too.

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  22. Stephanie!

    Well done on a critical topic. We need to be thinking about what is to come and the implications of all that we will be!

    I do not personally believe in a lengthy *gap* between the translation of those asleep v the living for the simple reason of any souls who may pass AFTER the dead are raise BEFORE the living are taken.

    No one left behind right?

    Watching the World-o-meter whiz by taught me one thing. People are born and die each moment on earth -- especially when there are so many of us! It strikes me that God would have to execute the harpazo in Planck-time just to get everyone whether dead, dying or fully alive out in time!

    We all know God is not limited by our notions of temporal space. He operates across all spaces and across all time, everywhere, every-when. Past, present and future are all visible to Him as one so taking the dead from the past as part of a future event is, I expect, nothing to Him.

    Thanks for such a thought provoking article!


    PR

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    1. I don't feel there is any gap. This is a rescue mission by Jesus. Satan wants us bad.

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  23. At https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/149015/prophetic-rabbi-who-accurately-predicted-ww2-war-of-gog-magog-this-summer/ "Prophetic Rabbi who Accurately Predicted WW2: ‘War of Gog-Magog this Summer’":


    "One of the most influential rabbis of the last century gave a prophecy in his final days: a third war, greater than any other before it will come 75 years after the end of World War II. The deadline for that prediction is only a few months away."


    Wow, if this is true, we will be very near the Rapture!

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    1. Moin, Blessings. My post below Gigi's latest @ blue heaven YTC, Update,, watching 27, 28 April before Asteroid 29th: comments made by Israeli Defense Minister Naftali Bennet late Sunday (4/26): "We aren’t just continuing our work preventing Iran from entrenching itself in Syria, we’ve MOVED decisively (!!) from preventative action to forcing (Iran) out.” - So, as of YESTERDAY, Israel has now officially announced that they have CHANGED their stance to one of active WAR to evict Iran from Syria. Military ME Meteor showers to follow. UPDATE: Pastor Tim H reports that Israeli warplanes have allegedly struck several Iranian targets in Syria within hours of the statement by Bennet. Maranatha!

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  24. Well, while we're having *fun* with figures and prophecy...

    40-days prior to the beginning of the fall festivals this year is the 75th Anniversary of the bombing of Nagasaki. (Sunday, August 9, 2020)

    On that *happy* thought...

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  25. Thank you for this article, I love it! It provides a fresh, new perspective that I really appreciate. I'm so excited!

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  26. The world population reminds me that only 8 people boarded the ark. Considering the apostate Bible mocking world we are living in, I expect the proportion of those going in the rapture will be comparable to the same percentage of world population as the original 8 was to Noah's day. Another clue is the LOT'S WIFE mentality in the US alone where people are fixated on NOTHING but elections to keep their "kingdom" going instead of HIS KINGDOM COMING!

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  27. A PIN-POINT

    Coronavirus pandemic will cause global famines of 'biblical proportions,' UN warns

    Quoting, CNN,

    "London (CNN)The world is facing multiple famines of 'biblical proportions' in just a matter of months, the UN has said, warning that the coronavirus pandemic will push an additional 130 million people to the brink of starvation.

    Famines could take hold in 'about three dozen countries' in a worst-case scenario, the executive director of the World Food Programme (WFP) said in a stark address on Tuesday. Ten of those countries already have more than 1 million people on the verge of starvation, he said.

    He cited conflict, an economic recession, a decline in aid and a collapse in oil prices as factors likely to lead to vast food shortages, and urged swift action to avert disaster."

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    1. Let's see...

      Because of a "crowned" disease that has yet to be curbed -- the WFP says conflict, an economic recession, decline in aid and collapse in oil prices will bring death, famine and starvation to millions. All shadows of,

      1. White horseman (crowned AC)
      2. Red horseman (war)
      3. Black horseman (economic collapse/poverty)
      4. Pale horse carrying (death/pestilence and hades)


      YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE:

      Flight 777 is now boarding all passengers in all seats, all rows and all zones. Please make your way to the departure gate for final boarding.

      Thank you.

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  28. Today I was lead to read Zechariah. These verses jumped out at me because of the 70 years. Zechariah 1:11-12

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    1. Miguel P, Blessings. Several YTC ministries have also had this highlighted over the last 18 months, or so. Several have launched into details concerning the Myrtle and other specifics. Nothing specific to share but maybe some searching on YTC, if led, may be fruitful as HS leads.

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  29. I am curious what others think (Stephanie, PR, Gary, anyone) about what Mainer spoke on above(not thinking we are the "fig tree generation" etc)..... I kept waiting to see someone speak to it and nobody has.

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    1. you mean Matthew 16:27-28

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    2. What is your take on it!
      how readest thou?

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    3. Well, I'm still stuck at work but will give 2-cents as soon as I'm free!

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    4. I'm not the people you requested, but I'll offer my too. Fig tree often represents Israel (for example, Jesus cursed a fig tree that withered because he looked for fruit and found none). So it seems safe to substitute Israel for Fig Tree. Then Jesus lists a while lot of signs, most of which can be very general (there have always been wars and earthquakes), but one very specific thing mentioned is the abomination of desolation, which we know is the midpoint if the Tribulation. So it seems clear that part if the "all this must come to pass" includes the Tribulation. The question then is what "generation" is he referring to? There are lots of options. Some of them include "age of the Jewish people" (so as long as there is anyone of Jewish heritage), 40 years, 70, 80 120, the people he was speaking to (technically, John saw the End come)... Which if any of these is correct? Finally, the part with the fig tree calls for it to bud or blossom. What does that mean? Most believe it is when Israel is reborn (1948), but it could be another date. When it got control of Jerusalem. When it rebuilds it's Temple. When it controls all Biblical territory.

      Or maybe we have this all completely wrong!

      So, as you can see, lots of room for interpretation. Personally, I'd go for Fig Tree is Israel. Generation starts in 1948. It ends at the a cond coming. Length...hopefully 80.

      I didn't cite verses since I did this on my phone, but I hope that helps?

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    5. This is also a green olive tree in the Old testament

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    6. The Lesson from the Fig Tree
      https://gracethrufaith.com/end-times-prophecy/why-the-rebirth-of-israel-is-a-sign-of-the-end/

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  30. https://www.nowtheendbegins.com/prepare-yourself-for-id2020-covid-19-immunity-passport-combining-digital-identity-with-vaccinations-blockchain-nanotechnology-mark-of-the-beast-666/

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  31. Getting all your debt forgiven and lockdown ended might be too tempting for some.

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  32. Hopefully we will be gone before that takes place!

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  33. So glad my flight is here. I’ve been waiting such a long time. When I booked my flight on 777, I was told it was stand by only! I knew I wouldn’t need any bags and that I would get new clothes so I didn’t bother dressing up. Now it’s finally here and I’m so ready to go. I knew there wouldn’t be a beverage or snack cart because dinner was waiting for me at the other end where my Bridegroom waits for me. So excited now. Almost home .

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    Replies
    1. hehehehehehe.........I just caught on the second sentence.......hahahaah....very good, made me laugh!

      Delete
    2. Amen Rhonda,

      We can't upgrade our seat because we already have the best seat in the house right in the cockpit alongside our beloved Pilot. Our reservations were written down before time began. Once we confirmed our ticket we knew that we knew that we knew that it couldn't be canceled, delayed or changed. Our airline is the same today, yesterday and forever. We have made it past the security checkpoint, and the announcement has been made "Please have your boarding pass ready, as WE will be calling you shortly to board". Understand this flight is different in that WE won't be calling you by your row number as all will board at exactly the same moment. And we hope you understand all your baggage will be left behind.

      Delete
    3. Chris O, Blessings. It's like I always tell the guy with the "Jesus is my co-pilot" bumper sticker, "Dude, you're in the WRONG SEAT!"

      Delete
  34. I appreciate all who chimed in! I love studying the end times but I feel much less knowledgeable than most on here so I like to get other's insight! I have always felt it was Israel and the generation from when Israel was reborn so his take on it bothered me. I don't always have confidence in my ideas so things like that can throw me. (Prayer for me in this would be greatly appreciated) I am just soooo ready to go home!!!!

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  35. THE LONG AND THE SHORT ANSWER REGARDING MY THOUGHTS ON PSALM 90 AND THE FIG TREE GENERATION

    THE SHORT:

    First, the short answer to the question, was Jesus talking about his own generation?

    Answer: Yes and no.

    Jesus was talking to his generation about a generation that is a type and shadow a generation to come. He is speaking prophetically.

    As far as “Fig Tree Generation”, whether Israel stands 80-solar years or 80-weeks of years or 80-jubilee of years is irrelevant. These are the years that God Himself has ordained so that we may learn to number our days and get a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

    Our eternity with God in Christ starts the moment we say, “Yes!” to Jesus.

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  36. THE LONG:

    Forgive me if this is lengthy. It’s just the way it came out. The following is in no way meant to be critical or me being critical – it simply represents my thoughts and responses to certain points as requested. (Please forgive typos – they are unintentional and time doesn’t permit a full blown proofing).

    Quoting you, Mainer,

    “Look at verse 14. "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached to all the world..." What is the gospel of the kingdom? Jesus said that im the Messiah, im your King. The kingdom is the future millenial kingdom. After the rapture happens the gospel of the kingdom will return (Rev.14:6,7).”

    “The gospel of today is that Jesus died for the sins of all mankind and rose again to life everlasting and everyone who believes that shall be saved and join the body of Christ with Him being the head. That could not have been the gospel that Jesus referred to because he hadn't died yet.”


    THE GOSPEL

    What is the gospel of the kingdom? Another way of putting that is what is the work of God and did Jesus preach the good news himself?

    28 Then they said to him,
    “What must we do, to be
    doing the works of God?”

    29 Jesus answered them,
    “This is the work of God,
    that you believe in him
    whom he has sent.”

    (John 6:28-29 ESV)


    Jesus continues...

    39 “And this is the will of him
    who sent me, that I should lose
    nothing of all that he has given
    me, but raise it up on the last
    day.

    40 For this is the will of my
    Father, that everyone who looks
    on the Son and believes in him
    should have eternal life, and
    I will raise him up on the last
    day.”

    (John 6:39-40 ESV)


    Yes, Jesus understood and communicated the gospel during his ministry.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Nan, Grace Through Faith has a lot of articles on the Fig Tree Generation - good reading and always backed up Biblically.
    There are some folks who are amazingly brilliant and gifted with Biblical insight. I'm not. But, I am grateful to read their commentary on sites such as this. Learning is a process and I learn a LOT - thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Ah.....You underestimate yourself. Ive read your comments, gata have sight to see light and that you have!

      Delete
  38. Jesus clearly knows why he has come and his Father’s purpose for his coming. John clearly states that Jesus didn’t have to die to know the gospel reason for his coming. He clearly knew his purpose and said it plainly.

    Jesus knew what was about to happen and talked of it frequently before the fact. Jesus knew full well that the Son of Man would be lifted up and that he would draw all people to himself. As Moses lifted up the serpent so must the Son of Man be lifted up. Jesus knew this full well. He had all of God’s word, His Father’s voice and that of the Holy Spirit to guide him.


    Quoting you, Mainer,

    “In verse 15 it says " When you therefore shall see the abomination of desolation spoken by Daniel the prophet stand in the holy place. Then let them that flee into Judea flee into the mountains". This is describing a mid-trib event. Has it happened yet?”

    Yes, this has happened in form under Antiochus Epiphanes and it will happen again via the AoD at the mid-point of the 70th week of Daniel.


    Quoting you, Mainer,

    “Lets read some more. Lightning out of the east, shining onto the west...has that happened? Read to verse 31, have those things happened?”

    Verse 29 may have happened as a heavenly symbol with the Draconid meteor shower of 2017. Verse 30a has happened being the Great Sign. Verse 30b has not happened as of the writing of this review as neither have verse 31 as it is an extension of verse 30b.


    OF THE FIG TREE

    32 “From the fig tree learn its lesson:
    as soon as its branch becomes tender
    and puts out its leaves, you know
    that summer is near.”

    (Matthew 24:32 ESV)

    This is a parable. Remembering that scripture may be viewed from multiple angles and in multiple lights; each perspective shedding light on a topic its own way. These may be seen as types and shadows of things that are or will be as a result of an established pattern in or of God in heaven.

    The national State of Israel is the fig tree. Both the people, nation and state physically and the people, nation and state spiritually. The collective sum of the whole. The parable points to a budded tree that is ready to open and is opening its buds to spout leaves. Leaves represent new growth – the annual new growth of the tree. Annual growth depends on growing conditions, soil conditions, rainfall, sunshine, heat, nutrient rich soil, etc...ideal conditions result in the best growth rates for any given year. We see this in the width of the growth rings in the trunk. In this case the fig tree is a type which describes Israel. The tree is being tended and fed in such a way to encourage growth. Proper care and feeding of a tree requires pruning and feeding. Pruning encourages growth in certain directions and portions of the tree. Clipping a lead bud will result in the tree developing a new lead bud and growth in a new and different direction. In this way we call a tree “cultivated”.

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  39. Israel is cultivated and growing. Israel is in a season of growth and is growing in new ways. The plan called “The Vision” by way of the current political power structure has allowed Israel to grow beyond the container that has limited its growth. Just as a tree may be containerized to become root bound living in a pot; so has Israel become root bound by limitations against establishing new settlements in territories the world calls, “occupied”. Judea and Sumeria, the West Bank and the Golan Heights are now given as new soil for Israel to grow roots – new land over which Israel may spread its branches.

    In essence, Israel is being allowed to grow as a cultivated fig tree – not maintained as a pruned tree, root bound and limited to a container. As soon as Israel puts forth new leaves, meaning is allowed to legally and permanently establish new territories, we are to,

    “...know that summer is near.”

    33 “So also, when you see all these
    things, you know that he is near,
    at the very gates.”

    (Matthew 24:33 ESV)


    Verse 33 says, “know that he is near”. Who is he? The word used is, “ἐστιν” which is a present indicative, 3rd person singular verb meaning, “it is”. Note how this differs from in literal Greek from the ESV. What then does “it is” mean? Summer? God? Both?

    In the end we know “he” is Jesus. Jesus knows this too as he clearly knows that he will die and rise on the third day.


    Quoting you, Mainer,

    “Are we to think that all countries were also restored in 1948?”

    I don’t know what you mean by “all countries” being restored in 1948. Israel was established, planted, in 1948. It was established in the land and has been restricted of growth by various political means.


    Quoting you, Mainer,

    “All he was saying is that when you see these things happening that the end is near.”

    Agreed. Summer is the time of greatest growth. Trees grow spreading new branches with leaves to create and store energy from the sun, establishing deeper and more complex root systems in preparation to set buds that guard against winter freeze encasing and preparing the promise of new growth for the season to come.

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  40. Quoting you, Mainer,

    “In Matt 15:22 this is the record of a gentile woman from Canaan pleading with Jesus to help her daughter. In verse 24 he says " I am not sent but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel". Jesus was not sent to the whole world at this time he was sent to Israel. Look at 26, after pleading to Jesus he says "It is not meet to take the childrens bread and give it to dogs". Jesus here is calling the gentiles dogs! This record happened approximately 20 yrs. before the revelation of the Mystery was given to the Apostle Paul. Ephesians 3:3-9. Verse 6 says "That the gentiles should be fellow heirs and of the same body and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.”

    26 And he answered,
    “It is not right to take the children’s
    bread and throw it to the dogs.”

    (Matthew 15:26 ESV)


    It sounds like you have difficulty with this verse? As harsh as it sounds, Jesus is not speaking down to us as Gentiles. Jesus knows the woman’s heart just as he knew the heart of the woman at the well. He knows all men’s hearts and speaks to them in a language specific to them. Jesus speaks to the heart! Jesus already knew the woman’s heart and spoke to her in a way that would bring forth and demonstrate her great faith.

    Paul, by way of the Holy Spirit, strengthens this account by his teaching on the grafting of the wild olive branch to the cultivated olive tree. It demonstrates the width and the breadth of Christ’s kingdom.

    Jesus was NOT calling Gentiles “dogs”.


    Quoting you, Mainer,

    “Who was Jesus talking to when he said ‘this generation’? Look at Matt 16:27,28. ‘For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels and he shall reward every man according to his works. I say to you there be some standing here who will NOT TASTE OF DEATH until they see the Son of man coming in his Kingdom.’”

    I’m not sure what you’re asking here. What generation? The one referred to in Matthew 24? Scriptural reference would be helpful. I’m not sure why you have emphasized “not taste death” either. Jesus was speaking to his disciples in (Matthew 16:24-28 ESV) and thus his comment that, “there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom” is prophecy that some of them will either witness Christ glorified entering his kingdom, Christ coming on his kingdom or both. Given the testimony of John through the Revelation of Jesus Christ I think we can safely say who Jesus was addressing. Jesus was referring to John. Jesus was not directly referring to the Church, the body of Christ and the harpazo to come but indicating that one of these men would be privy to the vision of that future event.

    Jesus made a similar statement to Nathaniel when they first met in the Gospel of John.

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  41. Here’s the point where I think you stumbled.

    34 “Truly, I say to you, this generation
    will not pass away until all these things
    take place.”

    (Matthew 24:34 ESV)


    I take it this is the “generation” reference you made earlier? If so, and to answer your question on who, “this generation” is – this generation is many things. It depends on personal perspective. This generation may be the living generation or this generation may be the generation of fallen man. Merriam-Webster has a good definition of the word “generation”. What this generation is really isn’t as important as the word of God. The point being, God’s word will fully and completely withstand the test of time. Nothing else will. All of the word of God will come to pass. The word of God shall endure forever.


    Quoting you, Mainer,

    “How can this be? The answer is that Jesus was not aware of the coming 2000 yr. gap between the ascension and the tribulation. How did he not know? Keep in mind what he said in 24:36 about the new heaven and earth replacing the old. "But of that day knows no man, not the angels but my Father only!”

    Let’s look at this passage of dialogue in broader context,

    34 “Truly, I say to you, this generation
    will not pass away until all these things
    take place.

    35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but
    my words will not pass away.

    36 But concerning that day and hour no
    one knows, not even the angels of heaven,
    nor the Son, but the Father only.”

    (Matthew 24:34-36 ESV)


    To this point Jesus is speaking of the end. I mean THE END...as in of ALL of this temporal space. Concerning that day? At the time of Jesus’ witness to these things -- only the Father knew the day or hour they would come to pass. Jesus was not yet glorified and thus did not yet have that knowledge and the Father had not yet told Jesus. Remember, Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit but was still human.

    37 “For as were the days of Noah, so
    will be the coming of the Son of Man.”

    (Matthew 24:37 ESV)


    Jesus may or may not have known the day and hour of his future coming; but he certainly knew the days of his coming – therefore we know the season and state of things at his coming. This verse leads to an extensive description of the world to come and Jesus personal coming.

    42 “Therefore, stay awake, for you
    do not know on what day your Lord
    is coming.”

    (Matthew 24:42 ESV)

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  42. View this from a Gentile and Hebrew perspective...we know that Jesus will come and gather his body the Church and Jesus will come with His Church and gather his elect Israel. Both events will occur at a time we, terrestrial humans, will not know or expect. We can and WILL know the times, time and season if we are observant and watchful! Remember, the body is One in Christ made of many branches grafted into One.

    I see no reason to wonder if Jesus knew there was a two-millennium gap. When Jesus said, “there are some standing here who will not taste death” was not a reference to the rapture. Jesus was not talking about the Church. He was addressing his disciples. One of them would not taste death before these things were revealed. In this case we know this was John. Jesus was not speaking in generalities because he didn’t know if the end was in a day or a week or the following year. Certainly, there were Jews of Paul’s day that thought the end had come. It had not and has not. So far. Jesus was speaking to his disciples in that to one of them these things would be revealed.

    Again, I submit that was John. He was at Calvary at the foot of the cross and he was taken in the Spirit while imprisoned at Patmos to receive the Revelation of Jesus Christ.


    Quoting you, Mainer,

    “God the Father kept things from the Son, the revelation of the Mystery was another. Look at another reference to "this generation". Matt 23:36. "I say to you, all these things shall upon this generation". In the context Jesus is berating the pharisees for their past mistreatment of the prophets and that they(the men he was addressing) would pay for it.”

    Fact: Jesus said I only speak what I hear my Father saying. (John 8:28), (John 14:10), (John 15:5), (John 15:7-8)

    Does this mean that the Father is keeping anything from the Son? No. Was the Mystery kept from Jesus? No. Jesus spoke of it in (Matthew 24:22-31 ESV). Remember the perspectives here, Jew and Gentile. Two people made One through God in Christ.


    Quoting you, Mainer,

    “To sum it up, the generation that Jesus was talking about was -his own generation.”

    Yes, Jesus was talking to the contemporary generation. No, that wasn’t his only perspective. Jesus was talking to the generation of fallen man. Jesus was talking to the generation of religious legalism. Jesus was talking to the Church. Jesus was talking to the elect. Jesus was talking to all of us.

    The Bible was written by God, for God and about God. Or to put it another way, the Bible was written by and through the Holy Spirit, for Emmanuel, the Son of God about the LORD God.

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  43. THE FIG TREE GENERATION
    The fact that the words, “fig tree generation” appear not in the Bible is irrelevant. The word Bible doesn’t appear in the Bible. It’s a phrase that bears meaning.

    What is a generation?

    https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generation

    Looking at Merriam-Webster’s dictionary I think Jesus was speaking to most all definitions!

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  44. QUESTION about the Rapture, the Church, and DATES.
    * * * * *
    We know LOTS of dates and events PRE Church.
    We know timing of events and day counts POST Church.
    But what about specific DATES relative to THE Church?
    So far as I know, there are ONLY TWO:
    1. Pentecost - the beginning of the dispensation of Grace or the Church (as well as the anniversary of the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai).
    2. The Rapture - the calling up of the Church to be with the Lord in Heaven.
    * * * *
    There's a lot of overlap, especially these past few years with regard to events in Israel. But Israel is NOT the Church.
    Any more?
    We have a beginning and an ending - that's it (event wise)?

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    Replies
    1. Sometimes life is best understood by moving forward in reverse. I find it easier to understand these things when I begin with the end and work my way backwards in time.

      The RR is ill defined for timing. The end is well defined.

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  45. PSALM 90:10

    Finally, I don’t think you made a case concerning (Psalm 90:10) and I wish you would. I would love to hear your heart on this verse because the context is most inviting!

    1 Lord, you have been our dwelling
    place in all generations.

    (Psalm 90:1 ESV)


    There’s your generation Mainer! It’s all generations!! Note how the psalm is crafted and from which perspective it is written. It is written from a temporal human perspective on the life and death of man.

    13 Return, O LORD! How long?

    (Psalm 90:13 ESV)


    Return how? Return when? Return for who?

    How many times do we see the return of the LORD? I can count at least two! One for us His Church and one for His People Israel.

    Is verse 10 prophetic? I think it’s safe to say so, yes. Is this prayer of Moses stating that his years, Moses’ years, would be 80 if by strength? Are we to think that Moses was talking about himself or Aaron or Miriam or Joshua or anyone else of the camp of Israel? Absolutely not. We ourselves know that Moses was OLDER THAN 80 HIMSELF when this was written! So who could Moses have been writing about?

    Israel.

    It’s highly unlikely Moses even knew what he was writing about exactly. He may have had a vague hint of what was to come by the Spirit but the specific details like the penning of the Balfour Declaration and the establishment of the modern State of Israel? He would have no knowledge of that; yet he knew that the future that a generation, perhaps more precisely an iteration, would live in the land and that generation would be for seventy to eighty years. Years that pass in toil and trouble to swiftly pass away.

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  46. Psalm 90 isn’t about the Church – it was written for the children of Israel. Remember, the words of God,

    4 “You yourselves have seen what
    I did to the Egyptians, and how I
    bore you on eagles’ wings and brought
    you to myself.”

    (Exodus 19:4 ESV)


    ...just as the LORD bore Israel on eagles’ wings then He will bear them yet again,

    14 But the woman was given the
    two wings of the great eagle so that
    she might fly from the serpent into
    the wilderness, to the place where she
    is to be nourished for a time, and times,
    and half a time.

    (Revelation 12:14 ESV)


    And of this future event? Jesus knew full well it was going to happen. He tell us so,

    15 “So when you see the abomination
    of desolation spoken of by the prophet
    Daniel, standing in the holy place
    (let the reader understand),

    16 then let those who are in Judea
    flee to the mountains.”

    (Matthew 24:15-16 ESV)


    Jesus knew, and knows, full well what was coming and when. It is not ours to have the mind of The Almighty. It is ours to be expectant, faithful, forgiving, hopeful, humble, obedient but most of all Loving.

    Is 80-years the absolute limit to the day of Israel and this world?

    1948 + 80 = 2028
    2028 – 7 = 2021

    It could be. What I do know is this as given from the Greek,

    AND WE KNOW THAT TO THE ONES LOVING GOD [ALL THINGS HE WORKS TOGETHER] FOR GOOD TO THE ONES ACCORDING TO [HIS] PURPOSE CALLED BEING.

    (Romans 8:28)


    Some sources vary saying “God works all things” -- either way, ALL THINGS is inclusive of everything. Everything! (At least for those who love God and are called according to His purpose).

    Whether Israel stands 80, 365-day years or 80-weeks of years or 80-jubilee of years is irrelevant. These are the years that God Himself has ordained so that we may learn to number our days and get a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

    Yes, we’ll find out soon enough about the number of our years.

    No matter what the measure of our days, “his steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 136:1-26 ESV)

    Amen.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Pastor Rich, that was a very edifying Teaching on the Fig Tree Generation. I feel like a dummy sometimes, when I see the brain power, that you guys can generate deep diving into the scriptures.

      That was a blessing.

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    2. You too can dig for treasure. The 20" journey from standing or sitting to a kneeling position with a prayer on your lips and a Bible in your hand are a GREAT start!

      Thank you and happy hunting!

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    3. "Jesus knew, and knows, full well what was coming and when. It is not ours to have the mind of The Almighty. It is ours to be expectant, faithful, forgiving, hopeful, humble, obedient but most of all Loving." Amen, and again AMEN!!

      Thank you Pastor Rich for this superlative and blessed exposition of the Word. Most grateful to you.

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    4. All glory and praise to God our Father in Christ Jesus our Lord and the Holy Spirit. I just shared that which was on my heart.

      Thank you and you're most welcome.

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  47. Should say Church AGE...

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    Replies
    1. Don't you wish we had an *edit* feature?

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  48. I love learning from everyone’s comments and I am very grateful for the respectful way people share differing opinions. Great article Stephanie! It is exciting to use our sanctified imaginations to whet our appetites. The Rapture is mysterious and we cannot be dogmatic, but I am hoping for a soon Rapture HOME, where we will all be able to gather together and worship Jesus in Truth and Love with pure hearts and minds! He is worthy indeed! Come Lord Jesus!

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  49. Prophecy is like a roll of toilet paper, the closer you get to the end, the faster it comes off the roll.

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    Replies
    1. LOL your busting me up here.........one liners, yes !

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    2. Serious LOL, got me, too. Maranatha! Esp in light of recent malarkey, so fitting.

      Delete
  50. Not all things work together for good. But God enters into all things and works His good to those who are the called according to His purposes.
    Thats where Faith comes in, you see a circumstance in your life that defies His word you go with His promised Word.
    And you hang on even if you have to die in the process.

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  51. WOW! Thank you so much Pastor Rich! I feel like I've been privy to a very wonderful teaching of the word! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Maranatha!

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    1. Thank you, Nan. You are welcome.

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    2. Yes, thanks to Stephanie for a great post, and so many others for great comments. Pastor Rich, you knocked a couple over the centerfield wall. There weren’t any fans in the stands, but all of us virtual attendees were on our feet.

      DW

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    3. Thank you, DW.

      We are a *virtual* church whose doors are always open and gather regularly for praise and worship encouraging one another as we see the coming Day. (Hebrews 10:23-25 ESV) We've been prepared for the days we're living in -- social distancing fails to separate us!

      We, all who come to fellowship here, are specially made for these days and I for one am THANKFUL TO GARY and the whole UNSEALED.ORG team for creating and maintaining this space in which we gather!

      God bless and keep you all,


      Pastor Rich

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    4. It's bible study, debate club, history lessons, public outreach, and fellowship all in one!

      I too am thankful for a place I can talk freely.

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    5. Well said PR and Kris

      This is where the watchers gather.

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    6. Yes - even us "silent" watchers feel welcomed blessed :-)
      Thank you

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  52. Thank you Jenny! I appreciate the website you suggested! I also love reading the commentary on sites like this and learning.... sometimes I just need a little help through some of them. LOL!

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  53. "If there is a similar release of energy at the transformation of the dead and living in Christ, can you imagine what it would look like? I believe that this explains why we need to be snatched away violently, with great force (harpazo), as opposed to simple ascending."


    No, it will be done with force because of who and what lies between this planet's atmospheres and the 'outer heavens'. There is a barrier of very great fear and without the intervention of God, you cannot pass out.

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  54. Ours Is The Terminal Generation
    Peter, James, John, and Andrew upon hearing what they would face during their lifetime for His name’s sake asked the Lord Jesus, “What shall be the sign of thy coming?” (Mt. 24:3f). His answer included all that would take place prior to and including His “Second Coming” (Mt. 24:4-31; Mk. 13:5-8, 10, 12-27; Lk. 21:8-11, 25-28) and the signs to look for with the Parable of the Fig Tree and the Parable of All the Trees (Mt. 24:32; Mk. 13:28; Lk. 21:29-31).

    “Now learn a parable of the fig tree: When its branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is [near] (Mt. 24:32; Mk. 13:28). Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now [near] at hand (Lk. 21:29b-30). So also ye, (Mt. 24:33a; Mk. 13:29a; Lk. 21:31a) in like manner (Mk. 13:29b), when ye (Mt. 24:33b; Mk. 13:29c; Lk. 21:31b) shall (Mt. 24:33c; Mk. 13:29d) see (Mt. 24:33d; Mk. 13:29e; Lk. 21:31c) all (Mt. 24:33e) these things (Mt. 24:33f; Mk. 13:29f; Lk. 21:31d) come to pass (Mk. 13:29f; Lk. 21:31e), know that it (Mt. 24:33g; Mk. 13:29g) the kingdom of God (Lk. 21:31f) is [near] (Mt. 24:33h; Mk. 13:29h; Lk. 21:31g) at hand (Lk. 21:31g), even at the doors (Mt. 24:33i; Mk. 13:29h). Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass (Mt. 24:34a; Mk. 13:30a; Lk. 21:32a) away (Lk. 21:32b), till all (Mt. 24:34b; Mk. 13:30b; Lk. 21:32c) these things (Mt. 24:34c; Mk. 13:30c) be fulfilled (Mt. 24:34d; Mk. 13:30d; Lk. 21:32d).”

    The two signs that were to indicate His Second Coming was near would be the “rebirth” of the nation of Israel and the “return of her men” to the land of Israel! The fig tree is a symbol used in Scripture that refers to the nation of Israel. God, Himself, used figs as a symbol for Israel in a parable recorded in Jeremiah 24:1-2, 4-10. In a parable told by Jotham to the men of Shechem that is recorded in Judges 9:7-15, trees were used to symbolize the men of Israel who had gone forth to anoint a king. The disciples knew that fig trees leafed out in late spring, near the beginning of summer (Mt. 24:32; Mk. 13:28). Thus, when the “fig tree begins to bloom” [the nation of Israel reborn], they should know that summer [His Second Coming] is “near at hand” (Lk. 21:29-30). After more than 2,500 years Israel once again became a sovereign nation when she was reborn on May 14, 1948, fulfilling the first sign the Lord Jesus had given. The vast number of Jewish men [trees] who returned to their ancestral homeland fulfilled the second sign!

    “This generation shall not pass away, till all these things be fulfilled,” declared the Lord Jesus. The generation that will witness His Second Coming began with the rebirth of the nation of Israel on May 14, 1948. Since we are now in the latter months of the year 2020, this must be a generation of eighty years (Ps. 90:10), which will end with the Second Coming on the Feast of a Day of Atonement [Yom Kippur] on 9/30/28. The prophetic significance of the Feast of Trumpets will be fulfilled with the Rapture on 9/9/21 (Jn. 4:35; Ti. 2:13). The 21 judgments of God that are described in Revelation 6:1-19:21 will be fulfilled from May 2023 to September 30, 2028! The Lord Jesus said we are now living in the beginning of sorrows (Mt. 24:4-8).

    A complete explanation of all that is referred to in this missive and much more may be found on www.endtimewarnings.org. Hopefully, a reading of “A Biblical View of the Past, Present, & Future” will inform, edify, and encourage all who study its content. Maranatha!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Ours Is The Terminal Generation
    Peter, James, John, and Andrew upon hearing what they would face during their lifetime for His name’s sake asked the Lord Jesus, “What shall be the sign of thy coming?” (Mt. 24:3f). His answer included all that would take place prior to and including His “Second Coming” (Mt. 24:4-31; Mk. 13:5-8, 10, 12-27; Lk. 21:8-11, 25-28) and the signs to look for with the Parable of the Fig Tree and the Parable of All the Trees (Mt. 24:32; Mk. 13:28; Lk. 21:29-31).

    “Now learn a parable of the fig tree: When its branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is [near] (Mt. 24:32; Mk. 13:28). Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now [near] at hand (Lk. 21:29b-30). So also ye, (Mt. 24:33a; Mk. 13:29a; Lk. 21:31a) in like manner (Mk. 13:29b), when ye (Mt. 24:33b; Mk. 13:29c; Lk. 21:31b) shall (Mt. 24:33c; Mk. 13:29d) see (Mt. 24:33d; Mk. 13:29e; Lk. 21:31c) all (Mt. 24:33e) these things (Mt. 24:33f; Mk. 13:29f; Lk. 21:31d) come to pass (Mk. 13:29f; Lk. 21:31e), know that it (Mt. 24:33g; Mk. 13:29g) the kingdom of God (Lk. 21:31f) is [near] (Mt. 24:33h; Mk. 13:29h; Lk. 21:31g) at hand (Lk. 21:31g), even at the doors (Mt. 24:33i; Mk. 13:29h). Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass (Mt. 24:34a; Mk. 13:30a; Lk. 21:32a) away (Lk. 21:32b), till all (Mt. 24:34b; Mk. 13:30b; Lk. 21:32c) these things (Mt. 24:34c; Mk. 13:30c) be fulfilled (Mt. 24:34d; Mk. 13:30d; Lk. 21:32d).”

    The two signs that were to indicate His Second Coming was near would be the “rebirth” of the nation of Israel and the “return of her men” to the land of Israel! The fig tree is a symbol used in Scripture that refers to the nation of Israel. God, Himself, used figs as a symbol for Israel in a parable recorded in Jeremiah 24:1-2, 4-10. In a parable told by Jotham to the men of Shechem that is recorded in Judges 9:7-15, trees were used to symbolize the men of Israel who had gone forth to anoint a king. The disciples knew that fig trees leafed out in late spring, near the beginning of summer (Mt. 24:32; Mk. 13:28). Thus, when the “fig tree begins to bloom” [the nation of Israel reborn], they should know that summer [His Second Coming] is “near at hand” (Lk. 21:29-30). After more than 2,500 years Israel once again became a sovereign nation when she was reborn on May 14, 1948, fulfilling the first sign the Lord Jesus had given. The vast number of Jewish men [trees] who returned to their ancestral homeland fulfilled the second sign!

    “This generation shall not pass away, till all these things be fulfilled,” declared the Lord Jesus. The generation that will witness His Second Coming began with the rebirth of the nation of Israel on May 14, 1948. Since we are now in the latter months of the year 2020, this must be a generation of eighty years (Ps. 90:10), which will end with the Second Coming on the Feast of a Day of Atonement [Yom Kippur] on 9/30/28. The prophetic significance of the Feast of Trumpets will be fulfilled with the Rapture on 9/9/21 (Jn. 4:35; Ti. 2:13). The 21 judgments of God that are described in Revelation 6:1-19:21 will be fulfilled from May 2023 to September 30, 2028! The Lord Jesus said we are now living in the beginning of sorrows (Mt. 24:4-8).

    A complete explanation of all that is referred to in this missive and much more may be found on www.endtimewarnings.org. Hopefully, a reading of “A Biblical View of the Past, Present, & Future” will inform, edify, and encourage all who study its content. Maranatha!

    ReplyDelete


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