I have heard different preachers talk about the Rapture and Christ's second coming and have read several books and heard many different theories, which have done nothing but confuse me. About 12 years ago I began reading my Bible consistently and tried to read it through from beginning to end within a year. Sometimes I made it, other times it took a little longer. But during these years, I always took special notice of Scriptures that mentioned Christ's second coming. As I mentioned, I've read several books on this subject and though they were all interesting, I would always find a Scripture or more that just didn't add up with someone's theory. I recently finished reading a book by Finis Dake called The Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ. The numerous Scripture references and explanations Mr. Dake gives certainly come pretty close to making sense to me at last. Therefore, I'd like to point out some interesting things here and I certainly recommend anyone to read his book, which can be found at Amazon.com, but be sure to have your Bible with you to check Scriptures. I am not saying his explanation is foolproof, but it certainly comes closer to having all the Scriptures come together and make sense regarding this matter.
Note: I have something in me that always makes me check Scriptures instead of relying on what someone tells me, even if it is a preacher or my own parents. God's Word is the final authority.
Most of my Christian life I thought that the Rapture of Christians would happen when Christ comes to earth again. However, this can't be true because of the following Scriptures:
Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
If we are to escape the horrible tribulations that are to come upon the inhabitants of the earth, we will have to be gone before it starts.
1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Jesus will return in the clouds to rapture the saints who are dead in Christ and also those who are still living, but at this time He will not set foot on earth. He takes us with Him to Heaven.
The following verse proves that when Jesus comes to earth, He is coming with
ALL his saints.
1 Thessalonians 3:13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
I originally intended to write more about this subject, but I am no expert and still have some questions. However, regardless of whether you wish to find out more about this subject or disagree, the main thing you need to do is always be ready for Jesus' return to rapture the saints. This is the next prophecy to be fulfilled so we should be ready and watching for Him.
Mark 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Mark 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
The Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ
9 Comments:
That is a wonderful post. I think you did very well in studying a subject which is greatly debated.
Great post. It really makes one think.
I used to be confused if the rapture would happen right at the beginning or the middle. Ive heard and read many different views. I still dont know if I know for 100% when the rapture will take place. And so because of that, like you said too, I will always make sure I am ready for whenever it does happen.
And if I got it all wrong and it doesnt happen until the end of the tribulation (which I actually dont support that view but lets just say "if") then Im also ready to go through EVERYTHING, all the unimaginable horrible things to make it to Heaven.
Bottom line... Im ready. And cant wait to meet ya in the sky :)
I believe that the rapture of the church will happen when Jesus comes in the clouds.
Many people think Jesus coming in the clouds and His second coming to earth are the same thing but I believe they are 2 separate events.
This post has encouraged me. Thank you! Like Candy said, I am trying to be ready for whatever the Father's will is.
I just want my family and I to be ready when he does come!
A great post, Sharon ~ We are supposed to read the scripture on our own and study it. What you said sounds right to me. Doesn't the Word say there are various interpretations?
Sharon, this is a wonderful post! Very well written and thought provoking. Thank you:)
Julieann
I read this a couple of weeks ago. Even though I have read through the Bible many times, I never noticed this.
Re 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
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