The Rapture Under the Microscope
Gary responds to a clip on Facebook that claims to “prove” the Rapture with two Bible verses.
If Revelation 3:10 is the passage that teaches that Christians won’t go through a future seven-year tribulation period, then it needs to be studied carefully. Can it be shown that John being told to “Come up here…” (4:1) is a type of rapture that supports the claim that the Church will be raptured sometime in the future?
I don’t see how this can be the case because John “was in the Spirit” (4:2), and nothing is said about a physical “rapture” of John or the Church in Revelation 3:10 or any other place in the book of Revelation. If the rapture is designed so the Church will not go through the Tribulation, then why does John write that he is a “fellow-partaker in the tribulation,” a tribulation that was taking place in his day? (1:9).
Moreover, Jesus says that He will “keep them from the hour of testing.” Pre-tribulationalists claim that this “hour of testing” refers to the post-rapture tribulation period that is still in our future. But there is no promise to be kept from tribulation or to be removed from earth to avoid tribulation or persecution. Paul wrote that God delivered him from “persecutions” and “sufferings” (2 Tim. 3:11), but He did not take him to heaven so he could avoid them. In fact, Paul made it clear that “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (3:12). Nothing is said about being “raptured.”
Adversity and affliction are often sent by God to “test or prove one’s faith, holiness, character” (e.g., Luke 22:28; Acts 20:19; James 1:2–3; 1 Peter 1:6–7; 4:12). In a near parallel to Revelation 3:10, Jesus said the following to his disciples: “Behold, an hour is coming, and has come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:32–33).
In His prayer for His disciples, Jesus asked His Father, “I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil” (John 17:15; also 12:27). Jesus was speaking about the future. But how far in the future? Is Jesus describing a “yet future period of worldwide wrath”? The book of Revelation begins with the startling fact that the things written therein “must shortly take place” because “the time is near” (1:1, 3; also 22:10). Jesus is addressing the first-century church of Philadelphia in Revelation 3:10, not a distant future church in general.
For decades Christians have been enticed with the belief that they would be taken to heaven before a coming tribulation period in an event called the “rapture.” Since the national reestablishment of Israel in 1948, countless books and pamphlets have been written defending the doctrine assuring readers that it could happen at any moment. Some even claimed it would take place before 1988. We are far removed from that date. Where are we in God’s prophetic timetable?
Gary responds to a clip on Facebook that claims to “prove” the Rapture with two Bible verses. Revelation 3:10 and 1 Thessalonians 1:10 are the verses and Gary digs into the Greek and some of the translation and interpretation issues involved. Also, outside of the language issues, there is the larger problem of the historical context and the time indicators.
Click here for today’s episode
Click here to browse all episodes of The Gary DeMar Podcast
American Vision’s mission is to Restore America to its Biblical Foundation—from Genesis to Revelation. American Vision (AV) has been at the heart of worldview study since 1978, providing resources to exhort Christian families and individuals to live by a Biblically based worldview. Visit www.AmericanVision.org for more information, content and resources
Source: https://americanvision.org/posts/the-rapture-under-the-microscope/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
we are not appointed unto wrath. we will be taken out of the world BEFORE the great tribulation starts. God is not going to beat His bride. this is so we can come back with Jesus as is recorded in the book of Jude. ‘to execute judgment on the ungodly world.’ this is the marriage supper of the lamb’. read 1 thessalonians 4. we are spared what is coming on this un-repentant world.
Gary’s rational when deliberating on scripture is bound to eventually lead him to accept flat earth.
Those that question the return of Christ or believe all pertinent prophecy was resolved in 70 ad. fail to notice the severity of the book of revelation speaking on the fate of humanity and the earth itself. If these things have not befallen us then neither have we been denied the return of Christ and the rapture.
/awakening-start-here/2024/09/three-raptures-21-20470.html