the Rapture

[Dakota]

I was watching a christian program on tv the other day and they say the rapure is near but they only know the signs in the bible it says only God the fatther knows what do you guys think?

[Phabs]

I asked a pastor that very question last Monday, his answer was that "we're closer today than we were yesterday" so I guess from last Monday to today, we're even closer...

Read 2 Peter 3

I'm not sure what I believe on the end of days yet, I cannot even imagine it, but in the meantime, the point is to live blameless and godly lives, while we are waiting.

but if the violence, hunger, devoid-ness of morality, un-sound teachings, are all indications, then by my calculation about 3:45 tommorrow...( the last part was a joke, a bad one, but a joke nonetheless :-)

Godbless

[Ron Payne]

Remember the story of the 10 Virgins? Only 5 were ready to meet the Bridegroom when He came.
The moral of that story, is that we should be ready at all times. That we should continually "LOOK UP" for our redemption draws near.
No One! Yes not one solitary human being alive today can tell you when. Many have tried to "play" the role of Prophet and announced a certain day, only to prove that they were false prophets.
Rather and far, far better let the following be our motto:
"When Thou shalt Come
How Glad I shall be,
That the Lamp of my life,
Has been blazed out for Thee.

Your Friend in Christ - Ron

[disciple08]

Surely the rapture is closer now than ever before all one must do is look around at the world and see the shape and condition we are in. In reading Daniel and Revelations you can see where we are in the prophecies. I agree that the Father is the only one who knows the hour and not even Jesus knows but won't that be a glorious day for those of us that are prepared and ready?

That is the key and Ron is absolutely right that we must be prepared and ready at all times. We are not to just stop what we are doing and wait. No we must tarry on doing the work we are called to do for the Lord until that day comes. There is a lot of work to do and the bible tells us that the harvest is ready but he laborers are few. That is what is scary to me.

There are so many people in this world who are lost. That's why we need to have revival in our own lives so it can transfer to the church, community, and so on. We need those laborers because time is so short. If the lost only knew how close they are to a very real hell and what that meant for them, they might seek God. It is our job to share the Gospel and help in the process of opening their eyes. Of course the Holy Spirit is the only one who can reveal (give them the understanding) Salvation to them but it is our job to be open (yielding) to Him so that we may be the vessel He can use.

I think of it like being on God call 24/7. LOL...

[Christine_loves_jesus]

I don't know that I've ever heard the word rapture in the bible. I recently read a bishops conversation on heaven and he states that we believe something that's not even in the bible, in the bible it doesn't talk of rapture it talks of a regeneration where the dead will be raised and god comes to earth in jesus form. Kind of like a ressurection. Contact me if you have anymore questions

[Ron Payne]

Christine
Read 1st Thessalonians Chapter 4 Verses 13 to 18

It tells of Christ Returning to collect the bodies of His Saints who have died and all those Christians who are alive.
The rest of those living remain on the earth to go through the Tribulation.
The term Rapture is not used, but is a common term used to describe the occasion

Regards -Ron

[LT]

I agree with what Ron has said.

Also, there a number of terms we use to encapsulate the idea or teaching that is found in the Bible, yet the term itself is not in the Word of God. The term is only valid if it is supported with Scripture. The "rapture" is so supported as Ron pointed out.

Lord Bless

[Bob B]

In revelation 19 we see the return of Christ, with the saints. So some time within the previous 7 years of the tribulation the catching away of the believers has taken place as discribed in;

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.

Matthew 24:31 "And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.

1 Corinthians 15:52 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 will be changed.

Matthew 24:31 "And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.

[LT]

Rick,

Are you implying that every person who love Jesus and believe that the rapture is scriptural, which is different than your view, are all to be viewed as "weak-faithed" Christians based solely on their view of the rapture?

Lord Bless,
LT

[Dakota]

i agree with LT the rapture is what i've heard it called my whole life it doesn't make anyone a weak hearted Christian!!!!

[Marc]

To respond to Rick...

My last study of eschatology gave me some great insight on the seven year tribulation. If you start to read through Revelation, you will see that roughly 75% of the current earths population (whatever that might be) will be gone by the half way point (some 25% by martyrdom). The last half of the tribulation is considered the "wrath of God." I am not sure I would call it a copout as much as I would call it a "Blessed Hope"...Titus 2:13 (which seems to mention the rapture and the Second Coming of Chirst).

[swtswan]

Yes, It is true that only the father in heaven knows the exact day & time it will happen; that's why we must always be watching for the signs/& in prayer, and stay close to Gods will & purpose for us. Its in the bible about the signs to watch for. Revelations describes it in detail; I don't want you to be scared,just to be aware of the signs of the times to come.If we pray for His will to be done/Believeing in Him,and His word,we need not fear.He will comfort us.And then we will be in heaven w/Him and all the angels & saints.(Heaven is pure Joy and loving Kindness)-----> Now who doesn't want that? I'm looking forward to it myself. Peace,and Blessings till then----;--{(@