What is the Rapture?
The rapture refers to the time, prior to the start of the 7 year tribulation period, when believing Christians (both dead and alive) will "in the twinkling of the eye" be caught up ("raptured") to meet Christ in the air. "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 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." 1 Thessalonians 4:15,16 The second coming of Christ is one of the most prominent doctrines in the Bible. In the New Testament alone it is referred to over 300 times. His first coming was over 2000 years ago when He came on earth to save man from sin.
The second coming is an event starting at the rapture and consists of four phases: First, at the rapture Christ takes the believers out of the world to be with Him (1 Thessalonians 4). Second, Christ pours out His judgments on the world during the 7 year tribulation period. Third, Christ at end of the 7 year tribulation period destroys the Antichrist and his wicked followers (Revelation 19). Fourth, Christ sets up His millenial kingdom prophesied so often in the Old Testament.
When will it occur?
Of the exact time we cannot be for sure. When Jesus was on the earth He said - "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 13:32. Matthew 23:34, Mark 13:28-31 and Luke 21:29-33 and Luke 21:24 may well indicate that the rapture countdown begins when the time of the Gentiles ends. Whether a countdown can be considered as starting in 1948 when Isreal became a nation or some other date is a matter of opinion. I can't be like the Jehovah Witnesses, who have already falsely set several dates for Jesus' return. So far they have been been wrong on all of their predictions. Don't fall for the false teachings of Jehovah Witnesses, or any other cult. The most important thing is to live your life like the rapture could happen any moment. In other words, you had better BE READY!!!! You won't have time to clean up your mess. He is not coming to clean you up this time, He is coming to gather you up if you are ready.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Order of Events: 2 - The Tribulation Period
What is the Tribulation?
This is the term commonly given to the the period also known as "Daniel's 70th Week" of years in Daniel 9:27. This seven years will be a period of phenomenal world trial and suffering. It is at this time that Antichrist will reign over a federation of 10nations. The Antichist will require all on the earth to take the 'mark of the beast', 666 on their right hand or on their forehead. Prepare to die instantly if you do not take it. (See Revelation 13:16-18)
When will it occur?
Although no one knows the exact time that it will begin, I believe that the Bible teaches that it will occur immediately after the rapture of the church. It will last 7 years.
What will happen?
There will be 21 judgments, divided into 3 units of 7 judgments each - the 7 seal judgments, the 7 trumpet judgments, and finally the 7 bowl judgments of God's wrath poured upon the earth. (see Revelations 6-16) The first of these series of judgments are the seven seal judgments. Christ allows a man to appear on earth who will pose as the "saviour of the world." He will be the Antichrist. War, famine, death, persecution and catastrophic changes on earth that will mark these judgments. Antichrist will pretend to be a friend of Israel for the 1st 3 1/2 years. He will mastermind a false peace treaty between Israel and her enemies. After 3 1/2 years, however, he will turn on them and persecute them severely.
This is the term commonly given to the the period also known as "Daniel's 70th Week" of years in Daniel 9:27. This seven years will be a period of phenomenal world trial and suffering. It is at this time that Antichrist will reign over a federation of 10nations. The Antichist will require all on the earth to take the 'mark of the beast', 666 on their right hand or on their forehead. Prepare to die instantly if you do not take it. (See Revelation 13:16-18)
When will it occur?
Although no one knows the exact time that it will begin, I believe that the Bible teaches that it will occur immediately after the rapture of the church. It will last 7 years.
What will happen?
There will be 21 judgments, divided into 3 units of 7 judgments each - the 7 seal judgments, the 7 trumpet judgments, and finally the 7 bowl judgments of God's wrath poured upon the earth. (see Revelations 6-16) The first of these series of judgments are the seven seal judgments. Christ allows a man to appear on earth who will pose as the "saviour of the world." He will be the Antichrist. War, famine, death, persecution and catastrophic changes on earth that will mark these judgments. Antichrist will pretend to be a friend of Israel for the 1st 3 1/2 years. He will mastermind a false peace treaty between Israel and her enemies. After 3 1/2 years, however, he will turn on them and persecute them severely.
Order of Events: 3 - Battle of Armageddon
What is Armageddon?
Armageddon will be the battle ground for the greatest blood bath that the world has ever seen. Armageddon (Hebrew for: "Mount Megiddo") represents a strategic valley in Northern Israel named for the nearby ancient city of Megiddo. This city built upon a hill, Mt. Megiddo, commands the Jezreel Valley and the Plain of Esdraelon. This is the gateway through the mountains from the North to Jerusalem. The Battle of Armageddon will occur at the end of the 7-year tribulation period.
How will events bring about this battle?
During the tribulation period the war machine of Russian Communism will be destroyed (Ezekiel 38:1-39:16). Two world leaders will emerge. The 10-nation European federation will elect a powerful, personable man to lead them. He will be able to bring peace in the Middle East. He will be the Antichrist. A religious leader will direct all worship only to the Antichrist. He will be the False Prophet.
Antichrist will persecute Israel, and his power will become worldwide. China and her allies, called the "Kings of the East" in Revelation 16:12, will bring an army of 200 million towards Israel with the intent of destroying Jerusalem and taking ov er world leadership. Antichrist, for some diabolical reason, also causes armies from all over the earth to invade Israel. Perhaps Antichrist seeks to fight the Asian alliance. Suddenly, against both the armies of Antichrist and the armies of the East, something unusual happens. The heavens open, Jesus Christ appears on a white horse with the armies of heaven, and destroys all these armies gathered in central Israel. More than 200 million die! The blood bath covers 185 miles of Israel! Antichrist and the False Prophet are cast into the Lake of Fire. (Revelation 19)
Armageddon will be the battle ground for the greatest blood bath that the world has ever seen. Armageddon (Hebrew for: "Mount Megiddo") represents a strategic valley in Northern Israel named for the nearby ancient city of Megiddo. This city built upon a hill, Mt. Megiddo, commands the Jezreel Valley and the Plain of Esdraelon. This is the gateway through the mountains from the North to Jerusalem. The Battle of Armageddon will occur at the end of the 7-year tribulation period.
How will events bring about this battle?
During the tribulation period the war machine of Russian Communism will be destroyed (Ezekiel 38:1-39:16). Two world leaders will emerge. The 10-nation European federation will elect a powerful, personable man to lead them. He will be able to bring peace in the Middle East. He will be the Antichrist. A religious leader will direct all worship only to the Antichrist. He will be the False Prophet.
Antichrist will persecute Israel, and his power will become worldwide. China and her allies, called the "Kings of the East" in Revelation 16:12, will bring an army of 200 million towards Israel with the intent of destroying Jerusalem and taking ov er world leadership. Antichrist, for some diabolical reason, also causes armies from all over the earth to invade Israel. Perhaps Antichrist seeks to fight the Asian alliance. Suddenly, against both the armies of Antichrist and the armies of the East, something unusual happens. The heavens open, Jesus Christ appears on a white horse with the armies of heaven, and destroys all these armies gathered in central Israel. More than 200 million die! The blood bath covers 185 miles of Israel! Antichrist and the False Prophet are cast into the Lake of Fire. (Revelation 19)
Order of Events: 4 - Judgment Seat of Christ
This is a time when believers, who have been raptured into heaven, will stand before their Lord to receive crowns and rewards. See 1 Corinthians 3:10-4:5. This will occur after the rapture and during the tribulation period. The judgment seat of Christ will occur in heaven (it is sometimes called the "day of Christ"). See Philippians 1:10 and 2:16. At the same time there will begin on earth what is called the "day of the Lord." This is the Tribulation Period.
Is this different than the great white throne judgment?
Yes indeed! The judgment seat of Christ occurs immediately after the rapture and is for believers. Believers will receive rewards. Whereas the great white throne judgment is for unbelievers. This latter judgment will destine unbelievers to an eternity in hell. (see Revelation 20:11-15
Is this different than the great white throne judgment?
Yes indeed! The judgment seat of Christ occurs immediately after the rapture and is for believers. Believers will receive rewards. Whereas the great white throne judgment is for unbelievers. This latter judgment will destine unbelievers to an eternity in hell. (see Revelation 20:11-15
Order or Events: 5 - Marriage of the Lamb
Marriage of the Lamb is that moment when the church (believers) is united with Christ in heaven. It occurs after the rapture and after the judgment seat of Christ. It occurs in heaven.
What happens?
This marks a time when Christ, the heavenly bridegroom, forever will be with His beloved Church (believers). The Bride is the Church, and the Church is all the redeemed of Jesus Christ. (see Revelation 19:7,8) After the marriage feast Christ will present His Church to the earth to reign in the 1000 year millenium.
What happens?
This marks a time when Christ, the heavenly bridegroom, forever will be with His beloved Church (believers). The Bride is the Church, and the Church is all the redeemed of Jesus Christ. (see Revelation 19:7,8) After the marriage feast Christ will present His Church to the earth to reign in the 1000 year millenium.
Order of events: 6 - Judgment of the nation of Israel
This will occur when all living people of Jewish heritage will be judged. This occurs during the struggles of the tribulation and then in a normal sense after the Battle of Armageddon and before the 1000 year millennium...as part of Christ's judging "all nations" when He establishes His millennial kingdom (Matthew 25:31-46).
Where does it occur?
The area of Kadesh-Barnea, quite possibly, based on Ezekiel 20:34-38, could be the area where all living Jews from the four corners of the earth will be regathered. The saved of living Israel will be taken into the 1000 year millennium, will be resettled into Jerusalem and the Promised Land, and will reign with the Lord Jesus Christ forever.
Where does it occur?
The area of Kadesh-Barnea, quite possibly, based on Ezekiel 20:34-38, could be the area where all living Jews from the four corners of the earth will be regathered. The saved of living Israel will be taken into the 1000 year millennium, will be resettled into Jerusalem and the Promised Land, and will reign with the Lord Jesus Christ forever.
Order of Events: 7 - The Judgment of Gentiles
This is the time when all living Gentiles who have survived the 7 year tribulation period will be judged (Matthew 25:31-46). This occurs after the Battle of Armageddon and before the 1000 year millennium.
Where does it occur?
The Old Testament pictures in Joel 3:2 that God's Armageddon judgments will take place in the Valley of Jehoshaphat. The exact boundaries of this location cannot be determined. Also see Ezekiel 20:34-38, Zechariah 13:1-2, Malachi 3:2-5, and Matthew 25:31-46.
What will happen there?
The living Gentiles at this judgment who showed by their sinful lives that they had rejected the message of Christ's witnessess during the tribulation period will go to hell (Matthew 25:41). Those who showed by their righteous lives that they had accepted Christ during this period will live on earth for the millennium period, and then they will enter the new heavens and new earth.
The saved who have accepted Christ up to the point of the rapture become resurrected believers...along with the resurrected martyrs of the tribulation preiod. Those who accept Christ after the rapture in the 7 year tribulation period and who survive the tribulation alive are living believers who live on earth during the millennium and prior to receiving their eternal bodies.
CLICK ON 'OLDER POST' TO CONTINUE the ORDER OF EVENTS
Where does it occur?
The Old Testament pictures in Joel 3:2 that God's Armageddon judgments will take place in the Valley of Jehoshaphat. The exact boundaries of this location cannot be determined. Also see Ezekiel 20:34-38, Zechariah 13:1-2, Malachi 3:2-5, and Matthew 25:31-46.
What will happen there?
The living Gentiles at this judgment who showed by their sinful lives that they had rejected the message of Christ's witnessess during the tribulation period will go to hell (Matthew 25:41). Those who showed by their righteous lives that they had accepted Christ during this period will live on earth for the millennium period, and then they will enter the new heavens and new earth.
The saved who have accepted Christ up to the point of the rapture become resurrected believers...along with the resurrected martyrs of the tribulation preiod. Those who accept Christ after the rapture in the 7 year tribulation period and who survive the tribulation alive are living believers who live on earth during the millennium and prior to receiving their eternal bodies.
CLICK ON 'OLDER POST' TO CONTINUE the ORDER OF EVENTS
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