Rapture Theory: True or False? Part 3

Rapture Theory: True or False? Part 3
by Rev. Dr. Red

If you haven't already done so, please view Part 1 and 2. Part1 goes into the history of Rapture Theory. Parts 1 and 2 provide scriptures backing up the fact that the ideology of a "rapture" is false doctrine. This part is strictly pertaining to Tribulation.
Rapture Theory: True or False? Part 1
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Rapture Theory: True or False? Part 2
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Everyone is well aware that the Last Days are going to bring about a Tribulation period. God in the Old Testament and Jesus in the New Testament have told us that there will be a Tribulation. We were also told what signs to look for so we may know if we are in truly in the End Times leading to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
The problem arises in the fact that many Christians believe that we will all somehow escape this Tribulation period. That somehow we are too "good" for Tribulation.
The reason this is a problem is because the Prophets and God all throughout the Old Testament as well as Jesus and the Apostles in the New Testament clearly state that we WILL be persecuted, imprisoned, and martyred in days of Tribulation. How can we (Christians) suffer such persecution if we are "saved" from Tribulation. All throughout history Christians have suffered persecution. It will be no different in the ays of Tribulation. There are also to be 144,000 sealed, who cannot be touched by such persecution, for the purpose of keeping the Gospel spreading and Christian morale high despite the persecution.
God has always protected HIS people from HIS wrath on the non-believers. A perfect example is Egypt. The Israelites were very much alive and present in Egypt as the Egyptians felt Gods wrath. God protected the Israelites from suffering His wrath.
Now Tribulation is another story. It will be us Christians suffering the wrath of Satan. Many will give up their faith in Christ (the falling away). Those who do not will be persecuted as never before. It is going to be extremely tough times. There will be many Christians who are imprisoned and killed for nothing more than being Christian. There will also be many Christians who run to the wilderness and rural areas as to escape persecution.
If these Christians were non-existant in Tribulation, then who is it Satan is waging war on? Scripture tells he is waging war on the faithful (Christians). To believe otherwise is akin to suggesting Jesus is a liar. Are you calling Jesus a liar? If so, you have no faith.
People are quick to believe we won't be here for one reason. Noone wants to believe we are going to be put through such a grand test of faith. Truly, that is what Tribulation is. It is a test of the faith we Christians have and the last chance for non-believers to repent and come to Christ.
What is the definition of Tribulation?
distress or suffering resulting from oppression or persecution; also : a trying experience
What is the etymology of Tribulation?
early 13c., from O.Fr. tribulacion (12c.), from L.L. tribulationem (nom. tribulatio) "distress, trouble, affliction" (c.200), from tribulatus, pp. of tribular "to oppress, afflict," a figurative use by Christian writers of L. tribulare "to press," also possibly "to thresh out grain," from tribulum "threshing sledge," from stem of terere "to rub" + -bulum, suffix forming names of tools.
Going by the definition and etymology of Tribulation, it is fair to say a true believer lives in constant tribulation. It is also fair to say, as per Jesus' warnings, Christians living through THE Tribulation will suffer a great deal more than any time in history. Jesus has told us we WILL be persecuted for our faith in Him. But this persecution and testing of our faith, to those who endure to the end, grants us eternal life. To try and escape Tribulation is to escape the reality of what Jesus has told us. In other words, to look for an escape route is akin to having no faith. If you are truly faithful, there is nothing to worry about. As Joshua 1:9 states, God is with us where ever we go, we are to have courage not fear.
Now lets take a look at some scripture:
Deuteronomy 4:30-31 KJV
When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; (For the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.
1 Samuel 10:19 KJV
And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes, and by your thousands.
Psalm 34:19, 21-22 KJV
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate. The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.
Matthew 24:21-25 KJV
For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before.
Mark 13:20-23, 33 KJV
And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days. And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
John 16:33 KJV
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Acts 14:22 KJV
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Romans 5:3-5 KJV
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Romans 8:18, 28, 35-39 KJV
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 12:10-15, 21 KJV
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
1 Corinthians 10:13, 26 KJV
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 KJV
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
2 Corinthians 7:4 KJV
Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
1 Thessalonians 3:4 KJV
For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
2 Thessalonians 1:4-10 KJV
So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
James 1:12 KJV
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
1 Peter 1:6-9 KJV
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 4:12-13, 16 KJV
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
1 Peter 5:10 KJV
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
Revelation 2:7, 10 KJV
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Revelation 7:14 KJV
And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
It is completely un-Biblical to suggest Christians will not be present during Tribulation. Anyone who is telling you that for one reason or another, you can escape Tribulation is perverting Scriptures and teaching false doctrines.
Any questions, feel free to ask. Below are some links that may help you understand what is being stated here.
Further Info:
Rapture, Tribulation, Second Coming
Some Sources With Varying Viewpoints On Rapture And Tribulation:
When will the "Rapture" Occur
Will Christians Go Through the Tribulation? by Dr. Williams
Will Christians Go Through the Great Tribulation? by Rich Deem
Will Christians Go Through The Great Tribulation? by Gordon Lindsay
WILL CHRISTIANS GO THROUGH THE GREAT TRIBULATION? WHEN WILL JESUS RETURN? WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF HIS RETURN AND THE END? THE MARK OF THE BEAST

Rapture Theory: True or False? Part 2

Rapture Theory: True or False? Part 1
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In part 1 (linked above) I discussed the history of Rapture Theory, provided some scripture, and a brief breakdown of the Book of Revelation. I also linked to one or two of many sources I used in my studies on the topic.
I'm not offering this information to turn anyone away from Christ but to bring people to Christ. As a Christian Pastor is that not my job? It disheartens me to see so many people believing in false doctrines and praying to idols and false Christ's. Many mainstream interpretations of Christian theology is just that, false. And in turn you are following false doctrine and false Christ's. Some newer versions of Christianity are going as far as taking the deity out of Christ.
That being said, here are additional verses of Scripture in reference to the "Rapture". Part 3 will go specifically into Tribulation. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
(If you have not already done so, please review Part 1 first)
1 Samuel 2:8-10 KJV He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and he hath set the world upon them. He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.
2 Chronicles 7:20 KJV Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations.
Psalm 1:4-6 KJV The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Psalm 9:5 KJV Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.
Psalm 9:17 KJV The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
Psalm 11:5-6 KJV The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.
Psalm 37:17-20, 38 KJV For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous. The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.
Psalm 52:2-5 KJV Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah. Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue. God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.
Psalm 129:4 KJV The Lord is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.
Psalm 139:18-19 KJV If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
Proverbs 3:25-26 KJV Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
Proverbs 10:3, 25, 27-30 KJV The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked. As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation. The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.
Proverbs 11:31 KJV Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
Proverbs 12:3, 28 KJV A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
Proverbs 13:9, 15, 20 KJV The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
Proverbs 14:11 KJV The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
Proverbs 21:12, 15, 18, 28 KJV The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness. It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright. A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
Proverbs 24:19-20 KJV Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked; For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.
Ezekiel 7:11 KJV Violence is risen up into a rod of wickedness: none of them shall remain, nor of their multitude, nor of any of theirs: neither shall there be wailing for them.
Malachi 4:3 KJV And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts.
Matthew 13:41-42, 49-50 KJV The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
So, as you can see, it is not the Righteous that are going anywhere. I understand it is a hard concept to swallow. Truth wasn't meant to be easy. Part 3 will go into the reason why it is the wicked, not the righteous, that are to be removed.

Time To Stand

I have been preaching for over 3yrs. Almost 2yrs with Spiritual Messiah Ministries. As my studies have led me into ministerialhood, I have been trying to warn everyone of the coming times. I have been matching current events, history and Bible prophecy to show everyone where we are and where we are heading. I was doing so in the hopes to avoid disaster. I now realize disaster must happen. It was written. All of Gods Word must be fulfilled. With that in mind, it brings me to my point. This past week many have been talking about the outcome of the national and local elections. Many from both the liberal as well as the conservative sides have voiced their opinions. It didn't take too long for the liberals and the liberal elite to hunker down and intensify the attacks on traditional America and the Constitution. Many Conservatives even threw in the towel. Signs of quitting all over Facebook and Twitter. Though many conservatives, myself included, came out immediately following the election trying to keep everyones spirits high. All week long local known and nationally known conservatives have been issuing messages of reassurance. Conservatives have called for a re-grouping, re-planning, and get back out in the battlefield. Matt Staver even stated where we are heading, and have been for the past four years. He stated that it's only going to get worse and accelerated these next four years. Attacks on white people is has been going under-reported, as well as the attacks on Christians. (Email me for links if you're unaware of the incidents) With all that is going on I fight depression often. This is not the America my great-grandparents came to. This isn't even the America I was born into. Now, I realize America is holding on. But these next four years will either be the death of America or a powerful rebirth. The choice is ours. If it is to be a rebirth of a freedom-loving, God-fearing people we must NOT give up in our fight to preserve our freedoms. As Christians we must not give up preaching the Gospel. We will be persecuted. We will be thrown in jail. The day is coming soon when Christian Americans will be killed for their faith. It is the torches of these martyrs and future martyrs we are to catch and keep it lit. Keep the message spreading until the day comes we must allow another to catch it from our hands. But we must fear not. Lets see what Jesus has to say: Matthew 5:11-12 KJV Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. John 16:33 KJV These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. So you see, as faithful Christians life will not be easy for us. We are facing an uphill battle. But we must march on. We must not let rhetoric from the liberals or in-name-only Christians get us down or force us to give in to their diatribe. It needs to be understood that all that is happening must happen. But at the same time we all must understand we have a part to play. It is the job of Christian leaders to lead people to Christ, protect their communities, etc; of Christian lawyers to defend Christian values and morals in the courts; of Christian artists to defend Christianity in literature, movies/television, music, etc.; and so on. Regardless of who you are, you have an important role to play in the defense and furtherance of Christendom. What role has God given you? These next four years are going to be trying. There will be many a time when we will want to give up and give in. In these times we must remember God is with us. We must remain faithful, no matter how bad the times get. Joshua 1:9 KJV Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. It will be due to our refusal to give up that America and the world will come to Christ. As martyrs are made, martyrs must rise. We must not give up our faith. To give up our faith and give in to society is to give up your seat alongside Christ. Is it really worth it to give up your eternal life to save your flesh?