Dispensational Teachings

As a Chaplain and Pastor of 16 years I, at times, was ask questions about the Book of Revelation. At first, I was eager to share the many things that Got has revealed for Christians in this book; however, I soon learned that many questions were being ask… amiss. For so many it was not for the desire to learn, but the desire to sensationalize. Society as a whole is drawn to things that are bright, shiny and scary; Christians… can be the same.  The scriptures warn of these times:

2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

There are some who truly desire to know what the Book of Revelation means, and, would mean for them. It is in this light that I present some guidelines to properly discern the book of Revelation.

1. Make sure you have accepted Christ.

In many ways trying to absorb the fantastic visuals and truths of this book without the saving knowledge and conversion of the Lord Jesus Christ is an exercise in vanity. To tackle the doctrines of this book without guidance from the Holy Spirit would be… foolish.

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Simply put… if you want to fully understand the Bible… you need to be saved.

2. Have a firm foundation.

There is a reason the Book of Revelation is last… To jump and read the end of the book will show you, yes… how it all comes out; but you loose the context that will help you understand what you are reading… and how to read it. (yes… how to read it)

Note these verses:

Luke 10:26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The Bible is a supernatural book written by holy men as they were moved by the Holy Ghost… it was created to be read, studied and rightly divided. Done so… you will receive truth. Done incorrectly and you will come away with misplaced doctrine; because you did not consider the whole counsel of God… just the parts and pieces that made you feel good or smarter. (Acts 20:27)

2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Now that it has been expressed the foundations needed, let’s look at some study guidelines:

Read the Book of Revelation…

Note: read… not necessarily study.

Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

It is important to note that if you are a Christian… MOST of the book of revelation has nothing to do with you. It should, if nothing else, make you want to see others saved so they they will not suffer the wrath of God.

The Book of Revelation is Chronological… to the extent of how the information is presented.

Most of the book is laid out quite simply in order; however, the account is being given as he sees it. (Revelation 1:11) Imagine you are standing on a football field during a play, you are explaining everything you see… 360 degrees around you.. to someone on the phone.. who knows nothing about football.

John is seeing images that have never been seen before… he is putting into words what he is seeing as it happens.. as he keeps looking around he sees more and more that he is describing… so while the events of the book are in order the elements he is describing can flow over into different chapters.

Overview

Write the things which thou hast seen

Chapter 1:1-8 – Title Salutation

Chapter 1:9-20 – The Vision

EVENT – Chapter 2 thru 3  – The Seven Churches – Time periods to span the age of the Church

Ephesus – Revelation 2:1-7
a Backslidden Church – It lost its first love
AD 70 – AD 170

Smyrna Revelation 2:8-11
a persecuted Church
AD 170 – AD 312

Pergamos – Revelation 2:12-17
A Licentiopus Church
The Union of the Church and State under Constantine
AD – 312 – AD 606

Thyatiran – Revelation 2:18-29
False Doctrine and the formation/exercise of the Papal
The Entrance of the Dark Ages where the scripture was locked away.
AD 606 – AD 1520

Sardis – Revelation 3:1-6
A Dead Church
AD 1520 – AD 1750

Philadelphian – Revelation 3:7-13
“Age of Brotherly Love”
National Revivals
Religious freedoms and expansion
AD 1750 – AD 1920

Laodicean Period – Revelation 3:14-22
A lukewarm Church
“The Rights of the People”
AD 1920 – ??

EVENT – Chapter 4 – The Rapture of the Church

Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

Here we see the event described in 1st Thessalonians coming to pass.

1 Thessalonians 4:16  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
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.

EVENT – Chapter 5 – Opening of the sealed book

The opening of this book and the information within is the prophecy that was given to Daniel, but then was sealed until this day. Look at the account:

Daniel 12:1  And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

EVENT – Chapter 6 – The beginning of the time of trouble

In Jeremiah we see this event prophicied and called the time of Jacob’s trouble, Jesus calls it the great tribulation.

Jeremiah 30:7  Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.

Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

This time was reserved to pour out God’s wrath over the nation that refused to accept His son, that of Israel. The other nations of the world are, in many ways, collateral damage.

Over Revelation 6 through Revelation 16:14 we see the pouring our God’s wrath in many different forms, we see in this up to this great and terrible day (Joel 2:31), the opening of the seals, the trumpets, the personages, the messengers and the pouring out of the vials. At the end of these nearly 7 years of torment the nations are gathered together to battle against the Lord called the battle of Armegeddon. See below:

Meanwhile, up in Heaven…

Now while the tribulation period is taking place on earth there is much going on in Heaven. After the taking up (Rapture) of the church there 2 main events that are taking place called the Judgement Seat of Christ and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

EVENT – The Judgement Seat of Christ

The Judgement seat dates back before the times of Christ and is seen in several cultures. It simply is a raised platform or a chair that summary judgement is passed. 
Joel 3:12  Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.
Matthew 27:19  When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
Acts 25:10  Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.

Romans 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

2 Corinthians 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

The common understanding is that this event will be for those saved during the Church age and will deal with those thoughts and intents of the heart. To cleanse the bride prior to the wedding. 

Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Now this will not be a joyful time, Paul calls it the “terror of the Lord”… when those thoughts and intentions, unconfessed sin and those unresolved issues… are dealth with.

EVENT – The Marriage Supper of the Lamb

Just prior to the second coming of Christ there is a marriage of the bride (the Church) to Christ that is followed by the marriage supper. This event is not spoken of in detail but does bring together the parable that Christ spoke of in Matthew 22: 1-14.

Revelation 19:7  Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

EVENT – The Second Coming of Christ Revelation 16:14 – 20:3

The Battle of Armageddon

Revelation 16:16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

This event has been, perhaps the most improperly used and misunderstood word in the Bible. Perverted by society and Hollywood it has come to known as the end of the world; in reality… it is just an event. This event is where Jesus comes back to set up His earthly Kingdom that He spoke of in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

It starts out with the nations being gathered together for battle followed by the pouring out of the 7th vial bringing in massive atmosperic events that produce hail that weighed around 75lbs to 120lbs, that would crush a man and destroy buildings.

It is important to note that despite all of the wrath in the form of seals, trumpets, personages and vials that is laid out on humanity over these 6+ years… people are not repenting but rather blaspheming God. This clearly shows the ultimate depravity of man that we are quickly headed for.

As the return of Christ is imminent there is a series of judgements taking place where God is making a specific point to identify and destroy.

Revelation 17:1 – 19:6 – The Great Whore

Revelation 17:1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:
2
With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.

The identification of the Great Whore is pretty clear… especially if you look back through the Church age identifications and what was taking place. Kings and religion combined for control. As a unit they control commerce, kings and kept the world in poverty and need to maintain power.

Revelation 19:11 – 19:21 The Return of Christ

These verses identify what happens when Christ returns. Now it is important to note what is identified from Revelation 16:14 through now takes place very quickly.

Revelation 20 – aftermath and clean-up

EVENT – Revelation 20:4 – 20:6 – The Millennial Kingdom

The curse of sin is lifted and Satan is bound for 1,000 years. The Millennial Kingdom serves many purposes:

  1. The fulfillment of an earthly kingdom set up with Christ as the King
  2. The fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant of a land and seed

EVENT – Battle of Gog and Magog

Revelation 20:7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
8
And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
9
And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

EVENT – Great White Throne Judgement

Revelation 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

Here all those over the 7,000 years of recorded that died in disobedience to God are judged and cast into hell… for all eternity.

EVENT – Revelation 21:1 – New Heavens and New Earth

Isaiah 65:17, Isiah 66:22, 2 Peter 3:13

EVENT – Revelation 21:2 – 22:9 – New Jerusalem

New Jerusalem is a central city where God will organize the population of the new heavens and the new earth. The old purged by fire, this new earth will be much like it was in the beginning in the garden.

Revelation 22:18 – The Warning

Revelation 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Revelation 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

The purpose of the Great White Throne

The purpose was to pass final judgement before the ushering in the new heavens and the new earth. Remember from our studies that God has a path and plan to put things back to the way it was in the garden. Judgment is part of this restoration.

Who is there

The people that are participating in the Great White throne Judgement are simply, everyone, who died in disobedience to God was brought before God to be judged for the sins. All throughout history from the garden to the last battle… God always had a path to come to Him through obedience. Those who rejected that path were the main participants of this event.

Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Luke 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

Spectators

It also appears that the other groups that have already been tried and judged are there to watch. Note that the church, after the rapture, received the mind and body of Christ. At this event we will see those we know, those we had the opportunity to witness to, those we have the challenge to help; I believe there will be great sorrow in that day.

Revelation 21:4  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

There are many books that have been written in the Bible:

As part of this time of judgement, God utilizes information that has been written down.

Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Note: “the books”. The Bible itself identifies many books that were used to record history, geneologies, the laws, judgments, accomplishments and more. Let’s look at just a few examples:

Genesis 5:1  This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;

Numbers 21:14  Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon,

Joshua 10:13  And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.

1 Chronicles 29:29  Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer,

Exodus 17:14  And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.

There are many references to books that are written to document the things of God; wars, plagues, law, covenant, events… and are written to remember and guide others. However there is a couple of books that God keeps that are quite important:

Exodus 32:32  Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin–; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.

Philippians 4:3  And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

Taking into account the many references that are listed of the books that God opens, we know that there are, written in the books, the things that has done in the flesh from the beginning of time. Even more specifically, our name. Judgements were passed to those that were written in the book; however, more severely, for those not written in the books at all.

Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

So with this overview it is apparent that you WILL be at the Great White Throne Judgement… the question is are you going to be a participant or a spectator?

 

 

Revelation 20:7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,

8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.

9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

There is an event that takes place after the Millennial Kingdom where satan is let loosed to deceive, one last time, to bring people together to fight, one last time, against God.

Who is Deceived?

Let’s first look at who is present in the Millennial Kingdom:

  • Those Jews who died under the law and are receiving the promise (Abramic Covenant)
  • Those within the Great Tribulation that endured till the end
  • Those who were martyred for the name of Christ
  • Those who suffered with Christ and are now reigning with him

It is important to identify that all of these classifications of people have been tested and proven, deceiving them after going what they have gone through would be pretty difficult. So then who lives during the Millennial Kingdom and has not been tested, or not had a temptation to choose right from wrong or seen the fulfilment of prophecy? … The children.

The Curse of Sin is Lifted

During the Millennial Kingdom the curse is lifted including the pains in childbirth recorded in Genesis Chapter 3. Especially with the fact that most of the nation of Israel was destroyed throughout the tribulation, a need was present to rebuild civilization. With no curse, children will be born practically every 9 months with no pain. You can grow a civilization quickly when there is no pain in childbirth.

This makes the children, millions of them, that were born over that 1000 years the group of people who have not had a temptation or a trial so that they might CHOOSE God’s way.

At the end of this battle (see Ezekiel 38-39) satan is cast into the lake of fire… forever.

Revelation 20:10  And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Historical and prophetical references

Nearly all of Ezekiel 38-39 is about Gog & Magog. This prophet is allowed to see what will take place when God turns His power toward Gog.

Ezekiel 38:1 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

2 Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him,

3 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:

Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

The Earthly Kingdom is, in effect, God’s way to fulfil His promise to the nation of Israel. This earthly kingdom will have attributes to it unlike mankind has seen since the Garden of Eden.

This Kingdom has a specific set period of time

Revelation 20:2  And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

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.

6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,

It is important to note that this Kingdom is, in essence, a transition to the New Heavens and new earth with an Edenic fulfilment. Its pre-stated goal is to fulfill prophecy an well as fulfil God’s promise to the nation od Israel.

Isaiah Chapters 35 & 65 Gives us some highlights of what it will be like during the Millennial Kingdom:

Isaiah 35:4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.

5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

6 Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

7 And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes.

———————-

Isaiah 65:9 And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.

14 Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.

If you haven’t picked up on it yet… Israel is God’s chosen people. Most of the bible deals with God’s relationship with Israel with the Church having its own promises, time period and doctrine. The two seldom mix, hence the main verse of our studies (2 Timothy 2:15). So we can properly understand the scriptures we must rightly divide the word; NOT place the promises of the church on Israel and NOT take the promises meant for Israel on the church. There is no such thing as the so-called “spiritual Jew” where-by they teach that all the bible is written for you and that all the laws, promises and doctrines are all for you today.

The purpose for the Millennial Kingdom is Jewish.

This is the reward for the Jew. Not the Church! This land will flourish and God’s people will experience joy unlike never seen. They will receive a body like Adam that will last 1,000 years. Even a person is referred to as a child at 100 years old!

Isaiah 65:19  And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.

20 There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.

As a comparison look at the Church: The Church is taken out at the rapture and are provided a different reward.

Ephesians 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

The Church Shows up again as the Bride of Christ Revelation 21. It comes down AFTER the Great White Throne Judgement and the New Heavens and the New Earth. (see following lessons)

 

 

As we come to this point in this chart study we are deep within learning about future events, this is an important distinction. When we read about past, historical events we can rely on this information because it was documented and presented by a host of references and witnesses; you can even visit the places where many events took place. Frankly, faith is not really required to read and understand historical events. However, when looking at prophecy and future events that have been written about such as: The Rapture, Tribulation, Judgement Seat of Christ, Second Coming, Millennial Kingdom and the Great White Throne Judgement to name a few; this can create an opportunity for misunderstanding.

To make sure we have a solid grasp about Jesus’ Second coming we need to make sure we have an understanding of the other times He has came to the earth.

There are many times where Christ’s coming is identified in scripture but we must be careful not to attribute one for the other. (2 Tim 2:15)

There are 4 areas where Jesus “came” or “appeared” in the Scriptures.

  1. As the Angel of the Lord
  2. As a Child (Lamb of God)
  3. Coming to get His Church
  4. Coming as a King and conquerer

Angel of the Lord – the context identifies power and diety vs. a messenger.

Genesis 18 is the Account of Abraham talking with the Lord bodily on earth.

Additional:

Genesis 16:7  And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.

Numbers 22:22 The account of the Angel of the Lord and Balaam making the Donkey speak

There are many additional references where the Angel of the lord sat with kings and prophets, led Israel through the wilderness and more. It is important to make note of this pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ and how to discern the person. An important distinction to make is what happens when reverence is paid to “the Angel of the Lord”… If the angel is NOT Christ, but just an angel; the angel does not allow reverence to be paid asking the individual to get up. However, when the Angel is actually Christ, He allows them to worship and show reverence; and rightly so.

1st Coming – The Lamb

The first coming was as a Lamb to take away the sin of the world

Matthew 1:21  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

John 1:29  The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Christ Coming for His Church

One area that is often misrepresented is the coming of Christ for His Church. He does not come bodily to the earth rather “appears” to the world in the clouds. (See lesson on the Rapture)

Colossians 3:4  When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

1 Timothy 6:14  That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

1 Peter 1:7  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:

2nd Coming

The Second Coming of Christ is the event in the scriptures that has perhaps more manuscript evidence than any other.

The Second Coming is to set up His earthly kingdom

Matthew 25:31  When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Hebrews 9:28  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Jude 1:14  And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

This is the event that fulfills so many prophecies about Israel and God’s Kingdom. It is also the pinnacle of tribulation when the fullness of God’s wrath is poured out. You see when Christ comes back it is a two-edged sword as it means victory and glory for the righteous, but suffering and death for those who are against him.

The Battle of Armageddon

Beyond the references that Hollywood likes to pin the Battle of Armageddon is where Jesus comes to step foot bodily on earth,

Revelation 16:16  And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

Revelation 19 gives an account of those that rose to fight; nations, armies and people rose up to fight against Christ… and died.

Revelation chapters 6:1 to 19:21

The tribulation known by a few different terms:

  • The tribulation
  • The Great Tribulation
  • Daniel’s 70th week
  • Jacobs trouble

This period on our timeline is perhaps, next to the rapture, the most incorrectly placed event that we will review. This will not, for matter of purpose, be a deep study of the tribulation except, as before to relate it to the fundamentals of the timeline.

Note: knowledge of the events of the tribulation are for your spiritual admonishment, as doctrinally the events do not effect us (the church)

It is also important to remember that arguing the scripture is a futile task… there is NEVER a winner.

1 Corinthians 14:38  But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

The length of the tribulation

The tribulation is approximately 7 years. Divided into 2 main parts with the midway point being 3 ½ years.

Who will be in the tribulation

Everyone who is alive after the rapture of the Church and had not accepted Jesus Christ according to the singular path that Jesus identifies:

John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

As a reminder of the purpose of the tribulation:

The purpose of the tribulation is twofold

  1. To bring Israel, which is scattered throughout the world, back to one central point as God intended all the way back in Deuteronomy.
  2. These verses clearly teach

Neither of these have anything to do with the church which is why the rapture takes place prior to the tribulation to remove the church from God’s wrath.

Note these verses that the apostle Paul wrote about the New Testament church:

1 Thessalonians 5:9  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Thessalonians 1:10  And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

Romans 5:8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

These verses clearly teach that those that are saved (the church) cannot go through the tribulation because God will be pouring out his wrath throughout the entire course of the tribulation.

The Tribulation is by definition “Jewish”

Matthew 24:21   For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.

23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.

24 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.

As an important reminder here: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John commonly referred to as the Gospels are written during, and with the anticipation that, Israel will accept Jesus Christ as the Messiah. It is not until acts chapter 8 that the narrative changes because of the final rejection that the Jewish hierarchy was against the message of Jesus Christ. Many of the things that Jesus said were specifically meant for the Jewish people and the Jewish events that were predestined such as the tribulation, second coming of Christ, millennial kingdom and the battle of Gog and Magog.

As always we can gain spiritual information and knowledge from passages written for the Jewish people but we are not to gain our doctrine from passages clearly meant for a different group of people.

Who is The elect:

Isaiah 45:4  For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.

Jeremiah 30:7  Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.

8 For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him:

9 But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.

10 Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid.

11 For I am with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.

Note also these verses:

Ezekiel 20:37  And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant:

38 And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

Daniels prophecy and the 70th week

Daniels prophesied much about the times of the tribulation. His information included parts but no pattern. In the end while there was much information, there was no context. Daniel did not understand. God commanded Daniel to seal up the book… a Revelation was needed to reveal the context.

Daniel 12:4  But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?

9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

The Revelation

Revelation 5:1  And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

The prophecy of the Seventy weeks and the breakdown

Daniel 9:24  Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks (7 x 7=49), and threescore and two weeks (62 x 7= 434): the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, (tribulation) but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: (the 70th week = 7 years) and in the midst of the week (3 ½ years into it) he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Important to note that again we see God’s plan clearly laid out to and through Israel. The Mystery of the Church was not revealed to Daniel because it was not, at that point, a primary plan to take the Gospel through the Gentiles.

NOTE: This timeline is known.

Matthew 8:29  And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

144,000 Sealed Jews

Much has been said about the 144,000 sealed Jews seen in Revelation Chapter 7 and 14. However when you remove the hype and speculation here is what we find:

  • The 144,000 are Jews.
  • They are from the 12 tribes of Israel each tribe having 12,000
  • They are all virgins and pure in their ways
  • They will evangelize the world
  • As a result a multitude accept Christ
  • These that accept Christ are given a special reward.

Note this reward does not fit that of the Jew or the Church

Revelation 7:14  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.

15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Chapter 6-11 First Half

  • Seven Seals are opened and revealed. These judgements are released on the earth as judgment and direction. The direction is for Israel as a way to motivate them to come home.

The six seals are completed in the first half of the tribulation while the seventh starts off the second half

  • Seven trumpets are sounded as to bring in different levels of wrath and torment. Including to famous 5th trumpet where locusts are released (9:3-9); they will be a combination of horse, man, woman, lion and scorpion and will not kill people, but torment them.

Between the sixth and seven trumpets – The Two Witnesses.

In chapter 11:1-3 we are given a description of “Two Witnesses” who are to prophesy during the greater part of the last half of the Week. Who they will be is very clear.

Revelation 11:1  And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.

2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. (1260 divided by 360 days on the Jewish calendar = 3 ½ years)

One has “power to shut heaven that it rain not in the days of their prophecy.” This can be no other than Elijah who was translated that he might come again before the “Great and Terrible Day of the Lord”

Malachi 4:5  Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: (2nd coming)

6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

The other Witness will “have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues as often as he will.”

Revelation 11:6  These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

This identifies him as Moses, for he is the only person mentioned in the Scriptures who had such power… Just As Moses and Elijah appeared together on the Mount of Transfiguration with Christ. Matthew 17:3

Chapter 12 Mid Week – satan is cast out

Revelation 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.

9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

Chapter 13-19 Second half aka “the great tribulation”

This is the time where the dragon gives to the antichrist power to reign supreme in the world. In this time additional misery and destruction is poured out on the earth.  

Chapter 13 – The beast and the mark vs 15

Chapter 14 – A more detailed description of the 144,000

Introduction of the 3 Angels that will bring God’s message to the earth of judgement

Beginning in Chapter 14 is a singular account. It is important to note this. But there is so much happening at once that it is not laid out chronologically.  So as John describes what he sees as he sees it he writes it down. Kinda like panning across the football game and trying to describe the events of all the players in one play.

Key elements is the gathering (mid trib rapture) then the angel with the sickle striking down with the wrath of God

Chapter 15 – Announcement of the vials

Chapter 16 – Vials are poured out and the 7th vial is released; at this time the beast gathers an army to battle at the second coming of Christ.  

Chapter 17 – 18 –  God reserves a special place for the Great Whore.

Chapter 19 the Marriage, feast and second coming.

Following the Judgement Seat of Christ is a marriage where the “bride of Christ” is joined with Christ.

In this study we have worked diligently to rightly divide the Word of Truth, understanding that the majority of the Bible is in two main divisions: The Jew and The Gentile. Often those who wrongfully divide the word of truth often misplace God’s plan for His chosen people; Israel. Even to the point of “stealing” the promises of Israel and placing them on the Church.

Just as we found the Judgement Seat of Christ having part of its meaning in symbolism… We find the event of the Marriage of Christ to his Bride also contains symbolism too.

The Bride of Christ

The meaning of the bride has been argued as a doctrine for a long, long time. So to have a better understanding of the Marriage that takes place in Heaven after the Judgement Seat of Christ and before the second coming… we must learn a little more about who the bride is.

Note: We must cautious to read purposefully the scriptures within the basics of understanding and rightly dividing. Often people “read too much” into scripture placing prophetic references where there is only a historical reference. I have found much of the confusion about the bride in the scriptures is by this wise. (see information on prophecy in lesson 7)

Two Brides  

There are “Two Brides” mentioned in the Scriptures. One in the Old Testament, and the other in the New Testament.

Israel

Remember that many things that we find up to the Acts Chapter 7 were written with the anticipation that Israel would accept Christ as the Messiah.

Jesus brought the New Covenant preaching the kingdom to be revealed…

The Church age was extended transferring the New Covenant to all who would believe (kingdom postponed) Giving it to the Church through the Gentile rather than the Jew.

It is also incorrect to name the New Testament church as a Gentile Church because the purpose of the Church was to have no affiliation (neither bond nor free, Jew or Gentile) But rather a change in the delivery system of the Gospel.

It is important to make and review this distinction as that many wrongfully place Israel as the bride of Christ. Let’s look at some distinctions:

The First Bride (The Bride of God – Jehovah) Israel

Jeremiah 31:31  Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:

Isaiah 54:5  For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

6 For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God.

7 For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.
(Tribulation Refference)

Because of her Whoredoms, Israel is a cast off wife, but God, her husband, promises to take her back when she ceases from her adulteries. Think of it like a separation. They are still married just not “together”.

Jeremiah 3:1  They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man’s, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the LORD.

2 Lift up thine eyes unto the high places, and see where thou hast not been lien with. In the ways hast thou sat for them, as the Arabian in the wilderness; and thou hast polluted the land with thy whoredoms and with thy wickedness.

3 Therefore the showers have been withholden, and there hath been no latter rain; and thou hadst a whore’s forehead, thou refusedst to be ashamed.

Note this nugget:

Ezekiel 16:2  Son of man, cause Jerusalem to know her abominations,

Didn’t Paul say he had not known sin except it been for the law?

Romans 3:19  Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

She (Israel) will not be taken back as a Virgin, but as a Wife.  

The Church – The Bride of Christ

It is a VIRGIN that the Lamb (Christ) is to marry. So the Wife (Israel) of the Old Testament cannot be the Bride (Virgin) of the New Testament.

2 Corinthians 11:2  For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Ephesians 5:27  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

The Event

After the Judgement Seat of Christ is when the Church (bride) is presented without blemish as a Virgin

Revelation 19:7  Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

When you look at the information in the light of God’s separation it becomes clear that the Church is the Bride of Christ, that the tribulation is where God calls His people back to Him to set things straight. These are separate, and necessary for both.

 

Throughout history, rulers would identify the different roles of leadership in a variety of ways. Rulers would wear a certain garment to identify a position or time such as dinner, welcoming other rulers or for battle. Often rooms were designated within the home with furniture that has differing purposes such as a cup of friendship, a rod of correction, a staff of guidance, the dagger – a proclamation of war.. and a chair that identified a role of judgement. This is where the term judgement seat comes from.

Psalms 23:4  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

This position was seen early

Deuteronomy 33:21  And he provided the first part for himself, because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated; and he came with the heads of the people, he executed the justice of the LORD, and his judgments with Israel.

Even in Roman rulers

Pilate

Matthew 27:19  When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

Gallio

Acts 18:12  And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,

Festus

Acts 25:4  But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.

5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.

6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.

So understanding what the judgement seat is.. and that the one that makes the judgment needs to be “seated” let’s look at the next event on our chart – The Judgement Seat of Christ

The Judgement Seat of Christ

2 Corinthians 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

The Events of the Judgement Seat

1 Corinthians 3:12  Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.

14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

The Judgement seat is not dealing with Sin! That was settled at Calvary.

This event according to vs 13 deals with the works, done in the flesh or “what have you done for Christ since you’ve been saved” ~James Coffman

How to keep safe from the Judgement seat of Christ

The Apostle Paul called this event “the terror of the Lord”. It’s not going to be pleasant for most as the sins of the flesh will be revealed and dealt with. Now consider this: Paul, a man that served God, set-up the majority of the new testament churches, revealed the mysteries of the Church, repented daily, lived righteously before the Lord… and HE was terrified of the Judgement Seat of Christ!

So to better prepare ourselves for this event we must daily:

  1. Examine

2 Corinthians 13:5  Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

  1. Judge ourselves

1 Corinthians 11:31  For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

1 Peter 4:17  For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

  1. Confess

1 John 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

If we do these things we can present ourselves blameless:

1 Corinthians 1:8  Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

BUT… there is a better way

Psalms 101:2  I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.

5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

Proverbs 22:24  Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:

Philippians 4:7  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

1 Timothy 3:15  But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

You see the point is to place yourself in a position where you are not in a sinful situation, where you’ve not thought or seen wicked things. Instead think on things that are honest, just, pure, lovely and of a good report making no friendship with the world or an angry man.

James 4:4  Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Would it better to avoid sin than to continue to rely on God forgiveness?

Romans 6:1  What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

2a God forbid…

 

At this point in your studies you might be asking yourself  “Why are there so many different beliefs, teachings and understanding about the rapture, the tribulation and the 2nd coming of Christ?” … One reason:

2 Timothy 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

As described in many elements of this study, if you can rightly divide the word of truth than you can wrongly divide it as well. So many out there give no consideration to the biblical order of dispensations quoting: Acts 20:27  For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

But this verse does not mean that all the Bible was written to apply to us, but rather: “all the Bible was written for you, but not all the Bible was written to you.” ~James Coffman

There are many different teachings floating around about the Rapture:

  • Some say there is no rapture
  • Some say the rapture is before the Tribulation
  • Some say the rapture is in the middle of the Tribulation
  • Some say it is after the Tribulation.

But you only need to look at the reason for the rapture and the purpose of the Tribulation to get the right division and understanding. We will examine the purpose for both because once you understand the purpose of each event it becomes clear the appropriate, biblical placement.

What is the rapture.

The rapture is the calling away of the church. While the word rapture does not appear in the Bible it is the common term used to describe the event.

1 Thessalonians 4:16  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

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.

The purpose of the rapture is to remove all who have truthfully accepted Christ as their personal Saviour… prior to God getting things settled with Israel. Note that this is the removal of people, not organizations, states, countries, nations or religions.

Note also these verses:

1 Corinthians 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Note that Trumpet:

Revelation 4:1  After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

Revelation 4 takes place BEFORE the Tribulation…

The next event that follows the rapture here on earth is the Tribulation. The tribulation is where God deals with Israel, false religions and nations over a period of approximately 7 years… literally pouring out His wrath (more will be covered in lesson 14)

In order to understand the purpose of the Rapture we need to look at what the Tribulation is for:

The Tribulation is by definition “Jewish”

Jeremiah 30:7  Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.

8 For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him:

9 But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.

10 Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid.

11 For I am with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.

Note also these verses:

Ezekiel 20:37  And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant:

38 And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

Remember ever since Abraham God has called a people unto himself. When Jesus came the Jews rejected the New Covenant and crucified Him turning over the New Covenant to the Gentiles (Church)

Romans 11:11  I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

As a result God must remove the Church prior to the Tribulation… simply because the Tribulation is God dealing with Israel.. not the Church.

Additional supporting text:

2 Thessalonians 2:7  For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

1 Thessalonians 5:9  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Thessalonians 1:10  And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

Romans 5:8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Revelation 3:10  Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

I can just wait until the rapture… THEN get saved

In my years of ministry I have, and many of my Pastoral friends have come across the crowd that says “when I see the rapture, I will get saved”. Scripture is pretty clear that if you are going to get to Heaven, you are going to go God’s way or no way. (John 14:6).

The biggest issue with that belief is found in verse 11 below:

2 Thessalonians 2:7  For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Today is the day to get saved.

2 Corinthians 6:2  (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)