AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME

What were the people in Judea and Galilee thinking about in the year or two before the birth of the Lord Jesus? Were they anticipating the Messiah’s coming? Did they speak regularly with one another about it? Had many of them lost hope that the prophesied One would show up? It is true that the doctrines of the Pharisees kept the messianic hope alive in Israel, but that seems to be more academic than personal. After all, it had been some 400 years since the Old Testament had been completed and for those 400 years there was no known word from God; no scripture written, no dreams and visions, and no angelic visions. The hope was there that the oppressive Roman rule would be removed when Messiah came, but that was a vague hope. Generally, the light of Messianic hope in Judea and Galilee did not seem to be burning brightly in those days right before the angel Gabriel made his visits to the old priest, Zacharias, and to the young virgin Mary.

However, Messiah was coming soon, and God was not one day late in His arrival. Years later, the Apostle Paul declared, “when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law” (Gal. 4:4). After all those years, He came. At just the right time, He came. The promises of God were fulfilled exactly as He said they would.

Were there people in Israel in those days who anticipated that the time had come for Messiah’s coming? Yes. Obviously, there was a group of family and friends that knew, as they were knowledgeable of angelic appearances to Mary and Joseph, and Zacharias and Elizabeth (Luke 1:65-66; 2:16-17). And because of certain supernatural events, others such as shepherds, wise men and others in the ruling class became aware that Israel’s Messiah/king had been born (Matt. 2:3).

 Aside from these, there were godly people who became aware that Messiah had come. Luke speaks of Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25-38). Simeon met Joseph, Mary and the newborn baby Jesus in the temple. Before God spoke to him personally, he was looking for Messiah’s coming.  He probably was aware of Daniel’s prophecy of the 70 weeks (Dan. 9:24-27) and could calculate that with the passing of over 400 years that Messiah’s coming had to be soon. And he likely was not alone in his understanding of Daniel 9. He might not have had the exact year figured out but he knew the coming had to be soon. Then, God the Spirit graciously revealed to him that the coming was indeed soon. In fact, Simeon was told that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. At that same moment in the temple, a prophetess by the name of Anna came and proclaimed, to believing people, that He had arrived. She too lived in anticipation of the coming of the Messiah into the world. After being informed of His arrival, she constantly informed believers of that fact.

    As the Christmas season is entered into, believers today face a similar question as did the people in first century Judea and Galilee. The celebration of His First Coming has always been a reminder that there is a Second Coming. Therefore, the question is when will the 2nd Coming of Messiah take place? Will it be coming soon? Or for many, when will Jesus return and take His bride, the Church, to heaven at the event called the Rapture. Is that momentous event soon?

    When will the Rapture and the 2nd Coming be arriving? Much time has gone by since God made His promises about Jesus’ return. This “delay” can dull believers into growing cynical or hopeless or forgetful. And those attitudes are very evident in the Church today. However, we can be absolutely sure that “just at the right time” God will send His Son back; first to fetch His bride, and second, to bring about the long-awaited restoration of all that was lost back in the Garden of Eden. 

We can look at our world today and see many, many things that point to an imminent coming of Jesus Christ. First and foremost, is the fact that national Israel now resides in the Land given to them by God in the Abrahamic Covenant. Israel’s physical return to the promised land was required for the events of the Tribulation period to take place. Israel is now there. Events can happen so quickly these days. The alignment of nations, the emergence of important people, and the spiritual dynamics in the world can rapidly change. The end times events detailed in the Scriptures can suddenly appear on the world stage. And the stage of end time events is set. There may be a need to rearrange some furniture on the stage before the curtain goes up, but essentially all is there. Believers are not mistaken if they are keeping one eye towards heaven during this Christmas season. How amazing it would be this Christmas if we would exchange our Christmas tree for the Tree of Life; baby Jesus for King Jesus; and Christmas presents for the presence of Christ.

      It is appropriate as we celebrate the First Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ that we look for His return and encourage others to do so. God who does not lie has declared that He will indeed return and establish His forever kingdom, and that will take place at just the right time. 

“Since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe.”        Heb. 12:28

PROPHECIES THAT ARE PRECISE

One of the greatest proofs that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant and authoritative Word of God, is the detailed fulfillment of biblical prophecies. Bible prophecies are often given with many significant details. Recently, while teaching Old Testament history, a fresh reminder of this was found in Ezra 1:2 where King Cyrus of Persia issued a decree allowing the Jews to go back and rebuild the Jerusalem temple. Cyrus said that the Lord had appointed him to build the temple in Jerusalem. How did he know that? It is highly probable that Daniel (his trusted official) had shown him Isaiah’s prophecy which is found in Isaiah 44:28 and 45:1-13. That prophecy was given 250 years prior to the days of Cyrus. The prophecy stated:

“IT IS I WHO SAYS OF CYRUS, HE IS MY SHEPHERD! AND HE WILL PERFORM MY DESIRE…AND OF THE TEMPLE, YOUR FOUNDATION WILL BE LAID. THUS SAYS THE LORD TO CYRUS HIS ANOINTED WHOM I HAVE TAKEN BY THE RIGHT HAND, TO SUBDUE NATIONS BEFORE HIM…THE LORD, THE GOD OF ISRAEL, WHO CALLS YOU BY YOUR NAME FOR THE SAKE OF JACOB MY SERVANT, AND ISRAEL MY CHOSEN ONE, I HAVE ALSO CALLED YOU BY YOUR NAME; I HAVE GIVEN YOU A TITLE OF HONOR THOUGH YOU HAVE NOT KNOWN ME.”

It is beyond amazing that the name Cyrus is given twice along with what he will do at God’s direction. And this was declared 250 years before the decree of Ezra 1. Those who deny the possibility of predictive prophecy have a terrible time with such precise predictions. But the all-knowing God has no problem with giving such details.

In stark contrast to this precise prophecy are the prophecies of Nostradomus, a much-quoted 16th century French physician and supposed prophet. He wrote about one thousand prophecies but they are so vague that interpreters can make them mean most anything. Allegedly he predicted some major world events, but it is the interpreters who have taken his very unclear statements and applied them to everything from the rise of Adolph Hitler to the destruction of the World Trade Center on September 11th. But his prophecies are so unclear that one might find in them next year’s Super Bowl champion or the future price of eggs.

It is only the Sovereign Lord God who is all powerful and all knowing, who can have predictions made and then can bring them to pass. The Bible is filled with such prophecies, and it is encouraging for believers to be reminded of these prophecies which foretell events related to Jesus Messiah’s two comings and many other end time events. Consider the details of the following prophecies.

• The Birthplace of Jesus Messiah.  In Micah 5:2, the exact geographic location of the birth of Jesus was given. One might expect that the Messiah would be born in Jerusalem where many kings were born. Instead, He would be born in a little, unspectacular place called Bethlehem Ephrathah. This Bethlehem was five miles south of Jerusalem and was distinguished from a town called Bethlehem in the Galilee region. And like Israel’s great king David, Messiah would be born in Bethlehem Ephrathah. What are the odds that Joseph and Mary from Nazareth in the north would venture south to this tiny village at just the right time on the calendar? This prophecy was written 750 years before the birth of Jesus.

• Messiah is Both God and Man.  Also in Micah 5:2, this One who will rule Israel would be both human and divine. His origin would be “from long ago, from the days of eternity.” These words together always speak of eternity past. So, the origin of the Messiah is not just Bethlehem, but He is from eternity past, which makes Him deity since only God is eternal (Ps. 90:2).  Isaiah 9:6-7 also teaches that the Messiah would be both human and divine. Isaiah 9:6 states that a male child will certainly be born, who will rule Israel. He is of the Davidic line and will fulfill the covenant God made with King David. This One is also said to be deity, as is seen in the titles given to Him. He is wonderful counselor, a name only used by Isaiah of the Lord God.  He is Mighty God, a term used in the next chapter (Isa. 10:21) for Jehovah. The term mighty God (el gibbor) is never used of man. (Note that the Jehovah’s Witnesses have no explanation for this name being assigned to the Child as well as to Jehovah). He is Eternal Father. Eternality is only true of God and not man. Furthermore, He will sit on the throne of David, thus fulfilling the Davidic covenant and His throne will be forever. The Rabbis have seen that the Messiah will evidence both deity and humanity but have mistakenly concluded that there are two messiahs, not just one.

• The Substitutionary Work of Jesus Messiah.  There is nothing quite like Isaiah’s prophecy of the substitutionary work of Messiah (the servant of the Lord). The details of Isaiah 52:13-53:12 are so clear that Jews today stay away from this passage because it obviously points to Jesus of Nazareth as being the Messiah. In a careful study of this passage, it becomes clear that the “servant of the Lord” is an individual and is not national Israel. Here are some of the details in these verses.

• There would be nothing unusual about Him; plain, ordinary, nothing special.

• He would be despised and rejected by His own countrymen.

• Israel would reject Him and not believe Him (looking at His 1st coming).

• He will be badly disfigured physically because of His sufferings.

• His sufferings will lead to His death.

• His sufferings will not be because of His own sins, but the sins of others.

• He would remain silent when accused, voluntarily subjecting Himself.

• His death would be substitutionary; spiritually healing others.

• At death, he would not be buried with criminals, but with a rich man.

• God planned it this way; His shed blood as the way to remove sin.

• Despite Him dying, His days will be extended, looking at His resurrection.

• He would be exalted after His sufferings.

• Many will be justified because of His substitutionary death.

The many clear details given in this scripture gives the impression that the writer was an eyewitness to the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus, yet Isaiah wrote these words some 700 years before those. 

• The Sufferings of Jesus Messiah.  Psalm 22 is perhaps the most famous of the messianic psalms. It was written by David, but the descriptions given of suffering do not fit David, but they do apply to Jesus. Here are some of those details.

• Jesus’ cry from the cross: “my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

• He would be mocked and verbally abused by the evil men who surrounded Him and witnessed His sufferings.

• His hands and His feet would be pierced, looking at crucifixion.

• Many of His bones would be dislocated, which would have occurred when the cross was dropped violently into the ground.

• His body would suffer from dehydration causing thirst and other physical manifestations.

• He would be tormented with great cruelty.

• His clothing would be divided up by casting lots by those tormenting Him.

• After His sufferings and death, He would glorify God (implying resurrection).

• Jesus Messiah’s Entrance into Jerusalem.   Zechariah 9:9 is quoted by the gospel writers as they record Jesus’ “triumphal entry” into Jerusalem just days before His crucifixion. Unlike the usual displays by conquering kings, Israel’s king will come humbly on the foal of a donkey. At His first coming, Jesus officially presented Himself to Israel by fulfilling Zechariah 9:9. Israel’s leaders did understand what Jesus was claiming but rejected Him. It is worth observing that Zechariah 9:10 which speaks of His ruling the world at His 2nd coming is not mentioned.

• The Virgin Birth of Jesus Messiah.  When evil King Ahaz of Judah refused Isaiah’s offer for a sign which would assure him that the Davidic line would not be cut off (something he was worried about because of threats from other nations), Isaiah withdrew the offer. Instead, Isaiah addressed the house of David and gave it a sign. The supernatural sign would be that a virgin would conceive and bear a son. (It is hardly a sign that a girl would become pregnant!!!). This one, however, would become pregnant and yet she would still be a virgin. How can a virgin be pregnant and still be a virgin? She can’t. Only the supernatural working of the Creator God could perform such a thing. And, of course, that is what took place when Mary became pregnant apart from any human man being involved. This great supernatural sign was fulfilled exactly as Isaiah prophesied.

• Etc. Etc. Etc.  Dozens and dozens of other passages speak distinctly and forcibly about what is to come. Perhaps for another day and another article.

• WHAT LIES AHEAD.  We can be sure that biblical prophecies which have yet to be fulfilled will be just as exacting in their fulfillment. Just a few examples should encourage us and reinforce the certainty of what is to come.

• 1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-17. The next event will be the Rapture of the Church. Believers will suddenly and supernaturally be “snatched” up to meet Jesus in the air (not on the earth). He will then take us to the “Father’s house”, where the marriage of the Lamb will take place. In heaven this fabulous marriage will be preceded by the church being rewarded.

• EZEKIEL 38 and 39. Six nations are identified as invading Israel to destroy and plunder God’s people after they have returned to the Land. God will intervene powerfully and eliminate this enemy which will cause Israel to begin their spiritual restoration back to the Lord their God (Ezek. 39:22).

• MATTHEW 23:39. A future generation of Israelites will finally place their faith in Jesus as Messiah (during the Tribulation). This is the one prerequisite for Jesus’ 2nd coming. The salvation of national Israel will take place.

• MATTHEW 25:31. When will Jesus reign? He answers this question by linking His rule to His 2nd coming. When He comes in all His glory accompanied by a group of mighty angels, then He will establish His throne. The sequence of events is clear. He returns and then He reigns. So His rule is yet to come and is not currently going on. We can be sure that just as the detailed biblical prophecies surrounding His 1st coming were exactly fulfilled, so will be the ones yet unfulfilled. There is much for us to look forward to.  Praise the Lord.

THE PROPHETS OF SEPTEMBER

Biblical prophecy is important for believers in their quest for holiness and it has been given to impact how we live today. It creates a two-world view by giving a focus on future events, which in turn enables a believer to prioritize this life in a godlier way. This is why prophetic matters are woven throughout the N.T. scriptures by Christ and the Apostles. Unfortunately, many people, and even pastors, in the church today wrongly see prophecy as obscure, divisive, and of a minor nature. To abandon Bible prophecy, however, is to get rid of a key ingredient for godly living.

THE PROPHETS OF SEPTEMBER.  One serious problem that the church has had to contend with has to do with those who make predictions, giving specific dates and times for the fulfillment of prophetic events. The past few months has seen an upswing in such predictions. The internet has been filled with those who have declared that the Rapture of the church would take place in September of 2025, specifically on the 23rd or 24th (which is the Jewish feast of Trumpets). There are those who claim that Jesus Himself appeared to them with information about this Rapture date. These went into some detail about their encounter with the Lord and were specific that the Rapture would take place this September. Their claims were clear. Others were not quite so bold, but their message was that the Rapture would take place in connection with this Jewish feast. Some hedged their bets by saying that we could not know the day or hour of prophetic events. But even with their disclaimers, it was obvious that they were in fact stating that the Rapture would take place in September of 2025. Some listening to their presentation came away circling those dates on their calendars. 

THE SERIOUSNESS OF MISREPRESENTING THE LORD GOD.  The Scriptures are sacred. They are “God-breathed”, without error and authoritative. One who handles God’s Word will face a stricter evaluation, according to James 3:1. And it is even more serious when a person claims that God specifically spoke to them and they are now speaking for God. But false claims and predictions put individuals in a dangerous position spiritually. Christians in America may take a casual, tolerant view of such false claims, but the Scriptures themselves are decidedly intolerant.

1. MOSES AND THE MATTER OF PROPHECY. The prophetic office started with Moses (Jer. 7:25) though God obviously spoke to others before Moses. And in his role as God’s first great prophet, Moses warned about those who would falsely claim to speak for God. To do so would bring about their death. 

“THE PROPHET WHO SHALL SPEAK A WORD PRESUMPTUOUSLY IN MY NAME WHICH I HAVE NOT COMMANDED HIM TO SPEAK…THAT PROPHET SHALL DIE.” (Deuteronomy 18:20)

 Capital punishment was the consequence for making these false claims and false prophecies. This reveals the seriousness of misrepresenting God. 

2. JEREMIAH AND THE FALSE PROPHETS OF HIS DAY. Jeremiah ministered at the time when God’s people were taken into Babylonian captivity because of their sins. Among other things, Jeremiah declared that Israel’s captivity would be long and painful. That message was not particularly popular with the man on the street. However, there were several men who had a nicer, man-pleasing message. They said that those Jews taken away into Babylonian captivity would come home in two years; and furthermore, all the Temple treasure taken by the Babylonians would be returned by them. These claimed that the Lord God had given them this message. A prophet by the name of Hananiah boldly declared: 

“THUS SAYS THE LORD OF HOSTS, THE GOD OF ISRAEL, I HAVE BROKEN THE YOKE OF THE KING OF BABYLON. WITHIN TWO YEARS I AM GOING TO BRING BACK TO THIS PLACE ALL THE VESSELS OF THE LORD’S HOUSE…I AM ALSO GOING TO BRING BACK…ALL THE EXILES OF JUDAH WHO WENT TO BABYLON, DECLARES THE LORD. (Jer. 28:2-4).

What a wonderful message for the people who now had family in Babylonian captivity, and for the priests who had seen the Temple plundered. These sounded so good, but were lies. Jeremiah told Hananiah of his fate.

“LISTEN NOW, HANANIAH, THE LORD HAS NOT SENT YOU AND YOU HAVE MADE THE PEOPLE TRUST IN A LIE. THEREFORE, THUS SAYS THE LORD, BEHOLD I AM ABOUT TO REMOVE YOU FROM THE FACE OF THE EARTH. THIS YEAR YOU ARE GOING TO DIE BECAUSE YOU HAVE COUNSELED REBELLION AGAINST THE LORD. SO HANANIAH THE PROPHET DIED IN THE SAME YEAR IN THE SEVENTH MONTH.” (Jer. 28:15-17)

Hananiah died two months after giving his false prophecy. Two other prophets were singled out for giving false prophecies of a quick restoration from captivity. God said that He would use Nebuchadnezzar to execute these false prophets.

“THUS SAYS THE LORD OF HOSTS, THE GOD OF ISRAEL, CONCERNING AHAB…AND CONCERNING ZEDEKIAH…WHO ARE PROPHESYING TO YOU FALSELY IN MY NAME, ‘BEHOLD I WILL DELIVER THEM INTO THE HAND OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR KING OF BABYLON AND HE SHALL SLAY THEM…ROASTED IN THE FIRE.” (Jer. 29:21-22).

Another false prophet by the name of Shemaiah proclaimed lies in the name of the Lord. He too would experience God’s judgment (Jer. 29:29-32).

Earlier in his book, Jeremiah had given a revealing discussion about false prophets (Jer. 23:16-39). He observed that the source of their authority was their own dreams (23:16, 25, 28); that they claimed to speak for the Lord (23:32); that they tell people what they want to hear (23:17, 22); that their prophecies result in people being led away from the Lord (23:16, 32); that they themselves are deceived (23:26); that they are soft on sin (23:17, 22); that they are arrogant (23:32); and that they will face the judgment of God (23:20, 34). Later Ezekiel would add a point that must not be overlooked and that is the involvement of demonic beings in that which is false (Ezekiel 13:6, 7, 9, 16). The N.T. reminds believers that falsehoods are the “doctrines of demons” (1 Tim. 4:1). The points made by Jeremiah and Ezekiel are applicable to the church today.

3. FALSE CLAIMS AND TEACHINGS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. The Church does not have the authority of capital punishment, but the false representations of the Lord must be taken seriously. False teaching casts doubt on the Word of God. This was of great concern to the Apostles. They saw the compromising of God’s Word as Satan’s major strategy in resisting God’s work in the world. Much could be quoted at this point, but just one verse will have to do. Paul instructed Titus about elders.

“ …THAT HE MAY BE ABLE TO BOTH EXHORT IN SOUND DOCTRINE AND TO REFUTE THOSE WHO CONTRADICT. FOR THERE ARE MANY REBELLIOUS MEN, EMPTY TALKERS AND DECEIVERS…WHO MUST BE SILENCED BECAUSE THEY ARE UPSETTING WHOLE FAMILIES, TEACHING THEM THINGS THEY SHOULD NOT TEACH…REPROVE THEM SEVERELY…” 

Those who failed to turn away from their claims and teachings, and did not repent, were to face church discipline (1 Cor. 5; 2 Thes. 3; Matt. 18; Titus 3). And these “Prophets of September” need to repent and apologize to the church. If they do not, then any local church that they are part of should discipline them as spelled out in the N.T. scriptures. While a death sentence is not on the table, God has not changed His mind about those who falsely represent Him.

THE RESULTS OF THE FALSE CLAIMS AND FALSE PROPHECIES. Damage has been done by these “prophets of September.”  First, they have harmed believers. How many younger believers have been demoralized by Jesus not coming at this Feast of Trumpets? The faith of many immature believers has probably been shaken.  As Titus was told by Paul, these “upset whole families”. Ezekiel rebuked the false prophets of his day, saying “you disheartened the righteous with falsehood” (13:22). Second, these prophets of September have given more ammunition to those who diminish the value and purpose of biblical prophecy. As mentioned, there are many even in the church who see prophecy as meaningless and the domain of semi-crazy saints. However, biblical prophecy is very important as it helps us today in living a godly life. People do not have the authority to make specific time-related predictions. For example, how often can dates be given for the time of Rapture, and Jesus doesn’t come on those dates, without there being a deepening of cynicism and unbelief?

SOME SIGNIFICANT BIBLICAL PROPHETIC TRUTHS

Many wonderful prophetic truths give us comfort, perspective and hope as we live in this world which “lies in the power of the Evil One” (1 John 5:19)…such as:

1. THE RAPTURE. The “blessed hope” of believers is the coming of Jesus Christ, the Bridegroom, for His bride, the Church. The Rapture is a sign less, sudden and very supernatural event. We are given resurrection bodies at that moment. We meet Him in the air, and He takes us back to the Father’s house and it is there in heaven that the marriage of the Lamb takes place.

2. THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST. Immediately after the Rapture, the time for the evaluation and rewarding of church age saints takes place. Salvation is a completely free gift that God gives to those who place their trust in Jesus Christ, but the Judgment Seat is where the works of believers are examined, and rewards are given. These rewards will influence life in the future kingdom.

3.    THE FUTURE, FOREVER KINGDOM OF GOD. For the believer, our best days are ahead of us. We truly have an incredible forever to look forward to. God, who declared the original creation to be “very good”, is going to give His people an amazing new version of that. So, we live now with one eye towards heaven where our Savior is coming from. And we live well for Him on this earth.  

 

READY FOR THE RAPTURE

    Annually, in the month of September, there are predictions that the Rapture could and would come at the time of the Jewish feast of Trumpets. (a trumpet is connected with the Rapture event in 1 Thessalonians 4). There is, however, no solid exegetical tie between the Feast and the Rapture. It is a view that is basically speculative, comparing events in the church with Jewish feast days. If the Rapture were tied to the Feast of Trumpets, then it would be assumed that the N.T. writers will tell us so. Also, that would require that the Rapture could not occur at any other time on the calendar; thus, eliminating the doctrine of imminency (that Jesus could come at “any moment”). Of course, Jesus could come for His bride, the Church, in September. But we believe that October through August is also possible.

    There have been many in these past few weeks who claim to have Rapture visions and dreams in which they were told when the Rapture will occur. A number say it will be September 23 or 24 (the Feast of Trumpets). However, several other days in September 2025 are given as the day of the Rapture. Despite these claims, it becomes obvious that someone is wrong, and therefore, fit into the false teacher category. With all the various dates suggested, it does seem that September is fairly “booked up”. Of course, the Lord Jesus could come on any day in September of 2025. What is troubling is that these “prophets” did not go to the Scriptures and allow them to be their guide. Instead, their authoritative declarations were their dreams or visions. Some of these people asked Jesus to clue them in to the timing of the Rapture and believe He did just that. We will see in a few weeks whether their prophecies come true. If not, we could continue this discussion in heaven (but probably will be occupied with other things). But, to help us recall Rapture truth and to help evaluate many claims, let’s review some basic Rapture facts. The key scriptures: John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53; and 1Thessalonians 4:13-17. 

The Rapture Event and the Second Coming of Christ Are Different Events.  At the Rapture believers from the church age (those who are “in Christ”) are taken from the earth and meet Jesus Christ in the air. Jesus does not return to the earth itself but rather takes these believers back to the “Father’s house” (John 14). At the Second Coming, Jesus returns to planet earth and there is no mid-air stop.

 Life is the emphasis at the Rapture, while judgment is the emphasis of the Second Coming. The Rapture is when resurrection bodies are given, whether the church age believer has previously died or was still alive at the Rapture (1 Cor. 15:51-53). The Rapture is a life-giving event. However, at the Second Coming the emphasis is not on life but on judgment. When Jesus returns at His Second Coming, He will come with power and destroy His enemies and then He will sit on His glorious throne and rule all the nations of the earth (Psalm 2; Zechariah 14; Matt. 25:31). 

At the Rapture, Jesus will take His bride (the Church) back to heaven where two very important events occur (Rev. 19:7-9). These events are (1) the Judgment Seat of Christ (where the bride receives her beautiful garments which are given because of her righteous deeds), and (2) the marriage of the Lamb where Jesus and His bride are forever united. When these two events occur, in Revelation 19, the church is already in heaven, and this is prior to the Second Coming. For these two events to have meaning to the church, they should not be sandwiched into an instantaneous moment in time when the church meets Christ in the air and immediately returns to the earth (the untenable position of Post-tribulationalism). After those two events, the Church is then seen returning to the earth with the Lord Jesus at His Second Coming and, in some way, participating in the final battle on earth (Rev. 19:14).

The Purpose of the Rapture is to Bring Jesus and His Bride Together.  At the Rapture, for the very first time, the entire Church will be together in one place. Not since a brief moment on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) has the entire Church been together. With all the Church there in heaven, the marriage can then take place. It has got to be an event that is very important to Jesus and one that He looks forward to. The Rapture is about us seeing and being with the Lord Jesus. It is not primarily about escaping the trials and troubles of this life. All too often when believers speak about the Rapture, they seem to emphasize escaping their problems and difficulties. “Oh, that Jesus would come and I could get rid of this disease, or the terrible pain of my broken relationships, or the pressures of debt and finances, etc.” To some extent, that is understandable. After all, who likes pain and stress? But shouldn’t the real focus be on seeing Jesus Himself. Paul spoke of believers “loving His appearing” (2 Tim. 4:8) and that ought to be the main reason for us anticipating the Rapture. Shouldn’t it? No bridegroom would like his bride to come to the marriage simply because she could avoid her problems elsewhere. 

There Are No “Signs” for the Rapture.  Despite many teachings that have appeared in recent days about the “final signs before the Rapture”, there are no signs that indicate when the Rapture will occur. Granted, the “great sign” prophetically is the fact that national Israel has returned back to the Land promised to Abraham. This return was necessary for many prophecies to eventually be fulfilled. The nation of Israel was to return to their land in unbelief, and then God would bring Israel back to Himself spiritually in the Tribulation. That first physical return has taken place. However, their spiritual return back to the Lord has yet to happen.

What is given today as “signs” for the Rapture, are often events that will take place during the Tribulation period, which takes place after the Rapture. For example, many earthquakes, famines and wars that are taking place in our world today are used as “signs.” They are not signs of the Rapture. The earth has always experienced those things. But it must be kept in mind that when they do take place in the Tribulation period, they are extraordinary in their magnitude and even their location. They will be uniquely intense. For example, the earthquakes will be so great that “every island and every mountain will be moved out of their place” (Rev. 6:14; 16:18). In other words, these are not earthquakes that take place on the usual fault lines but move the crust of the entire earth. None of that has taken place today. And this unique magnitude of events would apply to famines, diseases and warfare. There will be an unprecedented display in all these areas, so much so that earth dwellers will acknowledge that these are the judgments of God. There are 7 years full of “signs” for the Second Coming but there are no Rapture signs. 

The Rapture is a Unique Event Involving Just the Church.  The Church and national Israel are separate in God’s dealings. One of the major interpretive points in understanding biblical prophecy is this point that the Church of Jesus Christ and the nation of Israel are separate in God’s dealings. The Church is not the “new Israel”. God made an eternal, unconditional covenant with the nation of Israel, and with no other nation. The United States is not a covenant nation mirroring Israel’s covenant with the Lord. The Rapture ends God’s dealings with the Church on the earth, and the Second Coming will wrap up His dealings with Israel. Believers from both will then enter the coming kingdom of Messiah.

Our Response to September.  All this Rapture talk could be an important reminder for us to search our own hearts and minds concerning where we are in our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. If He chooses not to come for His Bride in September, then He is giving us additional time to serve Him actively and energetically. Jesus does not waste lives but has eternal things for us to do: praying, encouraging, evangelizing, and using our resources to honor Him. 

All this Rapture talk should also cause us to ask the all-important question: “do I love His appearing”? Do we want to see Jesus, or do we simply want to escape this life with all its problems and difficulties? Great days are ahead of us, whether they are many or few. But “even so, come Lord Jesus.”