Hello Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus:

This message was written to help clear up some confusion about the Rapture of the Church. The Rapture of the Church, and the Second Coming of Christ, are two distinct and separate events. I think one cause of the confusion is that we Gentiles sometimes fail to recognize that the Lord has separate plans of salvation for the Jewish people and the Gentiles. The First and Second Advents, or Comings refer to Israels’ Messiah. The “Church Age” is but a parentheses between those two events. The Church Age began on Pentecost in Acts 2:1-2. It ends with the Rapture of the Church. Read about the First Coming in Mark chapter 11 and the 12th chapter of John. [Fear not, daughter of Zion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on ass’ colt. John 12:15]. The Second Coming of Israels’ Messiah can be found in this passage: [And His feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east…Zechariah 14:4]. Consider this verse: [This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as you have seen Him go into heaven. Acts 1:11]. Two men dressed in white, probably angels, revealed to the disciples how Christ would return for the Church in the air and bring them up to heaven, the same way He ascended to heaven.
Some of the differences are listed below:

• The Rapture is when the believers meet the Lord in the air [Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:17].
• At the Second Coming, the Church returns to earth with the Lord in these two verses: [When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall we also appear with Him in glory. Colossians 3:4]. This is the first verse.
• Also this second verse: [And the armies which were in heaven followed Him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. Revelation 19:14]. This is a picture of the saints in heaven on white horses wearing white robes following the Lord to the battle of Armageddon. The following verse confirms this: [And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him that sat on the horse, and against His army. Revelation 19:19]
• The Rapture is an act of deliverance. We are told to comfort one another with these words. [1 Thess. 4:18].
• The Second Coming is when Jesus returns to earth: [Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations…And His feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives. Zechariah 14:3-4]. This is a reference to the battle of Armageddon at the end of the tribulation period.
• The Rapture occurs in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, and the Lord is described as, (a thief in the night): [For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:2].
• From the Book of Revelation: [Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him; and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him…Revelation 1:7]. This is hardly the description of a “thief in the night”.
• The Second Coming is described this way: [For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the Coming of the Son of man be. Matthew 24:27] This is a stark contrast to when He comes as a thief in the night.
• The Rapture can occur without any further end time events taking place. Whereas the day of the second Coming can be pinpointed according to certain time periods between prophesied events during the tribulation period. For instance: three and a half years, 42 months, and 1260 days.
• In Luke Chapter 21 when Jesus was asked when these things will come to pass He went on to say: [For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. Luke 21:22]. Jesus shortly continued: [Pray always that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things. Luke 21:36] Yes, God has an escape plan for the Church prior to the days of His vengeance. It is called the Rapture of the Church.

Some explanation of the term “Church” is in order here. The “Church” is not a particular Christian denomination. The term “Church” refers to those individuals who: have accepted Christ, and Christ alone as their Savior, those who have repented of their sins, those who have been “born again”, those who believe all 66 books of the Bible, those who are walking with the Holy Spirit, those that keep His commandments, that, is the “Church”. The Church is spread across the “legitimate” denominations, and includes non-denominational Christians who have become disillusioned with the false doctrines and commandments of men that have been introduced into some of the “professing” denominations. It is not about belonging to this group, or that group, it is not about ethnicity, Messianic Jews will also be included in the Rapture, it is about belonging to Jesus Christ and having a personal relationship with Him. In a true sense, you, are the Church. You can also compare yourself to the attributes and failings of the 7 Churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. Are you Rapture ready?

The Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Church at Thessalonica is of such tremendous importance to all Christians, and all Christian Ministers, that the Apostle Paul closes with these words for all Christians throughout the Church Age: [I charge you by the Lord, that this letter be read to all the holy brethren. 1 Thessalonians 5:27]. This is one of the most powerful statements Paul made in all his letters. He makes it clear to you by calling on the power of the Lord Himself that this letter is to be read and thereby understood.

Pauls’ message to the Church: [But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that you sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. For this we say to you by the Word of the Lord, that we which are alive unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 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: 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. Wherefore, comfort one another with these words. 1Thessalonians 4:13-18]. Paul makes clear that this future event is a message of ‘Hope’ to the Church, as opposed to non-believers, who have no hope of this promise from the Lord. The “Hope” for all Christians is that Christ will return in the air to bring the Church to be with Him. This includes the dead in Christ first, then, those of us who are alive at that time will meet the Lord in the air.

The Rapture of the Church marks the completion of the “Church Age” that began on Pentecost, Acts 2:1-2. “The Church Age” ends when: [the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. Romans 11:25]. Once the Church Age ends, God continues with His plan for Israels’ redemption. The 7 year tribulation period is Daniels’ 70th Week, but that will be covered in another article. The tribulation period is also: [the time of Jacobs trouble… Jeremiah 30:7]. The Jews living in Israel today are about 80% secular, the majority of the other 20% practice the Jewish faith which rejected their Messiah. Those numbers could be representative of Jews living in other countries. Unfortunately, all these people will be left behind and go through the Tribulation period.

I would like to make you aware that although there are separate plans for the salvation of Gentiles and Jews, both groups will some day become part of the body of Christ, and we will be reunited at some point in the future. [That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel. Ephesians 3:6]

Paul also gives us two reasons for the Rapture of the Church. The first is: [For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:9]
The second reason is: [Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you. 2 Thessalonians 1:6]

Peter adds: [The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of Judgment to be punished. 2 Peter 2: 9]. Peter uses the examples of Noah and Lot in verses 4-8. You should read those verses.

Paul Reveals a Mystery

In Paul’s letter to the Church at Corinth he reveals a mystery but doesn’t give this event a particular name: [Behold, I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep [die], but we shall be changed. 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. 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. O death, where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory? 1Corinthians 15:51-55].
When Paul revealed this mystery to the Corinthian Church, they were hearing it for the first time, so at that time it was a mystery. It should not be a mystery to the Churches 1900 years later. Have all of you pastors, ministers, and evangelists taken heed to Paul’s words? I am referring to 1 Thessalonians 5:27.

The mystery was that those in Christ who are alive at the time of this yet future event will not have to die to enter the Kingdom of God. We shall be changed from our current fleshly mortal bodies to incorruptible immortal glorified bodies. The dead in Christ will also be raised from their graves and given incorruptible glorified immortal bodies just before us. This will happen instantly, in the twinkling of an eye. A 19th Century minister named John Nelson Darby is believed to be the first to coin the term “Rapture”. Webster’s dictionary defines the word rapture: 1. ecstatic joy or delight; 2. religious or spiritual ecstasy; 3. the act of carrying off. The word rapture accurately defines the event spoken of by Paul.

The promise of the Rapture is that we, the true Church who are alive at the time of the Rapture, will not taste of death, we shall be “changed”, and death will be swallowed up in victory. Paul tells us: [Now this I say brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 15:50-54]. Also: [So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption; It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power; It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44].

Sinful human flesh cannot enter into Heaven, we must be changed into a new incorruptible glorified body. We shall be changed from corruptible flesh and blood, to a new incorruptible spiritual body, in the twinkling of an eye, the same way that Enoch was translated [changed]. [By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him; for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Hebrews 11:5]. As it was for Enoch, so will it be for us, we will be [changed, translated], into new incorruptible bodies and brought to Heaven. Enoch did not see death, and neither will we who are living at the time of the Rapture.

When Jesus was asked when the Kingdom would come, He described it this way: [And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. …the day Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise, also as it was in the days of Lot…But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. Two women shall be grinding together; one shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, the other left. Luke 17:26-36]. These verses have been abbreviated for clarity. You should read these verses in your Bible.

Please take note of this. As it was when the Lord delivered Noah and Lot, two things happened. Noah and his family were saved, followed by a Divine judgment on the same day. And Lot and his family were saved, followed by a Divine judgment on the same day. From these verses, we know that at the time of the Rapture, some people will be taken away, “quickly” followed by a Divine judgment for those left behind. If you are not “Rapture Ready”, and left behind, it may be too late. If you have not yet accepted Christ as your Savior, I might suggest that you say this prayer: [Dear Lord, I come to you humbly in prayer. In Jesus’ name I repent of all my sins, I accept Christs’ finished work on the Cross as payment for my sins. Please send the Holy Spirit to dwell inside me. I ask that the Holy Spirit guide me in everything that I do. Amen.]

Old Testament References to the Rapture

Every chapter of the book of Isaiah contains verses and prophesies of end time events. When deciphering verses the only way to stay in context is to read what is said before, and what is said after the verse. Whenever I cite a verse it is best if you read the whole chapter so you can get a full understanding. Please read Isaiah chapter 26.
[Thy dead men shall live, together with My dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in the dust: …and the earth shall cast out her dead. Come, my people, enter into My chambers, and shut the doors about thee; hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord will come out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain. Isaiah 26:19 -21].

Note: that the call to enter His chambers, comes BEFORE He comes out of His place to punish the inhabitants of earth.

Notice how close these verses are to the verses found in 1 Thessalonians, and 1 Corinthians as noted above. Those that are dead and dwell in the dust shall arise first. Then the living will also join Him in heaven. My dead body is a reference to Christ when He died on the cross. The little moment refers to the tribulation period, His indignation, when He comes to punish the inhabitants of earth. Also compare these verses: [He will swallow up death in victory. Isaiah 25:8]. And this verse from the New Testament: […then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 1 Corinthians 15:54]. Paul in this verse actually says the Rapture of the Church is the fulfillment of the verse in Isaiah 25:8. Paul and Isaiah prophesied about 700 years apart. The Bible is so intricately woven together that it can only be attributed to one person, that person is Jesus Christ.

Another Pre-Tribulation Rapture verse from the Old Testament: [And merciful men are taken away, none considering that righteous men are taken away from the evil to come. Isaiah 57:1] We are told here that: [Merciful men…righteous men are taken away…from the evil to come]. The “evil to come” here again refers to the antichrists’ seven year reign during the Tribulation period. Note: here again the Lord states that righteous men are taken away BEFORE the evil to come.

The antichrist will be active on earth for seven years. We know that from several prophesies in the Old and New Testaments. The Raptured Church will not know who the antichrist is, nor come under his influence. His identity will not be known until after the Rapture. The apostle Paul tells us: [And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time…only He who now letteth will let, until He be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed…Even him, whose coming is after the working of satan with all power and signs and lying wonders…2 Thessalonians 2:6-9]. What withholdeth is the presence of the Holy Spirit on earth. He who now letteth will let means that only the Lord has the power to allow the antichrists appearance. The instant after the Rapture there is not one righteous person on earth. Since the Holy Spirit was given to us, and indwells in us, the Church must be removed. Only then will the antichrists’ identity be revealed. People have been speculating for centuries about the identity of the antichrist. People have said this person, that person is the antichrist, they were all wrong. The 9th commandment states: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. It is a sin to claim a certain person is the antichrist before he has been revealed.

When Will the Rapture Occur

The following verse from the Book of Revelation says that the Church will not go through the tribulation period: [Because you have kept the word of my patience, I will also keep you from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Revelation 3:10]. By His own spoken words, the Lord says He will keep us not just from the trials, but from the “hour” of the trials as well. The words are (keep you from) not (bring you through). Jesus is promising to keep believers from the very time period in which the trials take place, the 7 year Tribulation period. After Revelation 3:10 the Church is not mentioned again until Revelation chapter 19: [And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God. Revelation 19:1] This is a picture of the Church in heaven.

While some churches are rightly teaching to be ready for the rapture at all times, please remember that Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for not recognizing the time of their “visitation”, see Luke 19:44. He was referring to the more than 300 prophesies in the Old Testament of His first Coming. Jesus told the Church: [when you see these things begin to happen, lift up your heads, for your redemption draws near. Luke 21:28]. He also said: [And what I say to you I say to all, Watch. Mark 13:37]. According to the parable of “The Fig Tree” this is the generation that will see all things be fulfilled, that includes the Rapture of the Church, and the 7 year tribulation period. That generation is quickly nearing its end. We have been given the signs of His return and we are told to be prepared. Please see the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. Is your flock ready?

And, [so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man], be sure that two things will happen: The Rapture of the Church will be quickly followed by a Divine Judgment. I believe this judgment will possibly be a nuclear war as a result of events prophesied in Ezekiel Chapters 38 and 39.

From the New Testament: [By faith, Noah, being warned by God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house. Hebrews 11:7]. The Rapture of the Church is our modern day “ark”. Have faith in God’s promise of the Rapture of the Church, just as Noah had faith in God’s word before the Flood. World events are rapidly moving us closer to the Rapture of the Church, and the beginning of the seven year tribulation period.

Although many Gentiles will be saved during the Great Tribulation period, the main purpose of the Great Tribulation period is to bring Israel to their Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is Daniels’ 70th week, the time of Jacobs’ trouble. The True Church plays no part during this time. Because only apostate denominations and false religions remain, the assignment of spreading the Gospel will be given to the 144,000 Jews of Revelation Chapter 7, and Gods’ Two Witnesses, believed to be Moses and Elijah.

With such overwhelming scriptural support for the Lord’s willingness to protect the true believers from Divine Judgments, it is clear that the Church will not experience the indignation of the Tribulation. And remember God’s words: [Pray always that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things. Luke 21:36]. Also remember these words: [Fear not, for I am with you…Isaiah 41:10].

To all you people, pastors, ministers, and evangelists around the world. Take heed from Paul’s words concerning the Rapture of the Church: [I charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the holy brethren. 1 Thessalonians 5:27]. The time is short, our ministries are fast coming to an end. We cannot be found [lukewarm], as God describes the Church at Laodicea in [Revelation 3:14-17]. Get fired up!

A special note to all the people who receive this message, sow a seed. If you believe in this message of Hope, please e-mail it to as many people as you can, to believers and especially to non-believers. We also must provide for those of us who don’t have access to a computer and the internet. So please make hard copies and give them to those people.
Remember this verse: [Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. James 5:20]. If you feel so inclined, you could put a small ad in your local newspaper and direct them to my site. May God bless you.

One last note before I close. In the book of Romans we find this verse: [Whosoever calls on the name of the Lord, will be saved. Romans 10:13]. In his book: “twenty three minutes in hell” a former unbeliever named Bill Wiese recalls his ordeal when he had a near death experience and found himself in hell. Bill Wiese experienced the searing flames of hell, total isolation, a breathtaking putrid stench, deafening screams of agony, terrorizing demons, until he yelled “Jesus save me”. At that moment he felt the strong hand of God lifting him out of the pit. You can visit his website at soulsearchministries.org.

May Gods Grace Be With You

The Nazarene Watchman

Don’t miss the upcoming articles:
Ezekiel’s Great War
Is America in the Bible?
Left Behind
Is Rome the true Church

Find out why the Lord says of Ezekiels war: [Behold, it is come, it is done.]
and [This is that day I have spoken of.]

To read other articles in this series go to:
thenazarenewatchman.com