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By: Bro. Jerry Emond I THESS. 4:13-18; II THESS. 2:1-12 INTRODUCTION Let me say, first of all, that the word "RAPTURE" does not appear in the Scripture. It is the English rendering of the Latin word "rapere" found in the expression "caught up". The Greek term is "harpazo", to seize or snatch away quickly. An event Paul describes to the Thessalonians saints will occur when Christ calls His body of believers out of this world, both those who have died "in Christ" as well as those believers yet alive at that time. This is to occur prior to the wrath of God's judgement on the earth.
Is there any basis for the "Rapture Theory"? I have to respond with a resounding YES. First let me say that all Christians believe Christ is coming again. Therein lies the conflict of opinion, "how and when." I will begin by paraphrasing Paul in I Thessalonians 5:9 where he says, "We (believers) are not appointed to experience God's wrath." If end-time prophecy includes the wrath of God, which it does, we will not be here when it happens.
Lasting faith is based on accurate knowledge of God and the facts He presents to us. The Bible is God's book of facts. It is upon these unchangeable, solid facts that I base my life and share with you. Before we proceed, one fact must be established. Do you believe the Bible to be inspired, Word of God? If you believe the Scripture to be the word of God, then you should allow His word to speak for itself and always begin prayerfully allowing the Holy Spirit to teach us truth.
Chapter One
WHY A RAPTURE?
Why will there be a "rapture"? To understand the premise and purpose of the "catching away" we must fully understand the role of the Church.
Jesus, in all His parables, drew from Jewish culture with analogies the people could understand. With the Church being called the "Bride of Christ", He also used Jewish culture as it relates to a marriage. In looking at marriage in Jewish culture we gain a clearer understanding of the Church. I pray this brings us all into a more intimate relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. There are four stages that make up a Jewish marriage; selection of the bride, betrothal, receiving procession, wedding feast. (see The New Manners and Customs of Bible Times by Ralph Grower, pgs 64-69).
Jesus Christ left His home and the glory of His Father and came to this earth to pay the dowry for His bride. It was the ultimate price, His blood. In Jewish culture, the bride would take coins from her dowry and make a chain that she wore as a sign of her betrothal. Believers are covered with the blood of Christ and "He set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come." (2 Cor 1:22) Eph. 1:13-14 "Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory." The blood was the agreed price or dowry and the Holy Spirit was given as a sign or seal that we belong to another and being heir to His inheritance, He will come for us to bring us home.
At this time we (Church) are waiting and watching for His glorious appearing to receive us and take us home. The Church is very special to the Lord. The Church is His chosen bride. "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." The Church is not to be confused with Old Testament saints. These believed God and looked forward to Messiah's advent but they are not the Church or part of it. Jesus said He will build His church and on a profession of faith in Him as the Son of God, like Peter's, He would accomplish His purpose. In Romans 10:9 the Scripture says "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." It was upon the acknowledgement that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah and belief in His resurrection from among the dead that one was added to the Church. That fact must be clear. When we fully understand that difference, everything else will fall into place.
Do I believe in the rapture? Yes. What does the rapture mean to me? It is the Bridegroom coming for His bride. When will He come? When the bridal chamber, our new home, is complete and the Father says, "Son, go get your bride."
Are there biblical examples or types given for to justify a "rapture" theory?
In these and other cases, God's people were removed or saved out of harms way before judgement came to the unbelieving world. When God, who cannot lie, shows He will exempt His people from His impending wrath and says to us that He did not appoint us to suffer His wrath, He means what He says. It logically stands to reason that when His wrath is poured out during the tribulation, His bride, the Church will be gone. Even today, where impending danger exists, our main concern is for the safety of our wife and children. If that be true of us, how much more our Lord Jesus Christ.
Some may ask, "His wrath is not poured out during the first 3 � years, will the Church go into the tribulation? Again, I must say NO! The arrival on the scene of the charismatic leader of the new united world order will deceive those who are still dwelling on the earth. Paul tells us in Romans 8:15-16 that we "received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. (NIV) The Spirit that indwells the children of God will not bear witness or agree with the one who comes in the authority of Satan. Again, before he can show himself, the Church must and will be gone. I refer you again to 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3. Here Paul is imploring these young believers not to be deceived regarding the coming (parousia) or appearing of the Lord and our gathering together unto Him. Their concern was that others were saying Christ had already come and they were left behind because of the tribulation they were facing. Paul told them that that time wont come until there "come a falling away first."
The term "falling away" is an interesting one. It is a translation of the Greek word "apostasia" which means "a departure from or separation." Many have implied that to mean a departure from truth or the faith as Paul said in I Timothy 4:1, "in the latter times some shall depart from the faith." That view may very well be so, but when a departure of the faith or truth is inferred the Greek word "aphistemi" is used. We know that there has been a departure from truth and it will continue to happen. People have been forsaking or leaving off from the truth for centuries because of the many false teachers and antichristian attitudes. Here we can see a departure or separation of the Church from the earth first, then the revealing of the "son of perdition." How you read it is entirely up to you. In any case this rebellion or departure will precede the revealing of the "Antichrist" and impending tribulation.
Chapter Two
THE TRIBULATION
To answer again the question, "Will the Church go into or through the "tribulation"? The response is still NO. To understand why, we need to know what this tribulation is and what its purpose is. This "tribulation" is not so much for the rest of the world but is primarily an amplified time of trouble for Israel. The prophet Jeremiah foretold, "Alas! For that day is great, So that none is like it; And it is the time of Jacob's trouble, but he shall be saved out of it." (Jer 30:7) Jacob, here, is referring to the Israelites and the time is God dealing once more with His chosen people. It is the last week of Daniel's prophecy (Dan. 9:25).
Jesus Himself gives us this clue when He was speaking to His disciples concerning the Jewish nation in Matt. 24:15-21 "Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be."
There are those who would say that this personage has already been here and attributed various times in history past, such as Antiochus Epiphanes between 175 and 164 BC. Granted, he fits the description but we must consider this. God see the beginning and the end and although that was a very trying and devastating time it in no way compares to the time that will come that will affect mankind globally, not just in Jerusalem.
Dan 9:25-27 "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, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, 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. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week 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."
Daniel, in his prophecy, had no knowledge of the Church age therefore he says immediately after "Messiah is cut off" Satan's prince comes on the scene. Paul reveals this to us in Ephesians and Colossians, Col 1:26-27 "the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Eph 3:3-6 "How that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel." Because the Old Testament prophets had no knowledge of the Church age is why Paul emphasizes the departure of the Church prior to the satanic prince being revealed.
By way of example, suppose you had a book on your family history from beginning to end. Three quarters of the way through the book a chapter was inserted dealing with another family. You would read your history, then proceed to read the other and then back to yours again. If you removed that other chapter then you would have a continuation of your history. Well. That is what happened to the history of Israel. The age of the Church was added of which Old Testament prophets and saints had no knowledge. Jesus came primarily as Messiah to His chosen people, the house of Israel (Matt.10: 5-7). When they rejected Christ as their Messiah, they turned to the Gentiles (Acts 13: 46). When the Church is complete and removed you then have a continuation of God's dealing with Israel.
Note: in Matthew 24 when that time comes they were cautioned about returning to their house for anything or for those in the field not to go back for clothes. As we approach the year 2000 we are bombarded with this Y2K problem and many religious leaders are urging people to begin stockpiling. Isn't that interesting.
The tribulation or the time of Jacob (Israel's) trouble will be focused on Israel although the rest of the world will be involved and affected. Israel had disobeyed God and refused to repent. When God Himself came in the body of Jesus as their Messiah they rejected Him. Their rejection brought salvation to the Gentiles, (non-Jewish nations). These are the "called-out", the ecclesia, the Church and Bride of the Lord Jesus Christ. When the Church is complete, the betrothal period is over and Jesus comes for and removes His bride from this earth.
Note: everything that God created on earth, He will redeem. He redeemed man's soul at Calvary, He will redeem man's body (the believers) at the rapture (Rom 8:23-24a, "Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved."), and He will also redeem the earth which had been cursed in preparation for the new heaven and new earth.
What happens after the Church's "catching away"?
2 Th 2:1-13 "Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God. Don't you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness. But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth."
Paul had spent a relatively short time in Thessalonica (three weeks) but during that time he focused much of his teaching on the resurrection and return of the Lord. He taught that God's people would always be persecuted and experience trials but that before that time of "great tribulation" God would come for His Church. There were false teachers who taught that the resurrection had already passed and they now must endure God's wrath.
Paul sought to alleviate their fears, telling them to stand firm on what he had previously taught them. He emphasized not to accept any teaching that opposed what he said because that time wouldn't happen as long as the Church is still here. She embodies the restraining power of the Holy Spirit yet in the world that prevents the "Antichrist" from revealing himself. Only after the removal of the Holy Spirit can the "man of perdition" reveal himself. Because many chose to reject the truth, they will now believe and accept the LIE.
What is the "strong" or "powerful" delusion?
Old Testament prophets foretold of the coming Messiah Who would deliver His people. When Jesus the Messiah came, the Jews rejected Him, calling Him an imposter and put Him to death. They were expecting a monarch like King David, not a humble servant. The Jew is still looking for their messiah. With the events that will transpire following the "catching away" one will advance to bring a peace and make an acceptable explanation to what has happened. This individual will appear to favor the Jews in their continuing effort to maintain their homeland and their ancestral form of sacrifice and worship. He will be endowed with powers and work may signs and miracles so that the Jews will view him as their Messiah. The Holy Spirit and the Church will be gone leaving no one to disavow this counterfeit messiah. What is his agenda? Remember the words in Isaiah as he spoke concerning Lucifer, "For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High." (Isa 14:13-14). Compare with 2 Th 2:4 "who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God."
Satan's agenda is to imitate and replace God in the minds of people, to be like God and sit on the throne as God. This counterfeit messiah will come across as a world "savior" during a time of great distress on the earth and be readily accepted. Religious and non-religious people alike will view him as the great emancipator and there you have the "delusion to believe the lie. What next? This will be the beginning of a seven-year period that has come to be known as the "Great Tribulation." We could spend many hours and days debating who this person will be and where he will come from. Suffice it to say that he will be a very charismatic and powerful individual who at the onset pacify and tolerate Israel for a period of three and one half years.
Note: the fullness of the counterfeit. As Christians believe the Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, so also will be the unholy trinity. First, imitating the Father, we have the "beast out of the bottomless pit" Rev. 11:7, Satan himself. Next, imitating Jesus Christ, we have the "beast out of the sea" Rev. 13:1, the Antichrist. Finally, imitating the Holy Ghost who points to Christ, we have the "beast out of the earth", Rev. 13:11, the False Prophet. As the Holy Ghost came as the result of the death and resurrection of Jesus, the false prophets comes up out of the earth after the satanic death and resurrection (Rev. 13:3). Satan will enjoy a temporary victory in that because of the Antichrist he will be worshiped.
This will take place at the end of the first 3 � years when he will enter the reconstructed Temple in Jerusalem and proclaim himself to be God and demand their allegiance and worship. Through his dictatorship great troubles will befall the Jews with the world experiencing the collateral effect. We see the account of this time in John's Revelation of Jesus Christ in chapters 6-19, which begins the second 3 � years with the seven seal judgements of God. This will be a time never before experienced on a global level. Based on the number of people dwelling on the earth at that time who are killed, and the catastrophic destruction, no other time in history can be likened to it, although many have implied it has.
Chapter Three
THE SEVEN SEALED JUDGEMENTS OF GOD
While there will be many things going on in heaven, as recorded in Rev. 4 & 5 including the (BEMA) judgement seat of Christ, and the marriage feast, God's wrath will begin to be executed upon the earth. There is a triple purpose for the seal judgements.
As we view the events that are a portent of things "that will be hereafter" as recorded by the apostle John it may be helpful to note that they are not chronological. I would suggest that events recorded be seen as a "split-screen". John is seeing what is going to occur on earth and in the heavens, simultaneously. Again, there are many differing schools of thought dealing with the events of the revelation and my purpose is not to approve or disprove these views but to put forth my understanding in these prophetic unveilings.
As we view the revelation of occurrences under the first six seals we, no doubt, see a series of catastrophic events. These include the death of � of the earth's population brought about by a global war and its aftermath. Also celestial bodies collide with the earth and earthquakes producing great devastation.
At the same time chapter seven reveals another scene taking place in heaven, that of sealing the servants of God. Could this scene be occurring before or at the same time as the opening of the first seal? We see a restriction to the elements (winds) not to hurt the earth, sea or trees. Under the first six seals we see destruction to both people and the earth. With the Church absent, it falls to the 144,000 "evangelists" to proclaim the Word of God to a world about to be devastated. During this time some became believers and were slain because of their belief while others refused to "repent." So, then, what is John seeing?
Seals 1,2,3,4:
As a result of the departure of the Church, millions of people gone instantaneously, the world is in a state of complete chaos and disarray. The rider on the "white" horse appears as a knight in shinning armor to restore world order (conquering and to conquer) by seeking and winning worldwide approval. Conflicts between various nations lead to hostilities where men kill one another with their weapons as seen in the rider of the "red" horse under the 2nd seal. The effects of this war of wars brings global famine depicted by the 3rd seal "black" horse and the number of deaths from not only the battle but from famine, plagues beasts as seen in the 4th seal by the "pale" horse.
Under the first four seals, a vivid picture of global conflict is painted along with the effects of such a catastrophe.
Seal 5,6:
When all is said and done, this is seen as a religious war witnessed by the number killed, seen under the 5th seal, "for the Word of God and the testimony which they held." These, I suggest, are those who believed as a result of the evangelistic efforts of the 144,000 sealed servants of God.
John also sees, under the 6th seal, a great earth shaking and meteors (stars of heaven) plummeting to earth, the damage caused producing a fear in man that he would rather die than accept Almighty God. They realize it is God's wrath and choose to hide from Him and pray for death.
It is extremely hard for me to really visualize these events, as they will transpire. Imagine if you can the difficulty for John to describe them.
Seal 7:
The seventh seal opens with a gasp, a sense of awe at what is to come. As bad as things were that had already occurred, the worse was yet to come. John sees seven angels, each with a trumpet that carried with it a harsher judgement.
The world, to date, has experienced many devastating natural events that have caused tremendous damage and loss of lives. But that which had previously occurred can never be compared to what is to come. With the sounding of the first four trumpets the earth will face cataclysmic upheavals that conclude with a giant asteroid impacting the globe. If we have seen several of Hollywood's rendering of such an event, such as "Deep Impact" and "Asteroid" to name a few, we have an idea of the damage that will be caused. The first four affect primarily the earth while the next two focuses on those who dwell on the earth. Here John sees a powerful demonic force invading the earth to torment mankind. With the sounding of the seventh trumpet, the scene once again turns to occurrences in heaven (Rev.11: 15). As John sees the worship as it continues, he also views the cast of characters involved in the outpouring of God's wrath. The introduction of these characters is also a summary of Israel's history and God's dealing with them.
Chapter 12 through 15:8 are parenthetical and are viewed in the heavens. They reveal by signs or symbols the main characters of the tribulation period. First he sees a woman laboring to give birth. The woman is a representation of the nation of Israel out of whom the Messiah would come. He then sees a "great red dragon", a representation of Satan himself. Satan and his angels were cast out of heaven. His purpose was, of course, to continually attack and oppress God's chosen people knowing the Messiah would come of her lineage.
John then sees the birth of Messiah and Satan's efforts to destroy Him, as seen in King Herod as he sought to have the Babe killed, then he sees Christ in His ascension to heaven. With the Church not being a part of Israel's history, the scene moves forward to the beginning of the "tribulation" and Israel being protected for the first 3 � years. God provides His protection to Israel with a battle between Satan and his angels and Michael and his warrior angels. Satan and his forces are defeated and turn to unleash his anger or wrath on Israel. Here John sees the beginning of the second 3 � years. His wrath is focused on the believing Jews. We see them mentioned in chapter six under the fifth seal.
With their 3 � years of peace and safety concluding, John, in Rev. 13, describes the true nature of the rider of the white horse (Rev. 6:2). This individual is seen "rise out of the sea." The "sea" may well be explained in Rev. 17: 15. After having gained the world's acceptance as a true world leader, he now enters the sacred place of the Jews temple and declares that he is indeed God in the flesh. Here I suggest the resurgence of the Roman Empire. The beast is seen as both an individual and an empire. In this case a world empire governed by the Romans (Dan.9: 26-27). The people dwelling on the earth (unbelievers) will worship Satan as well as his Antichrist (the great LIE). Those who have believed through the preaching of the 144,000 will be the targets of the Antichrist.
John sees the introduction of the seventh character, the false prophet (Rev.13: 11), who is the unholy representation of the Holy Spirit. His purpose is to point to and exalt the Antichrist and the revised Roman Empire. I suggest that with the new world alliance that is formed, the Antichrist will rise out of the politico-governmental system while the false prophet rises out of the religious system then in place. We will expound on this system a little later. The false prophet aids in perpetuating the "strong delusion" by confirming that Antichrist is the Messiah and they should make an image of this leader and empire and to worship it. As a symbol of their allegiance and faithfulness to Antichrist the people were compelled to receive or take a mark.
This mark has caused many debates as to what it is. It may very well be, as many would assume, a literal, visible ID mark to be placed in the right hand or forehead of each individual. I somewhat agree with that thinking, but I also think it goes much deeper than that. Christians today are sealed. We were given a seal or mark when we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We believe He is who He says He is and commit to follow His leadership. As the Holy Spirit indwelling the believer exalts Christ, could it not be also with the Antichrist and false prophet?
Following the identification of the main characters John sees the Lamb of God and those 144,000 sealed servants of God around the throne in heaven. He also sees another angel shouting the gospel to those who are dwelling on the earth, warning them about the receiving of the mark or allegiance to the Antichrist and the consequences of their chose. John also views the preparation of the great harvest of the earth that apparently will occur following the final battle.
With the conclusion of the seven vials of God's Wrath we see the destruction of mankind as we know it and the complete upheaval and reshaping of the earth. These events accomplish the purpose of God to bring judgement to the unbelieving world, purify and restore the earth to its Edenic or original state and fulfill His promise to Israel.
Chapters 17 & 18 are an expanded view of Rev.14: 8 and 16:10-11. John describes the destruction of the false religious system from which the false prophet came. If we continue are thinking along the lines of gender, we see that as the true Church was feminine so also is the false church. A harlot or whore was a female who seduced others.
Babylon - the Great Whore
A harlot was one who used her appearance to attract others. Here John is called to view the judgement of this "great whore." John indicates that she has been successful in her seduction with national leaders accepting her and causing everybody else to succumb to her deceptions. Who then is described as this "harlot?"
She is identified as a woman (religious system) sitting "upon a scarlet colored beast." Compare the description of the beast with Rev. 13:1. This religious system's roots are satanic in origin. Her point of attraction is appearance, wealth and ability to lure others to her bedchamber of falsehoods. This wealth was the product of her deception in securing many followers. She is called, "MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHERS OF HARLOTS AND THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." The Bible records her contamination of Judaism (2 Kings 17:24-41). Following the captivity of Israel and Judah, people from Babylon were sent to repopulate what became known as Samaria. They started their own system of worship that continues to this day. Who or what is referred to in this Mystery Babylon. Many scholars and theologians point to Roman Catholicism and the papacy. But if we look closely, the word of God give us a clue. Chapter 17 says this woman is carried by or influenced by the beast with seven heads and ten horns. Verse 9 states that the seven heads are seven mountains. Here, many say these seven mountains refer to the seven hills of Rome but if we read the rest is says these seven mountains are seven kings, kingdoms or empires. Five have already fallen, one currently is, and one is yet to come. What kingdom or empire was in place during John's revelation? The Roman Empire, the sixth in the list. What five had fallen? Greece, Persian, Babylonian, Assyrian, and Egypt. In other words, the seven heads refer to the major sovereign rulers since the beginning.
The one yet to come is identified by Daniel as the revived or restored Roman Empire which will be in power for a short time. Verse 11 indicates that out of the seventh comes the eighth or Empire of the Beast. Verse 8 identifies the beast as Satan himself. The woman, influenced by Satan from the beginning of time is a representation of the false, antichristian religious systems of the world of which the Roman church is a part.
The Roman Church currently functions under a policy of tolerance of other religious groups, far from their policy during the "dark ages." With the coming resurrection of the Roman Empire, Papal authority will once again come to the forefront. During the last 3 � years of the new inquisition many that will not accept Romanism will be executed. The false religious system of satanic origin has had major impact and influence on all the controlling empires of the world even as it now has. In chapter 18 John describes the total destruction of this system as it is overcome by the wrath of God because of her harlotry, sorcery and deception and the blood she had caused to be shed because of the word of God.
Chapter Four
THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB
John now is drawn to another scene in heaven, that of the rejoicing and praise of may people over the judgements of God on the deceptive religious system. The purpose of their praise and joy is that of the upcoming "marriage supper" or wedding feast that is about to take place. The time of consummation has come and the "bride" has made herself ready. Here, as in a Jewish wedding, the bride and bridegroom will preside over the feast.
Leading up to this point, many events have been occurring in heaven. John has recorded the scene in the throne room of God in chapters four and five. Throughout the unveiling he pens the events that will occur as God brings His plan and purpose to completion. The Church has been caught up (brought to her new home) and the rejoicing in heaven is synonymous with the joys of the Jewish wedding feast that would normally last about seven days. Here the bride had faithfully prepared her wedding garment that is said to be the "righteousness of the saints." The Church, as the bride, had remained faithful and committed to the Bridegroom.
In Rev. 19:9 John is told to write, "Blessed are they who are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb." Who are these invited guests? Many preachers have insinuated through their preaching that it is the Church that is invited. I fail to see where that idea comes from! If the Church is the bride, she is there already with the Bridegroom. Without the bride there would be no wedding. I suggest that they are the faithful saints before the Church age along with those believers who gave their life for the Word of God throughout the tribulation. They are there to rejoice for the Bride and Bridegroom. They are identified in Rev. 7:9, 14-15 who stand before the throne day and night with palm branches serving the Lord and His bride.
This is the time the Church has been waiting and preparing for. This is why the Church is to be very vigilant in her conduct and testimony. That day is imminent and only those who have been covered with the blood of Jesus Christ and who's names are recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life will make up the Bride of Christ and sit at the head of the table during the festivities.
Following the time of jubilation of the marriage feast and prior to the Lord and His bride setting up their eternal kingdom, John sees in his vision, the final battle. This battle, commonly known as "Armageddon", will take place with the Lord Himself leading in the defeat of the satanic forces that have overtaken the earth.
ARMAGEDDON & THE MILLENIAL KINGDOM
The great and final battle will be a war to end all wars. This war is between the forces of God, His angels and saints and Satan and his cohorts. The number of slain in this battle will be so great that the Lord calls the fowl or vultures to prepare for their feast.
Taken in this battle will be the Antichrist and his false prophet, completely deflated and defeated, and are thrown into that place of eternal burning known as the "lake of fire." This is the place that had been prepared for the devil and his angels but had to be expanded for all those who's names are not written in the Lamb's Book of Life. This unholy duo is said to be "cast alive into the lake" while the rest of their army is killed. With one more foe to be taken, John sees the angel with the keys to the "bottomless pit", the abyss having a great chain in his hands. This chain is supernatural in its makeup as it will secure Satan himself. At this time Satan will be bound with the chain and is return to his abyss where he remains for 1000 years.
During this one thousand-year period, Christ and His bride will reign on earth. All those who believed throughout the ages will be the citizens of that kingdom. This will be a time of great peace and sin will not present itself because the tempter will be bound up and unable to seduce the earth dwellers during these days.
As it was in the Garden of Eden, so will it be during the millennium. There was peace, joy and innocence in the Garden as Adam walked with God, then Satan appeared and sin showed its ugly face and disobedience followed. After one thousand years of walking with God in peace and joy Satan will be released for a short time. During his emancipation he will once again seek to deceive and cause man to disobey God. His efforts, of course, will fail because after living with the Lord for 1000 years believers will see through his deceptions. He and his forces will be again overcome by God and sentenced to their final dwelling place where his Antichrist and false prophet are, "the lake of fire," where they will remain forever.
Chapter Five
THE GREAT AND FINAL JUDGEMENT
Not to be confused with the "Judgement Seat (BEMA) of Christ where the stewards of God will give an account of their stewardship is the "Great White Throne Judgement. This is the final judgement or sentencing of those whose names are not in the Lamb's Book of Life, who were not a part of the first resurrection. Here the dead outside of Christ will be judged guilty as charged. The indictment is their unbelief and rejection throughout the ages.
The scripture, with reference to those who believe, emphasizes that they will never die. When the spirit leaves their bodies it return to God who gave it. In the beginning when God created man He breathed into man the "breath of life" and man became a living soul. When man chose to disobey God, he rejected the life God intended for man. Since the expulsion from the Garden man has been born without that "life of God" in him. God sought to restore and reconcile man back to Himself. He did this by first, speaking to man through prophets and called men who spoke for God. Through this period, (Old Testament - God the Father) man turned from God in good times but returned only in bad times. God had a plan to bring man back to Himself. He would come to earth in human form, (Jesus Christ - God the Son) as He said He would. But His own people rejected Him and put Him to death. Christ rose from the dead to show that in God there is no death. Following His resurrection and ascension into heaven He sent His Spirit, (God - the Holy Ghost) the Spirit of Life to give back life and indwell all who would accept Him by faith. All who accept are "Born anew" and possess His eternal life.
All who possess His life will be removed from the earth prior to the outpouring of His wrath. Those who remain are appointed to experience His wrath. He, being a God of hope and because of His love for mankind, leaves 144,000 sealed servants to again proclaim His word. Those who believe will do so in times of great tribulation while maintaining their testimony and will be received in glory. All others who die without His life in then will remain in the estate of the dead awaiting the time of final judgement and sentencing (2 Peter 2:9).
At that time all the dead, throughout the ages, will be brought before the "Great White Throne" of God Himself for the final accounting. As they stand before the throne, the Book of Life is opened, which contains the new birth dates of believers. Other books are opened containing the life records of mankind and the number times God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost had been rejected. Also the number of opportunities they had of hearing the Word of God and believing it. The sentence they receive for rejecting His life is God's rejection of them and everlasting separation from God in eternal darkness in the "lake of Fire" with Satan and his forces.
The final sentence is also levied against death and Hades and they are cast into the "lake of fire". This is God's fulfillment of His promise made in Isaiah 25:8 and 1Corinthians 15: 54-56. "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 1 Corinthians 15:25-26, "For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death."
This brings to a conclusion the work of God to put all His enemies under His feet and to reconcile and redeem all things back to Himself and issue in the new heaven and new earth. What a joyful time that will be. It shows us now that there is victory in Jesus and because He overcame the world we also are overcomers. All thanks, glory and praise be to God in Christ as we begin eternity with Him.
THE NEW EDEN
In Rev. 21 John records an awesome vision, that of a restored, redeemed new earth and heaven. The new earth is the result of God restoring it to its original pre-flood state (2 Peter 3:10). The face of the earth will have undergone a major transformation resulting from numerous meteors and asteroid impacts, global gigantic earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The seas will be swallowed up and landmasses will be once again joined.
As he views this magnificent site, he also sees what he calls the "holy city," the New Jerusalem. Jerusalem has always been the Holy City where God chose for His house to be built and called by His name. In 1 Cor.3: 16 and 2 Cor.6: 16, Paul informs the believers that they are the Temple of God. Peter says in 1 Peter 2:5 that we are "living stone" making up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifice. Paul, (Eph. 2:19-22) tells the Ephesian believers that the Church is joined together making up the "holy temple in the Lord." He says we are "built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.
There are some today who would say, based on Rev. 21:2, 9-10 the Church is not the bride, the holy city is. That resounds of a lack of biblical study. Yes, the holy city, New Jerusalem will be beautiful and adorned as a bride because the bride makes up the temple or Tabernacle of God. The center of this new earth is where the "New" Temple of God will be in the New Jerusalem. This will, in fact, be heaven on earth. Eternity with God will be a time where there will be no need for tears and sorrow. Death and pain has been done away with.
In chapter 21 many of the terms related to the Church, born again believers are mentioned. We are seen as a "bride" - (vv. 2,9), as a "tabernacle" - (v.3), His sons or children - (v.7), and as the body of Christ - (v.22). John goes on to describe the "walled holy city".
Let us keep in mind that Israel's history did not include the Church and for that reason there is no mention of the Church in God's future dealing with His chosen people. Where we see the Lamb mentioned, because the Church is called the "Body of Christ", it is implied and understood that the Church is still "in Christ". The populace of the holy city is made up of Old Testament saints and tribulation saints as they occupy and serve in their "promised land." God has now fulfilled His promise made to Abraham.
GOD'S CLOSING STATEMENTS
"These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show (reveal) unto His servant (John and all believers) the things which must take place soon." (Rev.22: 6).
After God had shown John all things He concludes by saying what He said was true. God says, "Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keeps the sayings of this prophecy." The Revelation begins and ends with a blessing and an admonishment not to "seal" or keep closed the sayings or words of this prophecy because the time of its occurring is "at hand." Compare that with Daniel chapter 12 where he is told to seal up the prophecy.
How sad it is that so many preachers avoid the Revelation indicating it is mysterious and a hard book to understand and so many leave off studying its words. It is rewarding to all that would study and observe what is said because it is our victory and our hope. It says that Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lord and deserves our continuous praise. The Revelation reveals to us the victory over Satan, the restoration of the earth and the beginning of eternity.
Having such promise and hope we should be the more excited and rejoicing as we vigilantly look and anticipate the return of the "Bridegroom" to catch us away and take us to our new home in glory. Is there a "rapture"? YES, and it is going to take place soon and on that fact I continue in the Lord and place my trust totally in Him as I await my soon coming King. Jesus said, "Surely I come quickly. Amen. I, with John, say, "Even so, come Lord Jesus.
IN CLOSING
It is my prayer that this prayerful work has been a blessing to you. It has been a blessing for me to study the Revelation and to share my understanding with you. I suggest that if we look at the complete picture of John's vision and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal His truth, we will acquire a better understanding of these marvelous words.
There is no other book in the Bible that begins and ends with a blessing and I encourage you to spend more time in diligent study to know God's word and His "deep sayings." The more time we spend with Him, the more He reveals to us. There are some that will not agree with the way I understand Scripture. I have no argument with them and I pray they are blessed in their understanding. I only know the joy given me of the Lord and the encouragement and hope He presents me through His word. I hope you will receive this in the love of the Lord and are strengthened by His words.
If you have never known the love of God and accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, I implore you right now to acknowledge Him as Lord and believe in your heart of hearts that God raised Christ from among the dead. Receive Him now and be counted among those written in the Lamb's Book of Life and begin preparing for that Great Wedding Day.
"MAY THE GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BE WITH YOU ALL" |