Look Up Fellowship "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near." Luke 21:28

Ok, so remember when I wrote recently that I believe something is definitely happening right now with God's church of true believers as He is pouring the revelation of often debated truths upon us as part of the "unsealing" and "increase in knowledge" prophecy spoken of in Daniel 12:4? Remember how I also went on to write that I believe it's our job is to prayerfully discern the truth and separate the fact from the fiction on a daily basis?

Well, these days it seems that barely an hour or two goes by before I begin to view things differently and see them in a whole new light! Case in point, that "All In A Day's Work" column gave what I believe is some strong evidence that the Rapture is not only an actual, physical event, but also one that would happen just prior to the beginning of the Tribulation (just before those first 3.5 years of the final 7 years known as Daniel's 70th Week).

In that entry, I also shared a wealth of Biblical analysis and information from the Christian Apostasy blog that seemed to suggest that our beliefs and faith determines whether or not we will be raptured (Pre-Trib), or whether or not we'll have to endure some (if not all) of the Tribulation and Great Tribulation. Again, one's level of faith in the context of this discussion is not a salvation issue, but what if it was a holiness and Rapture related issue? If "Brother D" and others like him who hold this view are correct, then what I'm about to present might actually be another missing piece to this whole Rapture puzzle.

Shortly after writing and publishing that column I began to think that there could very well be 3 distinct "Rapture-like" events perhaps in connection with the whole "three harvests" concept. First, let me be absolutely clear that the very last thing I want to do is sow even more controversy, discontent, and division amongst my fellow believers regarding an area of Bible prophecy that already has more than enough of all of that. However, I'm desperately trying to sort out all of this Rapture business myself mainly because I believe it's closer than it's ever been before. That being said, I still can't shake the fact that there are a few passages of Scripture that keep tossing me around from one particular position to another. There has to be a reason for that.

As always, my attempt here is to simply EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY and to see if I can arrive at the real truth by doing so (I believe I have, but will let you make up your own mind as you prayerfully consider things). Our God is definitely working this out within my heart and soul, and I pray He grants me the discernment needed to not only understand His plans and His ways for us as soon as possible, but that He also puts me in a position where I can communicate my conclusions to all of you clearly and concisely.

Paul prophetically warned us the time would come when people would not put up with sound doctrine, but would gather teachers around them to say what their itching ears want to hear. He said they would turn from the truth and follow after myths (2 Timothy 4:3-4). This is why it's critical to study the Word for yourself on a daily basis. Don't ever just take another man's word for it (like me in this case).

The subject of a mysterious disappearance of Christian believers seems to be heightened in our day. While there are those who are amused at the subject for entertainment, others who have studied Church history say this is nothing more than a sine wave peak that has happened in the past and will happen again. Others, like me, believe more supernaturally that it is a movement of God in the Spirit to cause people to wake up and prepare themselves for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

In fact, take a look at nearly all of the Rapture related pieces I wrote since starting this blog:

The Rapture
Rethinking The Rapture (PART 1)
Rethinking The Rapture (PART 2)
Rethinking The Rapture (PART 3)
Rethinking The Rapture (UPDATE)
"They All Slumbered And Slept..."
FLASHBACK: "They All Slumbered And Slept..."
I'm Still Watching For The Rapture
The Rapture (UPDATE)
Coming Soon...The Rapture
The Day Of The Lord
Daily Bread - Luke 21:36
Tim McHyde: The Rapture
All In A Day's Work
Escape With Me
Will You Do What Jesus Says?
A Narrow Minded Focus
The Harsh Reality
Rapture Cult
Faith Despite Being On The Brink
Promise And Warning
The Parable Of The Virgins
Date With Destiny?
Web Bot Project Predicts Rapture? (Satan's attempt to discredit?)
A Note To My Beloved Readers
Listening, But Still Unmoved
The Satanic Verses
The Watchman's Role
The Restrainer And The Rapture
Don't Let Imminency Create Complacency
How Close Are We? Today Could Be The Day!
Good Advice For Those Anticipating The Rapture
No Rapture, No Matter
Signed, Sealed, Delivered?
The Wedding Supper

When we add the recent catastrophic natural disasters, earthquakes, famines, global warming scenarios, economic woes, the threat of terrorism and war, the aggressive push for a New World Order, and the looming epidemics of various sorts around the world, there is a disturbing undercurrent that has caused a few Christians to become more serious and attentive. The culmination of all these things, combined with the intensifying events in the Middle East, has contributed all the more to this uneasiness. We are indeed living in a precarious timeframe on many different levels.



I was actually quite surprised to find that there is a lot of information out there on this "3 Raptures" scenario. In fact, I came across one book in particular called "Three Raptures: Exploring The Possibilities" by Ty S. Lamb (great last name isn't it?), which is the product of thorough research and study over a period of several years.

From this point forward I'll probably be quoting from his book verbatim because he does an excellent job of humbly positioning where he's coming from, how he went about this study, and how the Lord helped him put it all together for us to read and prayerfully consider. Most importantly, he writes: "The author of this book makes the appeal the Bible should be interpreted and adhered to as literally and scrupulously as possible."

Amen! That's precisely why I found it so difficult to punch holes through this theory because there's just so much Biblical evidence to back it up when you take the time to break it down and actually open your mind to the possibility. Plus, it is consistent with what we know about our Lord and His desire for us to pursue holiness in this life.

When most Christians have long embraced the traditional theology of just one Rapture, Lamb has written a thought provoking work proposing not one, not two, but three separate and distinct Raptures during the time commonly known as the Tribulation. I can see the scoffers already sitting down to feverishly type a rebuking response to me before even reading the rest of this column let alone the book for themselves before reaching any conclusions.

I will say that the author writes with a humble, transparent, convincing style, presenting his data with voluminous use of Scripture. This fresh, new work is one that is difficult to put down once you get past the first chapter. I believe serious thinking believers, who are walking with God, have much to anticipate as we come to the end of this Age of Grace and stand on the cusp of the Tribulation.

Surprisingly, unlike others of its kind, this book does not leave us hanging fearfully, as most end-times books might, but challenges us by giving us the necessary Scriptural guidelines to becoming the "Bride who has made herself ready." Without being dogmatic, Ty Lamb presents this theory with great humility, integrity, and passion for those of us stuck in the mud of last days, and media-hyped confusion as one reviewer put it.

My intent here is to share with you what I have learned so far from this book because so much is at stake (one that I'm sure I'll read over and over again as long as I'm still here). At the same time, I don't want to give too much away because I encourage you to take this journey for yourself like I did while you still can, read his theory, and see if it has the same glorious effect on you as it had on me.

From the opening portions of this book:

For many people, this study will challenge your former thinking and may bring you to a new place of understanding. I hope that at the very least this will generate new discussion among students of the Bible and students of Bible prophecy alike. I know it will be difficult for some who have deeply held convictions and teachings to think "outside the box" and consider a different approach. So, I need to ask of you what Lamb asks in his work, "Are we able to stretch the old wineskins of former thinking and consider something different?" Can we at least keep an open mind especially if there is Scriptural evidence to support such a position? I certainly hope so as there's no harm in that.

We should never be so frustrated (or set in our way of thinking I suppose) that we give up our thirst for clarity and understanding. All I can say is that I couldn’t settle for the confusion and unanswered questions lingering in my own heart. Some have coached over the years, “If there is confusion amid a situation, it cannot be God. God is not a God of confusion!” Even of greater consequence, we should never let our various interpretations cause division in the body of Christ. I get that. Our love for one another should not be compromised. Our fellowship with one another should never be broken.

There is no doubt that many believers struggle to accept the idea of a literal Rapture event. Furthermore, of those who do believe there are many who struggle to accept the various ideas about its timing along God's prophetic timeline. So, you are a Pre- or Mid-Tribber, or a Pre-Wrather. What if it could be explained another way?

With your permission, let’s venture into the absurd for a moment and risk the consideration there could be more than one Papture - - possibly three. Though the idea of multiple Raptures is not new, I have not seen any serious study on the subject until I came across one book on the subject that focused solely on this idea. Let us explore the possibility and see how things begin to develop both Scripturally and theologically. Then, perhaps most importantly, let us ponder the implications. Might we find better harmony of Scripture if we could identify more than one Rapture event?

Hopefully, you will see like I did that it is not only credible, it is...well let’s just say for now...it is within the Lord’s privilege to do so.

Some might argue to suggest multiple Rapture events would weaken the call for readiness and preparation on the part of the believer. You will see from this position you are about to read, it is quite the contrary. Hopefully, you will be disturbed beyond leisure reading and the Spirit of God will draw you to seek Him more passionately. It is time to dust off your Bible so you know what you believe with certainty. When chaos erupts around the world you need to understand what is happening on the Earth. You will need to take your stand with confidence.

The Church has been used to preaching to their congregants that if you miss the Rapture you’re too late and all hope is lost. We often think of the door of Noah’s Ark being slammed shut once and for all. Though it is a convincing argument, what if we discover that God has a broader objective in mind during the last days? What might this theory reveal about our Lord; that has been previously overlooked or misunderstood?

Be forewarned as we explore this theory some of the implications suggested are hard hitting, forceful, and convicting. I will write frankly and boldly about the present condition observed among many who believe they are in good standing with the Lord and are probably not. I also speak openly and honestly about trends seen in many churches that are culturally acceptable yet may not be hitting the mark Biblically.

You are encouraged to pause and pray each time you read this. This piece was not written for the simple sake of sharing information. I pray that this article on the book I've read about "Three Raptures" will cause you to stretch as I have been stretched.

Even if you are not prepared to accept a new concept, there is much to gain through reading this study. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart and mind so you can understand the Bible better, and ask how this might impact your life. Ask Him to help you learn and grow in your faith. Even more, ask Him for help to prepare you to meet God face to face. Lastly, regardless of your view, we must never be overly confident that we have discovered all there is to be found locked within His perfect Word (Proverbs 25:2-3; Matthew 13:52).


Lamb's reasoning and proof and good solid Scriptural evidence was enough to convince me of the possibility that this theory is valid because it's the only one that actually addresses why there is such a division within the Body of Christ over the issue of the Rapture. In a sense, it's because all views of it's timing are correct because there are 3 Raptures!

This is probably a good place to also point out that the key thing throughout this study for all of us to remember is that THIS IS NOT A SALVATION ISSUE, BUT A RAPTURE ISSUE. I need to point that out because I know that there will be some who will write me to suggest I'm somehow saying that whether or not we're saved is determined by our works and how holy we are. That's NOT AT ALL what I'm saying here. Again, this is a RAPTURE discussion and not a SALVATION discussion.

In Part 2, we'll set the stage for our study by asking ourselves some key questions first.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Three Raptures Book (Press Release)