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

To reiterate, 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!

One thing that I really appreciated about Ty Lamb's book and his approach to this subject was how genuinely humble he was about the whole thing. I challenge anyone to find a more humble teacher and writer in this day and age. For me, that says a lot about a person's relationship with out Lord and their true motivations.

I mean, he really went to great lengths to make it clear that this was a subject he wrestled with and one he knows the Lord wanted him to write about. Every single assertion is backed up with the appropriate portion of Scripture, and the layers upon layers of explanation of how this 3 Raptures theory actually fits the best out of any other perspective that is out there (at least, in my eyes it does) is totally refreshing.

I would even go so far as to say that after reading this study it was the first time in my life that I've been at complete peace when it comes to my thoughts and position regarding the entire Rapture debate. That's certainly saying a lot. Have you ever been able to say the same? I'm willing to bet that you're like most people in that you know why you hold to the Rapture perspective that you do, but you also have to admit that yours in not a perfect one. Why? Because NONE of the popular views regarding the Rapture are "perfect" and they can't stand on their own since each one makes some sense if we're being honest.

Lamb proposes that there's a clear purpose and reason for that reality, and that it's rooted in the fact that there are actually 3 distinct Rapture events.

I also love the fact that at the end of the book he even devotes an ENTIRE CHAPTER called "Problems With The Three Rapture Theory" stating the following:

Any effort that strives to be forthright and objective is obligated to scrutinize the various parts that weaken the position. To present a theory with integrity we must not only wrestle with such things in our study prior to publication, we must offer this same transparency to the reader as well.

Amen! Boy, he'd fit right in with this community of believers I think. Perhaps I could interest him in being a future guest of mine on The Big Finale show. We shall see.

Before we really dive into this study I think it's best we gauge our own current "spiritual temperature" or at least think about such things to put us in the right frame of mind first.

Here's what Lamb includes at the very beginning of his treatise before diving in. Again, I think it's another good example of the great care and pains he went to in order to ensure that this was a serious, God-honoring study for Christians worldwide to prayerfully consider on their own.



No matter what doctrine you are considering for adoption into your own faith constitution, there are a few very important questions to ask:


> How will this doctrine affect my faith and devotion?

> Does this doctrine rationalize and justify sin and/or mediocrity in my spiritual life?

> Heart test: Am I looking for loopholes or escape clauses to try to justify my lifestyle choices and actions?

> Do I have an assorted, eclectic shopping cart theology that is drawn from a wide variety of religious sources? Is this sound practice as a Christian? Not!

> Does this doctrine systematically relate with Biblical theology? Can it be well demonstrated in Scripture?

> Do I have an argumentative attitude that is often above correction?

> Am I closed within the confines of traditional beliefs and doctrines?

> Will this motivate me and encourage me to walk closer with Jesus?

> Will I be more watchful and vigilant in my faith?

> Will I be more confident in my salvation?

> Will I be more zealous to share my faith with others?

> Will this doctrine help me to be less deceived by others?

> Will this prepare me to better understand end times events?

> Will I be able to stand before Jesus Christ unashamed?


Now that we've asked some important questions of ourselves, let's continue with a little more introspection to set the stage so to speak.

In Part 1, we mentioned Paul's warning in 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Let us now look at the letter to the church of Sardis in Revelation 3 in light of our focus on holiness (or, to put it another way, "praying that we're counted worthy to escape such things") because I believe it applies to this discussion.

It would be prudent to consider this letter for application in our present day.

Revelation 3:1-6 - - "And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."

From this letter we learn that it is possible to be a believer in Jesus Christ, but to be found incomplete. The reference to some believers having unsoiled clothing and found worthy implies that others have soiled clothes, are incomplete, and therefore, unworthy of walking with the Lord. It is likely that soiled clothing is used as a metaphor for the unfinished business of putting sin out of our lives. May it be suggested for us the righteousness of Christ has not found its way into the fabric of our lives to holiness. From the letter we note when He comes, those found asleep and incomplete will be left behind.

Fascinating thought, isn't it? One that motivates us as well I'd say. See, 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. I think this is a great place to stop for now since the last few paragraphs are an good introduction into the 3 Rapture Theory and how it's all tied to our level of holiness (the Rapture we get to "escape" in is determined by a faith and holiness component).

Yes, it's a revolutionary concept if you've never been exposed to this before. Like I said, there's no way I could possibly do this book justice by any review because there's simply too much ground to cover. I pray that these articles on this topic motivates you to at least look into the idea with an open mind because I think you'll reach a similar conclusion as I did.

In Part 3, we'll begin to look at these 3 Rapture events Lamb proposes.