The Case For Three Raptures (Part 3)
Posted by Jeffrey K Radt ("JRed") | Posted in How Close Are We? , Prophecy Basics , Rapture , Why Study Prophecy? | Posted on Thursday, July 09, 2009
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To reiterate before we continue with this exciting series, 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!
Also, 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 (without even giving this theory a single serious thought) 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.
What Lamb proposes is that the "WHEN" (AS IN "WHEN GET TO GO IN THE RAPTURE -- THE FIRST? THE SECOND? THE THIRD?) is DIRECTLY CONNECTED to our level of faith in such an event, but more so in our level of holiness and to what extent that we're spiritually prepared.
Please note that Lamb says he decided to use different versions for added clarity and diversity; The New International Version for its readability, The English Standard Version for its literal and syntax qualities of translation, and the New American Standard for its reputation among scholars.
Lamb writes: "From Revelation, three visions of worship are pictured in heaven that align perfectly with each rapture event and are consistent in time and content. All one has to do is imagine there to be a welcoming reception and worship in heaven following a rapture...You will notice as well, that I make use of Scripture found in Isaiah 64 and 65 while describing the three rapture events. If you follow them closely, you will identify a wonderful relationship with the themes that have been developing."
At this juncture, I want to point out that I don't intend to include all of Lamb's research here verbatim because I don't believe that to be the right thing for me to do, but I will provide enough info that you can begin searching and contacting the dots (using this as a roadmap of sorts) on your own and prove it to yourself if what he's asserting (and what I'm pitching) is true and consistent with God's holy Word.
THE FIRST RAPTURE
> Isaiah 64:3-5 -- "For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you. Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved?" (emphasis his/mine)
> Enoch -- The Dill Harvest -- The Rapture of the Faithful -- Firstborn/Unleavened Bread
> "In keeping with the teachings of Jesus we are hard-pressed not to believe there will be an early, unexpected, and imminent catching away of His faithful ones. Knowing our human nature, the doctrine of the imminent return is a fundamental essential. If the Lord were to spell out things plainly and give empirical warning signs of His soon return, our nature would be to haphazardly wait until the last possible minute to get our lives together. The doctrine of the imminent return has been given to believers over the centuries, not as a false hope, but to give us incentive and motivation to be prepared at all times. After all, unbeknownst to any of us, today or tomorrow may be our last. 'To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord.' We should be living our lives as if today were our last, yet also look ahead to many more years. Once the 70th Week of Daniel time clock begins, things will happen like a flood. Subsequent events during this time will have more obvious signs." [pages 263-264]
> Imminent and Unexpected (Matthew 24:36-51; Matthew 25:1-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3).
> The Shout -- "Come up here!". Revelation 4 describes the apostle John as he is about to be taken into the heavenly realm to witness the grand reception of Jesus Christ after He ascended to heaven. Some believe this passage has a dual meaning. It is conceivable to consider the invitation of John to "Come up here," may also inform us of an undisclosed mystery and possible rapture. It is further fitting to consider correlation as this invitation also fits the description given by Paul, "a shout" (1 Thessalonians 4:14). See also Revelation 4 and Revelation 6:12-14. [pages 268-269]
> "We ask a curious question: Since the seals are first in the order of judgments to be released, why mention here descriptions of events that take place near the end? Might it be possible there is also some discreet purpose? Though extremely vague, the receded sky mentioned at this point may be viewed as an 'open window' to receive raptured saints." [p. 270]
> The Heavenly Reception -- Worship the Lamb (Revelation 7:9-17)
THE SECOND RAPTURE
> Elijah -- The Cumin Harvest -- The Rapture of Hope -- Firstfruits/Harvest
> Isaiah 64:6-8 -- "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us and made us waste away because of our sins. Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." (emphasis his/mine)
> The Signs. By this time the signs are obvious. The first rapture has taken place. The world will be in turmoil as the first six trumpet judgments cause unparalleled drought, famine, plagues, and death. See Matthew 24:21-23.
> "This rapture event is the most definitive of the three. It occurs at the interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets and the gathering of the two witnesses of Revelation 11 'Come up here.' Also pictured in this rapture are the 144,000 Jewish witnesses who were identified and sealed in Revelation 7. In Revelation 14:1-5 we see they are in heaven, standing before Jesus prior to the sickle harvest of the same chapter. For the sake of those still remaining on the earth after this rapture, the work of evangelism is left to the work of the three angels described in Revelation 14:6-13. The mystery mentioned below in Revelation 10, without a doubt, is the same mystery Paul spoke of in 1 Corinthians 15 and clearly points to the events described in Revelation 11." [p. 272]
> The Heavenly Reception -- Song of Moses and the Song of the Lamb. See Revelation 11:15-19 and Revelation 14:1-5. It is fitting this worship reception is the same event described next in Revelation 15. It is suggested believing Israel is included in this rapture, noting the song of Moses (Israel) and the song of the Lamb (Church) in the text. Note that the song of Moses is found in Exodus 15:1-21 and Deuteronomy 32:1-43. [p. 276]
THE THIRD RAPTURE
> Jesus Christ -- The Barley Harvest -- The Rapture of Love -- The Afflicted/Ingathering
> Isaiah 64:9-12 -- "Do not be angry beyond measure, O LORD; do not remember our sins forever. Oh, look upon us, we pray, for we are all your people. Your sacred cities have become a desert; even Zion is a desert, Jerusalem a desolation. Our holy and glorious temple, where our fathers praised you, has been burned with fire, and all that we treasured lies in ruins. After all this, O LORD, will you hold yourself back? Will you keep silent and punish us beyond measure?"
> Isaiah 65:8-9 -- "This is what the LORD says: 'As when juice is still found in a cluster of grapes and men say, 'Don't destroy it, there is yet some good in it,' so will I do in behalf of my servants; I will not destroy them all. I will bring forth descendants from Jacob, and from Judah those who will possess my mountains; my chosen people will inherit them, and there will my servants live.'"
> "The Signs. In reference to Matthew 24:29-31, as you will see momentarily, this harvest or rapture is closely associated with signs in the heavens, culminates with great distress, and occurs immediately prior to the coming of Jesus Christ to the earth. This final rapture reveals our Lord's great love for His children. By this late hour there is nothing else but pure love that would summon the mercy of God." See also Matthew 3:11-12 and Revelation 13:7-10. [p. 278]
> "By this time, countless remaining believers have been martyred, the rest are in hiding. The final harvest is reserved for those of the more stubborn sort who have been evangelized by the three angels of Revelation 14:6-13, have suffered the persecution of the antichrist, have avoided receiving his mark (Rev. 13:16-18; 14:9-13), and somehow have been able to avoid martyrdom. This is the believers' final opportunity to escape the wrath of God." [p. 279]
> The Trumpet Call of God -- "Come out of her!". See Matthew 24:29-31.
> Notice from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 that the message is inclusive of three possible raptures (pay close attention to verse 16).
> It reminds us and encourages the remaining saints of three calls -- "loud command", "voice of the archangel", and "the trumpet call of God".
> Following the last rapture, the winepress of God's wrath will consume all of those remaining.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Three Raptures Book (Press Release)
I cannot agree with this.....what happens to some of the families, who, say, have some members disappear in the first rapture...what explanation is given? I also know a lot of people say Jesus said "He comes as a thief in the night,,etc" but nearly every time that is written it also says "If therefore thou shalt NOT WATCH....I will come on thee as a thief, but ye are of the light.....this whole "case for three raptures" does not make any sense to me at all....sorry but I don't get it!
Yaddy
The theory of Rapture ( as common understood in mainstream christianity ) creates so many inherent problems for herself, that she needs to twist and stretch the rest. F.e , here are again these "144.000 Jews ". Says WHO, that these re supposed to be Jews..? Not the Bible: but the Rapture theory demands that !
..and now it demands three raptures to solve the theological hiatus..? Why not 6..?
Maybe the whole problem here is because of the sevenfold "WILL-I-AM " in part two...........
Lone
That's a nice tidy study worthy of mindstretching possibilites that None of us will ever really be able to know for sure till it happens for us and we no longer see death the final enemy in our midst, for our Father's ways are so much higher than ours...
But I am glad you bring this mindstrectching concept up so everyone will remember to focus on obedience to the admonitions and commandments making themselves ready and not getting too caught up in the cares of this world as it is passing away...and who will miss it in its present state anyway?
Other types of raptures for consideration are:
1. Enoch 7th from Adam
2. Lot- YHWH's "family" from Sodom
3. Elijah (Yah is God) (Israels return from Babylon)
4.Firstfruits Yahshua's resurrection (4 is a # of completion)
5. Trumpets feast of Trumpets Harvest-pre trib?
6.Tribulation martyrs/Feast of Atonement
7.Tabernacles Harvest of Millenial mortals as New Jerusalem begins?
*Combining the first 3 as one and the second 3 as one = Two Witness's and 3+3= 6 the number of man + 1 = 7 which is Spiritual Perfection.
Then again if time is cyclical and nothing is new this end of the age we're in could actually be one 7,000 year Feast cycle with one remnant bride harvest being almost ready to harvest? Time will tell as due time approaches and all the signs continue to manifest and we continue to stand firm ready with the light of the Truth in our dwellings as we come out of Babylon and stay out, learning to eat the manna from above and preferring it instead of missing the fleshpots of Egypt...
"thy kingdom come on earth...As IT IS IN HEAVEN"
We might have a few miles to go in the flesh having now already separated in the spirit and come out from Egypt and being spared from the wrath to come as YHWH shows himself strong against the current Pharoah and his forces and through these judgements will we be redeemed. Just like the first time in Exodus...Making this the second exodus?(Like Lots family spared from the destruction?)
Admittedly, When I 1st heard the 3rapture theory I liked the sound of it. I'm still open to where the Lord will lead us - even if it doesn't fit into my preconceived ideas.
I came to a greater realization-just yesterday- that there are just going to be some things we are not going to figure out ahead of time & God has planned it that way "by design".
He wants us to come out of this world & He's stretching us to live by faith & in complete dependence upon him.
Leave it all- take up our cross- and just follow. Truly seek after him w/all our heart, soul, mind , strength. Truly live by faith.
Does it make some sense that if He reveals all of the mysteries we have not come to agreement upon that we would be more likely to rely upon what we know & are comfortable in than to rely upon God & our relationship with Him?
I think there is something greater to this than what us little pea brains can realize. We scramble around trying to come to terms with many of these theological issues & to what end do we arrive in all honesty?
It's interesting to look into to but when God wants us to know-there will be no doubt as to the right answer. All of those in Christ will be in agreement.
I don't have the answer other than there is more to this internal & spiritual struggle than meets our eyes. His ways are higher than our ways & His thoughts-our thoughts.
Even when I'm not in agreement w/every theological concept that a Pastor or Child of God holds- I can still "hear His voice" spoken through them. So I know they are tapped into the source of Life & my ears are attuned to listening to what they have to say.
We know by faith that in the Lord's timing we will all be united & in ageement in all things.
That can't happen too soon can it?
. Meanwhile we groan, endure, & persevere in this life as we wait for our redemption.
Here is a video Brother Strom sent out today: A Call To Anguish
If you're going to make use of other versions of the bible then you may want to read this tidbit on the King James Version: http://www.chick.com/reading/books/158/158_48.asp.
All good thoughts above. Personally, I don't need to figure this out. Remember, Christ‘s yoke is light. We should focus on our faith and be watchful and consider how our surroundings may be as prophesied. We should "look up" and be mindful but we really shouldn't be overly concerned with details.
For example; do we really need to know who how He parted the Red Sea or furnished fish and loafs to the 5,000? No. And do we really need to know if rapture is, in fact, going to happen. No. It may provide motivation to be in Christ and His Word, but does it really matter? Mother Teresa did not even believe in Rapture. She even came to question God himself. But do we judge her? No. That is for God and for Christ. Not for us.
While I always enjoy intellectual investigation, it also needs to have an end purpose. Rapture, may it be 1, 2, 3 or 7 does not make a difference in my view. As JRED said, ITS ABOUT SALVATION AND BEING IN HIS WORD. And I would add: “to the best of our ability.”
God knows what we should and could know. My prayer is just that. It goes something like this: “Dear God, please reveal Your Plan and how I might be a part of it. I will wait quietly for your instruction and inspiration because I cannot trust the all of thoughts that come into my head. I don’t know if they are of ego or of misguided understanding of Your Word. I have complete faith in You and Your Way and Your Plan. Please let me a part of it.”
Right now, I think the things that are important for us to consider here on LUF are:
Is the Pope going to become a prophet to the Obama/New Word Socialist Order?
When will a “disclosure event” take place and how will that impact our actions?
Should we really value our lives when the test comes? And it will come. “Sign here or die!”
Should we be politically active or not? Or should we just be observant and be faithful? Or does our faith require action and fighting this monster?
What constitutes being worthy? Are we to be spotless? If that’s the case then I guess I am already out. ( I try my best but still have errant thoughts every day. Please forgive me, Jesus.) Or are we forgiven our sins by the Blood of Christ?
How should we prepare our children for what is coming? When do we tell them? (I have a 7 and 10 year olds at home.)
At what point do we flee? What do we do here in the US? I have a family, job, friends etc. that I am responsible for. Given what is coming, what should we do?
I am sure I could come up with others. But as a member of the LUF fellowship I would love to hear what all of you have to say. Even you, JRED!! :)
i have no clue as to what this means..maybe i shouldn't..which is ok with me..but this lookslike a rubics cube of prophecy to me..i'm not an expert in prophecy..at all..but i think we try to over analyze stuff here..let's keep it simple..we love Christ..we don't care about multiple raptures..He will deliver!!
I also do not agree with the Three Rapture article/s. Let us take the Word of God as it is. Let us not go into wild speculations or vain imaginations - trying to take the Word of God out of contexts. God is not the author of confusion. But to have complete understanding of the Word of God, we must read and study it, from First to the Second Covenant – MANY TIMES! I confess. I still lack knowledge of the Word. Although have read and studied the Second Covenant (New Testament) many times, I still have a long way to go because I still haven’t finished reading the entire First Covenant – the first time! And I am sure that most, if not all, of us have not completed reading and studying the entire Bible. Still I ask thee: hast thou read the entire scripture - the First and Second Covenant? Doest thou have complete understanding of every book and every epistle in the Bible without even using so-called Greek texts or concordances? Do you even believe that the Bible is without error?
Also, I don't support other 'Bible' versions. What is wrong with the King James Bible that most of us prefer to use these modern versions? As if these latest versions are easier to understand when in fact it's the contrary. I am not an American. English is not even my native language; yet I don't even find it hard to understand the words used in the King James. All other versions are crap, corrupted, message watered-down, weakened. There are lots of false Christians. So isn't it common sense that there are also lot of false Bibles out there? I challenge anybody - show me proof that the King James Version is inferior compared to the modern ones. Remember that the KJV was made at the peak of the English language - the 'Golden Age' of England. Plus I truly admire the honesty of the King James translators by italicizing their own words in the Bible. Now, can you say that to the ‘modern’ versions.
I also do not agree with the Three Rapture article/s. Let us take the Word of God as it is. Let us not go into wild speculations or vain imaginations - trying to take the Word of God out of contexts. God is not the author of confusion. But to have complete understanding of the Word of God, we must read and study it, from First to the Second Covenant – MANY TIMES! I confess. I still lack knowledge of the Word. Although have read and studied the Second Covenant (New Testament) many times, I still have a long way to go because I still haven’t finished reading the entire First Covenant – the first time! And I am sure that most, if not all, of us have not completed reading and studying the entire Bible. Still I ask thee: hast thou read the entire scripture - the First and Second Covenant? Doest thou have complete understanding of every book and every epistle in the Bible without even using so-called Greek texts or concordances? Do you even believe that the Bible is without error?
Also, I don't support other 'Bible' versions. What is wrong with the King James Bible that most of us prefer to use these modern versions? As if these latest versions are easier to understand when in fact it's the contrary. I am not an American. English is not even my native language; yet I don't even find it hard to understand the words used in the King James. All other versions are crap, corrupted, message watered-down, weakened. There are lots of false Christians. So isn't it common sense that there are also lot of false Bibles out there? I challenge anybody - show me proof that the King James Version is inferior compared to the modern ones. Remember that the KJV was made at the peak of the English language - the 'Golden Age' of England. Plus I truly admire the honesty of the King James translators by italicizing their own words in the Bible. Now, can you say that to the ‘modern’ versions.
Also, I suggest you start reading and studying the Word of God. I do get the feeling that you are not doing that. But I could be wrong though. God bless you Jeff.
The Seventh Trumpet occurs AFTER the Tribulation.
When a “rapture” is referred to many refer to 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. The events referenced in those two verses occur at the CONCLUSION of the "tribulation" under the beasts of Revelation chapter 13.
The church (1 Cor.10:32 - Jesus' living body, Col.1:24) will face the tribulation under the beasts of Revelation chapter 13.
(Matt.24:9, Dan.7:21, Dan.7:25, Dan.8:24, Re.12:17, Re.13:7, Re.13:15, Re.16:6, Re.17:6, Dan.12:6-7)
Patricia (© 2003) Bible Prophecy on the Web
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BibleProphecy
Anonymous #8/#10 (assuming you're the same person), please leave a name next time. I like to face my accusers.
Look, I get that this is tough to consider, but I can assure you that I do read my Bible -- daily -- and that the Scriptural evidence is there to support this. To me, it simplifies the entire debate -- it doesn't complicate it. Why? Because it actually includes 3 of the 5 main perspectives that are popular today when it comes to the Rapture.
Also, I do place the KJV over any other translation. I tried to explain in the first or second column in this series why the author decided to use the translations he did -- he was very clear and transparent (and most of all humble) about it.
Also, I don't presume to think that we could ever fully comprehend God's Word no matter how many times we read it because it is a living and breathing entity -- it's alive and holy!
Lastly, I don't get the part about being asked if I believe the Bible is infallible. Of course I believe it's without error!
Man, I knew I'd open a can of worms with this topic and study, but these accusations and attacks are curious to say the least.
In Christ,
Jeff (JRed)