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

This is merely a collection of excerpts from Ty Lamb's book that I felt were thought-provoking. They're also the ones that really resonated with me as I worked my way through his book.



> "Truth stands steadfast, is unwavering over time, and patiently waits for man to come to his senses. Let us be certain about this fact: the Bible stands as un-refutable truth, whether we fully understand it or not is in flux. As we gaze to the future through the pages of Scripture, we must remain humble and flexible in our best efforts to understand it." [p. 38]

> "While pouring over the scriptures to prepare this book, it was revealed time and again the explicit call for our spiritual preparation. Throughout the Bible there is a great deal of emphasis directed toward responsibility and accountability for the believer." [p. 131]

> Finally, some clarity perhaps: "Could it be possible that while we have been debating these things for many years to the exclusion of one another, there might be another way? Perhaps we, collectively, have been right all along. In the three-rapture theory, we incorporate the pre-tribulation position, the mid-tribulation position, the pre-wrath position, and the partial-rapture position into one consistent and unified view. What a wonderful possibility." [p. 132]

> "For the subject of this book, the key verse is verse 16. This verse becomes one of several key passages that might be saying more than we first realize if we simply look at it from another angle. Here are the possibilities.
1) Paul is describing a single event in three different ways for the sake of dramatic emphasis. This is the most commonly accepted interpretation.
2) Paul is describing three separate events or effects that will culminate simultaneously.
3) Finally, for the position of this book, let us examine a third possibility. May it be suggested that Paul was describing three separate descents or ingathering events that are to occur in the last days. Let us look at it again:

1 Thessalonians 4:16 (NASB) For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven
1) with a shout, 2) with the voice of THE archangel, 3) and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

Paul's complete understanding of these events is not known. He may have been speaking from a position of complete disclosure and foreknowledge of what is to come. On the other hand, he may have written something that was veiled even to him at the time and has been revealed for us in this late hour." [pages 140-141]

> We might find an important clue in Luke 12:38 which reads: "It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night" [p. 152]

> "In Bullinger's book, Number in Scripture, he gives incredible insight to the study of numerology and shows that numbers in the Bible are not incidental nor are they arbitrary...More loosely, we might say wherever we see an emphasis of THREE, we are looking at the signature of the Godhead." [p. 162] (*NOTE: Try a search for all the significant 3's found in the Bible -- you'll be amazed!)

> "From this Scripture (1 Corinthians 2:10-16) it is clear that if you do not possess the Holy Spirit in your heart and mind, things of God will not make sense (See also Dan. 12:10b)." [p. 55]

> "There are three basic views concerning the seals, trumpets, and bowls: simultaneous, consecutive succession, and telescopic...It seems clear these two events link the seals, trumpets, and bowls together in a linear fashion that helps us conclude they are in fact occurring in a succession rather than the simultaneous events earlier explained...It is reasonable to consider these things are already upon the earth and would manifest themselves as the birth pains Jesus describes in Mathhew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21. This would very well explain many historical events we have seen in history: the rise and fall of nations, world wars, famine, droughts, plagues, cancer, AIDS, etc...Therefore the view presented in this book makes use of the consecutive view and the telescopic view to describe the seals." [pages 61-62]

> "We must not confuse the rapture of the church with His second coming. They are categorically separate events." [p. 68]

> "Some suggest 'replacement theology' in that the Church replaces Israel's position in the world in relationship with God. Absolutely not! (Eph. 3:6). We should completely reject anything that suggests God is finished with Israel. We should also reject the notion that Israel is on 'standby' while God works through the Church. The Lord is always at work, even in the subtle, and most certainly while we are silent and still before Him." [p. 71]

> Two Winesses: "Whether they are literally two men and/or metaphorically represent two groups of believing people is not known. Some have Moses and Elijah in view. From the context of Revelation they possess supernatural powers, and protection (vv. 5-6). There is a curious similarity between the two witnesses of Revelation 11 and the lampstands and olive trees of Zechariah 4. They are symbolically called olive trees and two lampstands; olive trees may be interpreted as Messianic, believing Israel (Zech. 4:14; Rom. 11:17), and the lampstands, i.e. light of the world (Mat. 5:14-16; Rev. 1:20), is the Gentile Church that has been prepared following the first rapture. They will preach for three-and-a-half years beginning sometime after the first rapture and then will be killed (v. 7). We know significant martyrdom will take place in this timeframe (Rev. 12:17; 13:7,15). After three-and-a-half 'days' they will be taken up to heaven or raptured (vv. 9, 12). If the two witnesses are in fact representative of two groups of witnesses on the earth a second rapture is evident." [p.73]

> "It has been observed there is a large number of people who believe they are Christian in their personal beliefs and world view, yet do not believe the rapture doctrine is biblical. It is time to put to rest the argument and establish a firm biblical presentation concerning this fascinating subject." [p. 81]

> "What I discovered, to a large extent, is that the rapture doctrine is dismissed as invalid on the basis of early Church history and their view of prophecy which was mentioned earlier. The premise for their argument is this: 'If the early church fathers did not speak nor believe in a rapture doctrine, it must not be true.' How could anyone make such a statement when, as you will see, it is clearly revealed in scripture? On this basis, what might they say about the doctrine of the Trinity? As we know, the doctrine of the Trinity took rwo hundred years to define and clearly articulate. If our measuring rod of truth rests with the opinions of men, and our faith in the institutions of men, we have completely lost our foundation. Truth is a person; His name is Jesus Christ (Yeshua HaMashiac)." [p. 85]

> John 14:1-4: "The tone of Yeshua's words in this passage is gentle and reassuring. We are unable to pin down with exactness the context that Yeshua was referring to. Was he referring to the rapture, His physical coming, or events near the end of the millennium? We simply do not know. What we do know is Jesus is presently in heaven and we will gather there with Him for a grand reception called the 'Wedding Supper of the Lamb.' After this, we will descend with Him to the earth and establish His kingdom. With this in mind, Jesus is, after all, likely speaking about the rapture. The hard fact is, despite our best interpretations, He will not forget about us." [p. 94]

> "The Old Testament record reveals two amazing events whereby men of God never saw death, but were simply taken from the earth. Among many others, both Enoch and Elijah were highly favored of God...Since Gid raptured saints in the past, it is reasonable that He will do it again in the future." [pages 95-96]

> See Genesis 5:24, Hebrews 11:5, and 2 Kings 11-12. "We cannot fail to make this interesting observation: Each of these miraculous events may serve as two pre-types of events to come in which there would be an UNEXPECTED Enoch rapture of those who walk with God; and there would be a second Elijah rapture of those who are FULLY AWARE of the soon coming event (2 Kings 2:9) and that it takes place dramatically with apocalyptic fire and horsemen. Let us keep this in mind as we continue along." [pages 96-97]

> "It is fascinating to consider that just as He ascended through clouds to glory, so will many of His faithful followers ascend through the clouds to glory." [p. 98]

> On the Greek word harpazo: "As stated earlier, the most common uses of the word are defined as: snatching away, taken by force, and or an escape from danger." [p. 98]

> "As in the dramatic rescue of Lot and his two daughters, we have learned that to escape from danger does not require a supernatural rapture event. There was, however, supernatural intervention as the two angels came and persuaded them to leave the city. Sometimes escape from danger could be as practical as a man running away from a hungry bear. It could mean hiding in an old cave as Elijah did until the danger passed (1 Kings 19:9). Maybe it means fleeing to a city of refuge established under Joshua (Joshua 20). All of this is taken into account. But as we have already seen in Scripture, three literal, SUPERNATURAL raptures have already occurred. What is coming on the face of this planet is a situation with such peril that a dramatic escape is necessary for God to be in keeping with His character and promises. In the same way as the Old Testament included bits and pieces, here a little, there a little, of the coming of the Messiah that were flawlessly fulfilled, perhaps the same observation can be made concerning future rapture events." [p. 102]

> "As of this date of writing this book, to my knowledge there has not been any such historical event in church history that can adequately describe or literally satisfy a 'catching away' of believers. Therefore, it requires very little effort to place the event sometime in our future. As some would say, and I do not disagree, the very near future." [p. 103]

> See Genesis 5:24: "It is significant to observe that many Old Testament figures are only mentioned once. The Lord made certain that Enoch would not be easily forgotten. The writer of Hebrews, and Jude inspired by the Holy Spirit, included Enoch in their discourse, providing us a second and a third measure of emphasis for New Testament believers to ponder." [p. 105]

> See Hebrews 11:5 and Jude 14:15: "By reading the commentary given in Hebrews, it looks like our interpretation is correct. Because of Enoch's pleasing and intimate communion with Yahweh God, he was snatched out of this world to be with Him. He never knew the pain of death. Our response to this should be, 'Wow! What do I need to be doing and what should I be about in order for God to be tempted to do the same with me?'" [pages 105-106]

> The cold, hard truth of the matter: "We draw the conclusion that only those who are mature in their faith, walking the narrow road of obedience, prepared and watchful will be taken. What a troubling thing to contemplate. The remaining unrepentant believers will be left behind. This vast group of people who have accepted a gospel of mediocrity will likely miss the first rapture. Knowing beforehand this probing exercise will likely rouse some uncomfortable emotions and responses, I encourage you to forge ahead with me along this amazing journey of discovery. Though I am not God and certainly not the judge, this could serve as a POSSIBLE list of those who may not be adequately prepared:

Those who made a commitment to Jesus sometime in their life but did not continue to maturity ( Matthew 13:21; Hebrews 10:39).

Those who have not surrendered their will to God, but continue to pursue their own self-gratifying desires (Matthew 7-24-27; Romans 8:6-8; 1 Corinthians 3:13-15).

Those who believe they will go to heaven because they live by the Golden Rule and are a good person (Matthew 19:13, 22; Romans 3:23).

Those who believe willful, casual, and occasional sin is acceptable for a believer (Galatians 5:21; Hebrews 10:26-27).

Those who have ignored the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30).

Those weakened by poor church leadership or who become lazy and unfruitful because of the eternal security doctrine (Matthew 25:14-30).

Those trapped in the bondage of habitual sin and who refuse to confront the truth and seek deliverance (2 Timothy 3:5; 2 Peter 2:17-22).

Those who are sincere people exposed to and seduced by pseudo-Christian prophets and teachers, who became deceived through false teaching (Matthew 7:21-23; 24:24-25; Galatians 1:6-9; 1 Timothy 4:1,16; 6:3-7; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Jude 1:4).

Those who focus on outward appearances while they quietly sweep issues under the carpet or nurtture their pet sin in the closet (Matthew 23:1-36; 1 Timothy 5:24-25).

Those injured by someone in the church and it was not properly reconciled. Un-forgiveness still exists (Matthew 18:21-35).

Those confused and frustrated because of church schism and disunity. They fail to realize the church is a place where iron sharpens iron. It is also a place Satan loves to attack. Church should be viewed as a rehabilitation hospital, not a museum of perfected saints.

Those who believe church involvement to be irrelevant, boring, ineffective, or unattractive (1 Corinthians 2:14; James 2:14-26).

Those with faith, yet were found distracted by life's issues. Rather than finding a way to serve the Lord, they pacify themselves with worldly pleasures (Matthew 13:22; 25:5; Luke 21:34; James 4:1-4).

Those who horde their wealth and their heart and security is with their treasures (Matthew 6:19-21; 19:23-24; Acts 5:1-11; 1 Timothy 6:7-10, 17-18; Hebrews 13:5; James 5:1-6; Revelation 3:14-22).

Those who believe they have paid their dues by serving in their church for a time and have withdrawn themselves from service (1 Corinthians 15:58; James 2:14-26, 4:17).

Those whose faith is rooted in the institution of the church, its leadership, history and traditions rather than the person, Jesus Christ (Matthew 15:1-9; Hebrews 12:2).

Those who pray or worship icons, angels, saints, idols, or any other graven image. They have entertained and permitted intermediate agents to intercede for them rather than seeking personal intimacy with Jesus Himself (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Those who have become desensitized through the cry-wolf syndrome. The church has been preaching about the second coming for years (James 5:7-11). [pages 170-173]

> "To close, let our thoughts and contemplations be seeded with this observation: In biblical history, up to the present, three have been raptured from the earth -- Enoch, Elijah, and Jesus Christ." [p. 108]