First of all, many of us know the word “rapture” isn’t in any pre-1950 A.D. Biblical
texts (that I’m aware of), but from some of the so-called “Bible” translations I’ve
seen lately it wouldn’t totally surprise me to find it. One thing is for certain,
that word and doctrine isn’t in any of the Hebrew or Greek manuscripts. Actually,
where the modern term “rapture” derived from is the Latin word, “rapiemur” (a.k.a.
its base form, “rapere”) located in 1 Thessalonians 4: 17 of the Vulgate (Latin Scriptures),
but what we are more interested in finding is the Greek terminology since the Latin
New Testament was translated from the Greek. First, the Latin “rapere” means, “be
seized” or “to seize [anything]”, but the more modern English version of “rapture”
has come to be associated with “seized by extreme joy” or “ecstasy”, even though
it’s roots come from the Latin simply meaning: “to seize”. More importantly however,
the Greek base word “harpadzo” is the word from which the English equivalent “caught
up” is derived in 1 Thessalonians 4: 17 (“harpagesometha” (har-pag-ay-so-meth-a)
in the Textus Receptus). Harpadzo literally means: “forceful [jerking motion]” or
“to seize suddenly as by force”, so the Latin “rapiemur” agrees with that. No problem
there. Yet, the modern illustration given to us of a “rapture” is rosy, quiet, gentle,
and secretive. How could that be? Chiefly by not understanding how quickly the living
Christians will be changed from the flesh body into a spirit body, and that being
in scant few milliseconds of time; in the twinkle of an eye (1 Corinthians 15: 51-52).
The error is also by misunderstanding what makes that “change of body” happen, as
well as when it occurs - error upon error really.
It also seems many people today are getting their Bible doctrines from the dictionary,
as I have encountered this in different circles of discussion. However, the original
Biblical texts / languages do not leave room for generational interpretations (normally).
Words are vulnerable to changing their meaning over the course of time either subtly
or not so subtly in Secular dictionaries. Sometimes definitions are more or less
prone to go with the flow of a society’s beliefs, causing the introduction of errant
entries. I have encountered this very thing regarding a lot of Biblical related references.
This many times influences the beliefs of people through errors or that which is
built upon someone else's errors. The word “easter” is given as an excellent example
to prove an error in most popular dictionaries and is based upon an error made by
the King James translators. Well, that's not really true. It can't be, because a
Christian translator would never make a mistake that bad, so the error was more likely
introduced by a non-Christian scrivener with mystical beliefs, being paid by how
many words he scribbled; probably the same one or of the same group who introduced
the word “unicorn” in the Old Testament. A person would have to abnormally force
a modern interpretative definition upon a Greek or Hebrew word (or any language),
changing it's ideal to fit their purposes, but the change would stick out like a
hammer bashed sore thumb to a Biblical linguist. The modern definitions of “rapture”
and “easter” fit right nicely into that category. But in the case of the word “easter”,
the original Greek word “Pascha (Passover)” was supplanted altogether by the heathen
word “easter (Ishtar - a pagan “deity”)” in Acts 12: 4. One or more scribes practically
single handedly changed the meaning of the Holy Passover in the minds of untold millions,
into a perverted Easter egg forage where abnormal bunnies secretly lay eggs which
must be found; one giant leap away from reality and Truth. The same form holds true
for the second coming of Christ and the opposing word “rapture”. I suspect the serpent's
intervention on these, because it smacks of his style. Scripture does say that satan
will think to change times and laws (Daniel 7: 25), and he has already caused a lot
of confusion thus far.
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As a side note, I sincerely hope some congregations still aren’t confusing children
in their communities with left-over practices of heathen fertility rites propagated
by the pagan Ishtarites during a Holy time of remembrance for Christ's Sacrifice,
when He made it necessary for the death angel to once again pass over GOD's children
- permanently this time; same doctrine and the continuance of the same ideal of the
old Passover. Mixing bitter “easter” and sweet Passover is forbidden and confusing.
Forbidden in the sense that GOD forbade the mention of false gods (Exodus 23: 13),
and confusing in the sense of being a primary tool of satanic influence to muddy
the Truth. This is the same shade of gray which the “rapture” doctrine paints. At
any rate, GOD is not the author of confusion, but of peace. So, how can there be
peace in blatant disregard for Truth, especially while doing it in the Name of Christ.
True Christians have no desire to partake in the ways of the willingly ignorant,
no matter who it offends or who drops out because of strict adherence to reality.
The Lord commands to come out from among the heathen rituals so that you receive
no part in their judgment (2 Corinthians 6: 17 and Revelation 18: 4). This should
be an easy thing to do I would think, but I have questioned some “pastors” on this
and they brush it off as if I am trying to change their bedrock of “Christianity”.
I suppose they felt it would confuse people if they tried to make an abrupt change
to do things properly. They're probably right about that. Then, calendars and minds
would need to be changed and that would bend everything out of shape, in addition
to seeming peculiar to the world (Deuteronomy 26: 18). Oh well, what does GOD care
about it. I must report however, that some congregations are refraining from the
"E" word to opt for "Resurrection Sunday" instead. That is a little closer to Truth,
but it is still not the “Passover” pattern which GOD called for and purposely instituted
thousands of years ago. A little advancement is better than none in a human’s mind
I guess, but calling it what it truly is would be unwavering recognition. “Resurrection
Sunday” somewhat shows an underlying fear of being associated with Old Testament
practices without regard for Christ fulfilling and perfecting those old principals
without changing their meaning. These are the same groups who feel that Christ uprooted
and done away with all of the Old Testament. He did change the old practices but
not the meanings of them. Well, this wasn't a side note after all, but a stopover
I suppose.
Now, gladly back to the topic. The Greek word “harpagesometha” (“harpadzo” + “meta”
= “caught up” + “among”) found in the Greek texts causes us to understand that the
spirit is instantly taken out of the flesh body in a sudden moment, to be among Jesus
and the returning saints (1 Thessalonians 4: 17). The flesh consumes away from the
intense brightness and burning of Christ’s Presence, while it is still standing upright.
The human body will not have time to fall to the ground before being destroyed (Zechariah
14: 12), and the inner spiritual man comes forth to shine as the stars of heaven
(Daniel 12: 3); reflecting Christ's Glory. Bearing this in mind helps us envision
the rapid succession of events which will occur and the intensity of the word “harpadzo”.
That rapid occurrence is really a little more than our minds can grasp. The description
of those who fight against GOD and Jerusalem in Zechariah 14: 12 is called “the plague”,
and it is the beginning stage of being cursed away from GOD for some. The quickness
of that “change of body” is hardly considered in modern interpretations; only lightly
in passing. The reason this is referred to as a “plague” in Zechariah 14: 12 is because,
this is the only portion allotted to those who fight against GOD at the end. All
flesh bodies will receive that curse at Christ’s coming, except the Christian will
inherit eternal life immediately at the time of change, whereas those who fight against
GOD will receive that “plague” of the flesh as their only portion; with no hope of
life. One group experiences death being swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:
54-55), and another group only experiences death.
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The majority of those who believe in a “rapture” feel it is the flesh body which
is “snatched away” or “caught up”, but any rational thinking Christian knows the
truth is - it is the spirit man which is suddenly “seized” out of the flesh body.
Neither we nor GOD has any need for the carnal flesh in Heaven above or in Christ’s
Kingdom to come upon earth. Common sense and devoted Bible study informs us of this.
It seems the people who hope in a “rapture” really like the flesh body based on how
much they wish it to be eternally protected, preserved, and safe. I personally don’t
see anything so fanciful about flesh that would deem it desirably suitable for eternal
existence. I think it is a hindrance to the spiritual way of life and something to
be overcome rather than enjoyed and this also is how GOD sees and purposed it.
It is appointed to all men to die once (Hebrews 9: 27). Every human being must taste
the sting of death one time, although, those who live to see Christ's second Advent
shall remember this saying from 1 Corinthians 15: 53-55 relating to the change which
occurs at the seventh and final trump, i.e., the trump of GOD (1 Corinthians 15:
51-52).
1 Corinthians 15: 53-55
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall
have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written,
Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory?
To better envision actually how fast the spirit man comes from within the flesh man
at the seventh and final trump (see 1 Thessalonians 4: 16 below), imagine you cut
or prick your finger. Sometimes we think we immediately feel the pain, but there
is a pause in milliseconds of time while the impulse is sent through the nerve system;
from our finger to our brain. But at the seventh trump of GOD, when our being is
changed from physical to spirit, in the twinkle of an eye, this is quicker in time
than the flesh impulse of pain will have to resound the message to the brain. That
is faster than we're accustomed to or possibly even imagined.
Here's another small digression, but something to think about. The brain is not the
mind. It is merely (miraculously so) flesh related nerve endings which send and receive
impulses, causing and allowing the human body to relate and interact with its physical
surroundings. The spirit man has control over most, if not all of these movements
and senses if we allow it, but a lot of people don't allow that by instead allowing
the flesh “mind” to have its free course of impulses and desires without thinking
of associated consequences incurred through those very actions and desires.
Moving onward, one of the least understood doctrines is concerning death. Who, what,
when, where, why, and how? Where are the dead? Do deceased Christians go to the same
place as sinners? Many Christians do not know the answers to these questions, but
the following section of 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 should help us understand.
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1 Thessalonians 4: 14-18
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep
[note: deceased ◦ koimao (Grk.)], that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no
hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep
in Jesus will GOD bring with Him. [note: !!!!!!!!!!!! - I need to add some emphasis
to this, because many people skim over verses 13 and 14 to either proceed to, or
they start at verse 15 or 16 to begin with. Jesus will bring the Christians who died
before the second Advent with Him from the Heavenly Paradise. They will not be resurrected
from earthen tombs at His second Coming. Halleluyah, GOD does not leave His children
in graves, because Christ defeated death! Jesus taught the same thing by the parable
of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16: 19-31. As a witness to Christ’s victory over
death, after His resurrection, dead saints were seen wondering around Jerusalem (Matthew
27: 52-53). That was the secondary sign that dead Christians no longer dwell in the
grave. The incidence was the prophecy which Jesus spoke in John 5: 25 being fulfilled].
15 For this we say unto you by The Word of The Lord, that we which are alive [and]
remain unto the coming of The Lord shall not prevent [note: precede ◦ phthano (Grk.)]
them which are asleep [note: deceased = koimao (Grk.) - Paul wrote; “living Christians
cannot precede those who have already resurrected to The Lord”. That makes perfect
sense].
16 For The Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of
the archangel, and with the trump of GOD [note: the last (final) trump is GOD’s Trump
(1 Corinthians 15: 51-52)]: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [note: The dead
in Christ already did rise first, and verses 13-14 tells us Jesus will bring them
with Him from Heaven. In verses 15-16, Paul is using repetitive teaching to tell
us it is an impossibility for the living Christian to precede the already departed
(deceased) Christian. If we believe Jesus rose from the dead, so do all Christians
when they die. They do not remain in the grave awaiting resurrection. People did
that before Jesus resurrected, because He is the firstborn from the dead (Colossians
1: 18), but no Christian remains in the grave after the plan of Salvation was fulfilled.
Jesus destroyed all bonds of death and the grave for all Christians, so it is not
fitting for them to rise from the grave when He comes, because they can’t; they are
not there. They quickened back to life immediately at the time of their flesh death.
Remember, GOD is not The GOD of the dead, but of the living (Matthew 12: 22 ◦ Mark
12: 26-27 ◦ Luke 20: 38). In verses 15-17, Paul is expounding the whole description
of the gathering of the living Christians to meet Jesus in the air along with those
Christians who already died previously; in order to better explain what he wrote
in verses 13-14. In verse 17 below, Paul is saying: “after those Christians who have
died and risen at the time of their death, and then later rise to come from Heaven
with Jesus, THEN we which are remaining alive here on earth will be snatched out
of our flesh body to be like those who are coming with Jesus; in their “spirit bodies”.
If we really believe in what Jesus accomplished on the cross, this is not a hard
doctrine to understand at all. 1 John 3: 2 tells us as soon as Jesus appears, then
we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He really is; i.e., living in a
spirit body in the spirit dimension. That is a very, very fast change - in the twinkling
of the eye. The main reason we will see Him as He really is, is because, we will
be instantly changed into spirit “creatures” to be like we really are, who can see
and abide in the spirit world. We can’t typically see into the spirit realm while
being flesh creatures.]
17 Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up [note: caught up = seized
= taken forcefully and suddenly = harpagesometha (Grk.) - see the paragraphs above]
together with them in the clouds, to meet The Lord in the air: and so shall we ever
be with The Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words [note: What is the primary word
of comfort here? It happens to be the subject of these verses and is related to the
opening verses, 13-14; “Where are the deceased Christians”. We can comfort one another
in the fact that people who die in The Lord are resurrected at the time of their
death. They are only dead long enough to feel the sting of death before they are
ushered by the angels into a spiritual life in Paradise (Luke 16: 22). Praise GOD.
That is comforting].
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To summarize, in verse 14 above we have another myth dispelled. A lot of people believe
the now deceased Christians are waiting to resurrect at Christ’s coming, but that
differs from what verse 14 teaches us. In verse 15, those Christians which are alive
and awaiting The Lord’s return cannot precede those who are asleep in Jesus (deceased
Christians only viewed as sleeping to us, not GOD), because verse 14 tells us the
deceased Christians will be rising to return from Heaven with Jesus. Again, this
is really very simple to understand, but many forget what verse 14 says to them by
the time they get to verse 16, or they never even noticed it to begin with, which
is many times the case. Well, in all fairness they have a lot of help in forgetting
and/or neglecting what verse 14 is describing. In verses 14 and 16 combined, GOD
is telling us through Paul; “the dead have most certainly risen first and Jesus will
bring them with Him from Paradise at His second Advent”. In verse 17 we are seeing
the reunification of the previously departed (deceased) saints with the remaining
(living) saints on earth, at which time all are gathered together unto The Lord at
Jerusalem (the time-line subject of 2 Thessalonians 2: 1). “The dead shall rise first”
simply reads as this in the Greek: “the dead stand / rise (egeiro ◦ Grk.) first”.
Once again, we know if they’re returning with The Lord Jesus, they will not rise
from the earthly realm, but they shall arise from resting in the Heavenly Realm (Paradise);
to stand on earth again. They were most assuredly the first to stand, again, because
they initially rose up as soon as their flesh bodies died a mortal death; carried
into Heaven by the angels. To reiterate, this is just as Jesus taught us in Luke
16: 22. Revelation 14: 13 tells us the “deceased” Christians are resting, and Luke
16: 22-31 ◦ 23: 43 tells us where they are resting; and that being Paradise (Paradeisos
◦ (Grk.) = Eden = The Heavenly Garden of GOD; of which the earthly Eden was only
a pattern).
Once again to (over) insure clarity - If we believe that Jesus rose from the dead,
and we do if we’re Christians, even so do those who sleep (die) in Jesus, and GOD
The Son will bring them with Him from Heaven. Simple, yet powerful doctrine.
The “rapture” doctrine is one of the loudest doctrines in the world today and the
masses do know about it, because it is broadcast virtually 24 - 7 - 365. But, Amos
8: 11 should ring out in our mind more than what we hear in the world. That verse
informs us that at a time appointed by GOD, He will make His True Word to be in short
supply, i.e., famine. People will be running to and fro to find it, but shall be
mostly unsuccessful. This is an excellent picture of today, and I can verify that
they are mostly not finding sound Biblical teachings; even now. Partly because GOD
said they would not find much of His Word in their search (famine), and partly because
I have done a lot of searching to see for myself. I can safely report without hesitation
that I have rarely found anything similar to ultimate Truth, so the following verses
of Amos 8: 11-13 are now in effect, except they will become more vividly explicit
in the extreme latter days.
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Amos 8: 11-13
11 Behold, the days come, saith The Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land,
not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing The Words of The LORD:
12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they
shall run to and fro to seek The Word of The LORD, and shall not find it.
13 In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst.
That’s a pity, because they are seemingly hungering, thirsting, and searching to
find and feast, but guess where they are not searching. You guessed it ..... they
are not seeking from the source well spring of life - The Bible itself (with The
Holy Spirit’s help). It appears many today would rather read a book about The Bible
instead of The Bible itself, hoping to gain interpretive insight from the knowledge
of man, because they feel they can actually communicate audibly / verbally or visually
with him without much help from GOD; or so it seems. That is the worst place to look
too, especially when GOD Himself said He would cause a famine for hearing His Words.
All the while, The Holy Spirit is teaching those who inquire from Him and upbraiding
them not (James 1: 5); no famine for those folks. Generally, mankind has the tendency
to sugarcoat the Word of GOD in order to please the tithe paying congregation and
even in this present age we have so-called “authorities” (for lack of a better word)
sticking their politically “incorrect” noses into the pulpit to give their unlearned
flesh-deep opinions. Alternatively, one who teaches GOD’s Word straight through will
not win any popularity contests in this world; that’s for sure. It’s always been
that way for the most part and I don’t see any indication within Scriptures that
it will change. Enjoy irregardless - why not?
Today, in the so-called “Christian arena”, we mostly have the “Milk” of The Word
of GOD (Salvation and the most simple Scriptures) being taught (see 1 Corinthians
3: 2 and Hebrews 5: 12-14). Praise GOD for that. It is necessary for some people,
both in the beginning stage and before they begin their journey toward GOD. But,
the “rapture” / “escape from tribulation” doctrine and virtually meaningless anecdotes
are taking up most of our time. There is much more to The Bible than our hungry souls
are being fed - if we rely on man for our spiritual food. That is one indication
of famine. Clearly, The Bible has no “escape” doctrine whatsoever in all of it’s
pages and GOD has used so many examples throughout thousands of years to inform us
that His chosen people(s) have always endured through and in tribulations. So, it
is evident, even today we are practically being starved to death of Truth and in
fact many have literally been Biblically starved unto the day of their death. That
is another indication we are without a doubt in Scriptural famine right now. I mentioned
Hebrews 5: 12-14 above, but let me include those verses right here so I’m certain
you have seen them.
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Hebrews 5: 12-14
12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you
again which [be] the first principles of the Oracles of GOD; and are become such
as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
13 For every one that useth milk [is] unskilful in the Word of Righteousness: for
he is a babe.
14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason
of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
We see from the verses above that Milk (Salvation and simple Bible stories) is not
enough to feed a soul with a proper Biblical diet. I know of 80+ year old people
who have been as 50, 60, or 70 year baby Christians. The “Milk” is certainly a necessary
start, but there is so much more GOD would have us to know about good and evil and
the references which show how the end-time evil will portray itself as that which
is good and wholesome (e.g. 2 Corinthians 11: 12-15); many times right from the pulpits
of the world. If we leave parts of the Bible out and only touch on certain doctrines
of the simplest nature, we have essentially forsaken complete Truth. This is the
definition of “apostasy” (fallen away from Truth) given to us in 2 Thessalonians
chapter 2. A little bit of Truth is not good enough and neither is all “Milk”. It
is imperative that our diet consists mainly of the “Meat” of the Scriptures, unless
we are babes in Christ of course, but we’ll always be babes if we only take the “Milk”.
The goal is “Meat” ultimately.
Just because we see, hear, or read something labeled as Biblical, doesn’t necessarily
mean it is. I would rather have you study and believe The Bible for yourself over
and above what is written in these pages. I do all of my own research and take no
man’s word as final authority and I adjure you to do the same. We all must search
the Scriptures daily to find if the things men say and write are in-line with Truth
(Acts 17: 11). I will help you however I can by directing anyone to tried and proven
resources in order to accomplish their goal of understanding. Additionally, I include
myself in the same category as the other men mentioned above. No man can become a
replacement for The Word of GOD, but many are trying to be.
The only way to do better than modern day Christian study materials is to learn the
original Bible languages for yourself (the preferred method). There are some doctrinal
inaccuracies in most study materials. That is just a fact of life. Some of the lexicons,
dictionaries, and even Bibles I have in my own library are from men well versed in
linguistics, but they fall painfully short when it comes to understanding sound Biblical
doctrine apart from the Milk - that same Milk which GOD made so naturally simple
anyone could perceive. Still, their printed works are a good starting point into
understanding the Biblical languages as long as you learn where to draw the line
between fact and fiction. I only say that of Dictionaries, Lexicons, and Concordances
- not of horrible modern copyrighted Bible translations. The KJV Bible is the tool
to use for the English speaking Bible student, even with the few mistranslations
contained within. But, with a Concordance patterned to fit the KJV Bible, a person
can find the Greek words for themselves. Personally, I'll take the older and oldest
(if I can find them), time proven Bible works which are less prone to be distorted
by a modern day apostate agenda seeking to fill us with aberrant fallacies. I would
ideally recommend that for newer students. As far as modern Bible commentaries go,
I refuse to go to the memory of those, but suffice it to say, I threw those out a
long time ago; after I was weaned from the Milk and given to taste for Meat. But
thank GOD for that Milk. It is the start of life, yet, still it does not prosper
understanding, just as cow milk alone will not sustain an adult body with a long
and healthy lifetime. And even still I love the remembrance of the Milk. It is after
all, part of a healthy diet, we just can’t use it continually in the place of Meat
and expect to understand all of the Bible thereby. This was precisely as GOD designed
it. The Meat is given to those who are spiritually matured and can bear it, which
should be a description of any adult - 5 or 10 year Christian. I personally know
of instances where some teenagers and even younger are in tune with GOD’s Word; especially
gifted ones who had gifted teachers. But, you can sing a song to me anytime of Jesus
and Salvation. I would love to hear it. “Victory in Jesus” anyone?
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At any rate, people who claim the Christian will be “raptured” out to “The Marriage
Supper of The Lamb” haven’t read Isaiah chapters 25 through 27 with understanding,
because these chapters explain when and where that actual Feast occurs and the location
where GOD wipes away all tears from the eyes of His remnant; and it is going to be
on the Holy Mountain of GOD in the earthly Jerusalem. These chapters in Isaiah really
touch on the very last days of this earth age and the first days of Christ’s millennial
Kingdom on earth. Even description of GOD punishing satan is given and if you include
Isaiah chapter 24, more insight into the turmoil of the great tribulation and complete
rearrangement of the earth at Christ’s coming is given to us.
Isaiah 25: 1-12
1 O LORD, thou [art] my GOD; I will exalt Thee, I will praise Thy Name; for Thou
hast done wonderful [things]; [Thy] Counsels of old [are] Faithfulness [and] Truth.
2 For Thou hast made of a city an heap; [of] a defenced city a ruin: a palace of
strangers to be no city; it shall never be built.
3 Therefore shall the strong people glorify Thee, the city of the terrible nations
shall fear Thee.
4 For Thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress,
a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones
[is] as a storm [against] the wall.
5 Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers, as the heat in a dry place; [even]
the heat with the shadow of a cloud: the branch [note: satan, i.e., as a pruned branch
- see Isaiah 14: 9 and Ezekiel 31] of the terrible ones shall be brought low [note:
as low as going into the bottomless pit (Revelation 20: 1-3; also see Isaiah 24:
21-22)].
6 And in this mountain shall The LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat
things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the
lees well refined [note: we see the mountain of GOD in Jerusalem as the location
of the gathering and feasting].
7 And He will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering [note: satan - the
covering cherub - Ezekiel 28: 14] cast over all people, and the vail that is spread
over all nations.
8 He will swallow up death [note: death = satan (Hebrews 2: 14)] in victory [note:
see 1 Corinthians 15: 54]; and The Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces;
and the rebuke of His people shall He take away from off all the earth: for The LORD
hath spoken [it].
9 And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this [is] our GOD; we have waited for Him,
and He will save us: this [is] The LORD; we have waited for Him, we will be glad
and rejoice in His Salvation.
10 For in this mountain shall The Hand of The LORD rest, and Moab shall be trodden
down under Him, even as straw is trodden down for the dunghill.
11 And He shall spread forth His Hands in the midst of them, as he that swimmeth
spreadeth forth [his hands] to swim: and He shall bring down their pride together
with the spoils of their hands.
12 And the fortress of the high fort of thy walls shall He bring down, lay low, [and]
bring to the ground, [even] to the dust.
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We notice in verse 9 above that it shall be said on The Lord’s day (to paraphrase):
“... This is our GOD who we have waited for”. This shows us these are Christians
who come through the final tribulation, waiting for the One True GOD to save and
deliver them from the imitation god - satan (anti-christ). These ones wait for The
Lord and refused the deceptive salvation (ostensive peace and prosperity) which the
devil had to offer (see Daniel 7: 25 ◦ 8: 23-25 ◦ 11: 28-39). Much can be said of
“waiting” for The Lord and Daniel 12: 11-12 gives an interesting insight into that.
First of all, this principle of “waiting” fills the pages of the Bible and John gave
recognition to the “patience of Jesus Christ” (see Revelation 1: 9 below). From our
studies we understand the term anti-christ means, instead of Christ. 2 Thessalonians
chapter 2 teaches us that satan (anti-christ) comes to the Holy Land of Israel claiming
and showing himself to be God, before Jesus arrives in Jerusalem. All who do not
know The Lord or understand Scriptures will be deceived by the dragon and the miracles
he will perform (Revelation 13: 8 and verses 13-14), which will persuade them that
only GOD could do such things. If a person does not wait for The True Son of GOD
at the seventh and final trump, but accepts the imitation son - the son of perdition
(destruction) before then, that person will be marked to be among the numbers of
people deceived by the dragon (who looks like a (the) lamb). Daniel 12: 11-12 is
completely in line with 2 Thessalonians chapter 2, Revelation chapter 12, 1 Corinthians
15: 51-52, Matthew chapter 24, Mark chapter 13, Luke chapter 21, as well as 1 Thessalonians
chapter 4; and even all Scriptures concerning the great tribulation. In fact, the
days mentioned in Daniel 12: 11-12 are exactly in-line with the days we will study
from Revelation chapter 12 in the following section; "Rapture - Part 2". So, with
so much emphasis on “patience” and “waiting upon GOD”, is there ever a time to forsake
that ideal to consider “rapture escape” instead? ..... Quite simply; No.
These verses below from Genesis 49: 8-10 are prophecies regarding the Christian’s
gathering to The Lord Jesus Christ (unto Jerusalem of Judea) at His second Advent.
This prophecy is revealed to us through Jacob (Israel) before his death in Egypt.
Actually, all of these verses denote The Messiah of GOD - Jesus The Christ, also
referred to as “The Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5: 5); being the ultimate
posterity of brother Judah.
Genesis 49: 8-10
8 Judah, thou [art he] whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand [shall be] in the
neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.
9 Judah [is] a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped
down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?
10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet,
until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be] [note: gathering
to The Son of GOD in Jerusalem of Judea].
With the understanding we have gained through our studies thus far, we can quickly
pick out a couple of misplaced words in the following verse of Revelation 3: 10.
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Revelation 3: 10
10 Because thou hast kept The Word of My patience [note: hupomone ◦ [hoop-om-on-ay']
(Grk.) = enduring, waiting, patient continuance], I also will keep [note: watch over
= tereso ◦ [tay-ray'-soh] (Grk.)] thee from [note: from = ek (Grk.) = through] the
hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon
the earth [note: see Zechariah 13: 8-9].
The opening words of the above verse: “The Word of My patience” as spoken to John,
are certainly akin to the the words spoken by John in Revelation 1: 9.
Revelation 1: 9
9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom
and patience [note: hupomone ◦ [hoop-om-on-ay'] (Grk.) = enduring, waiting, patient
continuance] of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for The Word
of GOD, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
The Lord expects us to patiently follow the patterns He has set before us. We must
wait, endure, and patiently continue. No matter what - wait and endure until our
change comes, just as brother Job testified (Job 14: 14). The Lord gave the prophecies
in the book of Revelation to John, in order for him to give those same prophecies
to The Lord’s servants for the last days (Revelation 1: 1-3). We must keep The Word
of The Lord’s patience. His Word is for patience and strength in tribulation (through
The Holy Spirit). Oppositely, in view of Jesus’ encouragement in Revelation 3: 10
above, there would not be much reason for GOD to watch over someone in tribulation
who does not keep The Word of Christ’s patience in their heart (James 1: 2-4, 8,
12-13). He has never prospered fearful impatient apostates throughout all of recorded
history. The whole Bible is The Word of The Lord’s patience. The whole Word testifies
against a “rapture” or any other type of escape. In the early days of Jesus’ ministry,
many of His disciples quit following Him after they understood what He expected from
them. They probably went off and started their own ministries which were a little
easier to the ears and lifestyle. They are called the synagogues of satan, which
weaken and pamper people into complacency, so that there is no chance for them to
endure or survive through a tribulation - especially when they are totally ignorant
of GOD’s Word or what He expects. And while in that ignorance, they see no need to
prepare or seriously study the Scriptures in order to show themselves approved to
GOD (2 Timothy 2: 15). They already think they are approved, even without observance
of GOD’s commands. Neither do those have intentions of preparing their hearts for
the great tribulation.
Apostasy is a simply sublime habitation where the light bulbs never burn out (symbolically),
the roof never leaks, and the taxes never come due, but it will not always stay that
way. One day, all of the problems shall be compounded to fill one whole day with
years of deferred grief (Isaiah 24: 16-18 and Amos 5: 17-20). Of that type of pain
there shall be no remedy or escape. I may have said this before and I may say it
again, but, I would rather have you offended and mad at me today over my challenging
you to make sure of your beliefs, than to have you offended at GOD and perpetually
mad at yourself until you are destroyed because of incorrect beliefs. If any man
thinks that he stands, he needs to reconsider this lest he falls (I Corinthians 10:
12). I absolutely include myself in the preceding sentence, just as GOD intended
me to be included. Amen.
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Back To:
“Bible Prophecy Basics - Part 1”
“Bible Prophecy Basics - Part 2”
“Bible Prophecy Basics - Part 3”
“Prophecy Patterns”
Forward To:
“Rapture - Part 2”
“666 - Mark Of The Beast”
“The Great Tribulation”
“Babylon”
“Closing Words”
“Invitation To Salvation - Come To Know The Lord”
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