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Original Message
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Greetings All;
The Rapture and Second Coming of Christ are two separate, distinct events. The rapture occurs 40 day after the resurrection of the dead (likely April 21, 2008, Nisan/Abib 18, The Feast of Firstfruits), 40 days later on the 26/27th day of the second month (May 31st, 2008) is likely the rapture.
Rapture, catching away (Hebrew: ’haNatzyl, haNasa’el’ (lycn-hA, lxesnA-hA, Koine Greek: ‘’, harpazo’, Aramaic: ‘JFHtx’, Latin: ‘rapiemur’} -- is the belief that the members of the body of Christ will be evacuated prior the return of Jesus (Greek ‘Parousia’). The word rapture does not appear in English translations of scripture, as neither do the words ‘Trinity’ and ‘Bible’. However, absence of proof is not tantamount to proof of absence. In the Latin vulgate the word appears as ‘rapiere, rapiemur’ from which is derived the English word rapture. There are numerous positions concerning this event. There is the ‘no rapture at all’ [nraat] theory. Generally, the people who tend to hold this vista, nraat, usually find repulsive the actual person of those who do believe in a rapture. Nraat’ers tend to get boisterous and adamant, sometimes referring to rapturists as ‘escapists’ and ‘cowards’ for wanting to not be around when the events spelled out in the Book of Revelation occur. There are those who believe the rapture will occur before the tribulation described in the Gospels and Book of Revelation. This group is usually nicknamed ‘pre-tribbers’. There are those who believe that the rapture will occur 3.5 years from the onset of the “Seventieth Week of Daniel” (See Daniel chapter 9). This group bears the name ‘mid-tribbers’. There is a group that contends that the rapture will occur at the ‘last trump’ (See 1 Corinthians 15:52), which they usually equate with the 7th trumpet named in the Book of Revelation. This group usually is referred to as ‘post-tribbers’. There is also a group of believes multiple raptures will occur. This group generally is denoted by the appellation harem-tribbers’ for believing that there is more than ‘one bride’ that Christ is coming for. The hierarchy of Catholicism generally tend to be nraat’ers. Protestantism and Messianic Judaism tends to be 50-50 on the idea, and then subdivide into the different time eras after that. What does scripture say? It depends on whose version of scripture one is reading. In the middle ages several (Tyndale’s Bible, Wycliffe’s and Coverdale’s?) of the extant versions at that time had something akin to this: 2 Thessalonians 2:3 “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come first a departure, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;” In most present editions that verse is rendered something like this: ASV2 Thessalonians 2:3 “let no man beguile you in any wise: for it will not be, except the falling away come first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition,” Numerous persons contend that the ‘falling away’ (Greek ‘, apostasia) is a generalized defection from the faith. Having worked as an Engineer for almost 30 years, this author recognizes the cognates in the word ‘apostasia’. It can be rendered as “a” i.e. ‘without’, or ‘not’ and ‘postasia’, postadia (position, or station). A case could also be made for ‘apo’, away from, and ‘stadia’, standing. In Civil Engineering, land surveyors use the term ‘stadia’ for distance measures. In any case, it is a stretch to reckon it as a falling from faith. There are numerous verses to support the idea for a pre-tribulation rapture. The translation or removal from earth of the ‘Bride of Christ” (Matthew 9:15; Mark 2:19; Galatians 6:16; Revelation 21:9) before the Second Coming of Christ (Exodus12:42 [the reference here is the duty to keep vigil throughout the entire day of Abib 16th.]; Job 34:20 [the reference to ‘midnight’]; Psalms 23:5 [Table here is a reference to the wedding supper, ‘thine enemies’ is a reference to Satan in heaven before Michael throws him out.]; Proverbs 11:4, 23:18 [‘expectation’ here = ‘Blessed Hope], 25:2-7; Ecclesiastes 8:5; Song of Songs 2:10-13; Isaiah 25:8-9, 26:19-21 57:1[idete wv o dikaiov apwleto kai oudeiv ekdecetai th kardia kai andrev dikaioi airontai kai oudeiv katanoei apo gar proswpou adikiav hrtai o dikaiov. The word literally means “fly away”; it is from where the word ‘airplane’ comes.]; 2 Esdras 16:64-66; Matthew 24:36-42; Mark 13:32; Luke 21:32; Acts 1:7, 1:11; 1 Corinthians 15:50-52; 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 2:19, 4:14-18; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 2:3, 9:28; 1 Peter 2:12 [Since Peter wrote this AFTER Yeshua’s birth/execution, the visitation here can only refer to the rapture; if Peter had been referring to establishing the millennial kingdom (i.e., The Second Coming), he would not have said a visitation.]; Revelation 1:7, 3:10). Includes both living and dead (1 Corinthians 15:50-52; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; 5:3-9, 1 John 3:2-3). Followed by the marriage of believers to Christ (Matthew 25:1-10; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23,32; Revelation 19:6-9), believers being rewarded (Matthew 25:19; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Peter 5:2). The rapture will be 40 days AFTER the ‘dead in Christ’ arises. The occurrence of the rapture will take place just as its foreshadow transpired: Matthew 27:51 “And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; 52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.”. Yeshua AND the resurrected dead preached for 40 days – none of those resurrected saints were taken BEFORE Yeshua was taken on the 40th day. Thus, the rapture will not be a mystery.
The Second Coming is associated with the “Day of the Lord” – Armageddon. The prophet Daniel specifies the exact day! If one is still here during the era of the antichrist; when the AC sets up the abomination of desolation on a wing of the Temple in Jerusalem, the count off 1,290 days, that is Armageddon. (Daniel NIV Daniel 12:11 "From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. 13 "As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance."
SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
Called the Second Coming:
Times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord (Ac 3:19). Times of restitution of all things (Acts 3:21, w Romans 8:21). Last time (1Pe 1:5). Appearing of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:7). Revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:13). Glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior (Titus 2:13). Coming of the day of God (2Peter 3:12). Day of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:8).
Foretold by:
Prophets (Daniel 7:13; Jude 14). Jesus (Matthew 25:31; John 14:3). Apostles (Acts 3:20; 1 Timothy 6:14). Angels (Acts 1:10-11). Signs preceding (Matthew 24:3).
The Manner of:
In clouds (Matthew 24:30; 26:64; Revelation 1:7). In the glory of his Father (Matthew 16:27). In his own glory (Matthew 25:31). In flaming fire (2 Thessalonians 1:8). With power and great glory (Matthew 24:30). As he ascended (Acts 1:9,11). Accompanied by angels (Matthew 16:27; 25:31; Mark 8:38). With his saints (1 Thessalonians 3:13; Jude 14). As the lightning (Matthew 24:27). The heavens and earth shall be dissolved (2 Peter 3:10,12). Is not to make atonement (Hebrews 9:28, w Romans 6:9-10; Hebrews 10:14).
The Purposes of the Second Coming:
To complete the salvation of saints (Hebrews 9:28; 1 Peter 1:5). Be glorified in his saints (2 Thessalonians 1:10). Be marveled at among those who believe (2 Thessalonians 1:10). Bring to light the hidden things of darkness (1 Corinthians 4:5). To Judge (Psalms 50:3-4, w John 5:22; 2Ti 4:1; Jude 15; Revelation 20:11-13). To Reign (Isaiah 24:23; Daniel 7:14; Revelation 11:15). Destroy death (1 Corinthians 15:25-26). Every eye shall see him at (Revelation 1:7). Blessedness of being prepared for (Matthew 24:46; Luke 12:37-38).
The Saints regarding the Second Coming:
Assured of (Job 19:25-26). Love (2 Timothy 4:8). Look for (Philippians 3:20; Titus 2:13). Wait for (1 Corinthians 1:7). Speed its coming (2 Peter 3:12). Pray for (Revelation 22:20). Should be ready for (Matthew 24:44; Luke 12:40). Shall be preserved unto (Philippians 1:6; 2 Timothy 4:18; 1 Peter 1:5; Jude 24). Shall not be ashamed at (1 John 2:28; 1 John 4:17). Shall be blameless at (1 Corinthians 1:8; Jude 24). Shall be like him at (Philippians 3:21; 1 John 3:2). Shall see him as he is (1 John 3:2). Shall appear with him in glory at (Colossians 3:4). Shall reign with him at (Daniel 7:27; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 5:10; 20:6; 22:5). Faith of, will be praised at (1 Peter 1:7).
The Wicked:
Scoff at (2 Peter 3:3-4). Presume upon the delay of (Matthew 24:48). Shall be surprised by (Matthew 24:37-39; 2 Peter 3:10). Shall be punished at (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). The man of sin to be destroyed at (2 Thessalonians 2:8). Illustrated (Mt 25:6; Lk 12:36,39; 19:12,15).
In the Greek there are at least two terms employed to express the coming/appearance of Yeshua:
#1. 2240 h[kw heko {hay'-ko}
Meaning: 1) to have come, have arrived, be present 2) metaph. 2a) to come to one, i.e. to seek an intimacy with one, become his follower: to come upon one (unexpectedly) 2b) to come upon one, of things endured
Origin: a primary verb; TDNT - 2:926,306; v
Usage: AV - come 27; 27
Matthew Henry Notes: Verses: 9-10
We are here told that the Lord is not slack-he does not delay beyond the appointed time; as God kept the time that he had appointed for the delivering of Israel out of Egypt, to a day (Ex. 12:41), so he will keep to the time appointed in coming to judge the world. What a difference is there between the account which God makes and that which men make! Good men are apt to think God stays beyond the appointed time, that is, the time which they have set for their own and the church's deliverance; but they set one time and God sets another, and he will not fail to keep the day which he has appointed. Ungodly men dare charge a culpable slackness upon God, as if he had slipped the time, and laid aside the thoughts of coming. But the apostle assures us,
I. That what men count slackness is truly long-suffering, and that to us-ward; it is giving more time to his own people, whom he has chosen before the foundation of the world, many of whom are not as yet converted; and those who are in a state of grace and favour with God are to advance in knowledge and holiness, and in the exercise of faith and patience, to abound in good works, doing and suffering what they are called to, that they may bring glory to God, and improve in a meetness for heaven; for God is not willing that any of these should perish, but that all of them should come to repentance. Here observe, 1. Repentance is absolutely necessary in order to salvation. Except we repent, we shall perish, Lu. 13:3, 5. 2. God has no delight in the death of sinners: as the punishment of sinners is a torment to his creatures, a merciful God does not take pleasure in it; and though the principal design of God in his long-suffering is the blessedness of those whom he has chosen to salvation, through sanctification of the spirit, and belief of the truth, yet his goodness and forbearance do in their own nature invite and call to repentance all those to whom they are exercised; and, if men continue impenitent when God gives them space to repent, he will deal more severely with them, though the great reason why he did not hasten his coming was because he had not accomplished the number of his elect. "Abuse not therefore the patience and long-suffering of God, by abandoning yourselves to a course of ungodliness; presume not to go on boldly in the way of sinners, nor to sit down securely in an unconverted impenitent state, as he who said (Mt. 24:48), My Lord delayeth his coming, lest he come and surprise you;'' for,
II. The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, v. 10. Here we may observe, 1. The certainty of the day of the Lord: though it is now above sixteen hundred years since this epistle was written, and the day has not yet come, it assuredly will come. God has appointed a day wherein he will judge the world in righteousness, and he will keep his appointment. It is appointed to men once to die, and after this the judgment, Heb. 9:27. "Settle it therefore in your hearts that the day of the Lord will certainly come, and you shall certainly be called to give an account of all things done in the body, whether good or evil; and let your exact walking before God, and your frequent judging yourselves, evidence your firm belief of a future judgment, when many live as if they were never to give any account at all.'' 2. The suddenness of this day: It will come as a thief in the night, at a time when men are sleeping and secure, and have no manner of apprehension or expectation of the day of the Lord, any more than men have of a thief when they are in a deep sleep, in the dark and silent night. At midnight there was a cry, Behold, the bridegroom comes, (Mt. 25:6), and at that time not only the foolish, but also the wise virgins slumbered and slept. The Lord will come in a day when we look not for him, and an hour when men are not aware. The time which men think to be the most improper and unlikely, and when therefore they are most secure, will be the time of the Lord's coming. Let us then beware how we in our thoughts and imaginations put that day far away from us; but rather suppose it to be so much nearer in reality, by how much further off it is in the opinion of the ungodly world. 3. The solemnity of this coming. (1.) The heavens shall pass away with a great noise. The visible heavens, as unable to abide when the Lord shall come in his glory, shall pass away; they shall undergo a mighty alteration, and this shall be very sudden, and with such a noise as the breaking and tumbling down of so great a fabric must necessarily occasion. (2.) The elements shall melt with fervent heat. At this coming of the Lord it shall not only be very tempestuous round about him, so that the very heavens shall pass away as in a mighty violent storm, but a fire shall go before him, that shall melt the elements of which the creatures are composed. (3.) The earth also, and all the works that are therein, shall be burnt up. The earth, and its inhabitants, and all the works that are therein, shall be burnt up. The earth, and its inhabitants, and all the works, whether of nature or art, shall be destroyed. The stately palaces and gardens, and all the desirable things wherein worldly-minded men seek and place their happiness, all of them shall be burnt up; all sorts of creatures which God has made, and all the works of men, must submit, all must pass through the fire, which shall be a consuming fire to all that sin has brought into the world, though it may be a refining fire to the works of God's hand, that the glass of the creation being made much brighter the saints may much better discern the glory of the Lord therein.
And now who can but observe what a difference there will be between the first coming of Christ and the second! Yet that is called the great and dreadful day of the Lord, Mal. 4:5. How much more dreadful must this coming to judgment be! May we be so wise as to prepare for it, that it may not be a day of vengeance and destruction unto us. O! what will become of us, if we set our affections on this earth, and make it our portion, seeing all these things shall be burnt up? Look out therefore, and make sure of a happiness beyond this visible world, which must all be melted down.
Geneva Bible Notes:
2Pe 3:10 (1) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great (2) noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
(1) A very short description of the last destruction of the world, but in such sort as nothing could be spoken more gravely.
(2) With the violence of a storm.
#2. 2064 e;rcomai erchomai {er'-khom-ahee}
Meaning: 1) to come 1a) of persons 1a1) to come from one place to another, and used both of persons arriving 1a2) to appear, make one's appearance, come before the public 2) metaph. 2a) to come into being, arise, come forth, show itself, find place or influence 2b) be established, become known, to come (fall) into or unto 3) to go, to follow one
Origin: middle voice of a primary verb (used only in the present and imperfect tenses, the others being supplied by a kindred [middle voice] eleuthomai {el-yoo'-thom-ahee}, or [active] eltho {el'-tho}, which do not otherwise occur); TDNT - 2:666,257; v
Usage: AV - come 616, go 13, misc 13, vr come 1; 643
Misc: For Synonyms see entry 5818
Matthew Henry Notes: Chapter: 4
In this chapter the apostle exhorts to try spirits (v. 1), gives a note to try by (v. 2, 3), shows who are of the world and who of God (v. 4-6), urges Christian love by divers considerations (v. 7-16), describes our love to God, and the effect of it (v. 17-21).
Verses: 1-3
The apostle, having said that God's dwelling in and with us may be known by the Spirit that he hath given us, intimates that that Spirit may be discerned and distinguished from other spirits that appear in the world; and so here,
I. He calls the disciples, to whom he writes, to caution and scrutiny about the spirits and spiritual professors that had now risen. 1. To caution: "Beloved, believe not every spirit; regard not, trust not, follow not, every pretender to the Spirit of God, or every professor of vision, or inspiration, or revelation from God.'' Truth is the foundation of simulation and counterfeits; there had been real communications from the divine Spirit, and therefore others pretended thereto. God will take the way of his own wisdom and goodness, though it may be liable to abuse; he has sent inspired teachers to the world, and given us a supernatural revelation, though others may be so evil and so impudent as to pretend the same; every pretender to the divine Spirit, or to inspiration, and extraordinary illumination thereby, is not to be believed. Time was when the spiritual man (the man of the Spirit, who made a great noise about, and boast of, the Spirit) was mad, Hos. 9:7. 2. To scrutiny, to examination of the claims that are laid to the Spirit: But try the spirits, whether they be of God, v. 1. God has given of his Spirit in these latter ages of the world, but not to all who profess to come furnished therewith; to the disciples is allowed a judgment of discretion, in reference to the spirits that would be believed and trusted in the affairs of religion. A reason is given for this trial: Because many false prophets have gone out into the world, v. 1. There being much about the time of our Saviour's appearance in the world a general expectation among the Jews of a Redeemer to Israel, and the humiliation, spiritual reformation, and sufferings of the Saviour being taken as a prejudice against him, others were induced to set up as prophets and messiahs to Israel, according to the Saviour's prediction, Mt. 24:23, 24. It should not seem strange to us that false teachers set themselves up in the church: it was so in the apostles' times; fatal is the spirit of delusion, sad that men should vaunt themselves for prophets and inspired preachers that are by no means so!
II. He gives a test whereby the disciples may try these pretending spirits. These spirits set up for prophets, doctors, or dictators in religion, and so they were to be tried by their doctrine; and the test whereby in that day, or in that part of the world where the apostle now resided (for in various seasons, and in various churches, tests were different), must be this: Hereby know you the Spirit of God, Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (or that confesseth Jesus Christ that came in the flesh), is of God, v. 2. Jesus Christ is to be confessed as the Son of God, the eternal life and Word, that was with the Father from the beginning; as the Son of God that came into, and came in, our human mortal nature, and therein suffered and died at Jerusalem. He who confesses and preaches this, by a mind supernaturally instructed and enlightened therein, does it by the Spirit of God, or God is the author of that illumination. On the contrary, "Every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (or Jesus Christ that came in the flesh) is not of God, v. 3. God has given so much testimony to Jesus Christ, who was lately here in the world, and in the flesh (or in a fleshly body like ours), though now in heaven, that you may be assured that any impulse or pretended inspiration that contradicts this is far from being from heaven and of God.'' The sum of revealed religion is comprehended in the doctrine concerning Christ, his person and office. We see then the aggravation of a systematic opposition to him and it. And this is that spirit of antichrist whereof you have heard that it should come, and even now already is it in the world, v. 3. It was foreknown by God that antichrists would arise, and antichristian spirits oppose his Spirit and his truth; it was foreknown also that one eminent antichrist would arise, and make a long and fatal war against the Christ of God, and his institution, and honour, and kingdom in the world. This great antichrist would have his way prepared, and his rise facilitated, by other less antichrists, and the spirit of error working and disposing men's minds for him: the antichristian spirit began betimes, even in the apostles' days. Dreadful and unsearchable is the judgment of God, that persons should be given over to an antichristian spirit, and to such darkness and delusion as to set themselves against the Son of God and all the testimony that the Father hath given to the Son! But we have been forewarned that such opposition would arise; we should therefore cease to be offended, and the more we see the word of Christ fulfilled the more confirmed we should be in the truth of it.
Geneva Bible Notes: None for this verse.
#3. Parousia,
3952 parousi,a parousia {par-oo-see'-ah} THIS IS THE TERM ASSOCIATED WITH THE SECOND COMING OF YESHUA, JESUS;
Meaning: 1) presence 2) the coming, arrival, advent 2a) the future visible return from heaven of Jesus, to raise the dead, hold the last judgment, and set up formally and gloriously the kingdom of God
Origin: from the present participle of 3918; TDNT - 5:858,791; n f
Usage: AV - coming 22, presence 2; 24
Matthew Henry Notes: Verses: 17-20
In these words the apostle apologizes for his absence. Here observe, 1. He tells them they were involuntarily forced from them: We, brethren, were taken from you, v. 17. Such was the rage of his persecutors. He was unwillingly sent away by night to Berea, Acts 17:10. 2. Though he was absent in body, yet he was present in heart. He had still a remembrance of them, and great care for them. 3. Even his bodily absence was but for a short time, the time of an hour. Time is short, all our time on earth is short and uncertain, whether we are present with our friends or absent from them. This world is not a place where we are always, or long, to be together. It is in heaven that holy souls shall meet, and never part more. 4. He earnestly desired and endeavoured to see them again: We endeavoured more abundantly to see your face with great desire, v. 17. So that the apostle at least intended his absence should be but for a short time. His desire and endeavour were to return again very soon to Thessalonica. But men of business are not masters of their own time. Paul did his endeavour, and he could do no more, v. 18. 5. He tells them that Satan hindered his return (v. 18), that is, either some enemy or enemies, or the great enemy of mankind, who stirred up opposition to Paul, either in his return to Thessalonica, when he intended to return thither, or stirred up such contentions or dissensions in those places whether he went as made his presence necessary. Note, Satan is a constant enemy to the work of God, and does all he can to obstruct it. 6. He assures them of his affection and high esteem for them, though he was not able, as yet, to be present with them according to his desire. They were his hope, and joy, and crown of rejoicing; his glory and joy. These are expressions of great and endeared affection, and high estimation. And it is happy when ministers and people have such mutual affection and esteem of each other, and especially if they shall thus rejoice, if those that sow and those that reap shall rejoice together, in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming.
The apostle here puts the Thessalonians in mind that though he could not come to them as yet, and though he should never be able to come to them, yet our Lord Jesus Christ will come, nothing shall hinder this. And further, when he shall come, all must appear in his presence, or before him. Ministers and people must all appear before him, and faithful people will be the glory and joy of faithful ministers in that great and glorious day.
Geneva Bible Notes: None for this verse.
Y’va-reh-cha-cha Ah-doe-nigh v’yeesh-m’reh-cha, Ya-air Ah-doe-nigh, pa-navh ay-leh-cha vee-choo-neh-ka, Yee-sa Ah-doe-nigh pa-nahv al-leh-cha ve-ya-sem l’cha Shalom. (Numbers 6:24-26). The Lord bless you and keep you, The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you, The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
Rosh Chodesh.
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