To clarify the
difference between how those who remain when Jesus Returns are gathered to Him,
as 1 Thessalonians 4:15-7 says, and the 2 Witnesses, who are taken to heaven,
we need to realize that the gathering,
as Matthew 24:31 describes, is not to heaven but to Jerusalem, where Jesus will
reign from. It is just a transportation to meet Him and then be with Him
forever, the same as what happened to Philip. Acts 8:39 Immortality, as
described in 1 Corinthians 15:50-56, is not conferred until after the
Millennium. Only after the Book of life is opened. Revelation 20:11-15
Rapture believers say: There might be
some dispute about the timing, but the concept is very clear in scripture. Quote
The concept of a rapture to heaven of the Church is NOT ‘very clear’ at all.
There is no verse that states God intends to take the Christian Church to
heaven. But there are several that say such a thing is impossible. John 3:13,
John 7:34, John 8:21-23, John 17:15, Revelation 5:10
And as for the ‘dispute about the timing’, this ongoing argument should ring
bells of concern for all who wish to believe in the rapture theory. For 100+
years this issue has been argued and fought over by Christians, without any
resolution. Pre, Mid, Post and now Pre-wrath, all have their exponents and all
are wrong because the Bible simply does not prophesy a rapture to heaven at any
time.
What we see with the rapture issue, is assumptions, inferences and plain
guesswork, resulting in lies and confusion. Promoted, of course, by the Author
of lies and confusion.
We are told that people will be susceptible to false teachings, 1 Timothy
4:3-4, and Jesus warned us to not be deceived. I guess He knew that many would
be deceived!
What the Prophetic Word does tell us God will do for His people, those who
stand firm in their faith; is protection through all that must happen. Dozens
of verses state how the Lord will protect His own through fire, Isaiah 43:2 and
the 3 men in the furnace, Daniel 3:19-27, are examples.
We are told to Call upon the Name of the Lord and we will be saved. Joel
2:32, Acts 2:21.
Then the Lord promises to bless His people, as they fulfil their tasks of being the Lord’s witnesses, Isaiah 43:10, John 15:27 and His Light to the nations; Isaiah 49:8, Matthew 5:14-16
The Prophetic Word 