TERRA NOVA CHRISTIANA
TAKEN AWAY OR LEFT BEHIND?
WHAT DOES SCRIPTURE TELLS US ABOUT RAPTURE?
Who could refer to the restrainer?
Are the two first verses of Rev 12 talking about rapture of the church?
Definitely they don't, because it's a spiritual event!
The most logical understanding would be the removal of a restrainer, the one who restrains the appearance of the lawless one as we read in 2 Tess 2: 6 "Yet you have da'as of what is holding back and restraining )[Anti-Moshiach] now, so that he )[AntiMoshiach] may be unveiled and revealed in his own time. 7 For the Sod HaMufkarut (Mystery of Lawlessness) is already working; only HE who holds back and restrains just now will do so until he is out of the way."
Only HE who holds back... 'He' is not the church nor an assembly of chosen people, but only an identity: the Holy Spirit could be a very possible consideration, but it possibly could refer to the Archangel Michael who frequently is involved in Heavenly and earthly battles as well, as we read:
Daniel 10: 13 "But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia.”
Daniel 10: 20: “Then he (angel) said, "Do you understand why I came to you? But I shall now return to fight against the prince of Persia; so I am going forth, and behold, the prince of Greece is about to come. 21"However, I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. Yet there is no one who stands firmly with me against these forces except Michael your prince.”
Whether the angel Michael or the H. spirit, in this case scripture doesn’t even mention a church rapture but only those WHO REMAIN AT THE LAST TRUMP! Those who REMAIN are in fact those LEFT BEHIND, the ELECT! Throughout whole biblical history only two man, Enoch and Elija, were taking away alive into heaven. But people now dare to claim a whole group of saints shall be raptured?! Is this not against all sacred logic? Two people saved during almost 7500 years and now suddenly millions would be included!
Rapture not consistent with what scripture says! Rapture is a personal vision of some disciples, not Yeshua's teaching.
Rev 13:7: "And it was given unto him (beast/lawless man) to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9If any man have an ear, let him hear. 10He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints."
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The only thing most Bbl. scholars do today is explaining the two first verses of Rev 12 by only using those particular and not sufficient passages to confirm their own understanding and conviction, but that’s not what scripture tells us! Then it seems that the majority is following, and agrees with, the major public opinion.
I admire many good bible scholars for their knowledge about scripture and the years they put into this study. I’ve followed many of them and learned many things I maybe first didn’t pay attention to, but at this far these pre trib rapture preachers got it all wrong. Many of them use more current scriptures then rather to investigate scripture by scripture, and then we can’t say they follow the Word, but rather follow others their opinion about the end time view of rapture.
Do all these Rev 12 sign teachers really think that God would have made it that difficult to understand? When we read regarding His Second coming: ON THE LAST DAY – AFTER TRIBULATIONS – AFTER THE APPEARANCE OF THE LAWLESS ONE – GATHERED AT THE LAST TRUMP (feast of Trumpets or trump of Atonement!?) or THE 7TH TRUMPET, AFTER GOD’S TRUMP (Atonement?) which ACCORDS WITH THE 7TH BOWL: the LAST DAY OF GREAT WRATH upon the world as in Noah’s days, AND SECOND COMING at the END! Then pls where does a pre trib rapture of some church fit in? Does scripture mentions a twofold 2nd Coming regarding church rapture and before trib and one at the end? You may explain if you can! Bible speaks of ONE 2nd Coming not two!
When we compare Trumpets, Bowls and the 2 Witnesses, we see a clear accordance of events they reveal: Trumpets announce, Bowls perform according to Trumpets and at the same time the 2 Witnesses are quite doing the same. These two Witnesses most likely could represent some preaching churches in Jerusalem, because God calls them His candlesticks we find in Rev 1 referring to the seven churches as being seven candlesticks.
Rev 1:13: "And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle."
Rev 11:4: "And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for a thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands (candlesticks) (saints?) that stand before the Lord (Yeshua) of the earth . 5 If anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouths and devours their enemies . In this way, anyone who wants to harm them must be killed (by the bowls)."
Personal Note:
However, the two Witnesses could also literally represent two invidual persons, all is possible.
Only the 2 candlesticks made me doubt being only two inviduals because Rev 11:4 says they stand before the Lord of the Earth as would it refer to only two remaining churches of the seven.
Our Heavenly Father is a God who loves knowledge, logical sense, insight and order and I think He expects the same from us.
Matt 6:44: “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.
Is next September such as the LAST DAY? I don’t think so! about LOGIC SENSE?
“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, NOR THE SON, but only the Father”, but apparently some people exalt themselves above the Son telling they know the day and as knowing the day wasn't enough, they also claim to know the hour! about DISORDER!
Paul says “and we who REMAIN AFTER TRIBULATIONS...“! about INSIGHT?
2 Timothy2: a quite less cited passage:
8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, as proclaimed by my gospel, 9for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained! 10For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
11 This is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with Him,
we will also live with Him;
12 if we endure,
we will also reign with Him;
if we deny Him,
He will also deny us;
13if we are faithless,
He remains faithful,
for He cannot deny Himself.
14 Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words; this is in no way profitable, and leads its listeners to ruin.
15 Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.
16 But avoid irreverent and empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness, 17and the talk of such men will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18who have deviated from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already occurred, and they undermine the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”
"We will also reign with Him"! Him who? Yeshua of course, for He is our King and we will be caught up to HIS THRONE, our King His Throne not God's Throne as we read in Rev 12 about the child: "...and her child was caught up to God and to His throne.!"
Rev 3:21: "To the one who is victorious, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. "
Matthew 19:28
Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
Revelation 2:26
"And to the one who is victorious and continues in My work until the end, I will give authority over the nations."
Rev 12 doesn't speak of rapture of the chosen! Only someone who is considered holy and without blemish nor any spot can appear before God's throne and sit there like Yeshua does, or the Holy Spirit, or Archangels, but not necessarily or immediately the elect. The elect are found holy enough to sit near Yeshua's Throne and reign with Him and that is already a whole achievement!
Rev 13:7: "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9If any man have an ear, let him hear. 10He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints."
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Let's consider this for a moment as it is written about 'who is Israel' according to the Father:
From 'The Gospel of the Twelve':
Lection 46
: The Transfiguration on the Mount.
The Giving of the Law.
..
"7 AND I Jesus said unto them, Behold a new law I give unto you, which is not new but old. Even as Moses gave the Ten Commandments to Israel after the flesh, so also I give unto you the Twelve for the Kingdom of Israel after the Spirit."
8. "For who are the Israel of God ? Even they of every nation and tribe who work righteousness, love mercy and keep my commandments, these are the true Israel of God."
...
In bible we read:
Isaiah 56:6:
"Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;
7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
8 The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him."
Malachi 1-10:
..."Oh that there were one among you who would shut the gates, that you might not uselessly kindle fire on My altar! I am not pleased with you," says the LORD of hosts, "nor will I accept an offering from you. 11 For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure; for My name will be great among the nations," says the LORD of hosts."
All those who believe and serve the Lord is called Israel!
And this means: even if you were not born as an Israelite, you too can be an Israelite, cause 'Israel' means 'man of God', no matter your original roots!
This also regards to everyone living outside the nation of Israel, in this case the gentiles.
But then we have a problem claiming that the non Israeli elect will be saved without works as we read in the NT:
Or should we assume that the beginning church who assembled the bible could have edited some texts in their favor...? Are we sure they didn't, same as we are not sure they did!
Matt 5:16: Yeshua said: "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 17Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. 18For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.…"
If every soul who believes but does not follow God's LAW until everything is accomplished - all inclusive - according to Isaiah 56:6, does not make part of Israel and will not be called 'man of God'.
Maybe something to think about!
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When did Jesus say the dead in Christ would be resurrected?
When did Jesus say He would return?
The First Resurrection regards the dead in Christ without Judgment which was also the meaning of the Cross by giving His blood as atonement to the sin of man. This I think cannot be hard to understand.
The Second is after 1000 years, but this time under great judgment. Left the goats and right the sheep.
Paul wrote that the Dead in Christ MUST rise FIRST, THEN we who are alive and remain will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. This too I think cannot be hard to understand and means as it is written!
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
16 ...and the dead in Christ shall RISE FIRST
17 THEN we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them...
In Rev. 20:4-5, John sees the souls of Saints who were BEHEADED for refusing the Mark of the Antichrist during the Great Tribulation. John writes that they will rise and reign with Christ for 1000 years and that this is the FIRST RESURRECTION!
If according to John, the beheaded rise (and all previous died saints in history) in the FIRST resurrection and Paul said those who are alive and remain are not caught up until AFTER the dead in Christ are resurrected, then this means the catching up or rapture takes place AFTER tribulation and before the last and great nature disaster under the wrath of God upon the whole earth!
___________
In scripture there’s not one word referring to a church rapture. It all refers to Israel! Tribulations are ONLY given to Israel, His chosen people, Israelite or not! God’s wrath is upon whole earth.
____
We are changed at the LAST TRUMP and where is this found?
In REVELATION, there are 7 trumps and the 7th trump is the LAST ONE and this is at the end of the tribulation and correspond with the sixth bowl for the seventh the elect will be gathered!
John 6:39-40: Jesus said, "This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up ON THE LAST DAY.
Matt 6:44: “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up at the LAST DAY.”
Is next September 2017
such as the LAST DAY? I don’t think so!
“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father”, but suddenly some people exalt themselves above the Son telling they know the day and apparently also the hour! Sad!
And Confirmed two times by John!
If Jesus himself said the dead in Christ will be raised on the LAST DAY, and Paul said we who are alive and remain will not be caught up (raptured) until AFTER the dead are raised, then where does secret pre-trib rapture fit in?
1 Cor 15:52 - In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
When Paul says “and we who REMAIN AFTER TRIBULATIONS...“! When is that? At the end of course, which means, only those who are left alive shall be saved, but first the dead and the saints who died previous to that last day will resurrect at first, then we who remain (are left) and alive. Thus, again, where does a pre trib fit in?
Matt 24:30 “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn.”
If this verse would regard the sign of Rev 12 then where is the mourning of the all tribes of the earth TODAY?
Which means that the sign meant in Matt 24:30 must be another sign! This: Matt 24:31 They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory; 31And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.”
He, Yeshua himself is the sign of the Son of Man, not any constellation alignment!
In Matt 24:39-42 we read:
“And they were oblivious, until the flood came and TOOK them all away. So will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.
42 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come."
The ‘taken’ are people who were killed. The 'left behind' in this passage refer to those who will survive, the saved ones... The concept of being TAKEN is not meant to be taken into the sky as being raptured and saved, but removed from the sight of the (earth) tribulations or through the occurrence of what is happening. It definitely does not refer to a rapture of the elect or church!
Why are the wicked TAKEN AWAY and will not survive?
Matt 24:28: “Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.”,
because they, in this context, the 'taken' are dead and taken away, they were killed at His coming and previous to that! The left behind in this case are the survivors and saved ones, same stated in 2 Esdras!
But many did not understand these passages!
Matt 24:36 No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. 39And they were oblivious, until the flood came and TOOK (swept) them all away. So will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40Two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 41Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.
42Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. 43But understand this: If the owner of the house had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.
But apparently all Rev 12 pre tribbers seem to know when to expect him ON A SET DATE AND HOUR!
As in Noah’s days until the flood came and TOOK them all away, at once, by surprise or as a thief in the night they all died but first the elect shall be saved! Noah didn't know the hour when the flood came and neither did the wicked. And there’s not any other statement found as this comparison with Noah and Lot to make us clear that the elect will pass through all tribulations and wrath and must ENDURE until the end! The end at this far is not September 2017!
Another warning: Matt 16:2: “When evening comes, you say, ‘The weather will be fair, for the sky is red;’ 3 and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but not the signs of the times! 4 A WICKED AND ADULTEROUS generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.”
WHO IS THE SIGN OF JONAH? Read Jonah!
Yeshua himself is THE SIGN OF JONAH!, for Jonah was a type of the crucifixion and resurrection, saved after his tribulations same as Yeshua’s tribulations before He died until His resurrection! The SIGN of Yeshua’s 2nd Coming is Yeshua himself when He appears in great lightening from the east into the west and the according breaking skies, and His sign will not appear previous to His coming. When we’ll see His sign accord with hugh lightening’s and thunder above our heads people indeed will mourn and fear, but those, the LEFT BEHIND, who recognize His sign will rejoice, then it means He’s coming instantly, which accords with 'you do not know the day nor the hour for it is the LAST DAY!' His sign is far from a constellation alignment, and next September 2017 is far from the last day!
From the best apocrypha of Ezra about the LEFT BEHIND SAINTS:
2 Esdras13:16: “ As I turn it over in my mind, I think: How terrible it will be for those who will be left in those days, and how much worse for those who aren’t left! 17 Those who aren’t left will be full of sorrow, 18 since they now know what lies in store for the last days, but they won’t live to see them. But how terrible it will be also for those who are left, 19 for that very reason! They will see great dangers, and there will be many kinds of distress, as these dreams show. 20 Yet it is better[b] to encounter these things, even incurring danger, than to pass from the world like a cloud and not see what happens at the end. 21 He answered me, “I will tell you the interpretation of the dream as well, and I will explain to you the things you spoke about. 22 As to what you said about those who are left, this is the interpretation: 23 He who brings the danger at that time will himself guard those who fall into danger, who have works and faith in the most mighty one. 24 Know, therefore, that those who are left enjoy greater privilege than those who have died. 25 The interpretations of the vision are as follows:
“In that you saw a man going up from the heart of the sea, 26 that is the one whom the Most High has been keeping for many ages. He will liberate God’s creation all by himself, and he will put in order those who are left.”
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Esdras+13&version=CEB
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I do not doubt many are good bbl scholars, but what most of them teach today is their personal understanding, but doesn’t mean they got it right according to what scripture really tells us, otherwise one of both is lying!
Did i say i'm right?
No, but it is, as it is written, nothing more, nothing less.
Now, I hope to make part of the left behind on the last day and second coming, which obviously is not next September nor this year and maybe not even within a decade!
But we must always be ready and awake, for many are called but few are chosen, and those who endure until the end, shall be saved He said. He also said not every believer who calls my name shall be saved!
A very brief explanation of my understandings:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ANpKKtED0Y&t=2s