The “When” of the Resurrection of the Righteous

There is much discussion these days of just when is the “rapture” (resurrection of the righteous) in relation to other eschatological events. Evangelicals in particular, argue whether it will occur prior to Daniel’s 70th week (pre-trib), three and one half years into the week (mid-trib), somewhere during the final half of the week (pre-wrath), after the seven years are completed (post-trib), or some other nuanced timing. I think the bible is quite clear that Jesus will resurrect His church immediately following the 70th week – a post-trib event. Fortunately for us, the bible has several clear “when” verses so there need not be any doubt. Following is a list of these verses:

  1. John 6:39-44, 11:24 Jesus will raise believers on the “last” day of this age. Last means last. The Greek word is eschatos which translated is farthest, final, or uttermost. The “When” here is clear.
  2. 1st Cor. 15:52 When ? At the Last trumpet. Again, last here is eschatos. I believe this to be the trumpet of the 120th jubilee year from the fall. (Lev. 25:9)
  3. 2nd Thess. 1:3-10 Saints are not given “rest” until (when) Jesus comes in judgment on the day of the Lord. See also Hebrews 4:1-8
  4. 2nd Thess. 2: 1-4 Our gathering together unto Him cannot occur until great apostacy happens and the antichrist is revealed declaring himself to be god on the temple mount. The “when” here is the day of the Lord when we are gathered to Him.
  5. 1st Cor. 15:23 The resurrection of Christians is when? At His coming (gr. parousia). Christs parousia is His glorious visible coming.
  6. Mat. 24:29-31 Jesus had just spoken of “great tribulation”- the final three and one half years of Daniels seventieth week. He then stated when His coming would be when He would gather all His elect; “immediately after the tribulation of those days“. It doesn’t get any more precise then that!
  7. Mat. 24:13 After Jesus tells His apostles all the signs of His second coming, He tells them that those who endure to the “end” will be saved. Here, end means- uttermost, final. The when is also quite clear in this passage – after all these things take place.
  8. Rev. 20:4-6 The martyrs of the tribulation are raised in the first resurrection. When is the first resurrection? At the beginning on Christs millennial reign.

End Time Preparation

Following is a list of Scriptures concerning how we should be preparing for the prophesied time of trouble soon coming on the whole earth. Take the time to review them and also – take them to heart.

Physical Preparation: Mt 6:25-34, 6:19-21, Phil. 4:19

Deception: Mt 24:4, 2Pet. 3:17, 2Thess. 2:9-12, Rev.13:3

Persecution: Mt 24:9, 5:11, 10:22, 1Pet. 2:19-21

Mental/Spiritual: 2Pet. 3:18, 1:5-6, Rom. 12:2

Warfare: Eph. 6:10-17

Service: Mt 24:45

Comfort Scriptures: Psalm 23, 27:1-6, John 14:25-27, Mt 28:19-20

Keeping an Eye on Turkey

I wrote a brief article on Turkey and its prophetic significance. I’ll link to it here and below for future reference. Let me know what you think. Jim

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1edZDz6Qd3aufE7vpjmLnmugfHSkirOvWxIAvC0bIvsQ/edit?usp=sharing

Bible Chronology Manuscript

A brother in the Lord from Sweden by the name of Anders Gardenborn has painstakingly put together a manuscript on Bible chronology entitled “Bible Chronology For The Last Generation Christians”. It’s a work that reflects my general thinking concerning the timing of Jesus’ second coming. Interpreting Biblical prophesy, especially accurate chronology, is a difficult task requiring much effort. Anders has done his homework while relying heavily on Tim Warner’s groundbreaking chronology in his book “Time of The End”(available at Amazon). All dates are entirely Scripture derived, so no secular history dating is used. If you’re serious about studying Bible chronology so as to put a timeline on events leading up to the second advent, this manuscript will provide you with much to think about. And, yes, he does come up with a tentative date for our Lords return. But, always remember, this is prophesy, and all conclusions are fallible, so; keep watching.

https://masterdirigentensverk.se/PDF/Manuscript_BCL_v0.51_LR.pdf

Satan’s Wrath

I’m sure you’re all wondering what on earth is going on in our country and the world as well. It’s difficult to not be affected by the constant turmoil caused by Covid 19 restrictions, riots and protests in our cities, economic collapse, tense situations in the middle east, etc., etc. Well, relax, because it’s just the god of this world doing what he always does. Remember, he goes about as a roaring lion seeking whomever he can devour. He is the consumate liar and the father of lies. Jesus said he comes to steal, kill, and destroy. This he is definitely doing. But, always keep in mind that we have the Holy Spirit residing within us giving us authority over the devil. We are promised that if we resist him he will flee from us. We must also remember that our battle (and it is a battle) is not with flesh and blood (rioters, politicians, dictators,etc.) , but against “principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age, and spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12). These are battles we fight on our knees in prayer and our steadfast witness for Jesus and His coming kingdom.

I sincerely believe God is allowing these things as a wake up call to his people so that we can be prepared for the full wrath of satan when he is permanently cast out of heaven to the earth at the start of the “Great Tribulation”. Satan at that time will be allowed free reign to do as he pleases. He then has great wrath because he knows his time is short. We ain’t seen nothing yet ! Right now we are probably seeing ‘false contractions’, leading to the beginnings of birth pangs, followed by full labor -The Great Tribulation. Be strong in your faith. Stay tuned.

Jim

Last Generation Version (LGV)

The LGV is a literal translation of the New Testament by one of my favorite Greek scholars. It consists of the New Testament minus Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Acts. These are forthcoming, as it is a work in progress. I think it is the best of the literal translations including Youngs. It is translated with notes acknowledging bible chronology that places us as the generation likely to witness end-time events leading up to Christ’s physical return. While the footnotes are valuable commentary, remember that translator bias plays a role, as in all translations. I’ve found his footnotes to be helpful when studying the NT. As of now, the LGV can only be accessed on-line here: http://www.4windsfellowships.net/LGV.html

I’ll provide a permanent link below, so you can always find it on this site. You’ll also find it enlightening to read the “preface”, “book order”, and “appendices”

Article 3 Hermeneutics

I’ve posted a link to another article dealing with proper bible study methods. I hope it will be a help to you as you study the Scriptures. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RywMeLReqO_QpiXpvfRRsWJdnui3xoksUqmwRB9Lixs/edit?usp=sharing

Article Two : Revelation Judgements Harmonized

Another article that I wrote long ago deals with the seal, trumpet, and bowl judgements in the Book of Revelation. Virtually all bible commentators/scholars treat these as separate judgements on the world sequentially, as 21 chronological judgements in all. Because of obvious similarities, my approach treats the seals, trumpets, and bowls as describing the exact same events. As always, treat this as opinion, do your own research, and let me know what you think. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwI4djEBMGQSWHgySk5xYVdRSVBNZUs4OXlIMU9uaDNnQVpF/view?usp=sharing

e-Sword

If you are looking for a free, powerful, tool to aid your study of the Scriptures, give e-Sword a try. Included are most non-copywritten translations, as well as many commentaries, dictionaries, and other study aids. If your device is not compatible, you can try My Sword. Download at the following link. https://www.e-sword.net/downloads.html