Why should we at all bother to take a stand regarding the doctrine on the Rapture? Does it really matter? Why do we not just accept the different opinions? There are those who choose to believe in a Pre- Mid- or Post Tribulation Rapture on the one hand; and a few others who call the brethren to be alert and ready for a time of great tribulation. Why then should be bother? Indeed, we should!
Confusion sets in as soon as one attempts to read the book of Revelation through the lens of the doctrine on the Rapture. In teaching on the layout, themes, and time frames in the book of Revelation, the first question in the audience is usually, “So what about the Rapture?” And rightly so, for the doctrine on the Rapture . . .
Revelation 7 is an interlude explaining God’s incentive to seal ALL HIS BOND-SERVANTS BEFORE the earth would be harmed by the execution of His foretold wrath. A symbolic 144,000 will be sealed from the 12 Tribes of Israel. According to Revelation 12, the woman, Israel, who gave birth to Messiah, will be severely persecuted by the dragon of old, and in a rage, he will pursue to annihilate her. Yet, she will be given help from the earth in order to flee into the wilderness where she will be protected and nourished for a period of three-and-a-half-years, the time of God’s wrath . . .
The word “rapture” does not appear in the word of God! Nevertheless, most Believers use this word interchangeable in association with the resurrection. Very few scholars and Believers use the term “resurrection” today, and there is hardly any teaching on the very subject of the resurrection. In this writing, we will pursue to establish the basic doctrine of this teaching . . .
In an effort to establish Scriptures regarding Messiah’s Second Appearance on a firm foundation, we studied various passages in order to gain a better understanding. In this particular writing, we will draw these studies together in order to establish, if possible, a firm foundation in our expectation . . .
The parables related by Messiah in regard to His Second Appearance have a central theme, namely to be “alert” and “ready,” for, “the day will come as a thief in the night . . .
The whole earth, and even the heavens, will be conscious of Messiah’s Second Appearance! In briefing the disciples on the signs of the end of the age and His Second Appearance, Messiah stated clearly that those who will be alive at that time should not seek for Him in secret secluded places, saying, ‘If therefore they say to you, “Behold, He is in the wilderness,” do not go forth, or, “Behold, He is in the inner rooms,” do not believe them . . .
The resurrection is the hope of every Believer, the promise of receiving a glorified body as the final stage of redemption. This final stage of redemption, namely the redemption of the body, is in fact part of the Believer’s eternal inheritance. The apostle Paul explains that this final stage of redemption, namely the resurrection of our bodies into an eternal state of glory, is in fact . . .
Life is difficult! Life is even more difficult if we pursue righteousness, for ‘indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. We have established this principal truth – ‘Through many tribulations, we must enter the kingdom of God,’ thus, ‘we strengthen the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith . . .
Until the late 1500’s the hope of the early Church was anchored in the resurrection. In fact, the expectation of the Second Appearance of Messiah was so vivid in the lives of the early Believers in Thessalonica that some ceased working, and the apostle Paul had to write two epistles to rebuke these Believers, and thus establishing in this congregation foundational teaching on the Second Appearance of Messiah and the Resurrection . . .
About Liezel
Liezel is a motivated and passionate student of the Word with a strong zeal for the truth. Her end time study on the book of Revelation developed into a few Women’s Study Groups, mainly in Jerusalem. Eventually, after 16 years of study, the teachings were transcribed into a study book; Autumn Feasts in Revelation – Unveiling the Glory of God. The book encourages a self-study, guiding the reader through the book of Revelation in the light of the Old Testament prophecies, and New Testament predictions of the end times. Under the authority and covering of her husband, she has taught many Bible studies since the Lord has led them to minister in Israel. She also counseled many people, guiding them back to biblical principles.