RAPTURE lcg

THE RAPTURE QUESTION

It is almost impossible to fully understand the Rapture Question

without properly understanding the Tribulation Period.

I. BASICALLY THERE ARE THREE THEORIES

RELATIVE TO THE RETURN OF JESUS.

A. The Post-millennial theory.

"Post" means "after" -

this theory teaches Christ will not come

until after the Millennium

A false theory without Scriptural warrant.

B. The A-millennial theory -

By this group, this present age is regarded as the Millennium -

None in the future-

False theory

C. The Pre-millennial theory -

"Pre" means "before" -

Teaches Christ will come back before the Millennium -

The Bible theory.

II. THREE PRINCIPLES CONCERNING THE RAPTURE.

A. Post- Tribula ion theory -

Holds all saints of this age will pass throug the Great Tribulation

Be raptured after it is over.

B. The Mid-Tribulation Rapture theory -

Teaches the saved will go through the first half of the Great Tribulation

Be raptured out in the middle of it.

Leaves many important questions unanswered. I do not accept it.

C. The Partial ( split) Rapture theory -

Teaches only faithful believers will be raptured and miss the Great Tribulation.

One has said of it, "though seldom recognized as a orthodox point of view."

It leaves many questions unanswered. "How faithful does one have to be?"

III. WHEN WILL HE RAPTURE OF THE BELIEVERS TAKE PLACE

A There is noth ng mentioned in the Bible to keep it from taking place at any time.

B. Observe the following things:

1. If we mus await the Tribulation period to be raptured,

we cannot say it is eminent

2. If it come in the middle of the Tribulation,

we could set the date for it at least three and one half years ahead.

3. If it follows the Tribulation we could set the date at least seve years before it happens.

4. Thus the exhortation to look for "the glorious appearing', Titus 2.13

would loose its significance.

IV. WHAT WILL THE RAPTURE OF BELIEVERS MEAN?

A It will bring out the greatest separation the world has ever known,

Matt.24:40,41; Luke 17:34-36.

B. We have two Bible illustrations of it:

1. Days of Noah, Matt.24:37-39.

2. Days of Lot in Sodom, Luke 17:28,29.

C. This is the blessed hope of the child of God.

1. To be with the Lord, "and so shall we ever be with the Lord."

2. To be like im in spiritual perfection, 1 John 3.2.

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