Brother Nikos, I wasn't asking if you believe that the Rapture is in Matt 24.Originally Posted by Nikos
I was asking what you make of Jesus saying that the greatest tribulation ever would start with the destruction of Jerusalem. How do you see what He is saying about the Tribulation in that verse?
I don't see the destruction of Jerusalem. I see the Great Tribulation. For then is looking back to vs 15 and the Abomination of Desolation.
Matthew 24:21-22:
21 For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now-and never to be equaled again.
22 If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.
The destruction of Jerusalem, 70 AD as terrible as it was, is not the worst destruction this world has ever seen. That is yet to come. This world has seen some terrible destructions. However the worst is coming. It is future.
Now that is my belief. That is my answer.
Matt 24:21, "For then there will be great tribulation, such has not been from the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be."
You are correct Nikos, the description above isolates this period of utter chaos from all other massacres, purges, and genocides of history.
This is a future event as this prophecy could not have been fulfilled by any previous persecutions due to verse 22, "...unless those days were shortened" (the end of the age) nobody would survive.
The final (Rev 13:5) 42 month=3.5 years (Dan 7:25) of "great tribulation" as noted above is echoed in Daniel 12:1.
"And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time."
At Jesus second advent He intervenes in the global madness at Armageddon to stop man from obliterating himself off the face of the earth.
Not only will He deal with antichrist and his armies along with the rest of the wicked, but notice the latter part of Daniel 12:1.
"and at that time (distress such as never occurred) your people, everyone who is found written in the book (of life) will be rescued (raptured).
Daniel 12:2, "And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life."
A person would have to have blinders on not to see it. It's in plain sight when the rapture happens if you want to see it.
The resurrection or the rapture takes place at the end of the great tribulation when Jesus returns at Armageddon.
When we hear that Shout (1 Thess 4:16) and hear that Trumpet blast) (1 Cor 15:51-52) we will be caught up in the air as Jesus is riding that great white stallion to the earth and we will accompany Him to the battle of Armageddon. See ya there dear saints at LFF!
If you put God First, you have Him at Last.
Ezekiel 33 (07-31-2020)
Someone else's take on the subject:
Dear American Christians,
No, Jesus Christ is not returning this year or in five years. In fact, instead of praying to "go up", you should be asking God to help you to grow up. The true persecuted Church in China and the Middle East is ashamed of your shallow and petty faith that thinks wearing a piece of paper over your mouth is preparing the way for the mark of the beast.
While you cry out for the rapture in the midst of enjoying all the comforts and convenience afforded in the West, remember your brothers and sisters who are being martyred for the gospel. By the way, the USA is not the center of God's Kingdom- Jerusalem is! Perhaps a mission trip or two prior to the pandemic would have assisted American Christians with a more biblical eschatlogy.
We are to occupy until He comes-that is make disciples and rejoice when true persecution comes. It only means Jesus counted us worthy of His sacrifice.
To all the American Christians acting like two year olds throwing a temper tantrum because Corona stole your toys (comfort and convenience), please stop with the imminent rapture insanity and fear mongering. The world watches your paranoia and conspiracy theories abound and wonders what kind of hope and stability Jesus has even really granted you. The truth is that now is the time for authentic disciples of Christ to arise and shine, not run and hide.
-Jeremiah Johnson
Ezekiel 33 (07-31-2020), Highly Favoured (08-12-2020), Smitty (07-31-2020)
You don't see verses 15-20 as the destruction of Jerusalem?
Dear Friends,
You may be right, but I don't think so. I have had a clear dream that affirms my interpretation. However, I don't equate dreams with the Word. I am not dogmatic about my view. The pre trib rapture is so clear in the Bible that I don't see how anyone could miss it. I will continue to look for His Coming at any moment. My ear is attuned to the sky for Trump of God to sound.
See you over there. Maranatha!
Ezekiel 33 (07-31-2020), Smitty (07-31-2020)
It is nice to have a good discussion like this. Iron sharpens iron. We will all know for sure one day, but for now it is just very interesting to study and compare the various theories. And that is all each of these views are at this point, theories.
Smitty (07-31-2020)
A look at the greek words in John 17:15 proves conclusively that we will be taken out of the world during the "hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world"
First let's look at John 17:15—NASB:
I do not ask Thee to take them out of (ek) the
world but to keep (tereo) them from (ek) the evil
one.
the Greek word (ek) is used in this sentence above "take them out of (ek) the world"
ek {ek} or ex {ex} out of, from, by, away from
Next, lets look at the word:
tereo {tay-reh'-o}1) to attend to carefully, take care of a) to guard b) metaph. to keep, one in the state in which he is c) to observe d) to reserve: to undergo something
Now we're ready to look at Rev 3:10
Rev3:10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you(tereo) from (ek) the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth
When ek is combined with tereo it forms the meaning of "guarding one by taking them out of, or away from" the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.
The word (ek) will set you free :-)
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Ezekiel 33 (08-18-2020)
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