"Prologue" to the Book, The End Times Passover, Provides the Key To Understanding Stages of "Great" Tribulation

[Please, unless you are a serious student of the Rapture Theory, one who examines as much evidence as possible to verify various claims made by others concerning God's word, you should not even bother to read this post.]

Click> Prologue to The End Times Passover

The debate as to what point in the so-called Great Tribulation Jesus decides to return to Rapture His church to Heaven has been the biggest monkey wrench in eschatological history.

The three main theories include Jesus experiencing what theorists call them a Pre, Mid or Post-Trib return (many now throw in a "Pre-Wrath theory into the mix), and all of these doctrinal positions are based on the assumption that there is a seven year period in the future that theorists now call "The Great Tribulation." This phrase has become extremely popular by most modern-day evangelical Christians, and has been coined as a pronoun (as if it is indeed a true fact) primarily by those who support the Premillennial Dispensationalism doctrine, which is based on numerous theories they have developed on their interpretation of certain prophecies found in the Book of Daniel.

The dispensational interpretation begins the 490 years with the permission Artaxerxes I Longimanus gave to NehemiahNehemiah 2:5-8. This is dated by most dispensationalists to 445 BCE (e.g. Sir Robert Anderson), but by some to 444 BCE. The “messiah” at the end of the 7+62 weeks is Jesus Christ, but because 7+62 = 69 weeks = 483 years from 445/4 BCE would extend to about CE 40—far beyond the lifetime of Christ—the 483 years are reduced to 476 years by interpreting these 490 years as "prophetic years" each consisting of only 360 literal days. Consequently the 483 years end with the crucifixion in CE 33 or 32. The 70th week is separated from the 69th week by a vast gap of over nineteen centuries. The entire "church age" is a gap during which the prophetic clock has stopped ticking. The 70th week does not start until the end of the church age, when the church will be "raptured” from the earth. During the 70th week the Antichrist—a revived Roman tyrant that will oppose God—will oppress the Jews and bring upon the world, during the latter half of a delayed seventieth week, a 3½ year tribulation.

The dispensational interpretation of the chronological scheme of Daniel 9:24-27 is very widely used today in the English-speaking world and beyond. Of the leading voices the following are representative JA Seiss,[45] Sir Robert Anderson,[46]The Scofield Reference Bible;[47] LS Chafer;[48] AJ McClain[49] and HA Ironside.[50]

One can very well imagine how complex and confusing these theories have become. Nevertheless, they have been taught at most seminaries and churches throughout the country, since 1917, adding to the theological confusion, and driving even serious students down rabbit holes they will never be able to escape from. Bottom line, through numerous acts of juxtaposing certain scripture, developing many formula of the various numbers mentioned in the Book of Daniel, theorists throughout history have come to agree that out of all of these numerical theories, humanity will have to deal with a specific period of seven long years of persecution and wrath, called "The Great Tribulation."

However, these theorists contend that born again believers will be spared these horrors because somewhere in between those seven years, Jesus will supposedly come out of Heaven (in secret, no less) and "catch up" His church to have a meeting in the sky with Him, and then will be whisked up to heaven to avoid the impending horror that all of mankind will experience because they did not trust in Jesus Christ!

In an effort to help serious students of the Bible (especially the eschatological aspects) I am hereby posting the "Prologue" to my book, The End Times Passover, which contains keys that will help put these various theories into proper perspective, and hopefully remove any notions that the phrases "Pre, Mid, Post" and even "Pre-Wrath" should even be considered in the discussion.

Click the following link to access the: Prologue to The End Times Passover

What Is A True Friendship? See Proverbs 17:17!!

A true friend never fails, no matter what. A true brother is always ready to help in time of need or trouble. King Solomon described excellent friends and brothers in very few words. You must ask if you are such a friend, and you must ask if you have such friends.

Two are better than one! The solitary life is lonely and vain. Good friends help in four ways – they share in successes, they help when you fall, they provide encouragement and synergy, and they help oppose enemies (Eccl 4:9-12). Successful men have great friends.

Such friends are not found easily; they are a blessing from God. And such friends must be carefully preserved by careful efforts (Pr 27:10) and sincere friendliness (Pr 18:24; Jn 15:15). If you deeply offend a friend, it may be very hard to recover them (Pr 18:19). Look for friends among zealous saints (Ps 101:4-8; 119:63; Titus 1:8). They are won by a pure heart and gracious speech (Pr 22:11; I Sam 18:1). Holy living brings holy friends.

Jonathan and David were friends. Jonathan loved David as his own soul (I Sam 18:1-4). David described Jonathan’s love as greater than that of women (II Sam 1:26). There was no competition or envy between them. They strengthened each other in the Lord (I Sam 23:16). Back to back with swords, no enemy could touch them! Face to face, no lovers could match their affection! Their covenant of friendship, in life and death, was glorious.

Men say, “Blood is thicker than water,” meaning family ties are stronger than friendship or marriage. But the sons of God know better. They say, “Blood is thicker than blood,” meaning the bond in Christ, by His blood, is stronger than the bond of family. The best marriages are when a man marries his sister – his friend in the Lord (I Cor 9:5). No man has forsaken family for Christ that did not find a better, larger family (Luke 18:28-30).

Saints make the best friends, for God forms their souls identically. They fear the LORD, believe the truth, adore Jesus Christ, follow Bible wisdom in life, have true love in their hearts, and know they will spend eternity together. They exhort and rebuke each other to perfection, which is sweeter than kisses (Pr 27:5-6,9). The world cannot know such unity!

It did not matter Paul was on trial for his life, Luke was there (II Tim 4:11). It did not matter Jesus was crucified by rabid Jews, John was there (John 19:26-27). Fair weather friends, as they are called, are never there when you need them (Pr 14:20; 19:4). Demas evilly deserted Paul, but Timothy more than made up for it (II Tim 4:10; Phil 2:19-22).

What kind of a friend are you? The first lesson of this proverb is to examine yourself to see if you are the only kind of friend that counts. What kind of friends do you have? The second lesson is to examine your friends and make sure you have the good kind.

Jesus of Nazareth, reigning as King on David’s throne, is the greatest Friend. He gave His life for you; He lives to make intercession for you; He will never leave or forsake you.

Last, but not least, classical theologian scholar, Matthew Henry, had this to say about “What Is a True Friendship?”:

“This intimates the strength of those bonds by which we are bound to each other and which we ought to be sensible of. 1. Friends must be constant to each other at all times. That is not true friendship which is not constant; it will be so if it be sincere, and actuated by a good principle. Those that are fanciful or selfish in their friendship will love no longer than their humour is pleased and their interest served, and therefore their affections turn with the wind and change with the weather. Swallow-friends, that fly to you in summer, but are gone in winter; such friends there is no loss of. But if the friendship be prudent, generous, and cordial, if I love my friend because he is wise, and virtuous, and good, as long as he continues so, though he fall into poverty and disgrace, still I shall love him. Christ is a friend that loves at all times (Jn. 13:1) and we must so love him, Rom. 8:35. 2. Relations must in a special manner be careful and tender of one another in affliction: A brother is born to succour a brother or sister in distress, to whom he is joined so closely by nature that he may the more sensibly feel from their burdens, and be the more strongly inclined and engaged, as it were by instinct, to help them. We must often consider what we were born for, not only as men, but as in such a station and relation. Who knows but we came into such a family for such a time as this? We do not answer the end of our relations if we do not do the duty of them. Some take it thus: A friend that loves at all times is born (that is, becomes) a brother in adversity, and is so to be valued. "

Interestingly it is that the word “friend” is closely associated to what Jesus said was the greatest form of love there is!

“ Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends, (John 15:13).

How Many Resurrections Are Mentioned In The Bible?

Believe it or not, millions of Christians swear there will be at least two or more! They base this on erroneous Bible exegesis, using Revelations 20:5-6, which states: (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years."

Based on this verse alone, they believe that if there is a "first" resurrection, there must also be a "second" one or even more. They don't trust the specific word of God, they would rather trust the many authors, teachers and preachers who promote these false notions.

If they were to closely examine the true meaning of the word "first" in Revelations 20:5, they would learn that the Greek word used here is (protos) and it defines the word "best, chief, principal and first in rank or quality." It is not describing the word in numerical nor chronological order (such as day 1, day 2, day 3, etc.). If that were the case, the word to describe the amount of days would require using the Greek word "mia." Obviously, the word "first" is best understood in the qualitative sense rather than a sequential number. Obviously, the "best" way (not the 1st time a person is) to be resurrected is through Jesus Christ, which is far better than being resurrected to face eternal condemnation. We all have to die once, as it is appointed, unless you happen to be alive when Jesus returns. Those alive at that time will be changed along with those who have already experienced the first death. Therefore, they (believers) do not have to experience the second death because they shared in the first (best) resurrection when they accepted the gift of salvation and chose to repent and follow Jesus.

Sadly, so many novice Bible students (and teachers) claim the only way we can get a clearer and more succinct understanding of Bible words is solely through hearing the direct voice of the Holy Spirit. They say they don't trust anyone else but the Holy Spirit. Supposedly, by making such a statement they believe they are more correct when they interpret scripture and they can't trust anyone else. So much for those elders we are instructed to study under:

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching; for the scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages. (1 Timothy 5:17-18 RSV).

They fail to recognize that the Holy Spirit does bring scripture to remembrance, does confirm the message from God, as well as guides us (student and teacher alike) through a sound study of God's specific words.

Unfortunately, those who believe in more than one resurrection fail to see how misinterpreting one small word (first as opposed to the best), fall into the trap of having to support the "Two Resurrection" theory, one at the so-called Rapture to Heaven event, and then another seven years later. They disregard the scriptural fact that there is only one resurrection, and it will include both believer and the unfaithful:

"Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment." (John 5:28,29).

These verses do not say the good will be resurrected at any Rapture to Heaven, nor 3 and a half to seven years later, but at the same time. The advantage of the believer is that he and she will come forth to the resurrection of life because of their good deeds. They don't receive salvation because of good deeds, but perform good deeds because they are now (and) called "sons of God." Those who committed evil deeds come to a resurrection of judgment, because they failed to accept Jesus as the "first (best)" resurrection, and thereby are condemned. Both are resurrected at the same time, and not separated by a 1000 year period of time, as theorist proclaim! To profoundly realize that believers in Jesus Christ have already experienced the "first (best)" resurrection, read the group of verses below.

17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world, (John 11:17-27).

As we have repeatedly stated, the Holy Spirit opens our minds and hearts to be diligent students of God's word through much study. We cannot sit idly by and wait to see if we will hear "voices" to confirm theories:

The King James Version clearly states in 2 Timothy 2:15 to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Attached here is an excerpted chapter, 'A Thousand Years' from our book, The End Times Passover, which explains this matter in greater detail:


Click here to download this chapter "A Thousand Years"

Catholics Did Not Invent The Rapture to Heaven Myth! By Dave MacPherson

            









There are writers who assert that the "rapture" promoted by evangelicals was first taught, at least seminally, by a Jesuit Catholic priest named Francisco Ribera in his 16th century commentary on the book of Revelation.

To see what is claimed, Google "Francisco Ribera taught a rapture 45 days before the end of Antichrist's future reign." (Many claimants are anti-Catholic and merely use Ribera in order to "find" much earlier support for their rapture which actually isn't found in any official Christian theology or organized church before 1830!)
After seeing this claim repeated endlessly without even one sentence from Ribera offered as proof, I decided to go over every page in Ribera's 640-page work published in Latin in 1593.

After laboriously searching for the Latin equivalent of "45 days" ("quadraginta quinque dies"), "rapture" ("raptu," "raptio," "rapiemur," etc.) and other related expressions, I couldn't find anything in Ribera's work even remotely resembling a prior rapture!

Are you curious about the real beginnings of this evangelical belief (a.k.a. the "pre-tribulation rapture") merchandised by Darby, Scofield, Lindsey, Falwell, LaHaye, Ice, Van Impe, Hagee, Markell and many others?

Google "The Unoriginal John Darby," "Pretrib Rapture Diehards," "X-Raying Margaret," "Margaret Macdonald's Rapture Chart," "Pretrib Rapture's Missing Lines," "Edward Irving is Unnerving," "Walvoord Melts Ice," "Thomas Ice (Bloopers)," "Wily Jeffrey," "Deceiving and Being Deceived" by D.M., "The Real Manuel Lacunza," "Roots of Warlike Christian Zionism," "Pretrib Rapture Secrecy," "Pretrib Rapture Politics," "Pretrib Hypocrisy," "Famous Rapture Watchers," "Pretrib Rapture Stealth" and "Pretrib Rapture Dishonesty."
My most detailed and documented book on the long hidden history of the pretrib rapture view - THE RAPTURE PLOT - can be obtained by calling 800.643-4645. I should add that many of my web articles can be found on Joe Ortiz' blogs including "End Times Passover."