The Secret Rapture

[Navyblue]

Keith, Shalom. The term 'Secret' usually connotes that there is no prior warning. No flash in the sky before hearing the thunder type thing. Imagine a bird hitting your front window. It don't ring the door bell and warn you it is about to commit bird-a-cide on the window, but you are very startled when it does, as you sit next to the window reading a good book......BANG!!.....and you swallow your gum, unless you are older, then you go change your under-garments. Bad joke, but you get the picture.

I am guessing, but when the Rapture happens, there will be a second or ten, before anyone can realize the happening, and turn their life over to Jesus (a bit late, but better late than never). The Restraining force of Holy Spirit will have flown the coup, and before the 'new' Saints can get organized, the Beast will have warp-driven himself into controlling the world.................etc.

I cannot document a drop of what I just said, except that I believe, from my study, that is about what will happen.

In Messiah, who knows for sure. Arley

[BuzzardHut]

The term 'Secret' usually connotes that there is no prior warning. No flash in the sky before hearing the thunder type thing. Imagine a bird hitting your front window. It don't ring the door bell and warn you it is about to commit bird-a-cide on the window, but you are very startled when it does, as you sit next to the window reading a good book......BANG!!.....and you swallow your gum, unless you are older, then you go change your under-garments. Bad joke, but you get the picture.

I would avoid using 'secret' in explaining the rapture, it's no secret the bird hit the window, other trib positions use the 'secret' as a way to denigrate the pre-trib rapture, they usually throw in Darby along with their diatribe ignoring the fact Paul was the first to teach the rapture, not Darby, and there are pictures on the rapture throughout the OT, there will be no secret when millions are caught up and snatched away from the watching world
I prefer the term "mystery" not secret

I am guessing, but when the Rapture happens, there will be a second or ten, before anyone can realize the happening, and turn their life over to Jesus (a bit late, but better late than never).

yes, many fence riders will be saved and become tribulation saints, others will receive the strong delusion

[WartHog]

Awesome article and great ideas!

[MikeD]

I agree with BuzzardHut. There will be nothing SECRET about the Rapture. It's been told of for ages in the scripture. Jesus spoke of it. the followers of Jesus spoke of it. All scripture assures those who belong to Jesus are assured of His SAVING GRACE; our being delivered from rath and troubled times.

How appropriate the example of a bird flying in to your window. Just this week, I was sitting at my desk, watching over the "markets" and trying to get some kind of an idea of a direction for our trading for the week. Well, no such luck. The sliding glass door going to the back porch is right there next to my share. When, alll of a sudden, BAM!! a bird ran right into it! What was even more funny, our cat was sleeping in a chair on the porch and when it happened, the cat must have jumped 5 feet high! Scared her big time! For that, I couldn't stop laughing. She just sat there looking at me with a look saying, thanks a lot...

[jesuschangesall]

the point i want to make is this: we talk about the rapture a lot,we crave it,we desire it,we study continually the subject,I personally have started to put together 2 websites about the rapture...BUT...the unsaved and even a great part of the saved know nothing about the rapture....I mean,when I was a wishy washy Rcc I didn't even know Jesus and the plan of salvation,imagine if i could conceive the rapture!
Among many "saved" believers they have vague ideas about the eventual return of Jesus and they are NOT taught the Rapture because their pastors are often too busy building their little kingdoms....I presume ( I might be wrong) that in the USA many more people know about the rapture than the believers in Italy for example...and i found out that even those that believe in the rapture,seem to relegate the event to a vague"one day"....in other words,the sense of expectancy
is not there at all....many believers know nothing at all about Israel not to mention Ezekiel 38 psalm83 or the destruction of Damascus...I truly believe that satan has been working hard to keep the unsaved in darkness about Jesus Grace and the believers about the rapture and the second coming....i have managed to inform at my best my grown up kids who are all saved about the endtimes,and they all know the subject pretty well,but the churches where the fellowship( and are good ones in many ways) are not HOT about the rapture and ened times....not to mention that a big numbers of believers that got saved in my period ( in the 70's) have been kind of burned badly when the was the craze of date setting...and unfortunately many pastors that are still on now,well,I am not going to name which one,have been date setters themselves....so..there is still a lot of confusion about it...think about how many websites are out there talking specifically about the rapture...not many really,unless I am ill informed...so the "SECRET RAPTURE" is SECRET,in my opinion because it is kept secret from the ones that should be shouting it from the pulpits....we are still in ignorance,just like the spiritual gifts...I found that everytime The Lord tells us in the Bible:'I don't want you to be ignorant about..." there is still a lot of misinformation and ignorance..don't you think? my 5 cents...by the way HE IS COMING SOON!:)

[MikeD]

How right you are, JesusChangesAll. If I'm not mistaken, there are 5 or 6 items, maybe 7, the Bible tells us NOT TO BE IGNORANT on or about. And, if you look at Christianity today, THESE ARE EXACTLY THE THINGS THE BODY OF CHRIST KNOW NOTHING ABOUT!!! Really makes you wonder as to the direction many preachers are taking congregations today.

I know there's a video referenced somewhere here in/on the forum offering a sermon, or lesson, about this topic. Just can't find it...

[Keith]

Well from my point of view I think people not knowing about the rapture or endtimes events has to do with people not reading or studying bible prophecy, I think on that issue it is a 50/50 equation as to who's fault that is. I think it is 50% the person's fault and 50% the minister's fault. I think its equally on both. I'm supposed to read and study my bible but GOD has the minister there to maybe reinforce me on some things and maybe tell me about some things otherwise I wouldn't know. Its out of mercy really for there's no reason for him to be obligated to do so but he does it. It is set though that even when we Christians are insufficient in our studies of certain subject the pastors or ministers are there to fill in the gaps or supposed to anyhow. The bible says ALL scripture is ..... and we know the rest of the verse but all means all and that includes prophecy as well. I know for my part as i've said i've learned everything I know on endtime events from the web, videos, audio cassettes and my own studies...i've never and i've been in church since I was a small boy and now am 36 I say NEVER from any minister i've sat under heard them preach anything on prophecy.

I have heard nothing and I mean nothing, no Antichrist, no rapture, no tribulation or great tribulation, no 1,000 year reign, no 144,000, no two witnesses etc., etc., etc. The only thing I hear them say is Jesus is coming back one day and thats it. The book of Revelation or any book of prophecy may as well not be in the bible.

Thats my experience anyhow.

[Chris]

The Bible says we'll be changed within a "twinkling of an eye". I think they've said that science has finally been able to measure the "twinkling of an eye" and found it to be a small fraction of a second. I think that will be how fast the rapture will be. One second we will be walking on earth, the next second we will be walking in Heaven. JMHO.

[BuzzardHut]

Well from my point of view I think people not knowing about the rapture or endtimes events has to do with people not reading or studying bible prophecy, I think on that issue it is a 50/50 equation as to who's fault that is. I think it is 50% the person's fault and 50% the minister's fault. I think its equally on both. I'm supposed to read and study my bible but GOD has the minister there to maybe reinforce me on some things and maybe tell me about some things otherwise I wouldn't know. Its out of mercy really for there's no reason for him to be obligated to do so but he does it. It is set though that even when we Christians are insufficient in our studies of certain subject the pastors or ministers are there to fill in the gaps or supposed to anyhow. The bible says ALL scripture is ..... and we know the rest of the verse but all means all and that includes prophecy as well. I know for my part as i've said i've learned everything I know on endtime events from the web, videos, audio cassettes and my own studies...i've never and i've been in church since I was a small boy and now am 36 I say NEVER from any minister i've sat under heard them preach anything on prophecy.

I have heard nothing and I mean nothing, no Antichrist, no rapture, no tribulation or great tribulation, no 1,000 year reign, no 144,000, no two witnesses etc., etc., etc. The only thing I hear them say is Jesus is coming back one day and thats it. The book of Revelation or any book of prophecy may as well not be in the bible.

Thats my experience anyhow.

yes, the Second Coming is more publicized and accepted than the rapture

[Navyblue]

Perhaps, the many become completely confused with all the negative remarks, especially about all them thar false prophets who want to set dates, and are always wrong when they do set a date. Most people simply say that they do not like date-setters, and if they don't study that confusing information, they cannot set dates, and are therefore much more likable, because they don't know nothing, don't want to know nothing, so don't.

I love studying God's word, especially Prophecy. I find myself somewhat an outcast from much of the Body of Christ, especially those who think as above noted. I felt Yom Teruah, last September held all the cards for a Grand Slam Rapture, but alas, I must have been playing with a wrong deck, as it didn't happen. No one who listened to my argument 'For' Rapture that day, fell away, but those who do not wish to hear, put even greater distance between myself and them. I had become a 'False Prophet,' even though not once did I say I was speaking on behalf of God, only was espousing reasons that Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets, Tishri-1) could well be the day. Oh, Well. Back to the Drawing Board.

Ministers who try to teach Prophecy, usually has a problem keeping a decent sized congregation, simply because they will depart for the Church group, where the minister teaches 'Feel Good,' anything goes Christianity (much easier to live with, as that comes naturally). Besides, they say, the only way to prove the Rapture, is to have the Rapture, and therefore no one need talk to a subject having no proof, short of the happening. (or something like that). So many, just does not wish to hear the subject mentioned.

In Messiah, it helps me keep interested in the whole of what God has to say. Arley

[LdyinChrist]

Just a thought and not sure where to put it….but wanted to put it somewhere before I forget it LOL. (mods please relocated if needed)

Some have questioned that there could be a time gap between the rapture of the Church and the start of the Tribulation.

This verse has stuck in my mind for some reason…I finally found it …

Deuteronomy 24:5 (King James Version)

5When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken.

Could this elude to our time with Christ after he takes his Church (the Bride) Rev. 4-5, and before Rev 6…the beginning of the tribulation?

Looking forward to thoughts on this.

[Navyblue]

Just a thought and not sure where to put it….but wanted to put it somewhere before I forget it LOL. (mods please relocated if needed)

Some have questioned that there could be a time gap between the rapture of the Church and the start of the Tribulation.

This verse has stuck in my mind for some reason…I finally found it …

Deuteronomy 24:5 (King James Version)

5When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken.

Could this elude to our time with Christ after he takes his Church (the Bride) Rev. 4-5, and before Rev 6…the beginning of the tribulation?

Looking forward to thoughts on this.

Not only that, but most Jewish Weddings, as I understand, last 'Seven' days (/Years??). Just a feeling, but we really do need have our lamps trimmed, and full of oil. Yeee-Haaa, and AMEN

In Messiah, His Wonders. Arley

[truth]

chris, not really sure how secret his coming is going to be. the bible says every mountain and every island will be moved out of their place..there will be the sound of trumpets the voice of arch angels.. every eye is going to see him..doesn't sound very secret..the bible does tell us how thing will be after his return..in 2peter 3:10 it tells us what will happen after he comes as a thief. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. it really doesn't sound very secret and it doesn't sound like people will be scratching their heads wondering where did everyone go.certainly doesn't sound like there will be 7 more years of tribulation..

[Chris]

chris, not really sure how secret his coming is going to be. the bible says every mountain and every island will be moved out of their place..there will be the sound of trumpets the voice of arch angels.. every eye is going to see him..doesn't sound very secret..the bible does tell us how thing will be after his return..in 2peter 3:10 it tells us what will happen after he comes as a thief. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. it really doesn't sound very secret and it doesn't sound like people will be scratching their heads wondering where did everyone go.certainly doesn't sound like there will be 7 more years of tribulation..

It sounds like you've confused the Rapture and the Second Coming as being one and the same thing. But they are not. That's why it doesn't make sense to you or that there is confusion about it. The Rapture and the Second coming are two different events that happen at two different times. The rapture happens before the 70th week of Daniel. The Second Coming happens at the end of the 70th week of Daniel.

[Chris]

Why don't you go read the articles on the main site?? Here's the link:

The Rapture of the Church

[Chris]

From the rules:

[15] No promotion of Mid, Post Tribulation, Prewrath, Preterism, or Replacement theology. This board is traditional Pre-Tribulation Rapture, Pre 6 Seals, Pre 70th week, and Pre-Millennial Dispensational of End Times Prophecy. No posting alternative theories from other websites. We believe in a literal 7 year Tribulation period, after the instantaneous Rapture of all regenerated believers in unison, during which God finishes His discipline of Israel, protects Israel, and finalizes His judgments on the unbelieving world. Salvation will remain open to people trusting in Jesus for salvation up to the Second Coming.
No suggestions of living righteously enough for the rapture, or salvation unattainable after the Rapture is not allowed.
All discussions on these topics must follow suit. Jesus said we won't know the day nor hour of His return and always be ready keeping watch.

[Thoughtspaz]

1Th 5:3 While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.

Mat 24:37-38 But as the days of Noah were, so shall be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered into the ark.

Rev 6:4 And another, a red horse, went out. And power was given to him sitting on it, to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another. And there was given to him a great sword.

I've always had problems reconciling these while wearing my postTrib hat. Now when I put on my preTrib hat it makes more sense. I’ve heard most of the go-around-the- problem arguments. I just don’t buy em.

[RobinD69]

Thank you, you have done well my friend I just hope it happens soon.

[jesuschangesall]

Thank you, you have done well my friend I just hope it happens soon.

The RAPTURE of THE BRIDE of CHRIST IS 100% BIBLICAL and IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN when THE NUMBER of the saved comprising the bride is complete.Now,ONLY THE LORD knows that...for example,while I am writing this post being in my home in australia,may be somebody is getting saved somewhere in the world,let's imagine Italy and that somebody is the one that completes the BRIDE....I or you wouldn't know that but The Lord YES! and ZAP one second and JESUS (THE BRIDEGROOM) comes to RAPTURE US and we meet HIM in THE AIR!!!! Praise THE LORD,PRAISE THE LORD!!!! He PAID the price for the bride(us) with HIS OWN BLOOD and so HE IS desiring to have HIS BRIDE much more than we can conceive.....that is why we don't know WHEN exactly is going to happen BUT we KNOW IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN because even if people say:"the word RAPTURE is not in the bible" I answer :"depends which Bible you are reading because in THE LATIN VULGATA there is RAPIEMUR ( from the verb RAPERE from which we have the word RAPTURE...in fact in Italian,language that derives from LATIN we say :RAPIMENTO=RAPIEMUR and in greek ( the new testament is written in everyday greek of Jesus time) we find the verb HARPAZO which means to snatch away with vioence something suddenly!!! PRAISE THE LORD PRAISE THE LORD and so if we preach THE RAPTURE we do well,because it is so connected to THE GOSPEL of GRACE of our LORD because every born again child of GOD will be raptured when it happens,because is out of HIS GRACE just like THE ETERNAL SALVATION that HE offers as a GIFT to anyone who believes in HIM or HIM ....the ten virgins ARE NOT tHE CHURCH in fact are what we would call nowdays the BRIDESMAIDS...so while I am not going to say or encourage careless living the christian life but rather to walk as CLOSE as possible TO JESUS,I am not going to expouse the trimming of the lamps and the oil in the lamps as pointing to a partial rapture like many do......so JESUS IS COMING FOR HIS BRIDE=RAPTURE
JESUS IS COMING WITH THE BRIDE=SECOND COMING....JESUS MEETS US IN THE AIR=RAPTURE
JESUS LANDS ON MOUNT OF OLIVES=SECOND COMING!

PRAISE THE LORD PRAISE THE LORD PRAISE THE LORD HE IS COMING!!!!!!!!!