Looking for answers

[survivor3x]

I'm confused by so many conflicting teachings about the end times. I was raised Catholic, but as an adult chose to accept Jesus as my personal Savior. I don't have a denominational affiliation to a church, or doctrine. I'm Christian.
I'm trying to understand the rapture. I've read His Word: Thessalonians, Daniel, Revelation, and other books of the Bible trying to learn about it. And I've read other teachings as well: Dr. Billy Graham, Dr. Charles Stanley, and others.
It is my understanding that Jesus will return to earth for His Church? All born again Christians are the Church? Is that when the tribulation period begins? Will people be born again during the tribulation? When does the rapture happen?
I am by no means a scholar. And there are more educated people than I who have studied His Word throughout their lifetime. I'm desperately trying to understand, because deep in my Spirit I feel an urgency that time is running short!
If anyone could give me some Bible passages to read that would explain things, I would be grateful!! I'm sure there are Scriptures that I'm unaware of.
Thank you for your help, and God Bless!!

[ANY MINUTE]

Hello, welcome to the board!!!

The main page has a ton of info to answer all your questions about the Rapture of the Church.
Yes Jesus returns , but the dead in Christ rise first, then those who are alive will be caught up(raptured) to meet Him in the air. 1THESSALONIANS4:16-17 1CORINTHIANS15:51-53
WE meet Him in the air, Jesus will step foot on the ground at His second coming at the end of the Tribulation, Daniel's 70th week.

Scripture doesn't say that the Tribulation has to start right after the Rapture, but I tend to believe it will help usher in the start of it. I'm sure others will help you further. Also check out RaptureReady.com, the main page is also loaded with good info also.

[mikhen7]

I'm confused by so many conflicting teachings about the end times. I was raised Catholic, but as an adult chose to accept Jesus as my personal Savior. I don't have a denominational affiliation to a church, or doctrine. I'm Christian.
I'm trying to understand the rapture. I've read His Word: Thessalonians, Daniel, Revelation, and other books of the Bible trying to learn about it. And I've read other teachings as well: Dr. Billy Graham, Dr. Charles Stanley, and others.
It is my understanding that Jesus will return to earth for His Church? All born again Christians are the Church? Is that when the tribulation period begins? Will people be born again during the tribulation? When does the rapture happen?
I am by no means a scholar. And there are more educated people than I who have studied His Word throughout their lifetime. I'm desperately trying to understand, because deep in my Spirit I feel an urgency that time is running short!
If anyone could give me some Bible passages to read that would explain things, I would be grateful!! I'm sure there are Scriptures that I'm unaware of.
Thank you for your help, and God Bless!!

To add to our Brother in Christ, AnyMinute's post and for some quick but not exhaustive answers:

First of all there is awesome content on the splash page  Rapture Forums - The Rapture in the End Times Also I will give you a quick synopsis because I have limited time. But others are sure to follow-up!!!!

The Rapture/Resurrection of Believers
1 Thess 4:13-18, 1 Cor. 15:51-57

"But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

"Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed-- in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:51-57

1) It is my understanding that Jesus will return to earth for His Church? Yes John 14:1-3

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." John 14:1-3

2) All born again Christians are the Church? Yes. John 3:2-3; Acts 2:47

"This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."" John 3:2-3

"...praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:47

3) Is that when the tribulation period begins? The tribulation is a seven year period (Daniels 70th week of years) that begins after or very soon after, Christ takes us to heaven via the Rapture. We believe it is Pre-Tribulation; that is where the term Pre-tribulationist comes from, see Dan. 9:24-27; Mt. 24:1ff, Jer. 30:7, and many others. Again it begins after the Church is taken to heaven at Christ’s call.

4) Will people be born again during the tribulation? Yes. But they will have to endure it with their parents. Hopefully the parents will be saved during that period. If the Child dies he/she will go to heaven. We do not believe in purgatory or limbo as Catholicism teaches or has taught. Neither do we believe that Baptism saves you. Baptism happens in Scripture after one believes in Christ as Lord and Savior. Acts 16:30-33,

"And he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Acts 16:30-33

5) When does the rapture happen? To answer that question there are several things to look at. But most importantly we believe that God does not desire His children to endure His wrath to be revealed during the tribulation. So we believe it occurs before the tribulation at some imminent point in time.

"and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come." 1 Thessalonians 1:10

"For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ," 1 Thessalonians 5:9

"Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth." Revelation 3:10

"Alas! For that day is great, So that none is like it; And it is the time of Jacob's trouble, But he shall be saved out of it. Jeremiah 30:7 (Jacob is God’s name for Israel) Israel is NOT the church. The tribulation is the appointed time for God to bring about the 70th week of Daniel 9:24-27. The first 69 weeks have occurred culminating with the crucifixion of Christ, The 70th is still ahead, again reserved for Israel to give them a last chance to turn to the Messiah Christ Jesus. During that period many will be saved.

"Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?" And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7:13-17


God Bless

[FaithInChrist]

because deep in my Spirit I feel an urgency that time is running short!

I strongly agree with this. There is an urgency to spread the true gospel to anybody that will hear and try to find ways to communicate with those that turn a deaf ear. Our Lord is giving us all a boldness we never had before to help get as many ready for His return. Praise the Lord that you realized the truth. There are many people here that are much more versed in the Bible than I am and I know they can give you all that the Bible says. I pray you are able to convince all you love and even more that the time of Christ's return is near and they heed your word.

[anath]

Welcome to Rapture Forums survivor!
I too feel an urgency in my Spirit but I also see world events lining up that correlate to the Word of God and know that time is short.

[ANY MINUTE]

survivor3x,

I forgot to tell you, what great questions to ask! I think it is wonderful when believers start searching for answers on everything The Lord has to say in His Word. So many of todays churches don't or won't teach on God's prophetic word. I hope you continue to seek and share with us because we all can learn and grow from each others posts. mikhen7 and many others have threads here that help explain why the Body, The Church needs to be in fellowship and fitted together as God intended.

Again,Welcome and I look forward to you sharing more with us as you continue to grow in your walk with the Lord. God Bless!

[Keeplookinup]

survivor3x,

I forgot to tell you, what great questions to ask! I think it is wonderful when believers start searching for answers on everything The Lord has to say in His Word. So many of todays churches don't or won't teach on God's prophetic word. I hope you continue to seek and share with us because we all can learn and grow from each others posts. mikhen7 and many others have threads here that help explain why the Body, The Church needs to be in fellowship and fitted together as God intended.

Again,Welcome and I look forward to you sharing more with us as you continue to grow in your walk with the Lord. God Bless!

Agreed--my church being one of them. Not all pastors are "gifted, schooled, trained, wise" in this topic. I believe that we are ALL accountable for searching out the truth for ourselves, and not waiting for it to be spoonfed to us on Sunday morning.

Survivor3x, if there is a "stirring" in your spirit (like there was in mine and many others here on RF), then you are doing the right thing by searching out the answers. Pray for wisdom and discernment! Always check what you hear and learn with what GOD SAYS. I am truly blessed to have found Rapture Forums a few years ago when I suddenly had the stirring in my spirit to know more about the end times. Prior to that, I never even gave it a thought. I never paid attention to what was going on in the middle east. No one started talking to me about it...I just suddenly wanted to know more. Welcome!

[SonSeeker]

Survivor3x, if there is a "stirring" in your spirit (like there was in mine and many others here on RF), then you are doing the right thing by searching out the answers. Pray for wisdom and discernment! Always check what you hear and learn with what GOD SAYS. I am truly blessed to have found Rapture Forums a few years ago when I suddenly had the stirring in my spirit to know more about the end times. Prior to that, I never even gave it a thought. I never paid attention to what was going on in the middle east. No one started talking to me about it...I just suddenly wanted to know more. Welcome!

You just told my story, Keeplookinup! A "stirring" is about the best word that describes what I felt as well. And the Lord bringing me to RF has truly been a blessing.

Survivor3x, I too am a recovering catholic, as are many others here, and accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, but don't attend a specific church (yet). I do believe time is running short also, as the Middle East is rapidly becoming such a powder keg, just as the Bible said.

As far as the study of the Rapture, the Tribulation, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and many of the other prophecies contained in the Bible is concerned, I have simply been following my heart, which to me is the same as following where the Lord has been leading me. He has been doing a fabulous job of first saving me, then guiding me into various employment opportunities, and of course leading me to RF where I have been learning a wealth of information as well as gaining not just life long friends, but eternal friends.hug

[mattfivefour]

All good replies. I heartily applaud mikhen7's suggestion that you visit our Rapture Forums - The Rapture in the End Times site for all the information you could ever want about the Rapture, its purpose, its timing, its relation to other end times events. It has taken a long time to amass all of the information there. It would be wise to put it to use if you are curious or puzzled.

[readyforhome]

After talking to my earthly father, I feel like that opned my heart to a stirring too. All he said was this, "You know Jesus is coming back soon." It may have been a man paying attention to what is going on, but it definitely felt like more. Then I started noticing what was going on too. Then the attacks, apostacy and general hatred and malaise amongst people toward Christ our saviour and Christianity. I myself am not part of a church either, I mean it becomes hard when many seem to believe social events are more important than sharing the word of salvation.

[billym]

To add to our Brother in Christ, AnyMinute's post and for some quick but not exhaustive answers:

First of all there is awesome content on the splash page  Rapture Forums - The Rapture in the End Times Also I will give you a quick synopsis because I have limited time. But others are sure to follow-up!!!!

The Rapture/Resurrection of Believers
1 Thess 4:13-18, 1 Cor. 15:51-57

"But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

"Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed-- in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:51-57

1) It is my understanding that Jesus will return to earth for His Church? Yes John 14:1-3

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." John 14:1-3

2) All born again Christians are the Church? Yes. John 3:2-3; Acts 2:47

"This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."" John 3:2-3

"...praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:47

3) Is that when the tribulation period begins? The tribulation is a seven year period (Daniels 70th week of years) that begins after or very soon after, Christ takes us to heaven via the Rapture. We believe it is Pre-Tribulation; that is where the term Pre-tribulationist comes from, see Dan. 9:24-27; Mt. 24:1ff, Jer. 30:7, and many others. Again it begins after the Church is taken to heaven at Christ’s call.

4) Will people be born again during the tribulation? Yes. But they will have to endure it with their parents. Hopefully the parents will be saved during that period. If the Child dies he/she will go to heaven. We do not believe in purgatory or limbo as Catholicism teaches or has taught. Neither do we believe that Baptism saves you. Baptism happens in Scripture after one believes in Christ as Lord and Savior. Acts 16:30-33,

"And he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Acts 16:30-33

5) When does the rapture happen? To answer that question there are several things to look at. But most importantly we believe that God does not desire His children to endure His wrath to be revealed during the tribulation. So we believe it occurs before the tribulation at some imminent point in time.

"and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come." 1 Thessalonians 1:10

"For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ," 1 Thessalonians 5:9

"Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth." Revelation 3:10

"Alas! For that day is great, So that none is like it; And it is the time of Jacob's trouble, But he shall be saved out of it. Jeremiah 30:7 (Jacob is God’s name for Israel) Israel is NOT the church. The tribulation is the appointed time for God to bring about the 70th week of Daniel 9:24-27. The first 69 weeks have occurred culminating with the crucifixion of Christ, The 70th is still ahead, again reserved for Israel to give them a last chance to turn to the Messiah Christ Jesus. During that period many will be saved.

"Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?" And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7:13-17


God Bless

One of the best answers I have seen.

[SonSeeker]

One of the best answers I have seen.

Agreed!

[survivor3x]

Thank you all for your help and encouragement!! And I greatly appreciate your patience!! I have several more questions, if that's all right? (I don't want to wear out my welcome! :)) I've been a Christian for several years, but I've only started studying the end time prophecies in depth recently. I feel like a new babe in Christ again since I've started studying! :)

[MikeD]

Be assured survivor3x, I believe I'm in safe territory to state to you, you could NEVER "WEAR OUT YOUR WELCOME" here at this forum. Please, ASK your quesitons. By answering, that drivers ALL of us to be sure, from God's Word, not only WHAT we believe but WHY we believe. Thus, being ready to give an answer to so many hurting and fearful in this day and age that, there IS an answer and there IS a promise we can hold on to; NO MATTER WHAT! This, the answer, obviously leads to the JOY our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ promises us as we grow together in HIM.

[survivor3x]

Be assured survivor3x, I believe I'm in safe territory to state to you, you could NEVER "WEAR OUT YOUR WELCOME" here at this forum. Please, ASK your quesitons. By answering, that drivers ALL of us to be sure, from God's Word, not only WHAT we believe but WHY we believe. Thus, being ready to give an answer to so many hurting and fearful in this day and age that, there IS an answer and there IS a promise we can hold on to; NO MATTER WHAT! This, the answer, obviously leads to the JOY our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ promises us as we grow together in HIM.

Thank you, MikeD! I'll be posting those questions soon! It is such a privilege to be a part of His Church. I'm so thankful He called me to Him!! Praise You, Heavenly Father!

[mattfivefour]

I'll quote the parts that I don't understand.

"Nathan Jones: Exactly right! Now, some people will bring up Matthew 24:14 which says the Gospel has to be preached to the whole world and then the end will come. Well, that again is a Second Coming prophecy. That is not a Rapture prophecy. During the Tribulation the Lord provides all sorts of people to share the Gospel. He's got an angel who travels all over the earth. He's got the Two Witnesses in Jerusalem and the 144,000 Jewish evangelists. He's got all the materials that we've left behind. There's definitely a great Gospel movement during the Tribulation. Again, this great evangelistic witness happens during the Tribulation, and so the Church doesn't need to be in the Tribulation to share the Gospel. God's got it covered."

Does this mean that the people left behind will be able to be saved, and accept Jesus as their Savior?This really confuses me because when Jesus has Raptured the Church, and taken all Christians from the Earth, how will those left behind be able to become Christians?

I was also going to quote from another thread, and I can’t find where I read it. But it quotes Revelation 7:13-19 (NKJV)

13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?”
14 And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.
16 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat;
17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
These verses really confuse me! Are the people who come out of the Tribulation Christians? How is that possible since Jesus has already Raptured His Church?

Yes, there will be a massive reaping of saints during the Tribulation. Revelation 7:9,14 tell us that. The Church is gone, but the Holy Spirit is still here. The difference is He no longer indwells people, as far as I can tell. And those who accept Christ during the Tribulation will do so at the cost of their own lives. Satan will not allow a single Christian to remain alive on earth. So those who become Christians will be imprisoned, tortured and killed. Personally, I am glad to have accepted Him during he Age of Grace and not have waited until the only way to Him is through martyrdom!

[Kist]

Be assured survivor3x, I believe I'm in safe territory to state to you, you could NEVER "WEAR OUT YOUR WELCOME" here at this forum. Please, ASK your quesitons. By answering, that drivers ALL of us to be sure, from God's Word, not only WHAT we believe but WHY we believe. Thus, being ready to give an answer to so many hurting and fearful in this day and age that, there IS an answer and there IS a promise we can hold on to; NO MATTER WHAT! This, the answer, obviously leads to the JOY our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ promises us as we grow together in HIM.

Talked to a guy the other day who said, "I love it when people ask me hard questions about my faith. You know why? Because we should be able to find the truth in scripture, if we aren't able to do that, it wouldn't really be worth believing anyway. We proclaim we know the truth, then we shouldn't be afraid of someone trying to test it, in stead we should look at it as another experience to affirm what we know to be true, after all, every question asked is one we first answer for ourselves."