The Rapture (Part 2) (Dispensational Caucus)

Bible Prophecy Blog ^ | March 33, 2012 | Dr. Andy Woods

[Guyin4Os]

Excuse me, but where in the Bible is the word "Rapture" (in this sense) employed?

In 1 Thessalonians 4:17, the English term term "caught up" is a translation of `arpagesometha. The root is "harapazo" which translates into "rapio" in the Latin. "Rapture" means to be "caught up."

There is no question that the concept of "rapture" or the catching-up of the saints who are alive at the coming of the Lord is taught in the scripture. The question is WHEN in the sequence of the days, months and years previous to the return of the Lord the rapture occurs. And on that question, there is much debate.

[Semper Mark]

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

[CynicalBear]

The Lord descends but there is no coming to earth there. Notice that we meet Him in the air. Not until after the Tribulation does He come to earth again.

[wmfights]

As for who will be in Jerusalem when Christ comes back, that is a good question! It is one of those details that we wish God had been more specific about!

I think it has to be some of the people converted through the evangelizing of the 144K witnesses. Otherwise why would the armies that follow the beast gather to attack Israel.

FWIW, in Rev. 19:14 the armies in heaven are clothed in fine white linen. I believe this is more likely the raptured Bride of Christ rather than Angels. Off hand I'm not familiar with any passage that describes Angels as wearing "fine white linen".

[wmfights]

Micah 5:2 is talking about Christ’s second coming to the New Jerusalem after the battle of Armageddon at the end of the tribulation. He will then reign on this earth for 1000 years.

I think you are right CB, but the passage does say "whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. It seems that Jesus Christ is not limited to 2 visits to Earth.

CB if you are arguing that there is no rapture then who comprises the Bride of Christ and when does the marriage of the Lamb occur? In Rev. 19 the wedding occurs prior to Jesus returning with His Army and the Army He returns with is wearing the same clothing of fine white linen.

[GiovannaNicoletta]

FWIW, in Rev. 19:14 the armies in heaven are clothed in fine white linen. I believe this is more likely the raptured Bride of Christ rather than Angels. Off hand I'm not familiar with any passage that describes Angels as wearing "fine white linen".

"Fine linen" definitely refers to the saints:

7“Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” 8It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints." (Revelation 19: 7,8)

I like your theory that those in Jerusalem will be the saints.

[wmfights]

Thanks

I know it's just one of those little technical questions, but it's fun to try and put the pieces together.

[CynicalBear]

>> It seems that Jesus Christ is not limited to 2 visits to Earth.<<

Spiritually no. Physical presence on earth however is twice according to scripture.

>> CB if you are arguing that there is no rapture<<

Absolutely not. The rapture will happen and I believe prior to the 7 year tribulation. The rapture however occurs “in the air” and Jesus does not descend “to the earth”.

>> In Rev. 19 the wedding occurs prior to Jesus returning with His Army and the Army He returns with is wearing the same clothing of fine white linen.<<

Yes it does. Compare the Jewish wedding traditions of the wedding, then the 7 days that the bride and groom are away from the public. Then they emerge to begin their lives in public.

There is an excellent explanation here: http://bridalcovenant.com/wedding1.html

[wmfights]

The rapture will happen and I believe prior to the 7 year tribulation. The rapture however occurs “in the air” and Jesus does not descend “to the earth”.

Thanks for the clarification, I misunderstood your earlier discussion.

Yes it does. Compare the Jewish wedding traditions of the wedding, then the 7 days that the bride and groom are away from the public. Then they emerge to begin their lives in public.

Thanks for the link, I'll look at it. It is inspiring to me how the LORD establishes patterns of behavior on a micro level that we then see play out on a macro level. Another example that comes to mind is the garden (the LORD interacting in a direct physical one on one basis with humans) and our living in the new Jerusalem at the end of the age.