These two events are often confused by definition and also in time. When spoken of, one will often hear that these events are one and the same yet they are not. The rapture and the second coming are two different distinct events with two different purposes. One removes the Church from earth while the other removes the unbelievers for judgment before the Millennial Kingdom.
Continue reading Rapture, Second Coming: The DifferenceDepending on which commentator you read Revelation 12 has been interpreted in different ways. Mathew Henry depicted the woman as the Church. John Peter Lange in A Commentary of the Holy Scriptures: Revelation, he disagrees yet acknowledges the meaning which Mathew Henry gives. John MacArthur I believe has a more accurate picture with less symbolic meaning telling the story in a more literal sense. The truth behind Revelation 12 should be easy to find thanks to a reference which John included with two additional parallels to that reference.
Continue reading Revelation 12: The ThemeIf one were to ask when will the 7 year Tribulation begin popular culture often would demand one answer. Many would say that the rapture taking place would kick off and begin the tribulation.
Continue reading Tribulation: How it BeginsMost understand that the tribulation period is a time of extreme peril upon the world. What it is for, and who it applies to is where much debate sets in. If we allow Scripture to interpret itself we can solve many issues. In order to understand the tribulation first one needs to know the importance of God’s promises to Israel and also the Church.
Without these prerequisites it becomes easy to miss the importance of this period of time. I highly recommend reading the posts concerning Israel and the Church before continuing as they are fundamental building blocks. We can begin to understand the why behind creation and the foundations of the world.
Continue reading Tribulation: Who and Why?Modern churches today are diverting in course from historical church movement. Historically the fact an event called the Rapture exists was never in question. Historically the question was where in the time line of events it would take place. This today is still the predominant argument, yet movements have been made to deny the existence of a Rapture event.
Continue reading Rapture DefinedWhat is God’s purpose for Israel? Prophetically the more popular narrative today has become that either the Church has replaced Israel or there is a more metaphorical meaning. The issue with these narratives is that none of them allow for Scripture to interpret itself. We must accept that God’s word is written as He intended it, complete and true without error. This very idea for many is too much to accept. Nevertheless as one studies the case for Israel if one is a Christian then one should realize that if God will not, or cannot, fulfill His promises to Israel then we as Christians have no hope for salvation. We are all tied to the promises of God.
Continue reading Israel’s Purpose
