 From 1974 and until he passed away in June of 2005, Frank Caw devoted a considerable amount of time to research and study in Bible prophecy and related philosophical and theological issues. This website is dedicated by his family to his memory and work and is as he presented it at the time of his death. The family of Frank Caw, Jr. would like to thank Tim McHyde of EscapeAllTheseThings.com for hosting his website.
While always insisting on a plain, literal and sensible approach to scriptural exegesis,
he has pieced together many new scriptural insights on a number of extraordinary
prophetic developments that are poised to be fulfilled in our immediate
future!
Thus, it is safe to say that things are not going to happen the way many people think
they will happen.
But, this book will give you the scriptural keys for truly understanding what God has
preordained will happen, and how you can survive the incredible scenario of prophetic
events about to unfold! |
This ministry is dedicated to the loving memory of my
late wife, Debbie, who went to be in the presence of God on October 23, 1997, and who was
so instrumental in helping me to prepare for my ministry during those many long, difficult
years.
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The Pre-Tribulation Rapture
Escape
As In The Days Of
Noah
In Matthew 24:36-42, Jesus said that the circumstances of His Coming would be similar to those that existed at the time of Noah’s Flood. Thus, there will be a period of prosperous and routine living throughout the earth before His Coming that will parallel the comfortable lifestyle that predominated the earth until the day that Noah’s Flood, suddenly and unexpectedly, destroyed the world. Moreover, just as Noah’s Flood ushered in a catastrophic period of chaos and destruction, so likewise will the Coming of Christ begin with the “Rapture” escape of Christians to their “Heavenly ark of safety” just before a period of “testing” and destruction for the world begins. That period of testing, generally known as the Great Tribulation, will last for three and one-half years during which time some of the people still living on the earth will choose to become a Christian. That testing will then be followed by a seven-year period of horrendous Divine judgments and destruction upon the world that will culminate in Armageddon and the literal descent of Christ Jesus to the earth. Therefore, the Coming of Christ is actually a two-step process that will begin with the Rapture, then be followed by a series of judgments and tribulations on the earth, and then finally culminate in the literal Second Coming of Christ.
Matthew 24:36-42
36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. (KJV)
When Jesus was asked by His disciples to tell them the signs or events that would signal the imminent establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth and the time of the end, He briefly described the chaotic world conditions that would precede His Return. (Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 21.) However, following His summation of these apocalyptic events, Jesus immediately reassured His disciples that believers would be taken to Heaven when these things first began to happen, thereby allowing them to escape the terrible tribulations and judgments He had just described. This contextual consideration is important to note because it illustrates a very common communication technique used by people everyday, and it explains why the Rapture in Matthew 24 is not mentioned in its “proper” chronological sequence. A failure to understand this matter explains why some critics have questioned whether the pre-tribulation Rapture is even pictured in this passage of scripture.
Matthew 24:39 compares Noah’s Flood to the Coming of Christ by stating that both events involve a sudden, catastrophic judgment which strikes non-believers. In this instance, the Greek word translated as the word “took” in the phrase, “and took them all away,” comes from the Greek word AIRO, which means “to take” or “lay hold of.” Therefore, this biblical scripture means that just as unbelievers were taken away to judgment by the flood waters of Noah’s Flood immediately after Noah and his family had entered their ark of safety, so likewise will catastrophic judgment and destruction devastate the unbelieving world immediately after Christians are Raptured to their Heavenly ark of safety, i.e., Heaven.
However, in the next verse, when it is stated, “then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken,” the Greek word that is also translated as the word “taken” is derived from an entirely different Greek word, namely PARALAMBANO, meaning to “take or receive, in a gracious or impartial manner or attitude.” (Vine Dictionary). Likewise, Strong’s Hebrew-Greek Dictionary defines it as meaning “to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation).” Interestingly, it is used by Christ only six times in reference to end-time prophetic events — twice in the Olivet Discourse (Matt. 24:40-41); three times in a parallel passage of scripture (Luke 17:34-36); and once in John 14:3, which reads as follows:
John 14:2-3
2 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.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (KJV)
Thus, when it is stated that Christ will “receive” us or “take” us to Himself, the Greek dictionary definition for this word indicates He does so in a kind and loving manner because the dictionary definition absolutely precludes the possibility of death and destruction as some would have us believe is taught in this scripture. So, obviously none of these scriptural passages refer to judgment and destruction, but rather, to a kind and loving rescue of Christian believers. Therefore, Matthew 24:40-42 teaches that some people (believers) will be taken away in a gracious and intimate manner at the Coming of Christ, while others (unbelievers) will be left behind on the earth (to face the judgments which follow).
In the above passage, Jesus promised to go to Heaven and “prepare” a “mansion” for all believers so that someday they might be with the Lord wherever He is. Since Jesus will be in Heaven during the time of the “Great Tribulation” and the subsequent “Day of the Lord,” but on earth at the time of Armageddon and His Millennial Reign, it is apparent that there must be a “Rapture” or “escape” BEFORE God’s judgments are unleashed upon the world if believers are to inherit “mansions” in Heaven at the time of His Coming. So, by logical necessity, there must be a separate and distinct “gathering of the saints in the air” which will precede the Second Coming of Christ by some length of time so that the saints can inherit and occupy their mansions in Heaven before returning to the earth with Christ at His Second Coming. Likewise, we also must allow sufficient time between the Rapture and the Second Coming to permit the Judgment Seat of Christ and the Marriage Of The Lamb to occur. Obviously a pre-tribulation Rapture meets all of these scriptural requirements.
Luke 17:26-27
26 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.
27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. (KJV)
These two verses in Luke 17 obviously parallel Matthew 24:36-42 in their portrayal of the similarities that exist between the time of Noah’s Flood and the Coming of Christ to rescue believers to their “Heavenly ark of safety” before chaos and destruction strike the world.
Luke 17:28-32
28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;
29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.
30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.
31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.
32 Remember Lot’s wife. (KJV)
Again, in the above passage of scripture, we are warned about the parallels that exist between the sinful, unbelieving people living in Sodom until their sudden destruction, and the similar situation that will exist for the whole world until it is struck suddenly by a complex process of destruction that will culminate in Christ’s Revelation or Return. But first, to understand this passage properly, we should observe that we know from various parallel scriptures that this endtime destruction will not occur in just one literal day during the Second Coming of Christ. Instead, this time of destruction will commence immediately after the Rapture occurs, and will involve a complex, ongoing process that will begin with a horrible period of great tribulation, war, famine, pestilence, earthquakes, and death. Then that horrendous period of “testing” will be followed by seven years of catastrophic Trumpet-Vial plagues that will devaste the earth until Christ Returns at the Battle of Armageddon to complete the destruction of sin and evil in the world. So, it can be said that the Rapture ushers in a period of destruction for the world, but it is also equally valid to say that the destruction of the world will be completed at the Second Coming of Christ. Apparently, it has been this issue of complexity that has often confused commentators in their efforts to decipher the meaning of this scriptural passage.
Nevertheless, in verse 28, we observe a time of prosperous and blissful living. But then, in verse 29, Lot suddenly flees the city of Sodom, just before its destruction, in the same manner Christian believers will escape the earth before its time of destruction. However, verses 30-32 then shift the focus by giving us additional, new insight that goes beyond the usual warning that sudden destruction will terminate a time of careless and sinful living. It actually portrays life for people who will still be living on the earth when Christ Returns at the time of Armageddon. Those people are advised to drop everything, immediately, and flee for safety without a moment of hesitation. Presumably, this message of warning is intended for the benefit of any Jews who will still be living in Israel, and even anyone else with enough sense to heed the advice of Jesus. Thus, the destruction of the world will be completed at the Battle of Armageddon when Christ will be “revealed.”
There are actually five Greek words used in the Bible to express the truth of the Second Coming, one of which is used in verse 30 above. That Greek word is APOKALUPTO, and it is defined as “revealed, disclosed, uncovered, made known, make manifest,” and is translated as “unveiling, revealed, revelation, appearing, coming,” when used in reference to the Second Coming of Christ. Other biblical scriptures that express the truth of the Second Coming of Christ by using the Greek word APOKALUPTO are: I Peter 1:7, 13; I Cor. 1:7; Rev. 1:1. The remaining four Greek words used to express this truth concerning the Second Coming of Christ are the following:
The Greek word OPTOMAI is translated as “appear,” and is used in Hebrews 9:28.
Likewise, the Greek word ERCHOMAI is translated as “come,” and is used in John 14:3; Acts 1:11; II Thess. 1:10; Jude 14; Rev. 1:7.
Likewise, the Greek word EPIPHANEIA is translated as “appear,” and is used in I Tim. 6:14; II Tim. 1:10; II Tim. 4:1, 8; Titus 2:13.
Then finally, the Greek word PAROUSIA is defined as “coming, presence, advent, arrival,” and is translated as the word “coming” when used in scriptures that refer to the Second Coming of Christ. The Greek word PAROUSIA is found in the following scriptures: I Cor. 15:23; I Thess. 2:19; I Thess. 3:13; I Thess. 4:15; I Thess. 5:23; II Thess. 2:1, 8; James 5:7-8; II Peter 1:16; I John 2:28.
Luke 17:33
33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. (KJV)
Briefly, the above scripture proclaims the message that anyone who lives a life of self-gratification and sin and rebellion ultimately will lose their life, and anyone who puts to death the sinful deeds of the body will find eternal life. (Romans 8:10-14) (Matt. 10:39).
Luke 17:34-36
34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.
35 Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. (KJV)
Once again, in Luke 17:34-36, the Greek word PARALAMBANO is translated into the English word “taken” on three separate occasions, and as noted previously, it is defined as “take or receive, in a gracious or impartial manner or attitude.” (Vine Dictionary). Accordingly, in a message reminiscent of the warning narrated in Matthew 24:36-42, individuals are described as residing together on a bed or couch, or grinding together, or being in the field together, and in each instance, one of them is “taken” in a kind and gracious manner (by Christ to their Heavenly ark of safety), while the other person is left behind. Thus, it is obvious that verses 34-36 are symbolic portrayals of the pre-tribulation Rapture. Moreover, this view is corroborated in verse 37 when the disciples asked Jesus to explain where these individuals were taken in a kind and gracious manner.
Luke 17:37
37 And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body (Christ; Rev. 5:6) is, thither will the eagles (saints) be gathered together (i.e., Raptured). (KJV)
Matthew 24:28
28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. (KJV)
The word “carcase” in the Greek is PTOMA, and it can be translated as “dead body, corpse, carcase.” Accordingly, in the above two passages, the words “body, dead body, carcase” are all references to Christ Jesus, the “Lamb as it had been slain” (Rev. 5:6). Likewise, the word “eagle” in both of the above scriptural passages is defined by Strong’s Hebrew-Greek Dictionary as follows:
105 aetos (ah-et-os’);
from the same as 109; an eagle (from its wind-like flight):
KJV-- eagle.
So, there is no justification for saying the word “eagle” in Matthew 24:28 can also be translated as the word “vulture,” as some commentaries try to do in a vain effort to explain a difficult passage of scripture. Even more so since the above Greek word, translated as “eagle,” is used in yet another prophetic passage of scripture:
Revelation 8:13
....and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth.... (KJV)
The word for “angel” in this passage is actually a mistranslation; it should have been translated as the English word “eagle” because it is based on the same Greek word, AETOS, which we saw previously in Matthew 24:28 and Luke 17:37. In fact, many translations acknowledge this point by translating it as such. So, the context for this scripture and other parallel passages all indicate this “eagle” is, in reality, a reference to Christian saints in each instance. That explains the following scripture:
Isaiah 40:31
31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (KJV)
Therefore, in Revelation 8:13, we see eagle Christians warning people on earth that the last three Trumpet-Vial plagues, poised to strike the earth at that future point in time, will be even more severe in their catastrophic impact than the previous plagues. Then in Luke 17:37, we are told that eagle Christians will be Raptured and gathered together wherever Christ, the “Lamb as it had been slain,” may be. Then finally, in Matthew 24:28, Jesus tells us that just prior to His Second Coming with the saints, eagle Christians, i.e., saints, will be gathered around “the dead body,” which as we saw earlier, is Christ, the “Lamb as it had been slain” (Rev. 5:6). So, in all of these prophetic scriptural passages, the word “eagle” is used as a direct reference to Christian believers.
The Great
Rapture Escape
As further corroboration, the parallel scriptural passage in Luke 21:28, 34-36 warns against excessive concerns regarding the “cares of this life” because that is when “that day (will) come upon you unawares.” However, it also makes the promise that just before death, and destruction, and tribulations, and judgments begin, some individuals will be “taken” (to Heaven) because they will be “accounted worthy to escape (flee out of) all these things,” whereas others will be left behind as in a “snare” to face those judgments. That is why we are admonished to “pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”
Luke 21:28, 34-36
28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape (Greek EKPHEUGO, which means to “flee out” of danger) all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. (KJV)
In verse 28, the word “redemption” in the Greek is APOLUTROSIS, meaning the act of “ransom” in full, i.e., figuratively “riddance” or specifically Christian “salvation”; it is translated as “deliverance” or “redemption” in the Bible. Concerning this concept of “ransom in full,” there is a three-fold process involved:
1) SOUL - “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law.” (Gal. 3:13).
2) BODY - “Waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” (Rom. 8:23).
3) THE EARTH - “The redemption of the purchased possession.” (Eph. 1:14).
In other words, “redemption” will include the restoration of everything humanity lost in the Garden of Eden. Accordingly, the redemption of the soul involves the simple act of accepting Christ Jesus as personal Saviour in one’s life. Likewise, the redemption of the body will become a reality for Christian believers at the time of the pre-tribulation Rapture when they will be instantaneously and supernaturally translated or resurrected to Heaven with new, immortal spirit bodies. (People who become Christians after the Rapture will either be resurrected immediately after the Great Tribulation is over, or they will be translated, seven years later, just before Christ Returns to the earth.) Then finally, in like manner, the redemption of the earth will be accomplished after the “seven-sealed” book in Heaven is opened during a very horrific sequence of apocalyptic events that will culminate in the Return of Christ at the Battle of Armageddon to evict Satan and his evil angels from the earth.
“Take heed... lest... your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting...” The Greek word for “overcharged” is BARUNO, meaning to “burden,” figuratively-speaking. The Greek for “surfeiting” is KRAIPALE, meaning “headache” from drunkenness, i.e., by implication a “debauch,” and by analogy a “glut.” So, the message of this verse would be a warning not to burden your heart with debauchery and gluttony and drunkenness and cares of this life — a definite warning concerning the extraordinary period of peace and prosperity that Antichrist will forge into existence to help him deceive and destroy people, spiritually, before the Rapture.
“So that day come upon you unawares.” All the prophets of God used expressions such as “that day” to indicate the Day of the Lord, a day of darkness and gloominess and judgment. That meaning is consistent with the context of this scriptural passage. Concerning the word “unawares,” the Greek dictionary defines it as “non-apparent” and “unexpected,” i.e., adverbially “suddenly.” Thus, to an unbelieving world, everything will seem fine because there will be no apparent indication that apocalyptic disaster is about to strike — a condition that will parallel precisely the circumstances that existed in the days just before Noah’s Flood struck the earth. Not surprisingly, therefore, when Antichrist performs his incredible miracles while creating an economic paradise throughout the world, it will not be very easy to convince most people that he is actually quite evil and deceptive, and that God’s devastating judgments upon the earth are imminent.
“For as a snare shall it come.” The Greek word for “snare” is PAGIS, and it is defined as “a trap to ensnare suddenly and unexpectedly.” So again, there is this reference to a sudden and unanticipated destruction “as in the days of Noah.” But Jesus also admonished us to “watch” and “pray” so that we (as Christians) will “escape” all these things. Moreover, this word “escape” is the exact same word used by the apostle Paul in I Thessalonians 5:1-10 to warn that “children of darkness” would not escape or evade the day of God’s wrath and judgment. But, here in this passage, Jesus teaches that Christians can avoid the chaos and destruction coming upon the world. It will be possible for them to “escape,” which according to the Greek dictionary means literally “to flee out of” disaster and “to get safely away from danger.”
This “escape from destruction” is also confirmed in Revelation 3:10:
Revelation 3:10
10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. (KJV)
The word “temptation” is translated more accurately as “trial” in Young’s Literal Translation Of The Bible. Since the word “trial” is immediately preceded by the article (“the”) in the original writings, the Greek most definitely should be translated as “the trial.” This, in turn, denotes this trial as very significant because it is the Great Tribulation testing which will occur immediately after the Rapture when all of the world will be tested for three and one-half years. At that time, some people will accept Christ as their Lord and Saviour and become “tribulation saints,” while many others will swear allegiance to the Antichrist, instead, by taking the “mark of the beast.” However, there will be a third category of people, consisting of ordinary, unsaved people, who will survive Armageddon and then will be allowed to enter the Millennial Kingdom as subjects under the rulership of Christ and the saints. These people will be distinct in that they will abstain from taking the mark of the beast even though they will not convert to Christianity, either (until later, during the Millennium, when most of them will become saved in response to the salvation message which will be proclaimed throughout the world from Jerusalem; Zech. 14:16; Matt. 25:31-46; Rev. 20:3, 8; Rev. 21:3, 24, 26; Dan. 7:27; Micah 4:1-5; Isa. 2:2-4; I Cor. 15:24-28).
But, God has promised that He will “keep” those Christians who keep the word of the patience, i.e., endurance. The word used here for “keep” is translated from the Greek, TEREO, and it means to guard from loss or injury. Therefore, since many of the people who will become Christians during the Great Tribulation will be killed by the Antichrist, they obviously will not be the ones who will be guarded from loss or injury. By logical necessity, then, this passage must mean, instead, that the Christians who are guaranteed “safekeeping” from the Great Tribulation are Christians who will be Raptured out of the world before the Great Tribulation begins.
One further clarification: Many Tribulation Saints will manage to survive the Great Tribulation, so at that point in time, they will be “sealed” by God (Rev. 7:1-8) in order to protect them from the Antichrist and the seven years of Divine Judgments that will begin immediately after the Great Tribulation is over. However, the promise of “safekeeping” which is given in Revelation 3:10 will not apply to these Tribulation Saints, either. The reason for this is that these surviving Tribulation Saints will not be “sealed” for protection until AFTER the Great Tribulation is over, whereas the promise of “safekeeping” was intended to benefit people who will be Christian believers BEFORE the Great Tribulation, i.e., “the hour of the trial,” even begins. In other words, the promise of safekeeping applies only to the time of the Great Tribulation, not to the subsequent seven-year period of time, generally known as the Day of the Lord, which will begin immediately AFTER the Great Tribulation is over.
Furthermore, according to Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon Of The New Testament, the meaning of the verb “will keep” (TEREO or TERESO), whenever it is used in conjunction with the preposition “from” (EN), is defined as being “to cause one to persevere or stand firm in a thing.” But, whenever the verb “will keep” is used with another form of the preposition “from” (EK), it is defined as “by guarding to cause one to escape in safety out of.” Since EK is the preposition used here in this instance, this means that Christians are promised an escape or removal from “the trial” or Great Tribulation, not a preservation through it. Therefore, this passage in Revelation 3:10 most definitely guarantees Christians a Rapture escape from the Great Tribulation.
I Thessalonians 5:1-10
1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. (KJV)
“Day of the Lord” is defined by a careful, analytical reading of various biblical scriptures to be the “great day of God’s wrath” upon the world sometime AFTER the pre-tribulation Rapture has occurred. It will last for a period of seven years during which time the seven Trumpet-Vial Plagues of fire will demolish and melt much of the world before culminating in the Second Coming of Christ at the Battle of Armageddon. Moreover, when you read the following scriptural references in Revelation which describe the “Great Day Of His Wrath” — a period of time which is ushered in by the events of the Sixth Seal, and highlighted by the seven Trumpet-Vial plagues — they sound remarkably similar to the descriptions of the Day of the Lord found in the Old Testament prophecies describing Armageddon and the period of time just prior to the Battle of Armageddon. Hence the inevitable conclusion they are one and the same.
Therefore, the Day Of The Lord can NOT refer to any period of time AFTER the Millennium, but instead it must refer to the seven-year period of Divine judgments that will culminate in Armageddon. (Rev. 6:12-17) (Rev. 8:1-2, 5-13) (Rev. 9:1-19) (Rev. 11:13-15) (Joel 2:1-11) (Joel 2:28-31) (Isa. 24:17-23) (Isa. 13:6-13) (Zech. 14:1-3) (II Peter 3:10-12) (Zeph. 1:14-18) (Amos 5:18-20) (Isa. 2:10-21). Furthermore, just as the Rapture will happen suddenly and unexpectedly, without warning, so likewise will the “Day of the Lord” come “as a thief in the night,” without warning. That is because the Day Of The Lord should be viewed as an integral part of the continuous, ongoing process of apocalyptic destruction that will begin immediately after the Rapture occurs.
“Peace and safety; then sudden destruction...” Contextually-speaking, the scriptural phrase “sudden destruction” is an obvious direct reference to the “Day Of The Lord” mentioned in the previous scriptural verse. Thus, the expression, “peace and safety,” must be an explicit allusion to a very specific period of time, i.e., the deceptive period of peace and prosperity that will be inspired by Antichrist until the pre-tribulation Rapture ushers in a devastating period of tribulation, judgment, death and destruction. Therefore, because the period of “peace and safety” in the above passage is followed immediately by “sudden destruction” during the Day Of The Lord, it obviously correlates with the prophetic scenario associated with the Antichrist.
This view is even confirmed in the very same scriptural sentence: “Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child.” Since Revelation 12 uses this very same symbolic “woman in travail” to portray the Rapture, this proves beyond any reasonable doubt that the prophetic events described in this scriptural passage should be associated contextually with the Rapture. Moreover, we should observe that the passage in I Thessalonians 5:3 states that “sudden destruction” and “a woman travailing with child” occur together almost simultaneously. Therefore, in essence, this passage is saying that peace and safety will be ended abruptly when the Rapture begins a process of judgment and destruction.
Paul continues by saying that since we (as Christians) are “the children of light” and “not of the night, nor of darkness,” we should “not sleep as others” but should “watch and be sober.” The word “watch” comes from the Greek word GREGOREUO, and it means to “keep awake” (literally or figuratively) and is sometimes translated as “vigilant.” In verse 4, Paul states that because we “are not in darkness,” that day (i.e., “Day of the Lord”) should not overtake us as a thief.
However, in verse 3, Paul says that the children of darkness will not “escape” the “sudden destruction” which will strike the world. The word used here in the Greek for the word “escape” is EKPHEUGO — the same word we saw in Luke 21 — and, again, it means to “flee out” of danger. Accordingly, the message of this passage is a very blunt warning that non-believers will not be able to flee from the coming destruction which will occur during the Great and Terrible Day Of The Lord.
But, in contrast, God has not appointed Christians to “wrath,” but to “salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.” (verse 9). It is interesting to note that the word “wrath” comes from the Greek word ORGE, and it means violent “passion” or justifiable “abhorrence,” which by implication means “punishment.” Accordingly, since God obviously does not “abhor” (i.e., detest) those who have accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour, He has appointed or destined us “to obtain salvation.” Furthermore, the word “salvation” in the Greek is SOTERIA, and it means “rescue” or “safety” in a physical or moral sense, and is translated throughout the Bible as “deliver, health, salvation, save and saving.” So, obviously the dictionary definition agrees with the context of this passage in giving the word “salvation” the meaning of “rescue to safety,” i.e., the Rapture.
It should be emphasized Paul taught that since we, as Christians, are the “children of light,” we should not be caught unawares when the “Day of the Lord” approaches. In like manner, Jesus scolded the religious hypocrites of His day for their failure to discern the “signs of the times.” Furthermore, the prophet Daniel said that complete understanding of his “end-time” prophecies would be hidden and “sealed till the time of the end.” (Dan. 12:9) (cf. Dan. 8:17, 19, 26, 27). So, all of these biblical scriptures make it very clear we can know “when the hour is near.”
Only
Overcomers Will Escape
Accordingly, the important, singular question now is: What are the qualifications for going in the Rapture? Luke 21:36 says to “pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape.” Jesus said that if you are an “overcomer,” you will “eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God” (Rev. 2:7); and that you will “not be hurt of the second death” (Rev. 2:11); and that you will “eat of the hidden manna” and that you will receive a “white stone” with a “new name written” in it (Rev. 2:17); and that you will receive “power over the nations” (Rev. 2:26); and that you “shall be clothed in white raiment” and will not have your name blotted out of the book of life (Rev. 3:5); and that you will be a “pillar” in the temple of God (Rev. 3:12); and, finally, that you will sit with Jesus “in the throne” (Rev. 3:21). Later in the Revelation, Jesus also said that overcomers will “inherit all things” (Rev. 21:7).
Therefore, the definition of an “overcomer” is as follows:
I John 5:1-5
1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (KJV)
I John 2:13-17
13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (KJV)
Ephesians 2:5-10
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (KJV)
Titus 3:4-8
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good... (KJV)
John 3:16-17
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (KJV)
Rapture
Escape Into Heaven
An Ipsos poll says that 25 percent of adults believe it is at least somewhat likely that Jesus Christ will return to Earth in 2007 2008. Of white evangelical Christian adults it's 66%. Want to know why Jesus won't come in 2007 2008, before most find out in Jan 1, 2008 2009? »» Read Featured Article
Just how will this pre-tribulation Rapture escape take place?
I Thessalonians 4:13-17
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep (i.e., dead).
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first (i.e., be resurrected into the Rapture):
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up (i.e., be translated alive into the Rapture) together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (KJV)
I Corinthians 15:49-54
49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep (i.e., die), but we shall all be changed (into immortal spirit bodies when we are either resurrected or translated to Heaven in the Rapture),
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible (i.e., resurrected to immortality), and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (KJV)
The word “Rapture,” although not found in the English versions of the Bible, is the English derivative of the Latin word “rapturo” which was used in the old Latin translations of the Bible. Hence its modern-day popularity as a convenient way to express a complex biblical doctrine. It is based upon the Greek word HARPAZO in I Thessalonians 4:17, and it means “to carry off; grasp hastily; snatch up.” Although the Greek word HARPAZO was translated into the Latin word “rapturo” in the Latin versions, the translators of the English versions chose, instead, to translate this Greek word into the English words “caught up.” Nevertheless, from all of this we get our English word “Rapture,” meaning the “act of transporting.” Accordingly, when Jesus returns to “Rapture” the saints to Heaven, those who will have died before that moment, during the New Testament era, will come with Him to have their spirits reunited with a resurrected immortal body (I Thess. 4:13-15) (II Cor. 5:8) (Phil. 1:21-24) (Heb. 12:22-23) (Rev. 6:9-11). Then we which are still alive will also be transformed, instantaneously, into a new and immortal spirit body before we all go to Heaven so that “wherever He is, there may we be also.” Old Testament believers, however, will not be resurrected at this time because they were resurrected immediately after Christ was resurrected. (Luke 16:19-31) (Matt. 27:52-53) (Eph. 4:8-10) (Heb. 2:14-15).
Some people teach that the “last trump,” mentioned in I Corinthians 15:52, must sound after all other trumpets portrayed in Revelation have been blown, thus making it synonymous with the 7th Trumpet pictured in Revelation or the Great Trumpet portrayed in Matthew 24:31. However, according to Strong’s Hebrew-Greek Dictionary, the word “last” is based on the Greek word ESCHATOS, which is defined as “a superlative, probably from 2192 (in the sense of contiguity); farthest, final (of place or time).” Moreover, ESCHATOS is the Greek word from which we get our modern word “eschatology,” defined as the study of the “endtimes” and “last things” that will transpire at the end of the age when God’s literal Kingdom will be established on the earth.
Likewise, Vine’s Expository Dictionary defines the meaning of the Greek word ESCHATOS in a number of ways, including the following: “‘Last, utmost, extreme’; is used of place.... of rank.... of time, relating either to persons or things.... neuter plural, lit., ‘the last (things)....’ in eschatological phrases: (a) ‘the last day,’ a comprehensive term including both the time of the resurrection of the redeemed; John 6:39-40, 44, 54; John 11:24; and the ulterior time of the judgment of the unregenerate, at the Great White Throne, John 12:48; (b) ‘the last days,’ Acts 2:17.... (c) in 2 Tim. 3:1, ‘the last days’ refers to the close of the present age of world conditions; (d) in James 5:3.... (e) in 1 Peter 1:5, ‘the last time’ refers to the time of the Lord’s second advent....”
Therefore, based on the Greek dictionaries, the Greek word translated as the English word “last” should be translated as “end-times” or “last things.” Accordingly, an “end-time trump” or a “last things trump,” to which Christians will respond, is the correct interpretation for the phrase “last trump.” Hence there is no need, necessarily, for this scripture to mean this trumpet must blow after all other trumpets of any type have blown. Instead, it means that the sounding of this trumpet ushers in the beginning of the “last things” which God has ordained will happen at the end of the age, starting with the Rapture. So, in conclusion, the scriptural evidence clearly indicates that the “last trump,” pictured in I Corinthians 15:52, is not the same trumpet as the 7th Trumpet of the 7th Seal in Revelation or the Great Trumpet mentioned in Matthew 24:31.
Some have objected that a silent, surprise Rapture is not compatible with shouting and trumpet-blowing, but that objection is easily refuted by John 5:25 which states that only righteous people will hear the voice of the Lord at the time of the Rapture:
John 5:25-29
25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. (KJV)
In the first resurrection pictured (verse 25), all who hear the voice of God will live; this will occur at the time of the primary Rapture (and later, during subsequent Raptures involving the slain Tribulation Saints, and the surviving Tribulation Saints, and the Two Witnesses). Then in a later, subsequent resurrection (verses 28 and 29), there will come a time when everyone (who is still in the grave after the Millennial Reign of Christ) will hear the voice of Jesus Christ, our God and Saviour. Some of these people will be judged as having done “good,” and will receive eternal life; others will be judged as having done “evil,” and will be punished with eternal death and torment. This will be the Great White Throne Judgment.
Likewise, Daniel narrates a similar, parallel passage:
Daniel 12:1-4
1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. (KJV)
Once again, a first resurrection (verse 1) is portrayed where all people whose names are found written in the Book Of Life will be resurrected or translated during a terrible time of trouble. Then at a later point (verse 2), during the Great White Throne Judgment of God, those who are still in their graves will awake, some to everlasting life, and others to eternal damnation and tormenting fire.
Sometimes people will try to disparage the Rapture doctrine because it supposedly was first promulgated by a person of questionable background or character during the early 1800s. But, quite frankly, it really does not matter because the pre-tribulation Rapture is clearly and unequivocally taught in several scriptural passages. So, we do not need to invest a lot of time digging through obscure historical records trying to prove or disprove something that should be determined on the basis of biblical scriptures anyway. Unfortunately, several centuries after Christ, many biblical teachings, including the doctrine of the Rapture, apparently became lost or distorted. But if, and when, the Rapture doctrine was “rediscovered” after the Dark Ages, it was not any less valid than the “faith without works” doctrine was when earlier it was “rediscovered” by Martin Luther. Obviously just because a biblical doctrine is alleged to be recent in its “discovery” does not affect its validity if it truly is located in the Bible. Accordingly, I think it is very important, no actually, vital and essential, to base our theology on biblical Scripture only, and nothing else.
In a similar vein, others have questioned whether there can be several raptures involving believers, but the biblical scriptures are clear on this matter. First, the Old Testament believers were resurrected immediately after Jesus was resurrected. (Luke 16:19-31) (Matt. 27:52-53) (Eph. 4:8-10) (Heb. 2:14-15). Then, of course, there will be the imminent Rapture of all Christian believers who live at anytime during the New Testament era before the initial onset of the Great Tribulation. (Rev. 4:1) (Rev. 12:1-5). Then Tribulation Saints, who will be killed by Antichrist, will be resurrected immediately after the Great Tribulation is over. (Rev. 7:9-17) (Rev. 15:1-8). Then the Two Witnesses will be resurrected after they are killed by the Antichrist just before the Battle of Armageddon commences. (Rev. 11:3-12). Then finally, just before the Return of Christ Jesus at Armageddon, the translation of the Tribulation Saints who will manage to escape execution by the Antichrist during the Great Tribulation. (Luke 21:12-16) (Matt. 24:31) (Mark 13:27). Moreover, the concept of several raptures is in complete harmony with the scripture, I Corinthians 15:20-23, which teaches there will be different groups of saints in Heaven with “every man in his own order (Greek TAGMA, defined as a company or body of individuals).”
Interestingly, Daniel’s second vision also establishes the time element associated with the Rapture:
Daniel 7:8-11
8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.
9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
11 I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. (KJV)
“Thrones were cast down.” This scriptural phrase in verse 9 could also be translated as “set down” or “put in place.” Likewise, the heavenly scene described in verses 9-10 is pictured in greater detail in Revelation 4 and 5 where we observe the judgment throne of God surrounded by the thrones of the “24 elders,” immediately after the pre-tribulation Rapture has taken place.
Thus, it is instructive to note that Daniel’s narrative in this passage, while describing endtime earthly events, is interrupted by verses 9 and 10 which portray events in Heaven immediately after Christians have been “Raptured” to Heaven. Therefore, verses 8 and 11 establish a precise time-frame or chronological reference point which tells us when the Rapture will take place relative to events on the earth. More specifically, verse 8 portrays a series of earthly events which conclude with the little horn Antichrist “speaking great things.” The next two verses, i.e., verses 9 and 10, then describe various events which take place in Heaven immediately after the Rapture. Then, verse 11 picks up where it left off in verse 8 by resuming its narration of the exact same earthly event or activity (i.e., “the voice of the great words which the horn spake”). So, without question, this interruption in the continuity of Daniel’s narrative establishes the undeniable fact that the Antichrist will begin his initial rise to power before the pre-tribulation Rapture occurs. Furthermore, the context of this passage also indicates that the Rapture will occur before persecutions are initiated against the Tribulation Saints, thereby further confirming that the Rapture is pre-tribulation in nature.
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