When will the Rapture and Resurrection take place?

The Pre-Tribulation Rapture

The Resurrection

Wherefore comfort one another with these words

Surprisingly, not many people preach and teach the doctrine of the rapture, considering that it is at this very event that all the dead in Christ will be raised. Jesus takes all believers who have died and raises their bodies from the earth and they are resurrected and clothed in immortality. We who are alive and remain on earth when the rapture occurs will then be reunited with our loved ones who have died and then we will be forever with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. - John 11:23-27 (KJV)

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. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 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. 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: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. - 1Th 4:13-18 (KJV)

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. - 2Cor 5:8 (KJV)

The resurrection takes place in several stages and in order,

1. Först Jesus Kristus, "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence."  - Col 1:18 (KJV)

2. Then it is mentioned in Matt. 27:52-53 about how the graves were opened and many saints, who had been sleeping (died), arose and came out of their graves after Jesus' resurrection. They then entered the holy city (Jerusalem) and appeared to many.

3. The Rapture applies only to the Christian Church. The dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed and clothed with incorruption and immortality.

4. The two witnesses mentioned in Revelation, chapter 11, verses 7-12. These verses describe how the two witnesses who are Elijah and Moses prophesy during Jacob's trouble and perform miracles, but after 3.5 years are confronted by the "Beast" who kills them, their bodies are left in the street of Jerusalem "the great city". Their death brings great joy to the people but after three and a half days they come back to life and ascend to heaven in a cloud, to the horror of those watching.

5. The "great multitude" mentioned in Revelation, specifically in chapter 7, verses 9-17, are those who were beheaded during Jacob's trouble for bearing witness to Jesus and refusing to worship the Beast and take his mark, these occurring before the 1000 year kingdom, Rev. 20:4.

6. In Revelation 20:5, the rest of the dead are raised after the 1000-year kingdom and face the White Throne judgement, Rev. 20:11-15.

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 6:23 (KJV)

The Rapture

Let no-one deceive you, the Rapture takes place BEFORE the time of Jacob's trouble (Tribulation)

"Pre-Tribulation Rapture" is the English term for the Rapture of the Christian Church taking place BEFORE the time of Jacob's trouble, the Tribulation. The word "Rapture" is not found in the Bible but is the general name for the event described in the Bible, when the dead in Christ are raised and the then living Christian Church (the Church) is caught up to meet the Lord in the air before the seven-year tribulation (Jacob's trouble) begins. This means that Christians will not be present on earth during the tribulation and thus will not be exposed to the trials and wrath of God poured out during this period. In the Bible, this period of time is known as Daniel's seventieth week (Dan. 9:24), or Jacob's trouble (Jer. 30:7). Jacob = Israel (Gen. 32:28). These two names show that this period of time is mainly about Israel, a period of great tribulation (Matt. 24:21). Revelation chapters 4-19 are an account of what will happen during this period.

The Rapture is imminent

We cannot know the day or the moment of the Rapture as it will happen suddenly, in an instant. The rapture is an important but controversial subject that unfortunately has many false teachers who do not rightly divide the word of truth. They only create confusion and distrust of God's word, the Bible. And they deceive people into not being ready at all times, that the rapture can happen at any time, before the time of Jacob's trouble (Tribulation). They thus rob believing Christians of their peace, who are deceived into thinking they will enter this terrible time period. We must first understand that Jesus' return and the rapture are two separate events. In 2Thes. 2:1 we can read: "...by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,". Many people misinterpret the Bible and think that Jesus can come back at any time to establish his kingdom. But this is not true according to the Bible. Before Jesus comes back to establish his kingdom, the Antichrist must first have appeared and reigned for the full 7 years (2x3.5 years). At the end of his reign, Jesus will return to earth with his entire raptured Christian church (Matt. 25:31, Rev. 19:11-16). The seventieth week will end when Jesus returns to earth to save Israel and establish his millennial kingdom (Rev. 19:11-21). 

After the Rapture

A world in shock: everyone turns to the Antichrist.

The Antichrist appears

However, it is not the Rapture that is the start of the period of Jacob's trouble, the Tribulation. The Antichrist confirms the covenant, the Mosaic Law, the Jews are then given the right to rebuild the temple again (for a seven-year period). An illusion of peace for Israel. The period of Jacob's trouble, the tribulation (Daniel's 70th week) starts when the Antichrist appears and confirms the covenant, not a peace covenant, but the Mosaic law and daily sacrifices and burnt offerings begin again in the Temple which is then rebuilt in Jerusalem. (Dan. 9:27, 2Thes. 2:4, Rev. 13:8, Dan. 11:31, Matt. 24:15, Mar. 13:14) However, the Antichrist breaks the covenant after 3.5 years and slaughter and burnt offerings are abolished, that is, the Antichrist defiles the Temple and puts an end to Jewish worship. The Antichrist will then present himself as God and demand that all people on earth worship him. (2 Thess. 2:4, Rev. 13:8). About the tribulation read Revelation chapters 4-19.

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: - 2Th 2:3-8 (KJV).

Who is the rider of the white horse in Revelation 6:2?

This is an important theological question, in order to understand the rapture in relation to correct eschatology

There is a misidentification of this rider that leads to the destruction of Postmillennialism

Who is the man on the white horse in Rev. 6:2 and 19? See the difference, they are two different riders. The question of whether or not the rider of the white horse is Jesus Christ is crucial to our approach to modern "Christianity". Every theological seminary that teaches that it is Jesus uses a passage in Revelation 19 to confirm this. Revelation 19 describes a rider on a white horse who is "Faithful and True", called "the Word of God" and "King of Kings and Lord of Lords". This description is consistent with Jesus Christ, leading many to associate him with the rider of Revelation 6:2. However, a closer examination of the texts reveals significant differences between these two figures, leading to the discovery that the rider of the white horse in Rev. 6:2 is in fact linked to Satan. War, famine, death and hell follow in the rider's wake, which is very different from the salvation and hope represented by Jesus Christ. 

If the horseman in Rev. chapter 6 is Jesus Christ, it means that he is now a king who conquers the earth as the Kingdom of God spreads. This is the doctrine called "postmillennialism" taught by Augustine (5th century), Eusebius (4th century) and Origen (3rd century) between 200-500 AD, which the majority of different denominations teach today, But horrible thought, if the horseman is not Jesus Christ, most theological schools and churches teach a false doctrine. The controversy surrounding the identity of the horseman has led to many wars, and the correct interpretation of Revelation 6:2 is crucial to rightly dividing the word of truth and understanding Biblical prophecies.

Postmillennialism suggests that "everything is getting better", and has justified countless wars on the pretext that humanity is "improved" by these conflicts and that Christ's kingdom is approaching through every war fought. According to this theology, the "Church of Christ" should gradually increase its influence over the earth as Christ conquers it as king. This has been the official position of the Vatican City State and has been behind every major war in Europe and Asia from 500 AD to 1970 AD. And it is this doctrine that justifies political rigging, lobbying (which in Sweden is a legal and established practice in the political system), false deals with the United Nations, and Roman Catholics getting into government bodies to achieve their ends. For if Christ is gradually conquering and the "Roman Catholic Church" is his one true church (which they claim to be), then they are gradually conquering with him! This is the postmillennial theology of the 20th century that Augustine, Origen and Eusebius stand for.

The rider in Revelation 19 is undoubtedly Jesus Christ, and the rider on the white horse in Revelation 6 is the Beast, the Antichrist.

In Revelation 19:11 you are told that this 'white horse' comes from heaven. In Revelation 6:2 you are told no such thing, only that he has a crown (victory wreath). In Revelation 19:12 you are told that the rider of the white horse has "many crowns". In Revelation 19:15 you are told that the rider of the white horse has a 'sharp sword'. In Revelation 6:2, the rider of the white horse is said to have 'a bow'. In Revelation 19:14, the white horseman is seen to be followed by the armies of God. The white horse rider in Revelation 6:2 is followed by "death", "hell" and "famine"! The question is whether this rider of the white horse in Rev. chapter 6 has any connection with Satan; yes, there is no doubt about it. War follows him in verse 4, famine follows him in verses 5 and 6, death and hell follow him in verse 8. In verse 9 he is found killing people who believe the word of God (Rev. 13:14-15). His ministry ends in verse 17 with the great day of God's wrath - compare the horsemen in the following Bible verses:

The Antichrist on a white horse, to him was given a crown and he had a bow

And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. - Rev 13:7. (Dan. 7:21, 8:25).

AND I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. - Rev 6:1-2. (2Th 2:1-8, 1Jo 2:18-19).

Jesus Christ on a white horse, on his head were many crowns and out of his mouth came a sword

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. - Rev 19:11-16. (Rev 1:13-18).

Most people see Satan as a red creature with two horns and a tail, with a trident in his hand. They do not realise that despite his true nature, which God knows and sees, he appears to people as "an angel of light". In the Bible, he is the highest power in the universe outside God. He is such an exact copy of Jesus Christ that you wouldn't be able to tell them apart if they stood side by side. To understand this, look at Scripture:

1. Jesus has a city that is a bride (Rev. 21). Satan has a city that is a bride (Rev. 17).

2. Jesus said: "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12, 9:5). Satan is called an "angel of light" (2 Cor. 11:14).

3. Jesus Christ is called "King of kings" (Rev 19:16). Satan is a "king of all the children of pride" (Job 41:34).

4. Jesus Christ is called "the Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). Satan is called "the prince of this world" (John 14:30).

5. Jesus Christ is called "my Lord and my God" (John 20:28). Satan is called "the god of this world" (2 Cor. 4:4).

6. Jesus said to Satan, when tempted by him: "It is written" (Luke 4). Satan quotes Scripture directly back to him, "It is written", and quotes part of Psalm 91:11 (Luke 4).

7. Jesus is called "the lion of the tribe of Judah" (Rev 5:5). Satan is called "a lion" (1 Peter 5:8).

In other words, the most perfect imitator of the Lord Jesus Christ is Satan himself. The Antichrist, this man of sin represents something terrible because when he comes, famine, death and hell follow him. The Antichrist is an imitation of Jesus Christ so he has a direct connection to Satan. How can someone claiming to be a Christian believe that Revelation 6:2 is a reference to Christ "gradually conquering" when the rest of the chapter refers to Death, Hell, Famine and Judgement? Many large and influential religious communities still teach a false identification of this horseman, who is indirectly responsible for more than ten major wars and who constantly continues to cause wars. You can therefore look forward to "wars and rumours of wars" until someone gets the identity of the horseman of Revelation 6:2 right.

BIBELN.ONLINE

On why the Rapture and Resurrection will happen BEFORE the appearance of the Antichrist.

THE PRE-TRIBULATION RAPTURE

The importance of the Rapture in Christian eschatology

The meaning of the Rapture in Christian eschatology is multifaceted, encompassing theological, spiritual and practical dimensions for believers. Eschatology, the doctrine of the last things or the end times, encompasses various events such as the return of Christ, the Tribulation, the Millennium and the Last Judgement. Within this framework, the Rapture has a critical place because it involves the sudden and miraculous removal of the Church from the earth, which, when the Antichrist appears, marks the beginning of end-time events. Here are the main aspects of the meaning of the rapture in Christian eschatology:

Theological significance

Promise of deliverance: The Rapture is seen as a fulfilment of Christ's promise to deliver believers from the wrath to come, which is associated with the Tribulation. This belief is rooted in scriptures such as 1 Thessalonians 1:10 and Revelation 3:10, which speak of Jesus rescuing believers from the hour of trial that will come upon the whole world.

Hope and comfort: The doctrine of the rapture gives hope and comfort to believers, as emphasised in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. It assures them of a future reunion with Christ and loved ones who have died in faith, and offers comfort in the midst of sorrow and suffering.

Meeting Jesus: The Rapture means that believers will meet Jesus face to face. This is an extremely joyful event that many Christians long for.

Spiritual significance

Call to holiness and vigilance: The imminence of the Rapture motivates believers to live holy and godly lives in anticipation of Christ's return. To look for Him and not for the Antichrist. It emphasises the importance of being spiritually prepared at all times, as the exact timing of the Rapture is unknown.

Encouragement in persecution: For believers facing persecution, the Rapture is a source of encouragement, reminding them that their suffering is temporary and that they will eventually be vindicated and set free.

Strengthened faith: Believing in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture gives Christians a stronger faith and a deeper relationship with God, knowing they are safe in his hands.

Practical significance

Focus on evangelism: The imminent possibility of the Rapture instils a sense of urgency in believers to share the Gospel with non-believers. It motivates them to spread the message of salvation, knowing that time may be short.

Perspective on earthly life: The rapture shapes believers' perspective on earthly life and encourages them to invest in eternal matters rather than temporal ones. It reminds them that their true citizenship is in heaven, and that they await their Saviour from there, as stated in Philippians 3:20-21.

Rescue from the Wrath of God: The Pre-Tribulation Rapture offers believers the realisation that they will escape the terrible sufferings that will befall the earth during the reign of the Antichrist, the darkest period in human history because the Bible shows that the Christian Church is not under the wrath, remember, this is the wrath of God coming upon the earth, not the wrath of man. This brings security and certainty in an uncertain world.

Eschatological sequence

Initiation of end-time events: The Rapture is the next event in the end-time sequence, leading to the Tribulation, the return of Christ, the Millennium and the Final Judgement. It marks a transition from the Church Age to a period of judgement and Divine wrath.

Biblical basis for the doctrine of the Rapture

John 14:2-3

Jesus' promise:

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 unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. - John 14:2-3. (KJV)

(*Greek. μονή - monḗ = "mansions" See also: John 12:26, 17:24) The place that Jesus has prepared for us is New Jerusalem, a city that according to the Bible is about 2200km in length, width and height (Read more about the city in Rev. 21:15-27).

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

The basic biblical text for the rapture is found in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, where the Apostle Paul describes how believers are caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.

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. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 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. 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: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. - 1Th 4:13-18 (KJV)

1Kor. 15:52-55

Paul says:

Behold, I shew 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 trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall 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 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. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1Cor. 15:51-57. (KJV)

Note! Paul said this around 59 AD. How could Jesus have been referring to the rapture of the Christian church in Matthew 24, (Before Jesus died on the cross, 33 AD) when it was a mystery that Paul pointed out in 59, some 26 years later? They must have already known about this as Jesus had told them about it. The answer is that Jesus did not talk about the rapture of the church; the Christian congregation, the body of Christ in Matthew chapter 24 but this was intended for the Jews during the time of Jacob's trouble (the Tribulation). In Matthew chapter 24, Mark 13, Luke 17, 21, there is also no mention of the dead in Christ and their resurrection that would first rise according to Paul in 1 Thess. 4:16-18.

2Tim 4:8

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. - 2Tim. 4:8. (SKJVB)

Eph 1:10

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: - Eph 1:10. (KJV)

 Phi 3:20-21

When Jesus comes back to take us to himself, we meet the Lord in the sky, he does not come back on earth, but he snatches us up into the sky to be where he is.

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Phi 3:20-21 (KJV)

Revelation 3:10

Revelation 3:10 is another important verse, as it promises to preserve the faithful from the "hour of trial" that will come upon the whole world. This is a clear indication that the Church will be spared from the whole tribulation.

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. Rev 3:10 (KJV)

1Th 1:9-10

Also in 1 Thess 1:9-10 shows that Jesus, who has saved us from the wrath to come

For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. - 1Th 1:9-10 (KJV) 

Theological arguments

The immediate return of Christ 

The doctrine of immediacy points to the fact that Jesus Christ can return at any time, and that there are no prophetic events that must occur before the rapture. This concept is seen as incompatible with other rapture views that require certain events to unfold before the rapture can take place.

The distinction between Israel and the Church

The tribulation is a time when God is dealing with Israel rather than the Church. This is based on Daniel's prophecy of the seventy weeks, where the seventieth week (the tribulation) applies to the Jewish people. This period of time is also called the Jacob's trouble which also points to the Jews.

The nature of tribulation is the wrath of God

The tribulation is a time of God's wrath upon the earth. Since believers are not appointed to suffer God's wrath but to receive salvation through Jesus Christ, the Church must therefore be removed from the earth before this period of Divine judgement begins.

The absence of the Church in the writings on the Tribulation

The term 'church' is commonly used in the early chapters of Revelation, but is conspicuous by its absence in the chapters describing the events of the Tribulation. This scriptural absence in Revelation is evidence that the Church will not be present on earth during the Tribulation. Pre-Trib doctrine offers hope and comfort in the promise of being raptured with Christ before a time of unprecedented global tribulation. See paragraph 12 below

Many false teachings about the Rapture

Although the belief that the Rapture occurs before the Tribulation (Pre-Trib) is widespread among Christian denominations, there are different interpretations of the timing of the Rapture (mid-Tribulation, pre-Tribulation and post-Tribulation). The Pre-Trib doctrine approach is contrasted with the Mid-Tribulation, Pre-Wrath and Post-Tribulation perspectives, which incorrectly place the Rapture at different times in relation to the Tribulation: 

• The Mid-Trib view proposes that the Rapture occurs in the middle of the Tribulation, after the first 3.5 years. This view is based on the assumption that the Church will undergo the first part of the Tribulation, which is considered less intense, but then be raptured before God's wrath is complete.

• The Pre-Wrath view places the Rapture later in the Tribulation but before God's final wrath is poured out. This view holds that the church will experience some of the trials of the tribulation, which is meant to purify and test faith, but will be saved before God's wrath reaches its climax.

• The Post-Trib view holds that the rapture occurs at the end of the tribulation period, meaning that the Christian church will be present throughout the tribulation and then be caught up to meet the Lord in the air just before his return to reign on earth. Supporters of this viewpoint often use Matthew 24:29-31 as support.

Just think about which of all these doctrines of the rapture would encourage an acceleration of the preaching of Christ? The answer is simple: Pre-Trib, why? Well, the position of Pre-Trib is that Christ can come at any time to take His Church, while these other doctrines concerning the rapture are waiting for signs and events that must be fulfilled first before the rapture can happen. As a result, they often look for the Antichrist instead of Jesus Christ.

The Bible says in 1Thess. 4:17-18 "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."- How can the Christian comfort one another with these words, if the words were that you must first enter the time of Jacob's trouble, the tribulation, with the Antichrist as world leader, then this will happen? Then Christians must pray that the Antichrist may come so that all this can be fulfilled. No and again no. These doctrines rob the Christian of peace, so how can any of these doctrines be true? The time of tribulation is called Jacob's trouble in Jer. 30:7 or Dan. 9:24-27 which both confirm that it is about the Jews not the Christian church "Seventy weeks are determined upon your people", Jacob is Israel (Gen. 32:27-28, Deut. 32:8-9). Daniel's 70th week consists of 2x 3.5 years = 7 years, not just 3.5 years or less (Rev. 11:2, 13:5, Dan. 9:27), (Bible definition of a week Gen. 29:18-30). Nor have these erroneous views of the rapture taken into account that all Christians are also to be brought before the judgment seat of Christ, where their rewards are given or taken away from them and according to Revelation chapter 5 there are already Christians in heaven who have been made kings and priests. (See point 12 below).

To consider for those who believe that the rapture occurs AFTER the appearance of the Antichrist

Yes, even though some claim that the Christian church will remain on earth and be exposed to the kingdom of the Antichrist and that the rapture will take place later in his time period, according to the Bible, God's wrath begins with the seven seals, the first to be opened is the Antichrist that we see in Revelation 6:2, read more in the above part of this article, about who the rider is on the white horse in Revelation 6:2 is? But if God's Church were to remain on earth during Jacob's trouble, several problems arise:

1. Now if it were possible for saved Christians, who are baptised in the Holy Spirit, to enter the time of Jacob's trouble, it would be enough for just one of us to choose to receive the mark of the Beast, then God becomes a liar (God cannot lie Tit. 1:2) because we have already received the Holy Spirit as a pledge of our inheritance, to eternal life while God has said in his word that if anyone worships the Antichrist, receives his mark, they will be thrown into the lake of fire (Rev. 14:9-11). Consider also that even Peter denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed, because of the fear of man. Could we, ALL Christians living then, really resist such a thing when Peter couldn't? (Matt. 26:34, Mark 14:30, 14:72, Luke 22:61).

2. Paul, for example, writes to Christians promising us peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 2:10, 3:17, 10:15, 14:17, 15:33, 1Corinthians 1:3). Yet Revelation 6:4 shows that the Lamb i.e. Jesus opens a seal that takes peace from the earth. So, which one is it?

3. Christians are not under wrath, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ, we are saved from wrath (Romans 8:1, 5:9, Ephesians 2:3).

4. If you truly believe that the body of Christ is the church (Col. 1:24). Why would Jesus subject His own body, the church to His own wrath? Nowhere in the Bible can we see such a thing. (See e.g. about Noah and Lot). Paul (Saul) persecuted the church of God (1Cor. 15:9) and Jesus said: "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting", the whole verse reads: "And he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? And he said, Who are you, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the goads." - Acts. 9:4-5. How can God do the same thing he accused Paul of? If the Christian church is still on earth when God pours out His wrath, He would effectively be punishing the body of Jesus again (the punishment was laid on Him, He died ONCE for our sins. Isa. 53:5, 1Peter 3:18).

5. The Christian Church is also likened to a virgin, the bride of Christ, why would Christ, our Bridegroom allow the Antichrist to abuse us, his bride for years, before He saves "her". Wouldn't this be mistreating his own bride-to-be?

6. In order to buy food, the Mark of the Beast is required according to Revelation 13:16-18, so how can a Christian provide for his family without taking the Mark of the Beast and at the same time not violate what it says as in this verse: "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." - 1Tim. 5:8.

7. Why are the Saints (believers) in the time of Jacob's trouble divided into two different racial groups, as the 144,000 of the twelve tribes of Israel (Jews) and the great multitude consisting of all nations and peoples? (Rev. 7:4, 9). The Bible clearly states that we are all ONE in Christ (Gal. 3:28). "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you were called in one hope at your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in you all." - Eph. 4:4-6. So why are the 144,000 mentioned as a separate group if all are ONE in Christ?

8. The Bible says in 1Cor. 3:16-17 that the body of a Christian is the temple of God. If it is all about us Christians, how can the Antichrist sit on a throne inside all Christians left on earth? (2 Thess. 2:3-5, Matt. 24:15-16). It is about a physical temple in Jerusalem.

9. Paul tells us that we Christians should submit to political "powers" and also pray for them and be thankful for them. Tit. 3:1-2, 1Tim. 2:1-4, Rev. 13:4-7, Rom. 13:1-6. But how is this possible if saved Christians enter the time of Jacob's trouble. Wouldn't this force Christians to take the Mark of the Beast? (Read Revelation 13:16-18).

10. In Revelation 13:7, the Antichrist is given power over all tribes and languages and power to fight against the saints and defeat them. If this applies to the Christian Church, Jesus' words in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 16:18 "And I tell you. That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (See also Revelation 6:8).

11. You are deceived into looking for the Antichrist instead of Jesus Christ our Lord. Don't be robbed of your peace by looking for the Antichrist. As Christians, we should have joy and peace "Looking for the blessed hope, and the glorious coming of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;" - Tit. 2:13.

12. Christians redeemed by the blood of Christ, from every tribe and language and people are in heaven before the appearance of the Antichrist, who has also passed through the judgement seat of Christ ("made us kings and priests"). We first read in Revelation 5:9-11 "And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;" We read further in Revelation chapter 6:1-2 "AND I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer." - Revelation mentions the church in chapter 1, and in chapter 2, and in chapter 3, then the word church is no longer mentioned. Also keep in mind that Jesus has redeemed the Christian Church with his blood, which consists of people from ALL tribes and LANGUAGES and PEOPLES and GENTILES and that these are in heaven BEFORE Jesus opens the seal, then how can the rapture happen AFTER any of God's punishments mentioned in Revelation? 

In summary, the Rapture has significant theological, spiritual and practical significance in Christian eschatology, as it gives hope, encourages vigilance and holiness, and influences believers' perspectives on life and ministry. Its role as a major eschatological event underlines the connection between Christian doctrines of the end times and the final fulfilment of God's plan of salvation.

Don't miss the Rapture - Don't get left behind!

Have you received Jesus, the reconciliation to God? If not do it NOW, don't wait!

This may sound like scaremongering, but if you miss the Rapture, you will have to enter the time of Jacob's trouble, with the Antichrist as world ruler, the darkest period in human history. Just as it is a fact that we can all die at any time, so too can the rapture happen at any time without warning.

Anyone who has not received Christ before his death is eternally lost. An unsaved person who is alive at the time of the rapture is left on earth during the terrible time of Jacob's trouble, the tribulation.

All people who have accepted Jesus Christ have a wonderful future ahead of them. We are promised a resurrection from death to eternal life and to spend eternity with God as part of his family.