Why the Rapture Must Happen
Before the Tribulation
(Pt. 3)
Rock of Offence Special Commentary
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This is Part 3 of a three-part Bible study.
Click on the links below to access the
other parts of this study.
Part 1
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Part 2
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Clearing Up the Confusion About
the Word “Tribulation”
Many are opposed to the idea that the Church will not go through the Tribulation period simply because Jesus promised all Christians “tribulation” during their time on earth.
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Yet, the English word “tribulation” carries two different root meanings in the New Testament. The first type of tribulation is caused by persecution, which Jesus said all believers must endure. The second type of tribulation is the result of God’s wrath and condemnation (judgment) for sin. But, the new covenant redemption of Christ, which we carefully outline in this study - has made all believers exempt (not subject to) this kind of tribulation.
"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1-2)
The problem can be traced to the popular practice of taking a Biblical word that has more than one usage, such as “tribulation” - and applying it in ways God never intended. Once again, this kind of Bible interpretation is common within Galatian religion.
Grace Does Not Release
Us From Holy Living
We often repeat the following Scriptural admonition in our studies to address common misconceptions about the Christian faith:
Obtaining salvation through the unmerited and undeserved favor of God (called “Grace”) does not release us from the task of avoiding sin, doing good works, adopting Christ-Like behavior and holy living. God instructs all Christians to seek after these things - but for reasons other than obtaining His gift of eternal life and securing our place in the rapture. Scripture instructs us to avoid sin because it is inconsistent with our new life in Christ (Romans 6:1-4). Our Heavenly Father also tells His children that seeking these character attributes is the right thing to do - since they are Christ's representatives (the New Testament calls them “the body of Christ” - Ephesians 1:15-23) on earth. The world often forms their beliefs and opinions about God by observing the conduct and behavior of His representatives. If the believer’s conduct involves a sinful lifestyle, it often causes those around them to have an improper or false perception of God – possibly to the point of speaking evil of Him. Yet despite these reasons, our Heavenly Father sternly warns that our attempt to achieve these character attributes (which involves work and effort) is never to be used as requirements or pre-conditions to obtain and keep what Scripture calls, God’s unmerited and undeserved gift of eternal life. (Read Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 2:19-21, Galatians 3:10-12 and Galatians 5:4, Romans 4:4-8, Titus 3:5-7)
FINAL THOUGHTS
Have you ever noticed that when the rapture is taught as a reward for good works, holy living and Christian service – that the ones making this statement always assume they have met these qualifications? We often hear them warn us to “be ready” when Christ returns to remove His Church. Yet, their definition of “being ready” involves making sure they have repented of all sin, which is a requirement that’s actually impossible to perfectly satisfy - but important for reasons other than qualifying to be in the rapture. Their warning to “be ready” also includes “living righteously and being devoted” – which they say involves good works, godly behavior and performing Christian service. One pastor recently told his congregation that it would be wise to take on some additional rapture insurance by witnessing for Christ, passing out Bibles, giving to the poor, increasing their attendance at church services and fervently praying.
Yet, even if we do all these things, there’s no assurance (under this misleading brand of theology) that we’ve done enough to satisfy God’s requirements to be included in the rapture. Most of these practices are good and proper when performed for the right reasons. But, telling your congregation that these things make you “ready for the rapture” is false teaching. It’s dangerous misinformation that comes from Galatian religion, which is a counterfeit of true faith in Christ. Paul also tells us that this seductive counterfeit carries a curse (Galatians 1:6-8). The Bible warns that good works performed for the wrong reasons, such as trying to earn our way into heaven (and the rapture) - are rejected by God as “dead works”.
God’s Values vs.
Human Values
In Matthew 16: 21-23 Jesus informed the disciples about His soon-to-occur sufferings and death in Jerusalem, which was necessary to secure the salvation His Father sent Him to provide. But Peter, grieved by this report took Jesus aside and attempted to change His mind. Angered by his response, Jesus made two strong and offensive statements to Peter. (Matthew 16:21-23)
First: He addressed Peter as someone
under the direct control of Satan.
Second: He rebuked Peter for valuing
the things of men rather than the things
of God.
In this situation, Christ’s words provide a sobering example about how we can easily ignore what God values the most - in order to further a false human agenda.
Every minister of the Gospel has a God-given two-part responsibility, regardless of who it offends. They must preach the good news concerning the grace-based salvation Jesus provides. But - they must also teach their listeners how to recognize the popular counterfeit (Paul calls it a “different gospel”) in order to avoid its unintended spiritual consequences. A counterfeit is an imitation or “close copy” of something authentic (such as counterfeit money). It’s important to know the difference to avoid embracing the wrong one. Yet, this second aspect of preaching the gospel is avoided because it offends, which is often wrongly viewed as a failure to practice love.
According to Scripture - but contrary to popular opinion, our Heavenly Father does not equally accept both the authentic gospel and its counterfeit. The Apostle Paul warned that putting your faith in the counterfeit brings death and God’s ultimate rejection. Even in the Old Testament ... a warning is given about this danger; “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 14:12) Unfortunately, a majority of ministers in the world-wide Christian Church (but thankfully not all) unknowingly embrace and teach the counterfeit gospel (“the way which seemeth right”), while insisting that their preaching represents the truth of Scripture.
In an effort to preserve a false perception of unity, some ministers often defend those who teach some brand of counterfeit gospel by saying such things as …
“I don’t allow any negative comments about how evangelist Smith believes the Bible. He’s a man who loves God and loves Jesus with all His heart – and has dedicated his life to preaching the gospel.” (Note: the name “evangelist Smith” is fictitious and used only for purposes of illustration.)
Many times, the individual (often a church leader) is making such statements because he or she respects or secretly agrees with the minister in question. But, this kind of common defense is actually proclaiming ... that anyone who teaches the Bible, regardless of their doctrine should be accepted as a true minister of God because they have good and noble intentions. It tells the world that there is no difference between the authentic gospel and its counterfeit – because the one teaching it is a good person who “loves God”.
This is the subtle way whole congregations have been led astray in their faith throughout church history. It matters greatly to God - that a deceptive counterfeit gospel that ministers death - instead of life - is being preached. The godly intentions or goodness of the preacher is not the deciding factor in these matters. Some of the most abusive religious cult leaders in history have said the same thing about their motives (Rev. Jim Jones comes to mind). Their claim of “loving God and loving Jesus” only means that their love is based on “another Jesus” (the counterfeit) and not the authentic Jesus of the New Testament. (Galatians 1:6-8, 2 Corinthians 11:3-4)
This is one example of
how ... in the name of
unity, we justify placing
more value on the things
of men rather than the
things of God.
Additional information is
available HERE
Scripture commands all believers to walk in love. For this reason, we never approve of an intolerant or hateful attitude toward others who may hold contrary views and opinions. Unfortunately, some churches and their members practice their faith in this way. Yet, the love of Christ teaches us that there’s a time to speak truth – but there is also a time to keep quiet and respect an individual’s (or fellow believer’s) right to their own beliefs. According to Scripture, God’s people are to avoid being contentious and divisive. But Scripture also commands us to “earnestly contend for the faith” (Jude 1:3). Obviously, God wants us to keep these things in proper balance. Despite the eternal consequences, Jesus never forced anyone to believe anything against their will – but He did give them the truth.
In our discussion concerning God’s values we are not necessarily directing our comments at the average Christian, but toward those in the ministry who embrace the popular “church growth and unity agenda”. This is a doctrine associated with a world-wide religious movement known as “Ecumenicalism”. The movement seeks to downplay or even eliminate God’s requirement for the believer to embrace and defend correct doctrine - which is a practice that deeply offends the false religious beliefs held by other members of a congregation. By eliminating the offensive parts of Scripture, it becomes much easier to increase the numbers in a congregation (church growth) and achieve a type of “peace at any cost Christian unity”. As a result, many who embrace Ecumenicalism will claim that; “unity is God’s highest goal” – and that Biblical truth needs to be set aside or pushed to the background because it offends and divides. Yet, God tells us there is a proper and right kind of division produced by His Word – and that believers should “earnestly contend for the faith”.
Additional information is
available HERE
When you hear someone say that the beliefs of a minister should not be examined or scrutinized because “they’re a good person who loves God and preaches the gospel” – you’re hearing an aspect of Ecumenicalism. Jesus clearly disagrees with this popular yet unbiblical agenda in His statement to the Church at Ephesus :
To the church of Ephesus, Jesus said, “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and found them to be liars …” (Revelations 2:2 - Note: An Apostle is one of the highest spiritual offices in the Church)
The Apostle Paul sounds a similar
warning to the Corinthian Church
by saying;
"But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness (or what we might call; Christian ministers and evangelists), whose end will be according to their works." (2 Corinthians 11:12-15 - Clarifications Added)
Discussions about the rapture and the end times are often (but thankfully not always) governed by the tenants of the counterfeit gospel. We refer to this brand of gospel as “Galatian religion”. It demands that we make ourselves ready – through rigorous repentance, good works, righteous behavior and Christian service. As a result, God will allow us to participate in the rapture as a reward for our efforts. It’s popular with church leaders because it motivates their congregation (through fear) to either conform to a certain Biblical standard of ethics and behavior – or be left behind to suffer and possibly die during the Tribulation. Yet, Paul warns that God rejects these false ministers and apostles (and even angels) who teach this kind of perverted gospel message (Galatians 1:6-8).
Ecumenicalism Has Thoroughly
Infiltrated the Christian
church In The Last Days
We share the belief of various end-time Bible Scholars concerning the dangers of the Ecumenical movement and all its subtle expressions. It is believed to be the catalyst for the final 7 year Tribulation that establishes the rule of the anti-christ - or the person Saint Paul calls; “the man of sin” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3). One of the movement’s objectives is to neutralize true Christianity by merging it with other major religions. This creates a single “one-world religion” based on a false humanistic type of love and unity that does not come from our Heavenly Father. Recently, Pope Francis and other like-minded religious leaders began the final phase of this agenda. By suggesting that the Islamic god Allah and the God of the Bible are the same - Muslims, Jews and Christians are now encouraged to come together and worship in the same church service. This is not being done, as some might think, to convert the other two religions to Christianity or Catholicism. Rather, it’s an effort to “melt or combine” all three into a single new tolerant religious order - where the Bible, the Koran and the Torah are all recognized as the divine writings of the same god. If this kind of “super-unity” is to succeed – the foundational doctrines on which each religion is established must be moved to the background or pushed aside.
In his epistles, Paul sternly warns about a seductive religious counterfeit which subtly diverts our faith in the authentic Christ of the New Testament – to “another Christ” (Galatians 1:6-8 and 2 Corinthians 11:3-4). Because of the serious spiritual and eternal consequences involved in this demonic deception, we spend a lot of time and effort (almost to the point of being redundant) repeating Paul’s words. Yet, Ecumenicalism works to invalidate these scriptural warnings by insisting that they cause offense – and therefore commits the sin of spreading hate and division - instead of God’s love. This is how all doctrinal differences are broken down (especially within Christendom) so that this new global religious order can gain dominion. But, according to God’s Word division must always take place between those who embrace truth and those who choose a different yet false religious path. As a result, authentic Christianity is preserved through a proper kind of division (and offense) that embraces the truth of Scripture, while rejecting religious error. Paul instructed all believers to; "Prove all things and hold fast that which is good - and to abstain from all appearances of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). He also commanded the Church to “contend earnestly for the faith” (Jude 1:3). Both of these statements involve this Godly kind of division that helps believers avoid the counterfeit, while allowing them to possess a correct New Testament based “faith in Christ”.
The Three Faces of
Christian Apostasy
Readers should not be fooled by the word “theology” which simply means; “man’s thoughts and ideas about God and His ways”. Many different kinds of theology exist within Christendom and most (but thankfully not all) are riddled with error and confusion caused by a refusal to respect the context of Scripture. Saint Paul referred to this problem as; a failure to “rightly divide God’s Word” (2 Timothy 2;15). A mistake most Christians make is thinking that the word “theology” automatically means that its teachings come from God. But, nothing could be further from the truth. The devil has also created various types of corrupt Christian theology built on out-of-context Scripture which he uses to deceive those who are spiritually inexperienced. In the various commentaries on our website we discuss three popular theological doctrines that do not come from our Heavenly Father – but are found in nearly every Christian church and denomination.
Ecumencialism
(As discussed in this study)
Replacement theology
Additional information is available HERE
Galatian Religion (or Galatianism)
During times of fellowship and social gatherings, Christians enjoy discussing topics such as “the gospel” and their personal faith in Christ. But, when we closely examine their beliefs about the Bible, we often discover that they embrace one (or possibly all three) of the popular religious counterfeits listed above. This is why we repeat Paul’s warning ... that when anyone calls themselves “a Christian” and claims to have “faith in Jesus” – we should never assume that their faith, regardless of how sincere, is in the authentic Jesus of the New Covenant. Their faith could be in what Paul calls “another Jesus” usually found in a majority of Galatianized Christian churches and denominations. This is why Scripture gives us the following instructions;
"Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? -- unless indeed you are disqualified." (2 Corinthians 13:5)
We discuss these controversial issues because all brands of counterfeit theology not only sends us astray in our faith, but also teaches their own distorted version of the end times (eschatology), including the event known as the rapture.
There’s Only One Way
Following the cross, there’s only one way to be ready for the rapture; we must be “in Christ”. It involves having a faith where God imputes (or freely applies) Christ’s sinlessness and perfect righteousness to our life. This is a “Divine gift” that does not depend on our personal works, behavior or Christian service record. On the subject of salvation and its fulfillment at the rapture - God only accepts His own perfect righteousness (called “the righteousness of God” in 2 Corinthians 5:21) – but rejects all imperfect human attempts to earn righteousness through personal work, behavior and effort – which is a merit-based religious faith that Scripture calls “the flesh” (Romans 8:2-4). The Bible then goes on to warn; “those who are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:8-9). The resurrected Lord Jesus Christ is the only one who possesses this perfect spiritual resource called “the righteousness of God”. Contrary to popular church teachings - no one can earn it. Yet, after the cross, all believers receive it freely through imputation - by Grace through faith in Christ - which is the key that unlocks the divine exchange of the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). After Christ’s crucifixion and the revelation of the New Covenant, true Biblical righteousness (also called “worthiness”) is obtained no other way.
The Apostle John said;
“And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you might know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:11-13)
If John is correct and it’s God’s will for you TO KNOW that you have eternal life – then it’s also His will for you to know that you’re leaving with the Church in the rapture, since both are part of the same spiritual program that is secured by Grace through faith in Jesus name. All believers “can know” because their ticket is not bought and paid for by their own “works of righteousness”, but by the one righteous act of Jesus Christ at the cross (Romans 5:15-21,Titus 3:5-7). Jesus paid for your right to participate in these blessings - with His blood, which eternally settles the matter. If you’re someone who is deficient in obedience, godly behavior and good works (like most of us) - you might lose rewards after you arrive in Heaven – but your right to claim Heaven as your eternal home (and your journey there in the rapture) is secured only by the one righteous act of Jesus Christ at the cross. If you have doubts and fears about possessing eternal life or your place in the rapture, it’s an indication that your faith is in the merit-based tenants of Galatian religion (the counterfeit) - which is not true faith in Christ.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Jesus said …"For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be." (Mark 13:19)
Jesus said … "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come upon you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:25-36)
"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our savior Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:13-14)
Jesus said … "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I WILL COME AGAIN AND
RECEIVE YOU TO MYSELF;
THAT WHERE I AM, THERE
YOU MAY BE ALSO."
(John 14:1-3)
More detailed and supplemental
information is available at
these links:
The Great Divine Exchange
The Battle for God's Grace
and its
Connection to the Hyper-grace Controversy
SOZO: The Three-Fold Salvation of God
The Two Types of Righteousness
in the Bible
How Some Christian Leaders Deceive
The Church About The Rapture
64 Reasons the Rapture is not the Second
Coming of Christ
Is the Pretribulational Rapture
Teaching a Hoax?
The Believer's Position In Christ
Imputation: The New Covenant Method God Uses to
Transfer His Spiritual Benefits To Us
How To Properly Discern Apocalyptic Visions
and Dreams
A Wrong Understanding of Bible Prophecy
Can Lead Believers Astray in Their Faith
Israel and the Church
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This is Part 3 of a three-part Bible study.
Click on the links below to access the
other parts of this study.
Part 1
-----
Part 2
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