Not Appointed To Wrath

NATWNot Appointed To Wrath

Contents 

IntroductionMatthew Chapter 24 Matthew 24:4-12 The Gospel Of The Kingdom Matthew 24:15-21 Matthew 24:23-29 The Thief In The Night Matthew 24:30-31 The Harvest The Mystery Matthew 24:32-35 From The Hour Of Temptation Why Judgment On Gods People? Pretribulation Arguments and Rebuttals Conclusion

Introduction

 Chapter 24 of the book of Matthew explains almost everything one needs to know about the last days. It is a starting point from which all other Chapters and verses may point to when confirming what the Lord is saying about the last days. The true benefit of starting from this chapter is that it is the most thorough account from Jesus himself of what the Church must endure in the last days. All other visions of the future are from the Prophets and the Apostles. Therefore, there is a benefit of studying and comparing the other teachings of the last days with that of Jesus' teachings. Many scholars have let the teachings of others interfere with their attempt at an impartial study of the Bible. They continually try to force a piece of the puzzle into the wrong space (Putting a square peg into a round hole.). There is a word for that, it is called Eisogesis, putting into instead of taking out of what the message is trying to convey. Exegesis is getting an answer out of what the message is saying and not adding any of your own pieces to make it say what you want it to say. One must always remember to try and take the Lord's words literally when interpreting scripture, except when the use of symbolism is apparent. And even when symbolism is apparent, the Lord either explains the symbolism right there in the next paragraph or somewhere else in the Bible. The answer to the mysteries of the Bible are within the Bible. Always keep in mind that the Lord has left this information so that the people of God may understand what must come upon the world soon, and not confuse His people with symbolism and imagery. TAKE HIM LITERALLY! Lets begin with what Jesus says about the Last Days in Matthew Chapter 24, and as the explanation progresses, lets break down each verse, when necessary, into more detail using passages from other parts of the Bible to present a complete and thorough picture. This method is just like focusing a camera lens, carefully bringing the words of Jesus into clear view.  

Matthew Chapter 24 Mt:24:1: And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to show him the buildings of the temple.

Mt:24:2: And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

Mt:24:3: And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? The first two verses listed above are self explanatory, but the last verse, is saying more than many tend to recognize. Verse 3 is clearly creating conditions that must be met before Jesus' returns; conditions which leave no room for an imminent return of Jesus Christ. The Apostles have just asked the Lord to tell them when this will

happen, and what signs must first appear to announce or herald His return and the end of the world.

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Matthew 24:4-12 Mt:24:4: And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

Mt:24:5: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Mt:24:6: And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. Mt:24:7: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. Mt:24:8: All these are the beginning of sorrows. Mt:24:9: Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. Mt:24:10: And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. Mt:24:11: And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. Mt:24:12: And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.  Jesus begins to tell his disciples in verses 4-12, some of the signs that must appear before his return. (No Imminency). Sign 1: Many shall come in my name saying that they are me and shall deceive many. Sign 2: You shall here of wars and rumors of wars, but the end is not yet! Sign 3: Nation shall rise against nation. Sign 4: There shall be famine and Pestilences. Sign 5: There shall be Earthquakes in divers, different places. These are the beginning of sorrows (Birth Pains). The pain increases with intensity until the world gives birth to the return of Jesus; just as a woman's contractions increase with intensity until the birth of her child. (See Appendix A) Sign 6: They shall deliver YOU up to be afflicted, and shall kill YOU and YOU will be hated of all nations for my name sake. Look at SIGN 6. Who was Jesus talking to? Remember that Jesus said you will be hated for His name sake. This can only be Christians, and not Jews as some scholars would say. Only Christians die for His name sake. Furthermore, He specifically said YOU, meaning all the members of the Church, and at that time, the only members of the Church that existed as a representation of the END TIME BODY were his Apostles and Disciples, the current

members of the Church. Surely he did not think that these people would be alive during the end times. This is a statement meant for all members of the body who will exist at the time of the END. Jesus was informing them that one of the next signs to precede his return would be the persecution of the Church. All of us are to endure persecution for his name sake. Outside of the protective hedge of the United States, which was founded by men of God, and the Western Nations, can you name any other place in the world today where a Christian is not currently persecuted for the name of the Lord? Also, from the time of Jesus' death and resurrection until the establishment of the United States, the Church has always undergone persecution for the name of the Lord. Right now your brothers and sisters in China are being killed for believing in Jesus and for not denying his name. Currently, only Christians in the Western World are safe from persecution, but even this is changing. It is becoming less and less popular to be a born-again Christian in America and the other Western nations. Jesus said that because they hated me, they will also hate you. Are you any different from those who have gone before you? Sign 7: Many people who consider themselves Christians shall be offended by the true believers in Christ and shall hate one another. Sign 8: Many false prophets shall rise and deceive many. Sign 9: Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.  

The Gospel Of The Kingdom

 Mt:24:13: But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Mt:24:14: And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Sign 10: This Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in the entire world as a witness to all nations, and then the end shall come. This is a very important verse. The last sign mentioned that must occur before the end of the age is the preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom. Be very careful here. Please remember that Jesus said THIS GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM not THE GOSPEL in general. Little words like THIS make a difference. The Gospel that the Lord is talking about is not The Gospel of God's Grace and the message of Salvation, but THIS GOSPEL, the Gospel (Good News) he has been telling the Apostles so far in this chapter concerning his return and the establishment of his kingdom on earth. This particular Gospel is known as THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM. The preaching of this Gospel is done during the Great Tribulation, and then the end would come as stated in Matthew 24:14. This example of the Kingdom is stated much clearer by the Apostle Mark in Chapter 1: verses 14-15. "Now after that John was put into prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM of God, and

saying, the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." Jesus was not just preaching THE GOSPEL in general, but a message which specifically said that "the kingdom of GOD is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” The GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM is specifically about repentance because the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ is near, and the ushering in of His rule and reign on earth. Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ’s first coming, so shall the Church prepare the way for His second coming as they continually preach the GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM. **These verses inform us of when these events will take place and the signs that must precede His second coming**

 Matthew 24:15-21

Mt:24:15: When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand)

Mt:24:16: Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains: Mt:24:17: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Mt:24:18: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. Mt:24:19: And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! Mt:24:20: But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day: Mt:24:21: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. In an attempt not to be Esogesic, it is apparent that Christ is talking to everyone living in Israel at that time, but the only ones that will believe that warning are the jewish and gentile Christians living there at the time of this event. This is because none of the secular or orthodox Jews will be listening to Jesus warnings which are written in the New Testament. Furthermore, only true believers in His word will listen, because the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them] because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Cor 2:14. Now, once you, the Christians, specifically those in Israel at the time, see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION spoken of by Daniel the prophet, then shall there be GREAT TRIBULATION. Remember how important words are correct? Well, Jesus said in Matthew 24:15 that when ye (YOU) shall see the abomination of

desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet. This is important because once again, Jesus, by using the word YE (YOU), places the Saints of God, the elect, at the time of the Abomination of Desolation and the Great Tribulation. And, as previously mentioned, the elect spoken of here are Christians; specifically those living in Israel. Mt:24:22: And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

Now, being objective about Matthew 24:22, why does God shorten the days? He shortens the days of the tribulation for the sake of the Saints of GOD, the Elect, to save his creatures of flesh.

Matthew 24:23-29 Mt:24:23: Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. Mt:24:24: For there shall arise false Christ, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Mt:24:25: Behold, I have told you before. Mt:24:26: Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. Mt:24:27: For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Mt:24:28: For wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together. Now that the Great Tribulation was shortened, what is next? Well, Jesus wants you to know that he will not be lurking in a secret chamber or somewhere else secluded. He will return from the EAST in all his Glory through the clouds for the whole world to witness. Mt:24:29: Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: Pay close attention; this is important to the timing of the Rapture. Look at how the days following the Great Tribulation of those days is described in the previous verse. Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the SUN be DARKENED, and the MOON shall not give her light, and the STARS shall fall from heaven etc. This event, when placed together with other scriptures in the Bible describes this day as a DAY OF WRATH. Let it be known that this DAY OF WRATH is synonymous with THE DAY OF THE LORD. The next chapters, and verses from the Bible will prove this statement. 1) One of the first places we see the description of this DAY is in ZEPHANIAH 1:15. " That day is a DAY OF WRATH, a day of trouble and distress, a day of

wasting and desolation, a day of darkness and GLOOMINESS, a day of CLOUDS and thick DARKNESS. 2) JOEL 2:1-2 “...let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the DAY OF THE LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand. A day of DARKNESS and of GLOOMINESS, a day of CLOUDS and of thick DARKNESS, as the morning spread upon the mountains; a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it; even to the year of many generations. 3) ISAIAH 13:9-13 "Behold, the DAY OF THE LORD cometh, cruel both with WRATH and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy its sinners out of it. For the STARS of heaven and its constellations shall not give their light: the SUN shall be DARKENED in his going forth, and the MOON shall not cause her light to shine. And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogance of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. I will make man more rare than fine gold...Therefore I will shake the heavens and the earth, and shall remove out of her place in the WRATH of the LORD of hosts and in the day of his fierce anger. 4) ACTS 2:19-20 "And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood and fire, and vapor of smoke: And the SUN shall be turned into DARKNESS before that great and notable DAY OF THE LORD come. 5)JOEL 2:31 "The SUN shall be turned into DARKNESS and the MOON into blood before the Great and terrible DAY OF THE LORD shall come." 6) AMOS 5:18-20 "Woe unto you that desire the DAY OF THE LORD! To what end is it for you? The DAY OF THE LORD is darkness and not light. As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him. Shall not the DAY OF THE LORD be darkness, and not light? Even very dark, and no brightness in it?" This should be enough to prove that the DAY OF THE LORD and the DAY OF WRATH are one in the same. These signs, Moon turning into blood, the Sun turned into darkness etc. represent the condition the world will be in just before God’s WRATH is to be placed upon an unbelieving world. This is stated in Acts 2:20 where it says that "the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood BEFORE that great and notable DAY OF THE LORD comes". It is also apparent in Matthew 24:29-31 that immediately after the Tribulation of those days when the sun is darkened and the moon is not giving off its light, the sign of the son of man will appear in heaven. At this time, he will be seen coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. This is when his sign shall appear from the EAST. Following his appearance in the sky is the RAPTURE. This is just before GOD's WRATH, and is for all purposes considered a Pre-Wrath Rapture in its real sense. Furthermore, this is synonymous with Revelation 14:14-15 where the angel on the cloud thrusts in his sickle to gather the elect. Everyone will see this angel, which happens to be the Lord Jesus Christ (the angel looks like the son of man). However, this is not when He sets His foot upon the mount of Olives. This is when Jesus takes His bride, and then comes the Wrath of God. This Rapture occurs when Jesus "sends his angels with a great trumpet to gather together his ELECT from the four winds, from one end of

heaven to the other." Additionally, the sickle is symbolic of harvesting, and the angels are the gatherers. They shall gather the wheat into the barns where they will be safe from the wrath (Matthew 13:30).

The Thief In The Night  

Now that it is evident that THE DAY OF THE LORD and THE DAY OF WRATH are the same, let's look at another area that is often debated; that area is concerning the verses which say that the Lord will come as a THIEF in the night.

      In 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10, the Apostle Paul says that he does not have to write to you about the times and dates of the DAY OF THE LORD because you know that it comes as a thief in the night. It comes as a thief in the night to the wicked. This is evident in verses 4 to 5 where he says " But ye, brethren are not in darkness, that that DAY should overtake you as a thief. What Day is he talking about? He is talking about the DAY OF THE LORD as mentioned in verse 2 of 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5. Verse 5 goes on to say that "Ye are all children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep as do others; but let us watch and be sober".

      By verse 9 of this chapter God has said that He "... hath not appointed us to WRATH, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ". Therefore, we are called to watch and be sober so that day should not overtake us as a thief. Revelation 3:3 goes on to say that "...If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee".

      Because we are children of light, we must be watching, and if watching he cannot come upon us as a thief. However, the children of darkness will not be watching, and therefore the Lord shall come upon them as a thief in the night. To reaffirm the fact that what is to come upon the children of darkness as a thief is the DAY OF THE LORD, 2 Peter 3:10 says "but the DAY OF THE LORD will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up". There is no doubt that the DAY OF THE LORD will come upon them as a thief in the night, and because the DAY OF THE LORD is synonymous with the DAY OF WRATH, God’s WRATH must be what is to come upon them as a thief. Matthew 24:43, once again shows us that if we are watching, then we would not have to suffer our "house to be broken up." And verse 44 calls us to be ready "for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."

      Because GOD's WRATH is a specific period during the end time, let's see if the event of the RAPTURE can be placed.

      It is very evident from the scriptures that the seven BOWLS in Revelation 16 are BOWLS of WRATH. This is the WRATH that is to be poured out upon the earth, and onto the wicked. Remember that 1 Thessalonians 5:9 says that ... God has not appointed us to WRATH but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. This specific time of WRATH is not upon the Church. The word of God says in Colossians 3:6, that the WRATH of God cometh on the

children of disobedience. Also, the word of God says in Eph 5:6 that ...because of these things cometh the WRATH of GOD upon the children of disobedience. Also, it is clear in Job 21:30 "that the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? and they shall be brought forth to the day of WRATH." And finally Romans 1:18 says, " ...the WRATH of GOD is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness". Therefore, the WRATH of GOD does not come upon the children of GOD.

Matthew 24:30-31 Mt:24:30: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

      Mt:24:31: And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

The Harvest  

Now, take a closer look at Revelation Chapter 14 verses 14-19. John said,"and I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the WRATH of God.

      Matthew 24:29-31 is just like Revelation 14:14-19. It specifically says:

      “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."

Mystery of God Finished:

Rev 10:7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

Within the seventh trumpet, the harvest occurs in Revelation 14:15.There are two angels, one puts in his sickle and harvest the Wheat, the otherPuts in his sickle and harvest the grapes.

Rev 14:15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.

Rev 14:16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.

Rev 14:17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.

Rev 14:18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.

Rev 14:19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

Rev 14:20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.

Here, GOD gathers the Saints, then he gathers the grapes, the ungodly. The harvest of the earth is now ripe for the harvest of the Saints, and the separation of the godly from the ungodly. The vines of the earth were put into the great winepress of the WRATH OF GOD.

      This harvest is the one symbolized by the parable in Matthew 13: 24-30 where tares were sown with the wheat. The LORD warned the servants not to gather the tares yet least they gather the wheat with the tares. The servant was told to wait until the harvest when they would then be allowed to separate the wheat from the tares because the season would be ripe for the gathering . This separation of the wheat from the tares is what takes place in Revelation 14::14-19. The harvest has come, and the LORD has gathered his wheat into his barn and has burned up the tares (vines of grape are synonymous with the tares).

      In Matthew 13:36-43, the disciples of Jesus asked him to explain the parable of the tares. Jesus said that the one that soweth the tares among the wheat is the devil, and the one that soweth the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the seed are the children of the kingdom, but the tares are the children of the wicked one. So, the tares are gathered and burned in fire, and so shall it be at the end of the world. The son of man shall send his angels ( same as Matthew 24:31) and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire; there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Obviously, the Church is taken out at the end of the world, and the wicked are subject to the WRATH of GOD. This is the RAPTURE of the SAINTS, the HARVEST. We are not subject to GOD's WRATH. So, we must be taken out, separated from the wicked before the LORD can execute his WRATH on a wicked world. In Revelation 15, there are seven angels having the seven last plagues; filled with the WRATH of GOD, and there appears a sea of glass mingled with fire and with those who had gotten victory over the beast and over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name standing on the sea of glass having harps of GOD. The RAPTURE had taken place, and the SAINTS are standing victorious. The great trumpet in Matthew 24:31 is the same as the Last Trump in 1 Corinthians 15:52, which says, "We shall not all sleep, but shall be changed in a 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."

The Mystery Let's look at Revelation 10:7 which says, "but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall sound, the mystery of GOD should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets." What mystery told by the prophets you ask? The mystery in 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 which says, “Behold, I tell 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 trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed”. In Revelation 11:15, the seventh angel has finally sounded. At this time there were great voices in heaven saying, The kingdom of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. Obviously, the Lord is victorious and it is finished. At the sounding of the last

trumpet by the seventh angel, the Harvest was complete, and the wicked punished. (See Appendix B) The Lord is ruler of all the kingdoms.

There are two resurrections. One of the Just and the Unjust. 

Rev 20:5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

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Matthew 24:32-35 Mt:24:32: Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:

      Mt:24:33: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

      When you see all these signs, know that your redemption is near, even at the door.

      Mt:24:34: Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

      Mt:24:35: Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

      And know this, the generation that witnesses these things begin to happen shall see these things to its completion.

FROM THE HOUR OF TEMPTATION

Rev 3:10 " Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the earth.

      Revelation 3:10 says that the Lord will keep (Greek: guard, attend to carefully, or take care of) the Church of Philadelphia from the hour of Temptation that will befall the whole world. I believe that this verse requires a response.

      The first thing that must be determined concerning the Church of Philadelphia is the harm this particular church is being excused from. This should be done by asking you one simple question:

                  Does Jesus say in Revelation 3:10 that the Church of Philadelphia shall be kept from the hour of Tribulation or from the hour of Temptation?

            It is evident that He said temptation, and if temptation, then HOW has the word been used throughout the books of the Bible? It has consistently been used as an “enticement to sin, whether arising from the desires or from outward circumstances". If this is the case, then shouldn't that passage be interpreted as kept from the hour of "enticement to sin", and not from the hour of Tribulation; which is how it is often used? Verse 10 says that this hour of Temptation would come upon the world to TRY (test) them that dwell upon the Earth. This hour of temptation is "to test one maliciously, or to craftily put to the proof his feelings or judgments", not to cause world destruction as the Tribulation does.

                  Throughout the entire book of Revelation, what event could be thought of as an hour of Temptation or enticement to sin?

            The only event that answers this question is the period when the church is tempted to take the Mark of the Beast, his Name, or Image. This is the only period where the Church will be threatened with death for themselves or their loved ones, and with starvation and torture. It is evident that this is the Church that is tempted, because John said in Revelation 15:2 that he ...saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, [and] over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. Who else could this be but Christians? They are standing in heaven on a sea of glass, and we know that no unredeemed sinner can enter the kingdom. Furthermore, some scholars say that these are tribulation saints, those saved during the great tribulation period. However, Jesus will not leave part of his bride to endure tribulation, and the other to endure bliss in heaven. There is only one wedding, and the entire bride must be there. Furthermore, in order for those who are in heaven to have gained victory, they must have been offered the mark to have refused it.

            One must clearly understand that this promise to be kept from the hour of temptation applies only to the Church of Philadelphia. The other six churches (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Laodicea) must be tempted because they were not included within this exception. Additionally, the fact that Revelation 3:10 exempts the Church of Philadelphia from the hour of temptation does not in and of itself imply the Rapture. Being kept from the hour of temptation is not the same as being taken out of the period of Great Tribulation. Keep in mind, that there is no Rapture from an enticement to sin.

            It must be made clear to the student of end time prophecy that the scripture is talking about a particular type of church (Philadelphia), and not the church universal. The entire seven churches (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea) mentioned in Revelation chapters 2-3 make up the different types of the church universal, and therefore, if this was the Rapture it would apply to only one type of church (Philadelphia), and would leave the six other churches behind; and the true Rapture must include the entire body of Christ that is present at the time of this event. (See Argument 5) The idea that this is the Rapture just does not make sense. The problem comes in when they (other biblical scholars) continually try to interpret Rev 3:10 as saying that the Church of Philadelphia will be kept from the hour of tribulation as oppose to what it truly says, that they will be kept from the hour of temptation.

                  Concerning the hour of temptation, is it not an almost unbearable situation, and virtually impossible without the Holy Spirit to resist receiving the mark, name, or number of the beast? Yes!

            Well, God has said that there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]. Therefore, is it not possible that the six churches that will face the temptation will be carried through the tribulation by God or at the very least be able to bear it? Furthermore, as far as the Church of Philadelphia is concerned, the Lord will miraculously keep them from ever having to make a decision concerning the mark. God may keep them by feeding them manna as He fed the Israelites in the wilderness in the book of Exodus, or in any other manner of His choosing. By the way, only God knows which end time Saints represent the Church of Philadelphia or any of the other six Churches. One thing is certain, there is no way one can substitute the word Temptation with the word Tribulation, and there is no way that one can imply that the Rapture has occurred because the Church of Philadelphia is the only church allowed to be kept from the hour of temptation (enticement to sin). Decide for yourself!

Why Judgment On Gods People? If the Wrath of God Is not the same as the Great Tribulation, why does God allow the judgments released by the seals to fall

upon his own people?

      The answer to this question lies in the fact that God loves us. And those whom he loves he also chastise. Heb 12:6 If He did not chastise you, you are none of His. You are illegitimate. Also, the trial of ones faith is more precious than gold, and since gold is valuable, is not the trials of the Great Tribulation more valuable than gold. Look at 1 Peter 1:7:

                  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found

unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

      The trials of the Saints of God during the Great Tribulation is for the glory of God, and for a witness unto all nations. This is why so many Christians were persecuted for centuries; for the glory of God. God could have taken us out at anytime, but for His glory and as witnesses for the kingdom of God he did not. Also, he did it so that our faith might be increased (a most valuable commodity). In Revelations chapters 2-3, Jesus is talking to the churches, and he says that he has a problem with each one, except for Smyrna and Philadelphia. He counsels one particular church, the Laodicians to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. Rev 3:18. As previously mentioned in 1 Peter 1:7, this gold tried in the fire is their faith. God also says that as many as He loves, He rebukes and chastens. Rev 3:19. As Paul said in Acts14:22, ... we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Does this exclude the Great Tribulation, or includes it? I believe that it includes the Great Tribulation. Remember, beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 1 Peter 4:12-13. As one can see, we are partakers of Jesus sufferings, and it is no strange thing that we will be going through the tribulation.

      As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Ro 8:36.

The question still remains, tribulation from mankind I understand, but what about the fact that the seal judgments are released upon the

world by God when we are part of His body, is He not judging His own body? The only way to answer this question is to look at how God

handled the Israelites in the book of Exodus.

Most scholars agree that the judgment on Egypt in the book of Exodus is a foreshadow of the tribulation period, or more clearly put, a typology of what will occur during the tribulation period. Seeing that a type is just a shadow of a thing to come, and not a clear picture, the way that God handles the Egyptians is the way God handles the World, and the way God handles the Israelites is the way he handles His church.

      In Exodus chapters 7-8 the first three judgments God rained upon the Egyptians was (1) the River Of Blood (2) the Frogs and (3) the Lice. When God turned the river into blood, the Egyptians could not drink any water, and all of the fish in the river died. No one was able to eat from the river. This judgment is similar to the second trumpet judgment in Revelation 8:8. All of the inhabitants of Egypt could

not drink or eat from the river. Furthermore, the frog judgments affected all of the inhabitants, and the lice judgments affected all of the inhabitants. When I say all, I mean all. The Israelites were affected also. In Exodus 8: 22-23, the Lord said, that .. I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms [of flies] shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I [am] the LORD in the midst of the earth. And I will put a division between my people and thy people: tomorrow shall this sign be. Here the Lord says that now he will make a distinction between His people and the people of Egypt, which in itself implies that there was no distinction among Gods people and the Egyptians with the first three plagues. The river of blood affected his people, the infestation of frogs affected his people, and the lice affected Gods people. All of these plagues affected Gods people until God made the distinction. He made this distinction to be a sign to all that Gods people are different from the world. However, the fact still remains that God allowed the first three judgments to affect His people. Only from the judgment of the flies and on did Gods judgment not affect the Israelites.

      So, why would God allow the judgments that He poured upon the Egyptians affect His people the Israelites, and why would God let the judgments that He will pour upon the Anti-Christ’s kingdom affect His people the Saints? The only possible answer to that question is what was previously mentioned. Trials are more valuable than gold, and these trials help build our faith and character. God told Daniel that many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall

understand; but the wise shall understand. Dan 12:10 However, Romans 5:1-9 states more clearly our walk in this life:

1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

6  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from WRATH through him.

Through Jesus Christ, we are saved from Gods wrath which abides on mankind, but not from His chastisement, because those whom He Loves He chastises. Heb 12:6 Therefore, even though the tribulation period is judgment on the world, it is also a period of chastisement for the Saints. (refer to Rev 1-3 about the warnings to Churches) Also, one must realize that many will come to Christ during these times, he is separating the wheat from the tares (this is a time of sifting). However, once the harvest is ripe, then comes the Rapture, and after the Rapture comes Gods Wrath. However, the particulars of the harvest have already been explained. Furthermore, throughout the New Testament, the people of God have been described as wheat, and the enemy as tares or grapes. And Jesus said that except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.. John 12:24 Even though Christ was referring to Himself, the same applies to us since we are now part of His body and partakers of His suffering. (1Pe 4:13) That is why the church grew during times of persecution. The blood of the Saints brought in countless souls to the kingdom of God. The wheat died and much fruit was produced. Just as the wheat died, many Christians will die, and the tribulation will cause many souls to go to heaven. The formula still applies:

      WHEAT DIES -> FRUIT PRODUCED

      So dear one, prepare to be a witness to the world because we will be here for the tribulation period, but we will not be here for Gods wrath upon mankind (The bowl judgments). As with the churches throughout history, we are counted as sheep for the slaughter. You are no better than they, or your master. If He suffered you must also suffer. Prepare and be ready!

For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the

gospel of God?

1 Pe 4:17

 Pretribulation Arguments and Rebuttals

Argument One Because the Church is gone after Chapter 3 of the book of Revelation, the reference to SAINTS in the following chapters are those who missed the Rapture and have accepted Jesus as their Savior at a later time, thus having to endure the Great Tribulation. These SAINTS are referred to as Tribulation Saints.

Rebuttal OneThis argument claims that although all of us are saved by the blood of Jesus, those who accept Jesus early enough will not have to endure the Great Tribulation. Jesus said that the first shall be last, and the last shall be first, so the order in which one gets saved is not important to Jesus. Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 12:14-27 clearly states that there will not be a separation of the Body of Christ because they are one in nature and must remain together. The relationship of the different members of the body of Christ are illustrated below in verses 14-27, which state: 1Cor:12:14: For the body is not one member, but many. 1Cor:12:15: If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 1Cor:12:16: And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 1Cor:12:17: If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 1Cor:12:18: But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 1Cor:12:19: And if they were all one member, where were the body?

1Cor:12:20: But now are they many members, yet but one body. 1Cor:12:21: And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 1Cor:12:22: Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:_ 1Cor:12:23: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 1Cor:12:24: For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 1Cor:12:25: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 1Cor:12:26: And whether one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.1Cor:12:27: Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 1 Corinthians 12:14-20 shows us that although the Body is composed of many individual pieces with different functions, it is still one body. All parts of the body are necessary and cannot be left behind. Verse 24 says that God had fused the pieces of the Body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked or is of lesser importance. Thus, those who accept the Lord later are raised to an even higher level of honor. It is also apparent in verses 25-26 that there is no schism (division) in the Body, and if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it, or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. These verses cannot state more clearly the importance and necessity of the Body being together as one. This alone shows us that the Church, the Body, must be Raptured together and receive their reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ together. Let's look at two other references which show us God's position concerning the Rapture of his body. In the story of Noah, when the Earth and all its inhabitants were destroyed in the Great Flood, did God spare Noah and then go back later to get the rest of Noah's family? No, he took them all at once. Also, in the story of Lot, did God spare Lot and then go back for Lot's wife, or did the Lord demand that Lot and his wife, whom are of one body in marriage, be removed together before he could execute his Wrath? He demanded that the wife be with Lot. God could not destroy Sodom and Gomorrah until Lot and his wife were removed. Just as Noah’s and Lot’s families had to be together, so must the Church be together. Now, let's take a look at the parable of the lost sheep. Matthew 18:13 shows us that Jesus, the Shepherd, will leave the 99 to go and find the one lost sheep. Before a shepherd brings his flock home, he counts them to make sure that all are accounted for. If a sheep is found missing, then he will leave the rest of the flock out in the open field until he returns with the missing one. Once the lost sheep is found, only then does the shepherd bring in the entire flock. Such is the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus will not bring the found sheep home until he has found the lost sheep. He will leave all the saved Saints on Earth until the ones who have strayed return or

are found. Therefore, if one member suffers in the Great Tribulation, all members must suffer, and when one is honored so shall they all. Also, for one to believe in the theory of two separate raptures of the Saints, one must re-explain Jesus' example of the laborers which stresses the Lord's position concern how he views his body, the Church.1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man [that is] an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. 2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. 5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? 7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, [that] shall ye receive. 8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them [their] hire, beginning from the last unto the first. 9 And when they came that [were hired] about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. 10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. 11 And when they had received [it], they murmured against the goodman of the house, 12 Saying, These last have wrought [but] one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. 13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? 14 Take [that] thine [is], and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? 16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. This parable can be used to show that the Pre-Trib argument of "since we are saved before the Great Tribulation we get to be raptured before the Great Tribulation" is synonymous with the first laborers. Their argument goes on further to state that "those saved after the Great Tribulation miss out on the first rapture". This is synonymous with the last laborers in the parable. But, we can see from this parable that in the Kingdom of God, the last laborers received the same reward. This shows us that because we are saved by grace anyway, God bestows his gift of eternal life to all of his children equally. So, being saved longer does not entitle one Saint to more abundant honor than another (1Cor:12:23).

Argument Two Many pre-trib authors state that the word church is used numerous times in the first three chapters of the book of Revelation. The word church is used seven times when God is giving a message to the seven churches (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea). However, the word church does not appear again until Revelation chapter 22 where the Lord says I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David,

[and] the bright and morning star. In Chapters 4-21, there is no longer any reference to the word church. These authors believe that the absence of the word church from Rev 4-21 is best explained by the occurrence of the Rapture.

Rebuttal Two Where is the logic in this? The Lord started His revelation of the end-times with a warning to the churches. This is because His return is near, and because His return is near, He warns them that these are the problems that exist that He wants them to correct. These three chapters have nothing to do with what happens to them during end-time tribulation. It is specifically dealing with qualities in the church that need to be corrected because His return is near, even at the door. To state that this means anything more is using poor reasoning. No where does it state that the Rapture has occurred, or that the existence or non-existence of the church in these three chapters means anything. It is just a warning to them to get right. Not until chapter 5 do we see the players and their roles in this end-time event. Chapter 5 is when the affect of end time events upon the church have any significance because the first three chapters are not relevant to tribulational events, and Chapter 4 is just a scene in heaven. The issues in chapters 1 to 3 are just warnings! No where in these chapters is there a reference to a Harvest, being caught up, to being told come up hither, or any statement that a mystery has been fulfilled. And the call to John to come up hither is specifically to John to come and see, so that he may report to the Body what must occur in the end-times. John is only called as a witness. To infer that anything else has occurred other than what was specifically mentioned is not rightly dividing the word. Therefore, the fact that the word church is not mentioned in chapters 4-21 is irrelevant. However, the Church is referred to numerous times in the Book of Revelation as the Saints, or the Elect.

   Argument Three Many Pretrib authors believe that believers are to encourage one another with the prospect of the imminent return of the Lord, and that if the body of Christ must experience the Tribulation period first, what kind of comfort is that to a child of God, and what about our blessed hope?

Rebuttal Three The Lord never did teach that His return would be imminent. On the contrary, He taught that certain signs must precede His coming. Also, Paul said , Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and [by] our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 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. The falling away and the revelation of the man of sin must occur before we are ever gathered

together unto the Lord. This gathering occurs when the angels gather us from the four corners of the earth as formerly mentioned in previous chapters. To say that because we are going through the tribulation is the loss of our blessed hope is again faulty reasoning. Is our blessed hope the fact that we will avoid the Great Tribulation, or is our blessed hope Jesus Christ Himself, and our being with Him for eternity. It is being with our Lord, that is the blessed hope. His coming to get us and our forever being with Him, whether or not we must suffer tribulation. Blessed are they who suffer for the name of Christ.

Argument Four Many pretribulation scholars believe that there is a restraining influence in the world today, and that that influence is the Holy Spirit. They believe that because the Holy Spirit indwells the believer, once the restraining influence is removed, so also must the Christians. And this removal of the Holy Spirit and of the Church proves that the Rapture has taken place. This view is taken from 2 Thessolonians 2:6-8, which plainly states:

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.

  Rebuttal Four Again we have faulty reasoning, because all it says is that he who letteth (hinders) will let (hinder) until he be taken out of the way.  “Withholdeth”  and “Let”  have the same greek word - “katecho“.  Meaning to “hinder” or “restrain”.  Therefore, we can read the statement to say, “ And now ye know what hinders/restrains that he might be revealed in his time.  What is the restrainer?  It isn’t the Holy Spirit, because we see that the restrainer is the fact that it was not time for Anti-Christ to appear.  In a future time he would be revealed.  Additionally, if one does not believe this interpretation, there is no way someone could jump to the conclusion that the restrainer is the Holy Spirit, and that when the restrainer is taken, so is the church.  That is reading into what is not there.

Argument Five Many scholars that hold the pretribulation view point believe that if the body of Christ is Raptured at the end of the 70th week, everyone would know precisely when the Rapture will occur. And because The Great Tribulation will last precisely seven years, with the introduction of the abomination of desolation which occurs in the middle of the week (Dan 9:27), the Rapture is just three and a half years away. However, the Bible teaches us that no one will know the day or the hour of the Lords return. Therefore, the Rapture has to be pre-trib.

Rebuttal Five

The problem with this argument is that when someone starts with a faulty premise, they will have a faulty conclusion. The entire problem with the former interpretation of scripture is that the Bible is not just talking about when Jesus will return, it is talking about the Day Of The Lord. ( For a better explanation, turn back to the Thief In The Night Chapter). In Revelation 3:3, the Bible states, that ... if therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. The scriptures point out that the thief comes at a particular day and hour, and that no one will know (Revelation 3:3 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10). One of the main verses that many scholars use to show that the Lord will come at a day and hour that we know not, is Matthew 24:44, which says, be ready for in such an hour as ye think not the son of man cometh. If taken in context with the previous verses, we see that this verse is dealing with the self same thief as stated in Rev. 3:3 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10. Matthew 24:43 shows us that if we are watching, then we would not have to suffer our house to be broken up by the coming thief. To even say that we do not know the day or hour of the Lords return is wrong; scripture does not teach that. Scripture teaches that those who are not looking for the Lords return, He will come upon them as a thief. The verses talking about the Day and Hour of His return are talking about His return as a thief. The Lord says, in Amos 3:7, Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.  

Conclusion Why do so many people take the warnings to the seven churches so lightly? Do they not know that because these warnings are in the Book of Revelation, that it is of utmost importance to the end time Body of Christ? Many agree that the Church has many problems equivalent to those problems stated in Revelation chapters 1-3, but they do not recognize the fact that God has laid out these problems specifically for them to fix before his return. God wants every leader of churches, and every member to strive for holiness in these last days. There are many more arguments that we could tackle, but the major ones have been presented, therefore, we believe that it is up to the reader to continue the research in this area. The study on end-time events is not a part time process. One must study continuously while seeking the instruction of the Holy Spirit. We pray that there will be a new eagerness in the Body to rightly divide the word of God. May God bless and guide all of those who seek His truth, no matter what the cost.

Copyright 1994 "Not Appointed To Wrath" No Portion may be reproduced without the written consent of the Author.

Author: Keith A. Wells

Co-Author: K.Solomon.Wells Jr.

New Orleans, La 70126