Why I Believe The Rapture Comes Before The Tribulation

Mark 13:32-37, “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.”

The Rapture is a much debated subject. The word “rapture” itself does not appear in the Holy Bible, but we find the phrase “CAUAGT UP” appears in 1st Thessalonians 4:17. The saints will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. This is quite different than Acts 1:9-11 where the Lord ascended into heaven. Acts 1:11, “Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” The promise is that Jesus will someday return and descend upon the earth, just as He departed but in reverse. So we see that at the Rapture the saints are GOING UP, but at Jesus' Second Coming He is COMING DOWN.

The greatest debate is over the timing of the Rapture event. Our text passage from Mark 13:32-37 teaches that NO MAN, not even the angels in Heaven, know the time nor the hour of the Lord's return. There is controversy over whether this passage applies to the Rapture or Jesus' Second Coming. Since the Apostle Paul first called the Rapture a “mystery,” some theologians believe that the Bible prior to this mention cannot refer to the Rapture. 1st Corinthians 15, “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.”

My humble opinion is that Jesus had foreknowledge of the future. The Lord prophesied of specific events which will happen during the Tribulation period (see Matthew 24 and Mark 13). There is no doubt that Jesus DID know about the coming RAPTURE. If the Lord wasn't referring to the Rapture, but His Second Coming in Mark 13:32-37, then we have a big theological problem, because we WOULD know the time of His return.

For example: Daniel 12:11 teaches that from the event called the Abomination Of Desolation (i.e., the Antichrist breaks the peace agreement with Israel and professes to be God), there will be 1,290 more days until the end. Daniel 12:11, “And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.” So we KNOW that from the middle of the Tribulation when the Antichrist claims to be God that Jesus will return in 1,290 days. This would contradict Mark 13:32-37 and render the passage useless. How can we not know the time of Jesus' return if the exact time is known? The ONLY logical conclusion is that Mark 13:32-27 is speaking about a pretribulation Rapture!

Pastor Max Younce made this helpful Bible chart explaining The Days of Daniel...

The ONLY doctrinal position that fits everything is a Pretribulation Rapture. Nothing else works! I made the following helpful chart a few years ago. It will seem confusing if you don't take the time to think it through and look up all the Scripture passages. In this chart I explain from the Bible why Pastor Steven Anderson's PreWrath Rapture Theory simple doesn't work...

Smaller Chart | Larger Chart

Please understand that this is a highly debatable theological topic, so no one is going to hang you out to dry for believing either way. Well, they shouldn't...lol. Thankfully our assurance of salvation has nothing to do with minor doctrinal disagreements. If your faith is in Jesus Christ alone, then you are saved. The Bible is very clear on the Gospel.

There are many more reasons why I believe in a Pretribulation Rapture, but this one is the biggest. The Bible says that NO ONE knows the time of Jesus' return. Anything other than a Pretribulation Rapture and we would know.

Titus 2:13, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Friend, why would we LOOK FOR JESUS CHRIST if the Antichrist must appear first? Proponents of a PreWrath or PostTribulation Rapture all believe that the Man of Sin, the Antichrist, but come first. That makes no sense. If the Antichrist must appear first, then we have no reason to look for Jesus. So why would Titus 2:13 tell us to LOOK for the GLORIOUS APPEARING of Jesus Christ?

I have an open mind. If someone can convince me from the Bible that the Rapture won't happen until a later time, I will change my views. The Bible is like solving a puzzle. We have thousands of pieces all disarranged.  By comparing Scripture with Scripture we can form conclusions and solve the puzzle. But if we leave out pieces, by overlooking Scripture passages or wrestling others, then our end result will be flawed and incorrect. I am firmly convinced after 41 years of being saved, that if you take the King James Bible at face value you can only conclude a Pretribulation Rapture.

A Look At The Pre-Wrath Rapture

1st Thessalonians 4:13-18, “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.”

This helpful writing in defense of a PreTribulation Rapture is authored by by Joshua Toupos:

PRE-WRATH RAPTURE PRINCIPALITY DECALOG

10 Reasons Pre-Wrath Rapture doesn’t Work:

1. The Rapture is no longer a surprise event. It sets up a false construct that certain signs and events must precede the Rapture which collides with Jesus saying the timing of this nanosecond event, is known only by the Father.

2. We become the thief stealing Immanency from the Lord. Just like if the law, then no longer grace, rendering it null and void, then if Antichrist must come first, then no longer Immanence and no need to be watchful, rendering immanence null and void.

3. It’s no longer as in the days of Noah (was Noah rescued mid-40 days? Did even one drop of rainfall on him?). We tend to emphasize that wicked state of mankind on the earth in this Scripture. But there is something else that is very profound going on. Noah built the Ark, but he did not determine the timing, nor was it even him who shut the door and sealed it (Genesis 7:16). It was God alone. But it is a perfect Scripture to use it to defend the Immanent Pre-tribulation Rapture as in the days of Noah when God decides the timing and he shuts the door of the Rapture Ark to keep he and his family safe from judgment on all the earth for 40 days and nights that it rained and 150 days that the Flood remained on the earth! But Noah and his family were also safe from all of the wicked mankind on the earth while it was raining up to the point the Flood waters drown them all. Remember, the Ark sat there for 7 days before even one drop of rain began to fall! And note further that the Lord gives precise days and time frames, just like he tells us he will do in the Tribulation. He is consistent.

4. They redefine Tribulation and/or its duration “Day of the Lord” and “wrath of God” and “one week” of years. Prewrath divides the Tribulation into 3 parts vs. only two reminds me of false teachers like Carl Jung who turn the Trinity into Quaternity, and Roman Catholicism doing the same by adding Mary as a Co-Redemptrix. Two halves is what Scripture describes. Three-thirds is found nowhere in Daniel or Revelation…a pure invention and vain imagination private interpretation on the part of Marvin Rosenthal and Robert Van Kampen. Isn’t that vain strongholds of imagination, myth, so-called science, and numerology condemned in Scripture?

Pre-Wrath disciples hang their hat on 2 Thess 2:3 that the Rapture can’t happen until first the man of lawlessness is revealed. But what struck me like lightning was Daniel’s 9:27: “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week…” This is SEISMIC because a week is the entire 7 years. So this means that the Antichrist is already revealed by the very first day at the very beginning of the 7 Years of Tribulation. The Antichrist signs the peace treaty at the very beginning of the Tribulation (the very beginning of the 70th week) according to Daniel 9:27. A week is the entire 7 years. The Antichrist was already revealed before the beginning of the 70th week. It’s like Biden was known (revealed) long before he even ran for President. It’s just that the beginning of the 70th week is when he signs the peace treaty with Israel. And peace treaties don’t just pop instantly out of thin air, they require weeks if not years to negotiate and plan. The signing is to just confirm it and launch it. But even if the Rapture can’t happen until after the beginning of the 70th week, it would logically follow that the Rapture could happen right after the signing and not have to wait for 3/4 of the Tribulation! Prewrath followers have redefined the Day of the Lord confined to a period supported nowhere in Scripture. Peter described that Day of the Lord as a day and time when a new heavens and earth are created in 2 Peter 3:10. But that does not occur until the end of the Millennium, a thousand years after the entire 7 years of Tribulation. So are we then going to say there was never any Day of the Lord prior to that? On top of that if you follow Rosenthal’s reasoning the Day of the Lord is confined only to a brief period after the Great Tribulation (in his mind) of the first half of the second half the entire Tribulation 70th Week of Daniel. And if this is what Peter means, Pretribulationalist couldn’t be right either, because using that logic (like there was no other “first resurrection,” because the day of the Lord could not cover any of the seven years of Tribulation because the Day of the Lord couldn’t have happened until the New Heavens and earth are created. But of course, we know that the Day of the Lord covers both the entire Tribulation period as well as the Lord creating a New Heavens and Earth!

5. Apostasia means departure and Paul defines it as an event, not a process. Yes, it can mean both a physical and spiritual departure. But the Day of the Lord is distinct from Last Days which is plural for the meaning of spiritual apostasy. But the context in 2 Thess. 2:3 is a singular day that launches the Day of the Lord which is 7 years of days or approximately 7 times 360 days. So Prewrath Rapture dictates and confines Christ the Groom to 630 days out of two thousand years without authority to do so! Instant means it begins as a physical departure and is instantaneous (twinkling of an eye). When was Paul was abandoned there was both physical departure and spiritual departure. Falling away is a process not just during the Tribulation, but the entire two thousand years of the church. There is no surprise in that.

6. Marvin Rosenthal calls Michael the Archangel the Restrainer. This too is highly improbable if not impossible because Jude tells us that he would not even contest with Satan over the body of Moses. Note in the passage in the passage in Jude, that it was not just over the body of Moses that Michael would not get entangled with Satan, where it states: “he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment against Satan.” But this a more generalized statement proving where not even angels dare to tread! What to do with the body of Moses pales in comparison to an all-out war with Satan. So don’t you think if Michael is named in such relatively insignificant matter as what to do with Moses’s body that something as cataclysmic and apocalyptic as the Global final world war that Michael’s name would be named? And wouldn’t go to war with him and his Antichrist on earth be engaging in a judgment in which most of the entire Book of Revelation is pronouncing judgments? And Yes God does send other angels to exercise judgment, but if this were Michael, wouldn’t he be named (and not presumed that it is him)? And note it is not war against Satan or judgment on Satan, but only judgments on men that angels conduct. And note who it is that ultimately does judge the Antichrist and Satan? The Lord himself! Yes Michael fought Satan in Heaven where Satan lost, and he will again defend Israel in the Tribulation, but there is no Scripture to support his fighting for the Church on earth, or for that matter even fighting to defend Gentiles who become saints. Michael’s defined actions are only defensive (not offensive) and protecting, similar to the cherubim guarding the Garden of Eden from the entrance with a sword! Plus Jesus said in Mark 13:32 and Matthew 24:36, that this time not known by ANYONE, not even the Angels even in Heaven. But if even Michael is clueless, and is the restrainer, how will he even know when to initiate his restraint on the earth? And don’t forget that this restraint has been going on since Creation. So we are left with whom do I believe Rosenthal or Jesus? I think I will take Jesus!

7. Renders Satan’s wrath greater than the wrath of God. Impossible because Satan is not omniscient or omnipotent which God alone is. No contest. The notion that Satan’s wrath could trump God’s wrath is farcical and mocks God, who will not be mocked as well as a reproach on Christ’s own words!

8. The Rapture is when Christ the Groom will snatch up his Bride to be (now his fiancé who is the Church to whom he is betrothed). I wrestled and agonized the last few days because I love my brothers in Christ who subscribe to Prewrath Rapture, and the pain is spiritually excruciating that we are not in unity on this. Part of me even doubted I was right. Then a Providential event happened that sealed the deal for me, which became a living parable. A real-life recent parable: A daughter’s boyfriend of five years came to the father and asked him if he, as the father would give permission to him to ask her for her hand in marriage and become engaged whom he said he loved. They are both Christians and the father considered him a potential son-in-law of the ages and already like a member of the family. So of course the father said yes! But it was ultimately his decision as the groom when to ask her and when they mutually set the date of their marriage. We don’t know the day or the hour when he will literally ask her. The father would never dream of tampering with or forcing the marriage or the time of the marriage. But then it struck me, that this is precisely what Rosenthal and Pre-Wrath Rapture disciples are doing with the timing of when Christ the Groom can take up his Bride, virtually handcuffing the time frame when Christ is allowing to take up his Bride in the two thousand year history of the church. We champion Immanency for Christ’s Return. It is also Immanency for the Day of the Lord and simultaneous! But it is immanency in one more colossal way, and that it is the Immanency of Christ the Groom taking up his Purchased Bride (who purchased the Bride, alone decides when to obtain her)!!! Is this timing today the Lord’s or what? I know that Paul’s command to not let the marriage be defiled is talking about a literal husband and wife marriage. But I think one could argue that we can’t defile the Marriage Supper of the Lamb either by dictating to Christ the Groom when he must get married and barring it anytime before the Tribulation.

I was also just struck like lightning with one more thing regarding the Bridegroom Christ and Bride of Christ (the Church) and that is the Bridegroom Parable as the irrefutable proof that Pre-Wrath = The Foolish Virgins! If Mid-Trib or PreWrath Rapture has any logic or credibility, they would have to think there is no reason to be watchful for Pre-Trib because they think Immanence is impossible. If they are not watchful at all they could simply wait it out until all of the signs and at least half of the 7 year Tribulation has already taken place. If they are here during the first half of the Tribulation they think they can fill their lamps anytime up to ¾ of the Tribulation, thinking they have plenty of time to fill their lamps because Rosenthal says Christ the Groom can’t come any day or hour. Therefore, if I had any doubts that Prewrath Rapture is fraudulent, they are now vaporized! “The Bridegroom does not consummate the Marriage until the Bridegroom decides!” 

Here is the Bridegroom Parable in Scripture:◄ Matthew 25 ► The Parable of the Ten Virgins

1“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” Matthew 25:1-13 ESV

9. Peace and Safety precedes the entire Tribulation, not the first 3/4 of the Tribulation. Surely the biblical detailed description of the first half or first 3/4 of the 7 years of the Tribulation can’t be the whole earth is living in peace and safety.

10. Equating Revelation 20 First Resurrection with Rapture would then have to mean Christ was not the First Resurrection. Also, the true Rapture requires the inclusion of we who are alive. Prewrath Rapture could not include the martyrs in the Tribulation because none of them were resurrected until the END of the entire 7 years (week of Daniel). But if that’s true then Post Tribulation Rapture would have to be the correct view and sequence, not Prewrath Rapture. The First Resurrection in Rev. 20 therefore cannot be the very first resurrection in history. John is using “first” to contrast it with the last (or second) resurrection of the wicked, otherwise, it makes no sense! It is first (collectively of all the righteous) in a sequence of two in that grand scale of history. It is first and last in sequence, the second resurrection being collectively all of the wicked. We are part of the first resurrection by because the second death has no power over us.

Dr. Andy Woods captures it well with this statement:

“I will just add three little things.

First, the first resurrection concerns only the dead. Look at the language carefully in Revelation 20:4–5 and Daniel 12:2. The rapture, by contrast, doesn’t just concern the dead in Christ but also those that are alive on the earth at the time (1 Thess. 4:17).

Second, if the first resurrection is the first resurrection ever not only could there have not been a pre-trib. rapture but neither could there be a pre-wrath, mid trib., or post trib. rapture either. Beyond that, there couldn’t even have been a resurrection of Jesus from the dead, which is obviously problematic in light of 1 Cor. 15: 14.

Third, the number “first” in first resurrection (Rev. 20:4-5) is simply distinguishing that resurrection from the resurrection of the unsaved at the end of the thousand years. It’s not talking about the first one ever in human history. If so, then Christ has not been raised!”

I would just add that the Tribulation Martyrs and the OT Saints were not part of the Church and therefore not part of the Rapture. However, they became included (fellow participants) in the totality of the First Resurrection when God raised them up to reign with us for the entire Millennium.

Here are two of the best refutations I have ever heard and seen in 50 years on Pre-Wrath Rapture by Pastor Andy Woods. The first video is:

Rapture or Apostasy in II Thessalonians 2

The second video is:

Explaining & Refuting Pre-Wrath, Daniel 9:2

READ MORE

Revelation Chapter Two

Revelation 2:1-3, “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.”

The Lord is writing to the angel (pastors) of the seven churches in Asia Minor. Then just as today, many men and women alike claim to be apostles, but they are not. No one has apostolic power today. Anyone who claims to be an apostle is a liar. I had a foolish pastor accuse me of thinking I am an apostle because I speak boldly online through my website ministry against corruption in churches. What he is really saying is that I do not have enough wisdom to discern who is right or wrong on doctrinal issues. He is a fool! The Word of God is abundantly clear on all major doctrinal issues, like salvation and the deity of Jesus. Lordship Salvation is of the Devil and I don't have to be an apostle to rebuke churches for preaching that garbage. Shame on any pastor or preacher who doesn't stand against wrong doctrine!

Revelation 2:4-5,  “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”

The church at Ephesus had left their first love. The “first love” of any church should be evangelism, soulwinning, reaching the lost for Christ and discipling them. The Lord rebukes them sternly and warns that He will act quickly if they don't repent, removing their charter as a New Testament church. All these entertainment centers today (e.g., Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, Rick Warren, Steven Furtick, Pat Robertson) are all frauds, not Bible churches. You can get so busy in the work of the Lord, that you forget about the Lord of the work! The word “repent” here means “a change of mind.” Repentance concerning salvation is ALWAYS a matter of the heart, and not of works! Repentance is acknowledging THE TRUTH that you are a guilty sinner in the sight of a holy God (2nd Timothy 2:25).

Revelation 2:6, “But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”

The word “Nicolaitans” comes from the two words “Nico” (superior over) and “laity” (the clergy). Nicolaitans refers to bad pastors who overlord over the congregation. Pastors ought not drive the flock, but lead the flock by example. We have a lot of “BAPTIST POPERY” in churches today, where pastors think they have authority over the people. Friend, the only authority in any churches is the inspired Word of God. It is the pastor's job to uphold the Word of God, nothing else. When men (or a man) are in authority, you now have a CULT! The Nicolaitans were a religious cult of men giving orders to the flock. The church of Ephesus hated this cult and so did the Lord. Pastors are to be servants, not masters. Jesus is the ONLY Mediator (1st Timothy 2:5). We've got a bunch of cults today! Baptists are often guilty of multiplying by dividing, because men refuse to be humble servants.

Revelation 2:7, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”

The way to overcome the world is by our FAITH in Jesus Christ as our Savior. 1st John 5:4, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” Most people are religious and most religious people are NOT going to Heaven (Matthew 7:13-15; 21-23).

Revelation 2:8-9, “And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.” Romans 2:28-29, “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” Most of the religious Jews were lost, trusting in the Mosaic law to get them to Heaven. NO ONE was ever saved by keeping the Mosaic law. Salvation has ALWAYS been solely by faith in Christ (Acts 10:43).

Revelation 2:10-11, “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”

The Bible promises a Crown Of Life to faithful believers. It's not how you begin that matters, it's how you end. Persecution strengthens the church! As we progress into the book of Revelation we will see the True Church versus the One World Church. Those who die in the Lord, having placed their faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, will not die the Second Death (which is the everlasting Lake of Fire - Revelation 20:11-15).

Revelation 2:12-13, “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.”

The sharp sword with two-edges is the Holy Bible (Hebrews 4:12). Satan's dwelling place is in the churches, where he can do the most damage. Satan doesn't hang out in bars and casinos, because he knows that those people are in darkness. That is very interesting! The Devil hangs out around Christians, trying to kill, steal and destroy the work of God. It is Satan who murders the saints (John 8:44). According to Greek history, Antipas was martyred in a Brazen Bull. The Brazen Bull was a greatly feared method of torture where a human being was put and locked inside a gigantic metal bull. A fire was built beneath the bull until the victim was cooked alive. As the person screamed in agony a horrifying sound emanated from the head of the bull. Satan's presence in the church is synonymous with persecution and martyrdom. If you'd like to read about horrible things done to kill believers in history, please read the free .pdf format book: Foxe's Book Of Martyr's. 

Revelation 2:14-16, “But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.”

The doctrine of Baalam was always associated with the sin of fornication. Again we see the accursed doctrine of the Nicolaitans, ruling as overlords over God's flock. It is very interesting that the Lord Himself said HE WOULD FIGHT AGAINST the churches with the Word of God. God today fights against corrupt churches through the Spirit-filled preaching of faithful men of God. I have been preaching the truth of God's Word against corrupt pastors, Bible colleges and churches for decades. Most pastors are arrogant and don't like me. They consider me a troublemaker.

Unfortunately, the senior pastor of Campus Church, Jeff Redlin, at Pensacola Christian College in Florida saw my ministry websites. He recently emailed me to say that he noticed I point out the “weaknesses of pastors.” I kindly replied to let him know that what he calls “weaknesses” are in fact hard core heresy and wickedness, not mere “weaknesses.” Pastors who preach Lordship Salvation, Misunderstood Repentance and promote fake Devil's Bibles are wicked and corrupt and we need to rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith (Titus 1:10-13).

Revelation 2:17, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”

A Roman custom used in their court system was a white stone and a black stone. If the prisoner received a white stone, he was found “not guilty.” If he received a black stone, he was found “guilty.” Either way, he knew his judgment. Every redeemed child of God will receive a white stone, meaning there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ (Romans 8:1). In Heaven Jesus will give us a new name. It will be a good name. Sometimes humans have tarnished names. When we hear a person's name, we cringe knowing what they have done. 

The truth is that if the world knew what all of us have done, no one would have a good name!  An elderly 72 year old man bought me a meal at church tonight. I thanked him. He made a humble comment about himself being “a scumbag.” I said, “I'm in good company then!” Dear friend, if you don't think you are a scumbag as a sinner, then you truly are a bigger SCUMBAG than you realize! We are all scumbags (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:10-23).

Revelation 2:18, “And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.” It's how we end that matters in life, not how we got started. Whatever sins, failures and mishaps you've made along the way, it is never too late to start serving God today. Today is the first day of the rest of your life!

Revelation 2:20-25, “Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.”

Women pastors and preachers are always false prophets! There are NO EXCEPTIONS. Joyce Meyer is a false prophet. You may have learned some helpful things from her, but she is sinning by preaching with the authority that God intended only for men to have. There are no equal rights in God's Kingdom. Men are to be the head of the marriage and home. Men are to lead the church and women are to keep silent the in the churches concerning the affairs of the church. Nothing has destroyed more churches and caused pastors to resign, than meddling wicked women!!! Women preachers are an abomination to God.

Carefully notice that God was upset with the church at Thyatira for allowing “that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach.” The conjunction “and” after the verb “teach” separates the next problem of her sermon content. So the first sin was that the church allowed (suffered) her to teach at all. The second sin is that she was teaching it is okay to fornicate (shack up). We see many churches today that permit the sin of shacking up. Only legal marriage is honorable in God's sight (Hebrews 13:4).

Revelation 2:26-28, “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

One day Jesus is coming back to set up His Kingdom on earth. The Beast, False Prophet and Satan (the Dragon) himself will be cast into the Bottomless Pit of the Lake of Fire. Jesus will reign over the entire earth as King, with a ROD OF IRON. There won't be any corruption in government like we continually see today. There won't be divided political parties. The Lord won't have any competition or opposing party trying to remove Him from power. The Millennium (meaning 1,000 years) will be an unprecedented time of peace such as the world has never know since Adam and Eve lived in the paradisiacal Garden of Eden. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

The Sinister Mark Of The Beast Is Coming

Revelation 20:4-6, “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 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.”

Carefully notice three reasons why these saints were beheaded:

1. They did not worship the BEAST.
2. They did not worship His IMAGE.
3. They did not receive His MARK.

If you think that these evil things are not already becoming a reality, please take a look at the following photo assortment of the American media...

The world is already worshipping the IMAGE of the BEAST and the Antichrist isn't even here yet. Just imagine how the world will respond when he finally arrives? The image and mark of the evil Beast are all connected, synonymous. ...

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused much concern among Christians, making us wonder if this crisis will be used by the Luciferian elite to further the New World Order. Specifically, there is concern if this crisis will be used to implement the Mark of the Beast system. I heard in the news on August 3rd, 2021 that New York city is now mandating vaccination “proof” in order for people to be able to enter into businesses! If you do not show your vaccine card, you are not permitted to buy or sell. Sound familiar? Revelation 13:16-17, “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”

I fully realize that the COVID-19 threat is a serious matter. People are dying! I get it, I really do. However, this is clearly the absolute perfect opportunity for the Luciferian elite to implement the Beast system! When governments are telling people that they cannot enter into businesses without proof of vaccination, this could just be their foot in the door. What next grocery stores? If authorities can get away with banning you from leisurely businesses first (gyms, restaurants, hair salons, et cetera), then they certainly CAN take it much further. It will be interesting to see how far New York City takes this fascism. Will other cities follow? Will the federal government do the same? I am not saying that this is the Mark of the Beast, but it is the perfect time to get their foot in the door. If you give the Devil an inch, he will take a foot, and then he becomes a ruler!

How Can Jesus Be The “Firstfruits” If Saints Raised Up Before Him?

1st Corinthians 15:19-23, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.”

Jesus died on the cross for our sins. He was buried in a tomb. Three days later He bodily resurrected miraculously from the dead! CHRIST IS FOREVER RISEN!!! The Bible calls Jesus' resurrection the “firstfruits” of all who will be resurrected, because He was the very first to be resurrected. 1st Corinthians 23 teaches that “AFTERWARD they that are Christ's” will be bodily resurrected AT HIS COMING (i.e., at the Rapture). You can read the details about this terrific future event in 1st Corinthians 15:52-58.

Now the following is my speculation, but I think it is reasonable. We read in the Bible that when Christ died on the cross, the graves were opened and some of the bodies of dead saints ressurected and walked into the city of Jerusalem, freaking out the people...

Matthew 27:50-53, “Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.”

Now this appears to be a contradiction doesn't it? How can Christ be the “firstfruits” of all who will be resurrected if these dead saints raised up BEFORE He did? I will tell you what I think, but keep in mind that I cannot prove this Scripturally. Do you remember when Jesus raised up Lazarus from the dead? How then could Jesus be the “firstfruits” of all who will be resurrected if Lazarus was raised up first? The answer is very simple dear friend, Lazarus was brought back to life but he did not receive his glorified resurrected body fashioned like unto the Lord's resurrected body (Philippians 3:21).

Likewise, I believe these dead saints in Matthew whose bodies were raised up from the dead still had their earthly bodies, which eventually had to die again. I think this is the only plausible answer. Several dead people were resurrected throughout the Bible. Elijah raised up a mother's dead son (2nd Kings 4:16-37). The apostle Paul raised a boy from the dead who fell asleep and fell from a second story window (Acts 20:9-12). These people all had to die again. None of them received their glorified bodies. So Christ in fact is the first and only One in history so far Who has raised up in a glorified immortal body. What a great truth!

Revelation Chapter One

Revelation 1:1-2, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.”

I hear many people, including Alex Jones of Infowars, call it “Revelations” (plural). Folks, this is the last book of the Holy Bible called “Revelation” (singular). It is the Revelation of Jesus Christ to the Apostle John on the isle of Patmos. Jesus revealed these things by His angel unto the Apostle John.

Revelation 1:3, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”

There is a special blessing to those who read and hold true the things revealed in the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 1:4-6, “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

These were seven literal churches that existed at the time of this writing in 96 AD. To my understanding this is Asia Minor, which is around the country of Turkey today. Satan is the god of this evil world (2nd Corinthians 4:4), the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2); but Jesus here is called the Prince of the kings (rulers) of the earth. God is always in charge! The Devil is on a short leash! This passage of Scripture teaches that every believer is a king and a priest unto God and His Father. Jesus here is called “God.” The Bible teaches that we (the saints) will reign with Jesus throughout the millennium. Revelation 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.” What a day that will be! I hope the Lord will give me a place to live in Honolulu, so I can play my Hawaiian steel guitar for people.

Revelation 1:7-8, “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”

The preceding passage plainly refers to Jesus' Second Coming AFTER the 7-year Tribulation period. This is NOT the Rapture. We know this because only the saved will see Christ at the Rapture of the Church (1st Thessalonians 4:14-18). Every eye will see Christ at His Second Advent when He return to the earth. Jesus came 2,000 years ago TO His own. At the Rapture Jesus will return FOR His own. At His Second Coming Jesus will return WITH His own (tens of thousands of His saints). The next event of God's prophetic calendar is the Rapture.

Revelation 1:9, “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

John was punished for preaching the Gospel, banished to the island of Patmos and left to fend for himself in the cold. The next time you suffer or endure tribulation, remember brother John and what he suffered on Patmos.

Revelation 1:10-11, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.”

Ah, here we see Sunday, the Lord's Day. There is no Sabbath Day today, all of the ceremonial laws were nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14-16). Jesus is our Sabbath today, in Whom we rest for our salvation (Hebrews 4:9-11). There is theological debate whether at the Rapture saints will hear a trumpet sound, or the voice of an archangel as a trumpet. I won't argue the point, but I think we will hear both. The trumpet will precede the voice saying, “Come up hither!” In my humble thinking it doesn't matter, the important thing is to know that WE ARE GOING UP to be with the Lord!!! We should be looking for the UPPERTAKER, not the UNDERTAKER. 

Revelation 1:12-16, “And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.”

Jesus is the Son of Man, as well as the Son of God. He is the God-man! This is a vivid description of our blessed Savior, which I admittedly cannot comprehend. I honestly don't know what it means, but I think it is clear that Jesus is magnificent. It seems to me that the Lord is appearing in a symbolic way that emphasizes His holiness, perfection and goodness. As humans we think in finite terms; but Christ is God and can take on any form He so chooses. In His ressurected body Jesus walked through walls, defied gravity and was invincible to all harm or injury. Jesus allowed Himself to be crucified the first time He came for our sins, but when He returns it will be in power and might to overthrow the wicked and Satan.

The description of our Lord mentions His shining strength as the sun, His words sharper than any two-edged sword, and His burning eyes that pierce into the soul of every man, the angels being subject to His every command. We serve a mighty Savior!

Revelation 1:17-18, “And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

I love our Lord's compassion and gentleness. He said “Fear not” to John to alleviate his fright. John fell at His feet as dead, motionless in fear of what He saw. Jesus existed before the universe was created, for He created it. Jesus has no beginning or end, because He is almighty God. In fact, in Revelation 1:8 Jesus is called “The Almighty.” Jesus along has the keys of Hell and death. Only those who trust in Christ will escape the wrath of God the Father in the Lake of Fire. Salvation is so free, easy and simple.

Revelation 1:19-20, “Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.”

Here we are told the mystery, which means it is no longer a mystery. God always explains Himself if something is symbolic. Some people claim that the book of Revelation is all allegory (symbolic). This is not true! As we just saw for our selves, when something is symbolic God explains it. If the Bible does not teach that something is symbolic, then we should take it as literal unless we have a good reason Scripturally not to. The seven stars are in fact, angels. And the seven candlesticks are in fact, churches.

There are four common views of the Bible book of Revelation:

1. Historical view (the events of Revelation already happened)
2. Allegorical view (the book of Revelation is merely symbolic)
3. Idealist view (the book of Revelation represents ages of time)
4. Prophetic view (this is what I believe. The events of Revelation are futuristic)

The Bible is often described as being complicated and out of chronological order. However, if you think about it, and are familiar with the Bible somewhat, then it should be obvious how simple, profound and amazing God's Word truly is. The book of Genesis is astounding! I encourage you to lay down, close your eyes, and just listen to Alexander Scourby read the book of Genesis. It will take 3:29 hours.

The book of Revelation is all about the end of time. The subject of time is fascinating. Did you know that there was no time before Genesis 1:2? Time began with the creation of mankind. God made time as a way of sharing with His friends what He plans to do next. Bible prophecy is history written in advance. History is indeed HIS-STORY! I began this blog to teach all about the fascinating subject of Bible prophecy. Many people pay money to go to soothsayers, psychics, those who use Tarot cards, crystal balls and other forms of witchcraft. The reason people pay money to all the aforementioned evildoers is to KNOW THE FUTURE.

We all want to know what will happen in the future. But friend, God has already told us what the future holds in the Word of God. There is no way you can know what will happen in your life tomorrow here on earth, even if you plan to make something happen. There are no guarantees of tomorrow for anyone. But we CAN know our general future. I know that I am going to Heaven when I die. I know this based upon God's promise to SAVE THEM THAT BELIEVE (1st Corinthians 1:21b). I know based upon God's promise in Philippians 3:21 that I will receive a new glorified body, fashioned like unto the Lord's resurrected body.

When you study Bible prophecy, you are literally studying history written in advance! You are learning about the future in past tense. That is quite amazing when you think about it! The Bible has never been wrong! Everything that was prophesied in the Old Testament became a reality. When the prophet Isaiah prophesied Christ's virgin birth in 700 BC, it became a reality in Matthew 1:23. You can rest assure friend in the promises of God. The Bible contains 31% prophecy. The Muslim Koran contains zero prophecy! In studying prophecy we are learning all about Jesus and how the past, present and future relates to Him.