The Rapture/Resurrection Event - Part 3 of 8
Are There Any Old Testament Passages About the Rapture/Resurrection Event?
In one of the oldest books in the Bible, the book of Job we find Job meditating on the future rapture/resurrection event. Job writes,
Job 14:14 If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.
Job 19: 25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: 27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.
Job, probably written during the time of Abraham, knew there would be a rapture/resurrection day in the distant future, in the latter days.
Prophet Ezekiel had a vision which could also be alluding to a rapture/resurrection event.
Ezekiel 37: 12 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. 13 And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, 14 And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord.
The prophet Isaiah also had a short prophecy showing a bodily rapture/resurrection event.
Isaiah 26: 19 Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
Are There Any Other Scriptures in the New Testament Which Talk About the Rapture/Resurrection Event?
Yes, of course there are. First, we will look at 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
1 Thessalonians 4: 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 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. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Here we see the words, “and with the trump of God.” No doubt the trump refers to the seventh angel sounding the seventh trumpet, the last trumpet. Immediately follows the rapture/resurrection event. In the Gospel of Matthew 24:29-31 we see the same imagery and can conclude it is the same event.
Matthew 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: 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. 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.
Again we see the trumpet sounding and the elect being gathered together by angels in the rapture/resurrection event.
Did Apostle Paul Write About the Gathering Together Unto the Lord?
From the writings of Apostle Paul we know that the rapture/resurrection event does not happen until after the man of sin, the Antichrist, has been revealed and sits in the temple of God claiming that he is God. In 2 Thessalonians 2 we find Paul’s warning.
2 Thessalonians 2 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 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. 3 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; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Our gathering together unto the Lord, or the rapture/resurrection event shall not happen until after the man of sin has been revealed and sits in the temple of God showing that he himself is God. Here Apostle Paul debunks the Pre-Tribulation Rapture doctrine. He warns us not to be deceived by those who tell us that we will be raptured or resurrected before that man of sin is revealed.
Are There Any Old Testament Passages About the Rapture/Resurrection Event?
In one of the oldest books in the Bible, the book of Job we find Job meditating on the future rapture/resurrection event. Job writes,
Job 14:14 If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.
Job 19: 25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: 27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.
Job, probably written during the time of Abraham, knew there would be a rapture/resurrection day in the distant future, in the latter days.
Prophet Ezekiel had a vision which could also be alluding to a rapture/resurrection event.
Ezekiel 37: 12 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. 13 And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, 14 And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord.
The prophet Isaiah also had a short prophecy showing a bodily rapture/resurrection event.
Isaiah 26: 19 Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
Are There Any Other Scriptures in the New Testament Which Talk About the Rapture/Resurrection Event?
Yes, of course there are. First, we will look at 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
1 Thessalonians 4: 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 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. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Here we see the words, “and with the trump of God.” No doubt the trump refers to the seventh angel sounding the seventh trumpet, the last trumpet. Immediately follows the rapture/resurrection event. In the Gospel of Matthew 24:29-31 we see the same imagery and can conclude it is the same event.
Matthew 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: 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. 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.
Again we see the trumpet sounding and the elect being gathered together by angels in the rapture/resurrection event.
Did Apostle Paul Write About the Gathering Together Unto the Lord?
From the writings of Apostle Paul we know that the rapture/resurrection event does not happen until after the man of sin, the Antichrist, has been revealed and sits in the temple of God claiming that he is God. In 2 Thessalonians 2 we find Paul’s warning.
2 Thessalonians 2 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 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. 3 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; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Our gathering together unto the Lord, or the rapture/resurrection event shall not happen until after the man of sin has been revealed and sits in the temple of God showing that he himself is God. Here Apostle Paul debunks the Pre-Tribulation Rapture doctrine. He warns us not to be deceived by those who tell us that we will be raptured or resurrected before that man of sin is revealed.
The Classical View of the end of days has it that the Church would suffer persecution under the Antichrist for the 3 and ½ year period and not escape in a pre-tribulation rapture.
What Can We Learn From Revelation 11 About the Great Tribulation Period?
In Revelation chapter 11, we find the two endtime witnesses testifying to their faith and rebuking the forces of Antichrist during the 3 and ½ year period or 1260 days of persecution.
Revelation 11 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. 2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. 3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. 4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. 5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. 6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. 7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. 8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
Revelation 11: 9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. 10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. 11 And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. 12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. 13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
What Can We Learn From Revelation 11 About the Great Tribulation Period?
In Revelation chapter 11, we find the two endtime witnesses testifying to their faith and rebuking the forces of Antichrist during the 3 and ½ year period or 1260 days of persecution.
Revelation 11 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. 2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. 3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. 4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. 5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. 6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. 7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. 8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
Revelation 11: 9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. 10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. 11 And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. 12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. 13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
What I have just noticed in the above verse is that it says, "the remnant were affrighted,and gave glory to the God of heaven." Perhaps, it is at that moment that the remnant ethnic Jews will be saved.
Revelation 11:14 The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly. 15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. 16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, 17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. 18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. 19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
We notice in Revelation chapter 11 that the two witnesses testify during the 1260 days of the tribulation period. Over and over again in Scripture both in Daniel and in Revelation we find the 3 and ½ year period identified. God repeats it over and over again so that we get the point and will not forget it. He wants us to remember that the tribulation will last 3 and ½ years. Let us go over the verses now so that we don’t forget that the Scriptures have warned us that the tribulation period will be a 3 and ½ year period.
Bible Verses on the 3 and ½ Years of Persecution or Great Tribulation
Daniel 7:25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
“Time and times and the dividing of time” is 3 and ½ years.
Daniel 9: 27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
The word “week” in the above verse is referring to a seven year period as we see when the same word is used in Genesis 29:27. Jacob served Laban for a seven year period or “week” in order to marry Laban’s daughter. In Daniel the “midst of the week” refers to the middle of the seven year period. The middle of seven years is 3 and ½ years.
Daniel 12: 7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
Again we see the reference to “time, times, and an half” signifying 3 and ½ years.
Revelation 11: 2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. 3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
Here we see that the Antichrist forces will hold Jerusalem, the holy city, for 42 months. While in the next verse, we see God’s two endtime prophets prophesying for 1,260 days. Both these figures come to 3 and ½ years.
Revelation 12: 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
Revelation 12: 14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
The verses above from Revelation 12 show the woman, symbolic of the Church of true believers, fleeing into the wilderness for protection against the forces of Antichrist for 1,260 days and “time, and times, and half a time,” or in other words, 3 and ½ years.
Revalation 13:5 And there was given unto him (the beast who is the Antichrist) a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
We see that the reign of the Antichrist will be 42 months, which is the same 3 and ½ years we have seen over and over again.
The Seventh Angel Sounding the Seventh Trumpet is the Rapture/Resurrection Event
Now let us go back and look at Revelation 11:15 and the seventh angel with the seventh and last trumpet once again.
Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
We see that as the seventh angel sounded with the seventh trumpet, we find Handle’s famous Hallelujah chorus, “and He shall reign for ever and ever.” The rapture/resurrection event spoken by the prophets is right then taking place. Now, all those living in the spiritual dimension know that the time has come and they commence singing. The Messiah will now come to take back the kingdom, and they are announcing His soon to come sure victory.
Revelation 11:14 The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly. 15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. 16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, 17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. 18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. 19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
We notice in Revelation chapter 11 that the two witnesses testify during the 1260 days of the tribulation period. Over and over again in Scripture both in Daniel and in Revelation we find the 3 and ½ year period identified. God repeats it over and over again so that we get the point and will not forget it. He wants us to remember that the tribulation will last 3 and ½ years. Let us go over the verses now so that we don’t forget that the Scriptures have warned us that the tribulation period will be a 3 and ½ year period.
Bible Verses on the 3 and ½ Years of Persecution or Great Tribulation
Daniel 7:25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
“Time and times and the dividing of time” is 3 and ½ years.
Daniel 9: 27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
The word “week” in the above verse is referring to a seven year period as we see when the same word is used in Genesis 29:27. Jacob served Laban for a seven year period or “week” in order to marry Laban’s daughter. In Daniel the “midst of the week” refers to the middle of the seven year period. The middle of seven years is 3 and ½ years.
Daniel 12: 7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
Again we see the reference to “time, times, and an half” signifying 3 and ½ years.
Revelation 11: 2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. 3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
Here we see that the Antichrist forces will hold Jerusalem, the holy city, for 42 months. While in the next verse, we see God’s two endtime prophets prophesying for 1,260 days. Both these figures come to 3 and ½ years.
Revelation 12: 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
Revelation 12: 14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
The verses above from Revelation 12 show the woman, symbolic of the Church of true believers, fleeing into the wilderness for protection against the forces of Antichrist for 1,260 days and “time, and times, and half a time,” or in other words, 3 and ½ years.
Revalation 13:5 And there was given unto him (the beast who is the Antichrist) a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
We see that the reign of the Antichrist will be 42 months, which is the same 3 and ½ years we have seen over and over again.
The Seventh Angel Sounding the Seventh Trumpet is the Rapture/Resurrection Event
Now let us go back and look at Revelation 11:15 and the seventh angel with the seventh and last trumpet once again.
Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
We see that as the seventh angel sounded with the seventh trumpet, we find Handle’s famous Hallelujah chorus, “and He shall reign for ever and ever.” The rapture/resurrection event spoken by the prophets is right then taking place. Now, all those living in the spiritual dimension know that the time has come and they commence singing. The Messiah will now come to take back the kingdom, and they are announcing His soon to come sure victory.
In Daniel, we see a very similar picture presented.
Daniel 7:13-14 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there were given him (the Son of man) dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him (the Son of man): his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
Though the rapture/resurrection event announces that Christ's dominion is close, it is still not complete. Nevertheless, all heaven rejoices at the soon coming Millennenial kingdom which will be preceded by the wrath of God.
Let us look at verse 18 in Revelation 11.
Revelation 11: 18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
At the time that the dead are being raised and are being given their rewards, the vials of Wrath of God are ready to be poured out.
The most important point to remember is that the seven trumpets precede the seven vials. They are chronological in order.
We have, also, identified that the seventh trumpet sounding is the signal for the rapture/resurrection event to take place. The rapture/resurrection event is stuck in between the two time periods of the 3 and ½ years of Great tribulation and the 75 day Wrath of God.
The rapture/resurrection event occurs at the end of the 3 and ½ years of tribulation and before the wrath of God. The two witnesses of chapter 11 are raised from the dead and go up in a cloud 3 days and ½ after the 1260 days of their prophesying against the Antichrist’s reign. God only allowed them to be killed after they had finished their testimony. Their times were in His hands, just as ours are as well and will be.
The seven trumpets of partial destruction, a 1/3 destruction, occur during the 1260 days of persecution of God’s children and are the Great Tribulation period. God’s people are sealed and protected miraculously during the tribulation period even though some are captured and killed.
Revelation 11: 18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
At the time that the dead are being raised and are being given their rewards, the vials of Wrath of God are ready to be poured out.
The most important point to remember is that the seven trumpets precede the seven vials. They are chronological in order.
We have, also, identified that the seventh trumpet sounding is the signal for the rapture/resurrection event to take place. The rapture/resurrection event is stuck in between the two time periods of the 3 and ½ years of Great tribulation and the 75 day Wrath of God.
The rapture/resurrection event occurs at the end of the 3 and ½ years of tribulation and before the wrath of God. The two witnesses of chapter 11 are raised from the dead and go up in a cloud 3 days and ½ after the 1260 days of their prophesying against the Antichrist’s reign. God only allowed them to be killed after they had finished their testimony. Their times were in His hands, just as ours are as well and will be.
The seven trumpets of partial destruction, a 1/3 destruction, occur during the 1260 days of persecution of God’s children and are the Great Tribulation period. God’s people are sealed and protected miraculously during the tribulation period even though some are captured and killed.
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