RAPTURE - FACT OR FABLE

Fact, something that is put forth as objectively real, verifiable. Fable, a fiction, story, imaginary, deceptive.

Jeremiah 1:10 "See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to ROOT OUT, and to PULL DOWN, and to DESTROY, and to THROW DOWN, to BUILD, and to PLANT."

In this passage of scripture we find 4-stages of destruction before construction; planting and rebuilding. In this writing I seek to destroy, and bring to ruins the errors of false doctrine, and deception that's been allowed in the Church for the past 170 years, so that truth-seekers will forsake them. But I also desire to establish present truth that will cause the truth-seeker to be fruitful, stable, and set free.

ROOT OUT- To tear away, pull up by the roots, To Forsake. PULL DOWN- To tear down and overthrow. DESTROY- To wander away, lose. THROW DOWN- To bring to ruins. BUILD- Obtain children, bring forth fruit. PLANT- Fix, fasten, stability. {These definitions are from the Strong's definition of words and phrases used in the above verse.}

We know that all scripture is given by inspiration (God's breath), and it is Good for reproof (admonishment, convincing), correction (reform-to straighten up again). 2 Timothy 3:16-17

SIGN OF THE TIMES

We are living in a time of Mass Deception and Mass Confusion. Many would say that we should avoid discussions that would be confrontational or controversial. This makes no one accountable or responsible. Yes, we may talk about Love, Peace, Prosperity, Healing and all the wonderful things that make us feel warm and fuzzy.

The Rapture theory happens to be one of the most deceptive and dangerous doctrines in Christianity. It has lulled Believers off to sleep, and many have gone into a spiritual coma. The time has really come where people don't want to endure sound (reality-fact) doctrine, but they have heaped to themselves teachers having itchy ears. Yes they rather hear fables, and fairy tales. Let me alone they say, let me go on deceiving and being deceived, they say. After all SELLING FEAR IS BIG MONEY, SELLING LIES IS BIG MONEY. Another best seller book, more cassettes and videos to tell you that Americans are too good to be tested. THINK AGAIN !! (Keep in mind those who are affected by what is called tribulation will be the ones walking in rebellion or refusing to see the truth. However this period of time will be very exciting for the Overcomers).

Eschatology is the doctrine or study of end-time events. The scriptures are of no private interpretation, meaning they are not isolated, they all connect. The revealed word brings light, understanding, and insight to the things we could not understand. Genesis to Revelation is one big revelation compiled to revealed the Christ (Messiah) in you.

HISTORY

Where did the Rapture doctrine come from? Is this taught in Judaism? Was it taught by Jesus or the 1st century Jewish Christian Believers?

Most Christians have accepted the literal Rapture teaching without any scripture evidence, or knowing the history of it. What is this teaching? Basically, all the good people will be ejected or snatched from the earth before the anti-Christ appears, and all hell breaks loose on the earth. The good people meaning only the Christians that have certain beliefs, politically correct and similar experiences.

The first time this doctrine was widely taught was not until 1830 AD, although it had been introduced by a Jesuit priest years earlier. Edward Irving born in Scotland 1792 was one of the most eloquent speakers of his day. He drew crowds of over 10,000 in the 1800's in Open Air Meetings. His church seated 1000, this was a time of revival. However, in 1833 he had a Church split. He began to preach a false doctrine, denying the power in the blood of Jesus, and stating that Jesus sinned. In 1834 he became stricken with tuberculosis and broken hearted because of his failure, and he died. His Church was called the Church of Scotland - Catholic Apostolic Church.

> Back in March of 1830 a young woman by the name of Margaret McDonald had become ill, she was a part of Edward Irving Church. The Church was plagued by fear as the Church of today is. They were expecting the Roman Catholic Church to rise to power again and stamp out the Protestant Movement. There were many teachings about the Pope being the anti-Christ, and they believe Jesus was coming any minute. In their fears they wondered how the Christians would survive the tribulation, they were sure that all things would be fulfilled in their day.

While Margaret McDonald was sick she had a vision that answered the questions of the sincere believers, but her vision sincerely deceived believers. She said that she saw 2 literal Comings of Jesus. A "Secret Coming of Jesus" to take all the good people out of the earth because they were not able to stand against the anti-Christ (Pope), Tribulation, and Plagues. She saw babies flying out of nurseries, people being ejected from the planet into the sky. Then there would be another Coming of Jesus later that everyone would see, this was called the "Special Coming".

Edward Irving started to preach this false doctrine, many received it. After all, Edward Irving was the famous preacher, and if he said it, it must be true.

John Nelson Darby- Leader of the Plymouth Brethren Movement also accepted this and made this doctrine popular. He traveled to the United States and Canada 6 times between 1840-1870. This doctrine born out of FEAR spread like wild fire.

C. I. Scoffield, a Bible scholar began to promote this false fear-driven doctrine very strongly. He went so far as to put it in the footnotes, and references of the Scoffield Study Bible. More people gained access to this heresy and developed more error.

George Muller, a man of prayer and fasting rejected this teaching, saying it was unscriptural. William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army rejected this teaching. Charles Spurgeon, a mighty man of God also rejected this false doctrine, calling it unscriptural, and heresy.

DISPENSATIONALIST

The word "Rapture" is not in the Bible, nor is the phrase "caught away" in the sense that it is widely used today. The Dispensationalist teaches 2-stages of the Coming. They teach the Secret Coming and the Special Coming.

DID JESUS TEACH ABOUT A SECRET RAPTURE?

Jesus warned us about false doctrines regarding the end of the age. Popular belief is that "Any Minute" Jesus will appear. Like a thief in the night He will slip in and take His Bride away. Invisible to the world, millions will be missing!! Sounds like a science fiction movie, "Invasion of the Body Snatchers".

They teach that the Spirit of God will be removed from the earth along with the Church (good Christian people), because the Holy Spirit is the only thing now restraining the mystery of iniquity. Yet during this time that the Holy Spirit is removed 144,000 =Jews are suppose to evangelize the world. Somehow they will accomplish without the Holy Spirit in 3 and1/2 years what the Church hasn't done in 2000 years with the Holy Spirit. {Does that make sense?} They seem to forget Zechariah 4:6, "not by power, nor by might but by My Spirit says the Lord".

It is also widely believed and taught that an anti-Christ will accomplish in 3 and 1/2 years what world rulers have been trying to do for 6000 years. All of this is based upon a FEAR induced vision of a sick young woman. This was popularized by men who were not Spirit filled or led. Where are the Bureans???

NO SECRET RAPTURE

Scripture does not record a Secret Rapture. "If any man says, Here is Christ, or there; believe it not. If they say he is in the desert...or "Secret" chamber; BELIEVE IT NOT." Matthew 24:23, 26 "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a Shout.." 1 Thess.4:16 "...Every eye shall see him." Rev.1:7 Doesn't sound that quiet and secretive to me.

Can He literally come ANY MINUTE? No!! Acts 3:19-21 says He will appear when all things are restored, the fulness of time. Just as the first coming was not a hap hazard event, but perfectly orchestrated by God, so will the appearing be. The prophecies must be fulfilled.

Did Jesus teach that we would be taken away in the face of adversity or persecution? No! HE PRAYED THAT YOU WOULD NOT FLY AWAY. " Father, I pray that you don't take them out of the world, but keep them from the evil in the world". John 17:15 "Put ye on the whole armour of God that you may be able to STAND.." (not fly away) Ephesians 6:11

We have the Great Escape theology in America and the Western world. Did God eject or snatch the first century believers from the earth during persecution? What about the Russians during communism, the Jews during the holocaust, the God fearing Africans/Blacks during slavery, the Chinese believers today, and the Somalis, and many other believers in Muslim countries that are being persecuted and killed this instant or people of other faiths being persecuted?

"As it was in the days of Lot..." Was Lot taken off the planet? No! He was divinely directed to safety. "As it was in the days of Noah..." Was Noah taken off the planet? No! He was divinely protected, an Overcomer, riding on top of the flood. So shall it be with the believers today. When the 10 plagues fell on the land of Egypt, were the Israelites taken off the planet? No! They were supernaturally protected. All of these are examples for the end of the ages. 1 Corinthian 10:11

DEFEATED-FEARFUL-WEAK CHRISTIANS

The Rapture theory has not edified the Body of Christ, but it has Weaken it and make Christians look even more STUPID. This doctrine has produced a generation of Lazy, Whimpy Christians. Most of American and Western Believers are sitting waiting for a white man to come from the sky and take them away. To hell with the world and all the problems, just bless me, keep me comfortable their attitude says.

Whose got time to be concerned about world hunger, just keep my belly filled. Whose got time to minister to the AIDS victims, after all isn't that's God's judgment? The missions field, I give my dollar every week. Jesus will straighten out all that when He comes. This is the mentality of most professing Christians. Didn't Jesus say Occupy Til I Come? Instead we are having Rapture drills. HOW STUPID!!!

A FEARFUL, defeated people. The shepherds (pastors) have made them so fearful, they jump at their shadows. They are so conscious of demons that they are trying to cast them out of their TV, VCR's, posters, books, and jewelry. They are creating "generational curses" that didn't even exist and even breaking them. Is this New Testament Christianity, or any kind of Christianity? I don't think so. The shepherds have caused God's people to err. Their constant merchandising of their deceptions, working on the FEARS of the simple, brain-washed, deceived, and ignorant. More books, more tapes, and videos of empty promises of someone to take you away from human problems. There's only 2-ways out. You Die or You Overcome!!!

THE RAPTURE LIE KILLS UNTOLD THOUSANDS-

Have you notices every year a group of Believers expect and predict the coming of Jesus to take them away in a Rapture? And each time there's a Mass Suicide or Murdering because it didn't happen.

The latest was in Uganda, Africa in March 2000. They have discovered nearly 1000 bodies so far. This western false doctrine deceived them into believing in a literal Rapture. They sold all their possessions, gave the money to the leader. They thought their Church was like Noah's Ark, the leaders told them when January 1, 2000 came the Church with the people in it would Fly Away. It didn't happen. So they set another date, because the Lord had "delayed" his coming so more people could get saved.( Doesn't that sound familiar?) When the Lord didn't keep the second date, the people started to ask about the money, and their possessions. Well, the Lord supposedly gave them another date. He was a no show, no rapture.

Authorities can not figure out how many committed suicide and how many were killed. And of course the leaders fled the country with the money. All because a belief in a False Doctrine developed 170 years ago.

This has happened in Korea, Japan, Europe, America, and everywhere this teaching has gone; especially in the past several years.

GOD"S OUTPOURING

When Mercedes Benz make a car, before putting it on the road for use, they put it through various types of test to make sure it will perform well. Job said, "When I am tried I will come forth as pure gold." God wants Gold. He is producing the Mercedes Benz of Spirituality. In order for that to happen this generation needs to be tested. America must get to know the real God, not the God of Hollywood.

God's Spirit is not being taken from the earth. He said in the last days He will pour out His Spirit upon All flesh. Where sin abounds the Grace of God will much more abound. Darkness is the place that needs light. People can not change without the Spirit of God. How shall they hear without a preacher? There is no place where the Spirit is not. Psalms 139

We should not be looking for the disappearing of the saints, but the appearing of Christ in the saints. We should not be looking for the Anti-Christ, but Jesus Christ. He's the only world ruler I recognize. The kingdoms (governments) of this present system is falling, and the Government of God is rising. Stop looking for a Rapture, look for a Rupture. Break away from the traditions and fables that make the words of God of no effect.

WHAT ABOUT 1 THESSALONIANS 4:16-17 ?

It is very important that we discuss this issue for several reasons. We need to know the truth so that we may be delivered from false concepts about God, tradition, and fables. 2 Tim.2:15, John 8:32 The purpose for revelation knowledge is that we might Grow. 1 Peter2:2

Hebrews 6:1 Challenges us to leave the elementary things, and GO On. Children are taught to believe in Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny. Once they have grown they realize those were fables. Many have turned their ears from the truth, sound (reality, uncorrupt) doctrine, and rather here myths. 2 Tim.4:3-4 Put away childish things. 1 Corinthians 13:11

"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 who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, so shall we ever be with the Lord."

The above passage is one of the most misunderstood in the Bible. In order to really understand what the Apostle was saying, one must realize that prophetic scripture is most time written in symbolic language. These 1st century Believers only had the Old Testament (Torah and Tanach), Jesus and all of them preached from it. The scripture also tell us that all the things that happened to ancient Israel was for our examples. They experienced many things in the literal sense, we will experienced many things in the figurative sense.

The law of first time mentions become very helpful in understanding this. Can you think of an incident in the Old Testament that relates to 1 Thess. 4:16-17?

Exodus 19, The Israelites had come out of Egypt. It was the third month, Feast of Pentecost (Shauvot). God was about to give the Torah (10 Commandments), and speak to Israel face to face. Moses was instructed to bring them out to "meet with God". In this chapter you will find the LORD descending on the Mount Sinai in the form of smoke and clouds. There was the sound of the trumpet, the voice of God shouted so loud that it scared the Israelites. Moses was caught up into the cloud God's glory, and God spoke the Torah to him. Exodus 19:14-25, 20:1-26

Ancient Israel experienced this literally, but they were not taken off the planet. We are experiencing this in figurative, in our spirit.

"...The Lord himself.." This speaks of an awareness of the Lordship of Jesus, the Christ. Many have come to know him as Jesus, Saviour; Christ, Anointed One-Holy Ghost Baptizer, but now we are beginning to experience him as Lord. That is the Fullness, Tabernacles or 100 fold Realm.

"...Shall Descend.." This does not mean up and down as we think in the natural. Descend speaks of an Inward working of the Spirit within our beings-then it can be expressed outwardly.

"...From heaven.." God does not live on a planet called Heaven. "What, don't you know that you are the Temple of the Holy Ghost--It's Christ in you." Heaven speaks of the higher realms of consciousness. He must fill every part of your being.

"...With a Shout..." Shout (kello) meaning a military command. He coming forth with a Word , revelation to incite, instruct, and encourage you. Where the Word of the King there is Power. Ecc. 8:4 What happened in Joshua 6? There was the Shout and the people ascended up to take the city of Jericho. Your Jericho that's filled with giants and strongholds are areas of your mind that must be conquered.

"...Voice of and Archangel.." Don't expect to look out of your window and see, or hear Michael or Gabriel. If you do it wont be to take you in a literal Rapture. Archangel, means one in authorty, high ranking messenger; one that's bringing news. Remember Joshua 5:13-15. The archangel, captain of the Lords host came to Joshua giving him the instructions/command how to defeat Jericho.

Today God has a Firstfruit Company with a higher word than what religion has to offer. This revelation will incite, encourage and instruct you how to Overcome; not fly away.

"...The Trumpet of God.." This is no a literal Trumpet you will hear. Trumpets are symbolic of Messages, the Prophetic, the Feast of Trumpets. Isaiah 58:1, Joel 2:1, Rev.1:10, 4:1, 1 Corinthians 14:8

Which trumpet? There are 7. It's the last (7th) Trumpet. Since we know that trumpets represents messages, can we know what the message is? YES!!! Revelation 11:15 The message of the 7th trumpet is, "The kingdoms (governments) of this world is become the government of our Lord, and of his Christ (Anointed Ones).

This is the message (trumpet) that Awakes you from the dead (sin), it resurrects one into new life, it brings you to meet God.

"...CAUGHT UP.." This does not mean being "caught away" Philip was "Caught Away". He was physically taken from one point to another. Acts 8:39 Elijah often experienced that while Ahab searched for him for 3 years during the drought and famine. 1 Kings 18:7-16 This is also what happened when Elijah was taken in the chariot of fire and whirlwind; he was not taken off the planet to place called Heaven. That is the reason why the sons of the prophets went looking for him. 2 Kings 2:15-17

Apostle Paul was "Caught Up" into the third heaven (Tabernacles experience), but he did not get ejected from the planet. It was an experience deep within himself, or we could say out of himself, meaning the conscious self. 2 Corinthians 12:1-4

"Caught Up"is a cosmological phrase, 1st century terminology. Since Earth is round, if up was meant to be taken literally, people would be flying off the planet in all directions. (For example, we say the sun sets, or rises because that's the way it appears)

"...In the Clouds.." What Clouds?

1) Stratocumulus- 6500 feet - 1 mile high

2) Altocumulus- 6500 feet- 23,000 feet over 4 miles

3) Cirrocumulus- 20-45,000 feet over 9 miles high

Are these the clouds the scripture is speaking about? No! God always manifested himself in a cloud, it was called the Shekinah. We are being caught up (raptured) into the cloud of God's Glory to meet the great cloud of witnesses.

"...To Meet the Lord in the Air.." Remember God brought Israel out of Egypt (world) to meet them. He wanted to come down and dwell amongst them, they were afraid. So He instructed Moses to make the tabernacle and Ark of Covenant so He could dwell amongst them in a way they wouldn't be frightened.

Normally if you are going to meet someone, the purpose is to escort them to where you are. God's purpose is not to take us somewhere physically, but He want to come among us in a more real way. We are meeting Him to bring a greater expression of him in the earth. This is happening in the air (spirit-wind-breath).

WHOSE TAKEN AND WHOSE LEFT??

All throughout scripture the Wicked (unrepentant, materialistic, greed-filled, violent, proud) is Taken into judgment, from the days of Noah to the Parables of Jesus. However, the righteous (God conscious people) is always Left to inherit the earth, from the days of Noah, to Jesus sermon on the mount. "The meek shall inherit the earth."