Church Rapture

When is the Rapture of the Church

Christianity Oasis Ministry provides this Christian Rapture & Church Rapture Bible study. When is the rapture of the Church? We will look into the rapture of the Church Bible verses as to bring forth truth, understanding and peace within.

Welcome to our Christianity Oasis Daily Bread study program. Thank you for visiting our extremely exciting Christian Rapture and Church Rapture Bible study looking deep into the question ... When is the rapture of the Church? We will research the rapture of the Church Bible verses to discover the Church rapture answer and learn how the answer to, when is the rapture of the Church message affects and enhances your you-nique Christian walk.

Christian Rapture - Church Rapture

When is the Rapture of the Church Bible Verses

What is the Rapture of the Church?

The rapture of the Church is a sensitive subject to many as there are so many interpretations of when the rapture of the Church will occur. A lot of folks believe the rapture of the Church will be before the tribulation, while others think that it occurs during the tribulation and yet others believe that it will follow the tribulation. I have heard more theories on when is the rapture of the Church timing than I can remember.

Whenever we have various opinions and interpretations on Scripture from the Bible, We are told to seek truth from the source ... The Word of God itself, the Bible.

The different theories and peoples' disagreement about these theories cause debates and have caused division in some Christian friendships.

Interpretation, prejudice and pride have divides the true Church into many different "denominations" however, that wasn't Jesus' intention. That is Satan's plot to "divide the house," not an example of God's Grace and love among fellow Christians.

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When is the Rapture of the Church Bible Quest

Most of the divisions are based upon the rapture of the Church Bible verses interpretation of the Bible. Other divisions stemmed from the pride of individuals wanting control, dating way back. Don't get me wrong, there are many false beliefs and teachings of the rapture of the Church Bible verses to be aware of and to determine what one's beliefs are is important:

1 Thessalonians 5:21

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

And to check the fruits (words and deeds) for a tree is known by it's fruit.

Matthew 7:17-20

¹⁷ Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
¹⁸ A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
¹⁹ Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
²⁰ Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Therefore, let us begin our Christian Rapture and Church Rapture study search for truth together within the rapture of the Church Bible verses, no matter what it may be as one thing is certain ... God already determined the truth of the rapture no matter how many theories are concocted from the same written words in the Bible. God's truth is the only truth.

While reading this Christian Rapture of the Church Bible verses study with an open mind, you will discover truth. It has the potential to free you from that which you have believed to be truth from past teachers, preachers, family, friends or your own search for truth.

When is the Rapture of the Church

Christian rapture reminder ... The timing of the rapture is a critical question that we will seek the answer to, but we'll also focus on the question of who will be in the rapture.

Most Christians have been taught to believe that all Christians are going to be raptured before any of the horrific End Times events occur. I must admit that does give one a comfy little feeling. But, is it truth?

For those who believe in this theory, I have just a few scripture based questions that I would like you to ponder on before we begin the When is the Rapture of the Church study ... The Bible is clear that Antichrist reigns terror during the last 3½ years of the End Times.

Revelation 13:5

And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.

So, if there are no Christians on earth during the End Times ... This brings forth a very interesting question ... In the Bible when it is speaking of Antichrist, it says:

Revelation 13:7

And it was given unto him (Antichrist) to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

Who are these saints that are at war with Antichrist during the last 3½ years of the End Times? These same Saints are spoken of yet again:

Revelation 14:9-13

⁹ And the third Angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
¹⁰ The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy Angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
¹¹ And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
¹² Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
¹³ And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

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When is the Rapture of the Church Bible Verses Gift

Who are the Saints that need patience and that will be blessed who die for the Lord because they would not worship Antichrist?

Not to mention these little jewels:

Revelation 15:2

And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

Revelation 20:4

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 worshiped 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.

These Christian souls were obviously on earth during Antichrist's reign of terror, as to have chosen not to worship Antichrist, which is within the last 3½ years of the End Times.

How about this Scripture ...

Revelation 12:17

And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Christian rapture / Church rapture study trivia ... Who are the individuals that have the testimony of Jesus Christ and are in hiding on Earth during the 3½ years of Antichrist's reign of terror?

Jesus tells us in the Olivet Discourse that Great Tribulation like never before nor ever shall be will come upon those on Earth. It also says that those days of Great Tribulation shall be shortened, or there shall no flesh be saved. But for the elect's sake those days of Great Tribulation shall be shortened ...

Matthew 24:21-22

²¹ For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
²² And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

Who are the Elect?

Who are these elect souls that are enduring this Great Tribulation? Are the elect not God's chosen? But, chosen for what? If they are God's chosen, why are they there during the Great Tribulation? Why are those days shortened because of these elect if they were already raptured? The obvious answer is that they were not raptured.

Then later Jesus says this:

Matthew 24:29-31

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.

It clearly says that after the tribulation ... The Lord will send His angels to gather the elect. And what of these verses in Daniel?

Daniel 12:10-12

¹⁰ Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
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. [1260 days is how long Antichrist reigns terror.]
¹² Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.

Christian Rapture and Church Rapture Promise
When is the Rapture of the Church Bible Verses Vow

Who are these souls who are being purified, made white, tried and are blessed if they endure until the end of the End Times? Could they be the meek that inherit the earth?

Matthew 5:5

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

And another Christian rapture question ...

If all of the Christians are raptured, do these raptured Christians go to Heaven and receive celestial bodies (as it is written) only to be returned to the earth and placed back in physical bodies during the 1000 year Millennium?

As we proceed in this Church Rapture Bible study looking into the marvelous, miraculous and mysterious promise of the Christian rapture, we will discover that the Bible is very clear ... There is a Spiritual event where some Christians are to be raptured, but not all for some reason as there are Christians on earth during the End Times. They are called the saints, the elect and those that have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Let us continue on as to determine what that reason is, shall we?

Again ... I know it is a very pleasant thought for all Christians to escape tribulation. I know that many souls have set it in their mind and heart on being raptured and perhaps that is truth for many of you reading this. But, let me ask you this ... If all Christians choose to be and are raptured, who will reach and teach the non-believers during the End Times as for them to become Christians?

Have you heard of the story or seen the movie about the luxury liner called the "Titanic" sinking? The ship hit an iceberg and the ship began to slowly sink into the freezing cold ocean. There were only enough lifeboats for about half of the passengers, so they began to load up women and children first. There was chaos all about.

Meanwhile the ship was sinking lower and lower into the cold, dark depths of the sea. As you can imagine, there were cowardly men who tried to sneak on the lifeboats with the women and children. However, there were also men who chose to stay behind making sure they saved as many as they could before the ship disappeared into the dark, cold waters. Those brave men and women sacrificed their lives to save those souls. Each soul that chose to sacrifice their lives for others are deemed as a hero in the minds and hearts of anyone who ponders on this story.

What if ... The End Times is the same way. The earth is being destroyed in many aspects and Antichrist will be killing Christians. There will be those who will be raptured but, maybe there are those who are elect, chosen by God to stay and try and reach for more souls during the last 3½ years that are left before God brings in the Millennium. Sound Strange? Then I bet this does too:

Mark 8:35

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the Gospel's, the same shall save it.

Think about it ... If your child was on a sinking boat would you not choose to stay behind to help your child even at the risk of your own life? We are not talking about risking your soul, but rather your physical life for others. You know ... Like Jesus did for you.

John 3:16-17

¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
¹⁷ For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.

This may be a test from the Lord for certain people. Consider this Scripture:

John 15:13

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Now, keep in mind there is a rapture and there are Christians raptured so if you are a Christian you very well may be going up in the rapture. You may not be one of the elect chosen by God to stay behind as to reach for the last of His lost children. However ... It may be that God has chosen you to stay and save more souls. Wouldn't it be best to be willing to do so if it is your destiny as compared to appearing as the men trying to sneak on with the lesser vessels? Ponder on this Christian rapture truth:

Matthew 20:15-16

¹⁵ Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
¹⁶ So the last shall be first, and the first last: For many be called, but few chosen.

Are you not his own? Do you see it as evil because He has a plan of good to rescue his children? Many called ... Few chosen. Know why? ... Because few choose. Let me ask ya one more question on the matter ... What would Jesus do?

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When is the Rapture of the Church Bible Verses Woe

It is clear that sacrifice is important to God as we see when Jesus says, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." Therefore, the Bible is clear that God has chosen for some to stay during the End Times as to reach and teach the ⅓ of mankind on earth that will be left behind to be refined with fire, tested and become God's people.

Zechariah 13:8-9

⁸ And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.
⁹ And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God.

Daniel 12:10-12

Understand that I seek not to impose it on those that are written to be raptured but rather to open the eyes, mind and heart of those Christians destined to stay, so that they do so willingly as the Bible reveals and this End Times Study of the rapture reveals that there will be Christians on earth during the End Times. It appears that some of the elect will stay to reach and teach the lost. The question becomes are you one of the elected?

There are many different administrations in the Christian body. Seek out what yours is and utilize the gifts that He has given you to perform His chosen task through you and set forth to perform the doing thereof.

For those who have been elected to stay ... Keep in mind and heart that a true Christian is willing to sacrifice himself for the Christian cause as many Christians before us did and even our Lord Jesus did for us. I have found that Jesus always takes care of His own and that when you choose to sacrifice, you end up being rewarded.

Let's get on with the Rapture of the Church Bible verses study as to unravel the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth concerning the rapture of the Church mystery. Many religious scholars believe that there is one rapture and that it will occur at one time. There are many Christian rapture debates as to this timing and each shows strong evidence in scripture to say that is at this time and that time, to prove their theory.

So ... Who is right? What is the truth? What if ... There are two raptures? This is not as strange as it sounds. Check out these Biblical facts:

There are two comings of Jesus (before and His return).

There are two Covenants.

There are two Resurrections ...

There are even two deaths for those that do not choose to believe in Jesus ...

Revelation 20:5-6

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

Luke tells of the resurrection of the just ...

Luke 14:14

And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

After the millennium or 1000 years of peace:

Revelation 20:7-10

⁷ And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
⁸ And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
⁹ And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
¹⁰ And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

... Followed by the Great White Throne Judgment. That is when the rest of the dead are resurrected (also known as the second resurrection) and whoever's name is not included in the Book of Life, they will experience a second death ... which is eternal.

Revelation 20:11-15

¹¹ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
¹² And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
¹³ And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
¹⁴ And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
¹⁵ And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

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When is the Rapture of the Church Bible Verses Fear

It is clear that our generous God is a God of second chances. When the prophecies in the Bible of Jesus coming to Earth were read by the religious leaders before He came to die for our sins, they never considered that there could be two arrivals of their Messiah. One to save them from their sins by way of grace and another return later. They thought there was but one, where the Messiah would come and break the chains and bring peace on Earth.

They blinded themselves so much because of their limited mindset that they crucified Jesus and most Israelites still deny the truth to this very day. Now, with hindsight which provides us with 20/20 spiritual insight, we can see by reading all of the prophecy scriptures that there was not one coming of Jesus but two visits and it makes perfect sense.

Two Comings of the Lord

One coming was as the Lamb to die for our sins as to fulfill the scriptures and He will return again as the Lion and defeats Antichrist and brings in everlasting peace. So, we await the return of Jesus. How will we know it is Jesus as not to be deceived as those before us were? The answer is ... Read your Bible !!!

Luke 21:27-28

²⁷ And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
²⁸ And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Revelation 1:7

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.

Matthew 24:30

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in Heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory.

Mark 14:62

And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of Heaven.

The point is that the religious leaders failed to understand that their belief limited God's plan in their own mind and heart. They could not see that it could be something else because they were blinded by pride. If they had only required that all scripture be in harmony, they would not have missed the signs.

Let us not be so blinded by our limited understanding as to follow the carnal beliefs. God is God and we ain't. Let us further explore the truth of the two raptures together. You will find in the Book of Revelation, symbols are used to represent time periods. We will be looking into this.

There are symbols called the Seals, the Trumpets and the Vials. There are seven of each one, each representing a different event.

Christian Rapture or Church Rapture Truth
When is the Rapture of the Church Bible Verses Facts

First Rapture

Let's look at the Seals ... Immediately after the 6th Seal, there's a significant event that takes place. In the book of Revelation, Chapter 7, 144,000 people are sealed with the seal of God.

Revelation 7:4

And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

These receive a mark which will protect them from the events that will be occurring on Earth. So take note, they are staying on Earth. These are known as God's first fruit, or the best of the best of the Israelites. Even these chosen souls are left on Earth during part of the End Times, but they are protected. They are all virgin, Jewish, Christian men.

Revelation 14:1-5

¹ And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with Him an hundred forty and four thousand, having His Father's name written in their foreheads.
² And I heard a voice from Heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
³ And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
⁴ These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
⁵ And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

Immediately following this event, a vast number of people, of all races, do suddenly appear in Heaven. When St. John asks who these people are, an angel answered that they're Christians, taken out of the Great Tribulation happening on the earth.

Revelation 7:9-17

⁹ After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
¹⁰ And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
¹¹ And all the Angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God.
¹² Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
¹³ And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
¹⁴ And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of Great Tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
¹⁵ Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His Temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
¹⁶ They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
¹⁷ For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

This is the first rapture ...