It is really nice to see so many asking the questions. Its good because it shows you are still listening to the LORD instead of to man, if you know what I mean, and I know you do. Because there are several rapture doctrines certainly being put forth these days. Ezekiel 13 speaks specifically to those who teach such a doctrine, whereby we who hear about it, can go to God's word to see what He has told us.
Re: the latter days, of which we are apart, Christ said,
Mar 13:21Andthenifany manshallsaytoyou,Lo,hereisChrist;or,lo,heisthere;believehimnot:
Mar 13:22Forfalse Christsandfalse prophetsshallrise,andshallshowsignsandwonders,toseduce,ifitwerepossible,eventheelect.
Mar 13:23But take ye heed:behold,I have foretold you all things.
Mar 13:24Butinthosedays,after that tribulation,the sun shall be darkened,and the moon shall not give her light,
Mar 13:25And the stars of heaven shall fall,and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.
These stars are the same stars Christ is speaking of when He told us it will be as in the days of Noah. These stars are angels like in Genesis 6. The first chapter of Job also calls angels stars regarding the sons of God. We are the sons of men. Angels are the sons of God. Sons of God in the OT are referred to as being stars, which is a metaphore. Job 38 tells us the stars of heaven shouted for joy and all the sons of God sang together, which is another figure of speach called metonymy, which is one thing put for another.
We have it in many places what shall be the events leading to Christ's return, and how, with all the time elements given to us, leading us right up to the last hours. While we can't know the hour, we have been told the day. Of course, will only know it when it becomes manifest, when we see the event unfolding.
One thing I hold suspect, is when doctrines are based upon one or two verses that add or remove many other clearly stated, set realities.
The rapture enthusiest must be abel to fit all the pieces of the picture together, just like any Bible truths. I have yet to hear where a rapture of any kind fits in to Christs words when He tells us to believe it not?
or that satan will come first, or when He prayed in John17 for no one to be taken out of the world, but to be delivered from the evil [one]?
or, that flesh and blood cannot enter the kingdom of heaven?,
or, that we shall all, get that, all be changed in a moment?,
or that He will come as lightening from the east to the west? which we shall see because we will be changed into those transfigured bodies,
or, that when He comes His feet will touch the Mt of Olives and the earth will cleave the Mt in two?
or, why it nowhere says He comes back for a third advent?,
or, why must one read into a verse, and connect it with subjects that are not specifically supporting the rapture?,
such as the church?,
it doesn't actually say it is talking about the church, so, what, God wanted us to insert it in for Him?
Does that make sense to conclude since God didn't actually say it directly, we should do it for Him. As I read the Bible, God seems to be very clear, repeating His message over and over, knowing that great spiritual foe is going to try to deceive us:
2Th 2:2 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.
2Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for thatdayshallnotcome, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
2Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
It it very straightforward: Don't let any man deceive you, that day shall not come until there be a falling away from the truth AND satan arrives defacto claiming to be Jesus, standing in Jerusalem working great signs and wonders. We are also warned about satan transforming his angels into ministers of righteousness.
God must of been trying to warn us about something specific, cause there is so many warnings about watching, don't let man deceive you in doctrine, that shall not come until, all will be changed who are alive, flesh and blood cannot enter, He comes at the last trumpet, &tc, &tc.
What and why is God spending so much time warning us about, telling us noone is leaving, if it isn't so?
