****Please read the scripture from the Bible first as this is God's Word****

There are 3 suggested times for the rapture to take place.

1. The trouble times described in Revelation Chapter 4 - 19 have either happened or are happening in this current age.



2. The Troubled Times described Revelation Chapter 4 - 19 will yet happen in the future and Christians (the Church) will endure some or all of it.



3. The Troubled Times described Revelation Chapter 4 - 19 will yet happen in the future and Christians (the Church) will be preserved from it by the Rapture. These are a few reasons why we believe that this view is the correct view.


• There is no mention of the Church in chapter 4 - 19 of Revelation. The first 3 chapters were distinctively all about the Church. This transition may be indicative that we will not endure what is described in these chapters.


• The description of the Rapture in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 indicates a meeting in the air which isn't mentioned in Revelations, however Christ's return is mentioned in these chapters which would indicate that he will be coming down from Heaven to rule the Earth, but the Bible doesn't mention that we will meet in the air upon his return, which would ultimately indicate that the rapture will occur prior to the tribulation period.


• The prophecies of Daniel have all happened according to scripture, the seventieth week has not occurred. At least there is no historical event that we can match up with the literal prophecy that Daniel has provided. This indicates that the seventieth week has not occurred. However if we look at the promise that he gave to the Church of Philadelphia in Revelation Chapter 3:10, which explains to the Church that has kept His word, that they will be kept from the hour of temptation. This could possibly mean that the rapture will happen prior to the seventieth week which is the final seven year tribulation.

There is a day coming when your view of everything will radically change. Your perspective will change from an earthbound one to a heavenly one. God has given us enough of a view of the future, so that our perspective can change now, in anticipation of that day.

In Chapter 4 of Revelation we see that John is taken up to heaven. John's perspective is changed from an earthly perspective to a heavenly one. John see's a new view of God. John described a throne which indicates God is our true King, Lord, and Master. He is our creator. If you just take a short moment to notice a sun set, or the clouds in the morning during a sunrise, a rosebush, or even our beautiful stars, you would have to agree that there is a God, we aren't him, and that he is ruler and creator of all. The funny part that is hard to understand is why He chooses to love us. After all, God doesn't need us, He is self sufficient. I don't know the why to that question, but that tells us that He is a merciful, patient, and loving God. After all He did give us his only son to die for our sins. How many of you would give up your child for a stranger, or strangers. If you or someone you know doesn't believe there is a God, one day you will know, everyone will bow down to our King. John describes God as jasper and a sardine stone, which indicates God is beautiful.

John has a new view of the Church. John describes four and twenty seats, and four and twenty elders sitting down with crowns. This can be interpreted in a couple different ways, however if we look at Revelation 5:9 we see that this will probably be all believers. The crowns on their heads can be indicative as a token or reward for having faith and believing on God. The white raiment or robs is a sign of washed or cleansed.

John also has a new view of Angels. They are described as 4 beasts full of eyes. These beasts or creatures are Angelic creatures giving glory and praise to God.

The elders cast their crowns at before God as he sits on the throne and worship Him. The elders as mentioned earlier are, us!

The most important question is, are you ready? Are you for sure that your sins are forgiven and you are on your way to heaven? The Bible, or God's breathed word teaches us that we must believe on Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins, for our salvation. We must depend on Jesus and Jesus only, not "mans rules". There are two eternal locations where we could potentially spend eternity. Heaven or Hell, there is no gray area. Are you ready?

posted by Ben at 10:03 AM