A Logical look at The Rapture & the Timing

by Raymond, posted in Understanding End Times

The only way in which the force of the above can be avoided is by saying that none of the descriptions of conflict affect the Church but only Jews who come to faith after the tribulation begins. We could then ask: If Jesus does not mean Christians when he says “you” in Matthew 24, how would we know that anything in the gospels addressed to “you” (disciples) applies to Christians? The theory that Christians are not addressed in Matthew 24:15ff (instructions for going through the great tribulation) sounds very much like an attempt to divorce Christians from what Jesus taught them in the gospels — indeed some ultra-dispensationalists have maintained that none of the material in the Synoptics (Matthew, Mark, Luke) is for Christians! When Jesus tells the twelve to go into the world and preach everywhere we all take this as a command to us. It was given to Jewish Christians but the body of Christ constitutes their descendants. What is said to them applies directly to us. When Jesus addresses believers telling them how to cope during the tribulation, this must mean that they must expect to be on earth during the tribulation.

When is the Rapture is really a Question about when the dead are Resurrected

by Raymond, posted in Immortal Soul

1. The Rapture/Resurrection event will occur at the last trumpet. Scripture knows of only one last trumpet, the seventh trumpet of Revelation 11:15. This trumpet sounds after or “post”-tribulation (Matthew 24:29-31). This is “the resurrection of the just” (Luke 14:14), when all the faithful will be rewarded. 2. Jesus spoke of the “elect,” whom he equates with the disciples and their successors in the church. Matthew, who is his own best interpreter, elsewhere means “believers” when he uses the term “elect” (Matthew 22:14): “Many are called, but few are elect” (Gr. eklectos). It is a basic rule of good exegesis that a writer must be allowed to interpret himself.

A Biblical Soul (Nephesh) is the whole Person including the Body

by Raymond, posted in Immortal Soul

The Biblical Concept of “Soul” We proceed now to an examination of the Biblical concept of “soul.” It is our understanding of this term which will condition our understanding of the state of man in death. The foundation of the Biblical anthropology is laid in Genesis 2:7: “The LORD God formed man of the dust … Continue reading A Biblical Soul (Nephesh) is the whole Person including the Body

Hearing the Text of the Bible and not something else

by Raymond, posted in Christian Teaching

One of our human frailties is our inability to hear the text of Scripture. More precisely, we have difficulty in hearing what the Bible says when we have been propagandized into a different opinion. We then start with a fixed notion and enter a kind of "denial" when we read verses which obviously conflict with … Continue reading Hearing the Text of the Bible and not something else

What and When are the First and Second resurrections in the Bible?

by Raymond, posted in Understanding End Times

There are various beliefs about the two biblical resurrections mentioned in the bible based on what other doctrines the Christian believes. E.g. Pre-Tribulation or Post-Tribulation. About when they happen, who is involved in each one and why they happen. Even in Paul’s day the Greeks mocked him for his speech in Acts 17 in which … Continue reading What and When are the First and Second resurrections in the Bible?

Demystify the Meaning of Sheol and Hades in the Bible

by Raymond, posted in Immortal Soul

Introduction In our English bibles Sheol (Hebrew) and Hades (Greek) are seen as only something physical. However that is not how the Jews understood these terms. Christians today use words like hell, Hades, Sheol and Gehenna interchangeably but they are not the same. This post will address the difference between Sheol and Hades as they … Continue reading Demystify the Meaning of Sheol and Hades in the Bible

The First Resurrection in Revelation

by Raymond, posted in Book of Revelation

Copyright © Tim Warner Revised September 11, 2007 In Revelation 20, John described the resurrected saints seated on thrones and reigning with Christ after having been resurrected. Revelation 20:4-6 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded … Continue reading The First Resurrection in Revelation

Greek Philosophy’s Impact on our Understanding of Death

by Raymond, posted in Immortal Soul

Much has been written on the subject of death, primarily because so many Christians have been led to believe that we don't really die but go on to live with Jesus in Heaven. In John W. Schoenheit's book "The Christian's Hope,*" chapter 7, The Origin of Orthodoxy he says, The vast majority of Christian denominations … Continue reading Greek Philosophy’s Impact on our Understanding of Death

Did Enoch go to Heaven?

by Raymond, posted in Foundational

Hebrews 11:5 (NRSVA) By trust Enoch was moved so that he would not see death, and he could not be found, because God moved him, for before he was moved he obtained the testimony that he pleased God. “moved.” The record of Enoch is in Genesis 5, and this verse specifically refers to Genesis 5:24. … Continue reading Did Enoch go to Heaven?

Lazarus and the Rich man commentary Luke 16:19 – Parable?

by Raymond, posted in Death

This is best explanation I have ever come across on Luke 16:19 as it deals with the question is it is a literal story or a parable. It is a parable and this commentary proves it. Are you willing to hear the another view on this portion of scripture. It is from Commentary on Luke … Continue reading Lazarus and the Rich man commentary Luke 16:19 – Parable?