TIME IS RUNNING OUT AND TOMORROW IS NOT PROMISED!
WHEN WILL THE BORN AGAIN BELIEVERS BE CAUGHT UP? PT 9 -
THE CONGREGATION ~ CHURCH IS IN HEAVEN DURING THE WRATH OF ELOHIM (THE GREAT TRIBULATION)
In the first five chapters of Revelation the church is mentioned many times. In chapters 2 and 3 we see the seven progressive stages of the church on earth; but then, in chapters 4 & 5, we see the redeemed in heaven.
“And around the throne I saw twenty four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty four elders sitting, having been clothed in white garments. And they had golden crowns on their heads. . .And they sing a new song, saying, Worthy are You to receive the scroll, and to open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood purchased them to YAHWEH out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and made them kings and priests to our Elohim; and they shall reign on the earth." Revelation 4:4, 5:9-10
There has been a lot of debate about the identity of the 24 elders - some insisting that they are angelic elders rather than redeemed, glorified human elders. But the fact that they are sitting on thrones, with crowns upon their heads, indicates that they are elders of the universal congregation ~ church, for we read: “We shall also reign with Him.” 2 Timothy 2:12
Again Paul says, referring to the congregation ~ church ...
“The saints shall judge the world,” “and if the world is judged by you ...” 1 Corinthians 6:2
The Master earlier told His disciples,
“You will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Matthew 19:28
We would certainly call the twelve apostles, elders, wouldn’t we? And it may be that Yahshua has chosen 12 other elders to judge the gentile nations.
The fact that they are already crowned, also indicates that the Judgment Seat of Messiah (where the congregation is evaluated, and given rewards - crowns) has already taken place. And as the Bride - the congregation (church) - is one body, we would expect the members to be judged at one and the same time.
Notice also, seven times in Revelation 2 & 3 (before the Rapture), we read, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the congregations.” But in Revelation 13:9, during the Tribulation, and we read, “If anyone has an ear, let him hear.” The congregation (church) is missing.
In Revelation chapters 6 to 19 - the Tribulation period - there is no mention whatever of the Bride on earth.
But in chapter 19, (before the Revealing of Messiah/Christ), the completed Bride is seen in heaven, prepared and already glorified - in fine linen, bright and clean. It is written, “the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” (verse eight)
The fine linen here is not referring to the imputed righteousness of Messiah/Christ with which we are already clothed, but in this context, it is the tested, spiritual works of the believers - the gold, silver and precious stones that have passed through the fire of the Judgment Seat, and that have proven worthy. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15
The Marriage of the Lamb will be held before the resurrection of the Tribulation martyrs of Rev. 20:4, which indicates the Congregation (Church) and the Tribulation believers are two separate bodies. So this passage adds to the evidence that the Bride is caught up to heaven before the Tribulation. Certainly she is in heaven before the Redeemer Master returns to earth at Armageddon which is at the end of the Tribulation.
7. Contrast: the Rapture and the Return
Post-Tribulationists say the Rapture and the Return to earth are one and the same event, and that it takes place at the end of the Tribulation. We do not believe this is possible, because of major differences between the two events.
The Rapture and the Return are both part of the Second Coming of Messiah (Christ), true! But they can be satisfactorily explained, only by describing them as two stages.
The Rapture
The Return
You will notice that these two events are always dealt with separately. The translation of saints is never mentioned in any passage dealing with the return after the Tribulation. And neither is the return to earth mentioned in the passages dealing with the Rapture. John 14:1-3. I Thess. 4:14-17, I Cor. 15:50-57
. . .next ..".Gathering the Elect"
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