The Purpose of the Rapture.

Marilyn C · Aug 26, 2023

Many people think that the rapture is for believers to escape the tribulation whereas it is the fulfillment of God`s purpose for the Body of Christ. We have been promised that we will sit with Christ on His own throne.

`To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne.` (Rev. 3: 21) So, when and where is that?

We know that the Lord Jesus is presently with the Father on His throne in the highest. (Eph. 1: 20, Heb. 1: 3) Then when the Body of Christ is mature (Eph. 4: 13) the Father will send His Son with those asleep in Him to connect with the whole Body.

` For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God (Father) will bring with Him (Jesus) those who sleep in Jesus. ` (1 Thess. 4: 14)

The Body of Christ with the Head will then go to the Lord`s own throne where He will be given the authority by the Father to begin the judgments over the rebellious nations. (Rev. 5: 1 - 7) This throne is on mount Zion, in the third (angelic) heaven. (Rev. 4: 2 & 3)

`I (Father) have set my King on My holy hill of Mount Zion.` (Ps. 2: 6)

Mount Zion is symbolical of the highest ruling position in all of God`s great kingdom.

`But you have come to Mount Zion...to an innumerable company of angels...to God (Father)....to Jesus....` (Heb. 12: 22 - 24)

It is from that throne (seat of the Lord`s authority and power) on Mount Zion, that He will, with His Body, begin the judgments.

d taylor · Aug 27, 2023

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Well believers will be caught up into the clouds to meet Jesus there, where they will spend the time with Jesus while the tribulation is carried out. I would say the purpose is that is God's plan for the church, so they will be with Jesus always.

RandyPNW · Aug 27, 2023

Marilyn C said:
Many people think that the rapture is for believers to escape the tribulation whereas it is the fulfillment of God`s purpose for the Body of Christ. We have been promised that we will sit with Christ on His own throne.

`To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne.` (Rev. 3: 21) So, when and where is that?

We know that the Lord Jesus is presently with the Father on His throne in the highest. (Eph. 1: 20, Heb. 1: 3) Then when the Body of Christ is mature (Eph. 4: 13) the Father will send His Son with those asleep in Him to connect with the whole Body.

` For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God (Father) will bring with Him (Jesus) those who sleep in Jesus. ` (1 Thess. 4: 14)

The Body of Christ with the Head will then go to the Lord`s own throne where He will be given the authority by the Father to begin the judgments over the rebellious nations. (Rev. 5: 1 - 7) This throne is on mount Zion, in the third (angelic) heaven. (Rev. 4: 2 & 3)

`I (Father) have set my King on My holy hill of Mount Zion.` (Ps. 2: 6)

Mount Zion is symbolical of the highest ruling position in all of God`s great kingdom.

`But you have come to Mount Zion...to an innumerable company of angels...to God (Father)....to Jesus....` (Heb. 12: 22 - 24)

It is from that throne (seat of the Lord`s authority and power) on Mount Zion, that He will, with His Body, begin the judgments.

I believe the purpose of the Rapture is to transform us into the image of the immortal Christ. It is a vindication of the life we have chosen to live as Christians. Becoming immortal we can judge with purity, unafraid to cast judgment on those who defile God. Like the angels we will supervise the earth in a way that brings glory to God.

Sorn · Aug 27, 2023

Marilyn C said:
Many people think that the rapture is for believers to escape the tribulation whereas it is the fulfillment of God`s purpose for the Body of Christ. We have been promised that we will sit with Christ on His own throne.

`To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne.` (Rev. 3: 21) So, when and where is that?

We know that the Lord Jesus is presently with the Father on His throne in the highest. (Eph. 1: 20, Heb. 1: 3) Then when the Body of Christ is mature (Eph. 4: 13) the Father will send His Son with those asleep in Him to connect with the whole Body.

` For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God (Father) will bring with Him (Jesus) those who sleep in Jesus. ` (1 Thess. 4: 14)

The Body of Christ with the Head will then go to the Lord`s own throne where He will be given the authority by the Father to begin the judgments over the rebellious nations. (Rev. 5: 1 - 7) This throne is on mount Zion, in the third (angelic) heaven. (Rev. 4: 2 & 3)

`I (Father) have set my King on My holy hill of Mount Zion.` (Ps. 2: 6)

Mount Zion is symbolical of the highest ruling position in all of God`s great kingdom.

`But you have come to Mount Zion...to an innumerable company of angels...to God (Father)....to Jesus....` (Heb. 12: 22 - 24)

It is from that throne (seat of the Lord`s authority and power) on Mount Zion, that He will, with His Body, begin the judgments.

The rapture is in part to have believers escape the tribulation, we are currently in the Dispensation of Grace church age.

God will eventually bring the Dispensation of Grace to an end, and that will be marked by the rapture. Then God will turn His attention back to the Jews, He has not abandoned them, just put them aside for the time being.
ALL His promises to the Jew will be fulfilled. When the church is no longer on Earth God will deal with the Jews under the Covenant He has with them. That is the last week of the 70 week prophecy. The 7 year tribulation. Jesus is their Messiah and He will save them from complete destruction and He will then establish the Jewish Kingdom for 1000 years.

The body of Christ - the church may not be on earth then, but instead be in the heavens (ie the heavenly places) doing whatever it is the Lord wishes for us to do. As the Millennial Kingdom will be a Jewish Kingdom, it will be the Apostles and the Jewish Patriarchs that will rule with Christ in it.

Marilyn C · Aug 27, 2023

d taylor said:
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Well believers will be caught up into the clouds to meet Jesus there, where they will spend the time with Jesus while the tribulation is carried out. I would say the purpose is that is God's plan for the church, so they will be with Jesus always.

Thank you for your good reply. I agree that is so.

Marilyn C · Aug 27, 2023

RandyPNW said:
I believe the purpose of the Rapture is to transform us into the image of the immortal Christ. It is a vindication of the life we have chosen to live as Christians. Becoming immortal we can judge with purity, unafraid to cast judgment on those who defile God. Like the angels we will supervise the earth in a way that brings glory to God.

Amazing and wonderful to be transformed into like Christ. Thank you for that important part of God`s purpose for the Body of Christ.

Marilyn C · Aug 27, 2023

Sorn said:
The rapture is in part to have believers escape the tribulation, we are currently in the Dispensation of Grace church age.

God will eventually bring the Dispensation of Grace to an end, and that will be marked by the rapture. Then God will turn His attention back to the Jews, He has not abandoned them, just put them aside for the time being.
ALL His promises to the Jew will be fulfilled. When the church is no longer on Earth God will deal with the Jews under the Covenant He has with them. That is the last week of the 70 week prophecy. The 7 year tribulation. Jesus is their Messiah and He will save them from complete destruction and He will then establish the Jewish Kingdom for 1000 years.

The body of Christ - the church may not be on earth then, but instead be in the heavens (ie the heavenly places) doing whatever it is the Lord wishes for us to do. As the Millennial Kingdom will be a Jewish Kingdom, it will be the Apostles and the Jewish Patriarchs that will rule with Christ in it.

Good detail there Sorn, thank you. I agree and would just say that I see the Lord ruling over all from His seat of power and authority in the highest, (Far above all.....not only in this age and also in that which is to come. Eph. 1: 21)

Sorn · Aug 27, 2023

Marilyn C said:
Good detail there Sorn, thank you. I agree and would just say that I see the Lord ruling over all from His seat of power and authority in the highest, (Far above all.....not only in this age and also in that which is to come. Eph. 1: 21)

During the 1000yr kingdom Jesus will be physically present in Jerusalem.

Clare73 · Aug 27, 2023

Marilyn C said:
The Purpose of the Rapture.

The word apantesis, "to meet and return with" (Ac 28:15, Mt 25:6), as in Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.

As citizens went out to meet and honor a dignitary coming to their city and accompanied him into the city.

dfw69 · Aug 27, 2023

Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

When our hope is realized to become the children of God by the transformation and rebirth of the Holy Spirit of God we will be able to truly fulfill prophecy.

Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

I believe Jesus may send us out again into the world to preach the gospel without the restraints of this world while we were in the flesh to combat all the lies and deceptions coming from the world

Mark 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

This is always the mission to teach the truth to a lost world run by evil masters

Just because we are taken to heaven and have obtained new glorified Godlike bodies to become like Jesus to become the children of God does not necessarily mean our task of spreading the truth has ended

I for one am willing to return to earth after my transformation to combat the lies being spread on earth even if it was just to help save one soul from eternal destruction

Marilyn C · Aug 27, 2023

Clare73 said:
The word apantesis, "to meet and return with" (Ac 28:15, Mt 25:6), as in Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.

As citizens went out to meet and honor a dignitary coming to their city and accompanied him into the city.

I`m glad you highlighted that Greek word - apantesis.

So let`s look at Acts 28: 13 - 16.

`...and the next day we came to Puteoli, where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. And from there (Puteoli), when the brethren heard about us, they came to MEET (apantesis) us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. Now when we came to Rome....`

Paul was going to Rome, and some brethren met him and walked some of the way. They did not take him back to where they lived. Paul was going to Rome.

Those who met Jesus outside Jerusalem were outside gathering palm branches and they escorted Him into the city.

Both time `apantesis` refers to escorting someone to their destination.

The Body of Christ, when gathered together will escort the Lord to His own throne in the third heaven.

Marilyn C · Aug 28, 2023

dfw69 said:
Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

When our hope is realized to become the children of God by the transformation and rebirth of the Holy Spirit of God we will be able to truly fulfill prophecy.

Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

I believe Jesus may send us out again into the world to preach the gospel without the restraints of this world while we were in the flesh to combat all the lies and deceptions coming from the world

Mark 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

This is always the mission to teach the truth to a lost world run by evil masters

Just because we are taken to heaven and have obtained new glorified Godlike bodies to become like Jesus to become the children of God does not necessarily mean our task of spreading the truth has ended

I for one am willing to return to earth after my transformation to combat the lies being spread on earth even if it was just to help save one soul from eternal destruction

dfw you seem to have a great heart for the lost. I`m sure that is from the Lord. Now, when the Body of Christ is in heaven we will then be involved in bringing judgment upon the world system and fallen angels. (1 Cor. 6: 2 & 3) That is a job that is needed to stop all the evils and pain and suffering from evil men and women.

God does other people in the trib, going out to preach that the Christ is coming to set up His righteous rulership over the nations.

Clare73 · Aug 28, 2023

Marilyn C said:
I`m glad you highlighted that Greek word - apantesis.

So let`s look at Acts 28: 13 - 16.

`...and the next day we came to Puteoli, where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. And from there (Puteoli), when the brethren heard about us, they came to MEET (apantesis) us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. Now when we came to Rome....`

Paul was going to Rome, and some brethren met him and walked some of the way. They did not take him back to where they lived. Paul was going to Rome.

Those who met Jesus outside Jerusalem were outside gathering palm branches and they escorted Him into the city.

Both time `apantesis` refers to escorting someone to their destination.

The Body of Christ, when gathered together will escort the Lord to His own throne in the third heaven.

He must return to earth to judge the nations first.

Matt5 · Aug 28, 2023

Marilyn C said:
`To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne.` (Rev. 3: 21) So, when and where is that?

What did he overcome?

If he got raptured out of all the things that are coming, then he didn't have to overcome anything.

Sorn · Aug 28, 2023

Matt5 said:
`To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne.` (Rev. 3: 21) So, when and where is that

What did he overcome?

If he got raptured out of all the things that are coming, then he didn't have to overcome anything.

It is talking about the Jews who go through the tribulation. At the rapture God will take the church out of the world and He will then turn His attention back to the Jews but they will go through the time of Jacob's troubles and 2/3 will die, many also having taken the mark of the beast etc

But to those that believe in Jesus right to the end, even if it means their lives, then God will resurrect them and they are the ones that passage refers to, along with any that make it all the way through the tribulation

dwb001 · Aug 28, 2023

Sorn said:
It is talking about the Jews who go through the tribulation. At the rapture God will take the church out of the world and He will then turn His attention back to the Jews but they will go through the time of Jacob's troubles and 2/3 will die, many also having taken the mark of the beast etc

But to those that believe in Jesus right to the end, even if it means their lives, then God will resurrect them and they are the ones that passage refers to, along with any that make it all the way through the tribulation

But the verse in question is not addressed to any Jews. It is to a church outside of Judea.

You think a church is filled with Jews and a synagogue is filled with Christians?

fm107 · Aug 28, 2023

Matt5 said:
What did he overcome?

If he got raptured out of all the things that are coming, then he didn't have to overcome anything.

Dispensationally, the 7 churches map out the entire church age from the times of the apostles to the time of the rapture, after which will come the period of tribulation. Just now we live in the Laodicean church age, and we see there described in Revelation 3:14-22 the conditions prevalent in Christianity. The overcomer is the genuine christian who overcomes these bad conditions - the lukewarmness and indifference to the claims of Christ.

The rapture doesn't occur until Revelation 4:1, after which, we see the 24 elders crowned in Heaven (representing the entire Church). After which, we get no more mention of the Church until Revelation 19, where we see the Church coming down out of Heaven. Between these chapters the tribulation is happening on earth.

dwb001 · Aug 28, 2023

fm107 said:
Dispensationally, the 7 churches map out the entire church age from the times of the apostles to the time of the rapture, after which will come the period of tribulation. Just now we live in the Laodicean church age, and we see there described in Revelation 3:14-22 the conditions prevalent in Christianity. The overcomer is the genuine christian who overcomes these bad conditions - the lukewarmness and indifference to the claims of Christ.

The rapture doesn't occur until Revelation 4:1, after which, we see the 24 elders crowned in Heaven (representing the entire Church). After which, we get no more mention of the Church until Revelation 19, where we see the Church coming down out of Heaven. Between these chapters the tribulation is happening on earth.

Sure glad that Dispenstationalism is not a very valid way to read the book of Revelation.
And I do not see anything that looks like a rapture in Rev 4:1.
No mention of the ekklesia after 4:1 would just indicate that the "church" can no longer gather.
Where is "church" mentioned in Rev 19? What version of the Bible are you using that mentions "church" in Rev 19?

I see many assumptions in your post and wonder why you don't just stick to the words as written in the Bible?

fm107 · Aug 28, 2023

dwb001 said:
Sure glad that Dispenstationalism is not a very valid way to read the book of Revelation.
And I do not see anything that looks like a rapture in Rev 4:1.
No mention of the ekklesia after 4:1 would just indicate that the "church" can no longer gather.
Where is "church" mentioned in Rev 19? What version of the Bible are you using that mentions "church" in Rev 19?

I see many assumptions in your post and wonder why you don't just stick to the words as written in the Bible?

That is an easy one - Revelation 19:7, the Lamb's wife is the Church. You see there are many different names given in scripture for/referring to the Church, e.g. wife, bride, the body of Christ, assembly, saints, etc.

Hope this helps.

If you think my views are wrong and you have a better understanding of these passages, please do share it brother.

dwb001 · Aug 28, 2023

fm107 said:
That is an easy one - Revelation 19:7, the Lamb's wife is the Church. You see there are many different names given in scripture for/referring to the Church, e.g. wife, bride, the body of Christ, assembly, saints, etc.

Hope this helps.

If you think my views are wrong and you have a better understanding of these passages, please do share it brother.

I just wonder why you change the words of Scripture to match your theology.
Why not keep the words that are written instead of mangling Scripture?
Just keep to the spirit of Rev 1:3.

And that is how the entire book of Revelation should be read.... Rev 1:3. Read, Hear, Keep.

How does Rev 4:1 fit with the Pauline version of the rapture?
The only place I see a parallel with the Pauline version is in Rev 20:12-13.

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