...Raptured before the Great Tribulation Brian Dugal Theology 104 Spring Semester 2014 Professor: Dr. William Bryant Introduction The Rapture and the Great Tribulation seem to be gaining popularity with Christians as well as non-believers throughout the nation. Recently, there have been films made and books written that depict what the world is going to be like just prior to the second coming of Christ. Many have recently become intrigued by the ideas of the rapture and the great tribulation, and after reading the books of Thessalonians and Revelation I can see why. An abundance of vivid and descriptive words are used by John of Patmos, the author of the book of Revelation, to describe what we shall see during the Tribulation period. In Revelations 9:17, John describes his idea of the coming tribulation as “The horses and riders I saw in my vision looked like this: Their breastplates were fiery red, dark blue, and yellow as sulfur. The heads of the horses resembled the heads of lions, and out of their mouths came fire, smoke and sulfur” (Rev. 9:17). This description of the tribulation is very powerful and awe-inspiring. Theological Definition of Rapture Paul wrote awe inspiring words in his litters to the Thessalonians describing the rapture stating, “then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thess. 4:17). The word “rapture” doesn’t appear in any English translations of the Bible...
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...Bridgett Traylor ENGL 2111- 12 Mrs. Schmitt 18 February 2016 The Same or Just Coincidence? One may wonder how a biblical narrative and an ancient Mesopotamian epic could have anything in common, as biblical narratives, such as the Flood in Genesis, are written by divine inspiration and ancient Mesopotamian writings, such as "The Epic of Gilgamesh," are steeped in mythology and written solely by human hand. Although fundamental differences are present in the two, the Flood in Genesis and "The Epic of Gilgamesh" also feature distinct parallels. At first glance, the discrepancies between "The Epic of Gilgamesh" and the Flood in Genesis appear to overpower any resemblances perhaps perceived as coincidences. However, further inspection uncovers startling similarities in these two accounts of the Great Flood, leading many to believe that the parallels are not coincidences at all. The story of the Flood in Genesis was first written as part of the Old Testament by the Jewish people. However, it is predated by far by the story "The Epic of Gilgamesh," a story that originates in the same area that holds many striking similarities to the tale of the Flood in Genesis. Though the story is modified to accommodate new characters, many properties of the story are similar, from small details like the creatures that are used as scouts to the religious purpose of the flood itself. For example, both the flood stories start with the characters receiving specific building instructions for a ship...
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...Will Church Go Through the Great Tribulation? Critical Evaluation of Dispensational & Historic Premillennialism views on Tribulation Tekalign Shiferaw Box, M-4 Evangelical Theological College Addis Ababa Submitted to: Dr. Seblewengel Daniel Course: Ecclesiology and Eschatology November 1st, 2012 1|Page 1. Introduction Whether the church will go through the Great Tribulation or not is one of the massive debatable topics among Evangelical scholars. For example, prominent Evangelical Scholars such as: C.I. Scofield, Tim Lahaye, Robert L. Thomas, John Walvoord, Paige Patterson, et al. argue for the position that church will not go through the Great tribulation, and on the other side, D.A. Carson, Wayne Grudem, George Ladd, Robert Mounce, Gundry Robert Horton, et al. argue for the position that church will go through the Great Tribulation.1 “The view that Christ will take the church to himself prior to the tribulation is called pretribulationism; the view that he will take the church after the tribulation is called posttribulation”.2 Which view is nearly biblical, Pretribulationism or posttribulationism? This paper will explore historical development of the teaching of the secret rapture [which is the teaching of pretribulationism], scriptural evidences and arguments which both view advocates bring to validate their views, and the writer’s position and arguments. 1. The Great Tribulation Before we engage in investigating historical development of pretribulational...
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...In life, we find ourselves and find our purpose of living in this Earth. We have to go through tribulations to find who we are. John Proctor is the same, he went through tribulations first to find who he saw himself to be. Even at older age, he still went through changes mentally and that also showed another part of who he was. In The Crucible, John Proctor felt hypocritical because he was hiding his affair with Abigail,(CITE) but at the end of the story he was able to be who he wanted to be. John was someone who was proud of himself. He was just an average man with a house, a farm, a wife, and had three sons. His name was popular around the court because he was the type to speak his mind. He not only was proud of himself, but respected himself. All of that stopped when he had an affair with Abigail Williams. All of that respect for himself and his...
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...Theory…………………………………………………………….…..8 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………..….10 Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………………..…..12 INTRODUCTION The idea of the rapture has been symbolized in movies, documentaries, books of both fiction and non-fiction. It appears as though many have heard about the rapture and the second coming of Christ, but not too many individuals understand the full theology behind both events. Many Christians and scholars have discussed the second coming of Christ, however, many have not given this topic the close attention that it deserves. Many Christians believe that they have an understanding of the rapture, but few can describe the view they hold on the rapture, when it will occur, and what the period of Tribulation means. This is often because Christians tend to shy away from a full understanding of the end-times and the second coming of Christ. There are many varying views on the rapture, and the occurrence of the rapture and what that means for believers and non-believers. Many assume that all they need to know about the rapture is that it is an even in which righteous Christians are called to Heaven, as this is what they have read in books, or perhaps seen in movies. However, where Christians fail in understanding is when the ascension into heaven occurs, whether it’s before the wrath of God, or after, or if there is a period of suffering prior to...
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...abundant new experiences in both the planning and acting stages of the project. My colleagues and I endured numerous trials and tribulations while trying to put together a respectable product that we could have pride in. One such tribulation was the fact that we were not able to use a script during the presentation, a new experience for most of us. Additionally, I enhanced the difficulty for myself by way of not opting write down potential revealing ideas on a notecard that would help me while presenting the skit. The fact that I do not particularly enjoy oral presentations only enhanced this tribulation. However, with additional practice and memorization outside of class, I was able to gain confidence in myself and the...
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...Why is there so much confusion over when the rapture happens? Most Christian’s don’t know this, but in Mathew chapter 24, JESUS predicts the end times for us in exact chronological order!!! All we have to do is read the chapter slowly, and carefully and the LORD will tell us exactly when he will come back in the Eastern sky and rapture his Church body!!! Matthew Chapter 24 Jesus Foretells the Future 1 As Jesus was leaving the Temple grounds, his disciples pointed out to him the various Temple buildings. 2 But he responded, “Do you see all these buildings? I tell you the truth, they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!” (This prophecy was fulfilled in 70 AD!) 3 Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?” (Ok Reader! JESUS will give us the signs of what will happen first before his return) 4 Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, 5 for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. (Like Reverend Sun Myong Moon) - Leader of one of the largest churches in the world headquartered out of South Korea - He says JESUS failed in his mission, and he now calls himself the messiah!) 6 And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. 7 Nation will go...
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...THE MILLENIUM ____________________ A Research Paper Submitted to Dr. Brian K. Moulton Liberty University ____________________ In Partial Fulfillment for Bible Course 450 – Book of Revelation ___________________ By Bennie L. Martin May 11, 2014 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction……………………………………………………………………………….…1 The Rapture…………………………………………………………………………….……1-2 What is meant by the term “Rapture?” The Tribulation………………………………………………………………………….…..2-4 The Outpouring of the Saints………………………………………………………………..4-5 Seven seals and seven trumpets The Millennium, Revelation 20:1-6…………………………………………………….…..5-11 The Millennial Kingdom Satan Bound Christ reigns on Earth Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………..11 Bibliography………………………………………………………………………………...12 The 1000 Years of Revelation; The Millennium Introduction The millennium refers to 1000 years of Christ’s future reign on earth which will immediately precede eternity. The focus of the millennium is not on Satan as some would think. The central focus, however, is on the savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ will bind Satan for 1000 years so that He can deal with sin perpetrated on the earth among the inhabitants of the earth. Then Satan will be “turned loose for a little while” and he will deceive the hearts of many believers who will turn to him rather than God. The war of all wars will be fought and the rapture will come. Then, “after these things” Christ will leave heaven and come to earth...
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...avoided. Of course, Eschatology is not as crucial as Christology or Soteriology. That does not mean, though, that it is unimportant to a Biblical worldview. How we understand Eschatology has an impact on how we should live our lives and what we are to expect to occur in God's plan. Some important issues in Eschatology are these: What is the Rapture? The word "rapture" does not occur in the Bible. The concept of the Rapture, though, is clearly taught in Scripture. The Rapture of the church is the event in which God removes all believers from the earth in order to make way for His righteous judgment to be poured out on the earth during the Tribulation period. When is the Rapture going to occur in relation to the Tribulation? Will the Rapture occur before the Tribulation, at the middle of the Tribulation, or at the end of the Tribulation? What is the Second Coming and why is it important? Why is it so important for Jesus Christ to return? When is Christ going to return? What will be the signs of Christ's return? Is the millennium literal or figurative? The fulfillment of many of God’s covenants and promises rest on a literal, physical, future kingdom. There is no solid basis to deny of literal understanding of the Millennial Kingdom and its duration being 1000 years. Will the generation that saw Israel re-formed as a nation still be alive for the Second Coming? It is not Scriptural to teach that the generation that sees Israel become a nation will also see the Second...
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...Reflection Paper #2 Introduction On this reflection paper, the topics I choose were the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” and the “Rapture”. I choose these topics because they both bring topics of debate with them. There are many different views on these two topics and I will try to shed some light on them. Through Biblical research and theological definitions, we will try to discover the purpose and meanings of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the Rapture. The first topic of discussion is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. This topic stirs up much debate in the denominational realms of the church. There are many different views and standpoints on this topic. John 1:33 states that when John the Baptist, after witnessing the descent of the Holy Spirit as a dove at the baptism of Jesus, recorded these words: “He that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizes with the Holy Ghost”. Later Jesus promised His disciples, “Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence” (Acts 1:5). On the day of Pentecost, the disciples had a number of experiences involving the Holy Spirit, including the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The disciples spoke in tongues to address the gospel of Christ to many different nations in attendance of Pentecost. This event was the start of the church and its spread of the gospel of Christ to all nations. Many Christians today have confused...
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...When children are forced to grow up too quickly, they aren’t developing the same basic skills like those around them. They don’t have the privilege of experiencing just innocence and wonder or tribulation and terror. They are thrusted into some situations that force tribulation upon them, resulting in them being unable to experience the same things as children their age and essentially ostracizing them from others their age. In the novel ‘The House on Mango Street’ the author focuses on a girl named Esparanza and her experiences as a young Latina living in poverty. This allows her characterization as a child to be innocent but not without tribulation. Because of her situation, she is not allowed the same degree of innocence as her peers and...
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...The Mark of The Beast --- 666 Harry Bethel BethelMinistries.com Discerning Christians have every reason to believe we are living in the very last days before the Great Tribulation and the return of Christ. Even if that time is far into the future, one thing is sure---there will be a literal 3 1/2 year Great Tribulation, a literal Antichrist and a literal "Mark of the Beast." There are many claims today concerning what is the Mark of the Beast. Some Christians have believed that it is the Social Security number, notwithstanding the fact that most countries around the world do not even issue Social Security numbers or cards. Many people, claiming to be Christians, such as many Seventh Day Adventists, believe worshipping the Lord on the first day of the week, rather than the seventh day, is taking the Mark of the Beast. Many Christians believe that a UPC bar code is the Mark of the Beast. In the past few years many Christians have accepted the idea that an electronic chip, biochip, microchip, or VeriChip that can be implanted under the skin is the Mark of the Beast. There are other ideas about what the Mark is, or will be, but most have no real basis from the Scriptures. So, let us see from the Word of God what we can know about the Mark of the Beast, and what we can deduce, by implication from the Scriptures. The Mark of the Beast will be a literal mark, it will not be some kind of "spiritual" or non-physical mark. We can know this because, according to Revelation 16:2...
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...[were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nephthalim [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin [were] sealed twelve thousand. By the way, when the winds are released, that’s the tribulation, the period of the plagues, the time of trouble such as never seen in the history of the world. Now the reason for the sealing is to identify those that are going to go through with the tribulation so that their lives are preserved or are spared. That’s the reason why it says before the winds are released seal my servants on their foreheads. In other words it is a mark of protection for God’s people who will go through tribulation when the winds of strife are released. Now who are they...
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...body that has been promised. 5 characteristics of the second coming of Christ. Personal, Physical, Visible, Unexpected, Triumphant and Glorious. 3 prominent millennial views. Postmillennialism – believes that the preaching of the gospel will be so successful that the world will be converted. Premillennialism – believes that Christ will return in person and body to commence the millennium. Amillennialism – believes that there will be no earthly reign of Christ. What are the 3 tribunal views and what distinguishes each? Pretribulationism – 2 phases in Christ’s coming and 3 resurrections. Posttribulationism – 2 resurrections; the resurrection of believers at the end of the tribulation and the resurrection of the ungodly at the end of the millennium. Midtribulationism – the church will experience tribulation, but will be removed before the wrath of God is poured out. The basis of the final judgment? Those who appear will be judged in terms of their earthly lives. Identify 5 reasons to study eschatology? It is a major topic and...
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...Revelation, Chapter 13 This will begin by giving you the scripture from the King James Version of the Bible, then will go into our description of what the verses mean. You will be able to read various additional information contained in more specific files under "Research Materials". To skip the Introduction for Revelation chapter 13, Chapter 13 Scripture Begins Here Revelation chapter 13 begins with a beast (the Antichrist) raising up out of the sea which represents the nations of the world. The beast is the Antichrist or the false messiah. He will be the final world ruler, also known as the little horn in the book of Daniel, chapter 7, v.8. "I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn [were] eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things." Antichrist Things during the end times will be chaotic. A time of confusion and uncertainty will cause the people to desperately look for a strong leader that could bring hope and security in a time of fear and apprehension. People will desperately seek a strong, charismatic, authoritative leader who can pull the world back from the very brink of disaster. Those people will get their wish as a powerful, charismatic leader spouting peace and unity comes on the scene. But he will turn out to be much more than they bargained for. He will be a dictator whose cruelty will be more...
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