(Part 6)
In last week’s article we put John 14:2-3 under the microscope and revealed that those scriptures did not prove a pretrib rapture.
They “hinted” at that assumption but it is also very biased in the overall belief. There was no definitive proof those scriptures meant what the pretrib theorist want them to say and mean. I want to continue this week with some discussion on “resurrections”.
Important facts to consider: I believe there are three resurrections recorded in NT scripture. Do not confuse these three with the “Raised to Life” from the dead to die again resurrections. They are not the same thing. Those in these resurrections will die again.
1) Yashua’s resurrection 1Cor 15:20 But now is Messiah risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
Rev 1:5 And from Messiah Yashua, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead.....
Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead;....
2) Believer’s resurrection 1Cor 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Messiah’s at his coming.
Joh 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, Joh 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Joh 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Mat 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:....
3) The “rest of the dead” resurrection Rev20:5 Buttherestofthedeadlived not again until the thousand years were finished.
Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Rev 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
Now I want you to pay particular close attention to what I say next. It is very important and what I have to say could quite possibly change your mind in regard to two comings of Messiah as taught by the Pretrib doctrine: The Believer’s resurrection - when will it happen? Pretrib or Post-trib. Let’s look into the microscope again !!
These seven scriptures are foundational truths to the Pretrib Rapture doctrine: 1Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
What will happen to the dead and the living “in Messiah” when He descends from heaven?
1Cor 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 1Cor 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1Cor 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
1Cor 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
Now concerning 1Cor15:23: Who are the “they” that are Messiah’s at His coming? The Pretrib doctrine insists that the “they” is the “church” about to be raptured just before the tribulation begins. Sounds good. Millions believe it. However, if we focus in closer, 1Cor 15:23 “But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming”. All good. Still on track for a pretrib rapture. Nothing out of the ordinary here, right? Well, not so fast. Let’s look more closely at the next verse.
1Cor 15:24 “THEN COMETH THE END, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power”.
Christian, do you fully understand what you just read? The apostle Paul just told you that the “church” is raptured/resurrected at the “end of the age”, not seven years prior toit. Thesameendoftheagetheapostles asked Yashua about in Mat24:3 and Yashua responded by saying it would happen immediately after the tribulation. Now consider this; what ties this event to a post-trib rapture/ resurrection rather than a pretrib one? It’s the trumpets!
Mat 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
1Cor 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Rev 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded (the trumpet); and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever (compare 1Cor15:24).
Scripture interpreting scripture. Harmonizing perfectly. How anyone could see a pretrib resurrection in these scriptures is beyond me.
Next week we continue with revealing more error in their teaching. Until then remain steadfast in the faith, praying for this country and those who rule over us, and for our brother and sisters in Christ everywhere that are living in great tribulation even as you read this. Grace.
Max Hill Woodville [email protected]
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