Warning About The Rapture Complete Report

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A Warning About the Rapture (Note: You can read my free book Prophecy Proof Insights of the Future by clicking this link and my new special report The Big Deception in 2012 Doomsday Prophecies by clicking this link)

"The people who leave the planet during the time of Earth changes do not fit in here any longer, and they are stopping the harmony of Earth. When the time comes that perhaps 20 million people leave the planet at one time there will be a tremendous shift in consciousness for those who are remaining." Barbara Marciniak, New Age Channeler

Introduction: Although the word “Rapture” is never mentioned one time in the Bible, it is one of the most important and most talked about end-times concepts. The Rapture is an event where Jesus Christ shall descend from heaven on a cloud and rescue His church before the Wrath of God arrives. The Rapture is a controversial topic because not everyone agrees about when it will occur or whether it will even occur at all. I will highlight the major viewpoints concerning the Rapture that exist today and provide a simplified overview of the position I believe best fits the details given in the Bible. Rapture Positions: Here is a brief overview of the major viewpoints concerning the Rapture that exist in case the reader is unfamiliar with them.

No Rapture: Some people believe that there will be no Rapture. They claim that there is no biblical basis to support the idea that Jesus will return to gather His Elect and to take them away. Some Rapture opponents even go as far as to claim that those who teach the Rapture are false prophets and teachers, including the Apostle Paul.

Pre Tribulation Rapture: The Pre-Tribulation (Pre-Trib) Rapture viewpoint rests on the idea that the church will be rescued from the upcoming wrath and will not have to endure any persecution.1 This viewpoint 1

See appendix for a discussion of some verses Pre-Tribulation Rapture proponents claim support their argument

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http://prophecyproof.org by far dominates the thinking of nearly all prominent self-proclaimed prophecy experts. As a consequence, the Pre-Trib viewpoint is primarily Rapture position that is taught in churches. The Pre-Tribulation Rapture viewpoint apparently originated with a vision that a 15 year old girl named Margaret MacDonald had in 1830. MacDonald claimed she had a vision where she envisioned the Jesus‟s 2 nd coming. The following quote describes the very moment in MacDonald‟s vision where saw Jesus appear:

"I saw the error to be, that men think that it will be something seen by the natural eye; but 'tis spiritual discernment that is needed, the eye of God in his people be filled with the Spirit.' This was the oil the wise virgins took in their vessels - this is the light to be kept burning - the light of God - that we may discern that which cometh not with observation to the natural eye. Only those who have the light of God within them will see the sign of his appearance. No need to follow them who say, see here, or see there, for his day shall be as the lightning to those in whom the living Christ is. 'Tis Christ in us that will lift us up - he is the light - 'tis only those that are alive in him that will be caught up to meet him in the air." The idea that only certain people will be able to see Jesus coming completely goes against what is taught in the Bible. The Bible explains that everyone, including the wicked, will see Jesus when He returns to Earth at the time of the Rapture:

o Mat 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. o Rev 6:15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; o Rev 6:16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: In addition, according to Ed Tarkowski, the details from the above passage of MacDonald‟s vision expose this vision as a non-biblical one: “Macdonald's symbolization of the Holy Spirit as "the eye of God in his people" and "the light to be kept burning - the light of God" resembles the occultic concept of the Third Eye. The Third Eye is said to be located between the two physical eyes and is called the Agni Point, after Lord Agni, the fire god represented by lightning. New Agers believe

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http://prophecyproof.org that through this Point, cosmic fire and light enter the person during meditation and visualization, and bring an inner transformation to initiates and the needed wisdom to understand God's teachings”.i The detail that MacDonald provided at the moment when Jesus supposedly appeared in her vision combined with the New Age imaginary is a strong sign that this vision is a demonicallyarranged deception. How could MacDonald know what the real Jesus looked like when she had never seen him in person? The “Jesus” that MacDonald probably saw was the New Age counterfeit of Jesus, Jesus Sananda Immanuel, whose image is on all religious artwork throughout history. After MacDonald‟s vision, a man named John Darby visited MacDonald to discuss her vision. At that time Darby held onto the belief that the Church would face the Antichrist.ii MacDonald‟s erroneous vision shaped the Rapture viewpoint of Darby, who became the most prominent person in the 19th century to teach the idea that Christians would not see the Antichrist (several people dispute this-primarily out of self interest-, but the man who supports this statement has all the evidence on his side).iii Darby‟s teachings deeply influenced a man named C.I. Scofield, who included Darby‟s teachings about the Rapture in the notes of his Bible. The Scofield Reference Bible became the most widely read Bible in the world, and, therefore, the largest and most influential propagator of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture position over the past hundred years. Even if we do not consider the apparent demonic origins of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture position, the viewpoint is incorrect based on its own scriptural merits. First, let us be clear that the Pre-Trib position is correct when stating that the Church will avoid at least some sort of wrath because that is supported by scripture: o 1Th 1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; o 1Th 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. o 1Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, The main problem with the Pre-Trib position (and other Rapture positions) is that it assumes that there is only one type of wrath, the Wrath of God. The fact is that there are two types of wraths: the Wrath of Satan through Antichrist and the Wrath of God through trumpets and bowls. The Pre-Trib position fails to make this subtle, yet vitally important distinction.

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http://prophecyproof.org The Wrath of Satan Very few prophecy students realize that there is a Wrath of Satan in addition to a Wrath of God. The Wrath of Satan is only mentioned once directly in the entire Bible: Revelation 12. Satan will be furious when he is cast to the earth halfway through the 70th Week of Daniel (or the seven year period): o Rev 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. Satan will be full of great wrath as he takes out his frustrations on the inhabitants of the earth. Satan will give 110% effort towards seeking vengeance because he does not have much time to execute vengeance. The notion that the Church will be spared from persecution is absurd and goes against what is taught in the Bible. In fact, 2 Timothy Chapter 3 says that all Christians will be persecuted, including in the end times. o 2Ti 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. o 2Ti 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, o 2Ti 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, o 2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; o 2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. … o 2Ti 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, o 2Ti 3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. o 2Ti 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. o 2Ti 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. o 2Ti 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; Revelation 13:10 and Revelation 16:6 provide further confirmation that the believers will be persecuted and even killed!

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http://prophecyproof.org o Rev 13:10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. o Rev 16:6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy. Mid-Tribulation Rapture People who uphold the Mid-Tribulation (Mid-Trib) Rapture viewpoint believe the Rapture will take place when the Antichrist reveals his true identity halfway through a seven year period. Those who believe in this viewpoint believe the Wrath of God will begin immediately after the Antichrist reveals himself and establishes his earthly kingdom. The major verse that Mid-Trib supporters cite is Daniel 7:25 where it says that the Antichrist will supposedly have access to the saints for a 3 and ½ year period. o Dan 7:25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. The Mid-Trib position is flawed because the Wrath of Satan-not the Wrath of God-will begin 3 and ½ years through the seven year period when Antichrist will desecrate a Temple in Jerusalem. o Dan 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. o Mat 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) o Mat 24:16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: o Mat 24:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: o Mat 24:18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. o Mat 24:19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! o Mat 24:20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: o Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

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http://prophecyproof.org Another major problem for the Mid-Trib position is that it sets an exact time for the Rapture to occur (when Antichrist reveals his true identity) which Jesus said cannot be known: o Mat 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. o Mat 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Post-Tribulation Rapture: The Post-Tribulation (Post-Trib) Rapture position posits that the Rapture will not occur until after a seven year tribulation period. While this position acknowledges that the Church will be persecuted by the Antichrist, it overstates how long the Church will face the persecution of the Antichrist. In fact, the Post-Trib position has the Church enduring the Wrath of God and the Wrath of Satan. Remember, 1 Thessalonians says that the Church will not endure the Wrath of God: o 1Th 1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; o 1Th 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. o 1Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Pre-Wrath Rapture The newest Rapture viewpoint is the Pre-Wrath Rapture. The Pre-wrath Rapture view posits that the Rapture will take place after the Wrath of Satan (the Great Tribulation) is finished and before the Wrath of God begins. This distinction between the Wrath of Satan and the Wrath of God really distinguishes the Pre-Wrath Rapture viewpoint from the others as the others state that there is a 7 year tribulation period. The Pre-Wrath viewpoint emphasizes that there is a brief tribulation period within 2 nd half of a seven year period. The Pre-Wrath Rapture viewpoint is a descendant of a viewpoint that was held by most of the Church from its inception up until the time that the Pre-Tribulation Rapture viewpoint became popular. iv The following section will explain the logic of the Pre-Wrath Rapture which is the Rapture position I support because of its strong biblical basis.

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http://prophecyproof.org The Pre-Wrath Logic Here is my relatively brief explanation of the Pre-Wrath view on the timing of the Rapture. There are much longer works that outline the logic of the Pre-Wrath Rapture position than mine so if you are interested in learning more about the logic of this position you can consult these books or visit the following websites:    

The Sign (Updated Edition) by Robert Van Kampen The Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church by Marv Rosenthal http://www.prewrathrapture.com/ http://prewrathministries.org/

Matthew 24 Applies to Everyone Matthew 24 is one of the most important end times-related chapters in the entire Bible. I consider the chapter to be a broad outline of the Book of Revelation. Many of those who defend the Pre-Trib position state that Matthew 24 is only aimed at the Jews; not at the Church. This teaching is completely wrong. The Book of Matthew is the only book of the four gospels that refers to the Church by name (ekklesia).v In addition, Jesus spoke to His disciples, who were eventually known as Christians, on Mount Olives. If Jesus‟s intent was to warn Jews than why would He tell his message on Mount Olives to Christians? Here is a step by step demonstration that Matthew is addressed to Christians: 1. Jesus had twelve disciples: o Mat 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. o Mat 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; o Mat 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; o Mat 10:4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

2. These same disciples are the ones Jesus is addressing on Mount Olives. o Mat 24:1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. 3. The title “Disciples” is later equated with the title “Christians”; therefore Jesus’s message is targeted towards the followers of Christ (Christians). 7

http://prophecyproof.org o Act 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Matthew 24 Analysis After demonstrating that Matthew 24 applies to Christians, it is time to analyze the chapter. The chapter begins with Jesus‟s disciples asking him about what will occur at the end of the age:

o Mat 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

The End is Not Yet Jesus warns them that people will see many startling events, including false Christs, wars, rumors of war, ethnic infighting, famines, pestilence, earthquakes, etc. However, people should not be startled because the end of the age is not yet-this is just the beginning. o Mat 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. o Mat 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. o Mat 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. o Mat 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. o Mat 24:8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. Matthew 24:9 begins a description of events that will happen at the end of the age. Jesus reveals that people will persecute Christians and go as far as to kill believers! How can the Church already experience the Rapture if people who believe in Jesus are still being killed?! In verse 24:13 Jesus most likely tells believers to endure because the oncoming persecution will be fierce. o Mat 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. o Mat 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. o … o Mat 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

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http://prophecyproof.org The Start of the Great Tribulation The Antichrist‟s desecration of a rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem halfway through Daniel‟s 70 Week or 3.5 years through the seven year period (Dan 9:26) will trigger the Great Tribulation which many prophecy students refer to. However, the fact that the Antichrist needs to desecrate the Temple first shows that the tribulation period is not 7 years long like those who uphold other Rapture positions believe 2. th

o Mat 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) o Mat 24:16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: o Mat 24:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: o Mat 24:18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. o Mat 24:19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! o Mat 24:20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: o Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. The Great Tribulation is a period of time when Jews and Christians will be severely persecuted for their religious beliefs. Revelation 12, Revelation 13, and Daniel 7 describe this period as a time when Satan (through Antichrist) will make war with believers. Revelation 13:7 and Daniel 7:21 even go as far as to say that Antichrist will be able to “overcome” saints (or those who uphold “the testimony of Jesus Christ”3). o Rev 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. o Rev 13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. o Rev 13:6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. o Rev 13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. o Dan 7:21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; 2

Similarly, Paul writes in 2 Thessalonians Chapter 2 that the Jesus cannot return at least until after Antichrist sits on the throne of the temple declaring himself to be god. 3 Revelation 14:12 proves that “saints” and those who uphold “testimony of Jesus Christ” are the same group of people: Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commands of God, and the faith of Jesus.

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http://prophecyproof.org 4th Seal: Annihilation The annihilation of believers from the Antichrist‟s war with them is most likely described in 4 Seal. The 4th seal describes a period of time where people will die via systematic mass murder, lack of food, natural causes, and through death by the hands of “wild beasts”. th

o Rev 6:7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. o Rev 6:8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. “Wild beasts of the earth” is an intriguing phrase… at first glance it appears that wild, vicious animals will kill believers. However, a reexamination of the text indicates that animals are not the ones who will kill believers. According to the late Robert Van Kampen death “„by the wild beasts of the earth‟, will be the death associated with one‟s refusal to worship the image of the beast („that the image of the beast might even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed‟ [Rev. 13:15]), or the beast himself („And it was given to him to make war with the saints‟ {Rev. 13:7]), as required by the second beast („And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence‟: {Rev. 13:12])”.vi In other words, death by the wild beasts of the earth means that people will be killed by those who are guided by the Antichrist and the False Prophet. The rider‟s name is “Death” with “Hell” following behind him. These two are a tandem because they appear in the Bible together with Death in the front and Hell (grave in the Old Testament) following close behind. o Isa 28:15 Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves: o Hos 13:14 I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes. Death is pretty self explanatory so there is no need for me to provide commentary on it. In contrast, the term “Hell” is a little misunderstood. There are two different Greek words that translate to the word “Hell” in New Testament of the King James Version of the Bible. The first word is “geenna” which is a place of torment while the other word is “Hades” which is a place where the dead (good and bad) are housed (I will use the term “Hell/Hades” when referring to 10

http://prophecyproof.org the place where the dead are housed throughout the rest of the study). 4 The word Greek word for “Hell” used throughout the Book of Revelation is “Hades” so the references to “Hell” in the Book of Revelation are actually referring to the place where the dead are housed and not the place of torment. As people die, Hell/Hades will follow because it is the next to lay claim to someone after death. Death must latch onto someone before Hell/Hades can take the person‟s soul and house it temporarily. Antichrist facilitates an environment where Death is widespread throughout the areas where his targets, the saints, live. The prevalence of Death will not be limited to just a specific geographic area covering one fourth of the Earth because Antichrist at this point in the seven year period will reign the entire Earth. Therefore, the persecution and killing of believers will be worldwide. o Dan 7:23 Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. 5th Seal: Martyrs After the 5th Seal is opened the souls of believers who have been killed during the Antichrist‟s war against the saints will be seen through an altar in Heaven. This may cause someone to ask: “If souls can be seen from Heaven, does this mean that the souls are in Heaven and therefore the Rapture has already taken place?” o Rev 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: o Rev 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? o Rev 6:11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. Even though Hell/Hades is a place to house souls, it is not a permanent storage place as souls are able to leave Hell/Hades before the final judgment. For instance, Christ left Hell/Hades when He was resurrected. (“Hades” is the Greek word used in Acts 2:31 instead of “geenna”). o Act 2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 4

For more read http://www.biblequestions.org/archives/BQAR162.htm.

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http://prophecyproof.org In Revelation 6:9 the souls of those killed are not encompassing Heaven like in Revelation 7:910. Since they can only be seen, there is the possibility that they may not be in Heaven at all, but somewhere else. Rev 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

Rev 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; Rev 7:10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

These verses harmonized with the verses from the discussion about the 4th Seal reveal that the souls are actually in Hell/Hades until the Rapture. Revelation 6:11 also indicates that the souls are resting in a temporary place, Hell/Hades, until the appropriate number of martyrs is reached. o Rev 6:11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. Therefore, the altar in Heaven serves as a window into viewing Hell/Hades during the time of the 5th Seal. Even after the opening of the 5th Seal, the number of those who are destined to be in Heaven, but will be killed, will not have been reached yet as some of these people remain alive on Earth. If the Rapture had occurred earlier everyone would have been in Heaven like in Revelation 7:9. Matthew 24:22 reconfirms that Christians will still be on the earth for these horrible days. The Church is not yet safe in Heaven; they are being persecuted! Nevertheless, the promise of the Rapture still exists as the persecution continues. Jesus will end the Great Tribulation and rescue the Church before there are no believers left alive. o Mat 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. … o Mat 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

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http://prophecyproof.org 6th Seal: The Rapture Approaches There is a strong parallel between the description of the 6th Seal in Revelation 6:12-17 and the description of Christ‟s appearance in Matthew 24:29 onwards. Rev 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; Rev 6:13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. Rev 6:14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. Rev 6:15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; Rev 6:16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: Rev 6:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

Mat 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: Mat 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 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.

Both passages describe a time when the moon and sun will be darkened with the heavens completely shaken. Both passages also acknowledge the presence of the returning Jesus Christ. Therefore, Revelation 6:12-17 and Matthew 24:29 onwards must be describing the same period of time! The Rapture takes place soon after the breaking of the 6th Seal! There is a second account of the Rapture in Revelation 14:12-16. The passage opens recognizing the noble sacrifice that many believers made to stay true to their belief in Jesus. This is clearly a reference to the many Christians who will sacrifice themselves rather than submit to Antichrist. o Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. o Rev 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

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http://prophecyproof.org The proof that this passage is also an account of the Rapture comes in Revelation 14:14 where Jesus Christ appears on a white cloud. This is same imaginary given in Matthew 24:30. Revelation 14:14 makes it clear that verses 12-16 is referring to the Rapture because it describes the Son of Man appearing on a cloud like in Matthew 24:30. Rev 14:14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

Mat 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

The analogy used in Revelation 14:12-16 to describe the Rapture process is a harvest. o Rev 14:15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. o Rev 14:16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. The main tool used to harvest the earth is the sickle. This is important because the prophet Joel also described the conditions of the 6th seal where the sun and moon are darkened and also mentioned the use of a sickle… Rev 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

Joe 3:13 Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great. Joe 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. Joe 3:15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.

Together, Matthew 24:30, Revelation 14:15, and Joel 3:13-15 reconfirm what we knew when comparing Matthew 24 and Revelation 6; that the Rapture will take place after the opening of the 6th Seal… Finally, recall that Pre-Trib Rapture proponents believe that the Church will not experience any wrath. In contrast, the Pre-Wrath Rapture proponents believe that the wrath that

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http://prophecyproof.org the Church will not go through is the Wrath of God. Joel 3:13-15 and Revelation 6:17 mention that the Day of the Lord‟s great wrath or Wrath of God5 is imminent after the sun and moon are darkened and after the harvest of the earth.

Rev 6:15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; Rev 6:16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: Rev 6:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

Joe 3:13 Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great. Joe 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. Joe 3:15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.

Therefore, we have confirmation that the Wrath of God is not going to occur until after the Rapture following the breaking the 6th Seal (and 7th Seal). Once again, the Pre-Wrath Rapture logic is supported by verses throughout the Bible. When Christ appears the dead will rise first followed by those who survived the persecution of the Great Tribulation. o 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: o 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. In Revelation 7:9-10, all the souls of those released from Hell/Hades, and rescued (caught up) are joined in Heaven. You can clearly see how they encompass Heaven unlike in Revelation 6:9-11

Rev 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

Rev 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes,

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Isaiah 13:6-9 demonstrates that the Day of the Lord is synonymous with Wrath of God because the terms are used interchangeably.

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http://prophecyproof.org and palms in their hands; Rev 7:10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. New Age Viewpoint of the Rapture At the beginning of this report I mentioned that the Rapture is one of the most talked about end-time events; particularly among Christians. However, not many people realize that the Rapture is a topic that is also discussed by followers of the New Age Movement. In the previous section I demonstrated with the use of Bible verses that the Rapture will occur before the Wrath of God begins after the breaking of the 6th Seal. I believe it is useful to look at how high-level New Age teachers and fallen angels depict the Rapture timeline to see if there are similarities in the details. The presence of similarities between a biblically-based viewpoint (the Pre-Wrath position) and a New Age viewpoint would provide further confirmation that Christians and Jews will endure persecution because it will be the followers of the New Age Movement that will be the ones persecuting them during the Great Tribulation. According to Christian author Constance Cumbey, fallen angels have already prepared New Age Movement followers to anticipate the removal of those who refuse to take part in a New World Order to another dimension: “The threat is contained in several places in the Alice Bailey writings and reiterated in the David Spangler writings, which state that those of us who refuse to accept the "Christ" will be sent to another dimension other than physical incarnation, out of physical embodiment, to another level of vibration where we will be happier!” vii Unsurprisingly, New Age followers are taught that there will be global cleansing of those who will not submit to Antichrist. Recall that the 4th Seal mentions that over ¼ of Earth‟s population will die as a result of widespread killing through a variety of methods. A fallen angel named “Asher” told New Age author John Randolph Price “that two billion people who didn't go along with the New Age would be wiped off the face of the Earth during the coming cleansing." viii While there is talk within New Age circles about cleansing the earth of billions of people who will not belong, there is also talk of a one-time, sudden disappearance of a large group of people who will not belong. For instance, New Age author and channeler Barbara Marciniak was told by fallen angels (posing as aliens) that 20 million people, the approximate number of people on Earth who will not belong at that time, will vanish, and the sudden disappearance of these people will cause a major shift in global awareness.

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http://prophecyproof.org "The people who leave the planet during the time of Earth changes do not fit in here any longer, and they are stopping the harmony of Earth. When the time comes that perhaps 20 million people leave the planet at one time there will be a tremendous shift in consciousness for those who are remaining." ix New Age leaders plan to tell the masses that no one should mourn for these people because they have gone to a better place:

"Many of these beings who are leaving this planet at this time have completed that which they came to do. It is a time of great rejoicing for them. Do not feel sad about their leaving. They are going home. Many are waiting to be with them again... Many beings must move on, for their thought patterns are of the past. They hold on to these thoughts that keep Earth held back." x I think the disappearance that Marcinak wrote about is the Rapture because she describes the sudden disappearance of 20 million people. A simultaneous disappearance of 20 million people cannot be a result of a cleansing action because it takes a while to kill that many people. In addition, 20 million is a small group of people when you compare it with the 2 billion people that Asher claims will be eliminated during the global cleansing action. Jesus said that if He did not cut the length of the Great Tribulation short there would be no one left. 20 million is only 1% of 2 billion so a 1% survival rate during the Great Tribulation is consistent with idea that there would hardly be anyone left when Jesus returns to Rapture the Church. However, I am not claiming that 20 million people will be taken up during Rapture. I am just using Marcinak‟s words to show that New Age followers are being told to expect a simultaneous disappearance of a large number of people. The tremendous shift in consciousness from the sudden disappearance of 20 million people conforms to the reaction described by people on Earth at the time of the Rapture. However, Marcinak‟s statement is ambiguous since she does not indicate whether this shift in consciousness is a positive event for New Age followers or a negative event. Revelation 6 indicates that the “tremendous shift in consciousness” will be very bad news for New Age followers as they realize that they are in big trouble. o Rev 6:15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; o Rev 6:16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: o Rev 6:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

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http://prophecyproof.org The New Age viewpoint of the Rapture timeline confirms that people will face severe persecution for not submitting to the Antichrist and this persecution will be so severe and widespread that a relatively small number of Bible believers will remain when it ends. The New Age viewpoint of the Rapture timeline also confirms that the Rapture will come as there will be a sizable group of people that will suddenly disappear from the earth. Finally, we have evidence that those in charge of the persecutions are prepared to try to justify the killing of over 25% of the world‟s population and prepared to explain the sudden disappearance of a sizeable group of people.

The Counterfeit Rapture Theory A small minority of Christians believe that Satan will instigate a “counterfeit Rapture” to throw millions of Christians into complete disarray. These Christians cite statements made by fallen angels, including the fake Jesus (Sananda), telling their followers that they will soon perform a mass evacuation of them. According to these fallen angels, the mass evacuation of their followers will occur in three phases over the course of 15 minutes.xi Here is an example of one of the messages that counterfeit Rapture theory supporters cite:

"The Great Evacuation will come upon the world very suddenly. The flash of emergency events will be as a lightning that flashes in the sky. So sudden and so quick in its happening that it is over almost before you are aware if its presence…Our rescue ships will be able to come in close enough in the twinkling of an eye to set the lifting beams in operation in a moment. And all over the globe where events warrant it, this will be the method of evacuation. Mankind will be lifted, levitated shall we say, by the beams from our smaller ships. These smaller craft will in turn taxi the persons to the larger ships overhead, higher in the atmosphere, where there is ample space and quarters and supplies for millions of people."xii Skeptics like Harry Walther argue that a counterfeit Rapture is unlikely to happen because it would lead to the biggest revival of Christianity in world history. I believe the exact opposite would occur because this event would be the biggest letdown in history. Millions of people with the false hope that they would be spared from enduring the Great Tribulation would be devastated to find that they were left behind; forced to endure the Great Tribulation. This would result in a complete loss of confidence in church leadership because people would perceive that they led them astray and that they are no longer credible religious teachers or advisors since they were also left behind. Without “credible” church leadership, Christians would be left to fend for themselves, and many Christians would likely “fall away” without leadership. Here are four types of Christians that I believe would exist in a post-fake rapture world:

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http://prophecyproof.org  Compromisers: Some Christians will begin to follow a corrupted New Age version of Christianity since it was apparently these teachings that got some people “raptured”.  Quitters: Some Christians will simply denounce their beliefs because they will feel that there is no hope for them since they believe they have already missed the Rapture.  Faithful: Some Christians will hold out hope that Christ will still save them when He returns to Earth as some Pre-Tribulation teachers teach that Christians can still be saved even though they missed the Rapture when Christ physically returns to Earth.  Unshaken: Finally, some Christians will not be affected by a counterfeit Rapture because they know what conditions must take place prior to the Rapture and they know that Satan is going to throw all sorts of lying signs and wonders at people.

The first two groups will most likely fall prey to Antichrist. The final two groups are not out of the woods because Satan will attempt to deceive them and to cause them to turn their allegiance over to Antichrist by utilizing a fake Jesus, Jesus Sananda Immanuel. At this time I cannot say with 100% certainty whether a counterfeit Rapture will happen. I would not be surprised at all if something like this occurred because so many Christians falsely believe that they could disappear at any moment. However, I wonder if there is an even more effective way for Satan to shake the faith of Christians than to stage a counterfeit Rapture. At this moment, I think it is best to acknowledge the possibility of a counterfeit Rapture and mentally prepare oneself for such an event just in case something like this happens.

The Aftermath of the Rapture One little known event that will happen during Christ‟s Rapture appearance is that the Antichrist‟s power will be severely weakened. There are two distinct descriptions of a weakening of the Antichrist in 2 Thessalonians 2:8, including the final destruction of him. The Greek word for “Consume” can also be translated to mean “slay”. The appearance when Jesus will slay the Antichrist will be the Battle of Armageddon. The Greek word for “destroy” can also be translated to mean “paralyzed”. xiii Antichrist will be “paralyzed” by the appearance of Christ… o 2Th 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

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http://prophecyproof.org The coming where Christ will paralyze Antichrist is the Rapture because the Antichrist cannot be eliminated at the time of the Rapture. A paralyzed Antichrist will not unable to respond to the deterioration and destruction of his empire, which will begin shortly after this event.

Appendix Pre-Tribulation Rapture teachers point to specific verses in the Bible that they claim support the notion that Christians will not see wrath. One of the key passages Pre-Tribulation Rapture supporters point to is the message given to the Church of Philadelphia in Revelation 3. The message promises those who keep the Word of God and remain patient will be kept “out of the hour of trial”. o Rev 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; o Rev 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. o Rev 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. o Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. o Rev 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Pre-Tribulation Rapture supporters claim that this is a promise to keep the Church out of the tribulation period, which they incorrectly teach is seven years long. However, according to the late Robert Van Kampen, this is not the message what the text is communicating: “„Keep‟ in this context, translates a Greek verb that carries the basic idea of protection while within a sphere of danger, and “from”, a bad translation of the Greek word ek, has the basic meaning of deliverance „out of‟ or „out from within‟ this dangerous time”. xiv In other words, faithful believers will be given a degree of divine protection from the dangers that exist in “the hour of testing” or the Great Tribulation. Another key passage many Pre-Tribulation Rapture supporters point to is Revelation 4:1. o Rev 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

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http://prophecyproof.org The general Pre-Tribulation supporter interpretation of Revelation 4:1 is that the verse is a call for the Church to go up in Heaven. I strongly disagree with this interpretation because the call to go up to Heaven is being given to just John so that he can record the scene in Heaven. Notice that John refers to himself in first person, John is the one that hears the voice, and that the voice is speaking directly to John: Bibliography: i

Tarkowski, Ed. “History: The Pretribulational Parousia of Margaret McDonald”. 27 Apr. 2009. Last Accessed 18 Jun. 2009. http://www.preteristarchive.com/dEmEnTiA/1996_tarkowski_margaret-macdonald.html. ii MacPherson, Dave. “Deceiving and Being Deceived”. 18 Jun. 2007 Last Accessed 18 Jun. 2009. http://www.truthkeepers.com/deceivin.htm. iii Ibid. iv Charpie, Elbert. “How New is the Pre-Wrath View?” 27 Nov 2008. Last Accessed 19 Jun. 2009. http://prewrathministries.org/faq/index.php?action=artikel&cat=1&id=2&artlang=en. v Penner, Todd C. and Luke Timothy Johnson. The Writings of the New Testament. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2002: 187. vi Van Kampen, Robert Van. The Sign (Updated Edition). Wheaton: Crossway Books, 1999: 267 vii Cumbey, Constance. The Hidden Dangers of the Rainbow. Lafayette: Huntington House Publishers. 1985: 69 viii “The Rapture According to New Age Channelers”. 23 Aug. 2007. Last Accessed 18 Jun. 2009. http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/New%20Age/newage-rapture.htm. ix Marciniak, Barbara. Bringers of the Dawn: Teachings from the Pleiadians. Rochester: Bear & Company, 1992: 167 x Kay Wheeler, "The Time Is Now, " Connecting Link Magazine, Issue 23, cited in Missler and Eastman, p. 189. xi Tuella. “Book 1: Project Evacuation”. 13 Mar. 2009. Last Accessed 18 Jun. 2009. http://www.thenewearth.org/ASHTAR1ProjectWorldEvacuation.html. xii Ibid xiii Van Kampen, Robert Van. The Sign (Updated Edition). Wheaton: Crossway Books, 1999: 358 xiv Ibid. 34

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