The Day Of the Lord Part 5
Salvation for the Chosen
There are those who would claim that there is no rapture at all. While it is true that there is no rapture before the tribulation, that does not mean there is no rapture or snatch away.
Luke 21:34-36 Now take heed to yourselves, lest at some time your hearts should be burdened with crapulence and drunkenness and the worries of life's affairs, and that day may be standing by you unawares, as a trap, for it will intrude on all those sitting on the surface of the entire earth." Now be vigilant, on every occasion beseeching that you may be prevailing to escape all these things which are about to occur, and to stand in front of the Son of Mankind." {CLV}
Do not be burdened with life’s affairs, that the day the Lord Jesus Christ returns will not be a trap to you, that it will not catch you unawares. For it will intrude on all those sitting on the surface of the entire earth. It is only those who are vigilant on every occasion that will prevail to escape that which is about to occur when the Lord returns.
Romans 8:22-25 For we are aware that the entire creation is groaning and travailing together until now. Yet not only so, but we ourselves also, who have the firstfruit of the spirit, we ourselves also, are groaning in ourselves, awaiting the sonship, the deliverance of our body." For to expectation were we saved. Now expectation, being observed, is not expectation, for what anyone is observing, why is he expecting it also? Now, if we are expecting what we are not observing, we are awaiting it with endurance." {CLV}
There is no doubt that the chosen members of the body of Christ are saved, but they are awaiting the sonship, the deliverance of their body. That is the members of the body do not have salvation, they are not immortal, but the chosen members of the body are saved, for to expectation were they saved. When a person is spiritual born, then they are saved. When Jesus Christ returns they will gain their salvation, becoming immortal. More on then becoming immortal later in this article.
With all this enduring and vigilant, some may wonder if they will make it. People wonder if they will lose their salvation. This is only made worse by peopling teaching that you can lose your salvation. But can you lose your salvation?
God is the one who chose who would have salvation, he is not going to have those who he has chosen lose their salvation.
Romans 5:20-21 Yet law came in by the way, that the offense should be increasing. Yet where sin increases, grace superexceeds, that, even as Sin reigns in death, thus Grace also should be reigning through righteousness, for life eonian, through Jesus Christ, our Lord." {CLV}
Those who are saved are covered by grace, and you can not lose this grace. Where sin increases, grace superexceeds, so that if you are saved, you still have the promise of life eonian in the future eon.
John 10:26-30 But you are not believing, seeing that you are not of My sheep, according as I said to you. "My sheep are hearing My voice, and I know them, and they are following Me. And I am giving them life eonian, and they should by no means be perishing for the eon, and no one shall be snatching them out of My hand. My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater than all, and no one is able to be snatching them out of My Father's hand. I and the Father, We are one." {CLV}
If you are saved, you are one of Christ’s sheep. Christ is the shepherd of the sheep, that is true Believers. The sheep can not be snatch out of Christ’s hand, by anybody. Christ’s father, God, give the sheep to Christ and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. Once you are saved you are in Christ’s hand, and can not be snatch out. There is no way to lose your salvation.
What then is the meaning of all this enduring and being vigilant? Those who are truly chosen will endure and be vigilant. However those who falsely believe, the false brethren, those who are not part of the chosen company, will not endure, they will not be vigilant.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 Now we ought to be thanking God always concerning you, brethren, beloved by the Lord, seeing that God prefers you from the beginning for salvation, in holiness of the spirit and faith in the truth, into which He also calls us through our evangel, for the procuring of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." {CLV}
God prefers the brethren from the beginning for salvation, in holiness of the spirit and faith in the truth. While there is Salvation for the chosen, there is also Salvation for the rest of mankind. However the chosen get salvation first, the rest of mankind will get salvation later.
Most Christians Miss Out:
What I will say next might surprise some people, but that’s the way it is. Most of the Christians out there in the world today will actually miss out on the allotment. I know most teaching on the rapture has every Christian going in the world. However that is not the case at all. The actual number of chosen is less that the actual number of Christians report to be in the world. Remember many are called but few are chosen.
Am I One of the Chosen?
Are you one of the chosen or not one of the chosen? Unfortunately I can not answer that, I do not know your personal situation. If you believe that Jesus Christ died for the sins of the whole world, and that all mankind are saved, then you are most likely one of the chosen. However you just have to truly believe that Jesus Christ died for you sins, you don’t have to believe that all mankind are saved. However many believe falsely that they chose to be saved. You can not chose to be saved or not to be saved, it is not a choice. Going down and making the choice for Christ in front of a church full of people will not get you salvation. You can not save yourself, Christ is the Saviour. God has already decided who will get salvation. What I will say is that no matter if you are chosen or not, you will and everyone will get into the Kingdom of the Heavens. Everyone one day will get salvation, however the chosen first. That is the meaning here, the choice have salvation and immortally waiting for them, but it is not exclusive, for all mankind will gain salvation and immorality. The other point to remember is that, it is totally out of your hands, it was all predetermined by God beforehand. There is nothing you can do to change that.
Snatch Away:
What I am about to explain my seem similar to the teaching on the Rapture. However as I have already explain, there is no rapture before a coming great tribulation. These teachings that place the rapture at a different time to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ at the end of the age, are incorrect. There are not two comings of the Lord, there is only one. As has been explained, when the Lord returns at the end of the age, is when the chosen will be taken up above the earth.
Rapture: From Latin raptus and rapere, meaning “to seize or snatch away violently.” Forming the basis of words like: rape, rapid and raptor.
Snatched {away}: From the Greek harpazo, meaning to snatch, that is to, seize or grab quickly with force or grasp quickly with force. Negatively used to mean a wolf seizing a sheep, or positively used to mean quickly grabbing someone out of harms way.
Lets now look at 3 passages in the scriptures, to get a better understanding.
Acts 8:39-40 Now when they stepped up out of the water, the spirit of the Lord snatches away Philip, and the eunuch did not perceive him any longer, for he went his way rejoicing." Now Philip was found in Azotus, and, passing through, he brought the evangel to all the cities, till his coming into Caesarea."{CLV}
The spirit of the Lord snatches away Philip, that is he was transport to another location, supernaturally, both physically and spiritually.
2 Corinthians 12:2-4 I am acquainted with a man in Christ, fourteen years before this, (whether in a body I am not aware, or outside of the body, I am not aware - God is aware) such a one was snatched away to the third heaven. " And I am acquainted with such a man (whether in a body or outside of the body I am not aware - God is aware) that he was snatched away into paradise and hears ineffable declarations, which it is not allowed a man to speak. " {CLV}
Paul tells of his astonishing experience of being snatched away to the third heaven. Whether in the body or outside of the body, Paul was not aware. That is he was either taken there in his body or spiritually taken there outside the body.
Revelation 12:5 And she brought forth a son, a male, who is about to be shepherding all the nations with an iron club. And her child is snatched away to God and to His throne." {CLV}
The male child is Jesus Christ, who was physically and spiritually, snatched away to God and to His throne.
Lets now get to the snatch away {Rapture} text of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 Now we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are reposing, lest you may sorrow according as the rest, also, who have no expectation. For, if we are believing that Jesus died and rose, thus also, those who are put to repose, will God, through Jesus, lead forth together with Him. {CLV}
Reposing, meaning sleeping, meaning those who had died, and were now sleeping.
The Thessalonian believers were not to be ignorant, concerning those brethren who were dead. If they were ignorant, then they would sorrow as others do, because others, have no expectation. The brethren have an expectation, therefore they should not sorrow like the rest of the world does over those who have died. For the rest of the world has no expectation. If you believe that Jesus died and rose, then you should also believe that those brethren put to sleep, will thus also, that is they will rise also.
1 Thessalonians 4:15-16 For this we are saying to you by the word of the Lord, that we, the living, who are surviving to the presence of the Lord, should by no means outstrip those who are put to repose, for the Lord Himself will be descending from heaven with a shout of command, with the voice of the Chief Messenger, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ shall be rising first, {CLV}
Those brethren who are surviving until the presence of the Lord, that is those who are alive when the Lord returns, will not outstrip, those brethren who are sleeping, that is those who have died. Before those brethren who are living get there expectation, those brethren who have died will be rising. That is they will be resurrected from death, when the Lord returns, just before the snatching away.
1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 Thereupon we, the living who are surviving, shall at the same time be snatched away together with them in clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. And thus shall we always be together with the Lord. So that, console one another with these words." {CLV}
Those chosen of the body who are alive when the Lord returns, will be snatched away together with those believers who have just been resurrected in clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. Cloud can mean a mass of flying insects or birds. It’s use in the above text can mean the mass of believers in the air. Another mean is that believers will be surround by glory clouds. Why should believers be surround by glory clouds? Because believers have gained glory and honor. Believers should console one another with the fact that the dead brethren have an expectation, it is not lost, because they have died.
Air, from the Greek word aer, meaning air or atmosphere. While it can be figurative, nearly every use in the New Testament is of the literal sense.
All the chosen, the brethren will be bodily and spiritually snatched away, supernaturally transported to another location.
Transformation:
1 Corinthians 15:50-55 'Now this I am averring, brethren, that flesh and blood is not able to enjoy an allotment in the kingdom of God, neither is corruption enjoying the allotment of incorruption. Lo! A secret to you am I telling! We all, indeed, shall not be put to repose, yet we all shall be changed, in an instant, in the twinkle of an eye, at the last trump. For He will be trumpeting, and the dead will be roused incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal put on immortality.' Now, whenever this corruptible should be putting on incorruption and this mortal should be putting on immortality, then shall come to pass the word which is written, Swallowed up was Death by Victory." Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death, is your sting? {CLV}
Flesh and blood is not able to enjoy an allotment in the kingdom of God, neither is corruption enjoying the allotment of incorruption. That is the chosen are unable to enjoy the promised allotment in their flesh and blood bodies. Paul tells the Corinthians a secret about how they will be able to enjoy the promised allotment.
All the chosen will not be put to sleep, that is death, yet all the chosen shall be changed in an instant, in he twinkle of an eye. The dead chosen will be raised in their new immortal and incorruptible bodies. Those chosen who are alive when the Lord returns will be transformed, no longer will they have bodies of flesh and blood, but new immortal and incorruptible bodies, which will happen in the twinkling of an eye.
However while the chosen will become immortal first, the rest of mankind will not miss out. They will one day become immortal as well.
2 Corinthians 5:1-4 For we are aware that, if our terrestrial tabernacle house should be demolished, we have a building of God, a house not made by hands, eonian, in the heavens." For in this also we are groaning, longing to be dressed in our habitation which is out of heaven, if so be that, being dressed also, we shall not be found naked." For we also, who are in the tabernacle, are groaning, being burdened, on which we are not wanting to be stripped, but to be dressed, that the mortal may be swallowed up by life." {CLV}
The chosen are aware, or should be aware, that if their terrestrial tabernacle house is demolished, they have a building of God, a house not made by hands, in the heavens. This is not talking about the demolish of an actual house made of brick or wood. The chosen are longing to be dressed in this habitation. This is actual talking about the body, that is if a believer dies, that is their habitation is destroyed, they have a body, a habitation awaiting in the heavens. For the chosen are wanting to be dressed in their new body, that the mortal body may be swallowed up by the new immoral body.
However I am not saying that when a believer dies, they are automatically dressed in this habitation that is waiting for them. As stated earlier they are dead, that is they are asleep, they can not do anything. When they are resurrected from the dead then they will get this habitation that is waiting for them.
Philippians 3:20-21 For our realm is inherent in the heavens, out of which we are awaiting a Saviour also, the Lord, Jesus Christ, Who will transfigure the body of our humilation, to conform it to the body of His glory, in accord with the operation which enables Him even to subject all to Himself. {CLV}
The chosen are awaiting the Lord, Jesus Christ, Who will transfigure the body, to conform it to the body of His glory. This will be in accord with the operation which enables Him even to subject all to Himself. In time all the bodies of all the rest of mankind will be transfigured to conform to the body of His glory.
The Manifest Sons of God:
Colossians 3:4 'Whenever Christ, our Life, should be manifested, then you
also shall be manifested together with Him in glory.' {CLV}
When Christ is manifested, then the chosen will also be manifested together with Him in glory. That is when Jesus Christ returns lighting up the whole sky, the chosen will also be manifested.
1 John 3:2-3 Beloved, now are we children of God, and it was not as yet manifested what we shall be. We are aware that, if He should be manifested, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him according as He is. And everyone who has this expectation in Him is purifying himself, according as He is pure. {CLV}
If Jesus Christ should be manifested, the chosen shall be like Him. However one day all mankind will be like Christ. All those who are left alive on the earth and not transformed will be gain their immortality later. Those born during the millennium will also in the future gain their immortality. All those taken and all the rest of the dead will be resurrected just before the Great White Throne Judgment. After the Judgement they will be on the new Earth. They will be spiritually purified, they will become spiritually alive, they will come to be in Christ. They will be transformed, gaining immortally, and should be like Him.
Romans 8:16-17 The spirit itself is testifying together with our spirit that we are children of God. Yet if children, enjoyers also of an allotment, enjoyers, indeed, of an allotment from God, yet joint enjoyers of Christ's allotment, if so be that we are suffering together, that we should be glorified together also." {CLV}
The children of God, are suffering together that they should be glorified together.
Romans 8:18 For I am reckoning that the sufferings of the current era do not deserve the glory about to be revealed for us. For the premonition of the creation is awaiting the unveiling of the sons of God. {CLV}
The whole of creation has a premonition, about the future event of the unveiling of the sons of God, the unveiling of the chosen. At that time the glory will be revealed in the sons of God. The chosen will be unveiled to those who are on the earth at the start of the millennium. The whole of creation is not just talking about mankind, but all that was created.
Romans 8:20-22 For to vanity was the creation subjected, not voluntarily, but because of Him Who subjects it, in expectation" that the creation itself, also, shall be freed from the slavery of corruption into the glorious freedom of the children of God." For we are aware that the entire creation is groaning and travailing together until now. {CLV}
Creation itself will be freed of the slavery of corruption into the glorious freedom of the children of God. That is the rest of mankind and the animals will be freed of the slavery of corruption. This also includes the evil spirit beings, that is the demons and Satan himself will also be freed from the slavery of corruption. They were created by God, and are there for a part of creation, and will be freed from the slavery of corruption. They were not voluntarily subjected. It was not of their choosing that they become evil, and became slaves of the corruption. Creation will be Freed from the slavery of corruption into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
For more on animals being saved refer to my article: All Animals Saved
For more on demons being saved refer to my article: All Demons and Satan Saved
Romans 8:23 Yet not only so, but we ourselves also, who have the firstfruit of the spirit, we ourselves also, are groaning in ourselves, awaiting the sonship, the deliverance of our body." {CLV}
The brethren are groaning in themselves awaiting the sonship.
The Lord Jesus Christ will Return Very Soon
Many Christians who believe in the Lord’s return, wonder when it will occur. They read up loads of stuff, and some get carried away, when someone suggests a date. Many are disappointed when the date passes and nothing happens. Other Christians have heard the Lord is returning, but they go about their daily lives as if it is not going to happen in their life time. If it has not happen for almost 2000 years, who is to say it will happen anytime soon.
Loads of Christians have lived a long time and died waiting for his return over the years. Why should it be any different now? Many Christians though the years have thought Jesus Christ would return in their live times, but he did not. However just because Christ did not return, they like us where expected to be ready for his return. Lest we get caught up in the ways of the world. The bride, the chosen are to be ready at all times, for he could come when they do not expect. However many Christians over the years did not understand, that certain prophecies had to be fulfilled before He would return. Most of those prophecies have now been fulfilled.
Have you ever looked back, into the recent past? You do know that not to long ago, the internet did not even exist, there was no such thing as websites, or email. How did we all survive before the cell phone came along, but not to long ago the phone did not even exist. In fact if you go back not to far, there where no game consoles, no DVD or Blue ray players, no DVD’s or CD’s, no Personal Computers, no satellites, no televisions, no stereos, no aircraft, no airports, no helicopters, no trains. People use to go by horse and cart, before the car came along. All of that stuff invented between the 1870’s and today. The world has experienced a rapid acceleration in science and technology, over those years, with no sign of it stopping anytime soon.
There have also been major advances in military technology, jet fighters, bombers, tanks, aircraft carriers, missiles, atomic weapons, machine gun. A long with these advances there have been some the deadliest and bloodiest wars over that same period.
The population has also rapidly increased, during this time. In fact the population in 1850 was just over 1 billion people, however by October 1999 AD there was over 6 billion people, that is 5 billion increase in just 150 years. However this is not a straight line increase. In 1900, it was 1.5 billion, that is an increase of about 500million people in 50 years. However in the 50 years before 1850, the population only grow 225 million. By 1950 the population was 2.5 billion, that means an increase of 1 billion people, double the increase of before. That means between 1950 and October 1999, the population grow by a massive 3.5 billion people.
However this has come at a huge cost, not just to the environment, but also to peoples lives. People have now started to wake up to the problems that these advances and massive population increases are causing to the environment. Oceans and rivers are polluted. There is on going deforestation.
While all that has been going on evil has also rapidly increased, especially in the last few decades. Violence is on the rise, all over the world. Teenagers now walking around with knives. There are armed robberies, murders, drug use, prostitution etc.
Rise in cocaine use which is dangerous and environmentally unfriendly, with the burning of forests, to grow the plants, and all the toxic chemicals that they use to make it going into the rivers.
Satan is behind the rise in moral depravity and lawlessness that is currently going on. Just look at the massive increase in on-screen nudity, sex and violence over the last few decades. This has also spread to computer games and the internet.
More and more people are start to believe that there is no god at all, that everything just come about somehow. This is large based on the belief in evolution, I say it is a belief because it is unproven, it is not a fact and is actually untrue. It is in fact a scientific impossibility. It is a relatively new belief, unknown before the late 18 century. Up until the late 18 Century the bible account was generally accepted. Satan is behind the accepting of this belief and promotion of it. Darwin developed his ideas between 1831-36, but there were two before him around the time of Satan’s release.
There has been an increase in the acceptability of homosexuality, resulting in lesbians and guys appearing in films, and on TV programs. Laws have been past in countries for same sex marriages and civil unions. There are now homosexual parades each year in major cities around the world. If you are wondering I do view homosexuality as being a sin. I am not in this article going to say why I believe it is a sin.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is returning very soon, you better be ready, for only those that are ready, will escape the come destruction of the whole world.
Order of Events:
There are a number of events on the Day of the Lord that have been covered, lets now briefly look at the order of the events.
Before the day: 1, Most of the world comes against the chosen as they spread the true evangel to the world.
2, People are eating, drinking, getting married right up until the Day of the Lord.
On the day: 1, Complete darkness covers the world, as the stars, Sun and moon go dark, and there is a worldwide power failure.
True believers to look up, their deliverance is drawing near.
2, The resounding of the sea and the shaking of the earth.
3, Men in fear, apprehensiveness of that which is coming
4, The Powers, evil forces are shaken.
5, Jesus Christ returns, which is a surprise to most of the world as you would be surprised by a thief. Everyone on the whole world will know He has returned.
6, Resurrection of the dead in Christ. Transformation of all those who are Chosen.
7, Snatch Away
8, The death of all those who reject Christ and his evangel. Believers who are not of the chosen remain on the earth.
9, Unveiling of the sons of God.
Note: CLV: Concordant Literal version
Copyright © M J Farquharson 2017