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1 November 2008 CallToRestoration.com Beliefs Regarding End Time Events Introduction pgs. 2-4 Clint Goodman Premillennial Doctrine Explained and Examined pgs. 4-9 Clint Goodman The Rapture Explained and Examined pgs Trevor Teel Christ Rules Now on His Throne pgs David Earl Minson Realized Eschatology Explained and Examined pgs Chase Palmer The Truth Prophecy Interpretation pgs Mike Hall What Will Happen pgs Lee Adair Conclusion pgs Ben Soto

2 Beliefs Regarding End Time Events Introduction Clint Goodman There are many beliefs today regarding end time events. As we consider various teachings concerning the end of time and specifically premillennialism, we will begin by generally categorizing and defining terms. If you are unfamiliar with the subject matter, it is my hope that the following material will help distinguish between various doctrines. Amillennialism: Also called Nonmillennialism and Inaugurated Millennialism, these believe that the Kingdom of God is present in the world today through the presence of the heavenly reign of Christ, the Bible, the Holy Spirit and Christianity. The church was the spiritual kingdom of God upon the earth, and that the Church is presently in the millennium. Events described in The Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21) and in most of Revelation are seen as occurrences which have already happened, or which are symbolic in nature and not to be taken literally. The Amillennial view says when Christ comes the second time this will be the end of this world. Christ will not set foot on this earth again, rather we shall all be gathered together with Him in the air (I Thes. 4:13-18). At this time Christ will return the kingdom back to God who gave it (I Cor. 15:20-28). The Antichrist is looked upon figuratively and not as a real person. The view advocated in this publication would be classified by many as Amillennial. The timeline below represents the Amillennial view. Realized Eschatology: Realized Eschatology, also called Preterism, is a variant of Christian eschatology [eschatology means a study of end-time events]. This view holds that some or all of the biblical prophecies concerning the Last Days refer to events which happened in the first century. The two principal schools of Preterist thought are commonly called Partial Preterism and Full Preterism. Partial Preterism holds that some prophecies such as the Olivet Discourse, the Antichrist, the Great Tribulation, and the Day of the Lord as a "judgment-coming" of Christ were fulfilled in AD 70 when Titus sacked Jerusalem and destroyed the Jewish Temple. It identifies "Babylon the Great" (Rev ) with ancient Rome or Jerusalem. Partial Preterism holds that Christ will come again and end the world in a manner similar to the Amillennial position. Full Preterism differs from Partial Preterism in that Full Preterists believe all prophecy was fulfilled with the 70 AD destruction of Jerusalem, including the resurrection of the dead and Jesus' Second Coming. They do not believe Christ is coming any more, that the dead bodies will be raised or the earth destroyed; in other words, they do not believe in an end of time in the CallToRestoration.com

3 traditional sense of the concept. Full Preterism is also known as Consistent Preterism, Covenant Eschatology, Hyper-Preterism (a somewhat derogatory term), and Pantelism. For more on this doctrine see Realized Eschatology Explained and Examined later in this publication. Postmillennialism: The Postmillennialist believes that the millennium is an era (not a literal thousand years) during which Christ will reign over the earth, not from a literal and earthly throne, but through the gradual increase of the Gospel and its power to change lives. After this gradual Christianization of the world, Christ will return and immediately usher the church into their eternal state after judging the wicked. This is called Postmillennialism because, by its view, Christ will return after the millennium. The timeline below represents the Postmillennial view. be loosed to deceive the nations, gather an army of the deceived, and take up to battle against the Lord. This battle will end in both the judgment of the wicked and Satan and the entrance into the eternal state of glory by the righteous. This view is called premillennialism because it places the return of Christ before the millennium. For examination of this view see Premillennial Doctrine Explained and Examined, The Rapture Doctrine Explained and Examined and Christ Rules Now on His Throne later in this publication. This timeline represents Dispensational Premillennial belief. Premillennialism: This view holds that Christ will come before a seven-year tribulation to take His church (living and dead) into heaven at the rapture. After this period Christ will return to rule from a holy city (i.e., the New Jerusalem) over the earthly nations for one thousand years. After these thousand years, Satan, who was bound up during Christ's earthly reign, will Many have advocated this doctrine. One of the first widely-popular efforts was titled, The Late Great Planet Earth, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1970) written by Hal Lindsey, a graduate of the School of Theology at the Dallas Theological Seminary. The thrust of Lindsey s book is two-fold. First, it espouses the premillennial theory of Christ s second coming. Second, it interprets present world political trends as signs of the imminent return of Jesus Christ. (He is still teaching this doctrine to present day, substituting in more modern events.) A more recent production, advocating the same general theory, is the fictional Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye. The popularity of this effort has enabled the originators to develop a parallel CallToRestoration.com

4 film series as well. No doubt, there is great interest in the religious world of end times events. In this issue of Call to Restoration we will consider this form of millennialism as well as other beliefs and truths regarding the end of time. We all do well to know what the Bible teaches and to be prepared for that great and final day. Beliefs Regarding End Time Events Premillennial Doctrine Explained and Examined Clint Goodman As noted in the introductory article, there are variations of Premillennial teaching. Different groups may have slight variations pertaining to the order of things such as the rapture, tribulation, battle of Armageddon, etc. Whatever the case may be, teachings of this sort are not in harmony with God s word. Consider just a few areas where Premillennial ideas contradict God s word. Rev. 20:1-6 One of the fundamental texts used in advocating this doctrine is Rev. 20:1-6: And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. 4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. Of course premillennialists see this passage as laying down a series of events similar to those outlined in the introductory article. They see a resurrection of righteous only, followed by Christ s thousand year kingdom on earth. Then they see a brief rebellion at the end of the millennium followed by the wicked being raised and judged, all leading up to the end of time. However, Rev. 20:1-6 says nothing about Christ reigning on earth. In fact, it doesn t even speaking of Christ reigning for a thousand years. *The text speaks of saints reigning with Christ for a thousand years, not Christ reigning for a thousand years.] Christ s reign is eternal. Lk. 1:33 says, of his kingdom there shall be no end. II Pet. 1:11 speaks of the everlasting kingdom of Christ. With such clear language how can we take a highly symbolic passage such as Rev. 20:1-6 and force an interpretation on it that results in Christ s kingdom only lasting a thousand years then ending? Whatever Rev. 20 describes, it says nothing of Christ coming to earth and reigning for a thousand years. The Scope of Revelation CallToRestoration.com

5 One of the main contributing factors to the development of premillennial doctrine has been man s failure to correctly divide the Word of God, (II Tim. 2:15) especially Revelation. Many wish to apply the events in Revelation to a yet-future time. Consider these problems with the premillennial view of Rev. 20:1-6. In the opening verse of this book John makes it very clear what God s purpose was in inspiring him to pen this book: Rev. 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: First, notice that the events recorded in Revelation were to shortly come to pass - an expression that occurs near the beginning as well as near the end of the book. While Rev. 1:1-3 says these things must shortly come to pass and that the time is at hand, Rev. 22:6, 10 the Bible says, shortly be done and again, the time is at hand. Shortly meant quickly, at once, without delay, soon, and in a short time. At hand carries a similar idea. Surely these words should be applied to times closer to John s writing and not the 21 st century. Two or three thousand years would be too late for the suffering Christians of Asia Minor to whom Revelation was written. The prophetic scope of Revelation does not reach multiple hundreds or even thousands of years future to John. The prophecies pertained to things shortly to be done. Revelation was written to a specific audience - the seven churches situated in Asia Minor (Rev 1:4). All seven are even named in Rev 1:11. If this book was addressed to these first century Christians, it was their plight that was under consideration; premillennialists are incorrect in declaring that this book is devoted to end time predictions. Second, this opening verse shows Revelation employs symbolism in its message. Consider the use of the term signified : And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John (Rev 1:1). Vincent said signified is appropriate to the symbolic character of the book. 1 Revelation reveals God s message through signs or symbols. This shows the message given to John in these dreams and visions of Revelation are symbolic and not to be interpreted literally. For more on prophecy interpretation, see the article, Prophecy Interpretation, later in this publication. The points noted here are sufficient to show Rev. 20:1-6 does not teach the premillennial idea of end time events. Events at the Second Coming The Bible teaches specific things regarding the second coming of Christ. The wicked and righteous will be raised and judged all at this one occasion. Note the contrast: Premillennialism has several comings of Christ, several resurrections and several judgments, with variations in specific points of view. According to this doctrine There are at least three literal comings of Christ, according to premillennialism. They have His first coming at His earthly ministry; they have the first phase of His second coming at the Rapture; they have the second phase of His second coming, a third coming, at the beginning of the Millennium. There are at least three literal resurrections. They have one at 1 Vincent s Word Studies on Rev. 1: CallToRestoration.com

6 the Rapture of New Testament saints, one at the Millennium of Tribulation saints and Old Testament saints, and a third one of the wicked after the Millennium. There are at least three judgments. They have the saints judged faithful at the Rapture, tribulation and Old Testament saints judged faithful at the Millennium and the final judgment after Satan s little season Rebellion. 2 Observe these on the chart below. These facts pose serious problems for premillennialism. Heb. 9:27-28 says, And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. This passage indicates that when Christ comes again He will bring salvation and judgment. This will be His second and final coming! Mt. 25:31-33 says, When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one 2 See Charting the End Times by Tim LaHaye and Thomas Ice for charts representing these views. from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Observe here all nations will be gathered and present at His second coming, an occasion of judgment. The Bible talks about other events on this final day. Jn. 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. Here we read that the saved will be resurrected at the last day. Another passage talks to us about what will happen on that day. Jn. 12:48 says, He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. So not only will the righteous be raised on the last day; the wicked will be judged on the last day. The idea of separate judgments of the righteous and wicked is simply not correct. Acts 17:31 says, Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. Mt. 25:31-46 clearly describes a judgment scene including both good and evil. And as stated above, this all happens on the last day [Jn. 12:48], the same day when the righteous will be raised [Jn. 6:44], all at the second coming of Christ. The series of events in the premillennial theory represented in the chart above contradicts all these scriptures. Universe Destroyed So far we see salvation will come at the second coming of Christ, when all nations are raised up, gathered, and judged. The Bible also teaches the earth will be destroyed at His coming. I Thes. 4:13-18 describes Christ s second coming. I Thes. 5:1-2 refers to this occasion as the day of the Lord. II Pet. 3:10 says, But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in CallToRestoration.com

7 the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. So Christ s second coming will be on the day of the Lord, and the universe will be destroyed on the day of the Lord. Clearly all these events happening at the end of time, on the last day, do not harmonize with what premillennialists teach. They have the rapture on the day of the Lord, followed by 7 years tribulation, a thousand year reign and more. How can all that happen when the universe is going to be destroyed on the day of the Lord?! Millennial, Earthly Kingdom Premillennial doctrine has Christ s kingdom being yet future, to be established during the millennium. The Bible teaches that the kingdom is currently in existence. Also, the Bible teaches Christ s kingdom is not earthly in nature. Consider the follow. In Col. 1:13 Paul said, Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: Paul said he d been placed into Christ s kingdom. How could he be placed in that kingdom if it didn t exist yet? John was also in the kingdom: Rev. 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. This kingdom was and is not a physical, earthly kingdom established with physical war [such as the so-called Battle of Armageddon], as premillennialism teaches. In Jn. 18:36 Jesus said, Jesus answered, my kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. The Lord is very clear His kingdom is nothing like what Premillennial doctrine teaches. It is not a worldly kingdom. It is not established with carnal combat. For more on Christ s reign, see the article, Christ Rules Now on His Throne later in this publication. Kingdom Postponed? If premillennial doctrine is true, then the kingdom was not established near the time of Jesus and John the Baptist. But there is no doubt that during the ministries of John and Christ they taught the kingdom would soon be established. In Mt. 3:2 John said, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Jesus echoed this message in Mt. 4:17. In Mk. 9:1 Jesus made it even more clear, saying, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power. If the kingdom was expected in the first century as Jesus and John said, why should we still be waiting for it in the 21 st century? One approach toward explaining this is as follows: It is held that the Old Testament prophets predicted the re-establishment of David s kingdom and that Christ himself intended to bring this about. It is alleged however, that because the Jews refused his person and work he postponed the establishment of his kingdom until the time of his return. Meanwhile, it is argued, the Lord gathered together the church as a kind of interim measure 3. [Underline added] In other words, the rejection of Christ [and subsequent failure to set up His kingdom] came as a surprise, and was 3 (Ernest F. Kevan, Wycliffe Dictionary of Theology, E.F. Harrison, G.W. Bromiley, C.F. Henry, Eds., Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1999, p. 352) CallToRestoration.com

8 temporarily dealt with by the establishment of the church. In examination of this concept, consider the following scriptures. In Lk. 24:25-26 Jesus said, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? Jesus indicated the prophets had foretold all along that Christ would suffer first [be rejected by His people] then be glorified [crowned king]. I Pet. 1:11 characterized the prophetic message saying, Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. The death of Christ was not a surprise, it was expected! Of course the prophets foretold His death. In Isa. 53:1-3 Isaiah foretold of Christ being despised and rejected of men. Acts 2:23 said He was delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God. Acts 13:26-33 says the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. The rejection of Christ was no surprise. Christ being rejected didn t delay the kingdom, it was necessary to establish it. [For more on this point see Christ Rules Now on His Throne later in this publication.] Abrahamic Promise Premillennial doctrine also holds that their view of millennial events is needed to fulfill the Abrahamic promise. They argue the land promise to Abraham in Gen. 12:1-3 was promised for ever (Gen. 13:15) and therefore will be restored to the Jews during the millennium: For centuries the Jews have been scattered among many nations. In preparation for the return of Christ and the beginning of the millennium, they are being gathered back to their own land, according to prophecy, in a national restoration. David s throne will be re-established at Jerusalem, and through these restored people as a nucleus Christ will reign with his immortal saints over the whole world 4. A study of God s word reveals the Abrahamic promises are already fulfilled. There is nothing left to be fulfilled in a millennial reign. There were three basic elements to the Abrahamic promise: the seed promise [Gen. 12:3, Gen. 22:18], the national promise [Gen. 12:2] and the land promise [Gen. 12:1, Gen. 15:7]. We will see all of these have been fulfilled. SEED: Gal. 3:16 says, Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. The seed promise is fulfilled and fully realized in Christ. Christ s sin sacrifice being offered for the sins of the world is the blessing to all nations God promised to Abraham. See also Gal. 3:8 and Acts 3: NATION: Deut. 26:5 says, And thou shalt speak and say before the LORD thy God, A Syrian ready to perish was my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous: I Kings 3:8 says, And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Israel became that great nation promised to Abraham. But the national promise reached beyond physical Israel. In Gen. 17:4 God promised Abraham would become a father of many nations. This is about 4 (James A. Nichols, Jr., Christian Doctrine A Presentation of Biblical Theology, Nutley, NJ: Craig, p. 279) CallToRestoration.com

9 more than Israel. Rom. 4:11-18 speaks of Abraham and those who follow in the steps of his faith. Paul cited Gen. 17:4, showing Abraham is the father of many nations in that people of all nations have come to Christ. Gal. 3:29 says, And if ye be Christ s, then are ye Abraham s seed, and heirs according to the promise. The national promise was fulfilled in Israel but is more fully realized in all those who come to Christ as heirs of the Abrahamic promise. LAND: Josh. 21:43-45 says, And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein. 44 And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. 45 There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass. The record is clear that God fulfilled the land promise made to Abraham. There is nothing left to be fulfilled in the Abrahamic promise that requires a future millennial kingdom involving Israel and the Promised Land. Conclusion: Whatever form of Premillennialism we examine we find that its teachings simply cannot be harmonized with what God s word clearly teaches. God s word teaches Christ reigns now and will reign eternally. God s word teaches there is one resurrection of both good and evil. Continue reading the following articles for more detailed treatment of these and other issues. Know what God s word says regarding end time events and be ready for when Christ comes again! Beliefs Regarding End Time Events The Rapture Doctrine Explained and Examined Trevor Teel As long as the Lord s Supper exists it will not only be a memorial of the sacrifice of the Lamb of God for a rebellious creation, it also implies His resurrection and His coming again. I Cor. 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. As the disciples of Christ were informed at Christ s ascension, this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven (Acts 1:11). Make no mistake--jesus is coming back to claim His own; but while Christians expect and anticipate His return, many have differing views as to the nature and purpose of His return. While we cannot ascertain when Christ will return for no man knows, not even the angels (Mk. 13:32, Mk 13:32, Mt 24:36), we can examine multiple passages recorded in the Bible that shed some light on what will happen when He does return. Some believe the Christ s coming will involve the so-called rapture, a resurrection of saints only. As we begin our examination of this doctrine, let s not forget the Christian obligation to earnestly contend for the faith (Jude 3), be ready always to give an answer to any man that asketh of the hope that is in us (I Pet. 3:15), and to prove all things and hold fast that which is good. (I Thes. 5:21). It is important to note that Premillennialists are unable to even agree when the rapture is going to take place. Some Premillennialists say the rapture is Christ s second coming. Others say the rapture is a separate event and the CallToRestoration.com

10 second coming is at the end of a 7-year tribulation. Others say the second coming embraces two phases: the rapture and Christ s return to set up His kingdom seven years later. During the course of this article we will expose this doctrine to be in opposition to the Word of God and those holding to it to be in error (no matter which timeline one subscribes to). Passages premillenialists bring forth in an attempt to biblically prove this doctrine will be listed and explained below. As we examine these verses, keep in mind that the word rapture never appears in the Bible; perhaps after considering what God s Word says about Christ s return, we can decide whether or not the rapture doctrine is found within the pages of God s Word, or if it belongs among the doctrines and commandments of men (Mt 15:8-9). I Thes. 4:13-17 At the Rapture it is claimed that Jesus will come for the church only, while at the Revelation, Jesus will return with the church, and put an end to the Tribulation and Armageddon. One passage used to support the idea is I Thes. 4:13-17: But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 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. 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: 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. First, note this passage never mentions rapture, never mentions seven years tribulation, never mentions two comings of the Lord, never mentions an earthly reign. Next, notice that this passage was not actually given to deal with the return of Christ. Its purpose was twofold. This passage was designed to reassure Christians that their deceased loved ones would be able to share in the Lord s return and to inform Christians that those who are still living when Christ returns will have no precedence or advantage over those who have already died. In order to demonstrate this, Paul gives the order of events at the end: 1. The Lord shall descend from Heaven 2. The dead in Christ shall rise 3. Living Christians along with the resurrected Christians will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air 4. Those reunited Christians shall remain with Christ forever (v ) The key to this passage as it relates to the rapture doctrine is to understand the phrase, the dead in Christ shall rise first. Many who hold to the rapture doctrine believe that this phrase implies more than one resurrection. Paul, indeed, says the dead in Christ shall rise first. But what happens second? Not a second resurrection but rather the taking up of Christians. The only events Paul compares in time are: 1. Dead Christians being raised 2. Living Christians being caught up with them to be with Christ CallToRestoration.com

11 The resurrection of non-christians as being second in a series of events is not even mentioned here! Other passages that we will address tell us that they are raised at the same time Christians are raised. This passage simply teaches that dead Christians will be raised first, and second, those raised, along with those Christians still alive, will rise in the air to be with Jesus. I Cor. 15:50-53 The next passage we will examine that proponents of the rapture doctrine use to justify their position is I Cor. 15:50-53 which says: Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 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. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. Again we must note that this passage never mentions the rapture, says nothing about seven years, doesn t suggest two comings of the Lord, and never mentions an earthly reign of Christ. It simply says that at the last trump both those who are dead and those who are still alive will both be transformed into incorruptible bodies. Paul s point here is that since no one could go to heaven in their corruptible physical body, both the dead who will be raised and those still living will be transformed into an incorruptible body, suitable for an eternal home. This passage is similar to I Thes. 4; Paul is simply quieting fears by conveying the message that when Christ returns Christians will undergo this transformation regardless of whether they are dead or alive. Also observe when this resurrection and transformation will take place- at the last trumpet. Proponents of the rapture doctrine, however, say that it will happen a thousand and seven years before the last trumpet because the seven year tribulation and the thousand year reign must follow! I Cor. 15:20-28 I Cor. 15:20-28 is another passage rapture advocates believe provides legitimacy to this doctrine; this passage also happens to be the clearest passage in the Bible on the order of events when Christ returns. An understanding of this passage is essential in correctly discerning what will take place when Christ comes back. I Cor. 15:20-28 says, But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 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. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all CallToRestoration.com

12 At this present time Jesus Christ is ruling with a delegated authority, an authority that was given to Him (Mt. 28:18, Jn. 13:3). This is not to be the eternal arrangement. He will rule eternally, but the power He is presently exercising is mediatorial power, due to His work as Redeemer and Mediator (see Phil. 2:5, etc.). When the end comes He will deliver up the Kingdom to the Father (I Cor 15:24). What is the end? It s when Christ has put down all His enemies (I Cor 15:25). When does this occur? During the time of the resurrection (v ) when the last enemy (death) is destroyed. When is the last enemy destroyed? As this passage clearly states, at the resurrection! And who is raised at this resurrection? They that are Christ s at His coming (v. 23). This is when the dead saints are resurrected and the living are transformed (v. 51). At this time death is said to be defeated (v. 54). Notice what God s Word teaches: 1. Christ reigns until death is defeated. 2. Death is defeated at the resurrection of the saints. 3. Therefore Christ reigns until the saints are resurrected. 4. The saint s are resurrected at Christ s coming. 5. Christ reigns until the saints are resurrected. 6. Therefore Christ reigns until His coming. Consider the sequence of events: 1. Christ Himself was first raised from the dead as God s evidence to us that we also shall be raised 2. Christ returns 3. Those that belong to Christ shall be raised 4. Christ delivers the Kingdom to God Notice that there is no place in this sequence for a rapture or thousand-year reign; that when Christ returns He will deliver His reign up to God, not begin a reign on earth; and that when He raises the dead, Christ conquers His last enemy (death) and, therefore, delivers His reign to God. One Taken, Others Left In Mt. 24:31 Jesus talked about the elect being gathered. 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. To premillennialists, this is the rapture of saints only before the supposed great tribulation. In Mt. 24:40-41 Jesus talked about some being taken and others left. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. To premillennialists this speaks of saints being taken at the rapture and sinners being left behind. There are serious problems with this view. Consider the order of events. Mt. 24:29-31 says the tribulation will come then the gathering of the elect. Whatever that gathering of the elect is, it will follow the tribulation. The premillennial view generally has the gathering of the elect before or during the tribulation, not after. [Only a few put it after and they have to turn the saints around after the rapture and bring them right back for the so-called millennial reign.] For most who have this pre-tribulation view of the rapture, Mt. 24 poses serious difficulty because it has a different order of events than what they teach. Also, observe the events of Mt. 24:29-31 are not secret. Mt. 24:29-31 says every tribe of earth will see His coming. The premillennial theory holds this event [rapture] will be a secret. If this context speaks of a rapture, it won t be a secret rapture as premillennialists believe. *more on the secret rapture below] CallToRestoration.com

13 Another serious problem this passage poses for premillennialists is the ones taken in Mt. 24:40-41 aren t even the righteous. Look closely at Mt. 24: The wicked are the ones of whom it was said the flood took them all away. They in Christ s comparison to the flood are the wicked who were taken unawares. This is a taking away of the wicked, not the righteous! The premillennial theory doesn t find here what it needs; they have the wrong ones resurrected at the wrong time! Rev. 20:5-6 Rev. 20:5-6 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. Rev. 20:5-6 speaks of there being those who have part in the first resurrection and those who have part in that reigning with Christ. To premillennialists this is those who are raptured coming back to earth for the so-called millennial reign of Christ. Observe the timing of these events is not what premillennialists need to support their theory. The passage has the first resurrection at the end of the thousand years. Every variation of premillennialism has the rapture before the so-called millennial reign of Christ. One of the favorite passages for rapture proponents has an order of events completely opposite what premillennialism teaches! [See comments about the scope of Revelation in Premillennial Doctrine Explained and Examined and Prophecy Interpretation.] A Secret Return? Premillennialists claim that the Rapture will be secretive. We are told that families will be shocked by the strange disappearance of a mother, father, or child. Driverless cars will collide in the streets (thus the bumper sticker: In case of rapture, this vehicle will be unmanned ). A man and wife will be in bed; she hears a noise, turns her head, and finds him gone. Planes will crash with no pilots found. These sensational and dramatic examples illustrate the view that the Rapture will be an invisible coming of the Lord for His saints, leaving visible results of chaos and confusion among the remaining unbelievers. The Word of God tells us that the Second Coming of Christ will not be secret, as the Rapture advocates affirm. In fact, just the opposite is true. Christ s coming will be accompanied by blazing fire (II Thes. 1:7), the sound of a trumpet (I Cor. 15:52), a shout, the voice of the archangel, and the trump of God (I Thes. 4:16). Rev 1:7 tells us that every eye will see Him. These passages reveal that all persons everywhere will see and hear this event. In fact, the very passage upon which the doctrine of the Rapture is founded (I Thes. 4:16-which we examined earlier) is one of the loudest passages in the Bible! Do these verses depict the return of our Lord as a quiet and secretive event? The belief that Jesus will return in a secret manner is in direct opposition to the description provided to us by God in His Word. Day of The Lord = 1007 Years? CallToRestoration.com

14 In II Pet. 3:10 the Apostle Peter makes Christ s plans for the earth when he returns very clear. II Pet. 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Premillennialists and proponents of the rapture doctrine must stretch the day of the Lord to cover 1007 years! Premillennialists can t have the earth burned up at the second coming because they need it for another 1007 years! II Pet. 3 speaks of a coming of the Lord; but the premillennial timeline has the Lord already on the earth! So the premillennialist has to get 1007 years in between the coming of the Lord to burn up the earth and its works and the actual burning up of the earth! How can a doctrine be right that has to get 1000 years between two resurrections which take place in one hour (Jn. 5:28-29)? When the doctrine is not taught anywhere in the Bible! Additionally, if Christians are to be removed seven years before the Revelation or Coming of Christ, then no passage should speak of Christians remaining on Earth until the Revelation. However, many passages do just that. In Titus 2:13, Paul referred to the blessed hope and the appearing as one and the same event Christ s coming. Other examples would be I Pet. 1:13 and 4:13, where the grace on which the Christian is to set his hope is to be received at the revelation of Christ, at which time the Christian may rejoice. But, according to rapture doctrine, the Christian should rejoice seven years earlier at the rapture. In Mt. 13:39-40, there is no removal of the saints before the full end. The righteous and the wicked grow together until the very end. The separation of the two comes at the end (not seven years before the end). The dispensationalist claims that the righteous will be taken out from among the wicked. But the Bible says just the opposite: the wicked will be taken out from among the righteous (Mt. 13:39-40). Multiple Resurrections? The question of whether the righteous and unrighteous will be raised together is critically important in determining the source of this doctrine (God or man). If the righteous and unrighteous will all be resurrected on the same day, the rapture doctrine falls apart. We will briefly consider what the Bible says about the resurrection of mankind and consider how this event will occur? For a more detailed explanation of what will happen on Judgment Day see the article, What Will Happen, later in this publication. Jn. 5:28-29 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 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. In this passage the one who is to return, Christ, speaks of the resurrection of both the good and the evil, and says that they will be in the same hour - the same moment in time! Acts 24:15 says, And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and CallToRestoration.com

15 unjust. Here Paul tells Felix that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust. If the resurrection of the just and the unjust were separated by over a thousand years, surely Paul would speak of resurrections in the plural, yet writing under the inspiration of God, Paul selects the singular form. See also other references that confirm that there will be one resurrection (Acts 4:3, Acts 17:18, Acts 24:21, Acts 26:8). Perhaps the strongest evidence, that the Christian dead will not be raised a thousand and seven years before the end of time is that Jesus declares, not once but three times, that His followers, the righteous, will be raised on the last day : Jn. 6:40, 44, 54 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 44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day 54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. When is the last day? This expression has reference, of course, to the final moment at the end of time, when, as I Cor 15:23-26 says, Christ returns to raise the dead and deliver His Kingdom to God. If the Christian dead are raised on the last day, there is no time for later resurrections of others. In this connection it is especially important to note that Jesus says in Jn. 12:48 that those who reject His teaching will be judged on the last day. Jesus, then, puts both the judgment of the wicked and the resurrection of the righteous on the last day! Consider a summary of the things we ve learned regarding the rapture doctrine. 1. The word rapture is never used anywhere in the Bible. 2. The passages given as primary support for the rapture do not at all describe the events of the so-called rapture. 3. The most specific passage in the Bible on the order of events at Christ s return is I Cor 15:22-26 and it does not mention a rapture or a thousand year reign. Rather, it says that when Christ returns He shall raise the dead and deliver to God, not begin, His Kingdom. 4. Multiple passages in the Bible teach that there will be only one resurrection the same time as the final judgment. When one is willing to simply let the Bible present its own portrait of the end of time and the Second Coming of Christ, the premillennial viewpoint of a postulated rapture cannot be considered as that which is good (I Thes. 5:21). Beliefs Regarding End Time Events Christ Rules Now On His Throne David Earl Minson A definitive point of premillennial theology is the idea that Christ s second coming will precede His reign on an early throne over a physical millennial kingdom. The very term, premillennialism means that Christ s second coming will be before (pre) His millennial [1000-year] reign. Summary CallToRestoration.com

16 All premillennialists make a distinction between God s throne and David s throne. Some premillennialists will concede that Christ reigns now [on God s throne+ over the church as His spiritual kingdom; but they insist Christ does not yet reign on His own throne over His kingdom. They claim that Christ will rule on David s throne *which is also Christ s throne+ during the so-called millennial kingdom. Others deny altogether that Christ reigns now over any kingdom. Both views share in common the idea that Christ s reign on His own throne is yet to come; and that reign will be over a physical, millennial kingdom. Two Thrones the Same First, we can demonstrate that God s throne and David s throne are one and the same. I Kings 2:12 says, Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly. Here the Bible refers to the throne on which Solomon ruled as David s throne. In I Chron. 29:23 the Bible says, Then Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him. Here the Bible refers to the throne on which Solomon ruled as God s throne. The throne on which Solomon ruled was both God s throne and David s throne. God s throne and David s are one and the same because David ruled by God s authority. [Ps. 78:70, etc] So when Jesus said in Rev. 3:21, " I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." He was claiming to presently rule on the same throne *God s+ that I Kings 2:12 referred to as David s throne. The Davidic Promise Second, we can demonstrate the Bible teaches Jesus is reigning now on David s throne. In Lk. 1:31-32 the Bible says, And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: With these words we have the promise Christ would rule on David s throne. As noted above, premillennialists deny Jesus presently rules on His/David s throne. According to that theory Christ will rule on David s throne *literal chair on which David sat] in Jerusalem over a carnal kingdom of Israel for a period of 1000 years after His second coming. Is this consistent with what the Bible teaches? To understand the answer to these questions we need to start with the original promise Christ would rule on David s throne. We find this promise made to David [the Davidic promise or covenant] in II Sam. 7: And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: 15 But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. 16 And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever. Nathan the prophet promised David that God would raise up Christ to rule on David s throne. Consider the specific elements of this promise. The establishment of Christ on David s throne would be realized when David was dead. Christ would be a physical descendant of David. Christ would establish His kingdom, reigning on David s throne forever. Christ would be God s Son. Sin would be punished in Christ. The promise is secured with a pledge of sure mercy. We will see all these expectations realized in Christ CallToRestoration.com

17 Davidic Promise Fulfilled First, the Apostle Peter preached about these first three elements of the promise in Acts 2: Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 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. Peter broke down three key elements of this prophecy. He said David was dead, Christ was of David s seed *Rom. 1:3, etc] and Christ was raised to sit on His throne. No doubt Peter is deliberately calling to mind the prophecy of II Sam. 7: Observe that Peter clearly said this Davidic promise spoke of Christ s resurrection. According to Peter s inspired explanation, this promise was fulfilled at Christ s resurrection. Therefore, Christ is already ruling on David s throne and has been since the resurrection! Furthermore, recall the Davidic promise was to be fulfilled while David was dead. In the diagram below you will observe that premillennialists believe Old Testament saints [including David] will be raised at the end of the tribulation, prior to the fulfillment of the prophecy that Christ would rule on David s throne. According to that theory, David would be resurrected and alive at the time Christ fulfills the Davidic promise and begins ruling on David s throne. But the prophecy says it would be fulfilled when David was dead! Such contradiction with scripture exposes the premillennial concept of Christ s kingdom is false. Second, the prophecy said Christ would be the Son of God. Of course many passages show Christ is God s son. Heb. 1:5 quotes II Sam. 7:14 as evidence Christ is God s Son. Third, the prophecy said sin would be punished in Christ. Of course we understand Christ took our sins to the cross and bore our guilt. II Cor. 5:21 teaches that Christ became our sin on the cross. Isa. 53:4-6 and I Pet. 3:18 join the chorus of passages showing Christ has fulfilled this expectation, taking our sins upon Himself and bearing our guilt. Fourth, the promise was secured with a pledge of sure mercy. Later in scripture the promise came to be known as the sure mercies of David. Ps. 89:28, takes up the Davidic promise and speaks of this pledge of sure mercy. Isa. 55:3-5 speaks of this, connection the sure mercies of David to Christ s rule. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. 4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. 5 Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. God repeated the Davidic covenant, calling it the sure mercies of David. He reminds us the covenant involved a promise that Christ would be a leader [king] to the people. He added that Gentiles [the nations that did not know God at that time] would run to Christ and be part of His kingdom CallToRestoration.com