by Jack Kelley

"Those who teach the Church’s presence on Earth during any part of Daniel’s70th Week have to re-define grace, re-invent the church and re-interpret the Scriptures to support their position.

Recently I was challenged to make a list of all the passages in the Bible that hint of a pre-trib rapture.

As you may know I believe Paul was the first person on Earth to present a clear pre-trib teaching, about 20 years after the cross.

Before that time it was unknown because Jesus didn’t teach it to His other disciples during their time together. And since the Olivet Discourse is directed at Israel, there’s no mention of it there either, even though the end times is in view. Israel will not participate in the rapture.

Before we begin, in 1 Cor. 2:6-8 Paul explained why God’s plans for the church had been kept secret until after the crucifixion.

He said that if the rulers of this age (Satan & Co.) had understood all that God intended for us they would not have crucified the Lord.

Not that they could have stopped it, of course. But had they known God was going to use the murder of His Son to save us all, they wouldn’t have gone ahead with it, and in fact would have tried to prevent it.

It wasn’t until He was on the cross that they discovered the Lord’s death was going to become payment in full for all our sins, so instead of it being cause for a great celebration it totally disarmed them and made them into a public spectacle (Colossians 2:13-15).

Then, 20 years later, they learned about the rapture. These were both things that God had planned from the beginning, but a good general keeps his strategy a secret in order to take his enemy by surprise, so God didn’t let Satan (or anyone else) know about these things until it was too late for him to react.

Even now, Satan doesn’t know when the rapture is coming. All he knows is what we know, that each new believer could be the last one, the one that takes us all out of here and beyond his reach forever.

I’m convinced that God’s plan requires the Church to disappear before Daniel’s 70th week begins. Remember, the Lord set aside 70 weeks (490 years) for Israel to accomplish 6 things. (Daniel 9:24) At the end of 69 weeks (483 years) Jesus was crucified, the clock suddenly stopped, and Israel disappeared along with its Temple and Old Covenant worship. Daniel’s prophecy was left incomplete and from that time on, God’s focus was on the church.

The reappearance of Israel in 1948, the promised rebuilding of a Temple, and resumption of Levitical sacrifice during the 70th week make it clear that the Church didn’t end the dispensation of Law but only interrupted it seven years short of its intended duration.

We would all agree that if the introduction of a dam into a stream of water interrupts its flow, then it’s reasonable and logical to conclude that removal of the dam will be necessary for the flow to resume.

Therefore if the introduction of the Church after the 69th week of Daniels prophecy caused the interruption in its fulfillment, it’s reasonable and logical to conclude that the Church will have to be removed before the final seven years of the dispensation of Law can run their course and Daniel’s prophecy can be fulfilled.

Of course there are other sound reasons why the church has to disappear before the End Times begin in earnest. Not having a destiny on Earth, our presence here would serve no purpose during the time of Earth’s liberation from bondage (Romans 8:19-21).

Not being subject to judgment the Church has no unfinished business with God that could be concluded during the End Times. Unlike Israel we don’t need to be made righteous because we’re already as righteous as God is (2 cor. 5:21).

Jeremiah 30:11 says the End time judgments will serve a two fold purpose, to completely destroy all the nations among which Israel has been scattered and to discipline Israel. Since God does not consider the Church to belong to either group our presence on Earth during that time would be irrelevant.

But the most important reason, as we’ll see, is that God said we won’t be here.

With that introduction, let’s look at some of the clearest hints God placed in the Scriptures to show He has always planned for a pre-tribulation rapture of the church.

Naturally, we’ll begin in the Old Testament.

Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took Him away. (Genesis 5:24)

In Matt. 24:37, Jesus said that the time of His coming would be like the days of Noah. He went onto explain that just as all the unbelievers perished in the flood, all unbelievers would perish at the time of His 2nd coming as well.

Those who survive the devastation of the Great Tribulation will immediately face judgment and be taken off the planet. The parables of the servant, the ten virgins, and the talents explain this, as does the account of the Sheep and Goat judgment. (Matt. 24:45-25:46)

But if you give the Lord’s statement its widest possible application, you can see that as the time of the Great Flood drew near there were 3 kinds of people on Earth. There were the unbelievers who perished in the flood, Noah and his family who were preserved through it, and Enoch, who was taken by the Lord well before it.

Just so, as the End of the Age draws near there will still be three kinds of people on Earth. They are the unbelievers of our time who will perish in the End Times judgments, modern Israel who will be preserved through them, and the Church who will be taken by God well before they begin.

There are some interesting similarities between Enoch and the Church. For starters, the name Enoch comes from a root which means to train or teach. To the church Jesus said, “Go and make disciples (students) of all men.” (Matt. 28:19)

And according to Hebrew tradition, Enoch was born on the day that would become Pentecost. It’s the same day the Church was born. I believe Enoch was an early type of the Church and his disappearance before the flood gave the first hint of a pre-tribulation rapture.

But flee there quickly, because I can not do anything until you reach it. (Genesis 19:23)

Abraham had struck a bargain with the Lord that if even 10 righteous people could be found in Sodom and Gomorrah He would spare the cities. The fact that the cities were destroyed indicates 10 righteous people could not be found there.

But there was one, and though He wasn’t bound to do it, the Lord instructed the angels to get Lot out of town before commencing their judgment. Peter referred to Lot’s rescue from Sodom as evidence that the Lord does not judge the righteous with the wicked (2 Peter 2:7-9)

Lot therefore becomes a model of the Church, who with a righteousness imputed by faith, has to be removed from the time and place of judgment before it begins.

Daniel 3 contains one of the most popular children’s stories of the Old Testament. Many don’t realize that it’s also one of the clearest models of the End Times anywhere in the Bible.

King Nebuchadnezzar represents the anti-Christ who decrees that anyone who refuses to bow down and worship the statue he has made will be put to death in the fiery furnace, which represents Great Tribulation.

Daniel’s three friends, representing Israel, refuse to worship the image and are thrown into the furnace to die. While in there they encounter the Lord, are preserved through the judgment, and are elevated to positions of honor in Babylon.

But where was Daniel? He was a prominent figure both before and after chapter 3. But in this episode his name was not even mentioned.

Did he worship the statue to escape judgment? If you think that, you don’t know Daniel. Did he refuse to bow down but was not accused? If you think that, you don’t know his enemies. After all they rounded up his three closest friends.

For the purposes of this story it’s as if he has disappeared altogether. In chapter 3, Daniel was a model of the Church, who during the End times judgments will have disappeared altogether, while Israel will be preserved through them, meet the Lord in the midst of them, and be elevated to positions of honor in the Kingdom Age.

Isaiah Said It Best

But your dead will live; their bodies will rise. You who dwell in the dust, wake up and shout for joy. Your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead.

Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by.

See, the LORD is coming out of his dwelling to punish the people of the earth for their sins. The earth will disclose the blood shed upon her; she will conceal her slain no longer. (Isaiah 26:19-21)

Without a doubt this is the clearest statement of the Lord’s intentions for the Church anywhere in the Old Testament. It can’t be tied to any event in history, but clearly awaits a future fulfillment. And it can’t be intended for Israel, whose resurrection will come after the time of God’s wrath, not before it. (Daniel 12:1-2)

Some day soon a group of people will suddenly rise from the dead. Another group, still living, will be whisked away to rooms prepared for them to be hidden from the time of God’s wrath. Then the Lord will punish the people of the Earth for their sins.

The fact that the groups being resurrected and hidden are not objects of his wrath is indicated by the switch from second person (resurrected and hidden) to third person (punished). Notice how similar the wording is to 1 Thes 4:16-17 & 5:9, Paul’s teaching on the rapture.

But your dead will live; their bodies will rise. (The dead in Christ will rise first).

Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; (After that we who are alive and left will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air)

It’s appropriate to insert John 14:2-3 here as well to see what rooms Isaiah was talking about.

In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

This promise does not point to the 2nd Coming when the Lord will come to Earth to be with Israel here, where they are. This is a promise to the Church that He has gone to His father’s house to prepare our rooms for us. Then He will come for us to take us there, where He is.

See, the LORD is coming out of his dwelling to punish the people of the earth for their sins. (For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.)

I’m convinced this is the passage Paul had in mind when he said “According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.“ (1 Thes. 4:15).

I say this because with the exception of 1 Thes 4:16-17 there is no passage in all the Bible that so clearly describes the pre-trib rapture of the Church.

God always intended to take us to be with him before He unleashes the End Times judgments upon the unbelieving Earth.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I'd be careful using the word deception in reference to fellow Christians especially with how tribulation events will play out. I am certain our Lord has some surprises in store for us.

Remembering this is a pre-trib rapture site, um, I think it's fair, Dee to show scripture otherwise, where Jesus is dealing with the church on earth during the Tribulation. Thanks,

Donna,

You are a peach! I think that Jack Kelley has made it as simple and clear as anyone could. What he is teaching agrees with what the angel Gabriel told Pastor Roland Buck during one of his visits:

(quote) "[The Archangel] "Gabriel made this statement that although people fail to agree as to whether they go through the Great Tribulation, through half of it, or are Raptured before, or don't believe in the Great Tribulation at all, when Jesus comes, He is not going to look in people's minds to see what position they hold on this. He is just going to look in their hearts to see if He is living inside. Gabriel went on to say that it would be totally contrary to the character and nature of God for even one believer to go through even one day of the Great Tribulation time! Totally contrary." -- the Late Rev. Roland Buck, from "The Man Who Talked With Angels," pg. 107; a sequel to "Angels On Assigment" (end quote)

This is the same archangel Gabriel that delivered the news to Zechariah in the Holy Place that he and his wife Elizabeth would have a son in their old age and to name him John (John the Baptist). This is also the same Gabriel that appeared to Mary and told her that she was highly favored and the child that would be born to her would be from God and would be the Messiah. He sounds pretty credible to me, what do you think?

The clear and plainly stated Word of God in scripture and the testimony of one of the high Archangels who stands in the very presence of God is good enough for me. Thanks again Donna! You made my day today.

The scriptural evidence is overwhelming, huh T/Sue and CJ?

Seems very clear the prophetic Word says God's wrath is plainly God's anger He pours out during the tribulation on Israel and the unbelievers . . all but the church.

True Christians will be removed from the earth.

Some Christians believe God will protect them during the tribulation and pour out His wrath on the unbelievers only.

hmmmmm . . That idea or 'surprise' seems to go against Rev. 13:7, where the Antichrist is given power to make war with the saints and OVERCOME them.

That is so key to who's going and who's staying, T/Sue . . again so clear!!!

Don't know about anyone else Donna, but I don't think I am going to argue or discredit the word of a high-ranking angel that stands in the very presence of God the Father! Very credible, reliable witness wouldn't you say?

That's how powerful Roland Buck's vision is . . it matches scripture . . I'm thrilled you posted that section . . the whole vision speaks encouragement and comfort, as the Spirit would want us to embrace such assurance of our Lord's call to go HOME!!!

I tell ya, and I know you agree, T/Sue, the church is comforted to look forward to the Snatch, swept up above by our Jesus, . . not to stay here and face God's anger.

I am pretrib, but I believe there are two phases.

The point of my comment was not to disagree with people having Jack Kelley's point of view...my problem is with the use of the word DECEPTION. People use it WAY to freely when referring to fellow Christians who have a different viewpoint than them. WE ARE ONE BODY and we should act like it. I am tired of seeing the division.

We are to remain humble and teachable. Saying something is 'deceptive' is anything BUT. I don't have a problem with the Pretrib one rapture view...as everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I do have a problem with the word DECEPTION.

I'm not going to get in the fray on this though. Time is too short. I will not be calling anyone DECEIVED, however, it is the LORD who shows the Truth contained in scripture and NOT man. If I am incorrect, it isn't for lack of praying or seeking, so apparently the Lord wants me at this place in my walk with Him, believing as I do.

I am not calling you out, CJ.....I no you didn't mean it as an offense and I hope I am not offending you with my comments, but I do believe ALL Christians should be careful on what we call DECEPTION. If it doesn't pertain to the gospel of Christ, then it isn't right to alienate others with a different viewpoint by saying they are deceived. That is like the Pharisees getting on to Jesus for healing a man on the Sabbath.

I am not offended, but really find that word OVERUSED and wrong to be used amongst Bible-believing born again followers of Christ.

Scripture please, Dee on the 2 phases of the CHURCH going and some staying . . thanks, . . "For God has NOT destined US for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ" . . 1Thess 5:9

Using Jack Kelley's own words:

This is my entire point....the rapture and end time events have not all been revealed, so there may be things we DON'T know. Do you know the mind of God? Has He revealed EVERY secret to you? Of course not. So to be so dogmatic on a timing issue is foolish. Don't close your mind because you are SURE of something...continually search the scriptures and ask for the Lord's guidance.

Dear Sisters, I don't want to see anyone end up on the short end of the stick. Not myself, nor any of you. Sure, I might be wrong with my view, but I am keeping myself open to all He is willing to show me and change it as I glean more information.

Not gonna take the bait. You totally discount and/or are ignoring what I am saying.

If I truly thought you were sincere in asking for these scriptures, I'd take GREAT effort and type out what I think the Lord has shown me regarding this.

I know I am accountable to the Lord for every thought, every action and EVERY Word I type so I am not going to continue in this thread.

P.S. define Wrath. Tribulation isn't Wrath.

Wonderful message, Donna!!

Just reading today in "The Bible in the Light of our Redemption" by E.W. Kenyon. Loved this:

...Ministry of the Holy Spirit. We have seen that He came at an appointed time to fulfill a definite mission, and that when He has accomplished His ministry upon the earth He will return unto the Father as did Christ.

II Thess. 2:7 reveals that there is a time appointed for His being taken away from this world.

"For the mystery of lawlessness doth already work; only there is one that restraineth now, until he be taken out of the way." This One who is restraining the work of Satan ins the Holy Spirit, but these is a time when He shall be taken away.

There are a few facts which we want to note about His return or Ascension to the Father.

In our study of His ministry during this dispensation, we have seen that when the Holy Spirit entered the world, He became incarnated in the mystical body of Christ, His church.

Since that time, the Body of Christ has been His habitation. Ephesians 2:22, "In whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God in the Spirit."
We want to note the following fact: now, when the Holy Spirit leaves the world He will not disembody Himself, be He will leave in the (entire) Body of Christ.

This will constitute the Rapture. The church will be taken up in the Spirit to be united in glory with Christ, the Head of the Church, Himself the Savior of the Body.
The Holy Spirit has been forming the Body of Christ and He will present it to Him "a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle" (Ephesians 5:7)

Writing upon the subject, A.J. Gordon has said the following: "The translation of the church is to be effected by the Holy Spirit who dwells in her.

"But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christs from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you."

It is not by acting upon the Body of Christ from without, but by energizing it from within, that the Holy Spirit will effect its glorification.
In a word, the comforter, who on the day of Pentecost came down to form a body out of flesh, will at the Rapture, return to Heaven in the Body."

End excerpt.

Wow! So at that time, we see the Lord Jesus redeeming the deposit of the Spirit in each believer. He also goes on to say that the Rapture effects EVERY believer in the Body of Christ, both dead and alive....so true!

'Nuff said! Good article Melanie. E.W. Kenyon was a giant in the area of Bible study.

Trust me, Dee, we'll not know every secret of our Awesome Infinite God even when we are fully Redeemed and have lived with Him for eternities.

Thankfully, Holy Spirit has given us HIS WRITTEN WORD, the O.T. and the N.T. and is SUFFICIENT for us when searching out the Truth. The Bible just doesn't CONTAIN the WORD OF GOD . . IT IS THE WORD OF GOD.

"Knowing this first, that NO PROPHESY of the Scriptures is for any PRIVATE interpretation" 2 Peter 1:20

"Forever, oh LORD, thy WORD is settled in Heaven" . Psalm 119:89


ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD . .

Along with T/Sue, I ditto that, Melanie, great point!!!

The church is the Bride of Christ, Father God intends that she join her Bridegroom at the Snatch above.

Allowing Christ's bride to suffer through the tribulation is inconsistent with the specific purposes for which He has called her out from the world, why He has rescued her "from the coming wrath." 1 Thess. 1:10

One thing brought out by Perry Stone in a recent video is that if the church was still here during Daniel's 70th week, then the appearance and ministry of the 2 Witnesses would coincide as well. Knowing that....about a 1/2 million "on-fire-for-God-Christians" would descend on Jerusalem in force.

Don't think they would get much done....would they?

Seems like a minor point....but nevertheless.

Then, 20 years later, they learned about the rapture. These were both things that God had planned from the beginning, but a good general keeps his strategy a secret in order to take his enemy by surprise, so God didn’t let Satan (or anyone else) know about these things until it was too late for him to react.

Even now, Satan doesn’t know when the rapture is coming. All he knows is what we know, that each new believer could be the last one, the one that takes us all out of here and beyond his reach forever.


Hmm... makes me think that the rapture may surely NOT be on a feast day, then. Too obvious to Satan...
Maybe another reason we are commanded by our Savior to WATCH to know the times; not just wait around for the next feast day.

bump