Rapture_Doctrine

Rapture Doctrine Part II

Part II covers the exact verses the Rapture believers love to use to push this event into an actual event they expect will occur.

I say hope for the best but you need to prepare your minds for the very worst. If your expecting this then you need to know why according to scripture it won't occur. Keep in mind awaiting on a Rapture weather one happens or not doesn't make you a bad person it makes you more prepared for reality.

Link to Part I - The Rapture Doctrine

Main Article

Paul was never given any prophetic visions of the future so how would he know how many trumpets will be used and what events take place during those sounded Trumpets?

Rev 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified [it] by his angel unto his servant John:

God gives it to "Jesus" then he gives it to his Angel whom gives it directly to John and only John.

The time of the writing of Revelation is not exactly known, but it was probably most likely after Paul wrote his books.

This means any talk of Trumpets and events up to that time are not based in fact as this Revelation was passed down by the Almighty through that chain of persons to get to John and only the Apostle John.

Obviously to make sure the bible is consistent we will examine Revelation which is the only book that describes in detail the events that shall take place and what happens during the 7 Seals, 7 Trumpets, and 7 Bowls.

The only other mention of a trumpet event is from the Apostles Matthew and John who were both of the original 12 Apostles that traveled with Jesus and witnessed his resurrection. Obviously John wrote Revelation and Matthew was quoting the words of Jesus directly referring to the second coming.

First here are the Greek words I often refer to:

Harpazo

“Harpazo” Αρπαζω – (Strong's # 00726) – This is the Greek word they refer to when meaning a Rapture. The word has several meanings throughout the Greek Scriptures. It ranges from pulling, plucking, being caught up, and by force.

Trumpets

“Salpizo” Σαλπιζω – (Strong's # 04537) – “Sounding of Trumpet” Used only “2” times in the Greek Scriptures.

“Salpigx” Σαλπιγξ – (Strong's # 04536) – “Sounding of Trumpet”, Used “9” times in the Greek Scriptures. - The idea of “quavering or reverberation”

Here are all the Occurrences in the Greek Scriptures of both these Words.

Matt 6:2 Therefore when thou doest [thine] alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. - “Salpizo” Σαλπιζω – (Strong's # 4537)

Matt 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. “Salpigx” Σαλπιγξ – (Strong's # 4536)

1 Cr 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? “Salpigx” Σαλπιγξ – (Strong's # 4536)

1 Cr 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. - “Salpizo” Σαλπιζω – (Strong's # 4537) and “Salpigx” Σαλπιγξ – (Strong's # 4536)

Heb 12:19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which [voice] they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: “Salpigx” Σαλπιγξ - (Strong's # 4536)

Rev 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, - “Salpigx” Σαλπιγξ – (Strong's # 4536)

Rev 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door [was] opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter. - “Salpigx” Σαλπιγξ – (Strong's # 4536)

Rev 8:13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound! - “Salpigx” – Σαλπιγξ (Strong's # 4536)

Rev 9:14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. - “Salpigx” Σαλπιγξ – (Strong's # 4536)

1 Thess 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: - “Salpigx” Σαλπιγξ – (Strong's # 4536)

The point: This is to show you this is not a word that shows up everywhere in the Greek Scriptures. Its rarely used so only certain persons wrote about Trumpets and their function for the future events that take place.

Here are the Verses used to push the Rapture belief as written by the Apostle Paul:

1 Thess 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

1 Th 4:17 Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

1 Cr 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

This is obviously the 7th Trumpet as that is the last of the Trumpets that are sounded in Revelation. Let’s examine the verses that describe the 7th trumpet in Revelation.

Let’s see if we find anything that mentions the word “Harpazo” Αρπαζω

Trumpet 7 – 3rd Woe

Rev 11:16 The second woe is past; [and], behold, the third woe cometh quickly. (Here comes 7)

Rev 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

“the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout “ ?? -1 Th 4:16

I don’t see that in Rev 11:15. The messenger speaking is talking about Christ not as him.

Rev 11:16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,

Rev 11:17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and was, and are to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.

Rev 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou should give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and should destroy them which destroy the earth. (This is not done its just mentioned its time to as there is no action that takes place just the mentioning of a reward)

Rev 11:19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there was lightning, and voices, and thunder, and an earthquake, and great hail.

From Paul:

1 Cr 15:51 Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

1 Cr 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (This is obviously the 7th Trumpet as that is the last of the Trumpets that are sounded in Revelation)

Sorry Paul, but the Apostle John who was given this Revelation makes no note of your event “Harpazo”. This word is only used once in the entire book of Revelation and it’s in Rev 12:5.

Rev 12:5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and [to] his throne. (That’s it, no mention of the elect, or a multitude of believers, but the Child, this Child rules all the nations)

These following passages refer to those that have died before the end times. Notice there is no talk of them having escaped but rather slain for their testimony.

Lets back up to Revelation Chapter 6 and see what that says:

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

Rev 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

Rev 6:11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled.

Luke 9:24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

Not only does no “Harpazo” event take place at the end of Trumpet 7, but it clearly says their brethren will be killed as they were in chapter 6 of Revelation. So the preceding chapters are clearly saying those that are worthy will die as the others did.

Revelation 14:1-20

There are 144,000 standing with the Lamb. They didn't get there by way of escape. They were slain for their testimony.

Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Rev 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.

Back to Pauls Trump: This is his trumpet referring to the Resurrection:

1 Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

1 Th 4:17 Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Here is a complete listing of all verses in the Greek Scriptures that use the word “Harpazo”. This is the English use of the word throughout these verses, but all are referring to the same Greek word “Harpazo” Αρπαζω - (Strong's # 00726)

It ranges from pulling, plucking, being caught up, and by force.

Jude 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

1 Thess 4:17 Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

2 Cor 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

2 Cor 12:4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Acts 23:10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring [him] into the castle.

Acts 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.

John 10:29 My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand.

John 10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flee: and the wolf catches them, and scatters the sheep.

John 6:15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

Matt 13:19 When any one hears the word of the kingdom, and understands [it] not, then cometh the wicked [one], and catches away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

Matt 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. (2 Times here)

Rev 12:5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and [to] his throne.

The word “Resurrection” Occurs 2 times in Revelation and its mentioned in:

Rev 20:5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This [is] the first resurrection.

Rev 20:6 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.

The Greek word for “Resurrection” is “Anastasis” Αναστασις (Strong's #00450) and it makes no note of this until after the last Bowls of Wrath are poured upon the Earth. The Bowls come after the Trumpets, yet Paul says at the last Trump we will be forever with the Lord, but “Anastasis” clearly doesn’t take place until after the bowls.

After Christ died many of the dead rose out of their graves as mentioned in Matthew Chapter 27.

Matthew 27:45-56 At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o'clock. 46 At about three o'clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" 47 Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah. 48 One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a stick so he could drink. 49 But the rest said, "Leave him alone. Let's see whether Elijah will come and save him." 50 Then Jesus shouted out again, and he gave up his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain in the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, 52 and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead 53 after Jesus' resurrection. They left the cemetery, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people. 54 The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, "Truly, this was the Son of God!" 55 And many women who had come from Galilee with Jesus to care for him were watching from a distance. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James and Joseph), and Zebedee's wife, the mother of James and John.

Paul as many might already know was never one of the original Twelve Apostles. Judas was replaced by the Apostle Mathias.

As you can clearly see we’ve got ourselves a problem. John was given a divine Revelation and makes it very clear the order of events that take place. Therefore we can safely say that Paul was probably giving a pep talk to encourage and wasn’t under divine authority to give any Revelation about a “Harpazo” event. It almost seems that way as he says “encourage one another with these words” to finish off that verse.

Here’s a few more great scriptures that I didn’t include in part one of the Rapture Article:

John 8:51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.

The Apostles died, many good people have died, so this does not imply a rapture at all. It means when all are judged you will be judged worthy to live on and not be part of the final death judgment on the wicked.

John 17:15 I pray not that thou should take them out of the world, but that thou should keep them from the evil.

Pro 2:21-22 For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. 22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it. (Taken Away)

Mark 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Last Update 4-13-2017