The Rapture Question continued #2

Let me start today with a, "you need to go back and read my last blog" in order to keep this all in concert. You see if you just read parts of this, you will be just as confused as are most people and especially those who don't have that blessed hope that we enjoy.

More questions are being asked today more than ever before concerning the return of the Lord. The second coming has always been prominent in fundamentalist literature and preaching and even now a surprising revival of interest on the part of modern liberals. It is a subject in which we all want an answer and many want that answer without placing themselves on the side of doctrinal and scriptural positions. Now ask yourself this question right now. "Do I really believe with my whole heart, soul and mind that Jesus is really coming back to take me home to be with Him? If so, when ? What are the signs of His coming? The biggest question comes now. "A R E Y O U R E A D Y"? If you had to answer any of the above with question, perhaps you need to reconsider what it takes to be ready. Now I know that sounds like judgement, but I promise you it's not. You see, if your relationship with Jesus is just between you and Jesus and Jesus is the one that is coming back for you, then, you best make sure of that relationship.

The Rapture question, while neglected by modern liberals, is one of the main areas in dispute in conservative eschatology. Scripture prophetically tell us that one day the church (those who have accepted what Jesus did on the cross for payment of their sins, have confessed with their mouths and believe in their heart that Jesus raised from the dead and is now interceding for them to the Heavenly Father) will be raptured or "caught up" to heaven at the coming of the Lord for them. The word "Rapture" is from "rapere" , a Latin word that means caught up as mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
This is a literal, future event, which is the most important aspect of the hope of the church. The doctrine is a part of the larger truth of a literal second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. It involves the accuracy and authority of Scriptures. It is impossible to discuss the questions pertinent to the time of the Rapture without assuming the authority of Scripture as it is to solve a problem in mathematics without accepting normal meaning for numbers.
Now you have to ask yourself another question right now. Do I really believe the Scriptures are totally Truth or do I lean toward not totally Truth? It's essential for you to know how and what you believe about the Scriptures. The Apostle Paul writing to Timothy, says that evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived but we must always remember what we have been taught from childhood that the Holy Scriptures gives us wisdom enough to learn what they say about our being saved through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Then Paul says this " All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, (meaning that God HIMSELF, authored ALL Scripture) and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (WHY) that the man (or woman) of God (one who knows Christ as Lord and Savior) may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

OK, we will continue with the Rapture Question #3 in our next blogging session. It is very important that you ask yourself these question first in order to get the REAL ANSWER. God bless and see you in the next blogg.