CAN THE RAPTURE HAPPEN AT ANY TIME?
The rapture can only happen in God's perfect timing.
Can the rapture happen at any time? The fact is that the rapture can and will only happen in the perfect timing of God and His order. His timing is impeccable. In Creation, there was no other order that it could have been done. In the birth of our Savior, it was the perfect time in history. All prophecies that have been fulfilled so far, came together in perfection. And all prophecies yet to be fulfilled, will come also together in perfection, including the rapture.
This is just a partial list, but here are a few things to consider.
1. THE GOSPEL MUST BE SHARED GLOBALLY.
Three very important requirements are found in this next section of Scripture. Please read these verses first and two important points will follow:
2. THERE MUST BE AN APOSTASY.
A time where there is a "falling away" must come first, a mass deflection from the truth, as shown above in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. This is also spoken of in the book of Matthew.
3. THE ANTICHRIST MUST ARISE AND BE IN POWER FOR 42 MONTHS.
The man of sin, son of perdition; must be revealed and he will be in power until he exalts himself to the highest point against God and in the temple of God (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). The Antichrist will be in power for 3 ½ years over the whole earth, even over Christians.
4. A TEMPLE OF GOD MUST BE BUILT IN JERUSALEM.
The Antichrist must have the temple of God to blaspheme in and have his false prophet set up his image there, fulfilling that the abomination of desolation will have a place in the future temple to be set-up in.
5. THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION MUST BE SET UP IN THE TEMPLE.
6. SEVERE PERSECUTION OF TRUE BELIEVERS.
7. THE TWO WITNESSES HAVE TO MINISTER FOR 1260 DAYS (3.5 YEARS).
42 months x 30 days (biblical prophetic months are 30 days) = 1260 days.
42 months = 1260 days = a time, times and half a time = all equal 3 1/2 years.
8. TIMES OF THE GENTILES MUST BE FULFILLED.
9. ALL 7 SEALS MUST BE ACCOMPLISHED.
This is because the first five seals leap up to the rapture and the 6th and 7th seals are the rapture!
For now, as of the time of this posting, all these events still need to be fulfilled before the rapture can happen. But one by one, they will be fulfilled, and one day, Jesus will come for His children!
This is just a partial list, but here are a few things to consider.
1. THE GOSPEL MUST BE SHARED GLOBALLY.
- Matthew 24:14 "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come." (the Lord will complete this through His people; but also through His Two Witnesses)
Three very important requirements are found in this next section of Scripture. Please read these verses first and two important points will follow:
- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
2. THERE MUST BE AN APOSTASY.
A time where there is a "falling away" must come first, a mass deflection from the truth, as shown above in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. This is also spoken of in the book of Matthew.
- Matthew 24:12 "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold."
3. THE ANTICHRIST MUST ARISE AND BE IN POWER FOR 42 MONTHS.
The man of sin, son of perdition; must be revealed and he will be in power until he exalts himself to the highest point against God and in the temple of God (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). The Antichrist will be in power for 3 ½ years over the whole earth, even over Christians.
- Revelation 13:5,7 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months... 7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. (See also Daniel 7:25 and 12:7)
4. A TEMPLE OF GOD MUST BE BUILT IN JERUSALEM.
The Antichrist must have the temple of God to blaspheme in and have his false prophet set up his image there, fulfilling that the abomination of desolation will have a place in the future temple to be set-up in.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 ... who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
5. THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION MUST BE SET UP IN THE TEMPLE.
- Mark 13:14a "So when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not..."
- Daniel 11:31 And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation.
6. SEVERE PERSECUTION OF TRUE BELIEVERS.
- Mark 13:13 "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake."
- Matthew 24:9-10 "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another."
- Revelation 6:9-11 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
7. THE TWO WITNESSES HAVE TO MINISTER FOR 1260 DAYS (3.5 YEARS).
- Revelation 11:2-4 "And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth." These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth.
42 months x 30 days (biblical prophetic months are 30 days) = 1260 days.
42 months = 1260 days = a time, times and half a time = all equal 3 1/2 years.
8. TIMES OF THE GENTILES MUST BE FULFILLED.
- Luke 21:24: "And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled."
9. ALL 7 SEALS MUST BE ACCOMPLISHED.
This is because the first five seals leap up to the rapture and the 6th and 7th seals are the rapture!
For now, as of the time of this posting, all these events still need to be fulfilled before the rapture can happen. But one by one, they will be fulfilled, and one day, Jesus will come for His children!
OTHER "GENERAL RAPTURE" ARTICLES
ANCIENT JEWISH WEDDING CUSTOMS & JESUS CHRIST, HIS BRIDE THE CHURCH
Amazing correlation such as, only the father of the groom could say "go, call the wedding" when he felt all were prepared according to him and more.
AS A THIEF IN THE NIGHT
Understanding this idiom, its real meaning and how it correlates with other Scripture!
AS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH
What did Jesus really mean by this? It is much more than the common interpretation.
EVERY EYE WILL SEE HIM
Jesus is coming for His bride. And He is not eloping. The rapture is so much bigger (and the events that surround it) than we can even know. It will be a huge event.
EVERY KNEE WILL BOW
The lost will bow to the Lord Jesus. The Father will see His Son glorified; whether they like it or not. And they will confess He is Lord.
IMPORTANT COMPONENTS TO THE BOOK OF REVELATION
An overview of some of the major components of the book of Revelation.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION FOR REVELATION UNDERSTANDING
A few keys are offered here that can unlock some of the doors to understanding prophetic Scripture.
IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE
This is about one of the most misquoted verses of all time. If you have not seen it yet, once you see the real meaning, it is amazing.
THE APOSTASY, THE GREAT FALLING AWAY
Many are looking for "the whole world to come to Christ" before the Lord returns. The opposite will happen. See it in God's Word and explained here.
THE BIGGER PICTURE, UNDERSTANDING GOD AND THE DEVIL IN THIS DAY AND HOUR
A timely commentary for living during these days.
THE LAST TRUMPET
There are many trumpets in the Bible. There are 7 special ones foretold of by John the Revelator. But which one happens at the rapture?
THE LORD WILL RULE WITH A ROD OF IRON
This article explains the real meaning of the verses that make this statement.
THE OPPORTUNITY FOR SALVATION WILL END AT THE RAPTURE
Sadly many think they have their whole lives to decide to turn to God and for some it turns out to have been a foolish mistake. And so it is with the rapture.
THE TWO FINAL BATTLES BETWEEN GOD & SATAN
See it shown with Scripture, that Armageddon happens at the end of the 7 years and the battle of Gog and Magog at the end of the Millennium.
TWO WHITE HORSES, TWO VERY DIFFERENT RIDERS AND TIMES
This article shows how the first white horse that we see in the book of Revelation, is the imitation Christ. Jesus comes at Armageddon on His horse, not at the first seal.
BASIC RAPTURE ARTICLES
WHAT IS THE RAPTURE?
A scriptural introduction to understanding the rapture concept.
IS THE WORD "RAPTURE" IN THE BIBLE?
Understanding "harpázō" and the Bible verses where it is used.
THE MYSTERY OF DANIEL'S SEVENTY WEEKS OF YEARS
There is "one week of years" left on the "prophetic clock." This "last seven years" (sometimes called the tribulation) was foretold of in the book of Daniel.
THE TRIBULATION AND THE WRATH OF GOD
Understanding that mid tribulation rapture is pre-God's wrath. Taking a closer look at what "wrath and tribulation" really mean and what really happens during the last 7 years of this age.
TRIBULATION AND WRATH, BIBLICAL DEFINITIONS AND USAGE
Understanding the biblical usage of these words in their original context.
UNDERSTANDING THE RAPTURE AND VARIOUS VIEWS ABOUT IT
Pre, mid and post tribulation definitions, understanding the millennial views, preterism and more.
THE BEST BIBLICAL MINDSET FOR LIVING IN THE LAST DAYS
As Paul showed the Thessalonian church, there is a biblical mindset to have regarding living in the last days.
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E. Cockrell, © 2014, May be copied for personal study or instruction but shall not be copied and/or distributed in whole or part without permission or for financial profit.
