MID TRIBULATION RAPTURE
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      • AS A THIEF IN THE NIGHT
      • AS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH
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      • CAN THE RAPTURE HAPPEN AT ANYTIME?
      • EVERY EYE WILL SEE HIM
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      • IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE
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      • THE APOSTASY - THE GREAT FALLING AWAY
      • THE BIGGER PICTURE, UNDERSTANDING GOD AND THE DEVIL IN THIS DAY AND HOUR
      • THE LAST TRUMPET
      • THE LORD WILL RULE WITH A ROD OF IRON
      • THE OPPORTUNITY FOR SALVATION WILL END AT THE RAPTURE
      • THE TWO FINAL BATTLES BETWEEN GOD AND SATAN
      • TWO WHITE HORSES, TWO VERY DIFFERENT RIDERS AND TIMES
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      • SATAN IS NOT THE ANTICHRIST
      • THE ANTICHRIST, HIS IDENTITY AND NAME
      • THE DRAGON AND THE BEASTS WITH 7 HEADS AND 10 HORNS
      • THE SCARLET BEAST AND THE MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH
      • THE SECOND BEAST: THE FALSE PROPHET
      • TWO FINAL BATTLES BETWEEN GOD AND SATAN
      • TWO WHITE HORSES, TWO VERY DIFFERENT RIDERS AND TIMES
      • WHAT IS THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION?
      • WHO IS ABLE TO MAKE WAR WITH THE ONE WHO HAD THE DEADLY WOUND AND STILL LIVED?
      • WHO IS THE ANTICHRIST, THE SON OF PERDITION?
      • WILL THE NEW JEWISH MESSIAH BE THE ANTICHRIST OF THE CHRISTIANS?
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      • SEVEN TRUMPETS AND SEVEN BOWLS PARALLEL STUDY
      • THE SEVEN BOWLS OF GOD'S WRATH
      • THE SEVEN SEALS OF REVELATION
      • THE SEVEN TRUMPETS AND THE THREE WOES
      • THE HOLY INTERRUPTION
    • POST RAPTURE >
      • BIBLE VERSES ABOUT THE 144,000 JEWS OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION
      • THE 144,000 JEWS OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION
      • THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON
      • THE GREAT WHITE THRONE OF JUDGMENT AND JUDGMENT DAY
      • THE LORD WILL RULE WITH A ROD OF IRON
      • THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB
      • THE MILLENNIUM
      • THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST
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THE LORD WILL RULE WITH A ROD OF IRON

Revelation 19:15, 12:5, 2:26-28, Psalms 2:7-9 and inferred in Isaiah 11:4
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The Lord really will rule with a rod of iron as in the many sections of verses listed in this article. The word "rule" is translated "shepherd" in some versions. This is a misunderstood situation in that many think it means to be a leader with an iron fist or harsh ruler or even as a shepherd to rule his sheep with an iron rod. The truth of the matter is that in our modern day and age, most of us are far from understanding the important purposes of rods and staffs that have been used by mankind for thousands of years. One purpose for rods was in measurement, but rods were used as symbols of authority as well as for correction and punishment. Scepters were considered “rods” in some measure sometimes, as well as the staffs of shepherds.

It is most important to realize a "word's intent" and especially when it is about the Lord. The fact of the matter is, that the rods in the following verses are to be used to “destroy” what they strike, to break like smashing pottery. The Lord will strike the nations with the rod, in meting out the fierceness and wrath of God to those that have it coming. The rod in most of these verses is a rod of iron, not just any rod of wood like most would have been. Jesus is not a harsh Lord. He is quick to hear, slow to anger and His mercies are forever. So it is important to realize that these verses were translated as “ruling even shepherding” with a rod of iron, 
but it is in the sense of ruler-ship that He uses the rod of punishment to destroy the wicked.

Sadly, some misunderstand these verses to mean that the Lord will be a harsh ruler during the Millennium. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our God is the same yesterday, today and forever. But the wicked of this earth will cause “the iron rod of punishment” to come down upon themselves by their own actions when the Lord comes back for the Battle of Armageddon and the Grapes of Wrath (Revelation 14:17-20).

Here are the verses of reference for this particular use of the Lord of this article:


  • Revelation 19:11-15 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
 
  • Revelation 12:5 (AMP) And she brought forth a male Child, One Who is destined to shepherd (rule) all the nations with an iron staff (scepter), and her Child was caught up to God and to His throne.
 
  • Revelation 2:25-29 “But hold fast what you have till I come. And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations-- 'He shall rule them with a rod of iron; they shall be “dashed to pieces” like the potter's vessels'-- as I also have received from My Father; and I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." '
 
  • Psalms 2:7-9 I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, 'You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession. You shall “break them” with a rod of iron; You shall “dash them to pieces” like a potter's vessel.'"
 
  • Isaiah 11:4 But with righteousness He shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked.


In ancient times, rods were used for discipline, chastisement and wrath as it can be seen in various places throughout the Bible.

In the book of Exodus, we repeatedly see how the Lord chose for Moses and Aaron to use a rod against the Pharaoh to bring the destructive plagues upon Egypt. He also used it to part the Red Sea for His people (Exodus 4:2,17,8:16,9:23,10:13, etc). 

Throughout the Psalms and Proverbs rods were spoken of being used for discipline, punishment, chastisement and wrath (Psalms 2:9,23:4.89:32, Proverbs 10:13,13:24,22:8,15,23:14,26:3,29:15).

We see God personally say through Isaiah,


  • Isaiah 10:5-6a "Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger and the staff in whose hand is My indignation. I will send him against an ungodly nation, and against the people of My wrath”

The weeping prophet Jeremiah wrote after being persecuted for telling the truth and obeying God and having seen his people suffer horribly for their disobedience and wickedness and were nearly destroyed but for a remnant, Jeremiah recorded in Lamentations,

  • Lamentations 3:1, I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of His wrath.

It is written in Micah, 

  • Micah 5:1 Now gather yourself in troops, O daughter of troops; he has laid siege against us; they will strike the judge of Israel with a rod on the cheek.

Even the apostle Paul used a phrase about the possibility of coming with a rod in a negative fashion.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:20-21 For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?

In one of his psalms, King David wrote,

  • Psalms 23:4 (Amp), Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.

The interpreters of the Amplified Bible knew that the rod was for protection in the use of a Shepherd just like David did and so many before our time. Their rods were for physical force in relationship to the keeping of sheep.

Consider this selection of verses again.


  • Revelation 19:11-15 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

In the verses of Revelation, the use of the rod of iron by the Lord, is not spoken of for use on the Lord's sheep or people. It will be for the “nations” and I believe not only as “Lord of All” but also “our Shepherd” - He will smite the evil ones who harmed and wanted to destroy His sheep as shown in these verses (Revelation 16:4-6,17:6,18:5,6,20). 

In Matthew 25:31-46, the Lord separates the sheep from the goats. The rapture is when the Lord removes His sheep from this world. Those left are the goats. The goats are never seen repenting after the rapture. There are verses though, that say they will not repent. Even with the trumpets and bowls of God's judgment and wrath, they still will not repent (Revelation 9:20-21,16:8-9,11,21). And when the Lord comes at the Battle of Armageddon, those who are still left alive on this earth, will be consumed by the Sword of His mouth and dashed to pieces by His rod of iron (Revelation 14:19-20,19:21). This is the demise of the wicked as the Lord removes them from this earth.

Some want to say that the Lord will rule the earth with a rod of iron for 1000 years. I personally disagree. The 1000 year-period, commonly called the Millennium will be like no other time on earth before. But the Lord will not have to be cruel or harsh. His laws will be the law and anyone breaking His peace will in no doubt pay a price for it but it is obvious that with the devil bound for this 1000 year-period, that sin will not be rampant and common as we know life in the world we live in now. The lion will lay down with the lamb as well as the wolf. It will be not be like anything we have ever known.


LINKED ARTICLE
THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON
This message reveals the biblical truth about what can know of this future battle.

OTHER POST-RAPTURE ARTICLES

BIBLE VERSES ABOUT THE 144,000 JEWS OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION
The Bible verses listed about the 144,000 Jews of the book of Revelation.
THE 144,000 JEWS OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION
This article shows what we know about the 144,000 and how they fit into the end of this age and in the Millennium.
THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON
This message reveals the biblical truth about what can know of this future battle.
THE GREAT WHITE THRONE OF JUDGMENT AND JUDGMENT DAY
This article reveals the truth about Judgment Day as the Bible shows it.
THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB
There is a wedding banquet planned for the Lord and His church, the bride of Christ!
THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST
This article shows what the Second Coming of the Lord is and some of the differences between it and the rapture.
THE MILLENNIUM
Jesus will reign as King, for 1000 years on this earth. This will be a very special millennium.
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.


"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.
CAN THE RAPTURE HAPPEN AT ANY TIME?
When all the events line up according to prophecy, the rapture will happen. So what is left that is necessary for the Word of God to be fulfilled?
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.


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E. Cockrell, © 2017, 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.
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But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.
1 Thessalonians 5:4-6
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    • UNDERSTANDING BASIC RAPTURE CONCEPTS >
      • WHAT IS THE RAPTURE?
      • IS THE WORD "RAPTURE" IN THE BIBLE?
      • THE MYSTERY OF DANIEL'S SEVENTY WEEKS OF YEARS
      • THE TRIBULATION & THE WRATH OF GOD
      • TRIBULATION AND WRATH - BIBLICAL DEFINITIONS AND USAGE
      • UNDERSTANDING THE RAPTURE AND VARIOUS VIEWS ABOUT IT
      • THE BEST BIBLICAL MINDSET FOR LIVING IN THE LAST DAYS
    • ARTICLES ABOUT MID TRIBULATION RAPTURE >
      • MID TRIBULATION RAPTURE
      • MID TRIBULATION, WHY 3 1/2 YEARS?
      • MID TRIBULATION RAPTURE BIBLE VERSES, CHRONOLOGICALLY, WITH LIGHT COMMENTARY
      • MID TRIBULATION RAPTURE TIMELINE CHART
    • GENERAL RAPTURE ARTICLES A - L >
      • ANCIENT JEWISH WEDDING CUSTOMS, AND JESUS CHRIST, HIS BRIDE, THE CHURCH
      • AS A THIEF IN THE NIGHT
      • AS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH
      • BRIDE OF CHRIST
      • CAN THE RAPTURE HAPPEN AT ANYTIME?
      • EVERY EYE WILL SEE HIM
      • EVERY KNEE WILL BOW
      • IMPORTANT COMPONENTS TO THE BOOK OF REVELATION
      • IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION FOR REVELATION UNDERSTANDING
      • IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE
    • GENERAL RAPTURE ARTICLES M - Z >
      • THE APOSTASY - THE GREAT FALLING AWAY
      • THE BIGGER PICTURE, UNDERSTANDING GOD AND THE DEVIL IN THIS DAY AND HOUR
      • THE LAST TRUMPET
      • THE LORD WILL RULE WITH A ROD OF IRON
      • THE OPPORTUNITY FOR SALVATION WILL END AT THE RAPTURE
      • THE TWO FINAL BATTLES BETWEEN GOD AND SATAN
      • TWO WHITE HORSES, TWO VERY DIFFERENT RIDERS AND TIMES
    • ARTICLES ABOUT THE TWO WITNESSES >
      • WHO ARE THE TWO WITNESSES?
      • THE TWO WITNESSES PURPOSE AND MINISTRY
      • TWO WITNESSES BIBLE VERSES
      • COULD THE ANGELS, GABRIEL AND MICHAEL BE THE TWO WITNESSES?
    • ARTICLES ABOUT THE ANTICHRIST >
      • ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION BIBLE VERSES
      • ANTICHRIST AND FALSE PROPHET BIBLE VERSES
      • ANTICHRIST REVEALED IN THREE PROPHETIC SECTIONS OF SCRIPTURE
      • SATAN IS NOT THE ANTICHRIST
      • THE ANTICHRIST, HIS IDENTITY AND NAME
      • THE DRAGON AND THE BEASTS WITH 7 HEADS AND 10 HORNS
      • THE SCARLET BEAST AND THE MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH
      • THE SECOND BEAST: THE FALSE PROPHET
      • TWO FINAL BATTLES BETWEEN GOD AND SATAN
      • TWO WHITE HORSES, TWO VERY DIFFERENT RIDERS AND TIMES
      • WHAT IS THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION?
      • WHO IS ABLE TO MAKE WAR WITH THE ONE WHO HAD THE DEADLY WOUND AND STILL LIVED?
      • WHO IS THE ANTICHRIST, THE SON OF PERDITION?
      • WILL THE NEW JEWISH MESSIAH BE THE ANTICHRIST OF THE CHRISTIANS?
    • THE SEVENS OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION >
      • BIBLE VERSES OF ALL THE SEVENS OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION
      • SEVEN TRUMPETS AND SEVEN BOWLS PARALLEL STUDY
      • THE SEVEN BOWLS OF GOD'S WRATH
      • THE SEVEN SEALS OF REVELATION
      • THE SEVEN TRUMPETS AND THE THREE WOES
      • THE HOLY INTERRUPTION
    • POST RAPTURE >
      • BIBLE VERSES ABOUT THE 144,000 JEWS OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION
      • THE 144,000 JEWS OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION
      • THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON
      • THE GREAT WHITE THRONE OF JUDGMENT AND JUDGMENT DAY
      • THE LORD WILL RULE WITH A ROD OF IRON
      • THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB
      • THE MILLENNIUM
      • THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST
  • CHRISTIAN IMAGES
    • ASSORTED CHRISTIAN IMAGES >
      • 7 X 7 SQUARE CHRISTIAN IMAGES
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      • 4 X 3 RATIO CHRISTIAN IMAGES
      • 16 X 9 RATIO CHRISTIAN IMAGES
    • DANIEL'S "SEVENTY WEEKS OF YEARS" CHART
    • MID TRIBULATION RAPTURE TIMELINE WITH MILLENNIUM
    • SEVEN SEALS OF REVELATION CHART
  • ARE YOU RIGHT WITH GOD?
    • RETURN TO THE LORD
    • SALVATION
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