What About The Rapture?

[LindaR]

(04-28-2009 11:45 AM)Vic Wrote:  I don't normally discuss this issue.

When I first got on the internet I was astounded at all the discussions --and heated discussions--on this issue. At that time, about 11 yrs ago, I wrote an article called The Father Knows http://www.seekgod.ca/father.htm

I also addressed date setting a few years ago in Date Setting Hypocrisy > http://www.seekgod.ca/raptured.htm
It was in response to some who were continually date setting various events and shown wrong and continued on their date setting way. The article wasn't about the issue of the rapture specifically, but date setting.

Over the years, for some who argue for the pre-trib rapture, I have seen where there is an almost stated belief that it is a salvation issue and a fundamental doctrine.

What do you think? Is it a salvation issue or fundamental belief issue or...?

Salvation is based on one's trusting in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary plus NOTHING! As I have posted previously on this thread, I am a dispensationalist...I believe in the pre-trib rapture of the Church. For me, it is a fundamental belief...here are 5 reasons why:

1. It is a comfort in our earthly trials

Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:18)

The apostle Paul wrote this to the church at Thessalonica to "comfort" them because they were so persecuted that they thought they were already going through the Great Tribulation ... Read vs. 13-17 for the context.

2. It causes us to be busy in the Lord's work

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

3. It causes us to live obedient lives

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (1 John 3:1-3)

But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. (1 Thessalonians 5:4-7)

4. It causes us to separate from evil

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:13-14)

5. It causes us to avoid false teachers

Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. (1 John 2:24-28)

I am definitely NOT into date-setting. I believe the Rapture is imminent...it can happen at any time. We are to "love His appearing", not to look for "signs".

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:8)

It (the Rapture) is my blessed hope!