Behold, I show you a
mystery;
shall not all sleep,
but we shall
all the change -- in
a moment,
in the twinkling of
an eye,
at the last trumpet.
For the trumpet will
sound,
and the dead will be
raised
incorruptible, and we
shall be changed.
1 Corinthians 15: 51
-- 52
My studies
as to whether or not there is a rapture of the Church found that there are many
passages quoted as to prove that there is a rapture of the church and 1
Corinthians 15: 52 is one of those passages.
This question is one of several questions asked in regards to the
resurrection. One of the questions that
people ask is whether, or not the same body and the same atoms, which compose
our bodies in this present world, constitute the body that is raised at the
final day. Paul before addressing this doctrine tells us that it is a
mystery. We must understand the Greek
word: μυστήριον (Strong’s #3466) so that we don't misunderstand what the Greeks
understood by our definition of the word mystery. This Greek word speaks of the idea of silence as it is a
derivative of other Greek words that mean to shut the mouth. In the New Testament this word denotes not mystery as we understand it in our English, rather that which is outside
the range of unassisted natural apprehension, and can only be made known by
divine revelation, and that revelation is made known by the dispensation and
economy of God and His appointed time.
In other words, it is by implication a knowledge that is withheld, at
least held until truth is revealed, or are made known, or manifest, or
understood: an example: "the mystery
which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed
to His saints. To them God will to make
known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles:
which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1: 26 -- 27). It will be found among the various
Protestant denomination and other church organizations who are promoting a
system of prophecy concerning the end times various speculations, and
theories. One such is the historic
pre-millennial viewpoint, and the other held by some is the dispensational
pre-millennial viewpoint. When I have
studied those viewpoints I've come to find that those theories proposed in
regards to the timing of the rapture seem to contradict some passages in the
Bible. Therefore, for one to hold
tightly to one viewpoint or the other, one should take time to review the
various passages offered to prove their point.
I will not in this blog, at least at this time, attempt to address the
various speculations, and theories, for this would take us off the subject that
Paul was addressing; that is whether or not there is a resurrection. But, I will tell you that I have found that
Jesus does not come to earth two times, but what I have found is that the
resurrection occurs on the Last Day:
"This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should
lose and nothing, but should raise it up the last day. And
this is will of Him who sent Me, that every one who sees the Son and
believes in Him may have ever lasting life; and I will raise him up at the last
day" (John 6:39 -- 40). Even
Martha when speaking to Jesus because of the death of Lazarus said to Jesus: "Martha said to Him, "I know that
he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day" (John 11:24). Paul is telling the Corinthian church and by
extension to us that this mystery, speaking about the resurrection is one of
great hope for we who are one of those given to Jesus Christ by God the Father
will be change in a moment. All, that
special group of believers, will hear the sound of the trumpet and be raised
incorruptible, and this is the last trumpet, and when could there be a last
trumpet, only when it is blown on the last day. There is not too plans, plan A; plan B. there is one plan; and
that plan is that Jesus Christ comes for His bride on the Last Day. So for me I am not looking for what the
Bible never speaks about, two comings of Jesus Christ. No, my hope, which is assured through
Scripture, is that Jesus Christ is coming and when He comes I shall be changed
in a twinkling of an eye: "for this
corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on a more
county. So when this corruptible has
put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be
brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in
victory" (Isaiah 20 5:8) "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory" (Hosea
13: 14). Don't get caught up in all
the theories and speculations in regards to the coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is coming! This fact should give you such wonderful joy
and hope for all of His children now and forever who are eternal beings. If all we do is look upon this mortal body,
this time period, as all there is is really "now" then we are missing
the Gospel that tells us that Jesus Christ died upon the cross and by His death
all of His children are justified, sanctified.
All have Jesus Christ making eternal intersection for all modes that God
the Father has given to Him. Our resurrection is assured! Don't get
caught up in the arguments as to whether or not the body will be this or that
or will not be this or not be that; for that is a fool’s errand. The Bible is clear and Paul is making this
very clear; we all ready have victory in Jesus Christ; "The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks to God, who gives us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in
the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15: 56 -- 58). Need I say more?
Are You not from
everlasting,
O LORD my God, my Holy One?
We shall not die.
Habakkuk
1: 12a
God saves!
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