The following is a post I came across that I would like to share with you here. The author’s email is included at the bottom of the post if you would like to contact him regarding his thoughts. Thanks for reading. (Everything from this point on is a part of the article)
********************************
A Study in Escatology by F.M. Riley
April 8, 2010 The Rapture Before June of This Year? A Study in Escatology by F.M. Riley
Pastor Riley is a dedicated man of God who has studied the scriptures diligently for many decades. In this article about the length of a generation he has analyzed profoundly the parable of the fig tree (Israel) and the last generation mentioned there.
His argument is scriptural and well thought, and I can see that his conclusions stand with a very strong probability of being correct. By his reckoning the Rapture of the church may be before the month of June 2010.
Thank you pastor Riley
Nando
F.M. Riley (9 Apr 2010)
“Why?”
——————————————————————————–
I wrote the attached Bible study and sent it out a few months ago. However, I have just revised and updated it and am sending it out again. In the light of current events it has never been more timely. Use as the Lord leads.
Pastor F. M. Riley
Why? Here’s Why…..
By Pastor F. M. Riley
Revised April 5, 2010
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”
1 Peter 3:15
Introduction
Dear __________,
I want to thank you for writing. You asked me several questions about the timing of the Lord’s coming to rapture His people to glory. If I understood your questions correctly, what you really want to know is “why I believe that the rapture will occur and the Tribulation will begin in 2010?
Sister, your questions have given me both incentive and opportunity to give you an answer that should be of benefit to all true believers. My earnest prayer is that my answers will be Scripturally enlightening and an encouragement, not only to you, but to everyone who reads this study.
So let’s get started…..
In Just One Generation
I believe there is only one appropriate place to begin this study, for everything that I will write about in this study has occurred, or is occurring, in only one Biblically specified “generation.”
The Parable of the Fig Tree
In Matthew 24:32-35 the Lord Jesus Christ gave to His disciples what is commonly referred to as “The Parable of the Fig Tree.” See also Mark 13:28-31 and Luke 21:29-33. This parable was given right after the Lord had concluded the prophecies set forth in the preceding 31 verses of the chapter. In the verses which follow this parable (24:36-51; 25:1-46), the Lord simply expanded upon the prophecies already set forth in the first 31 verses. This arrangement of the Lord’s discourse makes it obvious that the Lord Himself placed great emphasis on “The Parable of the Fig Tree.” This parable is very important. Is there a reason for this? Let’s see…..
To be learned…..Notice that the Lord instructed His disciples to “learn” the parable. Therefore, any one claiming to be a “Christian” that refuses to study and “learn” the truth that is taught in this parable, is willfully disobeying the Lord Himself. Read John 14:21-24. It is sad that many of God’s people [not all] read Matthew 24 and yet pay little or no attention to this parable, and don’t really have a clue as to what it means or why the Lord inserted it in His Olivet Discourse.
The Fig Tree…..When we obey the Lord and study this parable, what we “learn” is that the “fig tree” is symbolic of Israel. This is indisputable for anyone wanting to deal honestly with God’s Word, for such is clearly taught and stated in Jeremiah 24:4-7 and Hosea 9:10, and is used in such a manner in many other Scriptures.
The “Parable of the Fig Tree” then speaks prophetically of the re-establishment and expansion of the nation of Israel. The nation of Israel became a reality in modern times on May 14, 1948. The certainty of this prophecy coming to pass was emphasized by the Lord when He followed the parable by saying, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away,” 24:35.
That this parable prophetically teaches the re-establishment of the nation of Israel was unwittingly [?] verified when the newly established nation issued their first postage stamp. That first stamp was imprinted with a picture of a fig tree budding. Glory to God! Coincidence…?? Or was it the hand of God! You decide!
The tender branch…..When the nation of Israel was re-established, it was only a “tender branch.” Many people in high places, supposedly friends [?] of the Jewish people, had predicted that when the Jews declared themselves an “independent” nation, the Arab nations would wipe them out. But it didn’t happen! Little David beat Goliath right into the dust! When the Jews declared their independence, the whole Jewish population in the holy land numbered only about 350,000 people. They went to war against the Arab nations who have a combined population of a hundred million people, and yet God gave Israel the victory! Glory! Praise the Lord! The “tender branch” had succeeded in “sprouting” again. Read Job 14:7-9 and give praise to Israel’s God [and mine].
The newly formed nation of Israel remained a “tender branch” for the next 7 years. But then in the 8th year the Lord began to “toughen them up.” In 1956 the Jews had to fight the “Suez Canal War.” Once again, the odds were overwhelming, but again God gave them the victory. The “tender branch” had been buffeted in the storm, and had survived and began to grow with new life. The population of Israel began to increase as Jews in other countries began to realize that Israel was here to stay, and they started coming “home.” Read Jeremiah 24:6.
Putting forth leaves…..Eleven more years passed during which the population of Israel steadily increased. Then in 1967 Israel showed the whole world just “how tough” the “tender branch” had become. That year Israel fought the “Six Day War.” In just six days God again gave Israel victory over the combined forces of the Arab nations. In that war Israel regained control of their beloved city of Jerusalem, the Sinai peninsula, and the west bank, known to the Jews as “Judea and Samaria.” The “tender branch” in just six days had “put forth leaves.”
All these things…..Now carefully notice the next statement made by our Lord, “So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.” Remember that the Lord commanded His disciples to “learn” this parable. See what things? Know what is near? What doors? I’m so glad you asked!
The word “all” in this verse is translated from the Greek word, “pas.” This word literally means, “all at the same time.” See Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, page 493, Strong’s No. 3956. In other words, the Lord was telling the disciples that when “all these things” that He had predicted in the preceding 31 verses were happening at the same time, then the disciples would “know” that “the kingdom of God is nigh at hand,” Mark 13:29-31. Read Mark’s account for yourself. The Lord said in Mark’s account that the “it” in Matthew’s account is “the kingdom of God.” Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!
The Kingdom of God…..In other words, the Lord told the disciples that when that time arrived in human history when Israel had become a nation again, and there were false messiahs arising, wars, racial division, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, people murdering Jews and Christians in the name of God, hatred of the Jews, false prophets spewing out their poison, the abounding of iniquity, and love waxing cold (apostasy), all at the same time, then God’s people should “know” that “it [the kingdom of God] is near, even at the doors.” Hallelujah!
Folks, “the kingdom of God is near.” The Lord said so! If some reading this want to argue about it, don’t bother me with your silly argument. Go argue with the Lord. Tell Him you don’t believe Him. Give Him all your silly reasons for putting off the time of His coming. He said when we “see all these things” His Kingdom is “even at the doors.” The Lord said it, and as far as I am concerned, that settles it!
I can see “all these things” going on today right before my eyes, and if I can then you can. If you can’t, then maybe you ought to take off your blinders, get your head out of the TV, quite watching the “slop” operas and the “bawl” games, and look around you to see what is going on in the world today.
The Doors…..Let’s not overlook the Lord’s statement about “the doors.” Most people pay little or no attention to this expression. Yet it is very important in understanding and “rightly dividing” the truths set forth in this parable.
Notice that the word is “doors,” not “door.” It is plural rather than singular. It is also plural in the Greek text. Check it out for yourself.
When the Lord used the plural form, “doors,” in relation to “the kingdom of God” being near, He was pointing out a truth to His disciples that is commonly overlooked. The Lord pointed out that there are two doors connected with the revelation of “the kingdom of God,” and therefore two different times for the “doors” to open.
The first “door” is found in Revelation 3:8. In this verse the Lord told His New Testament church, “…..behold, I have set before thee [in your future] an open door, and no man can shut it:…” The exact expression in the Greek text is, “…..a door having been opened…..” This “open door” in the future of the Lord’s church is the door in heaven that New Testament believers will go through as they enter “the kingdom of God” at the time of the rapture. Glory!
Proof of this statement is found in Revelation 4:1. In this verse the exact same expression occurs, word for word, in the Greek text, that the Lord gave to His church in Revelation 3:8. This verse in the Greek text literally reads, “After these things I saw, and behold a door having been opened in heaven: and the voice which I heard at the first as of a trumpet speaking with me, saying, Come up hither, and I will show to thee what things must take place after these things.” This verse, occurring at the end of the prophecies about the church age, and at the beginning of the prophecies about the Tribulation, quite obviously typifies the rapture of New Testament believers into “the kingdom of God” in Heaven. This is the first “door” of the “doors” the Lord spoke about in connection with “the kingdom of God” in Matthew 24:33, Mark 13:29, and Luke 21:31. Then what is the second “door”?
The second “door” is found in Revelation 19:11, where John wrote, “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war.” This verse and the context, speaks of the return of the Lord Jesus Christ back to this earth at the end of the Tribulation to destroy His enemies and establish “the kingdom of God” upon this earth. Though the word “door” is not used in this verse, it is clearly implied. In the Greek text the word “opened” in this verse is the exact same word used, and in the same tense, as the word “opened” in Revelation 3:8 and 4:1.
Therefore 7 years after the first “door” is opened ushering New Testament believers into “the kingdom of God” in Heaven, the second “door” will be opened allowing the Lord and all the glorified saints to return to earth to establish “the kingdom of God” upon earth. Read Matthew 6:9-10, and rejoice! Praise the Lord!
Remember, the Lord said, “So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.” Glory! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Folks, the rapture of God’s people is right at the “door.”
But to make sure that His people wouldn’t overlook it, the Lord narrowed it down even more for us…..
This generation…..The next thing the Lord said was, “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” Right here the Lord predicted that all of the things predicted will occur in one specific generation, and will be “fulfilled” before all of those living in that generation “pass away” [die off]. Wow! Glory to God!
What “generation”? Those teaching Preterist theology claim that the Lord was referring to the generation living at the time He gave this prophecy, and that all of Matthew 24 has already been fulfilled (except the Lord’s actual return). Is that so? No it is not so! Such a false interpretation is impossible, for “all these things” in the preceding 31 verses includes “the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory,” [24:30]. The last time I checked, the Lord hadn’t returned yet. Folks,“all these things” is an on going process taking place during “this generation,” and they haven’t “all” been concluded yet. Before “all these things” are finally fulfilled, the Lord will have returned! The Preterist claim is a perversion of God’s Word and a false claim. Let’s examine this statement for ourselves and see the truth…..
In Matthew 24:34 the word “generation” is translated from the Greek word, “genea.”
This word literally means, “1. a begetting, birth, nativity; 2. that which has been begotten, men of the same stock; a family; the several ranks in a natural descent, the successive members of a genealogy; a race of men; 3. the whole multitude of men living at the same time: Matthew 24:34; Mark 13:30; Luke 21:32. See Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, page 112, Strong’s No. 1074.
This word is used numerous times in the New Testament. A “generation” is a specified length of time from the birth of a child until the birth of that child’s children. In God’s Word a “generation” involves a specified length of time and is associated with a person or people or event that occurs within that particular period of time.
The Lord didn’t leave us in the dark on this subject. The length of a “generation” is clearly defined in God’s Word for those who are willing to “search the Scriptures.” I have heard many “guesses” and various claims as to how long a “generation” is in the Word of God. Instead of guessing or estimating or assuming, why not just let God’s Word define it for us? God’s Word is the final authority!
I have personally looked up and studied every single place in the Bible where the word, “generation,” is used, both in the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Hebrew and Greek words which are translated as “generation” and “generations,” occur 172 times in the Old Testament, and 77 times in the New Testament, for a total of 249 times. The word “generation” is translated from 3 different Hebrew words in the Old Testament and 6 different Greek words in the New Testament.
In carefully studying every one of these Scripture passages, I determined that God’s inspired Word defines the length of a “generation” as being 33 years minimum and 42 years maximum.
If this doesn’t fit any reader’s theory on the length of a Bible “generation,” then I would suggest that you carefully read again Acts 17:24-29, noting especially the statement in verse 26, “ …and hath determined the times before appointed…” Folks, there are time periods in God’s plan of the Ages which ARE NOT limited to a Biblical generation. I acknowledge these time periods in God’s Word and His use of them in His great plan of the ages. Amen! But this doesn’t give Scriptural authority to ignore the length of a “generation” as defined by God’s Word, and insert a time period calling it a “generation.” It is not God’s Word that is wrong!
In making my “generation” study, I also discovered that the Lord has repeatedly subjected Israel to 40 year periods of testing. There are numerous examples of this truth in God’s Word. Our readers can look them up and check them out for yourself.
In the Olivet Discourse the Lord was answering questions asked by four Jews, Mark 13:3-4. They came to the Lord asking Jewish questions about Jewish concerns. The Lord answered them by speaking of things which would be of particular concern to the Jews during this present dispensation, and on to the end of the Tribulation. The entire discourse was then given to the Jews, was primarily for the Jews and concerned with the Jews. Since the discourse primarily concerns the Jews, then I have to believe that the “generation” under consideration in Matthew 24:34 is a 42 year period of testing for the Jews.
I think it is worthy of note that from the time the Lord gave the Olivet Discourse to these four Jews, it was then 40 years later that their Temple was destroyed. Now here at the end of this present dispensation, there has been another period of testing for the Jews. This present period of testing has now reached 42 years, and is proceeding towards completing 43 years. “This generation” is then a period of 42 years.
And the Lord Himself said that…..
Pass Away…..”This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” This does not mean that everything the Lord predicted in the first 31 verses of the chapter will be fulfilled within the bounds of “this generation.” What it does mean is that all of the “generation” of people living at the time that “the tender branch” [Israel] “putteth forth leaves” [expanded their territory, regaining their beloved Jerusalem] will not “die off” before “the kingdom of God” is established upon this earth. Some of them will still be alive when that glorious event occurs. Glory!
Folks, I was 14 years of age in 1948, the year Israel was re-established as a nation. I was 33 years old when the “Six Day War” was fought, restoring to Israel her capitol city, the Temple Mount, the Sinai peninsula, and the West Bank. So I was alive when “this generation” began. I have lived during the time of “this generation.” I am a part of “this generation.” I count myself blessed of the Lord to be one of those living in “this generation.” I have been able to watch many of the great end-time prophecies of His Word being fulfilled before my very eyes. I am now 76 years of age, and if it is in accordance with the Lord’s plan for my life [His will be done, not mine], I fully expect to be one of those of God’s people “…..which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord…..,” which will be “…..caught up together with them [the resurrected saints] to meet the Lord in the air:….,” 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17. Glory! Hallelujah!
The Time Element…..Since “this generation” is a period of 42 years, then when did it begin? I’m glad you asked!
The Lord told us exactly when “this generation” would begin when He said, “…..When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves…..” Folks, Israel was re-established as a nation in 1948, but for 19 years there was no expansion of Israel’s territory. It was not until the 1967 Six Day War that Israel recovered their beloved capitol city of Jerusalem and other areas, expanding their territory. 1967 was the year that the “…tender branch…..putteth forth leaves…..” The 42 years of “this generation” then began June 5th – 10th, 1967. Now you know!
Since “this generation” is 42 years in length, and it began in June, 1967, then when will it end? From June, 1967 to June, 2009 is 42 years. Count it up for yourself! Since the Six Day War began June 5th through 10th, 1967, and we are now in April of 2010 the 42 years has been completed and we are now within the 43rd year. The 43rd year will be completed June 5th – 10th, 2010. The resurrection and rapture of God’s people should occur BEFORE THAT TIME. No, I DO NOT know the day the rapture will occur, but it is so close that every true believer should be looking for the Lord EVERY DAY NOW! Hello! Do I have your attention yet?
But there is more! For God’s Word reveals that “this generation” is also…..
The Last Generation
Israel was re-established as a nation in 1948. It is then more than coincidence that Psalm 48, the Psalm that corresponds with 1948, describes exactly what happened immediately following Israel’s declaration of independence. See Psalm 48:4-7, and compare the statements made in these verses with the actual history of what occurred in Israel in the last half of May, 1948, and the summer of 1948. Is our God amazing? Then give Him glory! The Psalmist predicted these events some 3,000 years in advance of their fulfillment. Glory to God! Praise the Lord!
Then in this same Psalm in verse 13, the Psalmist was inspired of God to write, “Mark ye well her bulwarks [Zion…Jerusalem], consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.” Notice the words I have underlined carefully, then take your Hebrew Lexicon or Concordance and look up the meaning of those words. The word “following” in this verse is translated from the Hebrew word, “acharon.” This Hebrew word literally means, “hinder; last; hindermost; latter; rereward; uttermost.” See Gesenius Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon, page 33, Strong’s No. 314. In other words, the latter part of Psalm 48:13 in the Hebrew text literally reads, “…..that ye may tell it to the last generation.”
Since this Psalm talks about the re-establishment of the nation of Israel, and the Lord was referring to the re-establishment of the nation of Israel in “The Parable of the Fig Tree,” then isn’t it obvious that the Psalmist and the Lord were both speaking about the same “generation? The Psalmist, writing by Divine Inspiration, says that it is “the last generation.”
This truth is confirmed a second time in Psalm 78. This Psalm corresponds with 1978, the year that Israel signed a “Peace Treaty” with Egypt. In verse 4 the exact same word is used in the Hebrew text that is used in Psalm 48:13. “…..showing to the generation to come [acharon] the praises of the Lord…..” In the literal Hebrew, “…..showing to the last generation…..” This verse, which again deals with the re-established nation of Israel, again confirms that “this generation” mentioned by the Lord in the Parable of the Fig Tree is “the last generation” in this present dispensation. Glory to God! Hallelujah! God’s people [true believers] are soon going “home.”
I do not want any reader to misunderstand the truths presented in these passages. The reference to “the last generation” in both of these passages does not mean that there will be no future generations of people. Such an idea would be totally contrary to God’s covenant with Noah in Genesis 9:8-12, and many other passages in God’s Word. According to God’s inspired Word, there will be future “generations” of people born right on into and throughout eternity. See my studies on The Ages to Come.
The “last generation” referred to in Psalm 48:13 and Psalm 78:4, and “this generation” in Matthew 24:34, then has to be understood in the light of God’s great “Plan of the Ages.” In His great plan, the Lord appointed six days [6,000 years…2 Peter 3:8] for mankind to prove themselves capable of handling all the affairs of man upon the earth, as they labor upon the earth. See Exodus 20:9-11, 23:12, 31:15, 34:21, 35:2, Leviticus 23:3, and Deuteronomy 5:13-14. In these 6,000 years the only thing mankind has proven, is that humanity is a total failure without the presence and leadership of Almighty God.
Now we are living in “the last generation” of the “Dispensation of Grace” [Ephesians 3:2], “the last generation” of “the times of the Gentiles [Luke 21:24], and “the last generation” in which man’s leadership shall prevail upon the earth. All future “generations” shall be under the direct leadership and administration of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Praise God! Glory to God! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ,” 1 Corinthians 15:57. Hallelujah!
The Prophetic Significance
In the Book of Deuteronomy and the Book of Joshua there is a parallel to “this generation” that I believe is prophetically significant. Let me briefly call it to the attention of our readers.
I urge our readers to carefully study the chronological record of events involving Israel, as recorded in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
Moses led Israel out of Egypt 2,513 years after the creation of Adam. Due to their unbelief and rebellion, the Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness. As the end of that forty years was approaching, Moses began delivering his final messages to Israel on the 1st day of Shevat, the 11th month on the Jewish calendar, Deuteronomy 1:3. The ministry of Moses was concluded and he died on the last day of that same month; the Jewish month of Shevat, Deuteronomy 34:5-7. The children of Israel mourned for Moses 30 days, the whole month of Adar on the Jewish calendar, Deuteronomy 34:8.
Then on the 1st day of Abib [Nisan] on the Jewish calendar [a new year], the Lord commissioned Joshua to take the children of Israel across the Jordan into the “Promised Land,” Joshua 1:1-9. Ten days later on the 10th day of Abib, the children of Israel came up out of the Jordan river and entered the “Promised Land,” Joshua 4:19.
Because many of God’s people don’t seriously study Bible chronology, they don’t realize that almost immediately after entering the “Promised Land,” the Israelites began fighting a war against their enemies that lasted seven (7) years.
Folks, it certainly appears to me that there is a parallel between Israel’s first 40 year “generation” some 3,400 years ago, and this “last generation” that we are living in today.
Forty-two + years ago [June, 1967] Israel regained control of the city of Jerusalem and the Temple mount. At that time they had an opportunity to rebuild their Temple and renew their covenant with their God. But because of the unbelief of their “faithless” leaders, those unbelieving leaders gave most of the territory they had gained, including their beloved Temple Mount, to their sworn enemies. Over these past 42 years Israel has continued in “spiritual blindness,” wandering in the wilderness of this world, always seeking “peace,” but finding none, and being constantly hated and oppressed by their enemies. Now here at the end of “this generation,” Israel still faces the 7 years of Tribulation. Is there not a parallel to be seen here?
Conclusion
Folks, I make no claim to knowing “that day and hour” when the Lord is coming. All I know is what the Lord Himself said about the “Parable of the Fig Tree.” I have done my best to “faithfully” share His Word with our readers, Jeremiah 23:28. Based on these statements of our Lord, I do know that we are living in the very end of “this generation” on our Gentile calendar.
The Jewish civil year 5769 ended on Rosh HaShanah in 2009, and the Jewish civil year 5770 began. However, on the sacred calendar that the Lord Himself gave to the Jews in Exodus 12, the sacred year 5769 just ended and the sacred year 5770 just began on March 29th – 30th, 2010. Glory to God!
I and hundreds of other true believers are expecting a “change” to occur during the Jewish year of 5770. So far we haven’t been disappointed. One CHANGE after another is swiftly taking place.
Folks, this year [2010] life on earth is changing! This change is beyond what anyone dreamed of or even imagined would occur, especially in America. The “signs” of such changes are all about us, and can easily be seen by those who are seriously studying God’s Word and watching world events.
Every area of life as we have known it in the past is collapsing. There is no question in my mind that total collapse will occur very soon. The economy will collapse, our money will become worthless, more businesses and factories will close, thousands of people will be without work, gas and food shortages will develop, utilities [gas; water; electric] will fail, all forms of communication will break down [yes, even your computer and cell phone], crime will mushroom, law enforcement and governmental authority will break down, and people will be left to their own resources to provide for themselves and their families or starve and die. Martial law will be declared and the authorities will oppress and enslave the people. Humanity is now facing a time unlike anything they have ever seen before in human history. If any reader doesn’t believe this, it won’t change the truth one bit. Just keep breathing and you will see it for yourself.
But don’t despair! In this dark forecast there is a bright side.
I am personally expecting the Lord to come through Heaven’s “door” and rescue [rapture] His people [true believers] in 2010. I personally expect Him to come before the June, 2010 anniversary date of the Six Day War. He is coming soon, Luke 21:28.
“For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first;Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Again, in Revelation 3:10 the Lord said to His church, “Because thou hast kept the Word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation [testing], which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.”
Folks, I emphasize to you again…..we are living in the very end of “this generation” on the Jewish calendar. It is time for God’s people to “look up” and get serious about living for the Lord.
It is also time for every lost sinner [one who has never received Christ as their own personal Savior] to get serious about seeking the Lord for the salvation of your soul. Quit playing games with God. Since the Lord uses the Jewish calendar in prophetic reckoning, you may have another 30 days or so to “prepare to meet thy God,” and you may not have even another day or another hour. God have mercy!
If any reader needs spiritual help, I would count it a blessing if you would call on me. I will do everything I know to do to help you find Christ as your own personal Savior, or to help you find assurance of your salvation. The Lord Jesus Christ is coming very soon. Don’t put it off. Get the eternal destiny of your soul settled NOW.
May God grant every reader GRACE is my prayer.
<<<<<<< O >>>>>>>
NOTICE: Permission is granted to any true believer or Bible believing Christian ministry to reproduce copies of this study to share with others, or to quote from it in context as written.
Please address all comments, questions, or correspondence to: Last Call Gospel Ministry, Pastor F. M. Riley, 184 County Road 108, Harrisburg, MO 65256-9370.
My email address is: fmrglbd5@yahoo.com
This post was originated here: Rapture Watch
This is a site dedicated to Christian studies of various subjects, which include: End Time Prophecy, Apostasy, Ministry, Missions and Current Events. You may notice that there are some other random topics here as well. This is because this was my first site and at the beginning, I wasn’t sure if it would be a personal site or otherwise… it turned out to be otherwise, therefore, I created other sites for my more personal entries. You can see those sites, which are listed below. Thank you for stopping by and I hope to hear from you. If there is anything that you would like for me to research, please feel free to leave a comment and I will do my best to cover it. Thanks again and God bless!
Sincerely In Christ,
Alison
Truthoughts 
Regarding the Rapture Spreadsheet
Posted by truthoughts on October 9, 2010
This post is just a quick response but in no way taking the place of my article regarding the Pre, Mid, Post Tribulation debate.
I have received many comments that I would like to address here. As you can imagine, many of those comments were negative in regards to “predicting” the rapture. First, I would like to say that if those commenting would have read through in detail, my post as well as listened to the broadcast, they would know that neither I nor my husband ever claimed to know for sure or be dogmatic about these dates.
The reason we created the spreadsheet, as mentioned, was to better understand what others were saying and the dates they were coming up with. Now, when we put the spreadsheet together, we found interesting info that I shared in the post. The main interest factor that I believed could be important, was that of the mid-point being the first day of spring and the day before the Sabbath based upon Matthew 24:20 “But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day”.
When on the broadcast with Steve Coerper, I even mentioned that we came across this information by accident as it were. The reason we began the research was because we came across an article that spoke about the Leap Years which tied into info given in different places regarding some of F. M. Riley’s and Daniel Matson’s posts as well as a few others.
Now, in regards to those who are weary in watching for our Lord’s return for His Church… You must keep watch as we are commanded by our Lord. Those who give up their watch, He will come as a thief and it will not be a pretty sight.
To those who are slow to watch and quick to attack those watching, the Lord speaks of you for these last days.
Luke 12:45-47 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
Now, for those of you who still hold to “no one knowing the day or the hour” and that it will be as a thief in the night… Read this:
1 Thessalonians 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
The Lord only comes as a thief in the night to the wicked and foolish ones who are not watching. Those are they who loved not the Truth and therefore the Lord will send them strong delusion that they will believe the lie.
This also applies to those who believe the rapture to either not be at all or to be in another portion of time, like post-trib beliefs.
2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
So, what is the Truth in this matter and saved from what?
1 Thessalonians 5:8-10 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
Some believe this is talking about just eternal salvation when we die, however that is not the case. This verse is talking about the time of God’s wrath, which is the Tribulation period on earth. We know this because it mentions “whether we WAKE or sleep”. Those who at this time are aWAKE are those of us still alive when He comes for us. Those who are aSLEEP are those who have died in Christ.
Here is another question, what is the Tribulation? The tribulation is the time frame when God’s wrath is poured out upon the world and the time of Jacob’s (Israel’s) trouble/tribulation as spoken of in Daniel.
Jesus took God’s wrath upon Himself FOR US so that we would not have to go through God’s wrath and could be united with Him for eternity.
All those who love the Lord and will love His appearing, are aching for Him to come and retrieve His Bride. We desire to be with Him more than anything. There is nothing here on this earth that outweighs that for us. However, we must not put our faith in dates per se but in the One who promised to come for us and bring us where He is. He is faithful to fulfill that promise at the appointed time.
There is nothing wrong with believers watching. Part of watching, involves researching everything that could even be a clue to our Lord’s soon return for us. Our Lord does nothing randomly. You cannot find one thing anywhere in the Word of God that was ever random. There is a certain number of those who will be / are the Church but it is the “appointed day” that determines everything. God has set a plan in motion that is perfectly laid out so that everything from the smallest detail to the largest will fit just right.
Though some may be coming to faith in Christ now, I believe that this time is more about weeding out the tares than adding wheat to the harvest. I also believe that watching is a way of weeding out the tares. In the book of Revelation, when we read the letters to the 7 churches… we see the Lord saying that it is those who endure to the end that will be saved. We also see to the church of Philadelphia that it is because they kept the word of His patience, He will keep them from the hour of temptation… (Revelation 3:10).
I for one, as many of you, know that it takes much patience and endurance to keep watch faithfully in these last hours. Do not give up hope, He is faithful and He is coming.
Now, even though I referenced dates of October 7, 8 and 9th… I began getting messages about being wrong, etc. on the early hours of the 8th. One thing you must also keep in mind when watching… that is that our salvation only takes a moment. In the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:52-53), that is less than a second. It could be the very last second at the right day that it happens… If so, will you still be watching?
Also, know that whenever I come across interesting information regarding this topic, I will continue to post it. As many of you know, I have a lot of articles here regarding the rapture taking place on different feast days, etc. – as options.
For those of you who are true watchmen, do not let those who only call themselves believers take your crown.
Revelation 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
I do not believe it is an accident that this verse Revelation 3:11 comes right after Revelation 3:10 *quoted above*. Remember that the Lord knows how you are feeling. He knows the struggles you are facing. He knows you only have but a little strength left (Revelation 3:8). Hang in there, hold fast to the Truth. He is coming, very soon. Surround yourself with other believers and other watchmen, only witness to those who are mockers and naysayers. Do not let them take your crown.
Side Note: There is a forum which I do not belong to where someone has posted my article. I noticed that there are some there responding as it were directly to me. If you are on that site “godlikeproductions”, please know that I am not a member of that site. If you do have comments for me, please post them here so that I may be aware of them. Thank you.
Now, I will leave you with this…
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Posted in Church Rapture | Tagged: Alison Bowden, Bible Studies, Biblical Prophecy, christian life, Christianity, Comments, end times, eschatology, Fall Rapture, God Second Coming, Jesus, Jewish Feasts, Last Days, lord, Pre-Trib Rapture, Rapture, Rapture 2010, Rapture October 8 2010, Rosh Hashanah, Rosh Hashanah 2010, Steve Coerper, Theology, Truthouths, Watchmen | 8 Comments »