BIBLE COURSE RSB101

GRACESTAND LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

{GSGC BIBLE SCHOOL}

                                      

LEVEL ONE: CERTIFICATE

COURSE TITLE: THE RAPTURE AND SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

COURSE CODE: RSB 101

GRACESTAND GOSPEL CHURCH UKRAINE

Clemzyclementministry.blogspot.com

gracestandleadershipacademy@gmail.com

TABLE OF CONTENT

TOPICS                                                                     

1. Introduction                                                                       
2.              The participants of the Rapture                                            
3.              The False View Of The Rapture                                     
4.              The Purpose Of The Rapture                                                 
5.              The Mystery Of The Rapture                                                
6.           The Old Testament Foreshadowing Of The Rapture                    
7.             The Challenge Of The Rapture                                              
8.            Personal and visible coming                                                
9.             Erroneous belief concerning his coming                              
10.                          Reason for Christ’s second coming                                      
11.                Time of Christ’s return                                                         
12.                What the word generation may mean                            
13.               Events of millennium reign of Christ                             
14.                Events at close of millennium                                        
15.               Resurrection                                                               
16.                Nature Of Resurrection                                                       
17.            The Time Of Resurrection                                         
18.  Nature Of Judgment                                                           
19. New Condition Of The Redeemed                                                  

COURSE OBJECTIVE

At the end of this course student should:

1.     Understand the difference between rapture and the second coming of Jesus Christ

2.     Understand the order of their occurrence and the activities that would mark each

3.     Know the signs that would precede each event

4.     Help other believers to prepare for the rapture

5.     The millennial reign of Christ

RAPTURE AND THE SECOND COMING

 OF CHRIST JESUS

INTRODUCTION                                             

The meaning of the word “Rapture”, the term is derived from the Latin verb “Rapere” which means “to transport from one place to another.” Thus the next great scheduled event predicted by the Bible will take place when the Lord Jesus comes in the air to catch up his own. Several key passages bring this out. 1 Thess. 4:15-17; 1 Cor. 15:51-53

THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE RAPTURE

For whom will Jesus come? It is the view of this study that Christ will come again for his church, which is composed of all saved people from Pentecost up to the rapture.

1.     The lord Jesus Christ Himself

2.     The archangel (Perhaps, Michael; Dan. 10:13,21; 12:1; Jude 9; Rev. 12:7)

3.     The bodies of dead believers

4.     The translated bodies of living believers

THE FALSE VIEW OF THE RAPTURE

1.     That the rapture is the same as the second coming of Christ. False, at the rapture Jesus come for his church in the air, while at the second coming he comes with his people to the earth. Jude 14,15; Rev. 19:11-16

2.     That the rapture will include only “spiritual” Christians and that carnal Christians will be left behind to endure the tribulation. This theory is refuted by one little statement in 1 Cor. 15:51, where Paul says that “we shall all be changed.” This false view is often called the “partial rapture” theory.

3.     That the rapture will not occur until the middle of the tribulation, thus forcing the entire church to go through the first three and a half years of God’s wrath. This theory is called mid-tribulationism, and is refuted by Paul in 1 Thess. 5:9, where he says, “for God has not appointed us to wrath…”

4.     That the rapture will not occur until the end of the tribulation. This is known as post-tribulationism, and is refuted by 1 Thess. 5:9; Rom. 3:10

 The New Testament pictures the church as the body and bride of Christ. If the mid-tribulation or post-tribulation view were correct, then a part of this body would suffer amputation, and a section of the bride would be left behind. In addition, one would be forced to conclude that all bodies of carnal departed Christians would likewise be left in the grave. This is not the clear teaching of the word of God.

The bible teaches that the rapture is pre-tribulational in nature and includes all believers. See Rom.5:9; 1 Thess. 1:10. Perhaps, the strongest proof of this statement is the fact that up to chapter 6 of Revelation the church is mentioned many times, but from chapter 6 to 19 (the period of the tribulation) there is no mentioned whatsoever of the church on earth. In fact, the only godly group which Satan can persecute is the nation Israel. See Rev. 12.

We are told that Christians are God’s ambassadors on earth. (2 Cor. 5:20) and that he will someday declare war on this earth. The first thing a king or president does after he declares war on another country is to call his ambassadors home. Thus we conclude that the church will escape the tribulation.

THE PURPOSE OF THE RAPTURE

1.     To judge and reward the church of God. 2 Cor. 5:10

2.     To remove the Spirit of God. 2 Thess. 2:7

Many Bible scholars believe the “he” in this verse is a reference to the Holy Spirit. Thus the Spirit of God has been acting as a divine dam, faithfully holding back the waters of sin. But at the rapture his blessed influence will be removed to a large extent in order to prepare the way for the tribulation

THE MYSTERY OF THE RAPTURE

Millions of Christians will someday reach heaven without dying. 1 Cor. 15:51. Therefore, the believers do not only need to travel the path of the grave to reach the goal of glory.

THE OLD TESTAMENT FORESHADOWING OF THE RAPTURE

1.     Seen in Enoch, who was taken from the world before the flood judgment (Gen. 5:24)

2.     Seen in lot, who was removed from Sodom before the fire judgment (Gen. 19:22-24)

THE CHALLENGE OF THE RAPTURE

Because of this glorious coming event, the child of God is instructed to do many things.

1.     He is to attend the services of the lord regularly. Heb. 10:25

2.     He is to observe the Lord’s Supper with the rapture in mind. 1 Cor. 11:26

3.     He is to love believers and all men. 1 Thess. 3:12, 13

4.     He is to be patient. James 5;8

5.     He is to live a separated life. 1 John 3:2-3; Titus 2:12-13; 1 John 2:28

6.     He is to refrain from judging others. 1 Cor. 4:5

7.     He is to preach the word. 2 Tim. 4;1-21; 1 Pet. 5:2,4

8.     He is to comfort the bereaved. 1 Thess. 4:16,18

9.     He is to win souls. Jude 21-23

10.                       He is to be concerned about Heaven. Col. 3:1-4

                                                           

       

CHRIST SECOND COMING

(A) PERSONAL AND VISIBLE COMING

There are series of argument and teachings concerning the second coming of Christ. Some claim that he has come invisibly while others said he will not come again to this terrible world that crucified him. The Bible us that he will come back, the same way he ascended. Acts 1:11, 1 Thess. 4:16-17 and Rev. 1:7.

(B) ERRONEQUS BELIEF CONCERNING HIS COMING

                    I.        That his coming means death to believers

Though we quite believe that many people will pass to eternity through death, it is not true that Christ comes the moment a Christian dies. The second coming of Christ is once not multiple. The body of the dead believers are said to be sleeping. 1 Thess. 4:16-17

Jesus told us that he will come and receive us not we going to meet him. John 14:3. When Peter asked Jesus about the death of John, his response was “I wish he remain till I come.”

                  II.        That Jesus came as soon as the Holy Spirit came

Though Jesus, through the Holy Spirit came, this is not same with his second coming. John 14:21-23.

After the Holy Spirit descended, the Apostles proclaimed the second coming of Christ. Phil. 3:21; 2 Tim. 4:8; 1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 Thess. 4:16-17.

Christ at Pentecost came to us rather than receiving us to himself.

                III.        That his coming refers to the destruction of Jerusalem

This fallacy, since the account of 1 Thess. 4:16-17 as well as Jn. 21:21-23 and Rev. 22:20 took place or were written after the fall of Jerusalem.

In conclusion, there is a major difference between the presence of Christ and the appearance of Christ. As the first coming of Christ involved his birth, baptism, death, burial e.t.c. so also his second coming which involves, rapture, great tribulation, the millennium, resurrection, judgment e.t.c.

REASON FOR CHRIST’S SECOND COMING

1.     To receive the church to himself and reward every true believer. 1 Cor. 15:50-52; 1 Thess. 4:13-17. The believer at the judgment seat (BEMA) will receive a reward after being tried with fire.

2.     To judge the wicked. This judgment has to do with the white throne. This judgment unlike that of believers in Christ is for damnation. The period between the judgment of believers and the wicked ones has an interval of 1,000 years. Matt. 24:30, Rev. 1:7; Matt. 25:31-32; Rev. 20:11-12; Isa. 26:21

3.     It also means the restoration of the Jews to their land (Isa.11:11, 60). The return of Christ will mean restoration of the temple and worship (Ezekiel 40-48).

4.     The second advent of Christ will mean judgment on the Antichrist who will be sent to the lake of fire and brimstone. 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Rev. 19:20; 20:10.

5.     To set up his Government (Reign) during the millennium. The reign of Christ will commence after the great tribulation – Matt. 24:29-30 c/p Rev. 19:11-14 and Dan. 7:21-24; Zech. 14:3-9. The antichrist will be destroyed, it will mean the binding of Satan and destruction of the enemies of God’s people (Rev. 19:20; 20:1-3, 10)

TIME OF CHRIST’S RETURN

1.     No one knows the exact day (Matt. 24:36-42) c/p Mark 13:32 and Acts 1:7. Considering the fact that the day is not and cannot be known, it is therefore a crime if not sacrilege to set dates.

2.     Though the day of his coming is not known, the events surrounding his coming is stated in many Bible passages. Matt. 24:36-42: 1 Thess. 5:1-5. The events include:

a.      Backsliding from faith – 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 1 Tim. 4:1

b.     Materialism – James 5:1-9

c.      Increase missionary activity – Mark 13:10; Rev. 5:9

d.     Jews returning to Palestine – Deut. 30:1-3; Zech. 14:1-4

Before the return of Christ, there will first be unbelief (Zech. 12:9-13). The unbelief will be followed with christ’s return. Jer. 31:10

The gathering of the Jews after 2000 years of Gentiles dominance is remarkable as we consider Lk. 21:24. The interest the world is having over the affairs in the middle is a true testimony of the early fulfillment of Zech. 12:23

3.     From the events happening and the scriptural teachings, there is every indication that Christ will certainly come.

Since the second of Christ mark the RAPTURE (PAROUSIA) and other event that will follow, he must come.

4.     The preaching of the word of God all over the world does not mean that all will be converted. It is certain that the Gospel is being preached all over the world. God uses other means like creatures and Angels to bear witness of the message of salvation. The presence of the church in the world is a testimony of the saving grace. Consider Acts 2:5; 8:4; Rom. 10:18; Col. 1:6, 23 and Rev. 14:6.

WHAT THE WORD GENERATION MAY MEAN                   

Though the word generation may mean 40 years, that was not what Christ referred to in Matt. 24:34; Lk. 21:32; Mark 13:30. It may mean:

a.      The destruction of Jerusalem at christ’s second coming

b.     The Jewish race which lingers even while other nations have lost their identity

c.      The generation that will be living at the fulfillment of the prophecy

d.     It could refer to the dissemination of grace or church age.

EVENTS OF MILLENNIUM REIGN OF CHRIST

1.     It will take off at Christ’s second coming at the great tribulation – Matt. 24:29-30

2.     Satan will be bound; Anti-Christ and the enemy of God’s people will be destroyed – Rev. 19:20; 20:1-3, 10.

3.     Judgment of the living nations. Matt. 25

4.     The conversion and missionary activities of the Jews, Zech. 8:13-23; c/p Acts 15:14-17. The nation of Israel will be saved.

5.     The system of Government will be Theocracy as Christ himself will be the king (Lk. 1:30-33). The Apostles will reign over the Jews (Isa. 66; Matt. 19:28), while the church will rule over the gentiles nations (Lk. 19:11-19; Heb. 2:6-7).

6.     The capital city will be Jerusalem (Isa. 2:1-4), Pilgrimages will be made to the Holy city – Zech. 14:16. Christ will reign with righteousness and equity (Isa. 11:4; Psa. 98:9).

7.     The earth will be replenished. Rom. 8:19-21; Isa. 65:17; 35.

                                                  

EVENTS AT CLOSE OF MILLENNIUM

At the close of Millennium unusual events will take place.

1.     Apostasy and Rebellion – Rev. 20:7-9

2.     Destruction of Satan – Rev. 20:10

3.     The great white throne judgment – Rev. 20:11-15

4.     A new heaven and a new earth – Rev. 21:22

RESURRECTION

The doctrine of resurrection is well articulated in the scripture (Bible). It is taught in both Testaments (O.T. & N.T)

TEACHING IN OLD TESTAMENT (O.T)

In Job 19:25-27, Job started emphatically that he knows that the redeemer is alive and that he will stand upon the earth on a later day. He didn’t stop there, he was confident of seeing and feeling him even at death.

Other O.T saints like David, Daniel, Abraham and Isaiah attested to the fact of resurrection – Dan. 12:1-3; Psa. 16:9; 17:15; Isa. 26:19; Hos. 13:14 e.t.c. Proofs – 1 Kings 17 (Elijah); 2 Kings 4:32-25 (Shunamite woman’s son); 2 Kings 13:21 Elisha’s bones restoring the dead.

TEACHING IN THE N.T                           

1.     Christ taught about resurrection – Jn. 5:28-29; John 6; Lk. 14:13-14; 20:35-36

2.     The Apostle taught about resurrection – Acts 24:15; 1 Cor. 15; 1 Thess. 4:14-16; Phil. 3:11; Rev. 20:4-6; 13

Proofs – the resurrection of the saint (Matt. 27:52-53); Lazarus (Jn. 11). Jesus (Matt 28); the resurrection of Christ proved the Sadducees who disputed resurrection wrong. It equally clarifies the uncertainty of resurrection.  

NATURE OF RESURRECTION

1.     Resurrection will be literal (visible). Those in the grave will rise at hearing the voice of the master (Jn. 5:28). All believers are made alive in Christ. 1 Cor. 15:22. The mentioning of the body refers to the physical. John 5:25-29 c/p; Phil. 3:21; 1 Thess. 4:13-17 and 2 Tim. 2:18. The reference to spiritual does not apply in the above passages through it was used in Acts 24:15 and Eph. 5:14 refers to the resurrection of the just and the unjust.

2.     The completeness of Redemption which includes the body is made possible at resurrection. Paul in Rom. 8:11-23 tells us that the whole creation is groaning waiting for redemption. This includes human beings. c/p 1 Cor. 6:13-20; John 6:39 and Job 19:25-27. The believer’s physical body called “the body of humiliation” will be redeemed – Phil. 3:21. This nature which cannot fit into God’s kingdom 1 Cor. 15:50 will experience redemption. 2 Cor. 5:4

NOTABLE THINGS CONCERNING RESURRECTION                        

1.     It will not exactly be like the body that went into the grave

2.     It will be having organic nature like the one that was lowered into the grave

3.     It is a God giving body

4.     The body will be an improved form which cannot be subjected to death.

BODY OF BELIEVERS AT RESURRECTION

1.     The body will be new and Christ-like. Phil. 3:21; 1 John 3:2; 1 Cor. 15:49

2.     The body though like that of Christ will be (a) real (Lk. 24:39) (b) recognizable (Lk. 24:31; John 20:16) and (c) powerful

3.     It is not flesh and blood – 15:50-51; Heb. 2:14; 2 Cor. 5:1-6 and Lk. 24:39. Yet it is described as flesh and bones to prove that it was not altogether spirit but actual body.

4.     The body will be incorruptible 1 Cor. 15:42.

5.     The body is glorious 1 Cor. 15:43 c/p the transfiguration, Matt. 17; Rev. 1:13-17

6.     It is powerful – 1 Cor. 15:43. The body will no longer be weak while the body is strong.

7.     It is a spiritual body 1 Cor. 15:44

8.     The body is heavenly – 1 Cor.  15:47-49

BODY OF UNBELIEVERS IN RESURRECTION

The bible seems to be silent about the nature of unbelievers at resurrection. Jesus told us of the resurrection to life and that to judgment (John 5:28). Christ further advised his followers not to fear the person that only have power to destroy the flesh, that they rather should fear he who has the power to destroy the body and soul through them to hell (Lk. Lake of fire) Matt. 10:20

Paul in the presence of Felix said that Israel has hope towards God and that there is resurrection of the righteous and the wicked. Acts 24:15

Daniel on the same not told us that those who sleep will rise to disgrace and everlasting contempt (Dan. 12:2). This verse is directly referring to the ungodly.

Rev. 20:12 taught that the unsaved will be raised, judged, and cast into the lake of fire.

The passages above proved the wicked (ungodly) will soon rise but to condemnation.

THE TIME OF RESURRECTION

The two resurrections will not take place at the same time. It will start with the righteous, then to the wicked.

1.    THE RIGHTEOUS

The resurrection which is regarded as the first is of two phases. The first part is at the beginning of Christ’s returns – the dead will rise first – 1 Thess. 4:14-17. This resurrection will usher in the reward of believers.

The second phase of the first resurrection will be at the end of the great tribulation when Christ will come to reign for 1,000 years. c/p Rev. 20:4-6 with Heb. 11:35

The last day used in John 6:39-40, does not refer to the 24 hour’s day but the day of grace. Read 1 Cor. 15:23; 2 Cor. 6:2, 2 Pet. 3:8

2.    THE UNRIGHTEOUS

This resurrection is for the rejection of Christ. The resurrection will take place at the end of Millennium. It will lead to the great white throne judgment. Anyone who finds himself in this part of resurrection will be hell fire bound. It is not for any believer in Christ. Phil. 3:11; 1 Cor. 15:21-24; c/p Mk. 4:28; Dan. 12:2; Jn. 5:28-29; Rev. 20:4-6, 12

NATURE OF JUDGMENT

1.     Judgment of the past: This particular judgment was over sin laid on Christ at the cross of Calvary (John 5:24; 12:31; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13; 1 Pet. 2:24). Satan thought that his crucifixion of Christ was the end of God plan for human redemption not knowing that it will mark his final defeat and judgment.

2.     Daily judgment: This is judgment on sin in believers is intended for their purification so that the grace of God be made perfect. Any person who does not e     xperience this judgment is hell bound. We are told to judge (examine) ourselves so as to avoid judgment of condemnation. 1 Cor. 11:31-32; 5:5; 1 Tim. 1:20 c/p 2 Sam. 7:14-15; 12:13-14

3.     Future judgment: This judgment is yet to take place. It involves a type of judgment for the righteous and the other for the wicked.

a.      Of the Just: This judgment is for rewards over the works done while on earth – refer to the former.

b.     Of the Nations: Considering the passage of Matt. 25:31-46, this judgment will take place at coming of Christ with his saints after the reward. The church and the nation of Israel is not inclusive. It is rather on the nations (Gentiles) who dealt wicked with the nation of Israel.

c.      The White Throne: This judgment has nothing good so should not be desired by any. It is intended for those who reject Christ. Rev. 20:11-15; Matt. 25

d.     Of Israel: This judgment will probably take place at the end of the great tribulation. The judgment will be based on rejection of Christ as proclaimed by the prophets. The two witness and the 144,000 preachers in Rev. 7. Compare Ezek. 20:33-44; Psalm 50:16-22.

e.      Of Satan and Fallen angels: The demons and their master the devil will be finally judged and thrown into the lake of fire. Jude v. 6; 2 Pet. 2:4. The believers will participate (1 Cor. 6:3).

FINAL REWARD OF THE RIGHTEOUS                                               

1.     The Saints will overcome death – John 8:51; 11:25,26 c/p 1 Tim. 5:6.

2.     The believers going to be with the lord (Christ) who eternally will remain the husband of the church 2 Cor. 5;6; Phil 1:23; 2 Cor. 5:1-5

3.     The dead believers are raised with a body that is not subjected to death.

4.     The believers are rewarded for their faithfulness. Luke 19:12-19; Matt. 25:20-23

TYPES OF BELIEVER’S REWARD

A.    He shall receive crown. (i) Crown of life (Isa. 1:12; Rev. 2:10) (ii) crown of glory (1 Pet. 5:4; John 17:22; Heb. 2:9); (iii) crown of righteousness (2 Tim. 4:8). This righteousness is of Christ and therefore imputed; (iv) crown of rejoicing (1 Thess. 2:19). This will be as a result of seeing the number of souls led to Christ who are eternally in his presence; (v) crown of gold (Rev. 4:4); (vi) incorruptible crown (1 Cor. 9:25). The crown is compared to the Greek given at the competition of any race. The crown is usually corruptible (can go bad); (vii) victor’s crown (Rev. 3:11)

SEVEN (7) BENEFITS OF OVERCOMERS (REV. 2,3)

1.     Rev. 2:7 – eat of the tree of life; which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

2.     Rev. 2:11 – shall not be hurt of the second death.

3.     Rev. 2:17 – receive a state with written name; Believers will also eat of the Hidden manna.

4.     Rev. 2:26,27 – authority over the nations.

5.     Rev. 3:4,5 – shall be clothed in white garments; the assurance that one’s name shall not be blotted out of the book of life.

6.     Rev. 3:12 – the believer will be pillars in the temple of God, he will no longer go out but God write his own new name on him.

7.     Rev. 3:21 – He will sit with the lord on His throne.

NEW CONDITION OF THE REDEEMED

(a)A new sphere of life for the saints:

Believers will dwell in new heavens and a new earth: the lost paradise will be regained; new spiritual environment; new physical living conditions; no more temptations and death.

(b)                A new home for the saints

Rev. 21; 22:5 – there will be a new Jerusalem which will be the final living place of the righteous. The name, walls, foundation, its citizens and magnitude (size) is stated in the above passage.

(c)New conditions of life for the redeemed

Since it includes God’s home (Rev. 21:3); the saints will have constant communion and fellowship. The saints will no longer be subject to death, mourning, curse, tears, humiliation, sorrows, night; everything will be made alright.