THE TIME of the RAPTURE in 1 and 2 THESSALONIANS by Dr
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The Rapture in 2 Thessalonians 2:3
Scholars Crossing Article Archives Pre-Trib Research Center May 2009 The Rapture in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Thomas D. Ice Liberty University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/pretrib_arch Recommended Citation Ice, Thomas D., "The Rapture in 2 Thessalonians 2:3" (2009). Article Archives. 82. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/pretrib_arch/82 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Pre-Trib Research Center at Scholars Crossing. It has been accepted for inclusion in Article Archives by an authorized administrator of Scholars Crossing. For more information, please contact [email protected]. IS THE RAPTURE IN 2 THESSALONIANS 2:3? Tom's Perspectives by Thomas Ice Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, —2 Thessalonians 2:3 I believe that there is a strong possibility that 2 Thessalonians 2:3 is speaking of the rapture. What do I mean? Some pretribulationists, like myself, think that the Greek noun apostasia, usually translated “apostasy,” is a reference to the rapture and should be translated “departure.” Thus, this passage would be saying that the day of the Lord will not come until the rapture comes before it. If apostasia is a reference to a physical departure, then 2 Thessalonians 2:3 is strong evidence for pretribulationism. THE MEANING OF APOSTASIA The Greek noun apostasia is only used twice in the New Testament. In addition to 2 Thessalonians -
The Background and Meaning of the Image of the Beast in Rev. 13:14, 15
Andrews University Digital Commons @ Andrews University Dissertations Graduate Research 2016 The Background and Meaning of the Image of the Beast in Rev. 13:14, 15 Rebekah Yi Liu [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dissertations Part of the Biblical Studies Commons Recommended Citation Liu, Rebekah Yi, "The Background and Meaning of the Image of the Beast in Rev. 13:14, 15" (2016). Dissertations. 1602. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dissertations/1602 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Research at Digital Commons @ Andrews University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Andrews University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ABSTRACT THE BACKGROUNDS AND MEANING OF THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST IN REV 13:14, 15 by Rebekah Yi Liu Adviser: Dr. Jon Paulien ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STDUENT RESEARCH Dissertation Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Title: THE BACKGROUNDS AND MEANING OF THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST IN REV 13:14, 15 Name of researcher: Rebekah Yi Liu Name and degree of faculty adviser: Jon Paulien, Ph.D. Date Completed: May 2016 Problem This dissertation investigates the first century Greco-Roman cultural backgrounds and the literary context of the motif of the image of the beast in Rev 13:14, 15, in order to answer the problem of the author’s intended meaning of the image of the beast to his first century Greco-Roman readers. Method There are six steps necessary to accomplish the task of this dissertation. -
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666 AND THE MAN OF SIN Johnie Scaggs Johnie Scaggs was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He and his wife, the former Nancy Thornbrugh, have four children. Scaggs is a graduate of the 8th and Lee School of Biblical Studies in Lawton, Oklahoma, Brown Trail School of Preaching, Ft. Worth, Texas and Southwest School of Preaching in Austin, Texas. He has done local work with several congregations in Missouri. Scaggs preaches for the Stewart Avenue Church of Christ in Sedalia, Missouri. He is Co-editor of The Reasoner, a monthly publication. INTRODUCTION1 Many Bible scholars list 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 and Revelation 13:11-18 among the most difficult passages to understand. The lack of understanding of these verses has caused, and will continue to cause, much confusion about the coming of the Lord and the things which are related to that event. Premillennialists have taken 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 and Revelation 13:11-18, along with many other passages, and done untold damage to the cause of Christ. They would have us believe that these verses are speaking of a modern-day entity, a person who will be revealed before the Lord returns. Their views as to who that person is have changed throughout the ages. This is due to the fact that the person(s) whom they have designated as being the man of sin (or Antichrist) has come and gone, but the end of ages has not happened. In modern times, they have named such men as Saddam Hussein, Osama Bin Laden, George Bush, ad infinitum. -
THE ESCHATOLOGICAL THEOLOGY of MARTIN LUTHER As Soon As
Andrews University Seminary Studies, Autumn 1986, Vol. 24, No. 3, 249-264. Copyright @ 1986 by Andrews University Press. THE ESCHATOLOGICAL THEOLOGY OF MARTIN LUTHER PART I: LUTHER'S BASIC CONCEPTS WINFRIED VOGEL Marienhoehe Seminary D6100 Darmstadt West Germany As soon as one delves into the study of Luther's works, especially his sermons and expositions of the Bible, one is rather fascinated by the overwhelming presence of eschatological thought in what this great Protestant Reformer had to say and write. The crux of the matter is not to be found simply in his references to the papacy as the antichrist, nor in his clear warnings against the Turks, nor even in his expressions of a longing for the last day. Rather, it is to be found in the fact that the eschaton-the consummation of all things into the coming Kingdom of God- was a central and very compelling force that drove and motivated Luther as a person and as a theologian. Historical studies on Luther have understandably tended to focus on the earlier period of the Reformer's life, since it was then that he was most active public1y.l One major implication of this trend to focus on the "early Luther" has been to emphasize the Reformer as the herald of justification by faith, which was indeed one of his most outstanding contributions to his own generation and to posterity. To limit Luther's accomplishments to the procla- mation of faith versus works, however, would be to minimize both his theology and influence. Indeed, as we look at the whole of Luther's life and works, we may rightly marvel at the large extent to which his theology and practice were permeated by his eschato- logical concerns. -
General Epistles Pauline Epistles Later New Testament
The Nature of Yeshua in the Pauline Epistles and Hebrews than any formal creedal statement could be.” 16 Certainly while later Christian leaders would come along and formulate different creeds about the Divine nature of the Messiah, albeit doctrinally correct, the claims of the text of an authentic Apostolic letter bear far more authority and significance to us as Bible readers. Witherington asserts how “The language previously applied to the yom Yahweh [hw"hy> ~Ay ] and the theophanies of Yahweh in general are now being applied to Jesus.” 17 Fee similarly concludes, “Paul applies directly to Christ language from the Septuagint, where the Lord (Kurios) is a substitute for the name of Yahweh. Thus, with the language at the coming of our Lord, Jesus, with all his holy ones, Paul’s intertextual appropriation of Zechariah 14:5 seems certain.” 18 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 “The Return of Yeshua and Resurrection of the Dead” “For if we believe that Yeshua died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Yeshua. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Messiah will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. -
The Secret Power of Lawlessness
Leaven Volume 23 Issue 1 Thessalonian Correspondence Article 4 1-1-2015 The Secret Power of Lawlessness Mark S. Krause [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/leaven Recommended Citation Krause, Mark S. (2015) "The Secret Power of Lawlessness," Leaven: Vol. 23 : Iss. 1 , Article 4. Available at: https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/leaven/vol23/iss1/4 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Religion at Pepperdine Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Leaven by an authorized editor of Pepperdine Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]. Krause: The Secret Power of Lawlessness The Secret Power of Lawlessness Mark S. Krause mong the earliest extant writings of the Apostle Paul are two brief letters written to an infant church in the Macedonian Greek city of Thessalonica.1 While elements of Paul’s understanding of eschatological Aevents and the coming of Christ may be found elsewhere in his letters (e.g. 1 Cor 15, Phil 2), the Thessalonian letters offer a unique contribution in describing future events in seeming detail. This includes the future resurrection of the dead (1 Thess 4–5) and the revealing of a future figure of power and lawlessness (2 Thess 2). Historical and Literary Context In seeking to understand the eschatological perspective and teachings of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, it is prudent to recover as much historical background as possible, for these letters were written to address questions and needs of their time and place. -
Amillennialism David J
Criswell Tabernacle A Defense of Reformed Amillennialism David J. Engelsma Response to the editorial, "Jewish Dreams" (the Standard Bearer, Jan. 15, 1995), has made clear how deep and entrenched are the inroads of postmillennialism into Reformed circles. The editorial, written at the beginning of a new year, reminded Reformed Christians that our only hope, according to the Bible, is the second coming of the Lord Jesus. It sketched in broad outline the traditional, creedal Reformed conception of the last days: abounding lawlessness; widespread apostasy; the Antichrist; and great tribulation for the true church. It gave a warning against the false hope that is known as postmillennialism, quoting a Reformed creed that condemned "Jewish dreams that there will be a golden age on earth before the Day of Judgment." Against this Reformed doctrine of the endtime with its condemnation of postmillennialism have come vehement objections. The objections arise from conservative Reformed and Presbyterian men and churches. One objector asked for a defense of Amillennialism from Scripture. He also confidently asserted that the number of Reformed Amillennialists is steadily decreasing, suggesting that the reason for this is the irrefutable arguments of the postmillennialists. It is true that the postmillennialists are very vocal and aggressive in promoting their theory of the last days. Nor is this true only of those associated with the movement known as "Christian Reconstruction." Also the men of the influential Banner of Truth publishing group vigorously and incessantly push postmillennialism, usually in connection with their expectation of a coming great revival of Christianity. It is also true that there is little or no defense of Amillennialism in the Reformed press. -
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8: the Thessalonians Should Live a Holy Life
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8: The Thessalonians should live a holy life Eduard Verhoef (Maartensdijk, the Netherlands)1 Research Associate: Department of New Testament Studies University of Pretoria Abstract The author argues that 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 should be considered as one coherent pericope. It shows that the term “holiest” does not refer to the god “Kabeiros”, neither that the Greek word “skeuos” means either “spouse” or referring to the male sexual organ. It rather means “body”. The article aims to argue that 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 is a passage in which Paul urges the Thessalonians to be always pure in body and mind. Thus explained, the pericope fits in with the preceding text about the Thessalonians’ holiness at the parousia (3:13) and it prepares for the next paragraph in which the parousia of the Lord with the holy people (3:13) is discussed more thoroughly (1 Th 4:13-5:11). 1. INTRODUCTION In 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 Paul gives several ethical exhortations. These exhortations are meant to support the Thessalonians on their way to their meeting with the Lord (1 Th 4:17). It is the verses 1-8 that will be the focus in this paper. We are confronted with several exegetical problems in this pericope. The most important are the meaning of the clause sn[ d(`tsnt} rjdt}ni js`}rp`h in vs 4 and the interpretation of the prepositional phrase d)m sv {} o q`.fl`sh in vs 6. In my opinion these phrases do not refer to totally different subjects. -
What Does the Bible Say About the End Times?
WHAT DOes THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT THE END TIMES? A FOUR-WEEK INTRODUCTION TO BIBLE PROPHECY AND END TIME EVENTS 1 WHAt does the bible say about the end times? Copyright © 2017 by Campus Ministry International All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the author. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Written by: Paul Records Graphic Design: Jordon Frye (Sparq Creative Solutions, LLC) 2 Table of Contents Introduction 4 A Book of Prophecy 6 What Does the Bible Say About the End Times? Lesson 1 Ancient Prophecies and Future Fulfillments 10 What Does the Bible Say About the End Times? Lesson 2 Rediscovering Revelation 15 What Does the Bible Say About the End Times? Lesson 3 Looking to Eternity 20 What Does the Bible Say About the End Times? Lesson 4 Appendix: Lesson Worksheets 25-28 3 INTRODUCTION Prophecy is not so difficult that we can’t understand it, or else God would not have put it into Scripture. There has never been a more urgent time when God’s people have needed to know His wonderful plan for the future, and it can be found in the one book that tells us the truth about eternity – the Bible. –Tim LaHaye As we discover in the Scriptures, man was created Due to the nature of certain end time events and as an eternal soul and thus has an undeniable due to the time gaps in the fulfillment of certain curiosity of his eternity. -
The Fall of Babylon the Great March 23, 2016
A Journey Into the Heavenlies The Fall of Babylon the Great March 23, 2016 In our last lesson we studied the seven bowls of wrath, which are the last of the trio of judgements recorded in the book of Revelation. In those judgements we saw those with the mark of the beast infected with ugly and painful sores, all sea life killed, the fresh water polluted, dramatic changes in the atmosphere so that the sun literally scorched the people, darkness come on the earth, an enormous earthquake, and great hail of stones, each weighing about 100 pounds. As a result of the judgements of these seven vials, or bowls, the world would be totally devastated. Since the threefold series of divine judgements is now over, the time is ready for Christ to return and claim His inheritance. However in chapters 17-18 there is another parenthesis, or interlude, inserted. These two chapters describe the destruction of Babylon. John’s original readers probably believed Babylon represented the city of Rome, and John’s prediction of the fall of Babylon meant impending fall of the Roman Empire. Many scholars and Bible interpreters still hold their view. Yet, to identify Rome as Babylon is simply not sufficient to explain these two chapters because of the details of John’s description of Babylon do not fit any city in past history. In the Old Testament, Babylon was so often denounced by the Old Testament prophets that the name became synonymous with corruption, pride, and evil. The name Babylon in Revelation 17-18 should be understood as an evil system, not in terms of geographical boundaries. -
Grace to You :: Unleashing God's Truth, One Verse at a Time Rapture and Resurrection Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 Code
Grace to You :: Unleashing God's Truth, One Verse at a Time Rapture and Resurrection Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 Code: 90-498 Turn to 1 Thessalonians, chapter 4, and verses 13 through 18. Let me read this to you and then we’ll make some comments about it and dig down a little bit into it. This will be a little bit more detailed look at the very specific event that is the resurrection of believers. Verse 13: “But we do not want you to be uninformed,” – or ignorant – “brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” The details of what happens to Christians after they die were elusive in the early church, and the Thessalonians were worried about that subject: “Where do Christians go after they die? What happens to their souls? And, in particular, what happens to their bodies?” This set of questions troubled young believers in the church at Thessalonica, as we might assume, because they didn’t have the full revelation that we do in the New Testament. -
2 Thessalonians Ch.2
2 Thessalonians Ch.2 Day 1 I’m excited to study God’s Word with you! Pray with me: “Lord, give us the mind of a “learner”, as we study your word today. Clear our thoughts now of our daily tasks, so we can hear You speak. Take our worries, ease our anxieties, and help us to focus on the voice of your sweet Holy Spirit, our teacher.” “We look to you for spiritual feeding. Oh how dry we are without your infilling of wisdom and hope. Feed our soul, Lord. Living in this ungodly, chaotic world makes my soul dry. There is heartache and pain around every corner, sometimes mine and sometimes others. Remind us of Your sure promises, lift us up and bring us hope only You can give and continue to be forever faithful to each one.” “You alone do we worship. We bow our hearts in praise and adoration for how You have cared for us up until this point. We live under the umbrella of your protection, favor and grace, something the non-believer doesn’t experience. That breaks our heart Lord. They need You desperately, just as we do. You show us special favor, which makes our hearts swell with gratitude as we sit here before You. Praise You Father, for your great devotion and care to each one of us. Help us to never take for granted all You have done to have relationship with us. Thank You for the cross, thank You for redemption and relationship with You. We are undeserving, You are ever giving.