We are exploring in these posts: the differences between the Rapture and Jesus Coming which are stated by Dispensationalism to be present in Scripture and thus proof of the Rapture being a separate event from Christs coming a second time.  This study began yesterday with numbers 1-5, plus 15. 

So let’s continue this post with #6 and 7; “only the rapture is taught as being imminent.  The Second Coming cannot happen for at least 7 years from today.” 

So here are passages used to support their understanding of “the rapture” itself being imminent. 

In 1 Thess. 4:16-17, we are told that at the Lord’s coming we will be caught up (Raptured). The context from which this teaching comes is that we should not grieve over the death of a loved one because there will be a future coming of the Lord which will resurrect these who have died in Christ, and after that happens we will be caught up to be with those loved ones who have gone before us; and the we will always be with the Lord.  Nothing in fact is taught in this passage about imminence.  Paul in fact tells us that we will not be in darkness as the world will be when this event does happen.  There is no immediacy in this passage.  So how about the next?

James 5:8  You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. (NASB2020)

Being patient, but is patience evidence of imminence?  Is the statement “the Lord is near” evidence of imminence?   James had actually told us where he was coming from with this statement just before these words were penned. Listen:

James 5:7  Therefore be patient, brothers [and sisters,] until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. (NASB2020)

James is telling us that things need to happen (be patient) there are things that must happen before the harvest.  (Those signs in your #7; yes they must happen) You don’t just plant seeds today and go out to harvest tomorrow.  Imminence says “yes you do”.  Or at least “yes you do with the Rapture”; they say. The they here is the Dispensationalist.  They say that there is nothing that has to happen before the rapture.  They even tell us that the resurrection does not affect the timing of the rapture.  You say: “no they don’t”.  I say: “yes they do”. Have you never heard of imminence?  They use it right here “only the rapture is taught as being imminent”. What does imminent mean?

One source says: “when eminent and imminent first appeared as English words in the 15th and 16th centuries respectively, they were clearly distinct in meaning, imminent’s prefix having strengthened the “overhang” sense of (minēre Latin) to give the word its frequent suggestion of looming threat.”

Within the meaning of imminent is to overhang, as did the blade of the guillotine which did eventually overhang the head of the Apostle Paul.  This is why it is said that nothing must happen before the Rapture. By saying that, what they are saying is that you won’t find one thing stated in the Scriptures that must take place before the Rapture.  And I say: “you have just shown your shallowness and possibly your ignorance of the Scriptures”.  Even Paul stated (when teaching this famous Rapture passage) that the dead in Christ would rise first (BEFORE THE RAPTURE); for them who know not what that means: it means that the first resurrection must precede the Raptures occurrence. Where in Scripture do you read about the first resurrection?  

Revelation 20:5  The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. (NASB2020)

Do you know what that was talking about. You had better, if you are teaching this stuff. 

You say: “but Jesus couldn’t have meant it that way!”

Think about that.  Do you really think that Jesus didn’t know that this discussion was going to dominate church doctrine concerning eschatology in these end times?  What else did He say that you think that He didn’t mean?  Didn’t He say: if any man adds to….  Maybe you should go back and read that one. 

Another proof verse for an imminent return is. 

Philippians 3:20  For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; (NASB2020)

So what exactly does this mean concerning imminence?  Frankly I do not know, but what I do know is that our forever is not of this world. 

David: “and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” 23rd Psalm

1 John 2:17  The world is passing away, and [also] its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. (NASB1995)

Don’t try to make the word say what it does not. 

Then there is:

Revelation 22:12  “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward [is] with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. (NASB1995)

I’m 82 years old.  If someone were to ask me: did those 82 years go by rather slowly for you?  My answer would be rather “quickly”.  For most of us believers He could not come soon enough, yet here we are, still waiting.  But, this world is not our home. Actually in its present evil state it belongs to the Devil.  He offered it to Jesus and he offers it to us. It’s his domain. Man gave it to him. We never took it back. Jesus paid for its return, but even then He has not yet chained the devil. But after his destruction Jesus will rebuild this earth before it’s fit for His bride:

Revelation 21:1  Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer [any] sea.  2  And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. (NASB1995)

The early Church was suffering tribulation. They may even have thought it to be great Tribulation, I don’t know?  But they were suffering. They may have been like us looking for and longing for the Lord’s coming, but the signs were not here. Even when Rome came down on and destroyed Jerusalem, that was not the “nations gathered”against Jerusalem, which must come. Why do you think Israel is back in her Land in these last days.  Well yes, it is so some can be stupid and argue that she is not really Israel. Yep, even your ignorance Tucker, is suppose to happen.  It’s all coming together folks, but He is not coming today or tomorrow, but soon.  Didn’t He say that. 

Luke 13:32  Jesus said to them, “Tell that fox that I will force demons out of people and heal people today and tomorrow. I will finish my work on the third day. (GOD’S WORD)

We are nearing the third day as the Lord measures days, but not quite there yet. So to you my brother:

I will say that you yourself in your own teachings do not consider the Lord’s coming as being imminent, for now you are saying that the lord will come “probably” in 2030. Imminent (if true) is overhanging. Nothing more is needed, you are conflicted in your teaching over that one concept. But there is more.

Concerning what you say here: I will just say that being faithful to the mysteries is not the measure of our salvation. Being faithful to Christ. Remaining in Him, knowing His word, (ears to hear and eyes to see); believing it and enduring in Him. As to your beliefs you are close; your timing is off according to the word, which explains the mysteries much better than the doctrines of men.

To be continued: