Jer. 30:4-11, What do ya’ know: Jesus is Coming Again! (2)

b)    The purpose of the tribulation. 

i)      Daniel’s prophecy (9:20-27) states six (some would say 3 pairs) of “goals” that God will accomplish by the time the 490 years are complet: the rule of sin in this world will end, there will be reconciliation for sin (the cross of Jesus) and righteousness will now reign on earth (Jesus’ Millennial reign will begin), Bible prophecies will be complete and Christ will be anointed King in Zion (Jerusalem). 

ii)   Jeremiah’s prophecy (30:4-11) gives us three “goals” that are accomplished during the “time of Jacob’s trouble”: Israel’s chastisement by God, in which He uses the nations, will be complete; the nations will then be judged by God; and Israel will be corrected and saved.

c)    The events of the tribulation.  Here are a few of the major events of this time.

i)      A world leader will arise (Dan. 7:24-25; Rev. 13:5) who will befriend Israel for 3½ years (Dan. 9:26-27) and then turn on Israel 3½ years (Rev. 11:2).

ii)   God will pour out His wrath on all men (Rev. 6-19).

iii)            The gospel will be preached to all people (Rev. 11:3).

iv) Israel will be purified (Jer. 30:4-11).

v)    Those who reject Christ will become more solid in their rejection (2 Thess. 2:8-12; Rev. 16:9,11,21).

2)    What do we know about the Rapture? (1 Thess. 4:13-18)

i)      This passage is the primary place but it is referred to in other New Testament passages (e.g. 1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 Thess. 1:10; Rev. 3:10).  Some like to note that the actual word “rapture” does not appear in any English translations.  True enough.  But as we saw with the word “trinity” the concept is there.  “Rapture” comes from the English “caught up” in 1 Th. 4:17.  Call it the “catching away” if you don’t want to use a term that is not in the Bible.

ii)   The important thing to note is that there are significant differences between what is described in 1 Thess. 4 and the event described in Rev. 19 when Christ rides out of heaven on a white horse and comes to earth.  In the “rapture” Christ does not set foot on earth.  Believers, Christians, who are still alive will rise to meet Him in the air and “thus we shall always be with the Lord.”  This happens after believers, Christians, who have died, are raised from the dead.  Since the tribulation is the “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jacob referring to Israel, Jacob’s descendants) there is no need for the Church to be on earth.  Instead they will be in heaven, standing before the “Judgment seat of Christ” (2 Cor. 5:10) and enjoying the “wedding supper of the Lamb” (Rev. 19:9-10).