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NASB | Matthew 24:31 "And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 24:31 "And He will send His angels with A LOUD TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect (God's chosen ones) from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. [Is 27:13; Zech 9:14] |
Subject: The ingathering of Israel? |
Bible Note: Hi MJH, Thank you for your thoughts. The reason I am asking this question is because I have seen a lot of teaching that this verse shows the rapture of the church, although it has occurred to me that Biblically, it seems to align with the gathering of Israel, which I understand to be a separate event from the rapture of the church. I am looking for Biblical evidence that will show conclusively that either this event encompasses both, or only one, and if one, which one. You bring up another point which I think is worthy of consideration. I have been taught that Israel's inheritance is the earth, and the church are citizens of the New Jerusalem. So I need to determine it that is Scripturally founded, and perhaps you can help me there. One thing I just looked up, is that in the Septuagint, where we read "chosen", refering to Israel in the KJV OT, it is translated as "eklektos", the same word used in Matt. 24:31. So in the Greek Old Testament, Israel was commonly called the "elect", which is really the same as chosen. I expect that as Jesus taught them in Hebrew, He would have used the same word as was used by the prophets. I understand Israel to be a separate group, with separate itdentity, and that they will be brought to relationship with God through different means than the Church. While redemption will come through Jesus Christ, there has been a special "Seventieth Week" set aside for the purpose of the redemption of Israel. I would appreciate any further thoughts you may have on this. Love in Christ, Mark |