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NASB | 1 Thessalonians 4:17 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. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain [on the earth] will simultaneously be caught up (raptured) together with them [the resurrected ones] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord! [John 14:3; 1 Cor 15:52; 2 Cor 5:8; Phil 1:23; Col 3:4] |
Subject: Order of events at the 2nd Coming? |
Bible Note: Greetings Charis! May I address two issues in your post? Issue One: I ask this half in jest, half seriously: Is there any topic that it is okay to discuss on this forum? It seems as if every question that is raised, or every topic that is broached must be avoided because someone might disagree. Suppose that someone responded to my posts with a differing viewpoint. I might ask, "Why do you think that way?" They would respond and give me their reasons. I might respond if they had an interesting point or I might simply say, "I can see where your coming from, but I don't fully agree." By no means, would I turn it into a battle. By all means, let us fully discuss the questions and issues that people want to discuss. Anyone who isn't interested can simply skip to the next thread. Anyone who has a contribution can jump in with their two yen! (How much is a yen worth anyway?) I'm not trying to pick on any one person, but I don't think I have been involved in a thread yet where someone didn't suggest that we ought not discuss this or that issue. Issue Two: While I would fully agree that "date setters" and other extremists have gotten out of balance, I don't see a focus on the Second Coming of Christ as being a fringe issue. There are many passages of Scripture that focus on the soon return of Christ as a primary, not secondary, motivation for Christian ethics. Consider the following passages: a) Romans 13:11 "And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." b) 1 Thess. 5:1 "Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, ‘‘Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." c) Heb. 10:23 "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." d) 2 Pet. 3:11 "Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him." The events of the end times are a continuation of the process of salvation which God has started in us. They remind us that there is more to come. They remind us that our Lord is coming. They remind us how we should live. I believe that end time events form a part of a well-balanced Christian faith. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |