Subject: RE: "immenint return" in first answer |
Bible Note: 2TI 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 2TI 3:17 that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. NASB We can see from the passages above that the Scriptures are inspired by God; Therefore, they are without error, also we can safely say that the Scriptures are not subject to the constraints of time or local because the Holy Spirit is omnipresent. ACT 17:10 And the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea; and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. ACT 17:11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so. NASB We can see from the passages two verses above that the Bereans were more noble minded than the Thessalonians because they examined the Scriptures to see what was true. ACT 2:40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation!" ACT 2:41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and there were added that day about three thousand souls. ACT 2:42 And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. NASB From the three verses above the believer's there devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching. In our day we should take much care that we also continue in the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. 2TI 4:6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 2TI 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 2TI 4:8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. NASB 2 Timothy 4:6 - 8 indicates that Paul the apostle expects to die, not to be raptured. 2PE 1:12 Therefore, I shall always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. 2PE 1:13 And I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, 2PE 1:14 knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 2PE 1:15 And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you may be able to call these things to mind. NASB 2 Peter 1:14 tells us what Peter saw as imminent, it was his death as the Lord had revealed to him. Peter also was reinforcing apostolic teaching to the Saints, so that they would "be able to call these things to mind" after he was gone. Peter did not expect the rapture during his lifetime or even shortly thereafter, because he was preparing saints for the "long haul". CONCLUSION The "imminent return" of Christ fails the test of apostolic teaching, it fails in the teaching of Paul, it fails in the teaching of Peter, and lastly and most importantly it fails in the light of Divinely inspired Scripture, therefore as a biblical teaching it is disqualified. We need to be prepared for the long haul, I would find it a blessing if our Lord would return for His church in my lifetime, but I am prepared if the Lord should tarry. Please do not be discouraged but rather rest in the fact that the Lord is NOT slack in His promises. Lord Bless Mike Piles |