Questions & Answers about the Matthew 24 study.
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Q: Hi here is a question I have about Bible study. It is about the flight part. Do you think that the Bible then is telling us that we will all have to flee to the mountains of Judea? I know you are busy so when you have time you can answer. Thank -you. |
| A: Hi , I think that this warning is specifically to those in the region, not only because it mentions those in Judea, but again, they seem to be mentioned in Revelation, at least, that is what I think this passage is referring to . . . rest of answer here |
| Q: I read your Mat24 study, and understand you think it means that Christians will go through the tribulation, if this is true, how do you explain Revelations Chapter 3 Verse 10? |
| A: I do believe that Christians will go through the great tribulation mentioned in Matt 24, but I do not think that Matt 24 indicates one way or the other, to be certain. My whole point in examining Matt 24, is that it is very detailed, and should be the starting point for exploring eschatology. As far a Rev 3:10, I generally shy away from Revelation on points of timing, except where it is very clear. Revelation is a vision, full of symbolism, which can easily be misinterpreted, and it is not in chronological order. In other words, be very careful about building a case from that book primarily. That being said, here is what I think about Rev 3:10 in the context of what I think you you are driving at.Update May 17th, 2008 Bad link repaired. |
| Q: I am not sure I understand. You are saying to don't believe the church will be raptured? The verses that say Jesus will come like a thief, unexpectedly, show that he can come at any time. If it isn't until after the tribulation, those verses are false! |
| A: I am not saying that the church will not be raptured, I am only saying that is my belief that the rapture is after the great tribulation, not before. The notion that Jesus could return at any moment, is known as imminence. The doctrine of Jesus' imminent return, is only an inference, not a scripturally established fact in my mind. Let's look at the verses which many people think teach His imminent return. Update: 8/7/2007 I said that my answer to this was a work in progress, but I am afraid that I topped progress about a year ago. Never-the-less, my partial answer should serve to demonstrate, that the doctrine of imminent return, should not be considered a doctrine, I believe it is a disproven theory, you can see what I have come up with so far in my study on imminence. |
| Q: The Holy Spirit is gone then, so the church has to be also 2Th 2: 6: And now ye know that which restraineth, to the end that he may be revealed in his own season. |
| A: Wow, you guys want to make me work, my intent was to make you work. I will answer this question, but it may be several weeks or to before I can get to it. Thank you for your patience. 4/12/2005 Update: 8/7/2007 On Nov. 11th, 2006, I did a study in Worthychat on speculating on the identity of the restrainer |
| Q: You think that Jesus is going to come down, meet us in the air, only to continue back to earth, why not just leave us here, that would make more sense. |
| A: My first thought, is that we do not want to use our notion of what makes sense to us, as a replacement for what has been revealed to us. So, when I can get around to it, I will answer your question in that way, producing the scriptures that I believe indicate of make possible, that understanding, sorry for the delay - check back. |
| Q: I am not at all convinced. You take a few verses out of context and expect me to believe this nonsense? I don't know why you are doing this. |
| A: I am not sure I understand, Your question is: Do I expect you to believe what I believe? First off, whether you are convinced, persuaded etc. is not my goal. Mind you, I am not sure that my view is correct. My goal here, is to get people to re-examine their position, examine the scriptures, and discover what the truth is. What I believe is irrelevant. You made a charge that I take verses out of context. That I take as a personal attack. If I do that, then I deserve to be called onto the carpet for that. However, you haven't shown me where I have done that, you only made a charge, do you have an example? As to why I am doing this: It is my belief that the majority of the western church, believes in a pre-trib rapture. I believe this view is erroneous. It is my hope, that by stimulating discussion on this topic, that Christians will become like the Bereans, and search the scriptures to discover what the truth is. Perhaps one day, one will offer me persuasive evidence that I am wrong. However, careful study of eschatology since 1981 (almost as long as I have been a Christian), has caused me to change my view from the pre-trib to the post-trib perspective. I am open minded and willing to learn, are you? |
| Q: Following is an answer to a question asked of me recently, asking what do I consider the strongest evidence for my belief that the rapture follows the great tribulation. |
| A: I was driving along days later, when I think that answer came to me. |
| Q: The bible is clear, that Christians will now suffer God's wrath. Christians will suffer his wrath, if they are here for the tribulation, so your view is wrong. Thanks |
| A: Again, that is not a question, that is a statement. Also, the link that you used to ask this question, is supposed to be about Matt 24, not about my position on the rapture and the tribulation. I'll take it anyway, as this frequently comes up. I think you meant to say "Christians will not suffer", not "Christians will now suffer". This topic is easily dealt with, and I will try to do so soon, check back in about a week, hopefully I will find the time to respond. Thank you - Omegaman 8/7/2007 |