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Spiritual Realms (Introduction)
Introduction
Many are the terms used in scripture to reference the other-worldly realms. These abodes include the habitations of the dead, both righteous and unrighteous, and angels, both righteous and unrighteous. Some of these realms are temporary. Some permanent. And, in many cases an English rendering of scripture alone does not do justice to the interpretational necessities of the biblical student. At times it is unclear, for example, in the Old Testament whether one’s afterlife abode is “Hell,” as the King James Version may translate, or “the grave,” as the NIV may translate for the very same verse. The term “Hell” certainly brings a vivid picture of eternal destruction to the mind of the biblical student, while the terms “the grave” do not indicate such a specific judgment to have yet been rendered. Continue reading
The Rapture (the timing)
The Timing of the Rapture
The timing of the rapture is an issue of great debate among students of eschatology. And, in scripture there are very difficult texts which lend fuel to that debate. The primary distinction between the pretribulational view of this work and other views is the degree to which one agrees to literally interpret scripture. Views contrary to the pretribulational view at worst dismiss the literal interpretation of scripture and at best weaken it. Numerous texts, when taken literally, indicate a church which is not present during the distress of the Great Tribulation. Continue reading
The Rapture (our new natures)
The Nature of Our Resurrected Bodies
The nature of our raptured bodies is best understood from a text which does not specifically speak of the rapture, but rather, the spiritual body: Continue reading
The Rapture (the glorification)
Our Transformation
The next fascinating element of observation during the rapture event is a transformation which will occur to all who are taken to be with Christ. Just as humanity is given a body which is appropriate for life on earth, so the inhabitants of Heaven must be granted one which is equipped for life in Heaven. Continue reading
The Rapture (the process)
The Process
The process of the rapture is actually well catalogued in scripture as well. As with all things, here, too, the Lord is a God of great order and well placed step. Continue reading
The Rapture (the event)
The Rapture Event
The timing of the rapture is an issue of such great debate that eschatology is divided into groups over this issue. Likewise, the very existence of a rapture creates yet another division in eschatology. Continue reading
The Rapture (introduction)
Some students of God’s word are inhibited from believing in the rapture because the term does not appear in scripture. However, while the term does not appear, one must be careful to use such a litmus test for excluding doctrines which are otherwise taught. Another term which does not appear in scripture is the term “Trinity.” And, like a theological understanding of the trinity, one must come to understand the rapture systematically, through a full study of scripture, rather than from any singular scriptural text. Continue reading
The Antichrist (his role)
Antichrist’s Role in Satan’s Counterfeit Program
Though it is too rarely focused on in eschatological study, there is a clear teaching in scripture of Satan’s counterfeiting work in his final program. Through the course of this study this counterfeiting will be identified on several levels. Continue reading
The Antichrist (his demonic nature)
Antichrist’s nature
Another key truth to grasp about Antichrist, in order to understand his role in the tribulation is to note that he is in some way satanic in nature. In the context of any serious study of eschatology from a pre-millennial perspective, one understands clearly that Antichrist is given a great amount of power. He will be a master deceiver, yet will have an impressive array of supernatural abilities which will give credibility to his claim to godhood. It is at this point that the biblical student must come to terms with his nature so as to determine exactly how he is empowered to do the things he will be able to do. He is either fully demonic, demon possessed, or in some other way receiving a great amount of dark spiritual power. The question is, “exactly how?” Being fully demonic is easily ruled out, because Antichrist is noted to be a man in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, being called “the man of lawlessness.” And, being only a man is also ruled out by a truth which will be observed later in this work, whereby Antichrist will be cast into the Abyss, a place where elsewhere in the entire Bible only demons are ever sentenced to. Continue reading
The Antichrist (about the Antichrist)
About The Antichrist
The “man of lawlessness” noted in 2 Thessalonians 2, above, bears the name “Antichrist” in First and Second John. Antichrist is one of the most key players on Earth during the Great Tribulation, playing an important role as an agent of Satan. And, although Antichrist is a being of satanic origins and purpose, he is also used of God to bring judgment to the Earth and to unfold God’s foretold plans among the nations. Continue reading
