Thursday July 11, 2013

Read Matthew 24:36-44

This is another passage used to prove that there will be a rapture followed by some time of tribulation  and millennial reign of Christ. But again, when we study the passage closely, such proof is noticeably absent.

 

The idea of a rapture is certainly present. Two men are in a field and one is taken. Two women are grinding at the mill together and one is taken. That’s as far as the parallel goes.

 

When we are trying to work out what a passage means we must always consider context. From verse 29 onwards, we see that the immediate context is clearly about the return of the Son of Man (ie Christ) in glory. It is not a partial or secret coming for believers only.  This context is confirmed by the parallel to Noah and the flood. The flood was primarily about judgement. The people of the flood era were eating and drinking and getting married before judgement fell upon them. So it will be in the days of the Son of Man.  The end of verse 39 - That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man– shows that the parallel is about judgment.  We also notice that the people in the flood were taken away to judgement. Are they taken away to a paradise or to a judgement?

 

Even more so, as we read on in verse 42-51 we see that the imperative to keep watch flows out of the impending coming of the Son of Man. The judgement that follows (weeping and gnashing of teeth) suggests that the judgement is the final once-for-all judgement that  the Son of Man implements with His coming.  The imperative to keep watch and to avoid the judgement would not fit naturally or flow logically out of a rapture followed by several years of continued life on earth for non believers without reading other things into the Scripture.

 

Luke 17:20-37, notably verse 39, talks specifically about the judgement of the flood. The Amillennial view best fits the data. When Jesus returns in His second and only coming, which is clearly visible to the entire world, He will bring with Him the dead in Christ. There will be a resurrection of the righteous and unrighteous and the judgement will ensue. Following this judgement, eternal life will follow. For some that will be eternal punishment. For others it will be eternal life. Where will you spend eternity?

 

Prayer:

Use the space provided to add your own prayer points.

Adoration:

 

Confession:

 

Thanks:

 

Supplication:

¥ Pray that everyone in your congregation, you included, would be convinced and assured of their eternity with Christ. Pray that those who are not sure will be convicted of the work of Christ and brought to complete assurance of their faith in Christ Jesus. Pray that those who are not saved would reconsider their stance and come faith in Jesus.

Pray for the eldership of your church. Ask God to make these men attentive to the Word, able to interpret and teach it and willing to listen to it and apply it to their own lives first and foremost. Pray that God would grant them wisdom and endurance as they shepherd your church.

 

 

Discussion Questions For Families and Groups

1. If someone uses the Bible out of context, what should you do?

2. Why is it important to always use the Bible in context?