Raptured? When? Part H

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higher-fire@prairienet.org
Subject: Raptured? When? Part H

     There are a number of contrasts to be drawn between the rapture and the
second advent which will show that they are not viewed as synonymous in
Scripture. The fact of two separate programs is best seen by a number of
contrasts drawn in Scripture between the two events. (1) The translation
entails the removal of all believers, while the second advent entails the
appearing or manifestation of the Son. (2) The translation sees the saints
caught up into the air, and in the second advent He returns to the earth.
(3) In the translation Christ comes to claim a bride, but in the second
Advent He returns with the bride. (4) the translation results in the removal
of the church and the inception of the tribulation, and the second advent
results in the establishment of the millennial kingdom. (5) The translation
is imminent, while the second advent is preceded by a multitude of signs.
(6) The translation brings a message of comfort, while the second advent is
accompanied by a message of judgment. (7) The Translation is related to the
program for Israel and the world. (8) The translation is a mystery, while
the second advent is predicted in both Testaments. (9) At the translation
believers are judged, but at the second advent the Gentiles and Israel are
judged. (10) The translation leaves creation unchanged, while the second
advents entails the change in creation. (11) At the translation Gentiles are
unaffected, while at the second Advent Gentiles are judged. (12) At the
translation Israel's covenants are unfulfilled, but at the second advent all
her convents are fulfilled. (13) The translation has no particular relation
to the program of God in relation to evil, while at the second advent evil
is judged. (14) The translation is said to take place before the day of
wrath, but the second advent follows it. (15) The translation is for
believers only, but the second advent has its effect on all men. (16) The
expectation of the church in regard to the translation is "the Lord is at
hand" (Philippians 4:5), while the expectation of Israel in regard to the
second advent is "the kingdom is at hand" (Matthew 24:14). (17) The
expectation of he church at the translation is to be taken into the Lord's
presence, while the expectation of Israel at the second advent is to be
taken into the kingdom. These, and other contrasts which might be presented,
support the contention that these are two different programs and can not be
unified into one event.

Walter Copes
The joy of the Lord is my strength
(wcopes@communique.net)
Walter L Copes