 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
The Pretribulation Gathering ON the Day of Christ
|
|
| |
THE DOCTRINAL THESIS OF THE PAULINE GATHERING AT MIDWEEK
Paul's GATHERING and its timing has been "mistaken" for the gathering spoken of by the Lord Jesus Christ in the gospels of Matthew and Mark associated with the appearance of the Lamb in Rev.6. This is not only a grave error in literacy, reading comprehension, and progressive revelation given in the Bible; but it is also a VICIOUS, SATANIC, DOCTRINAL, DENIAL OF BIBLICAL STATEMENTS (instigated by seducing spirits and devils, “theological ones”), along with being a CALCULATED, PRESUMPTUOUS DISTORTION (heretical work of the flesh, Gal.5) of the "plain words" of the apostle Paul by “good, godly, dedicated” Christians.
Paul's GATHERING is a MYSTERY, which includes a resurrection of the DEAD IN CHRIST; the changing of the DEAD and LIVING in Christ; a "catching up" of BOTH at the same time into the air; which occurs at the last trump of a trumpet; which is INITIATED by an APPEARANCE of the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Tim.6, 2 Tim. 4, Titus 2, Col.3, 1 Cor.15, 1 Thess.4, 2 Thess.2)
Paul’s GATHERING occurs SUDDENLY, "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye” at the LAST TRUMP. This corroborates his teaching in Col.3:4, where he states, "When Christ, who is our life shall "appear", then shall ye "ALSO APPEAR" with HIM in glory”. The APPEARANCE of Jesus Christ throws "alleged" Bible scholars and students OFF. Many don't understand the biblical teaching on the MANNER of appearances by the Lord. Jesus Christ can appear OPENLY to ALL (as he has previously to Israel and the Gentiles) and will AGAIN. He also can appear in SECRET to SOME (excluding others as he did to the 12 and Paul), which he will to us. His appearing to the body of Christ will be SUDDENLY (instantaneous) and SECRET (unseen by others), as it was to Paul. (Titus 2, 2 Tim.4, Acts 9, 1 Tim. 6, Col.3) This BIBLICAL PHENONEMA is also corroborated by Luke his buddy, as found in Luke 9, speaking of the SUDDEN MANIFESTATION of Moses and Elijah, who disappeared as suddenly as they appeared.
Secret (not openly) and suddenly (instantaneous) are words which define the BIBLICAL appearing of Jesus Christ to Paul. This is the “only” MANNER OF APPEARING which Paul the apostle ever witnessed. HIS DEFINITION concerns this one. An appearance carries the biblical connotation of not only a PROLONGED SIGHTING of VISITATION (2 Tim.1), but one of SUDDEN MANIFESTATION and DISAPPEARANCE (vanishing). (John 20, Luke 24, Acts 9, Luke 9, 1 Tim.6, Titus 2)
This appearance takes place at the last trump. The last trump is the SECOND SOUND of a trumpet, which is blown. The previous (first) one is blown WHEN the Lord Jesus DESCENDS from heaven. (1 Thess.4) We ASCEND at the second which occurs at our “changing”. (1 Cor.15)
ALL of these items are contained within the “definition” of the MYSTERY, which concerns the GATHERING, given to Paul by revelation FOR the church, which is his body.
Paul's GATHERING concerns the MEMBERS of Christ's body, the church, of which he is head. (1 Cor.12, 15, Rom.8, 12, Eph. 1, 2, 4) This body was not formed until AFTER HIS DEATH (Eph.5, 2) for membership is by ONE BAPTISM through the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor.12, Eph.4) His teaching was according to the revelation of the mystery, which was UNKNOWN unto the sons of men in past ages. (Eph.3, Col.1, Rom.16) The BODY OF CHRIST and its DOCTRINES concerning it were given to PAUL alone. This includes the mystery of the gathering. His teaching and ministry were REVEALED to others by the Spirit. (Eph.3, Gal.2)
Paul's GATHERING will occur on the day of Christ, not the day of the Lord. He taught that we ESCAPED that day BY OUR GATHERING "on" the day of Christ. Many don't understand the teaching of Paul on the days. He knew "when" the day of the Lord started thereby ensuring his knowledge of the timing of the gathering on the day of Christ. His UNDERSTANDING (concerning the day of Christ) was GIVEN by revelation, and his knowledge (concerning the day of the Lord) was documented by the OT scriptures. (Acts 26, 2 Thess.2, Phil.1-2, 2 Tim.4, 1 Thess.4-5, Rom.16)
Paul's GATHERING occurs BEFORE the day of the Lord, which is identified as the TRAVAIL of the woman which child, as mentioned by the OT prophets. This PERIOD OF TIME is the time of Jacob's trouble, as stated in the OT. This period of time is called by the Lord Jesus, "the great tribulation, tribulation, affliction, and the days of vengeance”, which are WRITTEN. The time of Jacob’s trouble (great tribulation) is IDENTIFIED by JEREMIAH the prophet, as a day, which is great, with NONE like it, a time, and uses the same term of identification, IN THAT DAY, as Isaiah the prophet, speaking of the day of the LORD. (Jer.30, Isaiah 10, 13-14)
Paul’s GATHERING occurs on the day of Christ at 12:00 noon, which HOUR is connected to the IDENTIFICATION of the OT day of the LORD. (Amos 8, 1 Thess.4-5) That HOUR is also connected to the invasion of Jerusalem by the spoiler, the king from the north. (Jer.6, 15) It is also the SAME HOUR, which Paul “saw” the appearing of Jesus Christ. (Acts 9, 22, 26) Christ Jesus APPEARS to the body of Christ, just as he did to Paul, for HE is the PATTERN for the body (its members which should hereafter believe on the Lord). The day of the Lord starts IMMEDIATELY “after our gathering”, when the sun goes down at noon. (Acts 9, 22, 26, 1 Tim.1, 6, 2 Tim.4, Amos 8, 1 Thess.5) Paul is a WALKING DOCTRINAL EPISTLE for the body of Christ, due to the fact he SAW the “appearing” of the Lord Jesus Christ and was caught up HISTORICALLY, just as the body of Christ will be IN THE FUTURE, “doctrinally” according to his teaching. (Acts 9, 2 Cor.12, 1 Thess.4, Eph.2)
Paul’s GATHERING is corroborated by his buddy Luke, who testifies that the revelation of Jesus Christ OCCURS at the “midst of the week”, when Jerusalem is compassed by armies, and JEWS are warned to FLEE from the wrath to come, which is the GREAT TRIBULATION, the time of Jacob’s trouble. (Matt.3, 24, Luke 3, 17, 21, 1 Thess.1, 5) Matthew, John the Baptist, Luke, the Lord Jesus, AND PAUL “confirm” the wrath to come is the great tribulation.
Paul's GATHERING is connected to the REVELATION of the man of sin, the son of perdition. The revelation of the son of perdition occurs at the MIDST of Daniel's 70th week, NOT before Daniel’s week or after the tribulation. (2 Thess.2)
Paul’s GATHERING is connected to the bruising of the head of Satan (according to OT prophecy from Moses) and the MYSTERY OF INIQUITY (the incarnation of Lucifer) according to OT prophecy of Isaiah and revelation of Jesus Christ. The revelation of these events was given to Paul. This bruising occurs at the midst of the week for Satan has 7 heads, with the 7th head being BRUISED. The members of the body of Christ are IN THE AIR and OVER HIS HEAD “when” it is bruised by the Lord, for he is UNDER OUR FEET. This concerns the 7th king of the mystery of the beast, the man who is TAKEN OUT OF THE WAY, according to Paul. The 8th king is the REVIVAL of the 7th king, which is one OF the 7 heads, who is Lucifer, Satan incarnate THAT WICKED. (Gen.3, Rom.16, Rev. 6, 12, 13, 17, 2 Thess.2, Isaiah 10, 14, Job 24)
Paul’s GATHERING is connected with Michael the archangel, who stands for Israel at the midst of week, the time of great tribulation, when Satan is cast out of heaven. This is due to the fact that the ISRAEL OF GOD, the remnant according to the election of grace is “part” of the body of Christ AS STATED by Paul. (1 Thess.4, Dan.12, Rev.12, Rom.9-11, Eph.2-3, Gal.6)
Paul’s GATHERING is connected to the MIDST of the week, not the middle, or midpoint of the week. The midst of the week is the FOURTH YEAR of the 7 year week of Daniel, as Wednesday is the fourth day of the week, hence midweek service. The midst of the week is the midst of the years, for this is the time when “his people Israel” will be REVIVED, when the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. (2 Thess.2, Dan. 8, 9, 11, Hab.3, Rom.11)
Paul’s GATHERING is the first of THREE FUTURE RETURN APPEARANCES of the Lord Jesus Christ. (There is a pre-tribulation appearance at his heavenly kingdom, which is his glorious appearing unto the body of Christ [1 Thess.4-5, 2 Thess.2, Titus 2]; a post-tribulation appearance announcing his earthly kingdom, which gathers tribulation saints and reveals himself in the GLORY OF THE FATHER [2 Tim.4, Matt.16, Rev.11, 1 Tim.6, Acts 3], and a post-week appearance at his earthly kingdom when he is revealed as King of Kings and Lord of Lords IN HIS OWN GLORY OF THE SON OF MAN, and gathers those remaining of Israel unto Jerusalem. [1 Tim.6, Acts 3, Rev.19, Deut. 30]) John also mentions the times of appearances concerning his personages found in Revelation, but in their JEWISH CONTEXT, for “all” appearances have reference to Israel. (The ascension of the manchild [Israel of God, which is part of the body of Christ] found in Rev.12; the heavenly appearance of the 144,000 and great multitude of Gentiles [Rev.7, 14-15] due to his appearance of Rev.6 and 11, and the WOMAN (Israel) of Rev.12, who awaits Christ’s appearance at Rev.19.
All of these subjects, scriptures, statements, events, and personages teach the truth of Paul’s Gathering at Midweek.
|
WHAT WE BELIEVE AND TEACH FOR SOUND DOCTRINE
1. The REVELATION of God as manifested within the Holy Scriptures includes Inspiration, Publication, Preservation, Purification, Translation, Identification, and Illumination.
We believe that Revelation first concerns an APPEARANCE of God through which COMMUNICATION is established by LANGUAGE. (Gen.2-3) We believe that God speaks in every language, being he is the AUTHOR of language. (Gen.11) We believe that the Holy Scriptures were inspired by God the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Sam.23:1-3) and were recorded by men. (2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Tim.3:16-17) The INSPIRATION concerns the SPOKEN WORDS, as seen manifested by Adam, Enoch, Noah, Job, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. (Gen.3-4, Jude 14, Heb.12, Psalm 105, Job 32) They are infallible and inerrant, true from the beginning. We believe that God recorded them through PUBLICATION. (Psalm 19, Deut. 32, Psalm 68) This record begins with Moses. (Luke 24) The God, who inspired them, is ABLE to keep them forever. (Psalms 12:6-7) He does this ALSO through human instrumentality. This PRESERVATION is done through copies which bear the authority of originality. (Ex.24, Deut.17, 2 Chron.17, Jer.36, Mal.2) Their preservation contains PURIFICATION in writing and transmission. (Psalm 12, Exodus 33, Jer.36) The inspiration of God through preservation "continues" by TRANSLATION into the "languages of the people". (Acts 2, 1 Cor.14, Mark 13, Acts 13) Due to their translation, there is IDENTIFICATION by reception of others, when heard, as the words of God. (John 16, 1 Thess.2:13, Romans 10:17, 2 Tim.3) The Holy Spirit "using those words" does his work of conviction unto regeneration by the words of inspiration. (Titus 3, Eph.1, James 1) Those Holy Scriptures give ILLUMINATION by the Holy Spirit, which dwells in those who have received the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor.2:10:14, John 14, 16, 17, Eph.1).
The form in which the Holy Scriptures appears for the English speaking people of today is the Authorized Version, known as the King James Bible. It is the absolute and final authority in all matters of faith, practice, and doctrine.
2. The Triune Godhead.
We believe that that there is ONE GOD, which is manifested in three distinct personalities, who are God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The GODHEAD; the image of God is triune, as manifested through man, which has a body, soul, and spirit. (Gen.1, Matt.28, 1 John 5, 1 Thess.5, Rom.2, Col.1, 2)
3. The Incarnation and Virgin Birth of the Lord Jesus Christ
We believe that God was manifest in the flesh. (1 Tim.3:16) His manifestation was in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God. (John 1, 3) He is the fullness of the Godhead BODILY. (Col.1) He was the Son of Man (human) and the Son of God (God). (Matt-John, Isaiah 9, Daniel 7) He was born of the virgin, Mary, through the Holy Ghost. (Luke 2, Matt.1) He was conceived without a human father.
4. The Death, Burial, and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We believe the Lord Jesus Christ died physically, was buried, and rose again from the dead after three days. During this time, he bore the sin of the world away to hell, and preached to the spirits in prison, and the gospel to those who were held in captivity. He was given a resurrection body, which is described in the gospels. (1 Cor.15, Matt-John, 1 Peter 3-4, Heb.9) He ascended into heaven and is NOW at the right hand of the Father in the third heaven.
5. Salvation is by God’s Grace through the Faith of Jesus Christ
Salvation is through the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ who died and shed his blood for the remission of sins. He was buried, and rose from the dead for our justification. This grace is given us by our belief (faith) in the gospel through the faith of Jesus Christ. (Rom.3-5, 1 Cor.15, Eph.2, Gal.3)
The faith of Jesus Christ is the "actual" faith of the MAN, Christ Jesus, to FULFILL all righteousness". He KEPT the law, and God is pleased. (Isaiah 42:21, 53:11)
This righteousness is "imputed" by our belief. The "faith" of the Lord Jesus Christ is given us, for it is NOT "of ourselves". (Eph.2:8-9)
6. Faith in the Gospel of the Grace of God
Our faith (belief) in the gospel saves us. Salvation is not of works, but of grace. (Rom.1, 3, 9, Phil.3, 1 Cor.15, Eph.1) Salvation comes "immediately" upon belief, which includes regeneration, justification, adoption, reconciliation, sanctification, and glorification. (Rom.8, 5, 1 Cor.6, Col.1, Eph.1)
7. The Sealing of the Holy Spirit
We believe that believers TODAY, as the body of Christ, are sealed by the Holy Spirit upon belief of the gospel. (Eph.1, 4) We are sealed unto the day of redemption, which is the day when the Lord Jesus Christ comes again to gather us unto himself. (Eph.1, 4, 2 Thess.2, Rom.8, 2 Tim.4) There are no works which “keep” us saved. (Gal.3, Acts 15) Our spirit is born again (made alive, quickened) upon belief, by which we are saved from spiritual death (Eph.2); our soul is being saved FROM fleshy lusts (Rom.6-8) and is "growing up" into Christ; and our body will be saved (1 Thess.5, Rom. 5,8) at the gathering from the "wrath to come". Salvation of a Christian is three-fold, which is based on grace, and is COMPLETE on belief. (Col.2) This is due to FOREKNOWLEDGE and PREDESTINATION (election). (Rom.8, 1 Thess.1) We are "complete in Christ" NOW!
8. The Separate and Dispensational Ministry of the Apostle Paul
We believe that Paul is not “one” of the 12, nor is he operating under any commission given to the 12. He was saved separate and distinct from them by the literal, visible, and physical, GLORIFIED APPEARANCE of the Lord Jesus Christ in his heavenly body. (Gal.1, 1 Cor.15) His ministry is the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery. (Rom.16, Titus 1) He has a unique ministry in that he was revealed the mystery of the body of Christ, along with the gospel of the grace of God, which contains that mystery. (Eph.3, 6, Col.1, 1 Cor.9, Gal.1) Biblical Christianity is built on the teachings and doctrines GIVEN him. These things were unknown before his salvation. Along with these there are several other mysteries which he was revealed. (The fall and restoration of Israel, the mystery of iniquity, the mystery of godliness, the mystery of the gathering of the body of Christ, and the mystery of Christ in you, the hope of glory) His ministry was received through DIRECT REVELATION of the Lord Jesus Christ through his appearances. (Acts 26, 20) He received his doctrine through visions and revelations. (2 Cor.12)
His teachings concern the body of Christ and ARE NOT applicable, doctrinally, to saints before Acts 2, historically, or after the gathering of the body of Christ. The doctrinal teachings FOR the body of Christ are contained within Romans-Philemon. All scripture is given by inspiration of God and can CORROBORATE Pauline doctrinal teachings. (2 Tim.3, Rom.16, Acts 26)
Paul's writings FULFILLED the word of God. This word was spoken, NOT WRITTEN, by the Lord himself, BEFORE THE FOUNDATION of the world. (Col.1, 2 Tim.1, Eph.3, Titus 1) Those truths were kept secret SINCE THE WORLD BEGAN, and were made known by the APPEARING of Jesus Christ, TO and THROUGH Paul. (Eph.3, Rom.16, 2 Tim.1)
The body of Christ is part of the WHOLE FAMILY of God. (Eph.3) The others being, OT saints (Jew and Gentile before [without] and after the law), Tribulation saints (Jew and Gentile under the gospel of the kingdom, everlasting gospel, and the commandments of God), and Millenial saints (Jew and Gentile under the Millenial reign of righteousness). The body of Christ is under grace.
9. The Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ
We believe the Lord Jesus Christ is coming again. There will be three appearances at distinct and different times. Two are for the purpose of GATHERING, and the final is for the purpose of RETURNING to earth.
The first appearance is to gather the body of Christ unto his heavenly kingdom; the second to gather the "living" Tribulation saints; and the third is to restore the nation of Israel and establish his earthly kingdom. (2 Tim.4, Matt.16, 24, 25)
The appearance to the body of Christ is secret and instantaneous, as he appeared to the 12 and Paul in post resurrection appearances. His manifestation is secret and not open to unbelievers. (John 14, Acts 9, 22, 26) That is, the world WILL NOT SEE HIM, when believers do. His coming is on the day of Christ (2 Thess.2), which comes BEFORE the day of the Lord which we ESCAPE. (1 Thess.5)
This appearance will be to gather the body of Christ BEFORE the time of the woman in travail, which is the great tribulation. (1 Thess.4-5, 2 Thess.2, Jer.30, Matt.24, 1 Cor.15) It will be a gathering of LIVING and DEAD members of the body of Christ. This appearing is at the midst of Daniel's 70th week at the REVELATION of the man of sin.
Christ RETURNS to third heaven and the judgment seat of Christ takes place. (1 Cor.3, 2 Tim.4, 2 Cor.5, 12, Rom.14) We will be seated with him in heavenly places. (Eph.2)
The second appearance of the Lord Jesus will be AFTER the great tribulation on the day of the Lord. (Matt.24, Mark 13, Isaiah 27, 11, Gen.49, Mal.3, 4) It will gather the LIVING ELECT of the great tribulation. This appearance is masked in the glory of the Father, and is seen by all the world, believers, and unbelievers alike. (Matt.24, Mark 13, Rev.1, 14)
Christ RETURNS to the third heaven and the MARRIAGE/WEDDING of the Lamb take place. (Luke 12, Matt.25, John 14, Rev.19)
Jesus Christ will then appear OPENLY again to the world as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, "coming" TO THIS EARTH and will set up his kingdom by FORCE, "when" his servants will FIGHT. (Rev.14, 19, 2 Thess.1, John 18)
10. The Judgments of God
We believe there are three future times for the judgments of God.
The judgment seat of Christ which will be for members of the body of Christ. (Rom.14, 2 Cor.5, 2 Tim.4, 1 Cor.3) This will occur at the appearing of the Lord Jesus before the tribulation on the day of Christ. It will be held in heaven before his throne AFTER our gathering.
The judgment of Israel will occur after the great tribulation, previous to that of the Gentiles on earth. (Matt.25, Rev.11, 20, Luke 1, Isaiah 9) It will be at the throne of his glory, which is the throne of David, that he is promised.
The great white throne judgment will be the final one which judges the unsaved dead after the millennium. (Rev.20) The throne will be held in the universe after the heavens and earth are destroyed before the making of the new.
11. The Reign of the Lord Jesus Christ
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has three offices of ministry. One as a prophet (Deut.18, John 6); the other as a priest, which he is NOW fulfilling, (Heb.7, Psalm 110, Zech.6); and will be a King. (Matt.25, Luke 1)
His kingship comes in two parts.
He assumes CONTROL of the HEAVENS at the casting out of Satan in the midst of Daniel’s 70th week. (Rev.12)
He assumes CONTROL of the EARTH after the great tribulation when he comes to establish his kingdom. (Matt.24-25, Rev.11, Luke 1, Isaiah 9)
The kingdom established on earth is AFTER he has received it IN HEAVEN. (Luke 19) It is a COMPLETE KINGSHIP over the heavens and earth. The kingdom of God is moral, righteous, spiritual kingdom, while the kingdom of heaven is the literal, visible, physical ASPECT of the kingdom of God, which COMES TO EARTH.
12. The Damnation of Eternal Fire
We believe that the wrath of God is ON all who die IN THEIR SINS, in the OT or NT. (John 3,8, Ez.18) WHEN they die, they "immediately" go to hell, which is a "place of torment from flames of FIRE", which is within the physical earth. (Luke 16, Num.16, Jude 7)
We believe that the unsaved throughout time will appear at the great white throne judgment and will be cast into the lake of fire forever, where there will be everlasting torment from fire (Rev.20, Matt.25, Jude 7, Mark 9)
Hell is an "intermediate" place where the souls of the MORTAL DEAD went under the OT, which contains "compartments". (Luke 16)
|
|
|
|
