Is The Rapture Real?

 One of the most world renowned Bible Scholars of our time and someone I hold in high regard, had once described "The Rapture" as: "The Most Preposterous Belief of Biblical Christianity".  However, he goes on to explain (and I agree) that the more you study your Bible, as a whole, you come to the understanding that "The Rapture" is an essential part of God's plan.

When I first heard about "The Rapture", many years ago, my initial response was "Where does the Bible mention a rapture?" "That word isn't in MY Bible!".  Isn't it funny (or not), how defensive we can be about "what OUR Bible" says or doesn't say, especially when we haven't studied it...or for some, even opened it up to read it?

Something important to keep in mind is that whatever language the Bible we're reading is written in, it's a translated version of the original text, which was Hebrew and then Greek.  That being said, a lot can be "lost in translation".  Anyone that can speak or read more than one language knows this.  So, if we are to be diligent in our study of scripture, it's important to have the tools available that allow us to "dig down deeper" into the true meaning or root of certain words.  You'd be amazed at the difference in meaning or context when you compare say, an English translation of the Bible, with the original Hebrew or Greek.  

One tool that I like to use  is Strong's Concordance (The Blue Letter Bible): http://www.eliyah.com/lexicon.html

So, when we look at the passages in the Bible that reference the Rapture, this is what you'd see using the Blue Letter Bible (Strong's):

1 Thess 4:16 For G3754 the Lord G2962 himself G846 shall descend G2597from G575 heaven G3772 with G1722 a shout, G2752 with G1722 the voice G5456 of the archangel, G743 and G2532 with G1722 the trump G4536 of God: G2316 and G2532 the dead G3498 in G1722Christ G5547 shall rise G450 first: G4412
1 Thess 4:17 Then G1899 we G2249 which G3588 are alive G2198 andremain G4035 shall be caught up G726 together G260 with G4862them G846 in G1722 the clouds, G3507 to G1519 meet G529 the Lord G2962 in G1519 the air: G109 and G2532 so G3779 shall we G2071 G0 ever G3842 be G2071 with G4862 the Lord. G2962

After each "English" word (in this case) you see a letter G followed by numbers.  If we look at 1 TH 4:17, we can read in the English that "we which are alive, and remain, shall be CAUGHT UP together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air".  Drilling down deeper, if you click the "number" after the phrase "caught up", you will be brought to this page: http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G726&t=KJV  On this page you can see that the phrase "caught up" comes from, or originates from the Greek word "Harpazo".  You can also see the definition of this original Greek word Harpazo as: 1) to seize, carry off by force (without the consent of the owner),  2) to seize on, claim for one's self eagerly,  3) to snatch out or away. The word "Rapture" is derived from the Latin language.  In the Latin Vulgate translation of scripture, the word "Rapiemur" is used in place of Harpazo.  The translation of Rapiemur is "suddenly caught up".

Another clear reference to the Rapture can be seen here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+15%3A51-53&version=KJV

These passages that speak about the Rapture are clearly a separate "event", if you will, from the Second Coming (described in Revelation) where Christ returns to this earth and will literally stand on the Mount of Olives (as opposed to "the church" meeting Him "in the air") at the Rapture.

For a comprehensive explanation of the Rapture see the following video:

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What Does It Mean To Be Born Again?

If you ask anyone the question, “Why should God let you into heaven?”, the answer you most often hear is, “I’ve tried to be a good person.” Or, “I’ve never hurt anyone intentionally", and "I’ve lived a good life.” Even many who attend evangelical churches believe this. Surveys have shown that a majority of American Protestants agree that the way to be accepted by God is to try sincerely to live a good life. To bear witness to people who think like that, you need to be clear on what it means to be saved (born again).

God saves us apart from any human works by grace through faith, resulting in a life of good works.

We are prepared, I hope, to die for the doctrine of justification by faith, and to assert before all adversaries that salvation is not of works; but we also confess that we are justified by a faith which produces works, and if any man has a faith which does not produce good works, it is the faith of devils.  We are saved by faith without works, but not by a faith that is without works, for the real faith that saves the soul works by love and purifies the character.

Does The Bible Say Anything About Being "Born Again"?

Yes, it does!  The most referenced example of this is the scripture found in John:3 where Nicodemus asks Jesus how a man can be born again.  He's confused, asking how it's possible since a man cannot reenter the womb.  Jesus replies by explaining that unless man is "born again" of the spirit, he will not enter the Kingdom of God.  Here is an excerpt from that chapter:

John:3  King James Version (KJV)

 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

The "Steps of Salvation" chart above is an excellent guide to help you along your way!  Additionally, I have included here a prayer card (often referred to as the "Born Again Prayer"), in fact this is THE prayer card that I first used to pray this prayer myself.  At the bottom of the card, in small print, is the promise of a spiritual miracle to those who pray this prayer and truly mean what they are praying (with a pure heart).  I promise anyone reading this that if you do this you WILL receive a "spiritual" miracle.  

Are You Looking For Proof That The Bible "Is Real"?

It is a known fact that there are over 300 prophecies recorded about Jesus Christ in the Old Testament.  If you take just 8 of those prophecies and calculate the probability of any one person fulfilling ALL 8....well, it's such a staggeringly large number there's only one conclusion.....

The Word of God, what's written in scripture, what was prophesied about Jesus could in no way have been contrived by any man.  It was supernaturally "inspired" by God himself through the prophets.  

Here are some examples of those prophecies along with OT reference and NT reference (fulfillment):

Anyone who takes a look at this with an honest, open mind simply can not deny God's deliberate intention and plan, His control over his creation and the fact that scripture truly is the inspired Word of God.  The following videos delve deeper, and offer further explanation for those interested:

    

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Ever Wonder Why There Are So Many Versions Of The Bible?

When I first began learning about the Bible, I was primarily watching YouTube video teachings and sermons which included references to scripture. After viewing multiple videos on similar topics, you begin to become familiar with certain Bible passages and where to find them. I was a bit overwhelmed and quite honestly, felt incapable of simply opening my Bible, reading it and actually being able to understand what I was reading. What's available online today, in the way of sermons and teachings, on various Biblical topics, can serve as an extremely helpful first step in an introduction to the Bible.

One thing I noticed, repeated over and over, in each of the video "teachings" I had watched, was the fact that each Pastor, Preacher, etc. made a point to say they were referencing the King James Version (KJV) Bible. When I was ready to purchase my own Bible I naturally assumed the KJV was the one I needed...little did I know why!

I had come across yet another video that delves into the differences between many of the "major" or most popular Bible versions that are out there. What I learned shocked me! Below is a link to an excellent video that details the differences between versions, what's "missing" in non-KJV Bibles as well as the history of the KJV. It's definitely worth watching.

The KJV Study Bible (King James Bible)                        KJV Giant Print Reference Bible

Is Your Faith Bible Based?

If you are one of the nearly 2 billion people in this world who's faith is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ then it's safe to say your faith is Bible based.  Whether you're of the Amish, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Protestant or any one of the other so-called "denominational" Christian faiths, we are all Christian, first and foremost.  

That being said, the next logical question would be "do you accept what is written in the Bible to be the inspired Word of God"?  We ARE told it is in 2 Timothy chapter 3 verse 16: 2Tim3:16  

If you can answer yes to these first two questions, the Holy Bible should be the basis for all beliefs, practices and the ultimate guide for teaching, regardless of the denomination, right? Then why is it that so many "churches" rely on material outside of the Bible, the inspired Word of God?  I think that's a question we should all ask ourselves, especially if we are a member of, or attending service at a church that is not solely basing their message on the Word of God.  If we have God's actual word, what more could we possibly need?

You may have heard the expression: "A Good Bible Based Church".  To me, that brings to mind a typical Christian, non-denominational, if you will, church service, where a Pastor will read scripture directly from the Bible and then the rest of the "church service" is devoted to the Pastor explaining or teaching on that scripture message.  The key point here is that the "Word" was taken directly from God's Holy Book, not another form or a man made "guide" to be used specifically for the congregation.  

I was born and raised in a Catholic family.  I attended parochial school as a young child, attended Sunday Mass, regularly, was baptized (as an infant), made first holy communion, confirmation and even took, as my first job, a position in the Rectory of my local Parish.  I was as Catholic as you could get!  However, I was never "exposed", so to speak, directly, intimately, to the Word of God, the Bible.  The Bible was not read from at Sunday Mass.  I owned one of course, we all did, but we didn't read it.  It was "just too confusing", "just a bunch of parables or stories that are hard to understand.  That's 100% NONSENSE.  

I left the Catholic Church roughly 8 years ago and began attending non-denominational, Christian services, yet I still wasn't reading my Bible, not really anyway.  Not until a few months ago.  If we, if YOU truly believe that what is written in the Bible is the "inspired" Word of God...shouldn't that be the most important book you'll ever read in your life?  The answer is YES.  Is it an "easy" read?  No, a lot of it contains imagery that's difficult to make sense of however, there are too many resources available online (bible commentaries) that help decipher scripture.  Once you begin to learn or become familiar with certain images that are used in scripture you are able to read it and understand on your own (also with the help of the Holy Spirit).  

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2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth."