Greg Wilson (6
Jan 2019)
"Re: John B “Is the
rapture an imminent event or not?"
John: The Resurrection/Rapture
event involves two groups: (1) the dead in Christ rising first,
and (2) the living in Christ being caught out following the
rising of the first group.
This event described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:52 and 1
Thessalonians 4:17 is not an imminent event in the sense of “it
could happen at any moment”. Imminency is described six
times in the Book of Revelation, a Jewish discourse for Jews,
during the Time of Jacob’s Trouble, Daniel’s 70th week.
Jesus says He is “coming quickly”. He is speaking to
Tribulation Jews who are looking for their Messiah Yeshua.
The Resurrection/Rapture event is an “appointed time”. It
will be associated with the Feast of Pentecost. Pentecost
was only partially fulfilled in 30 A.D. when the Holy Spirit was
given to believers. The “deposit” of the Holy Spirit
was a down payment which will be followed by the conclusion of
the matter, the redemption of the body. One feast
fulfilled in two stages exactly as Paul described it.
Study 1 Corinthians 15:20-28. You will notice that Paul
speaks to the “three orders” of the first Resurrection which is
a resurrection of righteousness “in Christ”. These
three ordered events track the three pilgrimage feasts.
When is Pentecost? Nobody really knows for certain.
In any year, there are at least four date guesses based on the
50-day count. It is probably in the Spring time on a
Sunday in Jerusalem.
For a detailed analysis, you may check out a book which has been
published on Amazon titled: “The Day of Thy Visitation: The Time
of Jacob’s Trouble”. It covers this and other end times
matters in great detail with over a thousand supporting biblical
citations. It is available in Kindle and print format.
The book suggests that the year 2019 appears as the prime
candidate for this event based on a number of biblical
prophecies.
https://www.amazon.com/Day-Thy-Visitation-Jacobs-Trouble/dp/1981076387