Reply to Mari: http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/july2012/mari76-1.htm

Hi Mari,

   I'll try to be a little clearer. Yes, is the short answer to your questions. I believe the 1st "Open Door" Rapture event is only for those found "worthy to escape" the persecution of Antichrist in the Great Tribulation. Those who have followed the Lord's instructions in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 to Repent, Watch and be ready. Satan and his fallen angels are cast out of heaven at the beginning of the final Three and One-half years. Satan indwells the man who becomes Antichrist at that time. The Dead in Christ have no need to escape the persecution of the Great Tribulation. The Lukewarm Christians, who are not found "worthy to escape" will be left in the Great Tribulation, and must Repent, Stay in the Faith, and Refuse the Mark of the Beast. I see many of these spreading the gospel during the Great Tribulation, and a great number will be martyred for Christ. This is seen at the Fifth Seal, Rev 6:9-11. This is a chance for them to earn the martyr's crown, and many will make the most of it.
   The resurrection of all the Dead in Christ occurs at the "gathering together of the elect", the 2nd Rapture event which immediately precedes the Wrath of God. All the remaining Born Again Christians, as well as the Dead in Christ are caught up and gathered together to meet the Lord in the air. The 2nd Rapture follows the opening of the Sixth Seal, and includes a multitude from the Great Tribulation that "no man can number" per Rev 7:9-17. The marriage of the Lamb occurs in Rev 19:7-9, which is after both Rapture events.

Rev 19:7-9 (KJV) "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God."

My July 5, 2012 initial post: http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/july2012/billg75.htm

YBIC,

Bill Griese