Q #1    Who Blows The Final Trumpet?
Q #2    Isn’t This Simply Another Mid-Tribulational Position?
Q #3    Aren’t We Told To Be Ready For Jesus Christ’s Coming, Not The Antichrist’s?
Q #4    Aren’t There Strong Grounds For Rejecting The Final Trumpet Rapture Position?
Q #5    Where Do You Include The 70th Week Of Daniel In Your Chronology?
Q #6    Don’t You Have A Problem In That Revelation 6 Teaches Contrary To Your Position?
Q #7    How Do You Account For The Contradiction Concerning Matthew 13’s Weed Parable?
Q #8    What About Israel? What Is Your Position On Israel?
Q #9    Why Do You Put Such An Emphasis On This Doctrine Of “End Times”?
Q #10  Please Further Explain The “Has Come” / “Came” Issue Raised In Q #6?
Q #11  What Are The MAJOR Goals Of This Ministry (Endurance Ministries)?
Q #12  How Soon Is His Return, Exactly?
Q #13  Just How Do You Suggest One “Prepare” For The Return Of Jesus Christ?
Q #14  What Are The Major End-Time Positions Today AND How Do They Differ?
Q #15  How Does One Live In Light Of These Diverse End-Time Positions?
Q #16  What Potential Perils Exist If Each Position Is Wrong?
Q #17  What About The Prewrath Rapture Position?
Q #18  Where Are We On The Eschatological Time Chart?
Q #19  What Are Some Of The Major Deceptions We Need To Be Discerning Today?
Q #20  Do You Bring Prophetic Seminars And Conferences?

We have already discovered some criticisms about this Final Trumpet position.  Because we have found some attempts to rebut some elements of this position in our research over the past two decades, here are a few of the good questions raised and our introductory responses—much more could be said, but once again, due to the commitment of this ministry, our other priorities limit our attention in these areas.

Q #1  Who Blows The Final Trumpet?

We know of a couple authors who emphasize that it is God who blows the trumpet of I Thessalonians 4 whereas the seventh trumpet is blown by an angel.  As a result, they say, this cannot be the same event—to believe so would be to embrace a contradiction.  

If this is indeed what the text clearly stated, we would agree and would give up this Final Trumpet position.  Fact is, there are a couple ways to consider the meaning of this text—both views affirming commitment to the Word of God being authoritative for faith and practice and both committed to a simple reading of the text.  The text means what it says!

We would encourage you to read the passages involved.  Many have no problem understanding the “trumpet of God” to mean a genitival use of the phrase: “God’s trumpet,” one that does not require God to be the one who blows it.  It is, if the Final Trumpet Gathering (as presented on this site and on our  www.finaltrumpet.org  site) is actually True, simply God’s announcement of the upcoming Rapture event. As God used beings other than Himself to bring trumpet calls throughout Scripture—ones that He'd sanctioned—it’s also an option that He brings His trumpet call through one of His angelic hosts.  Please discern the difference between outright contradictions in appeal versus different ways to understand the reading of the text.  If the authoritative text clearly says “God blows the trumpet” to announce the Rapture event, then it would indeed contradict the Revelation 11 passage where an angel blows the last trumpet of the series of seven.  The text, though, simply says, “the trumpet of God.” The burden of proof, if some would contend that we commit a contradiction, is on them because we simply observe there are multiple ways to understand this passage (and we do not make dogmatic assertions concerning the chronological position of this ministry—it’s a “proposal,” remember) whereas some dogmatically say (without sufficient grounds to do so) the only way to view this text is that the “trumpet of God” is “the trumpet that God blows.”

The above is sufficient grounds to keep the various possibilities open in order to allow the biblical options to inform whereby we are those who are ready for His coming—however things actually unfold.

Q #2  Isn’t This Simply Another Mid-Tribulational Position?

We have already addressed this concern on the Final Trumpet.org site, but here’s a more thorough answer.

The Final Trumpet Rapture/Gathering Position is not a revision of “Mid-Tribulationalism” due to the following:

~ It is not based on a seven-year period as it's typically defined (“The Tribulation Week”)
~ It presents a different chronology concerning the days before Christ’s return
~ It discerns a three-phase process of Jesus Christ’s Return (see  proposal )

Due to the above differences—it’s important to understand these differences are huge—the Final Trumpet position holds a very different view than that of early “Mid-Tribulation Rapture” positions.  This is once again tied to the fair appeal to understand this position before responding to it.

Q #3  Aren’t We Told To Be Ready For Jesus Christ’s Coming, Not The Antichrist’s?

The following is a response to an incorrect appeal by some Pre-Tribulationalists (typically brought against Pre-Wrath and Post-Tribulational perspectives) that says in various forms, “We are looking for Jesus Christ’s return; They are looking for the Antichrist.  But it’s the Return of Christ that we are suppose to be anticipating, not the appearance of the Antichrist.”

Actually, those of us who see the Word of God teaching tribulation against God’s people in Jesus Christ are very much indeed looking for the glorious Return of Jesus Christ.  We simply understand the Bible clearly teaches a time where God’s people are eschatologically persecuted before His Son’s return whereas the Pre-Tribulationalists assume the church will be absent during this time.  There is not one biblical passage articulating the Rapture event will take place before the tribulation of the antichrist and the world against God’s people—not one!  But please discern another weakness of this argument. It improperly represents the positions that clearly do look forward to our Lord Jesus Christ’s precious return.  One of the famous Pre-Tribulationalists of our generation has written a book titled, Rapture [Under Attack].  In it, he includes groups who completely affirm the gathering of God’s people—the Rapture—as those who are attacking the Rapture! “How can this be?” you might ask.  It’s not the Rapture event that is in question but this author’s particular timing of the Rapture that’s in question.

Our point: It’s important to properly represent the other positions and to do so in a Christ-honoring manner.

Q #4  Aren’t There Strong Grounds For Rejecting The Final Trumpet Rapture Position?

We believe the “final trumpet” of I Corinthians 15 is the “Seventh Trumpet” of Revelation 11.  Some have asked, “On what grounds do you believe this given the difficulties tied to this position?” We have already made reference to the who/Who it is who blows the trumpet in a prior question (Q#1).  This more thorough response seeks to demonstrate there is indeed warrant for the possibility of equating the two trumpets mentioned above.  We’ve chosen to address the question by beginning with the “whys” some have given for “rejecting” the possibility.  (For our more developed handout on this issue, write to us and we will be more than happy to send it to you.  When you write, will you also prayerfully consider supporting this ministry through your prayers and/or through a financial contribution?  If you are willing to support us prayerfully, please communicate your commitment to pray for us by emailing us;  If you are agreeable to helping us financially, please make your check out to “Endurance Ministries” and send it to the mailing address below.  Note:  All of our donations go to direct ministry efforts.  Endurance Ministries has no salaried positions, no real estate [property], no monthly office rental space, no benefits given to active members—including board members, etc.  All of our donations go directly toward covering our general operating costs—web development and hosting, office supplies [including a U.S. post office box], seminar costs, and “gifts” to those responding to our web site offers—those desiring additional information about cultural concerns relating to our thematic emphases.)

Here are the reasons some have given against equating the “final trumpet” with the “seventh trumpet.”

(The above reasons for rejecting our position are summarized in the book by Dr. Renald Showers titled,
Maranatha: Our Lord Come!  1995.  pp. 159-169.)  Once again, a more developed response can be secured
by writing to Endurance Ministries; P.O. Box 92098; Portland, Oregon  97292.  Ask for our “Response to
Showers” article.  (Only snail-mail requests are being processed at this time.)

Given our responses above, there is not sufficient warrant to reject the possibility that the “final trumpet” of I Corinthians 15 is the “seventh trumpet” of Revelation 11.  We would ask you to further consider the proposal, especially in light of the full counsel of the Word of God.  The analogy of Scripture is indeed an important hermeneutical consideration.

Q #5  Where Do You Include The 70th Week Of Daniel In Your Chronology?

It’s a part of the content to the right of the “Daniel” entry on the “Biblical Synthesis” link (found on our  Proposal  page).  You will find it in smaller font than the Matthew and Revelation entries.  Important textual observations of Daniel can be found  here.  

Along the line of confessed interpretations (assumptions), where do you find the “70th Week” of Daniel fitting into biblical prophecy?  We ask this question of hermeneutical assumptions for very important reasons, all sincerely seeking to get at the clear message of God’s Word!

Because we seek to operate within the boundaries of biblical revelation, we only speak to what Daniel 9:24-27 actually addresses. (NB: Verse 24 is the only place in all of Scripture where the 70 Weeks are explicitly found; Verse 27 is one important place in the Scriptures where the 70th Week is most likely inferred!)  If verse 27 is addressing the 70th Week (and we believe it is due to its tie to verse 24), in light of the verse, we find only the following:  1) a reference to an event that will take place at the beginning of the week—one confirms a covenant—and,   2) a reference to an event that will take place in the middle of the week * —the same one brings an end to sacrifice and offering—and,  3) “… on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate …”  There is no other content—content, for example, addressing details about the last half of the week, including the consummation of human history. 

Once again, please note:  Many chronological charts ASSUME other passages are speaking of the 70th Week when the immediate contexts often do not clearly say the event is actually taking place during that week.  As a result, some who create these chronological charts are speculating on these matters as opposed to offering clearly stated facts.  The three contextual facts listed above are clearly stated in Daniel 9:27.

The first two explicit events of the verse are included in our chronology.  (As you may have already discerned, we also view “weeks” in this passage as years.  We confess this interpretation step, but hold it for good reasons.) 

The third event—also included in our chronological proposal—is tied to the Abomination of Desolation.  Our Lord Jesus addressed this event in Matthew 24, referring to that which we find in the later chapters of Daniel (11:31; 12:11).  While we could go on to present a chronology based on the 70th Week of Daniel, we’ve decided to limit our use of this highly debated paragraph by including only the actual content of verse 27 in our chronological proposal.  We acknowledge verse 24’s references of purpose, but also observe the text is referring to Israel and Jerusalem, not necessarily to the consummation of the entire human race.  Again, time-line dates (biblically referenced) do not allow us to conclude the end takes place at the conclusion of the 70th Week (especially in light of how this Week unfolds as defined by many end-time scenarios today).  As a result, chronological charts indicating the consummation of humanity will take place at the end of the 70th Week are incorrect, biblically speaking.

*  Due to the NRSV and ESV rendering of Daniel 9:27, the timing of the event of the "taking away" may occur any time after the covenant.  See The Final Trumpet Rapture Gathering: An Introduction (pg. 94) for details. 

Or perhaps you may be intending to ask a different question?

The issue here pertains to multiple concerns—crucial ones. 

1. The framing of eschatological chronology based on both inference and on a highly debated passage is problematic at best.  Many end-time chronologies are based on huge presuppositions concerning certain details within the 70th Week.  We choose to approach the issue of chronology using passages that are not so controversial.  Although we do include the more controversial passages, we only include what those passages are clearly stating.  We hear from hermeneutic experts that vague, debated passages (and interpretations coming from those passages) should always give way to clear, undisputed ones.

Daniel 9:24-27 is one of the most disputed passages in the Bible.  As a result, we do not take a speculative passage and build an eschatological position from that passage.  Instead, we use clear data and principles from the Word of God and then evaluate the more controversial passages in light thereof.

2. The justifications for these assumptions made by those who put the chronologies together are of major concern to us.  “On what grounds” are these decisions made?  Do the biblical texts clearly justify some of these conclusions?  While no one disagrees these are possible interpretations (with which we would concur—they are possible), the point we are trying to make is this:  Is it explicitly declared in the biblical text?  …  So, yes, draw up suggested chronologies, but confess the assumptions therein!

3. Even those who argue a 70th Week conclusion to the affairs of humanity (at the Lord’s Second Advent) confess huge difficulties in this specific area.  (e.g., see the introduction to the Th.M. paper, On Reading Daniel 12:11: A New Proposal)  For example, there are periods of time that go beyond the 1,260 days (three-and-a-half years) of the last part of the 70th Week.  How are questions along these lines answered?  Practically every scholar confesses there are major unresolved problems. Our point:  Why build a chronology on a very sketchy passage?

Q #6  You Have A Problem, Do You Not?  You Say God’s People In Jesus Christ Will Not Incur The WRATH Of God, But Then Are Unbiblical Due To The Biblical TEXT’S Clear Statement That The Wrath Of God Comes Before The Trumpet Blasts.  Here’s The Quote At The Time The Sixth Seal Is Opened:  “… Calling To The Mountains And Rocks, ‘Fall On Us And Hide Us From The Face Of Him Who Is Seated On The Throne, And From The Wrath of The Lamb, For The Great Day Of Their Wrath Has Come, And Who Can Stand?’”   (Revelation 6:16,17 ; ESV ; emphasis ours)  Since Your Teaching Position States The Wrath Of God Begins At The Bowls Of Wrath, You Have A Problem In Light Of The Fact The Biblical Text Teaches To The Contrary. 
 

Good question!  It’s here where we need to give an answer that includes several important aspects.  But first, please note:  God’s disobedient people have incurred His wrath at times throughout history.  Also, please note who it is who is saying, “the great day of His wrath has come.” It is the people of the earth (unbelievers) who make this statement, not God nor God’s heralds.  In light of this, are there any other possible interpretive options as to the intended meaning of this passage?

We believe this:  God will not pour His wrath upon His obedient people.  To do so would be a violation of His character.  But He will, as He has done in the past, judge His wayward people.  It is most likely that He will allow His people (who do not take the mark of the beast and who are not martyred during the tribulation period) to go through the time of the trumpets, BUT nowhere in Scripture are these called the “wrath of God.”  Yes, we agree the people of the earth will say “the great day of His wrath has come,” but these are earth dwellers who make this statement and they do so while observing that something indeed is about to take place having seen the One on the throne and the Lamb at the time the heavens scroll apart (Rev. 6:14ff).  Could it be this passage is simply recording the response of the earth dwellers without intending to teach the time of His wrath has now arrived?  Is it possible this verse is not prescribing their response but only intending to record their response to the awesome event of the sky scrolling apart and exposing the throne, the One who sits thereon and His Lamb?

Also, they do not exactly say when it is that the wrath will be brought.  In other words, they understand that they are going to receive the wrath, but do not know (nor specifically state nor state it in a way that is immediately prescriptive) exactly when it is that His wrath comes!  Remember who they are.

A few important observations: 

1. They only say, “the time of His wrath has come,” but do not specifically state when it does indeed begin being poured out (and again, the wrath of God is clearly defined in the Bowls of Wrath; the trumpet blasts are never directly called the “wrath of God”).  Do keep in mind that they are, for the most part, earth dwellers who are not saying God’s wrath will now begin to be extended, but  only that God’s judgment has come.  What a contrast to the much more clear account that follows later in the same book. …

2. It’s the people of God (namely, the twenty-four elders) who say, AFTER the blowing of the Seventh Trumpet,  “Your wrath has come …”  They state the wrath of God has come, NOT that it had already come.  This is affirmed by the text which goes on to state how that wrath is delivered—in the Bowls of Wrath.  It fits wonderfully IF a theological presupposition is not mandating the text be seen in a more strained way in light of the simple statement of the text.  Immediately following the statement by the elders, if one accepts the historical parenthetical of Revelation 12 – 14, the Bowls of Wrath are delivered.

3. Also keep in mind the text quotes these earth dwellers but is not necessarily saying this is indeed the case—there’s a huge difference between the two.  In other words, Scripture records the false statements of men, even, at times, when they are in error.  (e.g., The prophet who said to the other prophet, “God has told me to tell you that you are to come back with me” when indeed it is not stated that God had done so, and most likely had not indeed done so.)  It is surely a possibility that this understanding is the intended meaning.  It is the whole context that illumines the event.  Given Revelation 11 and the Bowls of Wrath in Revelation 16, these verses may simply be recording what the people of the earth say (after seeing the scrolling of the sky), not necessarily a divine affirmation that the wrath has now come.  Due to the context of Revelation 15 and 16, we do go on to teach the statement of the elders does refer to what follows—the Bowl Judgments.

The issue concerning “the Wrath of God” in Revelation 6:17 pertains to multiple concerns. 

1. The way in which  ηλθεν  is translated in Rev. 11.  “Your wrath has come”  or  “Your wrath came.” The context would lean in which direction?  How is the word usually translated?  How do the versions that translate it  “came” go on to translate the same word in other passages (e.g., Rev. 6:17)?  Is this not odd, especially given the context of Revelation 11:18 and that which follows in Revelation 15 and 16?  Remember, terms have a parameter of meaning which is further clarified in the setting of the context in which they are found.

2. The event of Revelation 11 fits the flow of the book:  the ungodly are cursed—they have only wrath ahead; the godly are blessed (gathered up as accounted in Rev. 14:14-16).  Please note:  We believe, like the observation of the context of chapters 12 – 14 surely allows for AND, like many Bible commentaries teach, these chapters represent a historical parenthetical.

The position we’ve articulated above is a viable interpretive option.  In other words, it is a legitimate way to view the text—nothing, biblically, prohibits the possibility of this particular understanding, especially in light of the Revelation 11 declaration by the elders that God’s wrath (now that the Seventh Trumpet has been blown) has come … and all this in light of the fact that the trumpet blasts are never called “the wrath of God.”

We readily confess less than certainty here, but the possibility of this scenario concerning the statement of the earth dwellers about the event of the scrolling apart of the skies developed above is clearly a viable option.

So, in answer to your question, no, there is no contradiction given the above explanations.  The Final Trumpet Rapture position has biblical support, including no biblical prohibition against this understanding concerning some of the details of the Rapture or Gathering event.  What about the position you currently embrace—Is it biblically evidenced?

Q #7  The Parable Of The Weeds (Mt. 13:24ff) States The Wicked Will Be Gathered First.  Your Scenario States God’s People Are Raptured First Then The Wicked Are Gathered For The Judgment.  How Do You Account For This Apparent Contradiction?

Sincerely, this is another good question.  Once again, there exist multiple answers as to the possible way this passage was intended, so we would ask that you prayerfully consider the following proposed alternative as a viable option.  Once again, we offer this as a proposal, so please do not see this as a dogmatic-Truth offering.  While we sincerely believe it is God’s intended meaning and, as a result, go on to make application appeals (see  www.endmin.org - Truth Matters! Articles and  www.enduranceministries.org ), we do understand there does indeed exist other ways of understanding this parable.

The answer to this good question is longer due to many important aspects relating to this question, so please be patient as you read through our response.  Thanks

First, parables represent a certain type of genre which especially seek to illustrate certain truths to some but may hide the meaning from others.  We do not pretend to know why God has orchestrated this method except when we are graciously granted a glimpse or partial view on the whole:  “And the disciples came and said to Him [Jesus Christ],  ‘Why do You speak to them in parables?’  He answered and said to them, ‘Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.’”  (Matthew 13:10, 11 ; NKJV ; bracketed insertion ours)

Secondly, note the context, including our Lord’s very interpretation of the parable.  The parable is given in verses 24 – 30; the intended meaning of the same is given in verses 36 – 43.  Questions:  Where are the tares sent after their gathering?  They are cast into the furnace.  Does this take place immediately, or does the text allow for the possibility that this casting into the furnace takes place some (undefined) time after the gathering? 

When are the wheat (righteous) gathered?  Jesus does not say.  He only says, “Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.”  (vs. 43)  No gathering is mentioned in Jesus Christ’s explanation of the parable.  Is it possible the gathering (mentioned in other passages) may have already taken place (over one thousand years earlier at the rapture event)?  Remember, their shining as the sun  in the kingdom of their Father  may possibly occur after the event of the great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20; also see Matthew 25 where both the sheep and the goats are judged at the same time).

What we are suggesting is this:

This parable of the weeds or tares is NOT addressing the time when Christ comes for His church at the gathering or rapture event (Mt. 24:31 ; I Cor. 51:51,52 ; I Thes. 4:13ff ; Rev. 11:15 & Rev. 14:14-16) but at the time when the final judgment takes place after the millennial reign of Jesus Christ. 

How do we reconcile the details of Matthew 13, Matthew 25 and Revelation?

Here’s a suggested chronology for your prayerful consideration.  (Suggested exercise: print the  worksheet  so you can put in the appropriate biblical references.  #14 on the worksheet is an example.)

1. The Final Trumpet Rapture Gathering takes place.

2. The bowls of God's wrath are brought.

3. The Second Advent of Jesus Christ to the earth takes place.

4. The millennial reign of Jesus Christ occurs.

5. Satan is loosed and finally thrown into the Lake of Fire.

6. Humanity is gathered for the final judgment.

7. Sheep are placed on the right; goats are placed on the left.

8. Sheep (wheat) are addressed first (faithful talent servants, etc.);
      goats (weeds) are addressed second (unfaithful talent servants, etc.).

9. The weeds (goats) are then gathered and thrown into the furnace;  
      the wheat (sheep) then shine like the sun in the eternal kingdom.

10. The Earth and Heavens are burned up.

11. New Earth, Heaven and Jerusalem appear.

12. The eternal kingdom is delivered to God the Father.

Q #8  What About Israel?

What is your position on Israel? 

What is God’s position on Israel?  The Abrahamic Covenant was given before the Mosaic Covenant.  Accepting New Testament revelation, we believe God’s eternal covenant made the Old “obsolete” when Jesus Christ established it—the New Covenant—almost two thousand years ago.  The book of Hebrews reveals the Old Covenant has been replaced with the New (eternal) Covenant in Jesus Christ (Heb. 8).  As a result, even the offspring of Jacob MUST come through Jesus Christ.  If they reject God’s provision through Him, Scripture informs us they are still dead in their trespasses and sins.  Although they are of the tribe of Jacob, they MUST come through the sheep gate.  Like any other member of global society, they, too, must receive Jesus Christ and His provision before they are grafted back into the olive tree.

So are you saying you do not support Israel? 

We support Jewish people (not the present-day Jewish [secular] State) as God supports the Jewish people.  We pray for the peace of Israel, but mean by that prayer that we pray they would receive their Messiah—the One (and only One) who will bring peace to Israel.  We pray they would also enter into God’s only provision for sin.  Read Romans 9 – 11.  Read Hebrews 8 – 13.  We support the Jewish people as we support the Gentile people.  We call them to receive salvation from God through Messiah, Jesus Christ.  Do we bless His people?  Yes, in the sense of pleading with them to be saved, as we do the rest of His (unsaved) people—the Gentile people. 

It seems as though you do not favor Israel.  Again, is this the case?

Because eternal relationship with the only true God is found only in Jesus Christ, we favor Israel as much as we do any other people.  We call them to reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ.  If you mean (by the immediate question above) to ask if we favor the present State of Israel, then no—no more so than we do any other nation—because the current State of Israel does not acknowledge their Messiah.  As a result, we first and foremost pray for the people of Israel’s salvation.  (Please note:  There will be those who then label us “anti-Israel.”  This would be a false charge.  We simply affirm the absolute importance of one’s position before God:  Is he/she in Jesus Christ or not is the test to try both one’s state and one’s scheme.  One will not be right in the rest unless one is right with God through His only provision: the Son of God.)  It is not a question of national heritage.  The crucial issue of concern at this juncture is if individual people are in Jesus Christ.

As a result, we warn contemporary prophetic speakers who place wrongful emphasis on the State of Israel.  Israel is not a nation under God any more than the United States is a nation under God—both nations, through individual people, must be in Jesus Christ in order to receive God’s adoptive favor.  That which matters is whether or not one’s name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.  Is YOUR name written therein?  Please, because eternity is a long time,  click here  and read the Good News pages. 

One final related question on this topic:  Since you seem to put aside God’s promises to His Covenant people, is Israel in prophetic biblical literature? (We highlight this actual question because we do not reject God’s promises to His Covenant people.) 

YES.  The New Testament revelation concerning the 144,000 (mentioned in Revelation 7 & 14) is clearly referencing members of these tribes of Israel.  The recorded events (as opposed to the conjecture on these 144,000!) occur after the Revelation 6 event of the scrolling apart of the sky and before the Final Trumpet Rapture of the Church as recorded in Revelation chapters 11 & 14.  They are called “first fruits” for a reason!

We also find many Old Testament passages stating God’s future promises to/dealings with Israel.  While we believe many of the (yet to be fulfilled) unconditional promises made by God to Israel will most likely be realized during the millennial reign of Jesus Christ, this is a secondary concern for us given our audience scope and thematic emphases—God’s people’s (those in Jesus Christ – i.e., the New Covenant) preparedness for His Son’s glorious return AND the salvation of the lost (those who are still seeking relationship with God but who need to do so through God’s only provision: Jesus Christ).

Q #9  Why Don’t You Follow The Peace-Making Examples Of Many Today Who No Longer Put Such An (Imbalanced) Emphasis On This Secondary And Very Controversial Doctrine Of “End Times”?

Great question!  When God states in His Word that eternity hangs in the balance during the days before Jesus Christ’s return;  when He says there will be many deceivers who, like the false prophets of Jeremiah’s day, mislead people through significant false teaching;  when He calls His people to be committed to Him (as opposed to being lukewarm to the degree, at the appointed time, when He spits them out of His mouth) whereby His people are holy, set-apart-from-the-world people;  when God warns His people to be ready, watching—those who discern the day—He means just that. 

Those who say things which foster the down-playing of these end times are dark voices heralding messages contrary to God’s revealed Word.  Some accomplish this by saying these end-time passages do not apply because they were not intended for us today.  Some belittle the call to be watching having fallen into the deadly trap of the mockers of II Peter:  “Where is the promise of his coming?  It’s been two thousand years and he hasn’t come, why look for him now?”  Others in the process of falling into the same trap are saying, “If it’s been this long (since he has promised to return), couldn’t it yet be much longer?”  To which we respond, “Look at the signs, man!  Read His Word!  We’re in the last days!  Don’t be asleep!  To quote the Words of our Lord:  We need to ‘Be ready!’ ”

Mark those who call for the de-emphasizing of our Lord’s crucial revelation to us.  They are false prophets contributing to the ill-preparedness our Lord Jesus has so strongly cautioned us against.  Stop for just a minute.  Can you think of some people who are  down-playing biblical prophecy?  Watch these people.  They are those who have joined the whore of Revelation 17.  In just moments now, the world will begin its global campaign against God’s people in Jesus Christ.  Be watching through biblically literate eyes, for the deceptions of today will cloud reality such that many will not discern the day for what it actually is—until He returns and all see Him and the One sitting on the throne as accounted in Revelation 6:12-16.  But by that time it will be too late, for the lines will have already been drawn—those who receive the mark have joined with the world, the beasts and the dragon; those who reject the mark have refused association with the dark kingdom.

Q #10  Could You Be More Specific Concerning The “Has Come” / “Came” Question Mentioned In Q #6 Above?

Please click this link:  ηλθον  for more details about this important question.

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Q #11  What Are The MAJOR Goals Of This Ministry (Endurance Ministries)?

Please go to the following sites for answers to this question.

www.enduranceministries.com/
www.endmin.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=28436&PID=179120
www.endmin.com/templates/System/details.asp?id=20873&PID=34603&Style=  

Q #12  How Soon Is His Return, Exactly?

God’s counsel to us on this matter is clear:  No one knows the day or the hour of Jesus Christ’s return.
It is equally clear He has given us indications as to the general season in which He will return.  Read some of the end-time passages.  Time and time again one finds sign posts indicating the near return of our Lord.  Don’t let false prophets deter you from continuing to read His crucial counsel concerning how His people are to live during these times!  For lists of pertinent passages, please visit sites listed under Question #13.

Q #13  Just How Do You Suggest One “Prepare” For The Return Of Jesus Christ?

God’s Word has much to say on this matter.  Preparedness is huge.  One not only finds this counsel in the Word of God but also finds specific details as to how to go about developing the state of readiness.  A ready expectancy is the mindset to which our Lord has called us.  It’s important to note the source whereby this call is defined!  Once again, God’s people in Jesus Christ must continue in His Word.  It remains a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.  The following sites include major passages whereby preparedness is clearly outlined.

www.endmin.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=28436&PID=179120
www.endmin.com/templates/System/details.asp?id=20873&PID=39014&Style=
www.endmin.com/templates/System/details.asp?id=20873&PID=39015&Style= 

Q #14  What Are The Major End-Time Positions Today AND How Do They Differ?

Please see  http://www.finaltrumpet.org/perspectives.htm  for information about the general positions and their basic chronological layouts of the final days of the human era. If you were to do a biblical study on the passages relating to this period, you would find these end-time positions promote huge existential (or life-style) differences concerning the way in which God’s people in Jesus Christ live during this time.  Click the “First Things First” link on the bottom of the home page of  www.endmin.org  for pertinent passages. 

Concerning how these different positions go about addressing these final days …

Some (e.g., Pre-Tribulationalists) actually say followers of Jesus Christ—specifically, the Church—will not be present during the time of this tribulation against God’s people by the world and the world leaders (see Matthew 24 for a partial description of this period). Other positions acknowledge disciples of Jesus Christ will be present during this time. There’s a wee bit of difference here … “ya think!”

Obviously, the life scenarios of these different positions are radically different. Given the biblical emphasis on this period, it’s important God’s people go to their Authoritative Source in order to glean important instruction as to how to live during this time. (Due to the lack of evidence for the Pre-Tribulation Rapture position, we strongly encourage God’s people to be studying His Word whereby they are prepared as He desires them to be, for if the position is incorrect, some of God’s saints in Jesus Christ will indeed go through this period of time known as the Tribulation. Matthew 25:1-13 is insightful in light of this sincere possibility—that the Pre-Trib. Rapture position is incorrect. How so? See  www.enduranceministries.org/future-storiesJ  and  www.enduranceministries.org/future-storiesK  for possible scenarios.) Is this quote familiar to you? “If we neglect the passages God has graciously given for the very purpose of equipping us to better discern the many false teachings which will be propagated in the days of the end, will we not be making a conscious choice toward contributing to our very own deception as a result of casting aside the very means (His accurate revelation concerning the days of the end) which He has provided to help us avoid becoming deceived?”

Our major emphasis here, if you have not caught it already, is this: The major end-time positions (constructed by mankind) are just that—theological interpretations of biblical material. If you read the end-time study Bibles which favor a particular position, you will find an interesting thing. Each position confesses interpretive steps—some huge; others not so huge. Instead of studying what the religious leaders of our day are saying about the Authoritative text, why not go to the PRIMARY SOURCE and read and study it for yourself? God calls His people to Bible reading and study, not to the study of the traditions of contemporary Christian theologians (see Matthew 15:1-11 for an example our Lord Jesus addressed in His day). Please note: We also affirm gleaning from those who have studied the topic of address. We only ask these commentaries be evaluated in light of biblical Truth. Let’s do the Berean thing!

May each of us limit our intake of the theological helps and simply spend some time in God’s divine provision to us, His Word. 

See www.endmin.com/templates/System/details.asp?id=20873&PID=39014&Style=   and  www.finaltrumpet.org/passages.htm for our biblical proposal concerning Jesus Christ’s return. 
The biblical data is then presented as a PROPOSAL for your prayerful consideration.  Please  click here  for an updated edition. 

Q #15  How Does One Live In Light Of These Positions?

While there are many ways whereby one could go about bringing answer, we’ve decided to address only one small aspect of this question. Once again, the Word of God has crucial things to say about this, so we strongly encourage your reading of the biblical material addressing this important matter.

      *  The three positions above agree the Church will go through the Tribulation Period.
         Those in Jesus Christ who are not martyred during this time (many Christians will
         be) must not fall away and accept the worldly system imposed by the antichrist.

As one contemplates the above scenarios, an important question emerges: How then shall we now live? It’s worth giving some time to this concern especially given the lack of certainty concerning the exact timing of the Rapture of God’s people in Christ Jesus. While we do know the general time, we do not know the day nor the hour of His return.

Using the issue of salvation in general as an illustration, if the biblical perspective is wrong, we who have embraced eternal life in Jesus Christ have wasted this short life. (Please keep in mind the idea driving the secular world here: Christians not only “waste their life” but are EVIL because we are speaking against the #1 objective today: Global Unity. From their perspective, we are the enemy because we are speaking against this necessary movement. Once again, another note is needed: It’s most interesting there are Christian positions now promoting this one-world system. They, too, believe biblical followers of Jesus Christ who are warning of the dangers of globalization are among some the greatest threats today.)

Likewise, if the end-time positions above are wrong, what are the consequences IF their understanding of the timing of the Rapture—this is the concern we’re especially addressing here—is incorrect? (Please note: We confess a clear objective in this answer, one very specific in nature. Please read on!) 

* Please note: This is only one of the many consequences tied to the possible scenario of these positions being incorrect. Much more could (and eventually should) be included in the list of consequences—even on the one specific we are addressing here. We all need to go on to think about what some of the other consequences might be if the position we espouse is incorrect. But our point here is specific and needs to be acknowledged by the Pre-Tribulation Rapture community. The concern is this: Huge consequences (even eternal ones!) result IF indeed the position is incorrect. If you are Pre-Tribulational in your belief concerning the timing of the Rapture, are you at least willing to consider other eschatological options? ... especially given,  1) there are no explicit passages stating the Pre-Tribulation Rapture;  2) the arguments for the Pre-Tribulation Rapture position are—even by advocates’ admissions—based on certain interpretive decisions (there are other clear possibilities as to how texts are considered – e.g., II Thes. 2:1-12);  3) the clear difficulties of the position; and,  4) grave disobedience—concerning our Lord’s command to be prepared—is (factually) a result if one dogmatically believes this position (if indeed it actually ends up being incorrect).

Also please note, we are NOT saying, dogmatically, that the position is indeed wrong. We are simply appealing to the reading audience that the other options be considered and acted upon to a certain degree (as the Lord convicts) whereby the possibility of ill-preparedness will not be your lot if your “T” truth position (i.e., the Pre-Tribulation Rapture held absolutely true as if “Gospel Truth”) fails to indeed take place. 

This appeal is actually motivated by a sincere concern for you (if you are Pre-Trib) that you not be deceived and caught unprepared … exactly what our Lord Jesus warned would happen to many before His glorious return. We include this information because we genuinely care for your welfare.

Here’s another way to present our appeal:

Since the Pre-Trib. Rapture is NOT absolutely prescribed in the Word of God; 
Because there are difficulties (i.e., unresolved problems) with the position; and
Because there are huge personal ramifications if the position actually ends up being incorrect;
Therefore we should at least go back to the Scriptures, study the texts and include other viable options (positions not biblically denied) as possible scenarios of our Lord’s return. 

Q #17  What About The Prewrath Rapture Position?

You state multiple times (on your sites) the other end-time positions have difficulties. Your sites specifically list some problems of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture and the Preterist positions. Could you cite some of the difficulties of the Prewrath (PW) Rapture position? (You only state in one place the timing of the Rapture—according to the PW position—is not biblically substantiated as taking place at the seventh seal.  Could you be more specific and list some of the other major difficulties as you see them?)

Once again, if you have any comments or questions, please email us at

email@endmin.org.  

May God bless us and keep us through these awesome
days as we endure in our abiding in Christ Jesus our Lord!

Please visit  FAQ2  (Qs 21 – 40) on a regular basis.
Additional FAQs will be posted as they are presented.