The Churches of Revelation

The Churches of Revelation: Specifically, How They Address the Rapture and Second Coming as Separate Events. The rest of the book of Revelation is on the page by that title.

Because this paper on the Book of Revelation is intended as instruction for loved ones who will not leave in the rapture, it was my intention to omit a close look at the seven churches. Initially, I perceived them as irrelevant to the order of end time events; after all, the events of the tribulation will occur after the rapture of the church, so why the need to include them? Additionally, I was working under a huge time crunch. I believe the rapture will happen at any moment and I wanted to finish this paper so my loved ones would have it as a resource when they enter the tribulation.

However, God had something else in mind. He so very often does! He very much wanted me to study the seven churches, not because they impart insight into the events of the tribulation itself, but because they speak to the rapture! This is important information which might turn the hearts of those who hold non-pretrib positions. If not, that’s just fine, but no one can accuse me of failing to do my part to reach others with this vital scriptural information. I do as God instructs and leave the consequences of my obedience to Him.

I want it known up front this paper is NOT an exhaustive look at the Churches of Revelation. The focus of this paper is solely on the ‘things about to occur,’ the prophetic application of these 7 letters as stated in Rev. 1:19. This paper does NOT discuss the historical application of these letters and merely identifies the universal aspects of them.

Before I begin the discussion on chapters 2-3, I want to discuss this short passage: Revelation 22:18-19: “For I testify together with everyone hearing the words of the prophecy of this Book: “If anyone adds to these things, God will add upon him the plagues having been written in this Book. And if anyone takes away from the words of the Book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the Book of Life, and out of the holy city, and of the things having been written in this Book.”

Being the conscientious Bible scholar I am, I heed this warning. I take to heart these words of Jesus as much as any other words spoken by Him. I have added nothing of my personal beliefs or opinions, calling them scripture, nor have I omitted any scripture. Chapters 4-22 are examined in the accompanying paper: Revelation End Time Events. Between the two papers I have included every scripture in the book of Revelation. I do want to mention I often include the definitions of the Greek words used in scripture for the sole purpose of clarity. These are the definitions of the words chosen by God when He penned scripture. These definitions in NO way change the content of the scriptures themselves.

General Overview of the Churches of Revelation: Using scripture I will demonstrate the letters to the churches contain much needed information about the rapture AND the second coming. All but one letter mentions the rapture, and some of the letters describe the rapture in interesting detail. I arrange the letters according to rapture content, in descending order, making overt the pattern contained within them.

First, I want to speak briefly of the IMMINENCE of the rapture. Imminent is defined as ‘about to happen.’ Jesus teaches His imminent arrival time and again in scripture. The Bible clearly teaches NO ONE knows the day OR hour of Jesus’ appearance at the rapture, hence its imminence. If its occurrence is at an UNKNOWN time, it cannot be preceded by identifiable events, and can happen at, literally, any moment. In the parables contained within these scriptures, Matthew 24:36-25:30, Luke 12:35-57, Luke 17:20-23, 26-37, Jesus shows up unannounced, separating the faithful servants from the wicked. Every rapture parable taught by Jesus teaches this same lesson.

These scriptures also teach the imminence of Jesus’ arrival: James 5:7-8 (the coming of the Lord has drawn near) and Luke 21:36 (about to happen), 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 (WE who remain, Paul expected it at any moment), and 1 Thess. 5:10 (whether WE watch or sleep, Paul included himself), and 1 Thessalonians 4:17 (We will always be with the Lord, Paul included himself).

There are three words used in Revelation which indicate the speed of Jesus’ return.

1451 eggus near, at hand.

5034 tachos a brief space of time, in haste.

5035 tachu 1. shortly, soon, suddenly, 2. without delay or readily.

Here’s the breakdown of these three words in the Book of Revelation: Revelation 1:1 uses ‘quickly’ 5034, 1:3 uses ‘near’ 1451, 2:5 uses ‘quickly’ 5035, 2:16 uses ‘quickly’ 5035, and 3:11 uses ‘quickly’ 5035. These are all examples of Jesus teaching the imminence of His arrival with regards to the church. In 1:1, Jesus references His ‘slaves,’ the Redeemed, and states they must be shown the ‘things which must occur ‘quickly,’ or in a brief space of time/in haste. This is imminence, ‘about to happen.’ If there is only a single appearance of Jesus 7 years after the tribulation begins, 7 years which will feel like hundreds of years, it cannot be ‘about to happen.’ It has a minimum of 7 years of identifiable events which must first occur. If there is no rapture prior to THE Tribulation, these scriptures which teach imminence have no legitimate purpose. That they are present and speak contradictorily to the timing of the second coming passages, IS evidence Jesus taught the rapture which occurs prior to the start of the tribulation.

The other highlighted scriptures occur in chapters 2-3, the letters to the actual churches. It is interesting the ‘church’ as the ‘ekklesia (1577), the called-out ones’ to whom each of the letters is addressed, is NOT mentioned in Revelation, chapters 4-20. As one can see from this list, neither is the imminent arrival of Jesus, as Rev. 3:11 is the final time imminence is mentioned. The omission of the church in chapters 4-20 is NOT a coincidence. Nor is the omission of ‘imminence.’ God does not do ‘coincidence.’

Note the word ‘quickly’ (5035 in Strong’s) has two definitions. First, are the definitions associated with ‘imminence,’ shortly, soon, suddenly. Second, the definitions NOT associated with ‘imminence,’ without delay or readily, relate to constancy or irreversibility. As with any word with multiple meanings, the application is determined by

context. For example, in Revelation 2:16, the word ‘quickly’ is defined as ‘shortly, soon, or suddenly’ because it is used in a letter to a church which is the context of the ‘harpazo/catching up:’ 1 Thess. 4:17 was written to the CHURCH of Thessalonica.

However, in Revelation 22:12, the context is that of Jesus bringing His rewards with Him, which happens at the second coming, Rev. 11:18/Matthew 16:27. Here, the definition applied is that Jesus’ appearance will be without delay or readily, NOT soon or suddenly. This agrees with what we know about the tribulation, that Jesus’ second coming will occur AFTER the tribulation, 2,520 days after it begins. Matthew 24:29, Rev. 11:3 and Rev. 13:5. Hence, it cannot be ‘about to happen.’

Hopefully, this demonstrates the words chosen by God make a distinction in the timing of Jesus’ arrival; one arrival is near, at hand, or soon while the other is without delay. Context and/or definition determine which is in play.

Second, in Contrast to the rapture, all the letters, but the one which contains no mention of the rapture, also describes those who OVERCOME. “Overcome” is defined by the Greek as ‘conquer, prevail, get the victory 3528). All people who are truly saved in Jesus overcome this world, but those who are martyred overcome in the same unique way Jesus did; by dying for their faith. John 16:33, Revelation 3:21 and 1 John 5:5 depict what it means to ‘overcome.’ We know from other scriptures that many, if not most, people who come to faith during the tribulation will die for their faith in Jesus, overcoming this world in the manner Jesus did.

Third, EVERY church listed in Revelation is told “The one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” This simple sentence contains so much encouragement and wisdom. I take it as a personal exhortation from Jesus to listen to not only the information given to the individual churches, but also the cumulative information given by the Spirit about the churches. Within the scope of this paper, which is end time events, I understand Jesus to say ‘hear’ there is a difference between the rapture and those who will overcome as He did, by laying down their lives.

Conclusion of General Overview, When the seven churches are lined up, a pattern emerges and an overt argument for the rapture reveals itself; a rapture which occurs PRIOR to the THE Tribulation.

Logically, chapter 1 comes first, then the letters containing the most compelling argument for the rapture, in descending order. The first couple are intense because they contain so much information. However, if you persevere, I think you will come to a new understanding about these amazing letters sent by John at the direction of Jesus. I know I did.

Revelation 1:1-3: “A revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to Him to show to His slaves things which must occur quickly. And He signified by sending through His angel to His slave, John, v. 2. who testified of the word of God and the witness of Jesus Christ, even as many things as he saw. v. 3. Blessed is the one reading, and those hearing, the words of this prophecy, and keeping the things having been written, for the time is near.”

1:1: “must occur quickly”; “Quickly” is defined as ‘a brief space of time, in haste 5034.’ This is Jesus stating the events of Revelation are close at hand. Remember, God views time differently than we do. 2 Peter 3:8-9. I cite this scripture accurately in the context of end time events. Jesus tells us in Matthew 24 and 25 how to rightly divide end time scriptures. In Matt. 24:4-34, Jesus summarizes the events of the tribulation then describes the second coming; as in second coming scriptures list/depict at least one preceding/identifiable visible sign. In Matthew 24:36-25:30, Jesus describes His appearance at an unknown day and hour; that it is withOUT any preceding visible signs. Hence the need for watchfulness and preparedness to leave with Him when He appears, because there are no warnings of His arrival. When one follows Jesus’ instructions on how to rightly divide the end time scriptures, they neatly fall into two separate events; the rapture before the tribulation and the second coming after.

1:1: “He signified by sending through His angel…” In Revelation 10, Jesus describes Himself as a strong angel. I understand this phrase here in verse 1 to be Christ, Himself, showing the Revelation to John.

Again, blessed is the one reading and those hearing the words of this prophecy, and keeping (to guard from loss or injury 5083) the things having been written… What one learns in scripture must be protected so that it is not lost or injured. There are many warnings is the New Testament about being deceived, about false prophets, and the need to guard one’s salvation through faith. 1 Peter 1:4-9.

1:3: “for the time is near” “Near” is defined as ‘at hand’ 1451. This is imminence.

1:4-6: “John to the seven churches in Asia: Grace to you, and peace, from the One who is, and who was, and who is coming, and from the seven spirits which are before His throne; v. 5. even from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the Firstborn from the dead, and the Ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him loving us and having washed us from our sins by His blood, v. 6. and made us kings and priests to God, even His Father. To Him is the glory and the might forever and ever. Amen.”

1:7: “Behold, He comes with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, and the ones who pierced Him, and all the tribes of the earth will wail on account of Him. Yes, Amen.”

This verse speaks to the Second Coming because it agrees with Matthew 24:30 which happens after an extensive list of signs which all occur during the tribulation. Here, every eye watches His approach on the clouds. The rapture occurs without any identifiable signs preceding it. Matthew 24:36-25:30/Luke 12:35-57, Luke 17: 26-36. Jesus simply appears in the midst of His people. Luke 17:20-23. This is a perfect example of the need to ‘rightly divide’ scripture. 2 Tim. 2:15.

1:8-19: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, says the Lord, the One who is, and who was, and who is coming-the Almighty. v. 9. I, even your brother, John, and co-sharer in the affliction, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, came to be in the island being called Patmos because of the word of God, and because of the witness of Jesus Christ. v. 10. I came to be in the Spirit (rational, immortal soul 4151) on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, v. 11. saying, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last; also, What you see, write in a scroll, and send to the seven churches of Asia: to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea. v. 12. And I turned to see the voice which spoke with me. v. 13. And turning, I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of man, having been clothed to the feet, and having been girded with a golden girdle at the breasts. v. 14. And the hairs of His head were white as white wool, as snow, and His eyes as a flame of fire; v. 15. and His feet like burnished metal having been fired in a furnace; and His voice as a sound of many waters; v. 16. and having in His right hand seven stars; and a sharp, two-edged sword proceeding out of His mouth; and His face shining as the sun in its power. v. 17. And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet, as dead. And He put His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not fear. I am the First and the Last, v. 18. and the Living One; and I became dead; and behold I am living forever and ever. Amen. And I have the keys to Hades, and of death. v. 19. Write what things you saw, and what things are, and what things are about to occur after these things.”

1:20: “The mystery of the seven stars which you saw on My right, and the seven golden lampstands. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands you saw are seven churches.””

First Church: Philadelphia. Revelation 3:7-13. 7. “And to the angel in the church of Philadelphia write: “These things says the Holy One, the True One, the One having the key of David, the One opening, and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens; 8. I know your works (toil, labor 2041). Behold (see 2400), I have given (bestow, to bring forth, deliver up 1325) a door (portal, entrance 2374) being opened (to open up 455) before you (in the face of, the presence of, the sight of 1799), and no one (not even one 3762) is able to shut it (to close 2808), for you have a little (small 3398) power (force, specifically miraculous power 1411) and have kept (to guard from loss or injury 5083) My word (something said, including the thought, cause, doctrine 3056) and have not denied (disavow, refuse 720) My name (authority, character 3686). 9. Behold (see 2400), I give (bestow, to bring forth, deliver up 1325) out of the synagogue (assembly 4864) of Satan those saying themselves to be Jews, and they are not, but they lie. Behold (see 2400), I will make them that they shall come (arrive, ie. be present (fig. or lit) 2240) and shall bow (fawn, crouch, prostrate oneself in homage (honor or respect shown publicly 4352) before your feet, and they shall know that I loved you. 10. Because you kept (to guard from loss or injury 5083) the word (cause, doctrine 3056) of My patience (endurance 5281), I also (even so 2504) will keep (to guard from loss or injury 5083) you out of the hour (day, instant, season 5610) of trial (a putting to proof by experience of EVIL, solicitation, DISCIPLINE; by implication ADVERSITY; TEMPTATION 3986) which is going to come on all the habitable world in order to try those dwelling on the earth. 11. Behold, I am coming quickly (shortly, soon, by surprise 5035). Hold what you have that no one take your crown. 12. The one overcoming, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall not go out anymore. And I will write the name of My God on him, and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem which comes down out of Heaven from My God, and My new name. 13. The one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the churches.””

Jesus has NO complaints against this church. This church is without censure from Jesus, and represents the truly Redeemed, those trusting Jesus alone for salvation. It is no coincidence this church letter contains the most compelling argument for the rapture.

In verse 7, Jesus identifies Himself as the One who has the key of David. Jesus is the One opening and shuts and no one opens. Jesus alone decides what is open and what is closed. This corroborates what Luke 13:25 says; Jesus is the Master who shuts the door on those who stand outside and knock for entrance, crying out to Him. Once Jesus closes the door, it will not be opened.

Verse 8 (with Greek definitions subbed in): I know your labor. See, I have bestowed a portal to open up in your presence, and not even one is able to close it, for you have a small miraculous force and have guarded from loss or injury my cause/doctrine and have not disavowed/refused My authority.

What portal has Jesus given which opens in the presence of His people? What portal can be closed by no one because Jesus alone decides what is open and what is closed? The portal bestowed by Jesus to open in our presence is the RAPTURE. 1 Thess. 4:13-17/Luke 17:20-21/Revelation 14:14-16. That this portal is a gift from Him is spoken of in Luke 24:50-51 and Acts 1:9 & 11, in that His coming will be a blessing, hence the blessed hope of Titus 2:13.

What small miraculous force helps guards us from the loss or injury of disavowing Jesus’ doctrine or refusing Jesus’ authority? The small miraculous force which helps us stay faithful is the Holy Spirit. I do not understand this to mean the Holy Spirit is small, only that we avail ourselves of Him in small measure because we look through a glass darkly. 1 Corinthians 13:12.

Verse 9 (with definitions of the Greek subbed in): See, I bring forth out of the assembly of Satan, those who lie. See, I will make them that they shall be present and shall crouch/prostrate themselves in honor/respect before your feet, and they shall know that I loved you.

In this verse, Jesus states He will bring forth out of the assembly of Satan, those saying themselves to be Jews, but they are not, those who lie. In this prophetic application, I understand this to be a metaphor; the Jews were tasked with watching for and accepting Jesus as Messiah, the ONE who would save them. ‘The assembly of Satan’ are those who refuse to trust Him to save them. Jesus says these liars will be present and will crouch in honor and respect at the feet of the truly redeemed. They will have NO doubt Jesus loves the church. In Colossians 3:4, we learn when Christ is revealed, those who trust Him for salvation will ALSO be revealed in glory WITH Him. There will be NO doubt among those refused by Jesus that He truly loves those who are permitted to leave with Him. Personally, I think this aspect of the rapture, seeing those accepted by Jesus being glorified alongside Him, will contribute greatly to the pain and rage felt by those who will ‘fall away.’

This agrees completely with what Jesus taught in John 12:48; that those who disregard/disesteem what He teaches will be judged by His teaching on the last day. What is the last day of the church? Rapture day. In this letter to Philadelphia, Jesus is saying those who guarded their faith will be allowed to go through a door which the liars, those who disregard what He teaches, will NOT be permitted to pass through. That they lie is the reason Jesus refers to those rejected by Him at the rapture as ‘workers of iniquity.’ Matthew 7:21-23. See also 1 John 5:10.

How stark will be the contrast when the unfaithful, the liars who belong to Satan, watch the faithful leave with Jesus? Is there a better way for Jesus to demonstrate His love for the church than to keep His promise to deliver her? This brings us to verse 10, a scripture which is readily accepted as a pretrib verse.

Verse 10 (with Greek definitions subbed in): Because you guarded from loss or injury the cause/doctrine of My endurance, even so I will guard you from loss or injury out of the season of discipline/adversity/temptation which is going to come on all the habitable world in order to try those dwelling on the earth.

Because we guarded the doctrine of Jesus against loss, enduring as He called us, we will be guarded from the season of discipline/adversity/temptation which will come upon the entire world. This season is, of course, THE Tribulation, Daniel’s 70^th week. See also, 1 Peter 1:4-9.

Verse 11, See, I am coming ‘shortly, soon, suddenly.’ This statement is written in a letter to the church immediately after His promise to guard us from the tribulation. This is imminence. If Jesus is to protect us from the tribulation, then we must be gone before it begins. Luke 21:36.

This is Jesus’ affirmation He speaks of the rapture. He tells those of whom He has NO CENSURE to keep hold of what they have until He comes so no one takes their crown. This is Jesus’ warning to guard against false teachings, so their prize is not forfeited. We must stay watchful and prepared for His arrival. Matthew 24:36-25:30 and Luke 12:35-56. We say our goodbyes to this world, so we are ready to leave with Him. Luke 17:31-33. We live calmly with faith and hope as 1 Thess. 5 tells us. Rewards, such as crowns, are passed from Jesus to the church after the second coming at the Bema Judgment Seat. 2 Corinthians 5:10, 1Corinthians 3:12-15, Matthew 16:27, and Revelation 11:18. So, Jesus’ exhortation to ‘hold what you have that no one take your crown,’ is His warning to be prepared to leave with Him at the rapture. Most Believers who miss the rapture will ‘fall away’ from their salvation, forsaking their crown.

Rewards in heaven are based upon our earthly works, so the rewards of the Redeemed will vary greatly.

Verse 12. In CONTRAST, Jesus tells those overcoming He will ‘make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall not go out anymore. I think this is a metaphor for the thrones from which the martyred will reign during the Millennial Kingdom. Rev. 3:21 and 20:4-5. These reigning judges will be essential, like pillars, during the thousand years.

“And I will write the name of My God on him, and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem which comes down out of Heaven from My God, and My new name.”

This seems pretty straight forward and follows the precedent sent by God on the foreheads of the 144,000 evangelists in Revelation 7.

As you can see, the rapture of the church is addressed in great length in Revelation 3:7-11. Again, it is no coincidence the rapture is discussed in greatest length in the letter to the church against which Jesus had no complaint. Why? Because those against whom Jesus has no complaint are those who will leave with Him at the rapture.

Second Church: Pergamos Revelation 2:12-17. “12. And to the angel in the church of Pergamos, write: “These things says the One having the sharp, two-edged sword: 13. “I know your works and where you dwell, where the throne of Satan is. And you hold My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful witness; who was killed alongside you, where Satan dwells. 14. But I have a few things against you, that you have there those holding the teachings of Balaam, who taught Balak to throw a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat idol sacrifices, and to commit fornication. 15. So you also have those holding the teaching of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16. Repent! But if not, I will come to you quickly, and I will make war with them by the sword of My mouth. 17. The one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one overcoming, I will give him to eat from the hidden manna. And I will give to him a white stone, and on the stone a new name having been written, which no one knows except the one receiving it.””

Verse 12. Explained with verse 16.

Verse 13. Jesus states He’s aware their church is located in a place of great wickedness (where the throne of Satan is) and that they remained faithful even as Antipas was killed for his faith. It sounds as if members other than Antipas were martyred.

Verse 14-15. Jesus lists the sins He holds against them: false teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, fornication and eating food sacrificed to idols. This church allows false doctrine and endorses sin.

Verse 16. Jesus tells them to Repent of teaching false doctrine and endorsing sin! If they don’t repent, Jesus will come quickly (shortly, soon, suddenly 5035), which is the RAPTURE. This is another reference to His imminent arrival and their UNpreparedness for it. 1 Peter 4:17 tells us the judgment of God begins with His house which is, of course, the church. Jesus is saying, when He comes QUICKLY, He will ‘make war with them by the sword of My mouth,’ which is the judgment He speaks of in John 12:48; the doctrines He taught will judge them on the last day.

Also, verse 16: “…I will come to YOU quickly, and I will make war with THEM by the sword of My mouth…” Jesus will appear to the ENTIRE church and will make war with those who did not repent. He makes a distinction between those who repent and those who do not.

Verse 12. “…says the One having the sharp (rapid, swift 3691), two-edged (means having 2 edges 1366) sword (lit/fig: sabre, a long broad cutlass, any weapon of the kind 4501…”

This phrasing of a ‘double edged sword’ brings to mind another passage written to BELIEVERS, Hebrews 4:11-13: “Therefore, let us labor to enter into that rest (abode 2663), that not anyone fall in the same example of disobedience (obstinate and rebellious disbelief 543/unpersuadable 545). v. 12. For the word of God is living and powerfully working, and sharper (to cut with a single stroke, more keen 5114) than every two-edged sword (knife, figuratively war, judicial punishment 3162), even piercing as far as the dividing apart of both soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge of the thoughts and intentions of the heart; v. 13. and there is no creature unrevealed before Him; but all things are naked and laid open to His eyes, with whom is our account.”

Not only is this passage written to Believers, as so many of Jesus’ warnings are, it clearly speaks to end time events: ‘enter into that rest’ and ‘with whom is our account (a topic of discourse, reasoning of the mental faculty, cause, doctrine 3056).’ This is the measuring of our lives against His doctrine; did we trust Him, or did we fail to trust Him?

Here’s how I understand this: At the rapture the dead in Christ are caught up to Jesus first. Next, ALL people who think they will leave at the rapture will ascend into the clouds. 1 Thess. 4:13-17, Luke 24:50-51 and Acts 1: 9 & 11, and Revelation 14:14-16. Those rejected by Jesus will call out to Him as described in Matthew 7:21-23 and Luke 13:24-30. They will be told by Him, when He makes war with them, using His words, because the word of God separates soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart, “You did not do the will of My Father. I never knew you. Depart from Me, you worker of iniquity/lawlessness.”

Those who leave with Jesus find their eternal rest (abode 2663) while those with whom Jesus makes war, those who obstinately and rebelliously disbelieve, are cast back onto the earth, into ‘outer darkness (exterior obscurity 1857/4655), where they will weep and gnash their teeth.’ Matthew 8:11-13, 22:10-14, 25:30 and Luke 13:24-30.

Hebrews 4:12 also brings to bear Matthew 24:51 and Luke 12:46, where the wicked servant is cut in two and his portion is appointed with the hypocrites, “even piercing as far as the dividing apart of both soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge of the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Of course, Matthew 24:51 and Luke 12:46 also agree with 1 Peter 4:17-18 that God’s judgment begins with His house.

This war is against Believers who are NOT prepared to leave at the rapture. Jesus makes war with these Believers because of their obstinate and rebellious disbelief. Trust me when I say, I have spoken to hundreds of these individuals who absolutely refuse to yield to the complete truth of end time scriptures. Obstinate, rebellious disbelief is alive and well.

Please remember, each of these passages is spoken to the church, not to the world at large, NOT to the UNredeemed! It is impossible to claim salvation (rescue/safety 4991 in Romans 10:10) in Jesus while simultaneously disregarding His doctrine on when He will save/rescue you! Obstinate, rebellious disbelief in Jesus and what He taught is the same as calling God a liar. 1 John 5:10. 1 Peter 1:7-9, tells us we ‘obtain the end of our faith, the salvation of our souls’ at the appearance of Jesus. Well, Jesus appears at the rapture! At the rapture, Jesus calls those rejected by Him ‘workers of iniquity.’ Why? Because these obstinate rebellious people disregard what Jesus taught about the rapture, calling God a liar, which makes them liars. Liars do not inherit the kingdom of God. Proverbs 19:9, 1 Tim. 1:10, Revelation 21:7-8, 22:15.

I understand this is harsh. I understand it is difficult to hear, but it is nothing compared to hearing Jesus say, “I never knew you. Depart from me, you worker of iniquity.” Jesus states He ‘never knew’ these people because they never truly trusted Him to save them. They had the Holy Spirit, or thought they did, but having the Holy Spirit is NOT the criterion required for salvation. Trusting Jesus to save us is the criterion for salvation. It is not possible to trust Jesus to save you if you disagree with what He taught.

Once a person hears “I never knew you. Depart from me, you worker of iniquity” from Christ, it is too late to leave in the rapture. Those rejected by Him will enter the tribulation, and if they are unable to control their pain and rage, they will fall away from their salvation and be lost to Jesus forever. Hearing it now is far more advantageous, is it not? Having a heads up, about the warnings Jesus made, gives anyone a chance to repent of obstinate disbelief, replacing that rebellion with agreement with Jesus about His teaching. If you believe Jesus died to save you, why refuse to believe how and when He’s going to do it? Doctrine is NOT determined by consensus (popular vote), by feelings/opinions, or by using some scriptures to the exclusion of others. The truth God has for us is found in using EVERYTHING the Bible has to say about any given subject. As all these scriptures teach, faith in Jesus is an ALL IN or NOTHING situation. A half-way effort was the effort put forth by the five virgins who MISSED the Bridegroom. Matt. 25:1-13.

The rapture is a VERY BIG DEAL. Few Christians understand how truly important it is. The words in these passages are the reason Jesus also warned, ‘narrow is the gate, and constricted is the way that leads into life, and few are the ones who find it.” Matthew 7:14. Anyone is certainly free to disagree with me. That’s fine. But in the interest of honesty, you must ask yourself, “what contextually applied alternate explanation do I have for the presence of Jesus’ warnings which are made to Believers?” It’s incredibly easy to say someone else is wrong, to say someone is teaching something false, but it’s another thing altogether to come up with a ‘right’ answer of your own, one which agrees with the entire Bible, creating no contradiction in scripture.

Verse 17. Jesus gives His warning about the willingness to hear, once again. “The one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Here, as in two other letters, Jesus’ exhortation to listen is placed between His words about the rapture and His words about those who overcome.

In CONTRAST, He says to the “one overcoming (conquer, prevail, get the victory 3528), I will give him to eat from the hidden manna. And I will give to him a white stone (pebble indicating a verdict of acquittal 5586), and on the stone a new name having been written, which no one knows except the one receiving it.”

This is a metaphor for those who overcome, as Jesus did, by dying, they will have spiritual nourishment, a not guilty verdict and a fresh name known only to them as does Jesus in Revelation 19:12.

Third Church: Laodicea. Revelation 3:14-22. 14. “And to the angel of the church of Laodicea write: “These things says the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Head of the creation of God: 15. I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I would that you were cold, or hot. 16. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to vomit you out of My mouth. 17. Because you say, “I am rich, and I am made rich, and I have need of nothing,” and do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18. I advise you to buy from Me gold having been fired by fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, and your shame and nakedness may not be revealed. And anoint your eyes with eye-salve, that you may see. 19. I, as many as I love, I rebuke, and I chasten. Be zealous, then, and repent. 20. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will go in to him, and I will dine with him, and he with Me. 21. The one overcoming, I will give to him to sit with Me in My throne, as I also overcame and set with My Father in His throne. 22. The one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the churches.””

Verse 14. ‘Amen’ as a name for Jesus beckons the definition of the Greek, ‘trustworthy, so be it, (281). 2 Corinthians 1:20. ‘Faithful and True’ as a name for Jesus is found in Revelation 19:11. The ‘Head of the Creation of God’ is found in John 1:1-15 and Colossians 1:16.

Verses 15 & 17. This church is indifferent, neither hot nor cold for Christ. V. 17. describes the SIN of this church: these people believe themselves to be wealthy, while being unaware of spiritual poverty. This is a PROSPERITY CHURCH who rests upon their wealth to save them.

Verse 16. Their indifference, lukewarmness to spiritual matters, is so distasteful, Jesus spits them out of His mouth.

Verse 18. Jesus exhorts them to invest in Him so they may be made truly wealthy, being dressed in white garments, the garments of the saints as described in Revelation 19:7-9, 14. They will be redeemed by only their trust in Him, NOT their trust in wealth.

Verse 19. Jesus chastens and rebukes those He loves. A call to zealous repentance!

Verse 20. The RAPTURE: "Behold, I stand at the door (portal, entrance 2374) and knock: if (in case that, provided 1437) anyone HEARS (gives audience to, understands 191) My voice (a tone, by implication, an address/saying 5456) and OPENS the door (portal 2374), I will go in to Him and I will DINE (to take the principal or evening meal 1172) with Him, and he with Me.

Revelation 3:8 tells us Jesus gives/bestows the door which is opened before us. Here, in 3:20, we learn the door is OPENED by anyone if they give an audience to/understands the voice/address of Jesus. The portal opens only IF/in case that/provided someone understands what Jesus says. In light of what we’ve learned so far, what happens to the portal to for those who do NOT give an audience to/understand the voice/address of Jesus? They miss the rapture. Remember, these letters are written to the redeemed, NOT the unsaved.

The ‘principal or evening meal’ of the church is the Marriage Supper of the Lamb which is described in Revelation 19:6-9. This is the meal which takes place in heaven while the tribulation ravages the earth. This verse speaks of the rapture of the church and the reward for those who open the door by trusting what Jesus teaches in scripture. Jesus makes the offer of dining with Him to each person within the church. While Jesus condemned this church for its apathy, He clearly states anyone can open the door for themselves by simply trusting Him to save them. Romans 10:9-10. In other words, each person works out their own salvation. Philippians 2:12.

Verse 21: in CONTRAST, says: "The one overcoming (conquer, prevail, get the victory 3528), I will give to him to sit with Me in My throne, as I also overcame and sat with My Father in His throne."

Who gets to sit with Jesus on His throne? Those who overcame as Jesus did by dying for God. Revelation 20:4-6 tells us the Redeemed who are beheaded are those who take a throne and reign with Christ during the millennial kingdom. If you are killed by one of God’s plagues, as collateral damage in an earthquake, by a neighbor/family member/complete stranger for any reason, or as a result of starvation, dehydration, or exposure to the elements, you can still go to heaven, but you won’t get a throne unless you’re beheaded specifically for your faith in Jesus. This scripture, as well as the others which of overcoming, speaks of an event which takes place AFTER the second coming.

So, the church who leaves in the RAPTURE gets the reward of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in heaven with Jesus. Those who are beheaded during the tribulation for faith in Jesus, OVERCOMING the world as He did, will reign from thrones, alongside Jesus, during the millennial kingdom.

Revelation 19 speaks of the Marriage Supper (attended by those who are raptured) while Revelation 20 speaks of the thrones and how the martyred (those who overcome) will reign from them.

Fourth Church. Thyatira. Revelation 2:18-29. 18. “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira, write: “These things says the Son of God, the One having His eyes as a flame of fire, and His feet like a burnished metal: 19. I know your works, and the love, and the ministry, and the faith, and your patience, and your works; and the last more than the first. 20. But I have a few things against you, that you allow the woman Jezebel to teach, she saying herself to be a prophetess, and to cause My slaves to go astray, and to commit fornication, and to eat idol-sacrifices. 21. And I gave time to her that she might repent of her fornication. And she did not repent. 22. Behold, I am throwing her into a bed, and those committing adultery with her into great affliction, unless they repent of their works. 23. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches will know that I am the One searching the inner parts and hearts. And I will give to each of you according to your works. 24. But I say to you and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this teaching, and who did not know the deep things of Satan, as they say; I am not casting another burden on you; 25. but what you have, hold until I shall come. 26. And the one overcoming, and the one keeping My works until the end, I will give to him authority over the nations, 27. And he will shepherd them with an iron staff-they are broken to pieces like clay vessels-as I also have received from My Father. 28. And I will give to him the morning star. 29. The one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the churches.””

Verse 18. Gives graphic descriptions of Jesus. His ‘eyes as a flame of fire’ reminds me of Revelation 1:14 and 19:12. “Feet like a burnished metal’ is a reference to Revelation 1:15 where Jesus is described as ‘fired in a furnace.’

Verse 19. Jesus acknowledges several good things about the church of Thyatira. That He mentions ‘works’ twice, and ‘knowing the last more than the first’ indicates the more recent works were superior to the former.

Verse 20 Jesus lists the sins of this church: they allow a ‘Jezebel’ to teach and lead people astray, the committing of fornication, and eating idol sacrifices. So, this church teaches false doctrine and participates in sexual sins/idolatrous eating. I want to mention: any church which denies the rapture doctrine taught by Jesus is teaching a false doctrine. 2 Peter 2:1.

Sadly, there are many preachers who teach their congregations the rapture doctrine taught by Jesus is a lie. They lead their flocks into the tribulation, convinced they must suffer as those who REJECT God, or they will be found unworthy of heaven. This deception runs deep. Anyone who’s become convinced of this is incredibly difficult to deprogram. Faith comes by hearing the word of God Romans 10:17, but these people are incapable of reading and hearing what Jesus taught about the rapture. One cannot trust Jesus for something if one refuses to read and understand what He taught about it. Not knowing your Bible will work against you EVERY SINGLE TIME!

Pointing out the contradictions their belief creates in scripture is utterly useless. Nothing penetrates the lie of which they’ve become convinced. It’s absolutely heartbreaking, but we cannot convince someone of something they refuse to see. 2 Peter 3:5. We can serve as watchmen for those who are NOT convinced the rapture is a lie; those who want to trust Jesus, but simply do not understand they have scriptural reason to do so. These people are humble and hungry for the complete truth of end time events. I’ve met many of these people. They have written and thanked me for showing them the truth of the rapture in scripture. They are thrilled to learn Jesus promised to protect us from God’s wrath. The people who submit to Jesus’ rapture teaching have their salvations forever altered. They will leave with Jesus at the rapture because they are trusting Him for it! Now, they can go forward and serve as watchmen for others who are willing to listen, those who are also hungry for the complete truth of end time events! It is NO coincidence all these letters contain the simple statement: “The one having an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Verse 21. Jesus states He’s given this church time to repent of its false teachings and wickedness, but it did NOT repent, so…

Verse 22-23. “Behold, I am throwing (thrust, cast out (more or less violent or intense 906) her into a bed (couch 2825), and those committing adultery with her into great (big, exceedingly great, mighty 3173) affliction (persecution, tribulation 2347), unless they repent of their works. 23. And I will kill (to slay, to kill outright, to destroy 615) her children (a child, as produced 5043) with death (death, lit/fig. 2288); and all the churches will know that I am the One searching the inner parts and hearts….”

Here again, this is a reference to Hebrews 4:11-13: “even piercing as far as the dividing apart of both soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge of the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Because of her lack of repentance, Jesus throws her onto a bed of affliction where her ‘children will be killed with death.’ “And ALL the churches will know I am the one searching the inner parts and hearts-“ At the rapture, EVERY church, especially those teaching false doctrine, will know Jesus searches inner parts and hearts. They will watch as Jesus throws the churches teaching false doctrine onto a bed of affliction where the children produced by these churches will be killed. Isn’t the tribulation the biggest bed of affliction ever? Of course, it is! Matthew 24:21. Won’t many who enter it be killed?

Jesus tells those who do NOT repent they will be thrown onto a bed of affliction. This means those who DO repent will NOT be thrown onto a bed of affliction! He addresses that situation here:

Verse 24. “But I say to you and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this teaching, and who did not know the deep things of Satan, as they say; I am not casting another burden on you;”

Here, Jesus is saying that those in the church of Thyatira who do not participate in its false teachings and wickedness will not have any additional burden placed on them. This is Jesus saying, while a church body might be sinful and errant, it can and does have holy ones contained within it, and they will NOT be subject to the same consequences. Philippians 2:12. This is more of that searching of the inner parts and hearts of people. Jesus knows who the phonies are. He is still the God who sees. Gen. 16:13.

Verse 25. The RAPTURE is mentioned here: To those who have no additional burden placed upon them, Jesus says, “but what you have (possession 2192), hold (retain, hold fast 2902) until I shall come (to arrive, be present 2240).” Those with no additional burdens, the ones without censure, are the only people allowed to leave with Jesus because they lived without knowing the deep things of Satan, or they submitted to His call for repentance. What they hold is their faith and righteousness before God, guarding their salvation through faith until it is finished at the appearance of Jesus. 1 Peter 1:4-9.

Verses 26-28. Here, at the end of this letter, Jesus CONTRASTS those who ‘overcome’ to those who hold what they have until He arrives. Those who overcome the world, as Jesus did, keeping Jesus’ works until the end will have authority over the nations. Jesus tells us in Revelation 20:4 those who are martyred for their faith will reign over the earth, from thrones, alongside Him, for 1,000 years. That they have the morning star is the gift of Jesus Himself.

Verse 29. The one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Over and over Jesus reminds us to listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. In Bible college I learned if the Bible mentions something three times it was incredibly important. Jesus issues this same exhortation in EACH of the seven letters. Just sayin’.

Fifth Church Sardis. Revelation 3:1-6 1. “And to the angel of the church of Sardis, write: “These things says the One having the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars: I know your works, that you have the name that you live, and are dead. 2. Be watching (keep awake, be vigilant 1127), and establish (to set fast, to turn resolutely 4741) the things left (remaining ones 3062), which are about to die (to die 599). For I have not found your works being fulfilled before God. 3. Then remember how you received (to get hold of 2983) and heard (to hear, understand 191), and keep (to guard from loss or injury 5083), and repent (to think differently 3340). If, then, you do not watch, I will come upon you like a thief, and you will not at all know what hour I come upon you. 4. You also have a few names in Sardis which did not defile their robes, and they shall walk with Me in white because they are worthy. 5. The one overcoming, this one shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not at all blot his name out of the Book of Life; and I will acknowledge his name before My Father, and before His angels. 6. The one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the churches.””

Verse 1. Jesus is called the Lamb with the seven spirits of God in Revelation 5:6. The seven stars are identified as the angels of the seven churches in Revelation 1:20. Jesus also identifies the sins within this church: “that you have the name that you live, and are dead.” This is a church filled with HYPOCRITES.

Verse 2. Jesus continues with His censure: “Be watching (to keep awake, be vigilant 1127), and establish (to set fast, to turn resolutely 4741) the things left (remaining ones 3062), which are about to die. For I have not found your works being fulfilled before God.”

This is Jesus’ exhortation to vigilantly turn resolutely toward the things which remain, the important things, faith in Him and a Godly life, NOT their hypocritical works, the APPEARANCE of faith and Godly lives. v.1.

Verse 3. “Then remember how you received and heard, and keep, and repent. If, then, you do not watch, I will come upon you like a thief, and you will not at all know what hour I come upon you.”

If you do not watch for what…? Jesus tells us…” “I will come upon you like a thief…”

If you are not watching for the return of Jesus, you will be surprised at His sudden appearance to collect those who trust Him for salvation.

Jesus warns them to get hold of and understand faith in Him, and to guard it from loss or injury. He warns them to think differently about the way they live; faith in Him versus hypocrisy. He tells them if they are not watchful/vigilant, He will come upon them like a thief. This is Jesus speaking of the RAPTURE, the day of the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 5:2. He’s saying if they fail to concern themselves with faith in Him, they will be unprepared for His return because they do NOT know the hour Jesus is coming. This is a direct reference to Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32 where Jesus tells us NO ONE knows the day or hour of His return at the rapture. Matthew 24:44 and Luke 12:40 tell us Jesus will come at an hour His wicked servants think He won’t come. The day and hour of the second coming can be calculated once the covenant between the man of sin and the many is confirmed. Daniel 9:27. Jesus’ second coming will be 2,520 days from that hour. That Jesus states no one knows the day or hour is His differentiation between the second coming and the rapture.

It is impossible for me to overstate how non-pretrib people are NOT watching for the return of Jesus. They are watching for the man of sin to appear and the start of the tribulation. Nowhere in scripture does Jesus EVER warn His bride to watch for the man

of sin or the start of the tribulation! Jesus ONLY, EVER warns us to watch for His appearance. There is NO point in watching for someone who cannot appear for a minimum of seven years AFTER the tribulation begins!

Please know it is not my intent to condemn other Believers. I speak only to warn as many Believers as possible. I’m sharing what I have learned through countless hours of study, and innumerable conversations with non-pretribbers, in the hopes understanding will come to life in someone who is not among those watchful for the appearance of Jesus. I hope someone will see themselves from outside the bubble in which they exist, that new insight would spring to life inside them before they miss the rapture. Don’t forget, those who are convinced their rapture belief is a non-issue, will be devastated when Jesus rejects them at the rapture. Most of them will forfeit their salvation out of pain and rage after Jesus casts them back to earth. They won’t be reachable after the rapture. The only hope we have is found in reaching them before the rapture, before it’s too late!

Verse 4. Jesus continues His reference to the rapture when He mentions the few faithful people of Sardis: “You also have a few names in Sardis which did not defile their robes, and they shall walk with Me in white because they are worthy.” We are told in Revelation 19:7-9 and 14 that the saints at the marriage supper are dressed in white. The marriage supper takes place in heaven while the tribulation terrorizes the earth. So, for these faithful few to be dressed in white, they must leave the earth before the tribulation begins, AND He speaks of them prior to mentioning those who overcome. We are told in Luke 21:36, 2 Thess. 1:5,and 1 Peter 1:5-6, the church is counted worthy to escape the events of the tribulation. This is true because God has already executed His judgment against it with persecutions, afflictions and suffering, refining its faith in Christ, making it worthy.

Verse 5. Here, Jesus CONTRASTS, once again, the faithful few against those who overcome: “The one overcoming, this one shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not at all blot his name out of the Book of Life; and I will acknowledge his name before My Father, and before His angels.” This clearly states those who die for Jesus, overcoming this world as He did, will also be clothed in white. Revelation 3:21. This begs the question: if only a single group wears white, not both those in the rapture/marriage feast AND those who overcome, why does Jesus say the same thing twice? Why make such a distinction unless it truly exists?

That Jesus will not blot their names out of the Book of Life is His reference to His statement in Revelation 20:6, that the second death has no authority over martyrs. “I will acknowledge his name before My Father and His angels” refers to Matthew 10:32 and Luke 12:8-9. No doubt about it, if someone is martyred for their faith in Jesus it is because they acknowledged Him before men.

Verse 6. “The one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Can you see the accumulation of rapture evidence present in these letters?

Sixth Church Ephesus. Revelation 2:1-7. “To the angel of the Ephesian church, write: 2. These things says the One holding the seven stars in His right hand, He walking in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: I know your works, and your labor, and your patience, and that you cannot bear evil ones; and you tried those pretending to be apostles, and are not, and found them to be liars. 3. And I know you bore up and on account of My name you have labored and have not wearied. 4. But I have against you that you left your first love. 5. Then remember from where you have fallen and repent and do the first works. And if not, I am coming to you quickly, and will remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6. But you have this, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7. The one having an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one overcoming, I will give to him to eat of the Tree of Life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.””

v. 2. Jesus is identified as the ‘One holding the seven stars in His right hand, He walking in the midst of the seven golden lampstands” is in Revelation 1:20. In the last part of the verse, Jesus commends this church for the things it does well.

v. 3. More praise from Jesus for works well done.

v. 4 & 6. Jesus identifies their failure: they’ve done all these works but have forgotten Him as their first love. This church is comprised of Legalists or Pharisees. They’ve gotten busy doing FOR Jesus while overlooking faith/trust in Him to save them.

v. 5. Jesus calls them to repentance and tells them how to correct their sin: “do the first works” which means do works as a result of your salvation, NOT as a means to earn salvation.

“And if not, I am coming to you quickly (fleet, brief span of time 5034), and will remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” That Jesus tells them He is coming quickly, unless they repent, is His way of saying the RAPTURE will happen when they are Unprepared, catching them off guard. This harkens to Jesus’ repeated warnings in Matthew 24:36-25:30, and Luke 12:35-57 that He is coming in an hour which is unknown, that we are to be watchful and prepared for His appearance. Also, that He will come like a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:2/Revelation 3:3.

What good is a church if it leaves out the love of Jesus? Helping people with groceries and broken porches is of temporal use and pales in comparison when the same people should be helped into heaven. If a church is filled with legalists and those who pursue salvation through works, it will not be effective at harvesting souls for God’s kingdom, the eternal work.

Also v. 5: “And if not, I am coming to you quickly (fleet, brief span of time 5034), and will remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.”

If a lampstand, and the light it provides, is removed, what is left? Darkness. I understand ‘remove your lampstand’ to mean they will be cast into darkness if they do not repent. Any Believer who does not repent will be cast into outer darkness at the rapture. Matthew 7:21-23, 8:11-13, 22:10-14, 24:48-51, 25:30 and Luke 13:24-30.

v. 7. “The one having an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one overcoming, I will give to him to eat of the Tree of Life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.””

In CONTRAST, the one overcoming continues to reference those who die for their faith which, in the context of Revelation, deals with the tribulation. Those who overcome will get to eat of the tree of Life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God. The Tree of Life was in the midst of the Garden of Eden, God’s paradise on earth, but this Tree will be in heaven. Revelation 22:1-2.

Seventh Church Smyrna. Revelation 2:8-11. “And to the angel of the church of Smyrna, write: 9. “These things says the First and the Last, who became dead, and lived; I know your works, and the affliction, and the poverty; but you are rich. And I know the evil speaking of those saying themselves to be Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10. Do not at all fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the Devil is about to throw you into prison, so that you may be tried; and you will have affliction ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11. The one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one overcoming will not at all be hurt by the second death.””

Verse 9. The ‘First, and the Last’ is a reference to Jesus as the Alpha and Omega. Revelation 21:6 and 22:13. ‘Who became dead and lived,’ references the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus says even though they endure works of affliction, and poverty, they are rich in Him. This church is one of ONLY two without any censure or rebuke from Jesus; there is no call for repentance. This church is without sin and represents the MARTYRS of the faith.

Verse 10. Jesus, acknowledges evil forces come against this church, and exhorts these faithful servants to not fear the affliction and death they are about to endure. He tells them He will give them the crown of life. James 1:12.

Verse 11. Jesus’ exhortation to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one overcoming is exampled by this entire church. That these saints will not be harmed by the second death means they live forever in heaven with Jesus. The second death is spoken of in Revelation 20:11-15. It is the final residence of torment for those whose names are not written in the Book of Life.

There is NO mention of the RAPTURE as with the other churches. The faithful of this church are dead, so the ‘coming quickly’ ‘imminent arrival’ of Jesus is irrelevant. They will rise to meet Christ at the rapture because they are ‘dead IN Christ’ as Paul describes in 1 Thess. 4:13-17. They are not watching for the return of Christ as Paul was when he said, ‘we who remain alive.’ Matthew 24:36-25:30 and Luke 12:35-57, Luke 17:20-23, 26-36 warn those of us who aren’t dead to be watchful and prepared for the return of Jesus.

Summary on the Letters to the Churches: I think I’ve demonstrated the presence of the rapture in the letters written to the churches. First, God uses language, specific words chosen by Him, to differentiate the timing of the appearances of Jesus. Second, every single letter, but the letter to Smyrna, speaks of the rapture BEFORE the mention of those who overcome. Third, is the difference in the rewards described within the letters. They clearly make a distinction between what happens to those who leave with Jesus and those who are rejected or overcome. Those who overcome are given different rewards which are identified in other scriptures and speak specifically of the second coming. Hence, they can’t be the same event. Fourth, the rapture is not mentioned in an obscure way in a single letter. Had a single reference been the case, it would still be the word of God, but it is spoken of in EVERY letter, but the one where every Believer is martyred. This means there is cumulative evidence from all the letters which speaks overtly, not only to the truth of the rapture, but also of its timing! In other words, the presence of six rapture references, some of them lengthy and detailed, means the rapture is real and it occurs prior to the need to overcome as Jesus did! To deny so, is to deny the teaching of Christ.

God has helped me to understand a second reason for these letters to be included in a study focused on the events of the tribulation: Each and every letter contains a reminder and a promise of reward for those who die for Jesus during the tribulation. The time is FAST approaching when these promises of Jesus will be the sole hope for so very many. As sad and preventable as tribulation martyrdom is, these promises made by Jesus will become a great source of courage and comfort to those who will die for Him. That Jesus distinguishes between those who leave ‘quickly’ with Him from those who overcome, means all is not lost for those who remain behind! Anyone who misses the rapture can still go to heaven. I do not write under the assumption only pretrib people will read my work, so, if Jesus refuses to let you leave with Him at the rapture, don’t allow those feelings of betrayal and rage to overcome you to the point of expelling His Spirit from you, forfeiting your salvation. Repent, seek His forgiveness, and enter the tribulation with your salvation newly guarded. Whatever you do, REFUSE the Mark of the Beast. If you take the mark, you are as lost to heaven as those who blasphemed God’s Spirit when Jesus rejected them at the rapture.

After having learned so much from these remarkable letters it makes such sense God would include the rapture in letters to His churches. After all, it is the church, those ‘in Christ,’ the folks alive at the time of the rapture who will leave with Him after a watchful expectation of His appearance! This has been the case for 2,000 years. Prior to this study, I coasted on the traditions taught in the church. Digging in deep with God has changed so much in me. I’m so grateful for His patience and His willingness to reward my diligence with such incredible insights into His word. Hebrews 11:6. He has incredible insights for each of us! He will do for anyone, what He has done for me.

That Jesus, who did not know the day or hour of His own appearance at the rapture, forewarns each of these churches, merely demonstrates the imminence of His arrival and the need to be ready to leave with Him when He quickly appears. 1 Peter 1:5 tells us to guard our salvation through faith which means we are vigilant about deception and false teachers. Matthew 24:4-5/2 Peter 2:1, Rev. 3:10. This is how those who are obstinately rebellious have failed; they have fallen for the lie used by the enemy in the garden; ‘did God really say…?’ 1 Thessalonians 5 tells us to live calmly with hope and faith. In the Gospels, Matthew 24:36-25:30, Luke 12:35-57, Luke 17:20-23, Jesus warns time and again to be watchful for HIS appearance, NOT the appearance of any other person OR any event; ONLY HIS APPEARANCE. Luke 17:26-36 tells us there will be no time to return for any reason, so say your goodbyes to loved ones who will remain on earth now; we must be prepared to leave with Jesus the moment He appears. This is the reason I began this study, to leave something of incalculable worth to those I love, the teaching of Christ written in such a way they can understand it during a time of life the likes of which is unknown to mankind. In John 14:1-3, Matthew 24:35 and Mark 13:31, Jesus tells us to believe in Him and His promise to catch us away and take us to the home He’s been preparing for millennia, to guard us from the wrath God has for those who reject Him. John 3:36, 5:24, 6:39, Luke 21:36, 1 Thess. 1:10, 5:9, Rev. 3:10.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see my precious Jesus!

Some content taken from The Interlinear Bible by Jay P. Green, Sr. Copyright © 1985. Used by permission of Hendrickson Rose Publishing Group, represented by Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.