Nehemiah6 said:
1. The Rapture is always imminent in Scripture
"I'm with you on this one. The rich farmer who was proud of what he'd stored up for his future -
"his rapture" came that very night (Luke 12). It is more imminent than most people think."
Unfortunately, you are more correct concerning this "tradition of man" teaching about
"death", which is generally understood, alluded to, or insinuated, when it comes to this
"doctrine" about rapture. Though, is rarely, if at all, specifically spoken out loud, then you may think!
Can you not "see" how this is a
doctrine used by enemies of God's people, and Jesus Christ? Can you not "see", how this "Your soul
might belong to God?" But,
yer arses, belong to me!" Mindset, keeps perpetuating, and rendering even
more void, the Word of God?
Allow me, if you will, in offering an interpretation of Paul, as Paul
himself seen. Being, not just an Apostle unto the gentiles, which he was, and not just bringing the
Good News, concerning our Father's loving kindness, which
endures FOREVER, In Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior, which is always true, and correct. But, also, as a Priest after the order of Melchizedek! Which is a
FOREVER Priesthood! Both forwards, in this thing we call "time" on earth, but, also backwards through the history of the nation of Israel, as shown in the
written recordings. Yet, with an understanding, and wisdom, granted by God the Father, to "His" Priests! May His NAME be
PRAISED, from Everlasting, to Everlasting! Amen!
That being said, and in no wise, attempting to make in describing a thing, to a lessor degree then it is? When, it comes to (how can I say), the describing, or telling of that which had come to pass, and that which is (yet)
to come? The "passing" of "time as we understand it", can, and oft times
does not get placed in its proper context, in the written records. As, "it" (the Word of God) does
not, nor have the compunction of being restrcited to, nor confined to grammatics!
Romans 1.....
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
Here? Paul is describing the "Garden of Eden Incident."
And
without so much of any "passage of time as we know it", in the "widening the void?" As one cannot, least in this language (english)
correctly indicate, a "sigh", a "pausing for a breath", a "change of tone", nor, subtle emotional outpourings of
spoken word! Save the term:
"Amen" (not, a term meaning "agreement with", as much, as it is a term meaning
"that's it!"...finished, fini, the end, etc)
But?....(over the passage of time, and traditions of men?)
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
As is fairly obvious these days? This is
permeating "today's" churches of stone! And sadly, growing!