Charles Pinkney, Bible Mysteries, End Times, Wrath, Judgment or Deliverance

click below for
AUTHOR'S VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE

QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED BY THOSE WHO HOLD THE NO RAPTURE POSITION

Question: Revelation 19:11-21 doesn't mention a resurrection in the description of the Lord's return, 2nd Coming.

Question: The Known Day and the Unknown Day. The day and hour no one knows, (sudden and surprising) The day of the Second coming, a fixed and finite number of months and days. Revelation 12:6 says the Jews will have to wait 1,260 days for the Lord to return. The 1,260 days begins when the Antichrist stands in the Temple and declares himself to be G-d (Matt. 24:15-21, 2 Thess. 2:4) This event will take place at the mid-point of the seven year Tribulation (Dan 9:27).

Question: What do you do with these verses:
1 Thes 1:10, Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming.
1 Thes 5:08-09: For G-d did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus.
Romans 5:9 9: Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Question: What do you do with this verse: Kept from the hour of testing (Rev. 3:10)

Question: First Thessalonians 4:13-17 How do you read this scripture? Does this passage not say the righteous are taken and the wicked are left behind. This is consistent with the typology of Noah and Lot: Destruction is the consequence of being left out of the rescue of the righteous. G-d closed the door and no one could enter. Destruction and judgment could not proceed until the righteous were gathered.

Question: What do you with the typology of the Jewish Wedding? The bride, the bride price, preparing a place, the unannounced return for the bride, the bride making herself ready, the 7 day seclusion in the place of intimacy (Huppah). After 7 days the bride and bridegroom are revealed together. These inferences are not made by people who are unfamiliar with Jewish tradition. This scripture speaks of that time of Isaiah 26:20-21 "Come my people, enter our chambers and shut the door behind you, hide yourself as it were, for a little moment until the indignation is past. For behold the Lord comes out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity." While the wrath of G-d is poured out on the earth, the bride of Christ will be hidden away with her Bridegroom.

Saved From the Wrath to Come
The Blessed 'Appearing" of the Lord Jesus Christ

1 Thes 1:10, Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming.
1 Thes 5:08-09: For G-d did not appoint us to wrath,
but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus.
Romans 5:9 9: Much more then, being now justified by his blood,
we shall be saved from wrath through him.

How shall we regard the end times message? Are we in the prophetic end of the age? We find numerous varietions of the end times message. Some hold to a doctrine that believing Christians will endure the time of testing and trial that come upon the whole earth along with others. Believers will see the reign of antichrist and the great tribulation.
Those who take the manifested Sons, Kingdom now position, believe that the Glorious church will overcome. Through their revelation and witness the Kingdom of G-d will be manifest upon the earth. This will be enabled by the full poetentiality of G-d's gifting through apostolic and prophetic leaders, who will cause the nations to see the light and be persuaded. All political and spiritual resistance to the Gospel shall be overturned. Others declare that the church as the Body of Christ will not go through this time of trial and horrific judgment that falls upon the unbelieving masses who chose not to heed the message of the Gospel.
The Bible holds the answer. But those who study the Bible come up with other conclusions. Naturally disagreement becomes heated, even hostile.

Paul's apostolic letters address the end time, again and again. The question that first arises is, "Is he talking about the second coming (the second advent) or is he talking about something else.

Paul's message is not the same emphasis as the original disciples in Jerusalem. Paul was instructed by direct revelation by the risen Jesus. Paul's revelation encapsulates the church age. The church age is an independent time and entity from the dispensation of the Kingdom and the messianic age understood by Peter and the other original apostles.

The church age is this parenthetical dispensation alluded to in Jesus declaration of his ministry and mission, when he quoted Isaiah 61, in Luke 4. "- - Luke 4:18 - Luke 4:19 18) “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, 19) to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.- - -'; We note that he did not complete the prophetic message of Isaiah 61, " - - and the day of vengeance of JVH. This omitted portion describes the day of the Lord, or the Day of Vengeance. This is the same period of Judgment referred to time and again in the prophetic books. The church age is the age of the Gospel of Grace. The door is open to whoever will come into Kingdom and partake of G-d's favor.

But even as it was in the day of Noah and the Day of Lot, that period of preaching, sorting, warning and preparation came to an end. When it did an elect few were rescued from the judgment which befell those who would not heed the message. A day came that the door was shut on Noah's vessel the ark. A day came when the angels carried Lot and his family bodily out of Sodom to a place of refuge. The double minded wife of Lot, was reluctant to give up something in that lifestyle and hesitated to look back. She did not make it to sanctuary. "Remember Lot's wife," Jesus said.

There are several features of the end of the Church age and the time of trouble that was to befall the unbelieving Jews. Daniel (Chapter 9) addresses the 70 weeks that were ordained by G-d to complete the Kingdom age that is allotted to Israel and usher in the Messiah and the millenial reign of Christ on earth. There is a 70th week, (7 days equalling 7 years) that is yet to happen. This dispensation must eventually be realized. In order for this fulfillment the church age must abruptly end and the 70th week commence. This will not be a gradual transition but a sudden and decisive moment in G-d's time table. It will be as decisive as G-d's closing the door to the ark.

The above attributes of The Church Age of Grace versus the 70th week can only lend to one interpretation as unpopular as it is with some: The rapture of the believers.

As noted above the story of Noah and Lot prefigure the rapture. But Jesus gives us another whole model exemplified in the parable of the Bride and the Bridegroom. The teaching of Jesus is repleat with phrases taken from the Jewish wedding ceremony. The very language of the "Last Supper" is also a picture, not only of the passover Seder updated to reveal Jesus not only as Savior and Messiah but it portrays the wedding betrothal with perfect typology. Elsewhere a picture of the Bride and Bridegroom is also illustrated when Abraham sends his servant to seek a bride for his son Isaac.

I offer the following teaching from Mary Parnell who has done a good job in researching aspects of this story and "typology."

Terms:
B'rit = covenant (sealed in blood)
B'rit Hadashah = New Covenant
Tanakh = Old Testament
B'rit kidushin = betrothal period (think of Mary & Joseph)
Chadar (Kadar) = chamber"
Da'at = I do
Ketubah = contract"
Mohar = bride price
Ka'lal = bride
Type: = to present beforehand as a type-to prefigure"
a person or event or institution in the OT that relates
to a corresponding person or event or institution in the NT.

Genesis 24 contains many types and shadows of Messiah as the bridegroom of the church.
But we must also study the Jewish wedding for the full picture.

Ephes. 5.25 Paul first explains this relationship.
Rom 7.4: - -"We are married to Christ"
Matt.22.2-5: Jesus speaks of the wedding feast by parable

The Typology of Abraham, Isaac, and Rebecca The Father (typified by Abraham) selects a bride for his beloved son.
John 6. 43-44
John 15.16 - -"You did not choose me . . . - -"

Eliezer is a type of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is at work wooing and drawing the bride to the bridegroom. He is the one who nudges our hearts as he did with Rebekah. Becoming a believer depends on our being wooed. We are pursued by the lord for quite awhile before we begin to acknowledge his presence.
He makes all the arrangements. The Bride may have no idea what the groom looks like" all she knows is that she will spend her whole life with him if she says - - "yes" to this marriage. ( 1 Peter 1.8) This is the case with the bride of Messiah. We have not seen Yeshua, but G-d's servant the Holy Spirit has revealed him to us.

Genesis 24. In this chapter will be found many types and shadows of Messiah as the bridegroom of the Church. But we must also study the Jewish wedding for a full picture.

1. What standout scriptures are found in Genesis 24?

2. What types are readily apparent to you? Notice all of the actions of Rebekah and see if you can see Rebekah as a type of the church?
3. What do you see in verse 8? What does Rebekah's willingness have to do with the church. See the servant as a type of the Holy Spirit.
4. Notice the meeting of the bride and the bridegroom. It happens with a supernatural sign and force because the Holy Spirit draws. John 3.8. According to Rabbinical tradition, Rebekah is so overwhelmed when she sees Isaac, that she falls from her camel.

5. 1 John 4.19 We love the bridegroom because He first loved us and chose us.
6. If Eliezer is a type of the Holy Spirit: What begins to flow from him immediately? Compare to 1 Cor. 12.The gifts of the Spirit are a powerful accompaniment to our relationship with our heavenly bridegroom.
7. What happens when Rebekah does not resist the power of Eliezer's prayer?
New covenant: John 15.16
8. What types may be seen in verses 35 and 36?
9 Verse 41 G-d will not be satisfied or cleared of his oath until a bride is prepared for the bridegroom. (See Matt.25).
See John 3.29" John 3.35" Matt. 9.15, Mk. 2-18-20" Lk. 5. 34-35. Rev. 22.2-9" 1 Peter 1.18" Matt.24.43-44"

The Arrangements:

The Mohar: The price paid for the bride" money was paid to the father as well as to the bride.
Sometimes it was paid in service as in Jacob and Rachel. The price was usually something of great value: lands, livestock, silver or gold. The Bride was allowed to keep her monies to go into business or to keep. Prov.31 shows a woman who was industrious in business as well as at home. The price was paid to show how the bridegroom loved and valued the bride Be'ulah: means - -"owned one." The Mohar raised the standard: A woman had value She was to be acquired in the presence of witnesses. If he wished to separate, even during the betrothal period, a divorce was required.

The Bride of Messiah has also been purchased:

A very high Mohar was paid for us" the blood of Y'shua himself. The bridegroom wrestled with that price in the Garden of Gethesemane" - -"Father do you know what they are asking for her" (Jamie Lash). 1 Cor. 7.23 Phil.2.5 Lk 22.19-20 (Jesus mentions the Bride Price) 1 Peter 1.18 Hebrews 12.2 Jesus paid the price for: The joy that was set before him.The joy of seeing each one of us redeemed.
Ka'lal: On the cross he said, - -"it is finished." Or Ka'lal" the same root as for - -"bride."

The Betrothal Ceremony

The B'rit Kidushin: The Betrothal is for 12 months during this time the bride is set apart for sanctification and beautification. This engagement covenant is binding and they are considered legally married except for the union. At The Betrothal ceremony a Ketubah was presented to the father.

The Ketubah: Ketubah comes from - -"kadosh" meaning holy. The B'rit Kidushin is holy. This contract is altogether in favor of the bride. The bridegroom promises to work for, honor, support and maintain his bride in truth, provide food, clothing, necessities and to live with her after the ceremony. The bride is promised that she will be cared for in every way. All of her needs will be fulfilled by the bridegroom. This contract is read and signed before 2 witnesses if the Bride agrees.

The Holy Scriptures are Our Wedding Document.

Matt. 6.28" Phil 4.19 Look at any scripture and know that the scripture is the holy covenant and inalienable right of the believer. - -"G-d is not a man that He should lie." He will never break the covenant. This Ketubah was read publicly. Today, the reading of our Ketubah takes place during Christian services.

The ketubah elevated the woman to a new status in society. Our Ketubah gives us rights and privileges that are found in no other religion or philosophy. Why would we reject our heavenly Ketubah, our holy scriptures, the Bible?
Hebrews 8.6 our B'rit Hadashah contains even better promises! This marriage contract was first promised to the House of Israel then to who-so-ever will (Jer.31.31-34). - -"The time is coming," declares the Lord when I will cut a New Covenant (B'rit) with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. . . ."

The Da'at: Is the consent literally means - "I do" Gen. 24-57-58.
The prospective girl had something to say. She had to consent, Da'at. Judaism says that marriage can only take place by mutual consent. In an age where child marriage was common the sages ordained : - -"it is forbidden for a man to betroth his minor daughter until she attains her majority and says, - -"I love this man."
Spiritual betrothal to Yeshua Ha Messiach is the same: G-d never forces us to say - -"I do." to his son. He created us with free will. We must respond or say - -"I do" (Romans 10.9-10) in the presence of 2 witnesses!

You may say the following and thereby give your consent or da'at:
I do believe that G-d raised Yeshua, Jesus from the dead.
I do repent of all my sin and desire to turn from it.
I do give you my heart, my love, and my whole life.
I do trust you with my future.
And, like a bride, I do desire intimacy with you.
I do believe that Yeshua's death atoned for my sin.
I do receive his forgiveness and gift of eternal life.
I do receive your love and my salvation today. (Jamie Lash)

The 1st cup of the Covenant
Baruch ata adonai eloheinu melech ha olam borey pre hagafen.
(Blessed are you O LORD, King of the Universe who creates the fruit of the vine.)

The blessing of the cup of wine is an important element of the ancient and modern Jewish wedding. The Bride and groom share the cup, symbolizing the shared life that would be theirs. A second cup of wine will be shared many months later. This is the cup of joy! According to Mayim Hayim, this cup is lifted UP in the right hand (signifying power) and parallels the forthcoming lifting up of Jesus on the cross.

Luke 22.30 - -"Likewise He also took the cup after supper saying, this cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is shed for you." Yeshua and His disciples were celebrating the anniversary of G-d's wedding to Israel (the Exodus). He is telling them that the New Marriage Covenant (the one promised in Jeremiah 31) would be sealed in his blood. Yeshua and His disciples drank from a common cup in an upper room in Jerusalem. They became one as they drank wine together.

When we partake of that cup at the Lord's Seder (communion) we remember our Heavenly Bridegroom, the mohar paid for us, and our covenental relationship with Yeshua. Just as two cups of wine were used as part of the ancient Jewish wedding, the second at the actual homemaking of the bride, Messiah's bride will one day drink a cup with Yeshua in person at the second part of our marriage ceremony. Matt 26.29

Until that day we have the communion cup to remind of our covenant with our Heavenly Bridegroom. We are to remember his love more than wine. Song 1.4 We need to drink often of the cup and remember our engagement to the king of Kings.

The Gifts: begin to flow even before the da'at and the betrothal. Gen. 24.53 We have already studied the gifts of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the great gift that Jesus gave to us during our betrothal period as we wait for his return (2 Peter 3.3). James 1.16" Cor. 12, Romans 12.

The Chadar: The departure of the groom: After the Betrothal Ceremony, the groom left to prepare the Chadar (chamber).The bridegroom in ancient Israel left his beloved to go to his father's house to prepare a Chadar.
(A bridal house) He would be gone up to 12 months (John 14.2-3) with the promise to return. Yeshua the heavenly bridegroom, left his bride to prepare a wedding chamber for her and he promises to return. His promise is still good and his return is near (Acts. 1.8-11).

1. Israel returned as a nation in 1948.
2. Hebrew was resurrected as a language.
3. Jerusalem has become a stone of stumbling,
4. Many nations are arranging themselves against Israel, including the United States,
5. Anti-Semitism is on the rise.
6. The destruction of Israel is promised by Islamic militants,
7. There are wars and rumors of wars. These and many other signs explained in Matt. 23 and Lk. 21 say, - -"Behold the Bridegroom cometh."

The Consecrated Bride:
The first act of the bride was a Mikvah: Hebrew for baptism (more precisely, immersion).
This is her time of beautification. For 12 months she takes beauty treatments.
While waiting for the bridegroom to return, she finds in him perfect contentment.
She fills her heart with songs. They think constantly of one another. Our heavenly bridegroom
is filled with intercession on our behalf. Isaiah 61.10, Esther 2.12 shows the preparation of the Bride.
Esther (Hadassah) in Hebrew means hidden. She was hidden until the King held out his golden scepter to her.

The Hebrew bride (Ka'lah in Hebrew) was set apart, consecrated, separated from her bridegroom while he was away preparing her wedding chamber.
Song of Songs 4.12 Kallah literally means secluded or enclosed one.
The bride belonged to her beloved, the one who had purchased her. She was to have eyes for none other she had doves eyes: Song of songs 1.15. Doves have no peripheral vision so they symbolize faithfulness, singleness of vision, gentleness and loving commitment (Jamie Lash).
Paul says that we are hidden with G-d in Christ (Col 3.3). Hidden in the clift in the rock: Song of Songs 2.14.

The Bridegrooms return: The 2nd Cup
The sound of the Shofar!
A bride in ancient Israel had no idea what day or hour her bridegroom would return to take her to the wedding chamber. The bridegroom would come - -"like thief in the night." Only the groom's father knew. In the fullness of time, when the bridal chamber was complete" with no man knowing the day or the hour, the heavenly bridegroom will return. In reference to Yeshua's return: Mark 13.32.
The event was usually late at night. The shofar would break the silence of night. There would be shouts in the night and a torch procession. Song of songs 2.10 - -"Arise my love, my fair one and come away."
Matt 25. This parable simply means to be ready" Be thinking of Him always, the Bridegroom! When the shofar sounds, she must be willing to run to him. Her lamp must be lit!

The Aperion:
The Bride prepared to enter a bridal litter or aperion.
Song of Songs 3.9-10 The Bride is CARRIED in the aperion accompanied by musicians, singers, family and friends and attendants carrying torches. The voice of the bride and the bridegroom are heard in the streets.
Jer 33.11.
II Thes. 4.16-17
Matt 24.27

The Huppah
Jamie Lash writes: - -"The second half of the ceremony is called the - -"home-taking"
the Bride and bridegroom will meet at the Huppah, a special room built in the bridegrooms' Father's house.. The Bridegroom arrives before the bride. It is mentioned in verses Psalm 19.5 and Joel 2.15.
They will be alone for 7 days. The best man waits outside of the Huppah to see if the marriage is consummated. (John 3.29).
This 7 day period is also called the - -"week of the bride."
The Huppah was gradually replaced by a bridal canopy supported by 4 poles.
Both the bride and bridegroom are carried in the Huppah.
Blessings are pronounced to the bride and groom.

The Second Cup:
After the emergence from the Huppah (The Second cup is drunk) The marriage is complete! And sealed forever.
The Spiritual parallel of the huppah is the rapture. Following the Huppah is the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and life everlasting in the chadar prepared by G-d.
The Huppah: The original meaning of the huppah was - -"room" or - -"covering."
The spiritual parallel to the huppah for the bride of Christ begins as we are (raptured)lifted up off the earth to be taken to our heavenly wedding chamber where we will spend ‘"one week' (seven years), with our Bridegroom/King. While the Bride of Christ is in the Bridal Chamber with Yeshua (Jesus). At this time the rest of the world will be in a time of great tribulation.

Isaiah 26:20-21 tells us of this time: "Come my people, enter our chambers and shut the door behind you, hide yourself as it were, for a little moment until the indignation is past. For behold the Lord comes out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity." While the wrath of G-d is poured out on the earth, the bride of Christ will be hidden away with her Bridegroom.

The Final Step:
" The Second cup is drunk followed by the marriage supper. Following the seven days in the huppah or bridal chamber, the bride and bridegroom joined their guests for a joyous marriage feast. Playing of music and dancing was a regular part of the celebration.

Revelation 19:6-9: "And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, 'Alleluia! For the Lord G-d Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.' Then he said to me, Write: ‘"Blessed are those who are called to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb!' And he said to me 'These are the true sayings of G-d.'"

Just like the ancient Jewish wedding, there will be shouts of joy and dancing. The time of the second cup will be a time of great joy. Our intimacy with our heavenly bridegroom is complete and eternal. The Bride will dance for joy with her Bridegroom/King, Yeshua. (Jesus) We will rule and reign with Him for 1,000 years during the millennium! For those of us who look forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb, we must go out to the highways and byways and extend an invitation to others to come.
Revelation 2:17: "And the spirit and the bride say Come! And let him who hears say, Come! And let him who thirsts, Come" and whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely."
Revelation 22:20: "'Surely I am coming quickly.' Even so, Come Lord Jesus, Come!"

From Marvin R. Wilson: “In modern Hebrew, nissu’in is one of the several words translated “marriage.'; Nissu’in and the related form nasu, “married,'; derive from the verb “nasa, “to lift up';, “to bear,.'; “to carry.'; Nissu’in suggests exactly the opposite of putting someone down. Indeed, marriage is graphically portrayed as lifting the other up. This concept is beautifully dramatized at traditional Jewish Weddings. After the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom are lifted up on chairs by their guests to the accompaniment of exuberant singing and dancing. Furthermore,’nissu’in recalls a period in Jewish history when the people of a town would carry (nasa) the bride on a carriage from the home of her parents to her new home with her groom'; (Our Father Abraham. Erdmans: 1989, p. 213).
Other cited references are to Jamie and Neil Lash’s televised series on "The Jewish Wedding:"
Jewish Jewels. 2000.

Summary: Studies of Pre Tribulation Catching Away of the Church
THE BLESSED HOPE

Particulars of the catching away of the saints and judgment of the unbelievers

The rapture as described in the Bible is a supernatural event which involves first the physical resurrection of persons who were dead. At the first resurrection, lifeless bodies are transfigured into an incorruptible - immortal form that become their spiritual bodies. Coinciding with this, living Christian believers who are "In Christ" shall be transformed into a similar immortal form and taken up to meet with the Lord in the air, and thereafter to remain in his presence.

1Thessalonians 4: 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of G-d: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

The Rapture when it occurs, will end the dispensation of the church age, the dispensation of grace. With the conclusion of the parenthetical church age, the Jewish dispensation will resume. This period initiates the final 7 year era. This seven year period consists of two parts: The introduction of the Man of Sin, the anti Christ and conclude with G-d's Judgment upon the anti Christ and the unrighteous. This period concludes with what is called variously, 'The Day of the Lord;' 'The day of Jacob's trouble; 'The day of Judgment;' or 'The Day of Wrath.'
These 7 years shall be filled with momentous events, wars, pestilences, mass destruction and famines. Harsh judgments will befall the entire planet. The period following, the last world ruler will have been introduced to the world, the false messiah. This is he of whom Jesus said, "- - you do not receive me, but another will come in his own name and him you will receive." This miracle man will be received as the authentic messenger of G-d, showing miraculous signs. He will be that peace giver sought by all nations.

Now as I write this (within the present church age) good and evil co-exist. We are free to choose to be a believer in the Messiah and Savior or not; We we are free to choose any G-d and any religion that suits our fancy. We can choose to live a sensuous, self-serving life; to be a profligate or a sinner, or not. This present dispensation is called prophetically in Isaiah 61, the 'Day of the Lord's Favor.' It is also known as the church age. An dispensational epoch of Grace. The vengeance of G-d for an unknown time, remains postponed, The dispensation of 'Grace' (Read Isaiah 61:1; which Jesus quotes in Luke 4:18) Yet, the unG-dly can not escape divine judgment. Each will answer to G-d's justice as they pass from this life.

How In the Olivet discourse (in Matt. 24, Luke 21 and Mark 13) Jesus refers to this end-time prophetic period - - a time of judgment.

This time is compared to the judgment upon LOT AND SODOM and - - THE TIME OF NOAH - - THIS IS A SPECIFIC TYPOLOGY FOR G-d'S JUDGMENT WHICH IS TO REVISIT THE EARTH IN THE END OF THE AGE. IT IS COMING UPON A WORLD THAT HAS OVERWHELMINGLY REJECTED AND TURNED AGAINST G-d!

Genesis 7:16 "And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as G-d had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in."

AS IN THE TIME OF LOT AND SODOM & GOMORRAH AS TYPOLOGY OF JUDGMENT!
Genesis 19:13

"For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it."
Genesis 19:14 "And Lot went out, and spoke unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law." (Many are so deceived in this present time)
Genesis 19:16 "And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city."
Genesis 19:22 "Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar."
Notice in the above text: The angels are the agents of deliverance. It is they who physically removed the righteous family out of Sodom. G-d could not proceed with the destruction until the family of Lot were taken to sanctuary.

THE ATTACHMENT TO THE THINGS OF THIS WORLD: SAVING ONE'S OWN LIFE
Eligibility: the place of sanctuary subject to the spiritual status (affections of the heart) of individual believers

Genesis 19:26 "But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt."
The nature of cares, lusts, attachments are shown by Jesus who reminds us again of the results of not letting go of this present life:

WILL THE RAPTURE BE BEFORE, DURING or AFTER THE TRIBULATION PERIOD?
Luke 17:27 "They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all."
Luke 17:26 "And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man."
Luke 17:28 "Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;"
Luke 17:29 "But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all."
Luke 17:30 "Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed."

THE ABOVE VERSES FROM GENESIS (THAT JESUS' REFERS TO IN HIS OLIVET DISCOURSE, IN Mark 13, Luke 21 AND Matthew 24) CLEARLY DESCRIBE A PLACE OF SANCTUARY FOR THE PEOPLE OF G-d WHILE THE JUDGMENT WHICH IS TO BE VISITED UPON THE EARTH. These same scriptures also describe how life was in a sense of normality and routine ness until the separation of the righteous remnant who were spared from the wrath.

Luke 17:31 "In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back."
Luke 17:32 "Remember Lot's wife."
Luke 17:33 "Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it."

The preceding and following passages describe how people who are apparently in close fellowship (i.e. church members of professing believers) may experience different judgments. See Matt 25.
Luke 17:34 "I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left."
Luke 17:35 "Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left."
Luke 17:37 "And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Where ever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together."

WHERE WILL THE BELIEVER BE TAKEN? Out of this world to Join the Lord in the air. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

Luke 21:20 "And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh." The near fulfillment of prophecy came in 70 AD and but there will be a future fulfillment during the final conflict of Armeggedon. Israel is THE target.
Luke 21:21 "Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter there into."
Luke 21:22 "For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled."
The Second Coming will be visibly witnessed by all as an awesome natural phenomena: This same Jesus who you saw leave will in like manner return and set his feet upon Mount Olivet.
Luke 21:27 "And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory."

THE WARNINGS AND THE ADMONITIONS
Luke 21:34 "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares."
Luke 21:35 "For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth."
Luke 21:36 "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."

THE COMING OF THE LORD AS A THIEF (Bridegroom and bride language) IS A SECRET AND SURPRISE RETURN
1 Thessalonians 4:16 "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of G-d: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:"
1 Thessalonians 4:17 "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."
1 Thessalonians 4:18 "Wherefore comfort one another with these words."
1 Thessalonians 5:1 "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you."
1 Thessalonians 5:2 "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night."
1 Thessalonians 5:3 "For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape."
1 Thessalonians 5:4 "But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief."
1 Thessalonians 5:5 "Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness."

EXHORTATIONS
1 Thessalonians 5:6 "Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober."
1 Thessalonians 5:7 "For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night."
1 Thessalonians 5:8 "But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation."
1 Thessalonians 5:9 "For G-d hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,"
1 Thessalonians 5:10 "Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him."
1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."

A MIRACULOUS RE-CREATION: AT THE TRUMPET OF G-d
1 Corinthians 15:50 "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of G-d; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption."
1 Corinthians 15:51 "Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,"
1 Corinthians 15:52 "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."
1 Corinthians 15:53 "For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality."
1 Corinthians 15:54 "So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory."
1 Corinthians 15:55 "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?"

WHO WILL OUR HEARTS CHOOSE? WHERE IS OUR TREASURE?
Matthew 8:12 "But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Matthew 13:30 "Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn." - - -
Matthew 13:40 "As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world."
Matthew 24:42 "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Watch and Pray lest you enter into temptation"
Matthew 24:43 "But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up."
Matthew 24:44 "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."
Matthew 24:48 "But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;"
Matthew 24:49 "And shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;"
Matthew 24:50 "The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,"

THE TYPOLOGY OF THE BRIDE GROOM AND THE BRIDE
John 14:2-3 "- - -I go to prepare a place for you, that where I am you may be also, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am you may be also.

Matthew 25:1 "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom."
Matthew 25:2 "And five of them were wise, and five were foolish."
Matthew 25:3 "They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:"
Matthew 25:5 "While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept."
Matthew 25:6 "And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him."
Matthew 25:10 "And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut." (The door of the ark closed by G-d)
Matthew 25:11 "Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us."
Matthew 25:12 "But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not."
Who will fellowship with the Lord? Who will seek to know Him?
Matthew 25:13 "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh."
Matthew 25:32 "And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:"
Matthew 25:34 "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:"

For my own edification and peace founded upon hope, I find these 3 scriptural principles as the most relavent to discerning false doctrine.

1. Old testament typology of Noah's Ark of safety and the references to Sodom and Gomorra. (Jesus Gospel teaching - Olivet discourse.)

2. Jesus teaching parable of the tares: Matt 13:27 Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? 28He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 30Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. Matt 13:36 " --saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. 37He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; 38The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; 39The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world (age) ; and the reapers are the angels. 40As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. 41The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear - "
3. The apostle Paul in his first letter to Thessalonica: Clearly identifies the mystery of the transformation of the dead and living believers who are be resurrected or transformed (the righteous dead are resurrected, the righteous living are translated and caught up) to be caught up (harpazo=snatched away forcefully) (raptare- Latin vulgate) to meet Christ in the air.
4. The apostle Paul in his second letter to Timothy: Chapter 3: 1This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of G-d; 5Having a form of G-dliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. 10But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12Yea, and all that will live G-dly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

From the above, you may clearly see that those who teach Restoration - - Kingdom-now theology completely ignore these guiding principles of Scripture and become part of a group who over estimate the role of believers in the body of Christ in completely destroying the works of the enemy in this world and bringing in the wealth government and reign of righteousness upon the earth.

Hal Lindsey an emminent Bible teacher, has focused most of his ministry on end-time prophecy and is a proponent of the immenent rapture of the church. He points out in recent teachings that the above passage is a second sorting which occurs as the remaining population upon the earth is separated into believers and unbelievers. The first sorting is the rapture itself when a distinction is made between those whose lamps are burning (Holy Spirit faith and zeal) and those without oil. In the great tribulation which follows many come to Christ and many are martyred for his namesake. The remaining are the enemies of G-d and have become followers of the false messiah, Anti-Christ, or gospel unbelievers.

Chuck Missler has an internet link describing matters of escatology and the second coming of Messiah for and with his church. I believe that his doctrine is solid and fully details scriptural positions. (Koinonia House Online: ) http://www.khouse.org/articles/2002/444/

2 Thessalonians 1:5 "Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of G-d, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of G-d, for which ye also suffer:"
2 Thessalonians 1:6 "Seeing it is a righteous thing with G-d to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;"
2 Thessalonians 1:7 "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,"
2 Thessalonians 1:8 "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not G-d, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:"
2 Thessalonians 2:1 "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,"

THERE IS A SPIRITUAL FORCE PRESENT ON EARTH WHICH PREVENTS ANTI CHRIST FROM ASCENDING TO POWER: THE POWER WHICH WITHHOLDS MUST BE REMOVED.
2 Thessalonians 2:3 "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away (POSSIBLE INTERPRETATION CATCHING AWAY) first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;"
2 Thessalonians 2:6 "And now ye know what with holds that he might be revealed in his time."
2 Thessalonians 2:7 "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way."

THE PERIOD OF GRACE IS A CERTAIN PERIOD (DISPENSATION) JESUS ANNOUNCED THIS AS 'THE YEAR OF THE LORD'S FAVOR --ACCEPTABLE YEAR OF THE LORD' (Isa 61:2)
G-d is not the author of confusion: G-d is a G-d of order . The age of Grace has a finite and fixed time period. It begins with Jesus declaring father forgive them they know not what they do. The Gospel of the Kingdom can be correctly understood as good news when we are aware that we are not judged for our sins if we accept the price the Lamb paid.
This acceptable year of the Lord is followed by the day of Judgment and wrath in the Isaiah prophecy. Jesus did not read that portion when he announced the mission of grace. It remained a time to come -- a separate dispensation.

THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION WARNS THE "CHURCHES" in chapter 2, THEN TAKES THE BELIEVERS OUT
Revelation 2:16 "Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth."
Revelation 3:8 "I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name."
Revelation 3:10 "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth."

It is commonly taught by those who believe in a pre tribulation rapture of the church, That a heavenly door is opened at the beginning of Chapter 4. The remaining scriptures view the events from a heavenly not an earthly viewpoint.

Revelation 4:1 "After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter."