When the Saints Are Caught Up

By Vinny Smith

Does it matter when the saints are caught up? I believe it does. If someone believes they are going to be caught up before a period of great tribulation or affliction, and this belief happens to be false, there may be serious ramifications. How can a person prepare themselves for something they dont believe is going to happen? If the average person is suddenly told they must run a marathon (26 miles) today, what percentage of the population could finish the race without stopping? I would venture to say the percentage would be very low. Well the same will hold true if a person is not spiritually prepared to endure a period of great tribulation or affliction; how will they make it through and hold fast to the gospel of Jesus Christ? After we receive Gods word, we must continue daily in His word by reading, studying, meditating, and praying. This is how we put on the whole armor of God that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:11).

If those who hold on to the pre-tribulation catching up of the saints theory are correct, then everything is fine. If they are wrong, then they indeed might turn away from the faith in Jesus because they are not prepared to endure tribulation or affliction. Knowing this, an important question arises: through scripture, can we prove 100% without a doubt that a pre-tribulation catching up of the saints will occur? I have studied and compared many scriptures related to the topic and I have found the answer to be no. In fact, from my study, the scriptures seem to prove the exact opposite - that the saints will have to go through a period of great tribulation of affliction before the appearing and coming of Jesus Christ. We must gird ourselves in the word of God in order to be spiritually prepared to go through some challenging times - our everlasting life with Jesus depends on it. Decide for yourself as you read through this book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jul 23, 2013
• ISBN: 9781475998511

Vinny Smith

Vinny Smith is Pastor of Believers In Faith House of Prayer in Durham, NC. Vinny has been working in the ministry since 1994. He has been teaching both youth and adult scripture study since 1998. He loves to search and meditate on the scriptures for his personal growth and to be able to impart spiritual knowledge to others. In addition to being an ordained minister, Vinny has a BS from the United States Naval Academy, a MS in Management, and a PhD in Business Management. Vinny has been blessed with a beautiful wife Tonda, and two awesome children Moriah Faith and Caleb Vincent.

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When The Saints Are Caught Up

Copyright © 2013 by Vinny Smith.

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ISBN: 978-1-4759-9850-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-9851-1 (ebk)

iUniverse rev. date: 07/18/2013

CONTENTS

Introduction

Chapter 1.   1 Thessalonians 4:13-18: I Would Not Have You To Be Ignorant, Brethren, Concerning Them Which Are Asleep

Chapter 2.   1 Corinthians 15:35-54: How Are The Dead Raised Up? And With What Body Do They Come?

Chapter 3.   Revelation 20:1-10: The First Resurrection… Shall Reign With Him A Thousand Years

Chapter 4.   2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Chapter 5.   Matthew 24:15-31

Chapter 6.   2 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Chapter 7.   Rev 6:9-11 & Rev 7:9-14: White Robes—Matthew 24:29-30 & Revelation 6:12-17: Signs

Chapter 8.   Revelation 6:17, Revelation 11:18, & Revelation 16: The Wrath Of God

Chapter 9.   Matt 24:26-28, Luke 17:22-37, & Revelation 19:11-21: Wheresoever The Carcase Is, There Will The Eagles Be Gathered Together

Chapter 10.   Revelation 4:1-4: Come Up Hither, And I Will Shew Thee Things Which Must Be Hereafter

Chapter 11.   Summary—Events That Took Place Before Jesus’ Coming

Chapter 12.   Summary—Events That Took Place During Jesus’ Coming

Chapter 13.   Summary—Events That Took Place On Earth After Jesus’ Coming

Chapter 14.   Summary—What Happened To Those That Did Not Believe In Jesus

Chapter 15.   Summary—The Possibility Of A Pre-Tribulation Catching Up Of The Saints Ruled Out / The Catching Up Of The Saints Would Have To Occur After The Great Tribulation Has Already Started

Chapter 16.   Unanswered Questions

Chapter 17.   Important Note

Chapter 18.   Other Scriptures Regarding Jesus’ Appearing And Coming

Conclusion

INTRODUCTION

Does it matter when the saints are caught up? I believe it does. If someone believes they are going to be caught up before a period of great tribulation or affliction, and this belief happens to be false, there may be serious ramifications. How can a person prepare themselves for something they don’t believe is going to happen? If the average person is suddenly told they must run a marathon (26 miles) today, what percentage of the population could finish the race without stopping? I would venture to say the percentage would be very low. Well the same will hold true if a person is not spiritually prepared to endure a period of great tribulation or affliction; how will they make it through and hold fast to the gospel of Jesus Christ? The parable of the sower illustrates this in Matthew 13:20-21 which says, But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, by and by he is offended. The stony ground is a spiritual heart not rooted in the word of God. The person immediately receives the word with joy, but when tribulation