Hi Joy,
In my earlier post, I wrote, "Most Conservative Christian believers, such as me, believe that the Rapture of the church, the body of Christ, the Bride of Christ -- will occur "like a thief in the night" (imminency, i.e., that Jesus Christ will return, but, no one except God knows the time) and, then, in a short time after the Rapture, the seven year Tribulation will begin."
And, you reply, "I disagree. Most Conservative Christian believers I know (that would make up about 90% of the believers I know) see it as one of several possibilities, none of which have been proven to be correct. They realize that God knows the plan...so no worries."
It always leaves me wondering when a person writes a belief, as I have in this discussion -- and, another replies with, "I disagree" -- but, offers no alternative belief to support that disbelief.
Joy, you say that 90% of your Christian friends see it as one of several possibilities -- but, you do not tell us any of those possibilities. Yes, God does indeed know His plan. So, does that mean that we are not to search Scripture in an effort to understand what He has told us in His Word. Would He have written about eschatology if He did not want us to seek an understanding of the End Times?
Would He have put the Rapture, the Tribulation, the Millennial Kingdom -- in His Written Word -- if He did not want us to seek to understand them?
Okay, let's back up. I wrote, "Most Conservative Christian believers, such as me, believe that the Rapture of the church, the body of Christ, the Bride of Christ -- will occur "like a thief in the night" (imminency, i.e., that Jesus Christ will return, but, no one except God knows the time)."
What is it in that statement with which you disagree? Do you not believe there will be a Rapture of the church? Or, do you believe in the Rapture -- but, not in a PreTrib Rapture?
Do you believe in the imminency of His return to rapture His church?
And, then I wrote, "and, then, in a short time after the Rapture, the seven year Tribulation will begin."
Is this where you disagree with me -- that there will be a Tribulation -- or that it comes after the Rapture -- or that it will be seven years?
Joy, you can see that you have me very puzzled. Just saying, "I disagree" -- is only the beginning. If you disagree -- then, tell us where you disagree -- and what you believe about eschatology, the End Times. I am sure your church teaches eschatology. What does your church teach?
I cannot dialogue with, "I disagree." I need a wee bit more than that for us to continue. And, if you declare that you do not want a dialogue -- then, why did you jump into the pool?
Tell me what you believe -- and let's go from there.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill
