After this time of trouble, which is the time of the judgments of God, they will be brought back sometime during the 1,000 year millennial period. They see this as a time of peace as God sets up His kingdom here on earth. Those who have survived the time of trouble will then be given another chance (another delusion which we discuss later in this book) to repent and join the kingdom of God here on earth.

        The secret rapture theory, yet another brainchild of Ribera and Alcazar who were Jesuit priests, tries to accommodate beliefs that the Jews, God's chosen people, will be established once again as a nation (Israel), that the temple in Jerusalem will be rebuilt, and that Christ will come again as King and set up His throne there. All these suppositions are based solely upon misinterpretation of Scripture.
 
WORD RAPTURE NOT FOUND IN BIBLE:

        The word "rapture" is not found anywhere in the Bible. The American Heritage Dictionary defines "rapture" as:"1) The state of being transported by a lofty emotion; ecstasy. 2) An expression of ecstatic feeling. 3) The transporting of a person from one place to another, especially to heaven."

        Among those who believe that Christ will take (rapture) the righteous to Heaven, there are three different groups, distinguished from one another by whether they believe they will be taken to Heaven before ("pre"), during ("present"), or after ("post") the time of tribulation. Only the last group is correct, for the second coming of Christ does come after the great tribulation, the time of trouble which ends in the battle of Armageddon. (This battle is both spiritual and physical, and involves the whole world - men, good and evil angels, and demons.) Those who believe in the rapture before or during the time of trouble are not in harmony with Scripture, which makes it clear where the righteous (the elect) will be, and what they will be doing during this time of tribulation.
 
WHAT THE RAPTURIST SAYS:

        The Rapturist says that Christ will come secretly and instantly to take His saints away before the time of "great tribulation" spoken of in Jeremiah 30:6-8, Daniel 12:1, and Matthew 24:20-22. This is not a teaching of the Bible, but an inaccurate or false interpretation of Scripture. The rapture theory is based primarily upon three texts:

        "I tell you in that night there shall be two men in one bed; and the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; and one shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left." (Luke 17:34-36)
"Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump...." (1 Cor. 15:51-52)

        "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night." (1 Thess. 5:2)

        Any Scripture to be understood correctly must be interpreted in context of how it is used in the preceding and following verses. Applying this principle to these verses clearly exposes the unscriptural stance of this theory. The secret rapture idea ignores the context of Luke 17. In this chapter Jesus speaks of:

        1) setting up an unseen kingdom within
        2) the second coming
        3) a time of tribulation
        4) the final judgment of the world
        5) the fate of the wicked.

        There is no mention of a secret skyward escape route for a fortunate few. Based upon the word "taken" and Paul's description of the second coming when the saints which are alive will "be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye" and caught up to meet the Lord in the air, the secret rapture's erroneous theory of misapplied Scripture has succeeded in deceiving millions. The "thief in the night" phrase is used to support the idea that the rapture will come suddenly as a complete surprise.

        Advocates of the secret rapture theory interpret the word "taken" as being "caught up," (1 Thess. 4:17) is the key to disproving this cunningly devised fable. The righteous are not "caught up" to meet the Lord until His second coming, as we show later. The Greek word for "taken" is "paralambano," which means "to receive near" or "associate with oneself in any familiar or intimate act or relation." To interpret the word "taken" as meaning to be suddenly removed from the earth and transported to Heaven, or "raptured," is an understandable mistake if you look no deeper than the modern use of the word "taken," but it is putting words into Jesus' mouth that He did not say or even imply.
 
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS:

        A true, scripturally sound interpretation of the above texts describes not a secret whisking away of the saints, but rather THE RESULTS OF A CHOICE each person living at the end of the world will make. Each person will choose (as in Noah's and Lot's day) to obey God and live, or disobey and die. Each must pass before the judgment bar of God. Each person's case is based upon their relationship with God as recorded in the books of Heaven. Depending upon how the person lived, his or her name is placed in either the Lamb's book of life or the book of eternal death.

        If a person has a close relationship with God, as angels have recorded during his life on earth, he or she is a "sheep" (Matt. 25:32-40), a "wheat" (Matt. 13:24-30), "a good fish," (Matt.13:47-49). ln the same way, "TAKEN" means a close association with the Lord. The person has asked for and allowed the Holy Spirit to set up residence within his heart temple, which is as Jesus describes in Luke 17:20 and 21 the setting up of God's kingdom within the individual person. If the person has a living, intimate personal relationship with the Lord and is following wherever he is led, when his name comes up in the judgment presently taking place in heaven, his name will remain in the Lamb's book of life ("chosen" or "taken").If the books of Heaven do not show this close relation, he or she is "left," and Jesus must sorrowfully say, "I never knew you" (Matt. 7:23).
 
ONE IS TAKEN, ONE IS LEFT:

        When an individual's name comes up in this final judgment, no one but God and the angels know, for it is a silent, secret, unknown event taking place in heaven. That is why Jesus describes two people working or sleeping side by side, with one saved (taken, or chosen), and the other lost. Neither is aware of the decision made in Heaven, for on earth NOTHING CHANGES AT THAT MOMENT. Each person's final decision to serve God or the enemy determines whether their name will be found in the Lamb's book of life, or in the book of death. Those who are found in the book of life are those who are "taken." They have an intimate relationship in the family of God. They are each a chosen son or daughter of the Father, a brother or sister of Jesus, an heir of His kingdom. Verses 20-22 put verses 34-36 into context, showing what Jesus was talking about - the kingdom of God.
 
KINGDOM COMES UNOBSERVED:

        "And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, THE KINGDOM OF GOD COMETH NOT WITH OBSERVATION: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN YOU. And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see ONE OF THE DAYS OF THE SON OF MAN, and ye shall not see it." Luke 17:20-22 The rest of Luke 17 is predicated upon Jesus' answer to the Pharisees and later to the questions of the disciples. In the above two verses He describes the coming of ONE of His kingdoms - "ONE OF THE DAYS of the Son of man," as silent and unseen. Here Jesus was clearly not describing His second coming in the clouds of glory at the end of the world, but rather the coming of the Holy Spirit to set up residence within the heart temple. This KINGDOM IS NOT OUT OF THIS WORLD IN HEAVEN, BUT WITHIN THE INDIVIDUAL We will have more to say about this shortly. In verse 22 after having responded to the Pharisees, Jesus addresses His disciples, and expands upon what they had heard Him tell the Pharisees about the unseen kingdom within. He wants them to know that this silent coming of His Holy Spirit within was the only coming they would witness in their lifetime. "And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it."

        Jesus now describes to His disciples His second coming, which they mistakenly think is just a few years off. He gently tells them they will not live to see this coming, for it would come at the end of the world. He tells how His second coming will be different from the unseen, silent coming of His Spirit - IT WILL BE AN EVENT EVERYONE ON EARTH WILL SEE. Just as lightning lights up the whole heavens, so it will be when He visibly comes back, not in Spirit but in His body. THEN every eye will see Him. Continuing the discussion, Jesus gives them an idea of when this event will take place.

        He tells them that first He must "suffer many things and be rejected of this generation." This prediction not only pointed to His coming trial and crucifixion, but also to our day. "This generation" is also rejecting Him (as in the person of His Spirit, the promised "Comforter" which He sent after He went back to Heaven). We cannot imagine His feelings as people whom He loves with an unfathomable love reject Him. "He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should have eternal life" (2 Pet. 3:9). At this time (the last days) "...as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man [the time of His final coming in the clouds]." Jesus described for them (Luke 17:27-30) how conditions in the last days would be just as they were in the time of Noah just before the flood, and also in the time of Lot when Sodom was destroyed. He was describing the final judgments of God sent to a world that would reject Him. Jesus tells them, "Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed" (verse 30).

        This revelation of the Son of man is the second coming. Jesus then describes how when the judgments of God begin to be poured out upon an unrepentant world, the righteous are not to wait for anything, but are to flee to wherever the Lord will lead them, with the warning to remember how it was with Lot's wife who turned back to look at her beloved possessions. Now the emphasis changes. Jesus now tells them about a principle that was related to what happened to Lot's wife. "Whosoever shall seek to save his life, shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it" (verse 33).

        Those in these last days of this earth's history who love the world and the things of this world, who are seeking to preserve their "life" style, those catering to their selfish interests, the things of this world, like Lot's wife will lose it all, including their (eternal) lives. Those willing to give up all these earthly things ("lose their life" style), as did Lot and Noah, will have life eternal. In Verses 34-36 Jesus now describes how "in that night" of spiritual darkness, which is where we presently are in time, each person is making his or her choice. One is seeking to have the kingdom restored within; one is not. The choice each one makes will have eternal consequences.

        How was it in the days of Noah and Lot? Some were saved - "taken." Most were left. Those taken were taken to safety ON 5 THIS EARTH, and those left outside the ark perished. Jesus is saying here that "This is the way it will be when I come - some will be taken and some left." Verses 36 and 37 make it very plain what He meant: "Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. And they answered and said unto him, Where Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together." The disciples wanted to know where the others would be left, and Christ answered that they would be left dead (slain by the brightness of His coming in the clouds of glory).

        In another text He asserted this in similar language: "For wheresoever the carcass [dead body] is, there will the eagles be gathered together" (Matt. 24:28). Some may object that eagles are not known to gather in flocks and feed on dead bodies, but the Bible says concerning them, "Doth not the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high?... Where the slain are, there is she" (Job 39:27, 30). This will be literally fulfilled as those who have the Holy Spirit within will be saved; while those without the Spirit will be slain; yet now it may not be obvious, for only God knows the heart.
 
BUT THE IMPORTANT POINT IS:

        WE ARE IN THAT TIME NOW WHEN PROBATION FOR EACH PERSON IS CLOSING - WHEN GOD WILL PRONOUNCE THE FINAL VERDICT. THEN WILL COME THE END OF THE WORLD. Just as in the days of Noah and Lot, the righteous will be taken to safety. They pass through fear, discomfort, and persecution on earth to purify them (Jer. 30:10-11; Isa. 6:10; Amos 3:1,2 and many others). The wicked will be scattered over the earth for the birds of prey (Eze. 12:8-10; 39:4; Rev. 19:17,18,21).

        Evidence for a secret rapture of the saints is not supported in Scripture. As we will show later, the saints are protected during the plagues and tribulation WHILE THEY ARE ON EARTH. They do not leave this earth before Jesus comes in the clouds of glory, when every eye shall see Him, and His brightness kills the wicked (2 Thess. 2:8; Rev. 6:15-17).
 
RIGHTEOUS PROTECTED DURING TRIBULATION:

        The Bible shows that at the end of the tribulation, just before Jesus returns, the righteous will take refuge in the wilderness and mountains: "He shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure." (Isa. 33:16) "Pray ye that your FLIGHT be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: For there shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: BUT FOR THE ELECT'S SAKE THOSE DAYS SHALL BE SHORTENED." (Matt. 24:20-22)
 
SAINTS HERE ON EARTH DURING TRIBULATION:

        These texts show that the righteous are not taken to heaven during the time of tribulation, but rather are protected HERE ON EARTH during this time. Romans 9:28 says that for the elect's sake the Lord will shorten the days of tribulation. Mark 13 also contains this promise indicated that God's faithful people are not in Heaven at this time, but here on earth. Verses 24-26 states: "But in those days, AFTER THAT TRIBULATION, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light. And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they [the elect] see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory." When Jesus approaches the earth, the saints will obviously have to be here, in order to see Him coming toward them.
 
SAINTS WILL BE GATHERED BY ANGELS:

        Verse 27 announces that God will "send his angels" to "GATHER TOGETHER HIS ELECT FROM...THE UTTERMOST PART[S] OF THE EARTH." If the saints are already in Heaven during the tribulation period which just precedes the second coming, why would they be gathered from every part of the earth? If the righteous are already in Heaven, why would Jesus even need to come? "HE LORD...SHALL DESCEND FROM HEAVEN...with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God.... THEN WE WHICH ARE ALIVE [the righteous] AND REMAIN SHALL BE CAUGHT UP TOGETHER WITH THEM [the righteous dead who have just been resurrected] IN THE CLOUDS, TO MEET THE LORD IN THE AIR." 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17
 
LIVING AND RESURRECTED CAUGHT UP TOGETHER:

        Paul says that the faithful righteous - both the living and the resurrected dead are caught up to meet the Lord "in the clouds," and "the dead in Christ shall rise first" (verse 16). This takes place at the end of the time of tribulation (Mark 13:24, 26), at Christ's second coming. His coming is the very last act in the drama. "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." Luke 21:25-28 (See Acts 2:17-20.)
 
REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH:

        This last phrase, "your redemption draweth nigh" shows that the elect are still here on earth, waiting for Christ's imminent return. If, as many believe, we are taken to Heaven (raptured) before the great tribulation, we will not need to "LOOK UP" and lift up our heads as our "redemption draweth nigh." We cannot be in both places at once, and the Bible does not tell us that the righteous will go to Heaven (be raptured) for a short time and then come back to be a part of these last events of earth's history. Either we will be alive here to witness them, or we will be waiting in the grave for our Lord to call us to awake (in the first resurrection, the resurrection of the righteous - Rev. 20:6). "For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 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 Thess. 4:16,17).

        This verse is so clear, there can be no way to misinterpret. Who could these "alive" people be if the righteous are already in Heaven? The living and the resurrected righteous are both "caught up" together "in the clouds," at the second coming - not before. At that time "He [Jesus] shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven [earth's atmosphere] to the other." (Matt. 24:31) There is nothing "secret" about the rapture of the saints. EVERY EYE SHALL SEE JESUS WHEN HE COMES (Rev. 1:7).
 
THE GREAT TRIBULATION:

        The time of tribulation involves both the righteous and the wicked. While the judgments of God sent down upon the earth affect only the wicked, the people of God will have their own terrible struggle. Although the saints will be protected from the terrible last plagues (judgments of God) that will fall upon the wicked, they will go through a terrible struggle of their own. The saints will be blamed for all the calamities that will happen at that time, and be pursued by the wicked who will try to take their lives. Although they will be protected by heavenly angels, so no physical harm will come to them, they will go through a mental anguish which which will be worse than anything they ever experienced before.
 
TRIBULATION EXPERIENCE NECESSARY FOR SAINTS:

        The trigger for this persecution center around, as mentioned in chapter two, the Sabbath and keeping the commandments of God. This time is described in Jeremiah 30:5-7 as the "time of Jacob's trouble." This will be a final testing time, allowed by God for the purging and purifying of His people so they can fully receive His character, mind, and heart. Every sin must be dealt with and put away. The death of "self" must be accomplished. To drink this cup is the only way those living can receive Jesus' righteousness and be prepared for heaven. All those entering heaven must drink the cup as did Jesus their Lord.

        This is the strongest argument against those who claim that the saints will be delievered out of this time of trouble. Without going through this time of testing, no one can be prepared for heaven. Sinful mortal man in his present state would be instantly consumed by the glory of God. This fact alone is proof that the rapture theory is a delusion and deception that has no basis in fact. 2 Timothy 3:1,12 says: "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.... Yea, and ALL THAT WILL LIVE GODLY IN CHRIST JESUS SHALL SUFFER PERSECUTION."

        In Mark 13 Jesus told His disciples how the righteous would be persecuted, and how there would be false christs, wars, earthquakes, famines and troubles. He said, "These are the beginnings of sorrows" (verse 8). These events will lead up to the persecution and trial of the saints.
 
DELIVERED UP BEFORE RULERS AND KINGS:

        Jesus said that some will be brought before leaders, but they are not to worry about what they will say, for the Holy Ghost will give them words from on high (Luke 12:11,12). Verses 9 and 10 states that "they shall deliver you up to councils... and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. And the gospel must FIRST ([before the tribulation] be published among all nations." (Rom. 9:26,27; 11:4,5; Rev. 11:13; 12:17).
 
SAINTS TO BE AFFRIGHTED:

        It is not until the saints have gone through their period of tribulation that the very last cataclysmic events will take place. This time is described as the most terrible time of trouble the world has seen since there was a nation, and the saints are still upon the earth. Revelation 11:13 describes a great earthquake to take place in which "the remnant were affrighted..." They would not be frightened if they were in Heaven. John says they "gave glory to the God of heaven."
 
THE SAINTS TO GIVE GOSPEL TO WORLD NOW:

        Jesus said: "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matt. 24:14). The elect of God are to be the evangelists. They will be in the thick of this spiritual battle, during the time of trouble, and work as servants who are not greater than their Lord (John 15:20); they will suffer persecution as He suffered, for His name's sake. They will be betrayed by relatives and hated of all men who will not turn to the living God (Luke 21:16-18).
 
THE BIBLE IS CLEAR:

        The saints are not raptured before the time of trouble, but will remain here on earth to give the gospel to the whole world (the last thing to be done before the end comes). Mark 13:20 states, "And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days." This verse clearly states that for the elect's sake the Lord will shorten the days of tribulation. They are not in Heaven at this time, but here on earth. "In those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation." Mark 13:19 "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev. 12:17 "There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time:" Dan. 12:1.
 
VISION OF THE TRIBULATION:

        The following scenes about the time of trouble and the end of the world we given in vision to Ellen White and are the most graphic presentation the Lord has revealed to anyone. Ellen was shown not only what would happen, but the cause of the battle which has already begun:

        "The 'time of trouble such as never was,' is soon to open upon us; and we shall need an experience which we do not now possess, and which many are too indolent to obtain. It is often the case that trouble is greater in anticipation than in reality; but this is not true of the crisis before us. The most vivid presentation cannot reach the magnitude of the ordeal. In that time of trial, every soul must stand for himself before God. "Though Noah, Daniel, and Job" were in the land, "as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness." (Eze. 14:20).
 
THE WRATH OF SATAN:

        "The apostle John in vision heard a loud voice in heaven exclaiming, 'Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.' Fearful are the scenes which call forth this exclamation from the heavenly voice. The wrath of Satan increases as his time grows short, and his work of deceit and destruction will reach its culmination in the time of trouble. Fearful sights of a supernatural character will soon be revealed in the heavens, in token of the power of miracle-working demons. The spirits of devils will go forth to the kings of the earth and to the whole world, to fasten them in deception, and urge them on to unit with Satan in his last struggle against the government of heaven.
 
THE JUDGMENTS OF GOD:

        The judgments of God will be meted out upon an impenitent world. But it is when the wicked turn upon God's remnant people and blame them for all the calamities (judgments of God) falling upon the earth that God's wrath is poured upon the wicked world. This is what Ellen saw:

        "God's judgments will be visited upon those who are seeking to oppress and destroy His people. His long forbearance with the wicked emboldens men in transgression, but their punishment is none the less certain and terrible because it is long delayed.... The severity of the retribution awaiting the transgressor may be judged by the Lord's reluctance to execute justice. The nation with which He bears long, and which He will not smite until it has filled up the measure of its iniquity in God's account, will finally drink the cup of wrath unmixed with mercy.
 
THE COMING PLAGUES:

        When Christ ceases His intercession in the sanctuary, (which I have good reason to believe has already happened), the unmingled wrath threatened against those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark, will be poured out. The plagues upon Egypt when God was about to deliver Israel were similar in character to those more terrible and extensive judgments which are to fall upon the world just before the final deliverance of God's people. (I believe that AIDs is the beginning of the first plague.) Says the revelator, in describing those terrific scourges: "There fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image. The sea became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea. And the rivers and fountains of waters... became blood." Terrible as these inflictions are, God's justice stands fully vindicated. The angel of God declares: "Thou are righteous, O Lord,... because Thou has judged thus. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and Thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy." (Rev. 16: 2-6, 8,9)

        "By condemning the people of God to death, they have as truly incurred the guilt of their blood as if it had been shed by their hands.... In the plague that follows, power is given to the sun 'to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat.' (a modern day prophet was shown that this plague will happen as God opens up the ozone layer in the atmosphere).

        "These plagues are not universal, or the inhabitants of the earth would be wholly cut off. Yet they will be the most awful scourges that have ever been known to mortals. All the judgments upon men, prior to the close of probation, have been mingled with mercy.

        "The pleading blood of Christ has shielded the sinner from receiving the full measure of his guilt; but in the final judgment, wrath is poured out unmixed with mercy. The scenes of the devastation of the earth that follow in Ellen's vision of this time, are connected to God's deliverance of His people from the hands of the wicked. The death penalty has been pronounced upon this small remnant of people who have been faithful to God in upholding His law and not bowing to the whims of the world to keep Sunday as the Sabbath. It is certainly obvious that God's elect have not been raptured, but rather a price is upon their heads for obstinately resisting what the world views as a return to God so His judgments will be withdrawn. We enter the scene as the wicked have the saints cornered wherever they are and are about to carry out the death sentence against the elect.

        "With shouts of triumph, jeering, and imprecation, throngs of evil men are about to rush upon their prey, when, lo, a dense blackness, deeper than the darkness of the night, falls upon the earth. Then a rainbow, shining with the glory from the throne of God, spans the heavens, and seems to encircle each praying company. The angry multitudes are suddenly arrested. Their mocking cries die away. The objects of their murderous rage are forgotten. With fearful forebodings they gaze upon the symbol of God's covenant, and long to be shielded from its overpowering brightness. By the people of God, a voice, clear and melodious, is heard, saying, 'Look up,' and lifting their eyes to the heavens, they behold the bow of promise.

        "The black angry clouds that covered the firmament are parted, and like Stephen they look up steadfastly into heaven, and see the glory of God, and the Son of man seated upon His throne. It is at midnight that God manifests HIs power for the deliverance of His people. The sun appears, shining in its strength. Signs and wonders follow in quick succession. The wicked look with terror and amazement upon the scene, while the righteous behold with solemn joy the tokens of their deliverance.

        "Everything in nature seems turned out of its course. The streams cease to flow. Dark, heavy clouds come up, and clash against each other. In the midst of the angry heavens is one clear space of indescribable glory, whence comes the voice of God like the sound of many waters, saying, 'IT IS DONE' (Rev. 16:17) That voice shakes the heavens and the earth. There is a mighty earthquake, "such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great." (Rev. 15:17,18) The firmament appears to open and shut. The glory from the throne of God seems flashing through. The mountains shake like a reed in the wind, and ragged rocks are scattered on every side. There is a roar as of a coming tempest. The sea is lashed into fury. There is heard the shriek of the hurricane, like the voice of demons upon a mission of destruction. The whole earth heaves and swells like the waves of the sea. Its surface is breaking up. Its very foundations seem to be giving way. Mountain chains are sinking. Inhabited islands disappear.

        "The seaports that have become like Sodom for wickedness, are swallowed up by the angry waters. Babylon the Great has come in remembrance before God, "to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath." (Rev. 16:19,21) Thick clouds still cover the sky; yet the sun now and then brakes through, appearing like the avenging eye of Jehovah. Fierce lightnings leap from the heavens, enveloping the earth in a sheet of flame. Above the terrific roar of thunder, voices, mysterious and awful, declare the doom of the wicked. The words spoken are not comprehended by all; but they are distinctly understood by the false teachers....

        "Through a rift in the clouds, there beams a star whose brilliancy is increased fourfold in contrast with the darkness. It speaks hope and joy to the faithful, but severity and wrath to the transgressors of God's law. Those who have sacrificed all for Christ are now secure, hidden as in the secret of the Lord's pavilion. They have been tested and before the world and the despisers of truth they have evinced their fidelity to Him who died for them. A marvelous change has come over those who have held fast their integrity in the very face of death. They have been suddenly delivered from the dark and terrible tyranny of men transformed to demons. Their faces, so lately pale, anxious, and haggard, are now aglow with wonder, faith, and love. Their voices rise in triumphant song: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof." (Ps. 46:1-3)

        "While these words of holy trust ascend to God, the clouds sweep back, and the starry heavens are seen, unspeakably glorious in contrast with the black and angry firmament on either side. The glory of the celestial city streams from the gates ajar. Then there appears against the sky a hand holding two tables of stone folded together. Says the prophet, 'The heavens shall declare His righteousness: for God is judge Himself.' That holy law, God's righteousness that amid thunder and flame was proclaimed from Sinai as the guide of life, is now revealed to men as the rule of judgment. The hand opens the tables, and there are seen the precepts of the decalogue, traced as with a pen of fire. The words are so plain that all can read them. Memory is aroused, the darkness of superstition and heresy is swept from every mind, and God's ten words, brief, comprehensive, and authoritative, are presented to the view of all the inhabitants of the earth.

        "It is impossible to describe the horror and despair of those who have trampled upon God's holy requirements. The Lord gave them His law; they might have compared their characters with it, and learned their defects while there was yet opportunity for repentance and reform; but in order to secure the favor of the world, they set aside its precepts and taught others to transgress. They endeavored to compel God's people to profane His Sabbath. Now they are condemned by that law which they have despised. With awful distinctness they see that they are without excuse. They chose whom they would serve and worship.

        After the second coming of Christ Ellen then describes what the earth looked like which shows the massive destruction. This is not a scene which indicates Christ will set up His kingdom here on earth as believed by so many today.

        "The whole earth appears like a desolate wilderness. The ruins of cities and villages destroyed by the earthquake, uprooted trees, ragged rocks thrown out by the sea or torn out of the earth itself, are scattered over its surface, while vast caverns mark the spot where the mountains have been rent from their foundations....

        Looking forward to the great day of God, the prophet Jeremiah declares: "I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and voice; and the heavens and they had no light. I beheld the mountains, and lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly, I beheld, and, lo, there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled. I beheld, and, lo, the fruitful place was a wilderness, and all the cities thereof were broken down." The Great Controversy, E.G. White, pp.622,623,627,635-640, 659
 
CONCLUSIONS ABOUT THE RAPTURE:

        Based upon the Word of God and His prophets both past and present, the only conclusion that can be drawn, is that the secret rapture theory in which the righteous go bodily to Heaven to avoid persecution and tribulation is a false delusion designed to deceive people and give them a false sense of security that they will not have to undergo persecution and hard times. The Bible makes it clear that the righteous are alive on earth during the time of tribulation for two specific purposes: 1) Witnessing to those who will listen, and 2) as a time of final testing, allowed by God to purify, refine, and fit and ready the saints for the coming of Jesus and heaven.
 
HOW MANY COMINGS?

        There is one other important truth to consider about the comings of Jesus that was brought up by Him in Luke 17. Although we touched upon it several times, we want to look at these comings more carefully. By now it will be obvious to the reader that we have been talking about more than one coming of the Lord.

        Most Christians in the world today recognize two comings of our Lord and Saviour. One occurred when He came as a babe almost 2,000 years ago, while the other will be when He returns again in the clouds of glory. These are referred to as His first and second comings (advents) by most believers. These are the only two visible, physical comings of our Lord in human and divine form respectively.

        What has not been recognized by most Christians is that Jesus distinctly mentions another coming. This is the coming of God's Holy Spirit, the invisible coming of Jesus' kingdom described in Luke 17, which truly is a silent coming. This most important event is not something that will happen in the near future. THIS COMING IS HAPPENING NOW, WORLDWIDE, in fact has been happening for many years. Without this humble coming of the Lord through the Holy Spirit into our lives, we cannot hope to participate in the glory of His second coming.

        The Holy Spirit alone can do this work of setting up the kingdom within the heart temple of each individual. This coming is the fulfillment of Luke 17:34-36, "one is taken, one is left."  As we continue daily (1 Cor. 15:30; Heb. 3:13) seeking His fellowship in love and obedience, the Holy Spirit gradually evicts the evil spirit we were all born with and replaces it with Himself. And when He comes, the invisible elements of God's kingdom come with Him - love, joy, peace, wisdom, discretion, obedience, and a host of other character traits of the Lord Himself.

        This is the coming that makes us like God in heart and thought and action. This is the coming that through trials by fire, purifies us from every vestige of self-seeking. Praise God that He is so willing in His immeasurable love to come into this poor, broken-down sinner and rebuild a shrine for the dwelling place of God. O come, Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit comes ONLY when He is invited into the heart without preconditions, without reservation.

        Having the Holy Spirit within is the only way we can become perfect, sanctified, and holy before God and be part of spiritual Jerusalem. In His great love, God is pouring out His Spirit right now upon all who eagerly ask, seek, and knock at the door of Jesus' heart. He will give more and more of His Spirit to all who do this. Yet how many understand that He is coming now, in his spirit, to every longing human heart? How many lock the door to their heart and drive away the very Source of life and love?

        Those who refuse to seek His Spirit now will be tragically surprised when the awful discovery breaks upon their minds that they have ignored the pleadings of the Holy Spirit. To them He truly will have come as a thief, silently and unseen. "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night." 1 Thess. 5:2 "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night." 2 Pet. 3:10 "Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, 14 and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee." Rev. 3:3 "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." (Rev. 16:15)

        Many have wondered how Jesus can come as a thief in the night and yet come with power and great glory - seen by every eye (Rev. 1:7). How can He come silently, and yet be accompanied by all of the catastrophic events predicted? The earthquakes and thunderings, the seven last plagues described so graphically would seem to preclude any possibility of His coming silently and unknown (Rev. 11:13; 15:1; 16).
 
TWO DIFFERENT COMINGS:

        The answer to this dilemma is that people have not recognized the two different comings - the coming of Jesus' Spirit to set up His kingdom in each individual heart, and Jesus' second coming as King of kings and Lord of lords in the clouds of glory.

        If we compare our Lord's coming in His Spirit with His coming in the clouds of glory, we can clearly see the difference. One is invisible and the other highly visible. At the second coming the last great trumpet is heard and there is a terrible shaking of earth and heaven (Luke 12:26). The whole earth, from the loftiest mountains to the deepest mines will hear. The righteous dead who have been laid away in their graves will come forth (Luke 14:14). They, along with the righteous who are alive, will be instantly changed and become glorified, youthful, and immortal (Rom. 2:6,7; 6:23; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; John 3:16). They will then be caught up to meet their Lord in the air (1 Thess. 4:13-18). The great earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, and floods which will occur will not harm those who are prepared to meet their Saviour in peace - peace made possible only by the indwelling Holy Spirit. This is NOT THE SAME peace that the New Agers and their evil spirit guides claim to be able to offer.
 
SECRET COMING OF JESUS' SPIRIT ALREADY HAPPENED?

        As you can see, the time of Jesus' secret coming into the heart temple is vastly different from His coming in glory, for it is unannounced, unseen, and unknown except to the individual believer who receives it; AND HE MAY HAVE COME TO YOU ALREADY. If you have a burning desire to know God and long to be part of His kingdom, or if you are thirsting for the Word of God, this is proof positive that you can be one of His elect (chosen people) if you accept His offer to you. He has begun the work of establishing His kingdom within your heart temple If you will continue to ask and let the Holy Spirit move in your life to perfect Jesus' character within you, you will be ready when He comes in the clouds of glory in the very near future.

        Remember that this is the end of time. This earth will soon pass away. Now is the time to make your election and salvation sure (2 Pet. 1:10) by seeking Him with all your heart, soul, and mind. Events transpiring today tell us that God's Spirit is about finished striving with men, seeking their allegiance, loyalty, and love. "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision." (Joel 3:14)

        At this same time, the enemy is working with all his strength to secure as many people in his camp as he can. He knows better than any man that we are living in very end of time. His work can be seen as his evil hordes take over the lives of millions of individuals causing them to commit horrible crimes. It can be seen in the havoc he is causing in the natural world. This can only happen because God allows it. Observe how he rampages through the earth with war, disease, and disasters, then blaming it on God as "acts of God."

        In Acts 3:19 Paul spoke of this decision time when he said: "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." This time of refreshing "AGAIN," as the original Greek reads, can be none other than a second Pentecost, the latter rain, the coming of Jesus in His Spirit to dwell within, as seen in Luke 17:20-21. This refreshing comes from the "presence," the indwelling presence of Jesus' Spirit within our body temple. The implication for you today is clear: You must be filled (refreshed) with the latter rain of the Holy Spirit today. This preparation for the second coming is more important than that event, for the coming of our Lord into your heart temple to set up His kingdom is the only way for us to be prepared for when He comes in person.
 
AN APPEAL:

        This individual coming of Jesus' Spirit takes place in the heart and mind of the inner man, in your spirit. It is a drama being played out within your life. You alone, as an individual, will win or lose eternal life, depending upon how you respond. If you respond to the call of the Holy Spirit, God will set up His kingdom within you. God, through His Spirit, has assumed responsibility for doing this.
It is not something you can do by yourself through your works, even if you could keep the Sabbath and all ten of God's commandments. Only love, obedience, humility, and complete surrender to the instructions of the Holy Spirit can prepare you to be part of that kingdom, and eventually make you reflect perfectly the character of our Lord. The time is now, soon there will be no tomorrow for anyone. Signs all around indicate that Jesus could have already finished His work intercession for us in the heavely sanctuary. This means that soon He will arrive to take those who are His back home with Him to heaven. WILL YOU BE ONE OF THOSE?