• To dress the garden, shows that God created man to work.  This work, however, was not characterized by the drudgery and pain that would come after “the Fall.”  Idleness is not a goal to attain, but it is rather a character flaw that leads to greater sin (Ezek. 16:49).
• To keep the garden, tells us that Adam was charged with guarding or keeping the garden.  His duty was to manage the resources of the garden and protect it from the rebellious sons of God (angelic beings).

Notice

Man has a desire to have more leisure time.  He wants to sit back and passively be entertained and amused.

6. Man is to abstain from eating of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

• This is the only law given to man in this covenant.
• To be right with God, he doesn’t need faith.  He talks directly with God and can see the forbidden tree.  He also has free access to the Tree of Life, which would permit him to live forever.
• This fruit would take away their innocence, and would open their eyes to evil.
• With everything going for him–a perfect world, a perfect body, direct communication with God–would he obey or disobey God’s word.

The Parties Involved

1. God–He is always the Initiator.
2. Adam

• His name means “man/mankind,”  specifically “ruddy man.”
• He is the “federal head” of mankind (Rom. 5:12-19).  These terms would apply to all of Adam’s race.

The Terms of the Covenant

     This covenant has both conditional and unconditional terms.  The unconditional terms must be fulfilled at some point.  Of the seven terms given in the Edenic Covenant, the first five are unconditional.

1. Man is to be fruitful, multiply, and replenish the earth. 

• “replenish“  Some argue that before Adam the earth was populated by another race of people who were destroyed between Gen. 1:1 and 1:2.  The command to replenish, therefore, indicates that Adam was to “re-fill” the earth with new people.  Based on the context and use of the word “replenish” in Gen. 9:1, this theory has some merit.  However, the Bible no where mentions any pre-Adamic race other than the sons of God (angels).  We also tend to see the prefix “re” and assume that it implies doing something again.  Often this is the case, but sometimes it is not.  The Oxford English Dictionary tells us that the definition of “replenish” up until 1612 was simply “to fill, stock up, inhabit, etc.”  So at the time of the translation of the KJV, 1611, there was no element of re-filling to the word “replenish.”
• “be fruitful and multiply”  Man was told to reproduce (Psa. 127:3-5).  However, man is a sinful, self-willed, covenant-breaker (Hos. 6:7).  We will see throughout this study that the world is opposed to the word of God and His covenant terms.    

Notice

The promotion of homosexual behaviour and its accompaning political agenda attacks the first term of the first covenant.

The promotion of eugenics and population control attacks this first term.  (One can find many quotes and documents showing the attitude of the political and scientific “elite” on this matter.)

The promotion of abortion and family planning attacks this term. (“Family planning” meaning the view of children and families as being a damper on fun and material gain.)

    2. Man is to subdue the earth.

• Even before “the Fall”, the earth’s natural resources were wild and raw.
• This term requires man to learn and study the physical sciences for their practical benefit. (Not as a way to try and disprove the Bible or explain away God.)
• The earth contains visible and invisible resources which man is to subdue.  The word “subdue” literally means “to enslave” (Neh. 5:5 –”bondage” is the same Hebrew word.) or even “to violate” (Est. 7:8–When the king accuses Haman of trying to “force” his wife, the same Hebrew word is again used.)  Some of the invisible resources are:  electricity, gravity, wind, solar rays, magnetism.  Some of the visible resources are:  precious metals, wood, stone, water, oil, dirt, plants.

Notice again man’s opposition to this second term as the modern environmentalist movement attacks it.

    3.  Man is to have dominion over the animals.

• In subduing the earth and dominating the animal kingdom, man must manage these resources properly.  Mis-management will make the benefits of these resources unsustainable.

Enthusiastic animal rights activism attacks this third term.

Pagan religions and their belief in reincarnation attack this term.

Evolutionists attack this by classifying man as just a more developed animal.

    4.  Man is to restrict himself to a vegetable diet.

• The animals, too, were likely herbavores (Gen. 1:30).
• This term will be changed under the future Noahic Covenant (Gen. 9:3).
• To require a vegetable diet today would be to promote a doctrine of devils (I Tim. 4:3).

Part II coming next week–stay tuned. 

1. The universe was created supernaturally by “Someone.”
2. This “Someone” (God) desires to communicate with His creation.
3. He has several means of revealing Himself to man.  The most trustworthy is special, direct revelation via the spoken word. (I Pt. 1:19, II Pt. 1:21)
4. In the record of this spoken word, we can find different agreements, contracts, or covenants that God has made and will make with man.  As the “Master of the house” (Lk. 13:25; 14:21), He has the right to institute and enforce the terms of these covenants unilaterally.
5. If you want to know the “rules of the house,” you need to study these covenants.  Some terms expire, some terms aren’t in force yet, some have been modified, and some don’t apply to you.

    In thinking about God’s covenants with man, it is helpful to consider legal contracts in the physical world.  These agreements all have stipulations and terms that must be followed or you will suffer penalty.  Often these agreements have non-negotiable terms (ie. credit card agreements).  God’s terms are non-negotiable as well; either you abide by the terms or you brake the them.

The Church is Not Mentioned

     When you look in the Bible, you will find a few distinct groups.  You will, of course, find believers and unbelievers.  You will also find a distinction between Israel and the New Testament Church. 

     When we study passages that deal with the Tribulation, however, we don’t see the New Testament Church.

1. 144,000 Sealed Servants of God (Rev. 7:1-8)–all Jews
2. New believers (Rev. 7:9)–Unlike the new believers in Acts, there is no mention of these being added to the church.
3. Two Witnesses (Moses and Elijah) (Rev. 11:3-6)–Both of these men are Jewish.  If the Tribulation was an event for the N. T. Church, then these Two Witnessess would likely be Peter and Paul; not O. T. prophets.
4. Deluded unbelievers (II Thess. 2:8-12)–Jews and Gentiles, none in the N. T. Church

     In fact, we don’t see the N. T. Church until just before Jesus comes to earth in power and glory.  This is during the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:7-13).

Paul Never Mentions the Tribulation Period

     It is from Paul, through inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that we receive most of our N. T. doctrine and instruction; he is the apostle to the Gentiles (Rom. 11:13).  Paul talks about the resurrection of the dead, the Rapture, and the Second Coming, but he gives no intruction about the Tribulation.  If the church were to go through this time, he would most likely tell us how to behave and endure that time.

Our Judgment Was at Calvary

     The Tribulation Period will be a time of God’s wrath being poured out on this world (Rev. 6:16-17).  We as believers are not under God’s wrath (John 3:36, I Thess. 5:9). Our judgment was taken by Jesus on the cross; this is “the cup” He spoke of in Gethsemane (Rom. 5:9; Matt. 26:38-39; Jer. 25:15, 27; Psa. 75:8).

     Israel is the object of God’s judgment during the Tribulation; it is the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jer. 30:7-9, Matt. 24:21-23 [spoken to a Jewish audience]).

Biblical Typology

     We can see that the types found in the Old Testament point to a Pre-tribulational Rapture.  First lets look at the two greatest judments mentioned in the O. T.

1. Enoch–He was raptured out of the earth before judgment came.  Noah and his family were sealed and kept safe through judgment inside the ark.  They would be a type of the Jewish remnant who are kept safely through the Tribulation.
2. Lot–God would have spared the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah had there been more righteous people in them, but instead He rescued Lot and his family out of the cities before He poured His wrath out on them.
3. The Jewish Feasts–We will study this more in depth later, but if you look at the Jewish Feasts and their order, they indicate a Pre-tribulational Rapture.

The Imminency of His Return

     If Jesus were to return for us after seven years of Tribulation, then we would simply need to wait it out.  However, as we have studied already, His return for us is imminent, it could happen at any time.

The Layout of The Book of Revelation

     Revelation is laid out into three divisions (Rev. 1:19); basically past, present, and future (hereafter).  In the first three chapters we see remarks addressed to seven churches.  In chapter four, John is caught up into Heaven.  The Lord says, “Come up hither.” and off he goes.  He will say that to His believers one day soon, and off we’ll go.

The Order of the Resurrection

     In I Corinthians 15, Paul likens the first resurrection to a harvest (I Cor. 15:38-43).  If we think of an actual harvest, there are three parts to it.  First, a few of the vegatibles or fruits ripen before the others and you go out and pick those.  Second, most of the crop ripens and you go out and gather that up.  Last, there are a few left over items that are later gleaned.

     Jesus is described as the Firstfruits of the resurrection.  Then He comes back and gathers up the N. T. believers, and then after that He gleans the Tribulation saints. 

      Why do we find passages of scripture which indicate a Post-tribulational Rapture?  Because there will be one for those Tribulation saints who will be gleaned in the first resurrection.

Conclusion

   So, there you go.  Seven reasons why we believe in the Pre-Tribulational Rapture.

Two Advents, Two Phases Each

     Although scripture gives detailed prophecies about the time and place of Jesus’ first coming to earth, relatively few knew about it.  We could call it a secret made known to only a few.

• Joseph, Mary, and Elisabeth (Matt. 1:20-24, Lk. 1:26-56)
• The Magi (Matt. 2:1-2) Likely students of Daniel’s writings from Babylon.
• Simeon (Lk. 2:25-35)
• Anna (Lk. 2:36-38)
• The Shepherds (Lk. 2:8-20)

     After His birth, there is a period of about 30 years before His coming is made known to everyone publicly (Lk. 3:21-23).  Here we see two distinct phases of His First Advent; one secret and one public.

     Likewise, we see two phases to Jesus’ Second Advent.  These two phases are often called “the Rapture” and “the Revelation.”  Two verses indicate a two phase return: 

• II Thess. 2:1 speaks of “the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (the Revelation when He physically sets foot on the earth) and “our gathering together unto him” (the Rapture when the saved, dead and alive, are gathered together to meet Him in the air).
• Titus 2:13 speaks of  “that blessed hope” (our hope of being raptured out of here) and “the glorious appearing” (when He comes in power and glory publicly).

     As with His First Advent, there is a time interval between the two phases of His Second Advent.  This interval is at least seven years long, although it could be longer.  We need to be careful to distinguish these two phases when reading scripture.  Here are a few verses that refer to the first phase–the Rapture:

• I Thess. 4:15-18
• I Cor. 15:51-53
• John 14:1-3
• Song of Sol. 2:10-12

Where Did You Find That Word “Rapture”?

     As pointed out previously, you won’t find this word in your concordance.  The word “rapture” comes from the Latin word raptus.  The word means to seize, to capture, carry away, abduct, etc.  The Bible uses the phrase “caught up” in I Thess. 4:17.

    The word “rapture” simply gives us a one word alternative to the phrase “caught up.”  Feel free to use either.

Instances of Rapture in the Bible

     There are several instances when humans are physically removed from this earth and carried into Heaven.

• Enoch whilst living.  (Gen.5:18-24, Heb. 11:5-6)
• Moses after his death.  (Deut. 34:5-6, Jude 1:9, Matt. 17:1-5)
• Elijah whilst living.  (II Kings 2:1-13)
• Old Testament saints held in the heart of the earth until their sins are paid for at Calvary.   (Eph. 4:8-12, Matt. 27:50-53)
• New Testament saints living and dead. (II Thess. 4:15-18)
• The Two Witnessess (Moses and Elijah) after being resurrected.  (Rev. 11:8-12)
• Tribulation saints right before the Second Coming in glory by King Jesus.   (Matt. 24:29-31, Isa. 26:16-21, Psa. 50:1-6)

Conclusion

     You should now begin to see the doctrine of the Pre-millenial, Pre-tribulational Rapture taking shape if you prayerfully study each of the above verses.

The Post-Tribulation Rapture Theory

     This is a popular teaching that is very close to the “no rapture” idea.  It basically states that the rapture of the saints will be concurrent with the Second Advent.  As He returns to the earth, He meets the saints and the resurrected in the air, and then arrives on the earth with them to begin His millenial reign.  This all occurs after the seven year tribulation period.

Proof Texts

• Matthew 24:29-31–note the words “after the tribulation“
• John 17:15–believers not taken out but kept from evil
• James 5:7, 8–believers looking for the Second Coming not an imminent return in the air

The Mid-Tribulation Rapture Theory

     This is a much less popular theory which teaches that the saints will be raptured 3 1/2 years into the tribulation period before God’s wrath is really poured out on earth.

Proof Texts

• Revelation 11:15
• I Corinthians 15:52–Both passages are compared, and the Seventh Trumpet is said to occur in the middle of the tribulation.  The term “last trump” in Corinthians and the last of the Seven Trumpets in Revelation are thought to be one in the same.

The Pre-Wrath Rapture Theory

     This is a new idea that was first articulated around 1990.  It was developed as a theory that would synthesize the “best” parts of all rapture theories.  It states that the saints will enter the tribulation, and will be raptured sometime after 3 1/2 years.

     There are no clear proof texts for this theory, but rather it’s a blend of all the texts we’ve listed above.

The Partial Rapture Theory

     This is a twist on the idea of the pre-tribulation rapture.  The twist is that only the faithful will be raptured before the tribulation.  The proof texts used to support this theory revolve around the admonition to watch for the comming of Jesus Christ.  If you aren’t watching, you may be left behind–even if you are saved.

Proof Texts

• Matthew 24:41-51
• Matthew 25:13
• I Thesselonians 5:6
• Revelation 3:3

Conclusion

     We’ll see how these various theories fall short as we pull together the truth about the rapture according to scripture over the next couple of lessons.

The “Secret” Origin of the Rapture Doctrine

     Here’s how the story goes in case you haven’t heard it.  In 1830 a young Scottish girl named Margaret MacDonald had visions of Jesus taking the saved out of the world before God’s judgment.  John Darby heard of these visions and invented the doctrine of the pre-millenial, pre-tribulational rapture.

     These teachings were spread around the world through the study Bible of C. I. Scofield (who like Darby was a Plymouth Bretheren), and gained a greater foothold with Fundamentalists through the illustrations and writings of Clarence Larkin; both men laboring in the early 20th Century.

     On the Charismatic side, Finis J. Dake, promoted the same doctrines in his study Bible which has been widely used in those circles for 50 years.

Not Much of a “Secret”

     There is some truth to the above story, but there is also a lot of fiction in it.  Firstly, we have no idea if John Darby ever heard of Margaret MacDonald.  Secondly, Darby said that he became convinced of the pre-millenial rapture in 1827, three years before the Scottish girl’s visions. 

     On top of that, no writer gives her any credit for teaching them about the rapture.  Darby said that he came to the realization about this doctrine when he noticed the clear difference between Israel and the church in scripture.  Further pre-dating 1830, there is evidence that some of the ancient “church fathers” did believe in the pre-millenial rapture.  The reason we don’t have more information about these ancient teachers is that their writings (if they had any) have vanished (Remember the Roman Catholic Church controlled most writings before the printing press.).  In those days, also, there were no tape recorders.

     The truth in the story is in regards to the Scofield Study Bible, Larkin’s Dispensational Truth, and to a lesser degree the Dake Annotated  Reference Bible.   These works have taught dispensational truth to Bible believing, fundamental Baptists and Charismatics for the last 90 years.

The $10,000 Challenge

     A man named H. Speed Wilson has issued a $10,000 challenge to anyone who can give scripture to clearly support the idea of the rapture.  Now before you try to cash in, remember he not only is the challenger, but he’s apparently the judge and the banker too.  Somehow I don’t think anyone can give enough compelling evidence to pursuade him to part with his money.

Proof Texts for No Rapture

     Here are some of the verses he says refute the idea of the rapture:

• John 17:15 and 20–Jesus prayed that God not take the believers out of the world.
• Matthew 13:29-40–God is going to take out the tares (unbelievers) not the wheat.
• Matthew 13:41–Those that offend (evil) will be gathered out.
• Matthew 13:47-48–The wicked are the ones cast away at the end of the age.
• Matthew 13:49–The wicked are taken from among the just.
• Matthew 24:37-41–One is taken (wicked) the other (righteous) is left.
• II Peter 2:5–Noah was not taken out of the world, but was kept safe through the judgment of the wicked.
• Psalm 37:34-40–The wicked are to be cut off, and the righteous will be kept safe to inherit the land.

     So the overall idea is this; the saved are not going to be raptured out of this world, but they will instead be kept safe through hard times.  The wicked are the ones who will somehow be cut off and taken away for judgment.

Conclusion

     What we will find is these references have application to the saved and unsaved of the Tribulation period.  Some have special significance to restored, repentant Israel.

     If we wrongly divide the word of truth, we cannot properly interpret scripture.

The Imminent Return of Jesus

     The Rapture, first of all, is to be thought of as imminent.   Notice how many times Jesus says He will come quickly (Rev.3:11; 22:7, 12, 20).  Scripture tells us that we are to wake up and watch for the return of Jesus (Tit. 2:13, Rom. 13:11, I Thes. 5:6).  We are not to be looking for signs and fulfilled prophecies, but we are to be ready to go at anytime.

Latter Times vs. Last Days

     Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, does speak of two different periods of time in the future.  First, he speaks about the “latter times” (I Tim. 4:1-7).  These times are characterized by doctrines of devils, forbidding marriage, forbidding meats, etc.  History shows us that not long after the Bible is completed, that churches started following such heresies.  We can see these devilish doctrines still taught by the Roman Catholic Church.

     The second future time Paul speaks about is called the “last days” (II Tim. 3:1-9).  He gives a list of things that “shall come” (future) in those days.  As I said earlier, these characteristics are subjective–they are sins common to men at all times.  However, we see today that these sins are worse today than they were in Paul’s day or even in some of our own lifetimes.

     The Bible gives a few other characteristics of the last days:

• Apostasy (II Thes. 2:3)  Are there more people in sound New Testament churches today or less?
• Scoffers (II Pt. 3:3-4) You don’t really still believe in the pre-millenial Rapture stuff do you?
• Unsealed truth (Dan. 12:4, 9-10) Although the Bible has never changed and someone has always believed the truth, the understanding of eschatology that we have today was not common 200-300 years ago.  It seems that the Holy Spirit has given us a better understanding in these last days.

The Stage is Being Set

     Beyond these characteristics of the last days, we see the stage being set for the Second Advent (Matt. 24:32-39).  Two prophecies that stand out are the return of Israel for national repentance and the idea that the earth will be like the days of Noah.

     Israel today exists.  There is no logical reason why Israel hasn’t gone the way of the Hittites and Philistines, but God has preserved His people.  They will soon be gathered back to their land to be judged during the Great Tribulation.  There is no logical reason why Israel should figure so prominantly in our news today, but the stage is being set for the return of Jesus Christ their Messiah.

     Compare the time we live in with the days of Noah (Gen. 6).  The world grows more wicked; however, we are nowhere near the days of Noah yet.  Things will not get that bad until probably the time of the Tribulation, but again we can see the stage is being set.

Conclusion

     We don’t know the exact time of the Rapture, because we are to be busy working for the Lord.  We don’t know the exact time of the Rapture, because we are to be living in such a way that we will not be caught sleeping when He comes.  One thing is for sure, His return is sooner now than when you started reading this article.

The Most Probable System

     The Persians, the Egyptians, rabbis, mathematicians, Christian church fathers have all put forward the notion that this earth will run a course of 6,000 years with a final 1,000 years of unprecedented peace and renewal.  That would be 7,000 years of world history before it all ends.

     Here is a key to understanding higher spiritual concepts.  Hosea 12:10 says that God reveals these deeper teachings to us by use of similitudes.   For example, “If you can’t understand the relationship of Jesus to His church, it is like (similitude) the relationship between a husband and wife.”

     One of the first principles we see in scripture is God created the universe in six days, and He rested on the seventh.  From there on out, you would have to be blind not to see the repetitive appearance of seven in the Bible.  Here are just a few sevens relating to time:

• seven days (Exod. 12:15, 19; 13:6,7; 29:30,35)
• seven weeks (Dan. 9:25)
• seven years (Lev. 25:8, Deut. 15:1)

     Now here is where we see a similitude. Psalms 90:4 and II Peter 3:8 both tell us that 1,000 years is as a day whith God.  Well, we know without any doubt that the last “day” of this earth is 1,000- years (Rev. 20–specifically says “1,000 years” six times).   We also know that this is  a day of rest and renewal–a sabbath. 

     Ok, with all of these principles in mind, an educated deduction brings us to this conclusion:  The life span of this earth will run six days (corresponding with the days of its creation) of 1,000 years each, culminating with the Second Coming of Jesus to reign here for a final 1,000 years with the earth being restored to its original Edenic state.

Two More Interesting Thoughts

     The Transfiguration, which pre-figures the Second Coming (compare the language to Matt. 24:30) is recorded to have taken place “after 6 days” (Matt. 17:1-3) and “about 8 days” (Luk. 9:28).  Ok, when is the Second Coming?  After 6 days (6,000 yrs.) and around 8 days–sounds like 7 to me (the eighth day of earth would be a new beginning–eternity).

     Here’s another point to ponder.  On the fourth day of creation the sun appears (Gen. 1:14).  4,000 years into world history the Son of God appears (or a.k.a. the “Sun of righteousness” Mal. 4:2, Psa. 19:4,5).  The first time the word “life” appears in scripture is immediatly after the sun is created.  The first time life really appears on earth is after the Son comes here.

Problems with This System

     Ok, this system is not without its faults.   Here are a few points to keep in mind.

1. According to our calendar, we have already passed the 6,000 year mark.  However, we  don’t know what year it really is.  (ie. 46 B.C. was 445 days long, until A.D. 1582 the year was only 360 days long, there is no year 0, the Jewish calendar says its only the year 5768.)
2. We don’t know if God stopped the “prophetic clock” at some point or made some adjustments to it.  The whole Church Age was a hidden mystery to the Old Testament prophets.  So far that parenthetical Gentile period has lasted 2,000 years.
3. Remember, this is just an educated deduction based on biblical principles.  There is no diffinitive scripture stating that the earth will exist for 7,000 years.  By the same token, there is no diffinitive scripture prohibiting gambling.  That too is based on deduction of biblical principles.

Conclusion

     Although this is an interesting study, getting pre-occupied with dates is detrimental.  We are to walk by faith, we are to be busy calling out a people for His name, and we are to be looking for a Person not a date (I Cor. 1&, Phil 3:20).