Question of the Week Archive
"Question of the Week Archive - JVIM
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Archives: Question of the Week
Could there be a "partial" Rapture?
The simple answer is no. Some teach that only the perfect will be evacuated during the Rapture, but this is contrary to the teaching of God's Word. Many base this teaching on Hebrews 9:28—"Unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation"—saying that the Rapture is only for those who are watching. Such a premise is at odds with the rest of the Bible. We must always keep the study of the Rapture in biblical context. It's been wisely said that one cannot take a text out of context without creating a pretext. Every verse on the subject must be considered before a valid conclusion can be reached regarding a doctrine.
First John 2:28 tells the other side of the story: "And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming." This verse begins with the terminology of His appearing and ends with the statement of His coming. It says that when He comes to snatch us into His presence in the twinkling of an eye, there will be many who are ashamed. The conclusion is if they were perfect, they would not be ashamed. So the idea that one must lead a sinless life to be accepted as part of the Body or Bride for the Rapture does not agree with the rest of the Bible.
So let me repeat this important statement. One is not ashamed if he is perfect. Therefore, the imperfect are raptured. The Bible also reveals that there are persons who are saved by fire standing before the Lord (see 1 Corinthians 3:15). They made heaven "by the skin of their teeth," so to speak. The only way any of us can stand in a perfected state before Jesus Christ in that hour is through the merits of His shed blood. Second Corinthians 5:21 declares, "For [God] hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." This is our only perfection. In addition, the Bible states that every believer is a member of the body of Christ. Should only those who meet a certain standard of spirituality be taken, the body of Jesus Christ would be dismembered and disfigured. This is impossible. First Corinthians 15:51-52 states that "we shall ALL be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump" (emphasis added).
The partial Rapture view, by definition, denies the teaching on the unity of Christ's body. First Corinthians 12:12-13 says, "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." What is the message of this verse? All believers are united together to form the entire body of Christ, who is the head. Perhaps most disturbing, however, is that the partial rapturist must place a segment of the body of Christ in the Tribulation period. We've already indicated in several places that this cannot happen. The Body of Christ will have no limbs or organs missing on the glorious day the Rapture occurs.
The archive also contains extensive teachings on eschatology, including discussions of Revival during the Tribulation, the role of 144,000 Jews, the Judgment Seat of Christ, biblical covenants (Abrahamic, Mosaic, Palestinian, Davidic, and New Covenants), dispensations, and dispensationalism. Key topics include the distinction between Israel and the Church, literal interpretation of Scripture, and God's program for end times events. Materials reference Dr. Van Impe's books including "The Great Escape," "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Prophecy But Didn't Know Who to Ask," "Your Future: An A-Z Index to Prophecy," and "The Jack Van Impe Prophecy Bible.""
Question of the Week Archive
"Question of the Week Archive - JVIM
Submit Your Question
Archives: Question of the Week
Could there be a "partial" Rapture?
The simple answer is no. Some teach that only the perfect will be evacuated during the Rapture, but this is contrary to the teaching of God's Word. Many base this teaching on Hebrews 9:28—"Unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation"—saying that the Rapture is only for those who are watching. Such a premise is at odds with the rest of the Bible. We must always keep the study of the Rapture in biblical context. It's been wisely said that one cannot take a text out of context without creating a pretext. Every verse on the subject must be considered before a valid conclusion can be reached regarding a doctrine.
First John 2:28 tells the other side of the story: "And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming." This verse begins with the terminology of His appearing and ends with the statement of His coming. It says that when He comes to snatch us into His presence in the twinkling of an eye, there will be many who are ashamed. The conclusion is if they were perfect, they would not be ashamed. So the idea that one must lead a sinless life to be accepted as part of the Body or Bride for the Rapture does not agree with the rest of the Bible.
So let me repeat this important statement. One is not ashamed if he is perfect. Therefore, the imperfect are raptured. The Bible also reveals that there are persons who are saved by fire standing before the Lord (see 1 Corinthians 3:15). They made heaven "by the skin of their teeth," so to speak. The only way any of us can stand in a perfected state before Jesus Christ in that hour is through the merits of His shed blood. Second Corinthians 5:21 declares, "For [God] hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." This is our only perfection. In addition, the Bible states that every believer is a member of the body of Christ. Should only those who meet a certain standard of spirituality be taken, the body of Jesus Christ would be dismembered and disfigured. This is impossible. First Corinthians 15:51-52 states that "we shall ALL be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump" (emphasis added).
The partial Rapture view, by definition, denies the teaching on the unity of Christ's body. First Corinthians 12:12-13 says, "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." What is the message of this verse? All believers are united together to form the entire body of Christ, who is the head. Perhaps most disturbing, however, is that the partial rapturist must place a segment of the body of Christ in the Tribulation period. We've already indicated in several places that this cannot happen. The Body of Christ will have no limbs or organs missing on the glorious day the Rapture occurs.
The archive also contains extensive teachings on eschatology, including discussions of Revival during the Tribulation, the role of 144,000 Jews, the Judgment Seat of Christ, biblical covenants (Abrahamic, Mosaic, Palestinian, Davidic, and New Covenants), dispensations, and dispensationalism. Key topics include the distinction between Israel and the Church, literal interpretation of Scripture, and God's program for end times events. Materials reference Dr. Van Impe's books including "The Great Escape," "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Prophecy But Didn't Know Who to Ask," "Your Future: An A-Z Index to Prophecy," and "The Jack Van Impe Prophecy Bible.""
Question of the Week Archive - JVIM
"This is a Question of the Week Archive page from Jack Van Impe Ministries featuring multiple theological questions and answers about eschatology and end times prophecy. The content addresses topics including: Whether there could be a 'partial' Rapture (concluding no, all believers will be raptured together); explanations of the Judgment Seat of Christ and Christian rewards; the identity of the 'elect' in Matthew 24:22 as Jewish believers rather than the Church; the fig tree as symbolic of Israel becoming a nation on May 14, 1948; why prophetic scripture is not commonly preached; the system of rewards for righteousness at the Bema Seat including specific crowns (Watcher's Crown, Runner's Crown, Shepherd's Crown, Soulwinner's Crown, Sufferer's Crown); definitions of key eschatological terms including Eschatology, Covenant, Dispensations, and Dispensationalism; and detailed explanations of major biblical covenants (Abrahamic, Mosaic, Palestinian, Davidic, and New Covenant). The page includes extensive biblical citations and references to Dr. Van Impe's published books including 'The Great Escape,' 'Everything you always wanted to know about Prophecy but didn't know who to ask,' and 'Your Future An A-Z Index To Prophecy.'"
Question of the Week Archive - JVIM
"This is a Question of the Week Archive page from Jack Van Impe Ministries featuring multiple theological questions and answers about eschatology and end times prophecy. The content addresses topics including: Whether there could be a 'partial' Rapture (concluding no, all believers will be raptured together); explanations of the Judgment Seat of Christ and Christian rewards; the identity of the 'elect' in Matthew 24:22 as Jewish believers rather than the Church; the fig tree as symbolic of Israel becoming a nation on May 14, 1948; why prophetic scripture is not commonly preached; the system of rewards for righteousness at the Bema Seat including specific crowns (Watcher's Crown, Runner's Crown, Shepherd's Crown, Soulwinner's Crown, Sufferer's Crown); definitions of key eschatological terms including Eschatology, Covenant, Dispensations, and Dispensationalism; and detailed explanations of major biblical covenants (Abrahamic, Mosaic, Palestinian, Davidic, and New Covenant). The page includes extensive biblical citations and references to Dr. Van Impe's published books including 'The Great Escape,' 'Everything you always wanted to know about Prophecy but didn't know who to ask,' and 'Your Future An A-Z Index To Prophecy.'"
Today's Devotional
"This page contains multiple daily devotional messages from Jack Van Impe Ministries, including:
1. Opening devotional on Psalm 46:2 about not fearing worldly troubles through God's protection and strength.
2. Devotional on Psalm 56:3 about trusting God during times of fear, featuring examples from Hudson Taylor and biblical encouragement.
3. Devotional on Psalm 107:6 discussing Jesus meeting Christians in distress, with extended commentary from Charles Spurgeon about Christ's empathy.
4. Devotional on 2 Kings 6:16 about unseen heavenly resources and angelic protection during difficulties.
5. Devotional on Psalm 27:1 featuring Chrysostom of Constantinople's fearless perspective despite threats.
6. Devotional on Psalm 60:11 about seeking God's help when human help is insufficient.
7. Devotional on Psalm 42:11 addressing emotional distress and the antidote of hope in God.
8. Devotional on Deuteronomy 31:8 about God's presence through afflictions, featuring examples of George Frederick Handel, Annie Johnson Flint, Fanny Crosby, and Helen Keller.
Extended article by Dr. Rexella Van Impe on the power of prayer, including personal testimony of viral infection and pneumonia recovery, discussion of intercessory prayer through the Holy Spirit, and a poem titled "Take Time to Pray."
Another extended article by Dr. Rexella Van Impe using the parable of a wealthy man living as a pauper in a cafe to illustrate spiritual poverty, with sections on changing spiritual wardrobe, putting aside sadness, being a friend, and spiritual nourishment through God's Word.
Final section beginning discussion of Christians as missionaries, emphasizing the importance of small deeds and simple words in daily faith practice, citing Horatio Bonar's teaching on holy lives composed of small things."
