The MOST AMAZING "Thief" you'll ever meet and love!

[Reborn]

Jesus warns us multiple times that He will come like "a thief in the night" (even in the Book of Revelations) He also states "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man." (Matthew 24:37)

This lead me to believe (and seek out answers)

1. His return will completely surprise most of the world, just as a thief would while entering a house...
2. If people are "eating, drinking and giving in marriage-like the days of Noah" then the world would have to be PRETTY relaxed to be doing any of those things while in supposed "troubling times"?
Which brings me to my question: (finally )
How can the world be taken by surprise (by a thief) while we are drinking, and eating, - going about life (like the days of Noah) if we are in the middle of a 7 year Tribulation, while some AntiChrist suddenly convinces (or tricks) the world into taking a Mark of the Beast, all the while, waiting to beRaptured? Aren't those ALL signs that point to a basic date or year? Not very "thief-like" to me? Nor would I (or anyone) be trying to drink, and eat merrily, like the days of Noah because of all the Trib and Armageddon type things going on! ( I couldn't anyway, the AntiChrist would refuse to let me even BUY that drink, because I have no "mark".)

OOOOORRRRR could it be that not a single one of those things highlighted are supported by scripture?! Yes? Maybe?
Before anyone answers, I just ask, is it even a slight possibility some or most of us may have had it wrong for years? Listening to our preachers-taking them for their word, never once questioning if any of those theories MAY EVEN BE TRUE!!?? We have failed to do our proper homework my Brothers and Sisters....and so have they.

Take comfort though...this only means Revelations has been fulfilled (basically), up until the last of the three of the "7"s. (BTW, This is not a Preterism theory, but a thought revealed to us by Jesus after the "time of the Gentiles were fulfilled" which happened in 1967 (Luke 21:22-24) Thus opening the Book of Revelations to be fully understood, and proven using historical fact.

Christ could return at any moment..... and isn't that wonderful?!

 

[SoulWeaver]

You ask bright questions.
But I better run before the chaos starts on here, haha

 

[Least]

Jesus warns us multiple times that He will come like "a thief in the night" (even in the Book of Revelations) He also states "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man." (Matthew 24:37)

This lead me to believe (and seek out answers)

1. His return will completely surprise most of the world, just as a thief would while entering a house...
2. If people are "eating, drinking and giving in marriage-like the days of Noah" then the world would have to be PRETTY relaxed to be doing any of those things while in supposed "troubling times"?
Which brings me to my question: (finally )
How can the world be taken by surprise (by a thief) while we are drinking, and eating, - going about life (like the days of Noah) if we are in the middle of a 7 year Tribulation, while some AntiChrist suddenly convinces (or tricks) the world into taking a Mark of the Beast, all the while, waiting to beRaptured? Aren't those ALL signs that point to a basic date or year? Not very "thief-like" to me? Nor would I (or anyone) be trying to drink, and eat merrily, like the days of Noah because of all the Trib and Armageddon type things going on! ( I couldn't anyway, the AntiChrist would refuse to let me even BUY that drink, because I have no "mark".)

OOOOORRRRR could it be that not a single one of those things highlighted are supported by scripture?! Yes? Maybe?
Before anyone answers, I just ask, is it even a slight possibility some or most of us may have had it wrong for years? Listening to our preachers-taking them for their word, never once questioning if any of those theories MAY EVEN BE TRUE!!?? We have failed to do our proper homework my Brothers and Sisters....and so have they.

Take comfort though...this only means Revelations has been fulfilled (basically), up until the last of the three of the "7"s. (BTW, This is not a Preterism theory, but a thought revealed to us by Jesus after the "time of the Gentiles were fulfilled" which happened in 1967 (Luke 21:22-24) Thus opening the Book of Revelations to be fully understood, and proven using historical fact.

Christ could return at any moment..... and isn't that wonderful?!

All of the things that you mentioned are supported by scripture. I've met many who have studied these things out for years, and my own study of these things is ongoing. I don't have all of the answers, but I can tell you that there are several key words that have to be examined while praying and seeking wisdom and understanding from the Lord.

Some of the things that I would recommend be studied out prayerfully are:

"The day of the Lord,"

"Thief"

"Watch"

and "Warn"

God's word doesn't leave any of these things hidden or covered up if we are searching them out prayerfully. As far as the tie to "Preterism," goes. I would say that it's not the complete picture.The passage that you referred to goes even futher, and the time of the Gentiles being fulfilled, is yet to come as Israel is still surrounded by those who would trodden the land under foot.

Luke 21:22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
Luke 21:23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
Luke 21:24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
Luke 21:25 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;
Luke 21:26 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.

Paul in his letters is still speaking of these things to come.

Acts 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Acts 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

1 Thessalonians 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
1 Thessalonians 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
1 Thessalonians 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
1 Thessalonians 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
1 Thessalonians 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
1 Thessalonians 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
1 Thessalonians 5:7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

The book of 2 Peter also speaks of these things:

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
2 Peter 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
2 Peter 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Matthew ch. 24, Joel ch. 2 and Isaiah ch. 13 go into these things.

When Jesus does return, the whole earth will mourn. (This hasn't happened yet, making the Prederism view mistaken.)

Every eye will see Him, even knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Again, Prederism takes the stance that Jesus already returned.)

I know that you said that you are not a Preterist but you agree on that point, still I'd say dig deeper into those matters.

Revelation 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

 

[Jason0047]

Technically, Christ (God) is not a thief because He ultimately owns everything eternally and holds all things together by the Word of His power. All of creation is ultimately His. In other words, God can't steal what He already owns. Nothing in the creation is truly anyone else's when all is said and done. Christ is compared to an action that a thief takes in catching people off guard. Such a quality is not inherent to only thieves nor does such an action actually define what a thief truly is. A thief steals things. God can't steal anything because He owns everything. Just as God can't murder like a man because He is the giver and taker of life. He is the Creator and Final Judge. For the spirit returns to God.

 

[Jason0047]

Also, the phrase in relation to Christ that says He is "like a thief" means He will surprise people. It doesn't make Him a thief. In other words, I can say I jumped up in the air and grabbed the frisbie with my mouth "like a golden retriever," but that actually does not make me an actual gold retriever, though (Even though I might try to desperately act or look like one).

 

[Jason0047]

As in the days of Noah were, so shall it be in the days of coming of the Son of Man. Meaning, we have to reach a point of time that was like it was during the global flood where man's thoughts were continually evil and big giant Nephilim roam our planet. So far I don't see that happening yet. I am looking forward to the Pre-Trib Rapture (Before all that happens). People during the Tribulation will be caught off guard regarding the Day of the Lord (i.e. the 6th Seal) and His second coming.

 

[Angelmommie]

ummm..this isn't a biblical answer but..over in areas like Syria and Iraq right now there is so much evil going on but yet people are still going about their lives, getting married etc...it doesnt have to be happening everywhere..although we are just as evil over here..we are fighting to and do kill unborn children..so He could come anytime.

 

[Jason0047]

Read Genesis 6. Man's thoughts were evil continually. Although, the unbelieving world today (who have not accepted Christ) are a part of the devil's kingdom, many of them will still carry out various different acts of love and kindness. So while moral values are starting to go the way of the dinosaur, I do not see a world of total depravity by most everyone yet. In other words, think of a world that is similar to Mad Max (The movies that starred Mel Gibson). For Jesus said just as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be with the coming of the Son of Man.

 

[Angelmommie]

Read Genesis 6. Man's thoughts were evil continually. Although, the unbelieving world today (who have not accepted Christ) are a part of the devil's kingdom, many of them will still carry out various different acts of love and kindness. So while moral values are starting to go the way of the dinosaur, I do not see a world of total depravity by most everyone yet. In other words, think of a world that is similar to Mad Max (The movies that starred Mel Gibson). For Jesus said just as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be with the coming of the Son of Man.

But Jason0047..that is here, what about over in areas like Iraq and Syria..it has been many years since I have seen that movie..but over there it is like that movie? And my Godmother is just getting me into this whole rapture thing, yes I have been one of the resisters of that idea but I am coming around to it, but my question to you is, doesn't that happen at anytime, the rapture I mean?

 

[Reborn]

Thank you. Yes- A Second Coming is right. But, sorry still not convinced any of those verses are pertaining to the 4 things I mentioned. Be well.

 

[Reborn]

Unfortunately my answers can't be summoned up in a paragraph but would take a book or two to properly and thoroughly explain. ( I've learned that the deeper things of our Lord usually are a bit more complicated and require study, prayer and His grace to let us understand) But-If you truly are interested you can read or glance thruough The False Prophet by Ellis Skofield, He ( and with prayer and direction from God) pretty much nails it there and helped me see things clearer. Well, that-and about 10 years of pouring over any and all things pertaining to the Book of Revelations. God Bless, I hope you all take the time to investigate-trust me, it's worth it. (the are free to download) http://www.ellisskolfield.com/downloadable-books.shtml

 

[Reborn]

Technically, Christ (God) is not a thief because He ultimately owns everything eternally and holds all things together by the Word of His power. All of creation is ultimately His. In other words, God can't steal what He already owns. Nothing in the creation is truly anyone else's when all is said and done. Christ is compared to an action that a thief takes in catching people off guard. Such a quality is not inherent to only thieves nor does such an action actually define what a thief truly is. A thief steals things. God can't steal anything because He owns everything. Just as God can't murder like a man because He is the giver and taker of life. He is the Creator and Final Judge. For the spirit returns to God.

Yes, But He -Himself used that comparison. I'm aware He is nothing like a thief...but "like a thief"....that's why I put it in quotes. BW My answer to all of your posts is at the bottom. Thank you.

 

[Reborn]

You ask bright questions.
But I better run before the chaos starts on here, haha

Thank you. I wanted to get people thinking...that maybe, just maybe, there is 1 or 2 many man made doctrines that cloud the Churches mind today. Unfortunately, when it comes to the Book of Revelations....the masses seem to just "accept" instead of searching out what the "days/years" of Revelation really means. I have a basic rule: if the masses believe it, then I must investigate, but He says "Few' will find the way"...and if EVERYBODY has the truth...that's not very "few", now is it? Have a good day. Be well.

 

[Reborn]

And the fact most will shun away from at least the POSSIBILITY that those things are supported by scripture-with intelligent debate over this, shows we / the Church are mostly about 'Comfortable Conformity'...not truly seeking out His truth's. I'm open to be convinced anyone...are you? Have a great day all.

 

[SeaBass]

Jesus warns us multiple times that He will come like "a thief in the night" (even in the Book of Revelations) He also states "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man." (Matthew 24:37)

This lead me to believe (and seek out answers)

1. His return will completely surprise most of the world, just as a thief would while entering a house...
2. If people are "eating, drinking and giving in marriage-like the days of Noah" then the world would have to be PRETTY relaxed to be doing any of those things while in supposed "troubling times"?
Which brings me to my question: (finally )
How can the world be taken by surprise (by a thief) while we are drinking, and eating, - going about life (like the days of Noah) if we are in the middle of a 7 year Tribulation, while some AntiChrist suddenly convinces (or tricks) the world into taking a Mark of the Beast, all the while, waiting to beRaptured? Aren't those ALL signs that point to a basic date or year? Not very "thief-like" to me? Nor would I (or anyone) be trying to drink, and eat merrily, like the days of Noah because of all the Trib and Armageddon type things going on! ( I couldn't anyway, the AntiChrist would refuse to let me even BUY that drink, because I have no "mark".)

OOOOORRRRR could it be that not a single one of those things highlighted are supported by scripture?! Yes? Maybe?
Before anyone answers, I just ask, is it even a slight possibility some or most of us may have had it wrong for years? Listening to our preachers-taking them for their word, never once questioning if any of those theories MAY EVEN BE TRUE!!?? We have failed to do our proper homework my Brothers and Sisters....and so have they.

Take comfort though...this only means Revelations has been fulfilled (basically), up until the last of the three of the "7"s. (BTW, This is not a Preterism theory, but a thought revealed to us by Jesus after the "time of the Gentiles were fulfilled" which happened in 1967 (Luke 21:22-24) Thus opening the Book of Revelations to be fully understood, and proven using historical fact.

Christ could return at any moment..... and isn't that wonderful?!

You would be right, as the so called 'rapture', '7 years tribulation', 'premillennialism' are not scriptural.

Mt 24:39 "And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."

They "knew not" until the flood came as men will "know not" when Christ will return again.

If there are signs as to when Christ returns, then if those signs were coming to pass then men could know Christ was about to return.


Conversely, if there are signs as to when Christ returns, then if those signs are NOT coming to pass then men could know that Christ's return is not about to happen.

 

[Jason0047]

But Jason0047..that is here, what about over in areas like Iraq and Syria..it has been many years since I have seen that movie...but over there it is like that movie? And my Godmother is just getting me into this whole rapture thing, yes I have been one of the resisters of that idea but I am coming around to it, but my question to you is, doesn't that happen at anytime, the rapture I mean?

First, the Pre-Trib Rapture is the only position where a believer has something to lose by not believing in it. Doesn't really make a difference if I don't believe in the other positions. Second, there are a ton of reasons to believe in a Pre-Trib Rapture. Here is one reason here; And more reasons here, and here.

As for the timing of the Pre-Trib Rapture: Yes, it can happen at any time. This is based off of Jesus saying you will not know the day or the hour of his return. This is also based off of Scripture that essentially says how if we thought we knew the time, then we would become lazy or complacent in our faith.

 

[Jason0047]

Unfortunately my answers can't be summoned up in a paragraph but would take a book or two to properly and thoroughly explain. ( I've learned that the deeper things of our Lord usually are a bit more complicated and require study, prayer and His grace to let us understand) But-If you truly are interested you can read or glance thruough The False Prophet by Ellis Skofield, He ( and with prayer and direction from God) pretty much nails it there and helped me see things clearer. Well, that-and about 10 years of pouring over any and all things pertaining to the Book of Revelations.

Actually it is called the Book of Revelation (singular) and not the Book of Revelations (plural).

God Bless, I hope you all take the time to investigate-trust me, it's worth it. (the are free to download) http://www.ellisskolfield.com/downloadable-books.shtml

All I needed to see about his eschatological beliefs to know that they are false is that he said that one of the two witnesses is the church (Which does not make any sense whatsoever with Scripture).

The two witnesses are the two olive trees mentioned in the Old Testament. Olive Tree is represented of Israel. It is Elijah and Moses which we had seen on the Mt. of Transfiguration with Jesus and his disciples. These two witnesses will do miracles. They will be killed and the world will celebrate and send gifts to each other. But they will be resurrected from the dead, though. In fact, both Moses and Elijah had mysterious endings concerning involving their bodies.

 

[Jason0047]

I spent two months in prayer and came up with a chronology of Revelation and the Olivet Discourse:

ECT Chronology of Revelation & the Olivet Discourse, etc. - Theology Online | Christian Forums & More

 

[Reborn]

I spent two months in prayer and came up with a chronology of Revelation and the Olivet Discourse:

ECT Chronology of Revelation & the Olivet Discourse, etc. - Theology Online | Christian Forums & More

To each his own...unfortunately for us, we won't know who's right until it happens.
God Bless.

 

[Brainfreeze]

2For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.

It gives us something to relate how swiftly it will happen. Unknown of when or how, we can't say, " well I'll wait till tomorrow to get right with Jesus and be good and righteous ". He's not a thief.. He's the Savior and Messiah, the true KING OF KINGS