Pentecostal Prophecies Delay Christ's Return

[samuelofisrael]

Originally Posted by Sam

I think we need balance. The way I understand the Bible Jesus could come and catch away His Bride at any moment we should anticipate that and be prepared. However, if He doesn't come until next week, or next month, or next year, we should plan for that also.

Yes. Expectations of the events that preceed the arrival of Messiah to Israel and the world in His corporeal visible parousia of which the Bible speaks should at all times be stressed. And too, there is the factor of the "unknown" arrival of Yeshua in which we must live, work and continue in Godliness witnessing to a lost and dying humanity.

It is interesting that it was the political Roman Catholic Church who postulated the errant "replacement theological" point of view that stripped national Israel of the Promises awarding them to the gentile church body, namely, themselves. With this self promotion they also posited the designation: "bride of Christ" to themselves, a notion that has absolutely no support in the Pauline Epistles.

Paul as the Apostle to the gentiles and without controversy the greatest NT exegete, never addresses the BODY of Christ, the "elect" ... the "church," as "bride." It is a presupposition. And with this presuppositon came the much later theory of Darby and the "three comings of Christ." A theory that was popularized by one of his disciples, Scofield of the Scofield Bible notes. The notes are not inspired nor is the eschatology of Scofield. They are the human conclusions of the 19th century Plymouth Brethern.

It is not a salvational issue only that Paul is silent concerning a "gentile bride," or the "secret any moment" rapture prior to the arrival of Messiah. It is gentile conclusionism.

Yes, there is a catching away. Yes, it is a secret concerning the arrival of Messiah. Yes there will be a meeting in the "air." Yes, the saints will be gathered to the Lord and ever be with Him. What is not a conclusive fact is the timing, the events and the order of these eschatological occurrences.

The most beloved verse in Holy Writ is [likely] John 3:16. A close second conviction by Christians today is the "any moment secret rapture of the bride."

But does Paul teach Darby's Theology? Or did Darby "mix and match?"

Plainly stated, there is no record of a "gentile bride." There is a record of gentile "engrafts," gentile members of the BODY of Christ. Gentiles among the election. Gentiles among the saints of God. Gentile remnant. Gentile five fold ministry.

Paul reports in Eph. 5:30 that we are [not shall be] but are now members of His BODY.

And yes, Paul also pens that he "has" espoused us to One Husband. A husband is not a suitor, a bridegroom or one who is yet waiting vital union with the intended. A "husband" as with a "wife" [not a bride] share "one body" in the eyes of God. To 'espouse' is to join together, a union, a marriage. It falls into the "done deal" catagory. With the regenerated person, it is NOW consumated. But with those of whom it is not consumated, it awaits a joining together.

Is the born again Christian waiting for vital union with the HUSBAND? Are you [they, me, them] confessing we are NOT of the BODY of Christ, that we are yet in the bridal chamber waiting to be joined to the Head?

Not me. I claim vital union. I am NOW a member of the BODY of Christ. Bride has absolutely no application to me. The term bride does however favor another company PROMISED to the Son.

Yes, that is correct. The BRIDEGROOM was sent NOT but to the House of Israel. And yes, He was rejected by the bride but not forever, not eternally. The bride of the Bible awaits her marriage with the DIVINE BRIDEGROOM and so it is promised in Holy Writ.

I know this is radically unpopular with the gentile church and understandably so. But if they would see the implications of the truth of the Scriptures they would rejoice. One is in a NOW union. The other [national Israel] is yet in the ante chamber awaiting their restoration.

Further saying, this error of designation will never disappear from Christian folklore as a sentimental doctrine of the church. And in that it is not a damaging heresy, just incorrect. Paul never taught what Darby concluded. It is strictly gentile theology long after the Inspired Record was closed.

Shalom.