Feb. 24, 2016 | Close to the End

This is the seventh message to Dr. Anthony George's Wednesday night Bible study series on the End Times. Here's the link to the audio message from FBA's website. My notes are only meant to be a guide to assist in your Bible study. Enjoy! :)

Romans 11:17-18

Three main things that indicate we are close to the end. 
 1. 1 Corinthians 15:50-57

• These verses follow an extensive history of the church
• There is no Gospel without the resurrection of Jesus
  • Not only did Jesus die for our sins, He resurrected from it.
• Mystery is used 27 times in the New Testament
  • Mystery is the resurrection of the church
  • Resurrection of the rightful dead (this was known), aka Christian dead
  • Who and where is the church was the mystery
• The first thing that will happen is that the trumpet will sound (a universal call that will be heard by all Christians)
  • The dead will be raised first.
  • Then, we shall all be changed.
    • Transformed for eternal occupation in His Glory
• But what's beautiful and glorious about raising dead? We picture horror movies. Yet, all believers, alive or dead will be changed. This change must occur for us.
  • Mortality cannot absorb immorality. Must be changed and replaced.
  • Our death-cursed bodies must be replaced with curse-free bodies that will fit us for eternal habitation.
• Glorification: when our redemption is made complete
  • 1 John 3:2 NASB
    • When He appears is the rapture.
  • Philippians 3:21 NASB

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

• Adds clarification and detail to the above Corinthians passage
• Ultimate redemption comes when we are separated from our sinful nature 
• Paul, in verse 15, by the Word of The Lord 
  • Paul often quotes Old Testament passage to qualify his New Testament statement. But since the mystery is not mentioned in the OT, he cannot do that here. Instead, he says it is from The Lord, which is quite good enough qualification for me. :)
  • Galatians 1:12
• Verse 16
  • The dead in Christ will be raised.
    • Suggestion of soul sleep. Yet 2 Corinthians . At death, our souls go up to Jesus. It is our bodies that are put to sleep. *INTERPRET SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE*
• Verse 17: the believers on earth will be drawn into the air.
  • Greek: Harpazo = snatch. 
  • Latin: Rapto = snatch.
  • English word Rapture
  • The word rapture may not be in the Bible, but the concept definitely is there. Same for the Trinity. 

2. Resumption of Gods Plan for Israel.

• This is where the 70th week of Daniel 7 occurs.
• This is the 7 year tribulation.
• At the midpoint, Israel will be betrayed by the AntiChrist.
• Last half is the Great Tribulation 
• Regathered Israel is purged and cleansed
• Final time all prophesies are fulfilled 
• Sets the stage for 

3. Return of Christ 

• The distinctions between the Rapture of The Church and the Return of Christ
• Scripture eminite  event specific signs
• Church vs for Israel 
• Removes church for the 70th week vs includes 
• Rapture only revealed in NT vs Return mentioned in OT and NT
• LISTED TOO FAST. WILL UPDATE WITH ENTIRE LIST ONCE THE AUDIO MESSAGE IS UPLOADED ONLINE. 
• Main idea is that Rapture and the Return are completely different things.