Expert: Dr. Tim Gladu - 4/21/2007

Question
QUESTION: Matthew 24:36->ch. 25; Mark 13; Luke 17:20-37 & ch. 21

Dr. Gladu,

In the passages listed for the subject of this question, could you please explain, in general, what these passages refer to and specifically who was or will be taken and who was or will be left when the Son of man came or comes.  And finally, from the context, please explain how we know who the taken are and who the left are?

I greatly appreciate your time and effort.

Kade
ANSWER: Kade,

These passages are speaking mostly of the End times. There is a long drawn out process about telling us that the days will be like the days of Noah. Those days were filled with the heart of man was nothing but evil. There will be many false prophets that will come and say they are Christ but they will not be him. This also refers to the Rapture when the saints will be taken up to meet Christ in the air. This is not the second coming it is different. The second coming of Christ will be after the Tribulation. The Rapture will start the tribulation and it will last for 7 years. during this time will be the worst time on earth that we could imagine. Those that are left will have to suffer greatly and the Jews will again be given the chance to spread the word of God and to reach the remaining people for God. 2/3 of the world population will be destroyed during the Tribulation. Finally, those that will be taken during the Rapture will be the those that have been saved both the living and the dead.

God Bless

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It is my understanding that Matthew 24:39 and Luke 17:27 are parallel passages.  Is this a correct understanding?
ANSWER: These passages are talking about the same event. They both mean that we are to continue with our lives no matter what is happening because just as the people of Noahs time did not know the time of the end. We will not know when Jesus will call us to Rapture.

God Bless

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So if these passages are parallel passages, which is what I assume you mean above, then those that are taken in Matthew 24:39 are the same that are destroyed in Luke 17:27.  If these two passages deal with the end of time, as you suggest, would these passaes not be teaching that at the end of time, those who are taken will be destroyed (the righteous? wicked?) and those who are the opposite class will be left on the earth?

Answer
Kade,

Matthew 24:38-39 are the same people as in Luke 17:27. This is simply referencing all people. All people will be continuing with their daily lives when the Rapture happens. The Rapture will come when we least expect it. No one can predict this because only God knows the time it will happen. If you know or think you know so much abut the Bible and the scripture then why ask me. I gave you an answer you asked for and I freely give my time to try to help people understand the Bible and to have a greater and better walk. Keep studying and try not to knock others who give freely their time and knowledge to others.

God Bless