Expert: Mrs. Priscilla Lyons - 12/8/2005

Question
My dear sister in the Lord.
I am coming to you again with a question
regarding Romans 11:25,26.

Am i understanding correctly that once the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, then all Israel will be saved and then it will be the rapture?

Thank you very much
May His presence continue to bless you and increase daily

Sincerely,
Cann

Answer
Dear Cann,
   The timing of the rapture, as well as other future events, are not as easily established as past history.  Israel didn't sort out the prophecies pertaining to Jesus' Christmas arrival very well, but hindsight helps us understand more clearly.  
   Rom.11:34 goes on to say, "For who hath known the mind of the Lord?" so the relationship with Israel may be difficult for us to grasp.  
   This passage seems to be concerned with Gentiles and Israelites as groups, not as individuals, so it may be that not each and every Israelite will be saved, but "all Israel" as a whole nation.
   My understanding of the time line (many Christians have various ideas about this) is that once the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, then the rapture occurs.  When the Gentile and Jewish Christians are gone in the rapture, then God turns His focus back to Israel-- the 70th week (Daniel 9:24-27) determined upon Daniel's people and upon the holy city.  Israel's 69th week ended when the Messiah was cut off, but the 70th week (vs.27) sounds like the antichrist of the Tribulation time.  The time of the Gentiles we're in now, seems to be a pause between the 69th week and 70th week.  
   Like you, I enjoy hearing the thoughts of other Christians on this subject, but I am thankful that I can trust God to always do the right thing at the right time, even though I don't understand everything by a long shot.  
   It's good to hear from you again.  
   Sincerely,
   Priscilla Lyons