My commentary title this week will likely be construed by some as audacious. “This Rapture Generation” implies that people of earth alive now are those who will, without doubt, be the generation of believers who go to Christ in the Rapture, doesn’t it?
Those who have named specific dates for that stupendous event have earned consternation down through the years, and deservedly so. Jesus Himself declared that no one but the Father knows the day or hour when it will occur. And certainly, to date, that truth has played out exactly as the Son of God—who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life—said.
Yet, at the same time, the Apostle Paul implied himself to be part of the generation that would be raptured:
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:15–18)
Paul obviously expected to be part of those who would be living when Christ calls believers to Himself in the Rapture. The pronouns used are pretty clear, aren’t they? Yet Paul has been dead for 2000 years or so, and the Rapture is still future, as we are all too aware.
So is God’s Word (the “Word” who, in fact, is the Lord Jesus Christ, according to John 1:1) less than truthful with us through the prophecy given Paul regarding the Rapture? We know the answer to that is a resounding “no.” God cannot lie, therefore we are to think through Paul’s words with our born-again, Holy Spirit-influenced discernment to understand the apparently audacious statement. Paul’s declaration was as audacious as my title for this commentary, I think.
So what is this seeming contradiction all about?
The answer, I believe, is found in another familiar statement by Paul, one we use frequently in studying the Rapture.
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:13)
I believe that wrapped up in this profound statement of faith is an instruction to all believers. During this Age of Grace (Church Age), we’re always to be earnestly expecting Jesus to snatch us from this fallen sphere at any moment. This instruction—this commandment—has been in effect since the Church was born (as presented in Acts chapter 2). Every believer since that time should treat the promise of the Rapture as if it absolutely will take place while we are still living on earth.
As a matter of fact, all who love the prospect of Christ’s appearing are promised a crown of righteousness.
With this in mind, the title, “This Rapture Generation,” is appropriate for those of us who are believers now. Jesus will come for us in the Rapture at any moment—perhaps today!
I hope to go much deeper in expressing this certainty. And we do go deeper with each and every article presented. At least that is our aim.
The signals are brilliantly projected for those with discerning spirits to understand. Our Lord is unfolding prophetic signals of such unmistakable significance that we would have to look in another direction to miss just how near we are to the Tribulation. The Rapture is thus right at the exit door of human history for believers in Jesus Christ.
Sadly, most who should be helping God’s children focus on the lateness of the hour continue to feed only pabulum about how to grow into Christian adulthood.
Such spiritual food isn’t bad, of course. The Scripture is necessary to spiritual growth. But there comes the time that requires us to take a deep look into just how late the hour is on God’s prophetic timeline. We are now very near that instant of Rapture about which we’re forewarning.
This is almost certainly the Rapture generation, and I cannot feel sheepish in declaring it.
Tell everyone you know, using your own words, the soul-saving truth encompassed by Paul’s Holy Spirit-given formula for going in the Rapture when Christ calls:
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9–10)
Terry James Prophecy Line 
Reblogged this on Truth2Freedom's Blog.
All the signs are certainly on display and seem to be increasing in intensity. The lawlessness, the earthquakes, the pestilence, the war and rumors of greater wars, the great falling away from the faith, the growing hatred of followers of Christ who hold fast to the truth, and the gospel still going out to all people. Can’t be long now. Bring about your Kingdom oh Lord in our day, in our time.
Terry while we don’t know absolutely that we will be the generation to be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, we all (believers) will take part in that event, for the dead are also ressurected at this event. The entire church will take part. Really it seems even more a miracle to be raised from the dead and then be caught up in the clouds alive. But yes, we see the signs for the approach of the tribulation, and if the rapture must take place first, then it is simple deduction that the rapture event must be sooner. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 tells us “we will ALL be changed.”
Imagine the Rapture happening in Paul’s lifetime. If it had, how small would those who are alive and remain be compared to those already ‘dead in Christ’ given Jesus had only Risen a few decades prior when Paul spoke those words.The Church was just beginning and had yet to be formed so we can clearly see his words applies to a future generation.I still maintain from a reply to a post Terry made last summer, I think the generation that sees the ‘Fig Tree’ blossom will not pass before the Son of man cometh! This not according to me, but according to Jesus’ words! Blossoming is a birthing process, analogous to describing a life generating process. Israel, the Fig Tree birthed in 1948. This generation is the WWII generation, not the Boomer generation, Gen X, Z—Millenials. It’s certainly not the WWI generation! They’re all gone, so I saw something a few days back regarding the rate at which Vets from WWII were passing is about 1300/week.There are less than 200,000 American vets alive today. Of course,there are many more people from this generation still alive, but for how long?10 years, 15, even so some will be alive to see the Son of Man coming for His Bride according to the Word of God!
Amen and Amen.
Dave Michaelson got this right above and here is more evidence.
Matthew {24:33} So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, [even] at the doors. {24:34} Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. {24:35} Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Jesus gives a detailed account of signs preceding what he said in the verses above. Clearly, he was not referring to the generation of the time he said these words because the signs hadn’t occurred. “This generation” therefore, had to be the one that saw them begin to come to pass. How do we know that? From this:
Luke: {21:28} And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. {21:29} And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; {21:30} When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves
that summer is now nigh at hand.
What about Israel and the fig tree? Is there really a symbolic connection?
Hosea {9:10} I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe
in the fig tree at her first time: [but] they went to Baal-peor, and separated themselves unto [that] shame; and [their] abominations were according as they loved.
What do YOU think?
So, if the fig tree illustration is indeed referring to Israel, then it would mean the generation that saw Israel restored in 1948 would be “this generation.” Naturally, everyone born afterward who believes in Jesus will also get to be redeemed as well.
Keep looking up!!
Thanks Ed! I think the ‘Olive Tree’ has also been used as a metaphor for Israel as Jan Markel @OliveTree Views calls her ministry. The quote here is from ONEFORISRAEL.org speaking of Israel.
THE FIG TREE AS A METAPHOR FOR ISRAEL
The fig tree is also symbollic of Israel itself – It often symbolized the health of the nation both spiritually and physically [1]. Hosea 9:10 says,
“When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your ancestors, it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree.”
Later, the Bible tells us of the glorious time when
“Judah and Israel lived in safety, every man under his vine and his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.” (1 Kings 4:25)
You are welcome, Dave and you are right in the comparisons you made. Grape vines, as we see, are also included. Thanks for this added info.
Here is what I think also has much symbolism:
Matthew {21:19} And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. {21:20} And when the disciples saw [it,] they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!
The religious leaders of Israel didn’t recognize who Jesus was and because of this, they were unfruitful. Less than 40 years later, not much time at all against the background of history, the Romans came, wiped Jerusalem out, burned and tore down the temple, and the Jews were scattered, only to return officially in 1948. Here again, we see what I think is a reference to that very event:
Matthew {24:32} Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: {24:33} So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these
things, know that it is near, [even] at the doors.
The Bible just continues to amaze me in the depth of its messages, most of them I still have yet to encounter even after all these years.
Just a thought but if Paul thought he could be raptured, then Israel being a nation wasn’t a requirement.
Thing is, Eddie, Israel was still a nation although not a free one, being under Roman occupation. That means Paul was not incorrect in thinking he could be raptured in his lifetime
The “Rapture Window” closed in 70 A.D. when Titus’ Roman legions invaded destroying it and didn’t open again until 1948 when Israel once again became a nation – free this time, despite the fact its neighbors have been trying to destroy it ever since.
So true!
I am not looking for signs,
I am listening for the
Trumpet!🕊🎺
God bless!
I so appreciate your writings. I am saved by Christ and attend church and Bible studies. Every professing believer I know is on the watchtower looking up. Also they are contending for the faith with family and friends who are not saved. Sharing the gospel is getting really difficult: like running into a brick wall! God bless you!
Yes, living on the left coast of Canada there is a lack of interest in God in many ways
Mr. James, Thank you for your ministry to all of us. I am a retired litigator so the meaning of words in statutes, written decisions and witness testimony was a central focus of my work. I am no one’s idea of a theologian. However, from an attorney’s view point, Paul’s words, specifically “that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord“ are as easily understood as stating that ‘Christians who are alive in the end times and survive until the Lord’s return’ ….. At least in my view, the words do not mandate that they be understood as we, meaning those who were alive when Paul was speaking and writing, will live to see Christ’s return. Again, Thank You.