I've come to the point where it is necessary for me to place a disclaimer at the top of each page on my site. I work tirelessly to maintain a professional website so the information it contains is easy to read and understand. For whatever reason, Weebly has ceased to function as it should and often disregards the corrections I make, not to content, but to presentation. This includes, but is not limited to, font size and spacing. I apologize for any inconvenience or unappealing aesthetics, but I do not have the time or patience to battle these irregularities ad nauseum. Weebly, itself, is of no help. My sincere apologies. God bless you, Madison.
I've created this page to provide additional scriptures and understanding about the information found on the 'Rapture of the Church' page. I did not include this information there because that page was lengthy enough on its own, but for anyone interested, these additional passages provide further insight into what Jesus was really saying.
Seven different times in scripture we find the phrase 'weeping and gnashing of teeth.' The definitions of these words from the original Greek are 'wailing and the grating of teeth in pain and rage (2805 and 1030, respectively). These seven passages are divided into two different categories: those which speak of a 'furnace of fire' and those which occur in 'outer darkness.'
Part One: Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth into Outer Darkness:
First, I want to discuss the scriptures which speak of 'weeping and gnashing' with regard to outer darkness. These scriptures are: Matthew 8:12, 22:13, 24:51, 25:30 and Luke 13:28. I do want to mention that Matthew 24:51 and 25:30 are both included in the Olivet Discourse, the back half of where Jesus speaks of the rapture. Understanding this is what led me to find all of the 'weeping' passages and to differentiate those which refer to hell from those which refer to the rapture of the church. I discuss them here sequentially as they are found in scripture.
Matthew 8:12 is found in a larger passage which begins in verse 5 and tells the story of the Roman centurion who had enormous faith. Beginning in verse 10, Jesus makes a distinction between those who believe what He says and those who don't. In verse 11, He tells us that 'many will come from the east and the west and will recline with Abraham and Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven; v.12. but the sons of the kingdom shall be cast out into the outer darkness (ejected into exterior obscurity 1544/1857/4655), there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
BOTH groups of people, those who come from all parts of the earth, reclining with Abraham AND those who are cast into outer darkness, are ALL children of the Kingdom. Both groups belong to Jesus. So, why is one group gathered from the earth (raptured) and the other group ejected into outer obscurity?
In this passage, Jesus was talking about faith, the ability to trust Him. Those who are gathered/raptured from the earth are those who believe His promise to deliver/protect them from God's wrath as 1 Thessalonians 5:9/1 Thessalonians 1:10/John 3:36 states. Those sons of the kingdom who failed to believe Jesus' promise are the ones who are ejected into outer obscurity. In other words, they are separated from the larger group and will experience wailing and the grating of teeth in pain and rage. Won't those who miss the rapture be crying out in disbelief, gritting their teeth in rage at the pain of being left behind?
It's worth noting that this conversation was between Jesus and a Gentile. Gentiles would eventually comprise nearly all of the church. Just sayin.'
Matthew 22:13 is part of a story which begins in verse 1. It states that the kingdom of heaven is like a king who has prepared a wedding feast, but no one is interested in feasting with him, so the king destroyed them all (Personally, I think this represents those destroyed in Noah's flood, but this is my opinion only). Then, in verse 9, the king sends His slaves out to invite 'as many as they can find.' (I believe this references the evangelistic efforts of the church). The slaves invited both good and evil people until the wedding feast (church) was filled with reclining guests. Upon inspection, however, the king comes upon a guest who did not come to the wedding feast in the proper clothing, the wedding garments. This guest was unprepared to participate in the feast. The king orders the man bound and thrown into 'outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' Jesus states that many people are called, but few are chosen (choose Jesus for themselves).
Yes, this parable is talking about the kingdom of heaven, but the rapture also deals with the kingdom of heaven! In this story Jesus makes the same distinction here that He made in the parable of the centurion. There are those who are prepared and those who aren't. Since there is no mention of any fiery furnace, only the presence of the outer darkness with weeping and gnashing, this parable refers to the rapture of the church. Those who do not make the rapture are those who are not dressed in wedding garments, those who are unprepared, and will be the those wailing and gritting their teeth in pain and rage.
Matthew 24:51 is a scripture contained within a larger passage which tells two separate parables. The passage begins in Matthew 24:42. One parable speaks to being prepared for a thief, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, the other is about faithful and wise servants versus wicked servants. Notice that both the faithful AND the wicked are servants. However, the wicked servants, the ones who tell themselves that the Master delays His coming are NOT prepared for the Master's return. It is the wicked servant who will be 'cut in two and have his portion appointed with the hypocrites where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." The words 'cut in two' are one word in the Greek language and are defined as 'severely flog/bisect' (1371). In this scripture the wicked servant will be bisected from the faithful servants, separated from the body of Christ. What event will separate the church, blessing some servants withOUT placing the wicked servants in the fires of hell?
The word 'hypocrite' is defined by the Greek language as 'an actor under an assumed character (stage player), dissembler (a person who professes beliefs and opinions that he or she does not hold in order to conceal his or her real feelings or motives (5273). God sees the wicked servants, those who did NOT watch for His coming, as actors playing a part. The way I understand the entirety of rapture scriptures is NOT that these wicked servants lose their salvation. It is that they are given a final chance to get right with God during the tribulation, a period during which many will 'fall away' (defect from truth/forsake [God] 646; 2 Thess. 2:3) and the 'love of many will grow cold' Matthew 23:12.
I do want to mention that these 9 verses contain 4 warnings about being ready for the coming of Christ to collect the church. As explained in the other article on this site, Rapture of Christ's Church, a mid and post tribulation are not worthy of consideration because the days of those events can be calculated, contradicting scripture that NO man knows the DAY or hour of the Lord's coming. The warnings for watchfulness are in verses 42, 44, 50.
If you should be one of the servants who is telling everyone that there is no rapture or that the rapture will happen mid or post tribulation, you might want to look at your position in light of these passages which speak to not being prepared. Just saying.
I include Matthew 25:1-13 here, even though it does NOT say anything about weeping and gnashing. It does, however, tell the parable of the ten virgins which is an entire story about being prepared for the coming of Christ to rapture the church. Please remember, these parables are all in the context of the rapture, NOT the second coming. The second coming is preceded by many many events by which one can gauge the passage of time and does not qualify as an event of which no one knows the day or our. In fact, at one point, Jesus includes in his description of the second coming, a famous quote of His, "But when these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." Luke 21:28. So, here, in a passage which speaks of the second coming, Jesus is NOT telling people that no one knows the day or hour. He's saying the opposite!
Matthew 25:30 is included in a passage continued from Matthew 24, a huge section of scripture which speaks to being ready for the rapture of the church. The parable of the talents begins in verse 25:14 and ends in verse 30 with "the worthless slave being thrown into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." The worthless slave of course, is the one who was not prepared for the Master's return. This just isn't that hard.
The last of the scriptures which deal with 'weeping and gnashing' without fire is found in Luke 13:28. The entire passage in which this scripture is located begins in Luke 13:22 and continues until verse 13:30. The usage of the phrase 'weeping and gnashing' in Luke is a little different from those found in Matthew because it calls those 'thrust outside' the 'workers of unrighteousness' (toiler of moral wrongfulness 2040/93) instead of servants. Even so, the passage still identifies the unrighteous as part of the church because of what Jesus says in verse 30: "there are last ones who will be first, and there are first ones who will be last." This statement references church hierarchy. Also, this passage describes in verse 29, that those who are gathered from the east to the west are those who will 'weep and gnash their teeth when they SEE Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, along with all the prophets, reclining in the kingdom of God. The 'weeping and gnashing' will take place when the unrighteous are thrust outside where they can see into heaven. This 'outside' is where the 'weeping and gnashing of teeth' will be. The 'unrighteous' would have had no hope of ever being on the 'inside' if they were not people who considered themselves 'believers.' I'll make a side note here to say that 1 Peter 4:17-19 makes a similar distinction when it separates the 'holy' from the 'ungodly' AND 'sinners.' This passage is discussed in greater detail farther down this page.
So, there remains only one detail which fails to match the other 'non fiery furnace' usages of 'weeping and gnashing.' It is that directly within this passage there is nothing said about being prepared and watchful for the return of the Master. The only thing which references a timing constraint is found in verse 25 where the Master shuts the door to those on the outside where they begin to knock so as to gain entrance. Jesus says the Master sends the unrighteous away because, even though they were convinced they knew Him, He didn't know them. Sounds a great deal like the hypocrites discussed in Matthew 24:51, those play acting a part. Here again, what other event separates the church from itself, giving blessing to some and throwing others into the darkness where they will wail and gnash their teeth in pain and rage?
I do want to make note that even though this particular passage does not mention preparedness and watchfulness within its personal scope, much of chapter 12 in the book of Luke, the one immediately preceding this chapter, is NOTHING but parables which speak of being prepared for the return of the Master. It appears as if Luke simply has a different writing style from Matthew.
Final note of 'weeping and gnashing' without mention of fiery furnace: There are literally dozens of verses caught within the reach of 'weeping and gnashing' which speak countless times of the need for watchfulness and preparedness. This only makes sense if one is UNaware of the day and hour at which an event will occur. I've already explained why a mid or post-trib rapture are not scripturally conceivable (see other reasons on the page titled Rapture of Christ's Church). The only timing made available by the Bible itself is a PRE-Tribulation rapture. Please remember, these verses were ALL spoken by Jesus Himself. When Jesus said, in John 14:1 to believe in Him the same as you do in God, He wasn't kidding around! He's done everything He could to tell us what we need to know so that we can be ready! Anyone who puts off the timing of the rapture, or the event itself, runs the risk of being one of the unrighteous who is separated from the church and left in weeping and gnashing agony.
Practical Application of ‘Weeping and Gnashing’ in Outer Darkness:
In order to explain what I believe scripture is telling us, I must first mention some other scriptures which, at first glance seem unrelated, but, in fact, are incredibly important to this subject. In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus tells a story of how a spoiled rich man, who died and went to hell, could see those in heaven. The heavenly realm was visible to someone not in heaven. Also, in 2 Kings 6:17, we read the account of God giving supernatural sight to a mere human. Elisha asked that God allow his servant to see the supernatural beings who were present to protect them. God opened the servant’s eyes and his fear was assuaged. Revelation 6:12-17 and 11:19 tell us that God will give humans sight into the supernatural realm of heaven. I mention these scriptures because they set precedent that God gives people sight into the heavenly realms when He chooses to do so.
Two of our ‘outer darkness’ passages, Matthew 8:12 and Luke 13:28, make mention of either reclining with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, OR the ability to see them where they recline in heaven. This becomes very important as my explanation proceeds.
First, however, I need to address another misunderstanding about the rapture. 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 speaks of the changing of our bodies from corruptible to incorruptible. Nearly every Christian believes this change happens at the rapture of the church. However, that is NOT what scripture teaches. 1 Corinthians 15:52 tells us that this change happens at the LAST (farthest, final (of place or time) 2078) trumpet. The LAST trumpet, the seventh of seven, is described in Revelation 11:15. This final trumpet is sounded at the SECOND COMING, not the rapture of the church (please see reason #17 on this page for additional explanation: http://www.madisonwilloughby.com/the-rapture-of-the-church.html). This change in our bodies, from perishable to immortal, which happens in the twinkling of an eye (uncut, indivisible, an atom of time 823), will NOT happen at the rapture, but when Jesus returns to earth, prepared for battle, at the ‘gathering’ (complete collection 1997) of Believers described in 2 Thessalonians 2:1.
Here’s why these seemingly unrelated scriptures are important: because the rapture is not limited to an ‘indivisible atom of time,’ I understand Matthew 8:12 and Luke 13:28 to mean that the rapture will occur in an amount of time which allows those failing to leave earth with the church, to look upward into the heavens and see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. In the span of time deemed necessary by God, the realization that they did not get to leave with the church will hit those who fail to trust Jesus for their deliverance. In that moment, they will recognize their lack of trust in Jesus to be the reason they remain on earth. In that moment, there will be such wailing and gritting of teeth in pain and rage, that many of these Believers will ‘fall away’ from their faith as 2 Thessalonians 2:3 describes.
Now, those weeping and gnashing their teeth are ‘thrown into outer darkness’ (ejected into EXTERIOR OBSCURITY 1544/1857/4655). Remaining on earth, after the church has been raptured, during the most horrific time in human history, will be an ‘exterior obscurity’ compared to the inclusion and light of heaven.
‘Obscurity is defined by an online dictionary as ‘the state of being unknown, inconspicuous or unimportant.’ Those who fail to trust Jesus for deliverance are unknown to Him. This is the reason they get left behind when Jesus rescues the church. This is the reason these five scriptures which speak of weeping and gnashing all speak of the church. God’s judgment begins with the church (1 Peter 4:17), and they who remain willful and perverse in their disbelief are considered disobedient and will remain for God’s wrath. John 3:36!
In Matthew 7:21-23, we find another passage of scripture which seems unrelated, but closer inspection clearly demonstrates how related it truly is. The scriptures which precede it speak of bearing good fruit, but those which come after compare people who obey Jesus to the wise man who built his house on the rock. Keeping the context in mind, here is what 7:21-23 says, “Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter into the kingdom of Heaven, but the ones who do the will of My Father in Heaven. v.22. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name do many works of power? v. 23. And then, I will declare to them, “I never KNEW you; DEPART from Me, those working lawlessness!” (For without faith it is impossible to please God Hebrews 11:6).
This short passage of scripture indicates that the rapture will take place at a speed which allows a brief conversation between Jesus and those who failed to trust Him. Isn’t it interesting that Jesus tells them to depart, ejecting them from His presence like Luke 17 describes those who are left (lay aside, send away 863)? Isn't it interesting that Jesus references ‘those working lawlessness’ as those people who believe themselves to be saved? Jesus does not know these ‘saved’ people who work lawlessness. These people have ‘fruits’ as described in verses 7:15-20, but they are evil fruits, fruits unrecognized by Jesus. This is the reason He doesn’t know them. In other words, playing the part of a Christian doesn’t get you into heaven. What does get you into heaven? Jesus clearly states that doing the will (determination, choice, purpose, decree 2307) of God is what gets a person into heaven. What is God’s will? It is to trust Jesus for your salvation (rescue, deliverance 4991). For the church, salvation (rescue, deliverance 4991) comes at the rapture. For those who remain behind, salvation is at the second coming of Jesus IF they can remain faithful and trust Jesus to save them.
People who who believe Jesus will come at mid or post tribulation timing, telling themselves that Jesus delays His coming, are taking a chance with their eternal salvation. They do not realize this, and they are Unwilling to listen. Christians hate it when scripture gets in the way of what they believe. God takes the rapture much more seriously than most Christians realize.
As a bonus thought regarding the practical application of the 'weeping and gnashing' scriptures, I want to add this: I have always thought it odd that when Jesus taught about the rapture in Luke 17:26-37, He made such statements as, "let him not come down to take goods from his house, ...and let him not return to the things behind." (verse 31). I thought these two sentences were odd because the rapture happened 'in the twinkling of an eye,' and there couldn't possibly be any time to behave in such a way. Now, however, that I understand the the rapture will NOT be an instantaneous event, but will move at such a speed that there will be sight given into heaven, and conversations will be had between Jesus and those who aren't leaving, it makes much more sense that there is time for such behavior to take place.
I believe, these two sentences are a special warning for those who ARE trusting Jesus to deliver them in the rapture. I think it ties back to John 12:25-26, "The one who loves his soul (animal sentient principle only 5590) loses it: and he who hates ( to detest, to love less 3404) his soul in this world will keep it to everlasting life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will also be (1 Thessalonians 4:17). And if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him."
I think that Jesus is saying that part of our watchfulness includes being willing to let go of this life, that there is nothing behind us worth staying for, worth going back for, worth putting ahead of Jesus. I think this is His warning that we should NOT behave like Lot's wife and look back at the life we are leaving. (Genesis 19:26). It is no coincidence that Lot's wife was turned into a pillar of salt and lost her deliverance during God's rescue mission. Choose wisely, people and truly be prepared!
Part Two: Weeping and Gnashing with Furnace of Fire:
There are two scriptures which speak of weeping and gnashing of teeth within the context of a 'fiery furnace.' Let's look at those so the difference between them and the passages above will be stark and impactful.
Matthew 13:42 is part of a larger passage which begins in 13:36 and ends in 13:43. This is the parable of the damel. In verse 13:40, Jesus says, 'as the damel is gathered and is consumed in the fire, so it will be in the end of this age (perpetuity, by implication, the world/ a particular period or interval 165/5550). The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all the offenses and those who practice lawlessness. And they will be thrown into the furnace of fire; there will be weeping and gnashing of the teeth. Then the righteous will shine out like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. The ONE having ears to hear, let him HEAR. "
First, Jesus clearly states that this happens at the end of the world, which means after His second coming. The world does NOT end at the rapture! These are two very different events with two very different descriptions.
Second, Jesus does NOT describe those gathered by His angels as part of the CHURCH. He states they are 'those who practice lawlessness." When Jesus described those he refused in the Matthew passages, He called them servants, and in Luke 13:28, He called them unrighteous. When Jesus told to depart those who called out to Him, He called them 'those who practice lawlessness" but these people believed themselves to be part of the church. They even identified the miracles they'd done in His name. This group of lawless ones in 13:42, gathered by the angels, don't even get a chance to speak with God. The angels scoop them up and toss them into the furnace of fire.
Third, 'those who practice lawlessness' will be weeping and gnashing their teeth in a 'furnace of fire.' Jesus never said anything remotely like this in the other group of scriptures. Fire is NEVER mentioned.
Fourth, this passage states the righteous will shine in the kingdom of their Father. The only thing Jesus said about the righteous in the other group of scriptures is that they would recline with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the prophets. Here, however, the righteous come into the glory God has promised since creation!
Fifth, there is nothing said in this passage about watchfulness or preparedness. Why? Because it's the end of the world, Jesus has returned to earth to sort the wicked and righteous for the final time, and as this passage indicates, judgement has already been made. There is nothing left for which to be watchful.
The final scripture which mentions 'weeping and gnashing of teeth' is found in Matthew 13:50. It's larger passage runs from 13:47 to 13:50, the parable of the fishing net. This passage also clearly states that it happens at the end of the world (age) verse 49, the angels will separate the wicked from the righteous, and the wicked will "be thrown into the furnace of fire; there will be weeping and gnashing of the teeth."
This passage differs from the other group for the same reasons listed for Matthew 13:42, all except for the righteous shining.
Final note on 'weeping and gnashing' with fiery furnace: Until this study, I never understood how 'outer darkness' could exist with a 'furnace of fire." It didn't make sense. After all, people light fires for heat and LIGHT, right? So, how could a 'furnace of fire' be explained as 'outer darkness?" Now, that I've studied the subject it is so easy to understand. Outer Darkness and the Furnace of Fire don't exist at the same time or even the same location! They are placed separately on God's time line. Once the church, the faithful servants, leave this earth, this world will get very dark very quickly and will be 'outer darkness' compared to the light and glory of heaven! It all makes perfect sense now that I've taken the time to understand it.
When you combine the evidence here with the evidence on the page, Rapture of the Church, it becomes obvious that Jesus considered the rapture an extremely important event. He devoted massive chunks of scripture to the rapture and all of the rapture scriptures show that the rapture will happen PRIOR to the tribulation. The occurrence of 'outer darkness' weeping and gnashing align themselves with the 'falling away' (to defect from truth/forsake 646) spoken of in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, which happens PRIOR to the man of lawlessness being revealed to the world BEFORE the tribulation begins. Matthew 23:12 tells us the love of many will grow cold due to the increase in lawlessness. Most Christians do NOT understand the simple truth of the rapture's importance.
When you stop to compare the five passages of 'outer darkness' with the two that speak of a 'furnace of fire' their differences become OVERT. Anyone who fails to see the differences does so willfully. This is the reason Jesus called them wicked servants. Remember, Jesus said, "The one having ears, let him hear." Matthew 13:43
In other words, if you miss this, it's on you.
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1 Peter 4:17-19 Here is the Interlinear Version with the definition of the original Greek next to the English words. Now, we can identify the differences between the original language and modern translations. Doing so, provides a lot of insight into these verses.
17. Because the time (set time 2540) has come to begin (commence 756) the judgment (a decision against crime 2917) from the house (dwelling 3624) of God; and if firstly (first of all 4412) from (away, separation, departure 575) us (our company 2257), what will be the end (conclusion of an act or state, limit, termination (literally or figuratively), result [ultimate or prophetic] 5056) of those disobeying (disbelieve, willfully and perversely 544) the gospel (the good message 2098) of God? 18. And if the righteous (innocent/holy 1342) is scarcely saved (deliver, protect 4982) where will the ungodly (irreverent [showing a lack of respect for something generally taken seriously online dictionary], impious {not showing respect or reverence, especially for a god online dictionary], wicked 765) and sinner appear (be seen 5316)? 19. So, as indeed (therefore, as follows, 5620) those suffering (to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful) 3958) according (down in place or time, according as to 2596) to God’s will (a determination, choice (specifically purpose or decree) 2307), as to a faithful (trustworthy 4103) Creator (founder, author of all things 2939), let them commit (to place alongside, by implication to deposit as a trust or for protection, commit (the keeping of) 3908) their souls (breath, spirit (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished from 4151 which is the rational, immortal soul and from 2222 which is mere vitality 5590) in well-doing (virtue 16).”
Now, let’s substitute the definitions of the original Greek and see how this verse breaks down:
v17. Because the set time has come to commence a decision against crime from the house of God; and if first of all our company is away/separated/departed, what will be the concluding result of those willfully and perversely disbelieving the good message of God? v18. And if the innocent/holy is scarcely delivered/protected where will the ungodly (irreverent/impious) AND sinner be seen? v19. As follows, those experiencing a painful impression in place and time with God’s determination/purpose/decree, as to a trustworthy founder/author of all things, let them deposit for trust or for protection, their breath/spirit in virtue (behavior showing high moral standards (online dictionary).
Verse 17. We know that the set time is the ‘nearing of the end of all things’ from verse 7. God has set this time to begin His decision against the crime of the church. Peter states that the church, our company, is away/separated/departed, so the church is separated from itself and departed. How does that happen? What event ‘near the end of all things’ separates the church from itself and involves a departure? The rapture, of course. Peter tells us that this separation of the church is the FIRST thing to happen, so where does that put the rapture in relation to the ‘appearance of the ungodly AND the sinner? It puts the rapture PRIOR to the appearance of the ungodly and sinner. So, the rapture happens first.
Verse 18. If the innocent/holy are scarcely delivered/protected where will the ungodly (irreverent/impious) AND sinner be seen? Notice that Peter differentiates between the ungodly, those who are irreverent toward God, and the sinners. Why are these groups of people seen anywhere? Well, Jesus just raptured the church, and those who didn’t leave with Him aren’t dead, so they are seen here on earth. They remain where they were because they didn’t leave in the rapture.
Verse 19. ‘As follows/therefore,” those seen here on earth, experience a painful impression in place and time with God’s decree/purpose, because He’s the trustworthy author of all things, that they can deposit their breath/spirit into Him for protection. This speaks of the tribulation and God’s call of salvation to those who enter it.
This very short passage, standing alone, is enough to prove the pre-trib rapture.
But there’s more: John 3:36 "The one believing (to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ 4100) into the Son has everlasting life; but the one disobeying (disbelieve (willfully and perversely) 544) the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on Him."
The definition of the word 'perverse' is a deliberate or obstinate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable or unacceptable, often despite of the consequences (online dictionary).
This scripture is from a larger passage which speaks of Jesus' supremacy over anything earthly because He comes from heaven, and what Jesus’ testimony is what God sent Him to speak. This scripture does not speak directly to the Rapture like the other scriptures, but to the authority with which Jesus speaks.
Notice how Jesus says either you believe OR you disobey? The bulk of the passages dealing with the rapture are spoken by Jesus. If you willfully disbelieve what Jesus says about this extremely important event, this scripture tells you that the wrath of God will remain on you because you are disobedient. The word 'wrath' used in this verse is the same word, with the same definition as the word 'wrath' in 1 Thessalonians 5:9 (defined as ‘violent passion (ire, or [justifiable] abhorrence; by implication PUNISHMENT: VENGEANCE 3709).
I am not saying that believing in a pre-trib rapture is necessary for salvation, nor am I saying that failure to believe in a pre-trib rapture means you go to hell. I AM saying, through the sum total of all rapture scriptures, plus this one, that WILLFULLY disbelieving Jesus' words regarding the rapture will leave you on earth to face God's wrath along with Israel. Jesus just said it Himself in this scripture! John3:36 says the same thing as 1 Peter 4:17: “Because the set time has come to commence a decision against crime from the house of God; and if first of all our company is separated/departed, what will be the concluding result of those willfully and perversely disbelieving the good message of God?”
Is Jesus’ promise to deliver/rescue us from God’s wrath good news? Of course, it is. Is God’s wrath limited to hell? No, it isn’t. 1 Thessalonians 5:9, a passage of scripture which speaks of the rapture of the church, tells us that Believers are not appointed to God’s wrath (during the tribulation), but to obtaining salvation, which again echoes John 3:36. God’s word is so cohesive!
If you fail to trust Jesus’ promise to deliver you, then you are, according to this scripture, disobedient (willfully and perversely disbelieving!). If, however, you trust Jesus’ promise to deliver you, then your salvation is secured at the rapture and you are off to heaven, escaping God’s wrath as Jesus describes in Luke 21:36.
Jesus reaffirms all of His own words in John 14:1 where He exhorts us to not only believe in God, but to ALSO believe in Him. These words were spoken in a short passage in which Jesus states that He will receive us unto Himself and take us to a dwelling place He has prepared for us.
Christians do NOT understand the importance of the rapture. They take it for granted they will leave whenever it happens, and it will all ‘pan’ out in the end. The truth is this: what you believe about the rapture has tremendous importance on whether you leave with Jesus or stay behind for the tribulation. This Rapture: Additional Scriptures page is here for the sole intent of explaining this overlooked truth. The tribulation is a destination of your own choosing, just the same as each person decides for themselves whether they will live eternally in heaven or hell. Let me urgently encourage you to trust Jesus’ promise to deliver/rescue us from the events of God’s wrath as described in Revelation 6-22. If we miss the one-time rapture event, we are stuck on earth to endure the atrocities of that time. There are no mulligans where the rapture is concerned.
I've created this page to provide additional scriptures and understanding about the information found on the 'Rapture of the Church' page. I did not include this information there because that page was lengthy enough on its own, but for anyone interested, these additional passages provide further insight into what Jesus was really saying.
Seven different times in scripture we find the phrase 'weeping and gnashing of teeth.' The definitions of these words from the original Greek are 'wailing and the grating of teeth in pain and rage (2805 and 1030, respectively). These seven passages are divided into two different categories: those which speak of a 'furnace of fire' and those which occur in 'outer darkness.'
Part One: Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth into Outer Darkness:
First, I want to discuss the scriptures which speak of 'weeping and gnashing' with regard to outer darkness. These scriptures are: Matthew 8:12, 22:13, 24:51, 25:30 and Luke 13:28. I do want to mention that Matthew 24:51 and 25:30 are both included in the Olivet Discourse, the back half of where Jesus speaks of the rapture. Understanding this is what led me to find all of the 'weeping' passages and to differentiate those which refer to hell from those which refer to the rapture of the church. I discuss them here sequentially as they are found in scripture.
Matthew 8:12 is found in a larger passage which begins in verse 5 and tells the story of the Roman centurion who had enormous faith. Beginning in verse 10, Jesus makes a distinction between those who believe what He says and those who don't. In verse 11, He tells us that 'many will come from the east and the west and will recline with Abraham and Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven; v.12. but the sons of the kingdom shall be cast out into the outer darkness (ejected into exterior obscurity 1544/1857/4655), there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
BOTH groups of people, those who come from all parts of the earth, reclining with Abraham AND those who are cast into outer darkness, are ALL children of the Kingdom. Both groups belong to Jesus. So, why is one group gathered from the earth (raptured) and the other group ejected into outer obscurity?
In this passage, Jesus was talking about faith, the ability to trust Him. Those who are gathered/raptured from the earth are those who believe His promise to deliver/protect them from God's wrath as 1 Thessalonians 5:9/1 Thessalonians 1:10/John 3:36 states. Those sons of the kingdom who failed to believe Jesus' promise are the ones who are ejected into outer obscurity. In other words, they are separated from the larger group and will experience wailing and the grating of teeth in pain and rage. Won't those who miss the rapture be crying out in disbelief, gritting their teeth in rage at the pain of being left behind?
It's worth noting that this conversation was between Jesus and a Gentile. Gentiles would eventually comprise nearly all of the church. Just sayin.'
Matthew 22:13 is part of a story which begins in verse 1. It states that the kingdom of heaven is like a king who has prepared a wedding feast, but no one is interested in feasting with him, so the king destroyed them all (Personally, I think this represents those destroyed in Noah's flood, but this is my opinion only). Then, in verse 9, the king sends His slaves out to invite 'as many as they can find.' (I believe this references the evangelistic efforts of the church). The slaves invited both good and evil people until the wedding feast (church) was filled with reclining guests. Upon inspection, however, the king comes upon a guest who did not come to the wedding feast in the proper clothing, the wedding garments. This guest was unprepared to participate in the feast. The king orders the man bound and thrown into 'outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' Jesus states that many people are called, but few are chosen (choose Jesus for themselves).
Yes, this parable is talking about the kingdom of heaven, but the rapture also deals with the kingdom of heaven! In this story Jesus makes the same distinction here that He made in the parable of the centurion. There are those who are prepared and those who aren't. Since there is no mention of any fiery furnace, only the presence of the outer darkness with weeping and gnashing, this parable refers to the rapture of the church. Those who do not make the rapture are those who are not dressed in wedding garments, those who are unprepared, and will be the those wailing and gritting their teeth in pain and rage.
Matthew 24:51 is a scripture contained within a larger passage which tells two separate parables. The passage begins in Matthew 24:42. One parable speaks to being prepared for a thief, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, the other is about faithful and wise servants versus wicked servants. Notice that both the faithful AND the wicked are servants. However, the wicked servants, the ones who tell themselves that the Master delays His coming are NOT prepared for the Master's return. It is the wicked servant who will be 'cut in two and have his portion appointed with the hypocrites where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." The words 'cut in two' are one word in the Greek language and are defined as 'severely flog/bisect' (1371). In this scripture the wicked servant will be bisected from the faithful servants, separated from the body of Christ. What event will separate the church, blessing some servants withOUT placing the wicked servants in the fires of hell?
The word 'hypocrite' is defined by the Greek language as 'an actor under an assumed character (stage player), dissembler (a person who professes beliefs and opinions that he or she does not hold in order to conceal his or her real feelings or motives (5273). God sees the wicked servants, those who did NOT watch for His coming, as actors playing a part. The way I understand the entirety of rapture scriptures is NOT that these wicked servants lose their salvation. It is that they are given a final chance to get right with God during the tribulation, a period during which many will 'fall away' (defect from truth/forsake [God] 646; 2 Thess. 2:3) and the 'love of many will grow cold' Matthew 23:12.
I do want to mention that these 9 verses contain 4 warnings about being ready for the coming of Christ to collect the church. As explained in the other article on this site, Rapture of Christ's Church, a mid and post tribulation are not worthy of consideration because the days of those events can be calculated, contradicting scripture that NO man knows the DAY or hour of the Lord's coming. The warnings for watchfulness are in verses 42, 44, 50.
If you should be one of the servants who is telling everyone that there is no rapture or that the rapture will happen mid or post tribulation, you might want to look at your position in light of these passages which speak to not being prepared. Just saying.
I include Matthew 25:1-13 here, even though it does NOT say anything about weeping and gnashing. It does, however, tell the parable of the ten virgins which is an entire story about being prepared for the coming of Christ to rapture the church. Please remember, these parables are all in the context of the rapture, NOT the second coming. The second coming is preceded by many many events by which one can gauge the passage of time and does not qualify as an event of which no one knows the day or our. In fact, at one point, Jesus includes in his description of the second coming, a famous quote of His, "But when these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." Luke 21:28. So, here, in a passage which speaks of the second coming, Jesus is NOT telling people that no one knows the day or hour. He's saying the opposite!
Matthew 25:30 is included in a passage continued from Matthew 24, a huge section of scripture which speaks to being ready for the rapture of the church. The parable of the talents begins in verse 25:14 and ends in verse 30 with "the worthless slave being thrown into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." The worthless slave of course, is the one who was not prepared for the Master's return. This just isn't that hard.
The last of the scriptures which deal with 'weeping and gnashing' without fire is found in Luke 13:28. The entire passage in which this scripture is located begins in Luke 13:22 and continues until verse 13:30. The usage of the phrase 'weeping and gnashing' in Luke is a little different from those found in Matthew because it calls those 'thrust outside' the 'workers of unrighteousness' (toiler of moral wrongfulness 2040/93) instead of servants. Even so, the passage still identifies the unrighteous as part of the church because of what Jesus says in verse 30: "there are last ones who will be first, and there are first ones who will be last." This statement references church hierarchy. Also, this passage describes in verse 29, that those who are gathered from the east to the west are those who will 'weep and gnash their teeth when they SEE Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, along with all the prophets, reclining in the kingdom of God. The 'weeping and gnashing' will take place when the unrighteous are thrust outside where they can see into heaven. This 'outside' is where the 'weeping and gnashing of teeth' will be. The 'unrighteous' would have had no hope of ever being on the 'inside' if they were not people who considered themselves 'believers.' I'll make a side note here to say that 1 Peter 4:17-19 makes a similar distinction when it separates the 'holy' from the 'ungodly' AND 'sinners.' This passage is discussed in greater detail farther down this page.
So, there remains only one detail which fails to match the other 'non fiery furnace' usages of 'weeping and gnashing.' It is that directly within this passage there is nothing said about being prepared and watchful for the return of the Master. The only thing which references a timing constraint is found in verse 25 where the Master shuts the door to those on the outside where they begin to knock so as to gain entrance. Jesus says the Master sends the unrighteous away because, even though they were convinced they knew Him, He didn't know them. Sounds a great deal like the hypocrites discussed in Matthew 24:51, those play acting a part. Here again, what other event separates the church from itself, giving blessing to some and throwing others into the darkness where they will wail and gnash their teeth in pain and rage?
I do want to make note that even though this particular passage does not mention preparedness and watchfulness within its personal scope, much of chapter 12 in the book of Luke, the one immediately preceding this chapter, is NOTHING but parables which speak of being prepared for the return of the Master. It appears as if Luke simply has a different writing style from Matthew.
Final note of 'weeping and gnashing' without mention of fiery furnace: There are literally dozens of verses caught within the reach of 'weeping and gnashing' which speak countless times of the need for watchfulness and preparedness. This only makes sense if one is UNaware of the day and hour at which an event will occur. I've already explained why a mid or post-trib rapture are not scripturally conceivable (see other reasons on the page titled Rapture of Christ's Church). The only timing made available by the Bible itself is a PRE-Tribulation rapture. Please remember, these verses were ALL spoken by Jesus Himself. When Jesus said, in John 14:1 to believe in Him the same as you do in God, He wasn't kidding around! He's done everything He could to tell us what we need to know so that we can be ready! Anyone who puts off the timing of the rapture, or the event itself, runs the risk of being one of the unrighteous who is separated from the church and left in weeping and gnashing agony.
Practical Application of ‘Weeping and Gnashing’ in Outer Darkness:
In order to explain what I believe scripture is telling us, I must first mention some other scriptures which, at first glance seem unrelated, but, in fact, are incredibly important to this subject. In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus tells a story of how a spoiled rich man, who died and went to hell, could see those in heaven. The heavenly realm was visible to someone not in heaven. Also, in 2 Kings 6:17, we read the account of God giving supernatural sight to a mere human. Elisha asked that God allow his servant to see the supernatural beings who were present to protect them. God opened the servant’s eyes and his fear was assuaged. Revelation 6:12-17 and 11:19 tell us that God will give humans sight into the supernatural realm of heaven. I mention these scriptures because they set precedent that God gives people sight into the heavenly realms when He chooses to do so.
Two of our ‘outer darkness’ passages, Matthew 8:12 and Luke 13:28, make mention of either reclining with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, OR the ability to see them where they recline in heaven. This becomes very important as my explanation proceeds.
First, however, I need to address another misunderstanding about the rapture. 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 speaks of the changing of our bodies from corruptible to incorruptible. Nearly every Christian believes this change happens at the rapture of the church. However, that is NOT what scripture teaches. 1 Corinthians 15:52 tells us that this change happens at the LAST (farthest, final (of place or time) 2078) trumpet. The LAST trumpet, the seventh of seven, is described in Revelation 11:15. This final trumpet is sounded at the SECOND COMING, not the rapture of the church (please see reason #17 on this page for additional explanation: http://www.madisonwilloughby.com/the-rapture-of-the-church.html). This change in our bodies, from perishable to immortal, which happens in the twinkling of an eye (uncut, indivisible, an atom of time 823), will NOT happen at the rapture, but when Jesus returns to earth, prepared for battle, at the ‘gathering’ (complete collection 1997) of Believers described in 2 Thessalonians 2:1.
Here’s why these seemingly unrelated scriptures are important: because the rapture is not limited to an ‘indivisible atom of time,’ I understand Matthew 8:12 and Luke 13:28 to mean that the rapture will occur in an amount of time which allows those failing to leave earth with the church, to look upward into the heavens and see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. In the span of time deemed necessary by God, the realization that they did not get to leave with the church will hit those who fail to trust Jesus for their deliverance. In that moment, they will recognize their lack of trust in Jesus to be the reason they remain on earth. In that moment, there will be such wailing and gritting of teeth in pain and rage, that many of these Believers will ‘fall away’ from their faith as 2 Thessalonians 2:3 describes.
Now, those weeping and gnashing their teeth are ‘thrown into outer darkness’ (ejected into EXTERIOR OBSCURITY 1544/1857/4655). Remaining on earth, after the church has been raptured, during the most horrific time in human history, will be an ‘exterior obscurity’ compared to the inclusion and light of heaven.
‘Obscurity is defined by an online dictionary as ‘the state of being unknown, inconspicuous or unimportant.’ Those who fail to trust Jesus for deliverance are unknown to Him. This is the reason they get left behind when Jesus rescues the church. This is the reason these five scriptures which speak of weeping and gnashing all speak of the church. God’s judgment begins with the church (1 Peter 4:17), and they who remain willful and perverse in their disbelief are considered disobedient and will remain for God’s wrath. John 3:36!
In Matthew 7:21-23, we find another passage of scripture which seems unrelated, but closer inspection clearly demonstrates how related it truly is. The scriptures which precede it speak of bearing good fruit, but those which come after compare people who obey Jesus to the wise man who built his house on the rock. Keeping the context in mind, here is what 7:21-23 says, “Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter into the kingdom of Heaven, but the ones who do the will of My Father in Heaven. v.22. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name do many works of power? v. 23. And then, I will declare to them, “I never KNEW you; DEPART from Me, those working lawlessness!” (For without faith it is impossible to please God Hebrews 11:6).
This short passage of scripture indicates that the rapture will take place at a speed which allows a brief conversation between Jesus and those who failed to trust Him. Isn’t it interesting that Jesus tells them to depart, ejecting them from His presence like Luke 17 describes those who are left (lay aside, send away 863)? Isn't it interesting that Jesus references ‘those working lawlessness’ as those people who believe themselves to be saved? Jesus does not know these ‘saved’ people who work lawlessness. These people have ‘fruits’ as described in verses 7:15-20, but they are evil fruits, fruits unrecognized by Jesus. This is the reason He doesn’t know them. In other words, playing the part of a Christian doesn’t get you into heaven. What does get you into heaven? Jesus clearly states that doing the will (determination, choice, purpose, decree 2307) of God is what gets a person into heaven. What is God’s will? It is to trust Jesus for your salvation (rescue, deliverance 4991). For the church, salvation (rescue, deliverance 4991) comes at the rapture. For those who remain behind, salvation is at the second coming of Jesus IF they can remain faithful and trust Jesus to save them.
People who who believe Jesus will come at mid or post tribulation timing, telling themselves that Jesus delays His coming, are taking a chance with their eternal salvation. They do not realize this, and they are Unwilling to listen. Christians hate it when scripture gets in the way of what they believe. God takes the rapture much more seriously than most Christians realize.
As a bonus thought regarding the practical application of the 'weeping and gnashing' scriptures, I want to add this: I have always thought it odd that when Jesus taught about the rapture in Luke 17:26-37, He made such statements as, "let him not come down to take goods from his house, ...and let him not return to the things behind." (verse 31). I thought these two sentences were odd because the rapture happened 'in the twinkling of an eye,' and there couldn't possibly be any time to behave in such a way. Now, however, that I understand the the rapture will NOT be an instantaneous event, but will move at such a speed that there will be sight given into heaven, and conversations will be had between Jesus and those who aren't leaving, it makes much more sense that there is time for such behavior to take place.
I believe, these two sentences are a special warning for those who ARE trusting Jesus to deliver them in the rapture. I think it ties back to John 12:25-26, "The one who loves his soul (animal sentient principle only 5590) loses it: and he who hates ( to detest, to love less 3404) his soul in this world will keep it to everlasting life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will also be (1 Thessalonians 4:17). And if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him."
I think that Jesus is saying that part of our watchfulness includes being willing to let go of this life, that there is nothing behind us worth staying for, worth going back for, worth putting ahead of Jesus. I think this is His warning that we should NOT behave like Lot's wife and look back at the life we are leaving. (Genesis 19:26). It is no coincidence that Lot's wife was turned into a pillar of salt and lost her deliverance during God's rescue mission. Choose wisely, people and truly be prepared!
Part Two: Weeping and Gnashing with Furnace of Fire:
There are two scriptures which speak of weeping and gnashing of teeth within the context of a 'fiery furnace.' Let's look at those so the difference between them and the passages above will be stark and impactful.
Matthew 13:42 is part of a larger passage which begins in 13:36 and ends in 13:43. This is the parable of the damel. In verse 13:40, Jesus says, 'as the damel is gathered and is consumed in the fire, so it will be in the end of this age (perpetuity, by implication, the world/ a particular period or interval 165/5550). The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all the offenses and those who practice lawlessness. And they will be thrown into the furnace of fire; there will be weeping and gnashing of the teeth. Then the righteous will shine out like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. The ONE having ears to hear, let him HEAR. "
First, Jesus clearly states that this happens at the end of the world, which means after His second coming. The world does NOT end at the rapture! These are two very different events with two very different descriptions.
Second, Jesus does NOT describe those gathered by His angels as part of the CHURCH. He states they are 'those who practice lawlessness." When Jesus described those he refused in the Matthew passages, He called them servants, and in Luke 13:28, He called them unrighteous. When Jesus told to depart those who called out to Him, He called them 'those who practice lawlessness" but these people believed themselves to be part of the church. They even identified the miracles they'd done in His name. This group of lawless ones in 13:42, gathered by the angels, don't even get a chance to speak with God. The angels scoop them up and toss them into the furnace of fire.
Third, 'those who practice lawlessness' will be weeping and gnashing their teeth in a 'furnace of fire.' Jesus never said anything remotely like this in the other group of scriptures. Fire is NEVER mentioned.
Fourth, this passage states the righteous will shine in the kingdom of their Father. The only thing Jesus said about the righteous in the other group of scriptures is that they would recline with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the prophets. Here, however, the righteous come into the glory God has promised since creation!
Fifth, there is nothing said in this passage about watchfulness or preparedness. Why? Because it's the end of the world, Jesus has returned to earth to sort the wicked and righteous for the final time, and as this passage indicates, judgement has already been made. There is nothing left for which to be watchful.
The final scripture which mentions 'weeping and gnashing of teeth' is found in Matthew 13:50. It's larger passage runs from 13:47 to 13:50, the parable of the fishing net. This passage also clearly states that it happens at the end of the world (age) verse 49, the angels will separate the wicked from the righteous, and the wicked will "be thrown into the furnace of fire; there will be weeping and gnashing of the teeth."
This passage differs from the other group for the same reasons listed for Matthew 13:42, all except for the righteous shining.
Final note on 'weeping and gnashing' with fiery furnace: Until this study, I never understood how 'outer darkness' could exist with a 'furnace of fire." It didn't make sense. After all, people light fires for heat and LIGHT, right? So, how could a 'furnace of fire' be explained as 'outer darkness?" Now, that I've studied the subject it is so easy to understand. Outer Darkness and the Furnace of Fire don't exist at the same time or even the same location! They are placed separately on God's time line. Once the church, the faithful servants, leave this earth, this world will get very dark very quickly and will be 'outer darkness' compared to the light and glory of heaven! It all makes perfect sense now that I've taken the time to understand it.
When you combine the evidence here with the evidence on the page, Rapture of the Church, it becomes obvious that Jesus considered the rapture an extremely important event. He devoted massive chunks of scripture to the rapture and all of the rapture scriptures show that the rapture will happen PRIOR to the tribulation. The occurrence of 'outer darkness' weeping and gnashing align themselves with the 'falling away' (to defect from truth/forsake 646) spoken of in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, which happens PRIOR to the man of lawlessness being revealed to the world BEFORE the tribulation begins. Matthew 23:12 tells us the love of many will grow cold due to the increase in lawlessness. Most Christians do NOT understand the simple truth of the rapture's importance.
When you stop to compare the five passages of 'outer darkness' with the two that speak of a 'furnace of fire' their differences become OVERT. Anyone who fails to see the differences does so willfully. This is the reason Jesus called them wicked servants. Remember, Jesus said, "The one having ears, let him hear." Matthew 13:43
In other words, if you miss this, it's on you.
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1 Peter 4:17-19 Here is the Interlinear Version with the definition of the original Greek next to the English words. Now, we can identify the differences between the original language and modern translations. Doing so, provides a lot of insight into these verses.
17. Because the time (set time 2540) has come to begin (commence 756) the judgment (a decision against crime 2917) from the house (dwelling 3624) of God; and if firstly (first of all 4412) from (away, separation, departure 575) us (our company 2257), what will be the end (conclusion of an act or state, limit, termination (literally or figuratively), result [ultimate or prophetic] 5056) of those disobeying (disbelieve, willfully and perversely 544) the gospel (the good message 2098) of God? 18. And if the righteous (innocent/holy 1342) is scarcely saved (deliver, protect 4982) where will the ungodly (irreverent [showing a lack of respect for something generally taken seriously online dictionary], impious {not showing respect or reverence, especially for a god online dictionary], wicked 765) and sinner appear (be seen 5316)? 19. So, as indeed (therefore, as follows, 5620) those suffering (to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful) 3958) according (down in place or time, according as to 2596) to God’s will (a determination, choice (specifically purpose or decree) 2307), as to a faithful (trustworthy 4103) Creator (founder, author of all things 2939), let them commit (to place alongside, by implication to deposit as a trust or for protection, commit (the keeping of) 3908) their souls (breath, spirit (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished from 4151 which is the rational, immortal soul and from 2222 which is mere vitality 5590) in well-doing (virtue 16).”
Now, let’s substitute the definitions of the original Greek and see how this verse breaks down:
v17. Because the set time has come to commence a decision against crime from the house of God; and if first of all our company is away/separated/departed, what will be the concluding result of those willfully and perversely disbelieving the good message of God? v18. And if the innocent/holy is scarcely delivered/protected where will the ungodly (irreverent/impious) AND sinner be seen? v19. As follows, those experiencing a painful impression in place and time with God’s determination/purpose/decree, as to a trustworthy founder/author of all things, let them deposit for trust or for protection, their breath/spirit in virtue (behavior showing high moral standards (online dictionary).
Verse 17. We know that the set time is the ‘nearing of the end of all things’ from verse 7. God has set this time to begin His decision against the crime of the church. Peter states that the church, our company, is away/separated/departed, so the church is separated from itself and departed. How does that happen? What event ‘near the end of all things’ separates the church from itself and involves a departure? The rapture, of course. Peter tells us that this separation of the church is the FIRST thing to happen, so where does that put the rapture in relation to the ‘appearance of the ungodly AND the sinner? It puts the rapture PRIOR to the appearance of the ungodly and sinner. So, the rapture happens first.
Verse 18. If the innocent/holy are scarcely delivered/protected where will the ungodly (irreverent/impious) AND sinner be seen? Notice that Peter differentiates between the ungodly, those who are irreverent toward God, and the sinners. Why are these groups of people seen anywhere? Well, Jesus just raptured the church, and those who didn’t leave with Him aren’t dead, so they are seen here on earth. They remain where they were because they didn’t leave in the rapture.
Verse 19. ‘As follows/therefore,” those seen here on earth, experience a painful impression in place and time with God’s decree/purpose, because He’s the trustworthy author of all things, that they can deposit their breath/spirit into Him for protection. This speaks of the tribulation and God’s call of salvation to those who enter it.
This very short passage, standing alone, is enough to prove the pre-trib rapture.
But there’s more: John 3:36 "The one believing (to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ 4100) into the Son has everlasting life; but the one disobeying (disbelieve (willfully and perversely) 544) the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on Him."
The definition of the word 'perverse' is a deliberate or obstinate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable or unacceptable, often despite of the consequences (online dictionary).
This scripture is from a larger passage which speaks of Jesus' supremacy over anything earthly because He comes from heaven, and what Jesus’ testimony is what God sent Him to speak. This scripture does not speak directly to the Rapture like the other scriptures, but to the authority with which Jesus speaks.
Notice how Jesus says either you believe OR you disobey? The bulk of the passages dealing with the rapture are spoken by Jesus. If you willfully disbelieve what Jesus says about this extremely important event, this scripture tells you that the wrath of God will remain on you because you are disobedient. The word 'wrath' used in this verse is the same word, with the same definition as the word 'wrath' in 1 Thessalonians 5:9 (defined as ‘violent passion (ire, or [justifiable] abhorrence; by implication PUNISHMENT: VENGEANCE 3709).
I am not saying that believing in a pre-trib rapture is necessary for salvation, nor am I saying that failure to believe in a pre-trib rapture means you go to hell. I AM saying, through the sum total of all rapture scriptures, plus this one, that WILLFULLY disbelieving Jesus' words regarding the rapture will leave you on earth to face God's wrath along with Israel. Jesus just said it Himself in this scripture! John3:36 says the same thing as 1 Peter 4:17: “Because the set time has come to commence a decision against crime from the house of God; and if first of all our company is separated/departed, what will be the concluding result of those willfully and perversely disbelieving the good message of God?”
Is Jesus’ promise to deliver/rescue us from God’s wrath good news? Of course, it is. Is God’s wrath limited to hell? No, it isn’t. 1 Thessalonians 5:9, a passage of scripture which speaks of the rapture of the church, tells us that Believers are not appointed to God’s wrath (during the tribulation), but to obtaining salvation, which again echoes John 3:36. God’s word is so cohesive!
If you fail to trust Jesus’ promise to deliver you, then you are, according to this scripture, disobedient (willfully and perversely disbelieving!). If, however, you trust Jesus’ promise to deliver you, then your salvation is secured at the rapture and you are off to heaven, escaping God’s wrath as Jesus describes in Luke 21:36.
Jesus reaffirms all of His own words in John 14:1 where He exhorts us to not only believe in God, but to ALSO believe in Him. These words were spoken in a short passage in which Jesus states that He will receive us unto Himself and take us to a dwelling place He has prepared for us.
Christians do NOT understand the importance of the rapture. They take it for granted they will leave whenever it happens, and it will all ‘pan’ out in the end. The truth is this: what you believe about the rapture has tremendous importance on whether you leave with Jesus or stay behind for the tribulation. This Rapture: Additional Scriptures page is here for the sole intent of explaining this overlooked truth. The tribulation is a destination of your own choosing, just the same as each person decides for themselves whether they will live eternally in heaven or hell. Let me urgently encourage you to trust Jesus’ promise to deliver/rescue us from the events of God’s wrath as described in Revelation 6-22. If we miss the one-time rapture event, we are stuck on earth to endure the atrocities of that time. There are no mulligans where the rapture is concerned.