Rapture -EP3

Episode 3: The Rapture

Is the Rapture real? Will it happen before, during, or after the Tribulation? In this episode, we explore the mystery and clarity of the Rapture through Scripture—not speculation. We break down what Jesus, Paul, and Revelation reveal about this pivotal event and how believers should prepare—not panic. Whether you're confused by timelines or skeptical of end-times teachings, this episode offers biblical insight for those ready to live with eternity in view.

Transcript

Jonathan: All right, deep divers, welcome back. Today we're taking a look at something a little different. We're diving into a unique perspective on the rapture.

Cassie: You got it. And this one breaks it down into, get this, seven parts.

Jonathan: Seven. Okay, now I'm really curious. A lot of our listeners might not be familiar with this idea. So where should we even begin?

Cassie: Well, the source we're looking at today starts with a biblical figure who, well, you could say he was a bit of a rapture pioneer.

Jonathan: You're talking about Enoch, right? The guy who walked with God and then, bam, vanished.

Cassie: That's him. Just poof, gone. No death, no nothing. Just disappeared.

Jonathan: It's one of those stories that always makes you wonder, you know, what really happened there.

Cassie: And our source points out something really interesting about Enoch's story. He was the only one who actually listened to God's call back when, well, let's just say obedience wasn't exactly popular.

Jonathan: So basically, part one of this seven part rapture the source calls the call, it's all about choosing to follow God, even when, like everyone else is doing their own thing.

Cassie: That's a great way to put it. It's like radical obedience in a world that's totally turned away from God, Huh? Yeah.

Jonathan: It really makes you think about what it means to truly answer God's call in our lives. Right? Like, are we really listening?

Cassie: Especially in our times, you know, times aren't that different now than they were back then.

Jonathan: True. If Enoch is the example, then answering that call, well, it's a pretty big deal. But what about part two? Who comes next in this multi part rapture event?

Cassie: Well, for part two, we have another big name from the Bible, the prophet Elijah. This one's a little more, how do you say, flashy?

Jonathan: Oh, yeah, the whole chariot of fire thing definitely makes an entrance or I guess an exit. But I'm curious, what's the bigger meaning behind Elijah's departure? In this whole seven part idea, our.

Cassie: Source compares Elijah to Elisha. You know, the guy who took over for him, Elijah, he finished his mission, went through a lot of struggles, but got the job done. And boom, up to heaven he goes, Elisha stays on earth, continues the work.

Jonathan: So it's not just about answering the call like Enoch, but also completing your mission. Like being chosen means taking action, not just, you know, good intentions.

Cassie: Exactly. It raises the question, are we actually doing what God wants us to do or are we just talking about it, you know, standing on the sidelines?

Jonathan: Okay, so we've got Enoch the obedience guy starting things off in part one. Then there's Elijah, who answered the call and finished the job, representing part two.

Cassie: Hmm. It's like a relay race. What happens next? Who takes the baton in part three?

Jonathan: Part three, called the faithful, centers around a figure who. Well, I'm sure everyone knows it's about Jesus, of course.

Cassie: And this part's about Jesus ascending to heaven after the resurrection, right?

Jonathan: Exactly. And the Source uses Jesus ascension as the perfect model for all believers. He did everything God wanted, stayed faithful, even when facing death. And basically his ascension sets the stage for everything else that happens in this whole Rapture idea. So these first three parts lay down a pretty powerful pattern. First you answer the call, then you're chosen and you finish your mission. And lastly, you stay faithful to God even when things get tough.

Cassie: It's a pattern that kind of sets the stage for the rest of the parts. And that's where things start to get really, well, interesting.

Jonathan: Okay, I'm all ears. What kind of twist does this seven part Rapture take next?

Cassie: Well, part four, called the Overcomers. It's a little different. Not everyone makes it in this time. It gets a little exclusive.

Jonathan: Exclusive? Like not everyone is invited to this Rapture party.

Cassie: That's what the Source says. And here's where things get specific. Part 4. It doesn't apply to every believer. It's specifically for those who've overcome certain, let's call them, obstacles within their own churches.

Jonathan: Hold on. Obstacles within the church? That's pretty interesting. What kind of obstacles are we talking about here?

Cassie: Honestly, it's a little vague. The Source doesn't give a clear definition of these obstacles. It uses the term characteristic hindrances, whatever that means. But it compares them to the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. You know, the one from Matthew.

Jonathan: Oh, right. The foolish virgins weren't ready for the bridegroom because they ran out of oil for their lamps. So is part four all about being spiritually prepared?

Cassie: That seems to be the main idea. The Source says that being part of the stage of the Rapture, it's not automatic. It's something you earn by being obedient and overcoming these specific challenges.

Jonathan: So it's not enough to just say you believe. You got to actually work on getting rid of those obstacles. It makes you wonder, what could those hindrances be in our lives, you know, in our churches? And what does it really mean to overcome them?

Cassie: That's a tough question and one that could lead to some. Well, some deep thinking, some introspection. What are your thoughts? What stands out to you about this idea?

Jonathan: Honestly, it makes me think about those areas where I might be holding back, you know, where I might be settling for just good enough instead of really pushing myself to grow, to be better. Maybe those are the hindrances we need to overcome. But I'd love to hear your perspective. What resonates with you about this?

Cassie: What strikes me is that this source, it's not just listing events in order. It's almost like a spiritual checklist. It's highlighting the qualities and actions that determine who makes it into each stage of the Rapture. It's not about earning our way to Heaven. No, not at all. It's more about recognizing how powerful faith can be and how important it is to actually live out our beliefs, not just talk about them.

Jonathan: That's a really good way to look at it. It's not just about who gets beamed up and when, but about the kind of people we're becoming along the way. Okay, so far we've got the obedient folks, the chosen ones, the faithful, and now the overcomers. Who's next in line?

Cassie: Well, in part five, called the Return, we see two familiar faces make a comeback. And this is where things take a very, well, unexpected turn.

Jonathan: Wait, a return? Are you saying some folks are getting a second Rapture? Who are these VIPs getting a repeat performance?

Cassie: You guessed it. It's Enoch and Elijah back for an encore.

Jonathan: Hold on a minute. I thought they already got Raptured. Enoch in part one and Elijah in part two. What's going on here? A second rapture.

Cassie: I know, right? That's what makes this part so interesting. The Source says these two, remember, they were taken by God without dying. They're going to come back to life and be sent back to Earth. They've got a special mission during the Tribulation.

Jonathan: Whoa, okay. A second Rapture. It's like they're being called back for an extra inning in the. I don't know, the divine baseball game. But why them? What makes them so special?

Cassie: It really makes you think. Maybe their experience, the whole being taken without dying thing. Maybe that's what qualifies them for this. Well, this very unusual task. And what could their mission be?

Jonathan: This is definitely raising a lot more questions than answers. What does this return tell us about the Rapture itself and God's plan for, you know, everything? What could their role be during the Tribulation?

Cassie: Maybe we should clarify what the Tribulation is, just in case some of our listeners are, well, a little rusty on their apocalyptic terminology.

Jonathan: Yeah, that's a Good point. Not everyone's an expert on the end times. Can you give us a quick breakdown?

Cassie: Sure. The Tribulation as it's described in the Bible, is a time of, well, it's a pretty rough time. It's a period of intense turmoil and hardship, lots of suffering that's prophesied to happen before Jesus comes back. It's often associated with, you know, global chaos, natural disasters, and a whole lot of spiritual deception.

Jonathan: So Enoch and Elijah are coming back for a special mission during this time of, well, basically the world falling apart. That's both fascinating and, to be honest, a little terrifying.

Cassie: It definitely adds another layer to our understanding of the whole Rapture thing. Yeah, and speaking of layers, part six introduces another group with a unique role in all of this. The 144,000 Israelites.

Jonathan: Ah, the 144,000. I've always wondered about them. They're sealed and protected by God during the Tribulation. Right. They have special kind of, I don't know, immunity.

Cassie: That's right. They have a very specific job during this time of, well, intense trial. But here's where it gets even more interesting. The source we're looking at, it points out that the Tribe of Dan is excluded from this group.

Jonathan: Excluded? Why? What did they do wrong? What's the deal with leaving out the Tribe of Dan?

Cassie: That's a good question. We're not told why. It's one of those details that makes you really curious, you know, makes you wonder if there's a deeper meaning behind it.

Jonathan: It's like a puzzle piece that's missing, you know? What do you think, listeners? Any ideas about this whole tribal switcheroo?

Cassie: Well, before we get too lost in the mysteries of the 144,000, maybe we should shift gears and talk about the grand finale of the seven part Rapture. Part seven called the harvest.

Jonathan: Okay, so this is the big one, right? The final curtain call is this where everyone gets beamed up, even if they didn't make it in the earlier parts.

Cassie: That's what the source emphasizes. This last stage, it's all about God's grace. That all encompassing grace that covers everything. It's a gathering of everyone who believes in Jesus, no matter how. How obedient they were, or whether they completed their mission or not.

Jonathan: So it's like a what, a safety net. Even if you didn't pass the test in the earlier rounds, you're still invited to the ultimate party.

Cassie: Yeah, I think that's a good way to look at it. It really highlights the fact that salvation is a gift we don't earn it by anything we do. But it does make you think, if we know that everyone who believes in Jesus will be saved eventually, does that change how we live our lives today?

Jonathan: That's a great question. Does it make all this, you know, the obedience, the missions, the overcoming, does it make all that less important?

Cassie: Well, that's something we can dive into after a quick break. When we come back, we'll explore what this seven part Rapture framework really means for us, you know, as believers living in the world today. It's a question that I think a lot of people have. You know, if we're all saved in the end, does it really matter how we live now?

Jonathan: Yeah, like what's the point of all this, you know, the obedience, the missions, the overcoming, if everyone gets in anyway?

Cassie: That's what makes this whole discussion so important. It's easy to get hung up on the details like who gets Raptured, when, why. But the real question is, so what, what does it mean for us? You know, how does this actually change how we live our lives? How does it affect our choices, our relationship with God?

Jonathan: Right. It's about more than just avoiding the Tribulation or making sure we get a spot in heaven. It's about understanding what faith really means, you know, and how that should show up in our actions, in our character and how we live in the world.

Cassie: Absolutely. And the Source, even though it's presenting a pretty, I guess you could say, controversial view of the Rapture, it ultimately brings us back to the basics. It's about living a life that matches what we believe. It's not about, you know, checking off boxes or being perfect, but more about growing, being obedient, being faithful.

Jonathan: Like that saying, it's not the destination, it's the journey. Right. And in this case, the journey is about trying to be the kind of people who, well, who have those qualities we see in each part of the Rapture. The obedience like Enoch, the purpose like Elijah, the faith like Jesus, the strength.

Cassie: Of the overcomers, and even the willingness to go back and serve like Enoch and Elijah do. In part five, it shows us that faith isn't just about, you know, saving ourselves. It's about being part of something bigger. God's plan for all of humanity.

Jonathan: Speaking of which, let's go Back to the 144,000 Israelites for a minute. The ones in part six, the sealed, they have a very specific job during the Tribulation, right? What are they sealed for? And why does the Source make a big deal about the Tribe of Dan? Being left out?

Cassie: Well, according to the source, they're sealed for protection and empowerment during the Tribulation. They're basically God's special ops team. You know, they're sent out to proclaim the gospel, to be witnesses to the world during this crazy time.

Jonathan: It's like they're a spiritual SWAT team, all geared up and ready to go behind enemy lines.

Cassie: Hmm.

Jonathan: But what about this Tribe of Dan thing? Does the source explain why they're left out?

Cassie: Unfortunately, no, it doesn't say. But it does point out that Joseph's lineage, particularly Manasseh, gets a double portion. It's almost like the 12,000 that would have gone to Dan were, well redistributed to Joseph's descendants.

Jonathan: That is strange. It's like a missing piece of the puzzle. What could it mean, this whole tribal switch?

Cassie: Hmm. Well, if we think about it in the context of the whole Rapture, maybe it's not so much about the specific tribes, but more about God's, you know, control and his right to choose. He calls who he wants and his plan. Well, it doesn't always make sense to us.

Jonathan: That's a good point. Sometimes we just gotta trust that God knows what he's doing, even if it seems confusing or, you know, even unfair to us.

Cassie: Exactly. And maybe that's part of what it means to overcome. Like in part four, overcoming our own limited understanding, our need to, you know, control everything and make it all make sense.

Jonathan: Surrendering to a bigger plan, something beyond our own individual worries and dreams, and.

Cassie: Knowing that even in the middle of all the chaos and confusion, even during the tribulation, God's grace is still there, still drawing people to him, offering hope and redemption.

Jonathan: That's a powerful message, especially when we consider the last part, the harvest. It reminds us that no matter what happens, no matter how hard things get, God's love wins in the end.

Cassie: It really is a beautiful thought. It's comforting that even with all the trials and tribulations, there's a final harvest, a gathering of all who belong to him.

Jonathan: Makes you think about the choices we're making right now, today. Are we living in a way that, you know, shows we believe in that ultimate harvest? Are we giving that same grace and love to others?

Cassie: And are we really trying to, well, to embody those qualities? We talked about the obedience of Enoch, the faithfulness of Jesus, the strength of the overcomers.

Jonathan: It's a lot to think about. What about you listeners? What stands out to you about this whole seven part Rapture idea? What questions do you have? What insights have you gained?

Cassie: Maybe this whole framework with its different way of looking at the Rapture, maybe it's a call to look at our own faith journeys, to think about what's important to us, to live more intentionally, you know, in light of the hope we have in Christ.

Jonathan: About more than just escaping the bad stuff or getting the ticket to heaven. It's about becoming the kind of people God wants us to be, both now and in eternity.

Cassie: And realizing that our choices, our actions, how we live our faith, it matters not just for us, but for everyone around us.

Jonathan: That's deep. This whole deep dive has definitely given me a lot to think about. What about you?

Cassie: I think the seven part Rapture thing, even if it's new to a lot of people, it gives us a good chance to, well, to reflect and to grow spiritually. It pushes us to go beyond the surface and really wrestle with what we believe.

Jonathan: It's a reminder that the Rapture isn't just a one time event. It's a process, a transformation that starts right here, right now.

Cassie: And the things we develop today, the obedience, faithfulness, perseverance, compassion, those aren't just requirements for heaven, they're essential parts of a life well lived.

Jonathan: Well said. And on that note, we're going to wrap up this part of our deep dive into the seven parts of the Rapture. We hope this has sparked your curiosity, made you think about things a little differently, and maybe even inspired you to explore your own faith journey a bit more deeply.

Cassie: Until next time, keep searching, keep asking questions, and keep diving deep.

Jonathan: You know, thinking about this seven part Rapture framework, it's like a spiritual roadmap of sorts. It highlights all the different stages of growth and transformation we go through as believers.

Cassie: I like that. It's not just a timeline, right? It's more complex than that. It's something that happens both individually and as a community.

Jonathan: And each part, it seems to build on the one before it. Yeah, like steps on a ladder. You know, we start with basic obedience like Enoch, then move on to active mission driven purpose like Elijah, and finally reach unwavering faithfulness like Jesus.

Cassie: And it doesn't end there. Right. The idea of overcoming in part four, that suggests there's always going to be a struggle, obstacles in inside and outside of ourselves. It's a reminder that spiritual growth never stops. It's not like you reach a certain level and you're done.

Jonathan: It's about becoming more like Christ every single day, even when things are hard, when we face setbacks. And maybe that's why the source Focuses on overcoming obstacles, specifically within the church.

Cassie: That's a great observation. It implies that maybe the biggest challenges to our spiritual growth don't come from the world outside, but from within our own faith community.

Jonathan: What do you think? Right. Are we, you know, holding each other back, maybe without even realizing it? Are we creating environments where people can really grow in their faith? Or are we accidentally contributing to those characteristic hindrances the Source talks about?

Cassie: Tough questions, but important ones. If we really want to live out those qualities we talked about, those qualities we see in this seven part Rapture, we need to be honest with ourselves. Are we falling short individually as a church?

Jonathan: It's a call to examine our hearts, you know, our motives, our actions, and to make sure they line up with the message of the gospel.

Cassie: And to remember that our faith isn't just about saving ourselves. It's about being part of God's plan for the world, even during tough times like the Tribulation.

Jonathan: Which brings us back to Enoch and Elijah. Their return in part five is so interesting. What do you think about their second appearance? What could their mission be during such a crazy time?

Cassie: Well, if we think about it, they were taken by God without dying, right? Maybe they represent a kind of link between heaven and earth. A physical, tangible presence of God's power when it's needed most.

Jonathan: Like they're coming back with, I don't know, insight, information, a different perspective on things we can't normally see.

Cassie: And maybe their job is to wake people up, to shake things up, to challenge the darkness with the truth.

Jonathan: That's a powerful image. Two guys who have experienced eternity coming back to earth with a message of hope and urgency. It makes you think, you know, if we knew we were living in the last days, how would it change our lives, our priorities, our outlook, something to think about?

Cassie: Would we live differently? Would we be more focused on sharing our faith, building bridges with people, making a real difference for God's kingdom?

Jonathan: It's a challenge, isn't it, to not get caught up in all the distractions, all the worries of this world, and instead focus on the things that really matter, the eternal things.

Cassie: And to remember that the Rapture, however it happens, isn't the end. It's just a transition, a new beginning, a glorious new chapter in God's plan.

Jonathan: And that plan, as we've seen in this seven part framework, it's not just about us being saved individually. It's about us all working together, playing a role in God's work of redemption.

Cassie: It's a call to be more than just Believers, we're called to be disciples, to represent Christ to the world, to be agents of change in a world that desperately needs his love and power.

Jonathan: So as we wrap up this deep dive into the seven parts of the Rapture we want to leave you with, how will you respond to this call? What will you do to prepare your heart to overcome those obstacles? To live a life that reflects the transformative power of your faith?

Cassie: That's something we all need to think about. Not just as we look ahead to the future, but as we live our lives right now. Because ultimately, it's not just about avoiding hard times. It's about embracing the full life that God has for us now and forever.

Jonathan: That's a wrap on this deep dive, everyone. We hope this exploration of the seven part Rapture has given you a lot to think about, to discuss with others, and to apply to your own walk with God. Until next time, keep seeking, keep asking questions, and keep diving deep. You know, it's funny, when we talk about these qualities like obedience and faithfulness, it's easy to think, oh, those are just for getting into heaven. But what if it's like, bigger than that?

Cassie: I think you're onto something. It's not just a checklist for getting through the pearly gates. It's about becoming, you know, the best versions of ourselves. The kind of people who reflect God's love and character.

Jonathan: Right. It's like those qualities, they're not just for the afterlives, they're for here and now. They shape how we live, how we treat each other. Everything.

Cassie: Exactly. And maybe that's why this seven part framework is so well thought provoking. It pushes us to examine not just what we believe about the Rapture, but. But how those beliefs are showing up in our daily lives.

Jonathan: It's a call to action, right? Not just to sit back and wait for things to happen, but to actively participate in God's plan, both now and in the future.

Cassie: Absolutely. And that participation, it starts with looking inward, you know, identifying those areas where we might be holding ourselves back, those hindrances that are keeping us from fully embracing God's call on our lives.

Jonathan: It's like spiritual spring cleaning. Time to get rid of the clutter and make room for growth. But it's not always easy, is it? Especially when those hindrances might be coming from within the church itself.

Cassie: Yeah, that's a tough one to swallow, but I think that's where grace comes in. We need to extend grace to ourselves and to each other, recognizing that we're all on a journey and we all make mistakes along the way.

Jonathan: And that journey, well, it's not always going to be smooth sailing, right? There will be storms, there will be tribulations. And that's where the strength and resilience of the overcomers comes into play.

Cassie: They're the ones who don't give up, who. Who keep pressing forward even when it's hard, even when they face opposition. And their example, well, it gives us hope, doesn't it? It shows us that it's possible to overcome even the toughest challenges with God's help.

Jonathan: It's like those verses in Romans, you know, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. And hope does not put us to shame.

Cassie: Beautiful. And that hope, while it's not just for us, it's something we're called to share with the world. Like those two witnesses, Enoch and Elijah, coming back with the message of truth and urgency.

Jonathan: Their return is such a wild concept. Makes you wonder what kind of impact they'll have, what kind of message they'll bring during such a tumultuous time.

Cassie: It's definitely something to ponder, but I think it highlights the importance of being prepared, of having our hearts right with God, so that when those times of testing come, we can stand firm in our faith.

Jonathan: And it's a reminder that God is always at work. Even in the midst of chaos and darkness, he's still drawing people to himself, offering hope and redemption.

Cassie: And that redemption, that's what it's all about, isn't it? The ultimate harvest, the gathering of all who belong to Christ. It's a beautiful picture of God's grace and love, encompassing all who choose to accept it.

Jonathan: And that choice, well, it's one we make every single day. With every thought, every action, every interaction, we're either moving towards that harvest or. Or away from it.

Cassie: So the question is, what kind of harvest are we cultivating? What seeds are we planting?

Jonathan: And that's a question we all need to answer, you know, not just in theory, but in practice, in the way we live our lives, the way we love our neighbors, the way we reflect God's character to the world.

Cassie: Because in the end, it's not just about escaping a time of trouble. It's about embracing the fullness of life that God has for us both now and forever. And that's the real harvest, isn't it?

Jonathan: It really is. So, dear listeners, as we close out this deep dive into the seven parts of the Rapture, we encourage you to take some time to reflect on these ideas, to discuss them with your friends and family and to allow them to shape your own walk with God.

Cassie: May we all strive to be those overcomers, those faithful witnesses, those vessels of grace and hope in a world that so desperately needs to experience the transformative power of Christ.

Jonathan: Thanks for joining us on this journey. Deep Divers until next time, keep seeking, keep questioning, and keep diving deep.