Phyllis Beveridge Nissila

As Bible scholars share the results of their studies of the approximately 25% of the Bible that deals with prophecy, one topic garners a lot of attention: the prophecy of a “Rapture,” or, “rapturo,” an event that indicates a sudden “snatching away” of believers according to the pattern of deliverance of God’s people from evil that appears many places in the Bible and in history.

Some believe in a “pre-Tribulation” Rapture, that is, before the unveiling of the final events that will impact the entire globe.

Others, a “mid-Tribulation” Rapture,” that is, in the middle of the seven-year period.

Still others, a “post-Tribulation Rapture,” where Jesus Christ returns for His people at the culmination of the end times events.

Additionally, there are some who believe that there will be no such event at all, or it is not to be taken literally but only in a spiritual sense.

For a brief overview of the various interpretations, see here. I subscribe to a pre-Tribulation view, but whatever view  one holds, it is wise to understand the core teaching and to “have one’s spiritual bags packed,” as it were, by receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and remaining “close to Him and  daily in His Word” in order to proceed with wisdom and clarity in a cloudy, troubled–and dangerous–world that is getting more so every day.

THE RAPTURE IS OFTEN LINKED WITH THE FALL FEAST OF YOM TERUAH 

One scholarly view shared by many is that the Rapture, like other major prophetic events in the spiritual timeline, is connected to a Jewish Feast. Indeed, several of the Jewish Feasts (the so-called “springtime Feasts”) have already been tied to documented historic events. Researcher Claire Gumbs’ tri-fold, available here, details these.

As related to the Rapture, many view the Fall Feast of Yom Teruah (also known as the Feast of Trumpets and Rosh Hashana–the Jewish New Year) as quite possibly the Feast linked to that event.

This year of 2016, Yom Teruah occurs, in Jerusalem, starting at sundown (when a  day on the Hebrew Calendar begins) on Sunday, October 2nd. For my time zone, on the West Coast of the United States, this is ten hours ahead of “us”. This map compares the time in Jerusalem with cities around the world, if you are interested in what time it will be where you live.

And why are this event and this feast so connected?

During the two-day period of the Feast of Yom Teruah (starting at sundown the first day to sundown the day following) the observing Jews will watch for the first glimmer of the new moon–which can occur at various times. And many prophecy scholars note that this event, among many other Scriptural evidences, is, then, the only Feast celebrated where nobody knows exactly “the day or the hour” it will occur.  It could be the evening of the first day or in the wee hours of the next.

That said, nobody really knows which feast, which year, what day. However, there are so many other prophecies synchronizing just now, there is good cause to at least consider that it might be this year.

From the date of this post, for us on the West Coast of the U.S., it is 3 days hence. But again, it might seem very much like the “season,” which we are to know if we study the prophecies, but again, proceeding with caution, as even Jesus said, God, the Father alone, knows…

In the meantime, we are to continue “occupying,” “blooming where we are planted,” if you will, as advised, until whenever it is, of course, and yet to encourage each other that it is certainly imminent.

But whenever the Rapture is to occur, there will be those “left behind” who will want to know what happened.

I have linked, below, to a site that has specialized in teachings on the Rapture and other related topics for many years. One “page” of the site is a list of “letters” to loved ones, family members, and others left behind with explanations of the event that has taken place, what will happen next, and what, now, to do.

The Tribulation period will be very difficult, and much courage and wisdom will be required of those who make the decision to become Christians during this period. Thus, I believe it may be time, whether for this year, next, or some other, to share this information to enlighten and encourage those who may be searching for answers–before, or after. May God bless you.

Letters from missing believers to those left behind.