"Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, everyone who judges, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself, for you who judge are practicing the same things. But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth upon those practicing such things." (Rom 2:1-2)

What is it about the Rapture that inspires good, godly men to...not divulge the whole truth?

It's beyond me--I am left scratching my head. (Also, check out the Scofield 1917 Study Bible, and read his erroneous notes introducing 2 Thessalonians)

Understanding this text is simple--the words have obvious, plain meanings to them.

"Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. "Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming."

My point of contention is this. The teaching that the person taken, is taken in judgment, and the person that is left behind, is left behind in blessing.

Now don't get me wrong. People may interpret this text this way if they choose to, but after looking at what the underlying Greek words mean, it leads me to a solid understanding.

But first, this note from Dr. Charles Ryrie: "The ones taken will be taken to judgment and death. The ones left will be left to enter the blessings of the Millennial kingdom."

Many others interpret this phrase the same way.

I want to look at this text, and see if I can find the "blessings" for those left behind, according to this theologian.

But let's look at these 2 Greek words behind this text, and see what they mean.

The word for taken is the word Paralambano. The word means "to receive near." Same word used by Christ, in John 14:3, "I will come again, and receive you unto Myself."

Paralambano is to receive to one's side.

The other word is Aphiemi. This word means:

1. To disregard

2. To abandon

3. To divorce

4. To leave behind

5. To forsake.

I believe that the word of God is saying, from seeking to understand the original language, that the person that is "taken," is a direct result of John 14:3, and Bible prophecy being fulfilled, as the Lord returns for His saints. Also, the one that is left, as the Greek word suggests, has been "left behind," and abandoned.

This is a great study! I highly recommend it!

God bless

Paul E.

"...who, having known the righteous judgment of God, that those practicing such things are worthy of death, not only do them, but also approve of those who practice them. (Rom 1:32)
Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, everyone who judges, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself, for you who judge are practicing the same things. (Rom 2:1)

"...Who, having known the righteous judgment of God, that those practicing such things are worthy of death, not only do them, but also approve of those who practice them." (Rom 1:32)

"And just as they did not approve to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a depraved mind, to do the things which are not fitting;" (Rom 1:28)

Today, Paul aims his cannon of the righteous judgment of God towards homosexuals, and, throwing in 1 Cor 6:9-10, other groups as well.

For this reason God gave them up to shameful lusts; for even their women exchanged the natural use for that which is contrary to nature, (Rom 1:26)
and likewise also the men, having forsaken the natural use of the woman, were inflamed by their lust for one another, men with men, committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the recompense which was fitting for their error. (Rom 1:27)

By the time he is finished (3:19), no one will be able to stand, apart from a SAVIOR!

Today we're looking at the sin of "asserting ourselves to be wise," when in actuality, we are fools.

Because, having known God, they did not glorify Him as God, or give thanks, but became vain in their reasonings, and their foolish heart was darkened. (Rom 1:21)
Asserting themselves to be wise, they became fools, (Rom 1:22)
and changed the glory of the incorruptible God for a likeness of an image of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and reptiles. (Rom 1:23)

Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of the own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies among themselves, (Rom 1:24)

who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (Rom 1:25)

"Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), (Matt 24:15)

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven upon all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. (Rom 1:18)
Because that which is known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. (Rom 1:19)
For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things made, both His eternal power and divinity, so that they are without excuse." (Rom 1:20)

"For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." (Rom 1:17)
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven upon all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness." (Rom 1:18)

"For in it, the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith..."

This is the third program looking at the power of God, and the message of the Gospel.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes, both to the Jew first and to the Greek. (Rom 1:16)

Today we continue looking at the Biblical truth of the power of God residing in the message of the Gospel.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes, both to the Jew first and to the Greek. (Rom 1:16)