Gone In A Twinkling
Poof! We’re gone in an instant but our clothes, jewelry, and other worldly items simply fall to the ground. This “in the twinkling of an eye” image of The Rapture being instantaneous has been popularized by numerous books, including Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins’ Left Behind series, and Joel C. Rosenberg’s Dead Heat. But, is scripture talking about an instantaneous rapture, or about an instantaneous change that must occur before we are raptured to stand in the presence of Yeshua? I say, the instantaneous change is what scripture is saying.
1 Corinthians 15:51-53 – “Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.”
It is said that the average person blinks somewhere between 10,000 to 20,000 times a day. In one of those blinks Yeshua could return and the people who have received him as their Lord and Savior could receive their immortal, incorruptible bodies! That is an awesome thought. And that change is instantaneous, in the twinkling of an eye!
Before we can enter into Heaven itself, our mortal, corrupt bodies must be fully cleansed and renewed, taking on their immortal and incorruptible form. Those who live by faith in Yeshua are called his spiritual children and will rise to meet Yeshua in the air clothed in immortal, incorruptible bodies. And that change is instantaneous, in the twinkling of an eye!
1 Corinthians 15:41-44 – “There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.”
Matthew 13:43 – “Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their father. He who has ears, let him hear.”
Romans 8:23 – “We, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons and the redemption of our body.”
1 John 3:2 – “Beloved, now we are children of Yeshua, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when he appears, we will be like him.”
No longer will those raised from the dead or those still living be housed in a body that is earthly flesh and blood, but something far superior. Their bodies will be like Yeshua’s – glorious, radiant, honorable, powerful, undying, spiritual. And that change is instantaneous, in the twinkling of an eye!
Luke 9:29 – “While he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white.”
It is interesting to note that Yeshua first becomes transfigured before entering the cloud to speak to Moses and Elijah. And that change appears to be instantaneous, in the twinkling of an eye!
In each of these cases, it is only the change that appears to be instantaneous. None of these passages necessarily indicate that the rapture, itself, is instantaneous, or that it even occurs at the same exact moment. (See pages 92-122 for more on this timing).
The Resurrection Does Not Become an Instantaneous Rapture
You have heard it said that the rapture is an instantaneous event that happens at the same time as the resurrection of the dead. But I say scripture presents an entirely different scenario. The instantaneous event paradigm is mere tickling of the ears, a misinterpretation by those who look at scripture through the lens whose name is Instant Gratification.
No Resurrection Say the Sadducees
Acts 23:6 – “Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, ‘Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial’.”
There are many who believe that the resurrection is not a real phenomenon. Primary in this thinking were the Sadducees. The Pharisees and Apostle Paul, however, took a totally opposite stance, and said there is indeed a resurrection and it is very real. Scripture also says the resurrection is real and gives us several examples.
During much of Paul’s ministry he categorically refuted the false teaching of the Sadducees which stated that “there is no resurrection of the dead” (Matthew 22:23, Mark 12:18, Luke 20:27, Acts 23:8). Yeshua also refuted that false teaching (Matthew 22:23-34, Mark 12:18-27, Luke 20:27-37, Luke 14:14, John 5:29, 11:25), as did Peter and John (Acts 4:1-3, Acts 4:33).
Paul addresses the resurrection in Romans Chapter 6, saying: Just as “the Messiah was raised from the dead, likewise we too might live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will also be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Romans 6:4-5). We see Paul refuting the Sadducees’ false teaching when speaking to philosophers in Athens (Acts 17:18, Acts 17:31). Just before the Roman soldiers rescued him from the crowd and took him to their barracks, we once again find Paul engaging in that same argument over whether there is a resurrection or not (Acts 23:6-10) which he later explains to Felix, the Governor (Acts 24:15, Acts 24:21; Acts 26:6).
1 Corinthians Chapter 15
1 Corinthians 15:51-52 – “Not all of us will die! But we will all be changed! It will take but a moment, the blink of an eye, at the final shofar. For the shofar will sound, and the dead will be raised to live forever, and we too will be changed.”
Paul’s PhD dissertation, his doctoral Thesis (if you will), is found in Chapter 15 of First Corinthians. He starts his thesis saying Yeshua was resurrected, seen by Peter, then the twelve, and then by over 500 (v 4-6). Continuing on, he says last of all he himself saw the resurrected Yeshua (v 8). In verse 12 he proclaims if Yeshua has been raised then how dare you continue to teach a lie saying there is no resurrection! But, he continues, the fact is that Yeshua has been raised from the dead (v 20). Verse 29 has Paul being a bit sarcastic and asking why people bother being immersed (baptized) for those who are dead if there is no resurrection.
When asked “In what manner are the dead raised? What sort of body do they have?” Paul acerbically replies “Stupid! When you sow a seed, it doesn’t come alive unless it first dies” (v 35). And then goes on to describe the overall process, culminating in his most quoted and memorable summation in verses 51-52.
Paul succinctly refutes the Sadducees false teaching that “there is no resurrection”. He says, in essence: “Not only is there a resurrection, here’s how it happens [in the twinkling of an eye], and here’s when it happens [at the Last Trump, also known as Yom Teruah].”
It is verses 51-52 that introduce us to the words atomos [G823] and rhipe [G4493] which together mean: in the instantaneous, indivisible blink of an eye, which today we define as a split second or nanosecond of time. Our bodies will instantly become immortal and incorruptible, or as some put it: Glorified.
1 Corinthians Is Not About The (Pre-Tribulation) Rapture
The words used in the Newer Covenant describing a seizing, snatching, or carrying away are:
• G726 harpazo – to seize, carry off by force, to snatch out or away, to claim for one’s self eagerly
• G305 anabaino – to ascend, to go up, to rise, mount, be borne up, spring up
• G359 analusis – a dissolving (into separate parts), a departure (as a ship from its moorings)
• G867 aphixis – (properly) arrival, (by implication) departure
• G1841 exodos – to exit, depart (from life), one’s final fate, to become deceased
• G4872 sunanabaino – to ascend at the same time, come up together with to a higher place
Not one single word used to describe the Rapture [seizing, snatching, or carrying away] can be found in the entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 15. Neither are they found in the entire book of First Corinthians. The word harpazo is the single word of these six words Paul uses but it is found only in Second Corinthians.
The words used in the Newer Covenant describing a disappearing, becoming invisible, or vanishing:
• G853 aphanizo – to snatch out of sight, put out of view, make unseen; to cause to vanish away
• G854 aphanismos – to disappear, to vanish
• G855 aphantos – taken out of sight, to become invisible, vanished
Not one single word used to describe someone or something disappearing, becoming invisible, or vanishing can be found in the entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 15. Neither are they found in the entire books of First or Second Corinthians.
No matter how fully you deny it, no matter how rattled, upset, or ruffled you have become, Paul’s dissertation in First Corinthians Chapter 15 does not address the Rapture – it only addresses the Resurrection and Glorification of our bodies, both of which do take place before the Rapture and also take place before the Tribulation Period.
The Ten Resurrections/Resuscitations From The Dead
The son of the widow from Zarephath in Sidon
1 Kings 17: 22 –“The child’s soul came back into him, and he revived.”
Luke 4:26 –“Elijah was sent to none of them but only to a widow of Zarephath, a city of Sidon.”
The full narrative can be found in: 1 Kings 17:21-22
The son of the wealthy Shunammite widow from Shunem
2 Kings 4:35 –“The child sneezed seven times, and opened his eyes.”
The full narrative can be found in: 2 Kings 4:18-35
The dead man placed into the tomb of Elisha
2 Kings 13:21 – “When the body touched Elisha’s bones, the dead man came to life and stood on his feet.”
The full narrative can be found in: 2 Kings 13:20-21
The prophet Jonah from Gath-Hepher, the son of Amittai
Jonah 2:6 – “Yahweh brought me up alive from the pit.”
The full narrative can be found in: Jonah 2:1-10
The daughter of Jairus who is only “asleep”
Luke 8:54-55 – “But he took her by the hand, called out, ‘Little girl, get up!’ and her spirit returned.”
The full narrative can be found in: Matthew 9:23-25; Mark 5:35-42; and Luke 8:52-55
The only son of a widow from the town of Nain
Luke 7:14-15 – “Yeshua said, ‘Young man, I say to you: get up!’ The dead man sat up and began to speak.”
The full narrative can be found in: Luke 7:11-15
Lazarus from Bethany, the brother of Martha and Mary
John 11:43-44 –“Yeshua shouted, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ The man who had been dead came out.”
The full narrative can be found in: John 11:11-44
Tabitha from Joppa, also known as Dorcas
Acts 9:40 – “Peter said, ‘Tavita! Get up!’ She opened her eyes; and on seeing Peter, sat up.”
The full narrative can be found in: Acts 9:36-42
Eutychus from Troas, who fell from the third story to the ground
Acts 20:10 – “Paul said, ‘Do not be distressed, for he is still alive’!”
The full narrative can be found in: Acts 20:9-10
And possibly the Apostle Paul, presumed to be dead
Acts 14:19 – “They presumed Paul to be dead . . . but he got up and went back into the city.”
The full narrative can be found in: Acts 14:19-20
Wait: None of Them Just Disappeared or Got Glorified Bodies!
The above statement is absolutely true: Not one of these ten resurrected people instantly disappeared when they came back to life. Just the opposite. ALL were seen alive by many after their resurrection. Not one of these ten resurrected people mentioned above received a glorified, incorruptible, immortal body. Most, we assume, later died and were buried, as is the case of Paul.
I don’t see any split second or nanosecond instant disappearance of these ten people – do you?
Three More Resurrections From The Dead
The Holy Ones from Jerusalem
Matthew 27:50-53 – “The graves were opened, and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life; and after Yeshua rose, they came out of the graves and went into the holy city, where many people saw them.”
Those who were already in the grave were resurrected at the moment Yeshua died and later were seen by many as they witnessed in the city of Jerusalem.
Yeshua
Matthew 28:7 – “He has been raised from the dead, and now he is going to Galilee ahead of you.”
Mark 16:9 – “When Yeshua rose early on Sunday, he appeared first to Miryam of Magdala.”
John 20:17 – “Stop holding onto me,” Yeshua said to her, “because I have not yet ascended to the Father.”
When Yeshua rose early on Sunday, he appeared first to Miriam of Magdala and commanded her not to cling to him as he had “not yet ascended to his Father”, saying he would meet them in Galilee.
The Two Witnesses of Revelation
Revelation 11:11-12 – “But after the three-and-a-half days a breath of life from God entered them, they stood up on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. Then the two heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, ‘Come up here!’ And they went up into heaven in a cloud, while their enemies watched them.”
The two witnesses are resurrected, stand on their feet, were called to come up, finally were raptured.
Wait: None of These Disappeared Either!
Neither the Holy Ones, nor Yeshua, nor the two witnesses of Revelation instantly disappeared after their resurrection. Just the opposite.
As was the case of The Ten, neither the Holy Ones, nor Yeshua, nor the Two Witnesses instantly disappear after their resurrection. ALL were seen alive by many after their resurrection.
I don’t see any split second or nanosecond instant disappearance of these individuals – do you?
A Future Resurrection:
The Dead and Living in Yeshua
1 Corinthians 15:51-52 – “Not all of us will die! But we will all be changed! It will take but a moment, the blink of an eye, at the final shofar. For the shofar will sound, and the dead will be raised to live forever, and we too will be changed.”
If two scriptural patterns indicate that neither Yeshua nor the Holy Ones instantly disappeared upon their resurrection but spent time witnessing for up to forty days, then the Bride may also spend some time, [perhaps forty days!] witnessing after her resurrection if dead, or glorification if still alive, before being raptured.
I don’t see any reason to assume the Bride of Yeshua will experience a split second or nanosecond instant disappearance either – do you?
If two scriptural patterns (witnesses) which establish a fact as required by scripture (Deuteronomy 19:15, Matthew 18:16, 2 Corinthians 13:1, etc.) indicate that neither Yeshua nor the Holy Ones instantly disappeared but spent time witnessing for up to forty days, then the Bride may also spend some time witnessing before being raptured – let us say forty days.
That Ain’t No Zombie
There are several examples in scripture of the dead being raised. We are not told, however, how long these resurrected people remained alive. Most, we assume, later died and were buried, as is the case of Paul. Scripture is silent on this topic. The individuals that were resurrected/resuscitated according to the scriptures that did not instantly disappear but were seen by many after their resurrections. This pattern is consistent.
Conclusions
In not one of the many resurrection narratives does scripture indicate that a person’s resurrection resulted in an instantaneous rapture, even for those who have received an immortal, glorified body. If two scriptural patterns (witnesses) which establish a fact as required by scripture (Deuteronomy 19:15, Matthew 18:16, 2 Corinthians 13:1, etc.) then most likely neither will the Bride of Yeshua instantly disappear! In summary:
Not once does scripture give an account of an instantaneous rapture after a resurrection. The “gone in an instant” image makes for great reading, for simply good fiction. This image, I believe, is not supported by scripture. The instant rapture paradigm is a false narrative not supported by the many patterns revealed in the scriptures that show a progression of well witnessed events over time. The belief that “the resurrection is the rapture” is mere tickling of the ears. This paradigm is a golden calf, and its name is: Instant Gratification. How sad that so many bow down to it.
The Resurrection / Change to Glorified Body and The Rapture are not the same event.
Rapture Party 