The Middle Rapture: Or, A Surprising Transformation Before the Middle of the Tribulation Week


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The Middle Rapture

Or, A Surprising Transformation Before the Middle of the Tribulation Week

"With God all things are possible"
(Matthew 19:26).

by Tom Stewart

Preface

believe in more than one Rapture-- basically, a Pre-Tribulational Rapture and a Pre-Wrath Rapture. Why Two Raptures? Because of the Two "Come Up Hither"s of Revelation 4:1 (Pre-Tribulational) and Revelation 11:12,15 (Pre-Wrath) indicate two different Rapture Events. Also, because the LORD Jesus referred to more than one Door in His Olivet Discourse, He was pointing to more than one Door or Rapture. "So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors" (Matthew 24:33).

To Philadelphia, the Church of the Pre-Tribulational Rapture, Jesus promises: "I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an Open Door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My Word, and hast not denied My Name... Because thou hast kept the Word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth" (Revelation 3:8,10). To Laodicea, the Church of the Pre-Wrath Rapture, the Saviour promises: "Behold, I stand at the Door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me" (Revelation 3:20).

The actual Resurrection of the Righteous Dead will not take place until the Pre-Wrath Rapture. Why the Resurrection of the Righteous Dead at the Pre-Wrath Rapture? Wherever you find the Resurrection, you will find Rapture. "For the LORD himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the LORD in the air: and so shall we ever be with the LORD" (1Thessalonians 4:16-17). Those Christians martyred during the Tribulation Week will be resurrected at this time, along with the Departed Saints of All Time.

The following is a dream/vision of Armin A. Wolff that may indicate yet another Rapture event.

"A Prophetic Dream of Rapture"
by Armin A. Wolff
(February 15,1993)

ast night I had an extremely exciting and vivid dream-vision concerning the return of our LORD Jesus. I normally never remember anything I dream, but this was so gripping and vivid, and I have been thinking about it all day today. I would like to share it with you and hereby also have a written record.

I found myself in a meeting with a number of believers. The meeting hall looked like some kind of a warehouse and there were fewer than 100 assembled. The talk seemed to center on the increasing persecution they were experiencing. All of a sudden Jesus appeared and most, but not all, were instantly transformed from mortal beings into Immortal. Also, at the same instant, some other Holy Ones appeared who had walked with God in ages past, both in New and Old Testament times. All of the ones who had, in an instant of time, received their new bodies were able to recognize and converse with the Holy Ones from times past. I heard someone exclaim: "I thought You are coming in the clouds to take us away." The reply was: "I am coming in the clouds and... My reward is with Me Behold, here they are, My Holy Ones of all time, My faithful witnesses, those who loved not their life, and thus received it. They are the clouds and my reward, My reward for what I endured on the cross for all."

I heard another question asked of the LORD, by one of the Transformed Persons, whether He would now take them with Him out of the tribulation they were experiencing. He replied: "No, you must remain here for another 40 days and nights, just as I was on Earth for another 40 days after My resurrection and minister with Me to those who were not ready. After the 40 days and nights you will come with Me into the skies above Jerusalem and we will leave from there to have a celebration, a banquet in My Father's house, a feast that has been planned before the worlds were made."

The ones in the assembly, who had remained in their mortal bodies, lamented and cried to the Transformed Ones to help them, but were told: "It is now too late. The Bridegroom has come for us and there is nothing we can do for you, in this regard. However, if you will not love your own life, not bow to the will of the sin-man and take that seal of his, you will join us after the celebration. You will be sealed by your death and kept in the throne room for the LORD."

In what seemed a moment later, I was in another similar assembly in (maybe) another country. There also, the instant transformation had taken place of many. I was told that this same event had happened all over the Earth and all born again, Spirit filled followers of Jesus had been thus transformed, at whatever spot they happened to be in that instant, and were joined by many of God's Holy Ones, from the dawn of creation up to the present time.

Just then, some heavily armed police, or soldiers, burst into the meeting and proceeded to beat, shoot, and arrest the believers. A little blonde Transformed lady stood-up to one of the large men, and refused to move when told she was under arrest. Five or six huge men tried to drag her away, but could not move her any further than they could have moved an ancient redwood or oak tree. This infuriated the police and they started to beat her, and to start shooting their weapons. The bullets went right through the Transformed Believers and made holes in the walls, or in some cases, struck and killed some of the mortals standing behind them. The blows seemed to go through also and have no effect whatsoever on the new resurrection bodies. The remaining mortals were dragged off to prison, along with some of the Transformed Ones who chose to go along. There was no sure way to tell at first glance, who was mortal and who lived in a transcendent resurrection body.

I was then also in a prison, and saw how the Immortals were comforting the anguished souls who were to be executed unless they denounced the name of Jesus. The guards and all governmental authorities were furious that they could do absolutely nothing to prevent the Glorified Believers from coming and going and ministering anywhere on Earth, wherever Jesus told them to go. No wall could hem them in, and no weapon, or human force, could oppose or harm them. One of the Transformed Saints who had lived ages ago on Earth spoke: "Within forty days, all who refuse to accept the seal of the evil one will be killed and kept safe by the Father, personally, in the throne room. Those who give in, will suffer in the Terrible Wrath beginning after the last saint is murdered. This Wrath is the LORD's Last Effort to get rebellious mankind to repent."

At this point, I awoke and as you can imagine, was quite agitated. In fact, my heart rate was considerably above the normal resting level. The clock said 5:05am. Needless to say, I could not go back to sleep. Over time, I may forget the details of this dream, or vision, but one thing I'll never forget is the anguish, wailing, and heart-rending lamentations of those who had to remain here. I do not know how many of these chose to be killed rather than take the seal of the antichrist.

Scripture does speak of a group coming out of the Great Tribulation, but whether some are from those who were left behind, or not, was not made clear to me in this vision. [The conclusion of Armin A. Wolff's dream and postscript remarks.]

Analyze Any Modern Prophesy, Dream, or Vision Just As You Would Scripture

he prophet Jeremiah told a false prophet, Hananiah, how to determine the validity of a prophecy-- even one that has no obvious conflict with the Word of God. "The prophets that have been before me and before thee of old prophesied both against many countries, and against great kingdoms, of war, and of evil, and of pestilence. The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the LORD hath truly sent him" (Jeremiah 28:8-9). Fulfillment is necessary for a prophecy to have come from the LORD.

Incidentally, Jeremiah prophesied that Hananiah would die because he had taught rebellion against the LORD. "Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie. Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will cast thee from off the face of the earth: this year thou shalt die, because thou hast taught rebellion against the LORD. So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month" (Jeremiah 28:15-17). Hananiah fulfilled Jeremiah's prophecy by dying 2 months later.

If a prophecy obviously contradicts the Word of God, it did not come from God. Why? The "Scripture cannot be broken" (John 10:35). God Who Cannot Lie (Titus 1:2), does not contradict Himself with an inconsistent prophecy. A modern prophet must be held to the high standard of the Truth, just as the prophets of old. "Sanctify them through Thy Truth: Thy Word is Truth" (John 17:17). Consequently, when we find a modern prophecy has come from the LORD, we need to uphold the modern prophet in prayer for their continued protection and their continual faithfulness. "Touch not Mine anointed, and do My prophets no harm" (Psalm 105:15).

An Analysis of Armin Wolff's Dream

rmin described a "meeting hall" where Christians were discussing "increasing persecution they were experiencing". This had to be prior to the Mark of the Beast, which would necessitate the worship of Antichrist as God. This places the dream events prior to the Middle of the Tribulation Week. "And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed" (Revelation 13:15). Remember that Antichrist's demand that all must worship himself as God is the event known as the Abomination of Desolation at the Middle of the Tribulation Week. "And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate" (Daniel 9:27).

Armin continues, "All of a sudden Jesus appeared and most, but not all, were instantly transformed from mortal beings into Immortal." This transformation is neither the Pre-Tribulational Rapture or the Pre-Wrath Rapture. This accomplishes the same thing as God taking Enoch without dying. "And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him" (Genesis 5:24). We admit that both Enoch and Elijah reached Heaven without dying. "And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a Chariot of Fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into Heaven" (2Kings 2:11). Why can't God transform our brethren who, missing the Pre-Tribulational Rapture, have entered into the Tribulation Week?

We, who experience the blessing of the Pre-Tribulational Rapture, need to consider well the need of the Tribulation Saints-- the brothers, sisters, future brothers, and future sisters-- for deliverance. "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence" (Psalm 91:1-3). We ought to pray for the deliverance of the Tribulation Saints from Antichrist.

Armin tells us, "At the same instant some other holy ones appeared who had walked with God in ages past". This is reminiscent of the small scale Resurrection of many Saints after the Resurrection of the LORD Jesus Christ. "And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after His Resurrection, and went into the Holy City, and appeared unto many" (Matthew 27:52-53).

Armin's dream points out that the Transformed Believers have "new bodies" or "transcendent resurrection bodies", which can no longer be harmed by this world. This is consistent with the Apostle Paul's description of the resurrection or glorified bodies of the once- dead- but- now- resurrected Saints. "For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory" (1Corinthians 15:53-54). Raptured Saints will also possess this same glorified body. "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is" (1John 3:2).

Interestingly, Armin shares Jesus' reply to someone who asks, "I thought you are coming in the clouds to take us away." In the dream, Jesus responds, "I am coming in the clouds and... My reward is with Me." Here, the LORD Jesus alludes to Revelation 22:12: "And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me". Jesus continues in Armin's dream, "Behold, here they are, My Holy Ones of all time, My Faithful Witnesses, those who loved not their life and thus received it. They are the clouds and My Reward, My Reward for what I endured on the cross for all." Tom and Katie Stewart say, along with the Body of Christ: "Thank you, LORD Jesus, for looking upon us as Your Reward. We are unworthy of all Your Mercy, Love, and Grace. May You be forever praised for showering upon us, what we have NOT so richly deserved." The LORD refers to the Great Cloud of Witnesses, which are the Angels and Departed Saints in Heaven. "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so Great a Cloud of Witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1).

In Armin's prophetic dream, "one of the Transformed Persons" asks Jesus "whether He would now take them with Him out of the tribulation they were experiencing." This, I believe, refers to the actual Tribulation Week. Why were some professed Christians in the Tribulation Week? Because they had never come to Christ? No, because they were Foolish Virgins (Matthew 25). If Christians under the New Covenant (Testament) do not walk in the Spirit, then they are not abiding in Christ, and are not walking apart from known sin. "He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked" (1John 2:6). Only as we are presently abiding are we presently sinning not. "Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not" (1John 3:6).

Jesus responds to the question, in Armin's dream, as to whether the newly Transformed Believers will go immediately to Heaven-- like the Pre-Tribulational Rapture and the Pre-Wrath Rapture. Jesus says, "No, you must remain here for another 40 days and nights, just as I was on Earth for another 40 days after My Resurrection and minister with Me to those who were not ready." What did Jesus do after His Resurrection? "To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God" (Acts 1:3). The Apostle Peter was being prepared for Pentecost, along with the other Believers, by the Master instructing him with "many infallible proofs".

Our Tribulation Brethren, who are Transformed before the Middle of the Tribulation Week, will have the opportunity to minister to "those who were not ready", as revealed by Brother Armin's dream. Though terror will initially flood the ones "who were not ready", the "peace of God, which passeth all understanding" (Philippians 4:7) will begin to take hold of their hearts. They will be counseled to rest with confidence upon the LORD Jesus. "Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2). They will be assured that God will give them the necessary grace to witness a good confession in a martyr's death. "Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). They will be reminded that their LORD set the Example of How to Die a Martyr's Death. "I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, Who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession" (1Timothy 6:13).

Jesus said to "one of the Transformed Persons" that "[You] will minister with Me to those who were not ready". Jesus has already set the example for these upcoming 40 days. "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). Our LORD instructed this Transformed One of a ministering partnership. Only our Fellowlabourer, the LORD Jesus Christ, could invite us to work alongside Him. "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:29).

Our LORD remarked in Armin's dream, "You will come with Me in the skies above Jerusalem and we will leave there from here to have a celebration, a banquet in My Father's house, a feast that has been planned before the worlds began." This time of celebration-- and who would not celebrate after missing death and Tribulation?-- I do not believe to be the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9) because that Supper will not be ready until "the last Saint has been murdered" (from Armin's dream). I believe that no violence would be done to our LORD's words to say that the "banquet" and the "feast"-- happening after the Pre-Wrath Rapture-- are referring to a separate event from the "celebration"-- happening after the Pre-Mid-Tribulational Transformation.

The Church is the Mystery of Christ. "This is a Great Mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church" (Ephesians 5:32). When the 7th Trumpet Judgment takes place toward the End of the Tribulation Week, then the Mystery will be finished. "But in the days of the voice of the Seventh Angel, when he shall begin to sound, the Mystery of God should be finished, as He hath declared to His servants the prophets" (Revelation 10:7). The Last Trump is one and the same with the 7th Trumpet Judgment. "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the Last Trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed" (1Corinthians 15:52). Consequently, the celebration in Heaven will be the prelude to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, that follows the Pre-Wrath Rapture.

Continuing with Armin's dream, "one who had remained in their mortal bodies lamented and cried to the Transformed Ones to help them." The reply was not unfeeling, but it was unequivocal: "It is now too late, the Bridegroom has come for us and there is nothing we can do for you in this regard. However, if you will not love your own life..." Refers to the Scripture: "And they overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb, and by the Word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death" (Revelation 12:11). Armin's dream continues: "Not bow to the will of the sin-man and take that seal of his..." Refers to the Scripture: "And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God" (Revelation 15:2).

Jesus soberly states that the ones "who were not ready" (Armin's dream) will miss a celebration: "You will join us after the celebration" (Armin's dream). Jesus is being entirely accurate. "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him" (1Corinthians 2:9). However, I believe that there is a surprise waiting for those, of whom the LORD says, "You will be sealed by your death and kept in the throne room for the LORD" (Armin's dream). I believe that these will have the unspeakable joy to find that the Marriage Supper of the Lamb has been arranged by a Loving God to include even ALL the Translated Tribulation Saints. "Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" (Ephesians 3:20).

Armin's dream indicated that "this same event had happened all over the Earth and all born again, Spirit filled followers of Jesus had been thus transformed". Jesus' covenanted Spirit of the New Testament abides only with those that dwell in Him. "And he that keepeth His Commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him. And hereby we know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us" (1John 3:24). A heart willing to obey the LORD Jesus Christ is always as full of the Spirit of God as the Believer has capacity. "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18). Faith increases our capacity. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17).

Armin's dream scenario continues with the Transformed Saints being "joined by many of God's Holy Ones, from the dawn of creation up to the present time". This cannot be Christ's Second Coming, because at the Second Coming (after the Tribulation Week), ALL Saints from all time will return with the LORD Jesus as well as ALL His Angelic hosts. "To the end He may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the Coming of our LORD Jesus Christ with ALL His Saints" (1Thessalonians 3:13 ). "When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and ALL the Holy Angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the Throne of His glory" (Matthew 25:31). Not ALL Saints, but only "MANY of God's Holy Ones, from the dawn of creation up to the present time" (Armin's dream) joined the Transformed Ones.

Since the dream warns those "who had remained in their mortal bodies" to "not bow down to the sin-man [Antichrist] and take that seal [Mark of the Beast] of his", this cannot be the time of the Pre-Wrath Rapture. The Pre-Wrath Rapture must precede the outpouring of the Vials of the Wrath of God during the last 8-9 days of the Tribulation Week. Remember, numbered among the last of the "Vials of the Wrath of God" (Revelation 16:1) is the 6th Vial Judgment, which prepares the kings of the Earth "to the battle [Armageddon] of that great day of God Almighty" (16:14). Armageddon follows the Tribulation Week and climaxes in the actual Return of the LORD Jesus Christ to the Earth. "Immediately after the Tribulation of those days... and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" (Matthew 24:29,30).

In Armin's dream, the Transformed Ones warned those who remained not to take the Mark of the Beast, "that seal of his". The Mark of the Beast is instituted to reinforce the worship of Antichrist at the Abomination of Desolation. "And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate" (Daniel 9:27). This dream event occurs 40 days before the Middle of the Tribulation Week.

Armin's dream then depicts a "little blonde Transformed lady" boldly standing up to Antichrist's police who are beating, shooting, and arresting the Believers who were left behind. She infuriates the police, who attempt to beat and shoot her without any success. Why no success? Because all Transformed Believers will possess the same kind of glorified Resurrection body as the LORD Jesus. "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is" (1John 3:2).

In the dream, Antichrist's government "were furious that they could do absolutely nothing to prevent the Glorified Believers from coming and going and ministering anywhere on Earth". Ministering-- how like the Master! "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). Compare that conduct to a Lost But Convicted Sinner, whose interest is only the salvation of his own soul. "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30). A Spirit Filled Believer, acting in love, "seeketh not her own" (1Corinthians 13:5). That Believer, who abides in Christ, no longer seeks to save himself, but to serve Christ and the Body of Christ. "LORD, what wilt Thou have me to do?" (Acts 9:6). Likewise, the Transformed Ones will minister in Christian love to their anguished Brothers and Sisters left behind.

"No wall could hem them [the Transformed Ones] in, and no weapon, or human force, could oppose or harm them." That phrase from Armin's dream recalls the majesty of the Word of God. "So shall My Word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: It shall not return unto Me void, but It shall accomplish that which I please, and It shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it" (Isaiah 55:11). What power the Saints have, when they neglect not the Mighty Sword of the Spirit, "which is the Word of God" (Ephesians 6:17)!

"Within forty days, all who refuse to accept the seal of the evil one will be killed and kept safe by the Father, personally, in the throne room." One of the Transformed Saints who lived "long ago on Earth" made this announcement in the dream. This is consistent with the words of the Apostle John. "And when He had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the Altar the souls of them that were slain for the Word of God, and for the Testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O LORD, holy and true, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the Earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled" (Revelation 6:9-11).

This could be the possible future scenario:

First, the 5th Seal Judgment of Revelation 6: An edict goes out demanding that all must receive the Mark of the Beast or die. This is 83 days before the Middle [see "Tribulation Timeline: When Shall These Things Be? (Part 2)"].

Second, the Pre-Mid-Tribulational Transformation. The Transformation occurs when Antichrist's governmental authorities are closing the net upon all, especially the professed Christians, to receive the Mark of the Beast in preparation for the Abomination of Desolation. "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty... Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known My Name" (Psalm 91:1,14).

Third, the Abomination of Desolation of Daniel 9:27 occurs exactly at the center of the Tribulation Week.

Fourth, the Christians who were left behind at the Pre-Mid-Tribulational Transformation will be martyred throughout the second half of the Tribulation Week. "And I heard a voice from Heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the LORD from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them" (Revelation 14:13).

Fifth, "the last saint is murdered" (Armin's dream). I believe that this refers to the Martyrdom of the Two Witnesses, Moses and Elijah. "And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them" (Revelation 11:7) The Two Witnesses would be the "last murdered" because the world is too busy celebrating their deaths to kill anyone else during the 3 1/2 days between their death and their Resurrection. "And after three days and an half the Spirit of Life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a Great Voice from Heaven saying unto them, Come Up Hither. And they ascended up to Heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them" (Revelation 11:11-12).

Finally, this is followed by the Second "Come Up Hither" (Revelation 11:12,15), which is the Pre-Wrath Rapture, and the Resurrection of the Righteous Dead. "For the LORD Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the Trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the LORD in the air: and so shall we ever be with the LORD" (1Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Armin's dream concludes with a warning. "Those who give in, will suffer in the Terrible Wrath beginning after the last saint is murdered. This Wrath is the LORD's Last Effort to get rebellious mankind to repent." God's Wrath cannot fall until all the Righteous have been removed from the planet, by martyrdom or Pre-Wrath Rapture. "Haste thee, escape thither; for I [the angel speaking to Lot] cannot do any thing till thou be come thither" (Genesis 19:22). Those Tribulation Saints, who were not ready for the Pre-Mid-Tribulational Transformation, are promised not to suffer through the Vials of the Wrath of God, if they do not take the Mark of the Beast. Evidently, many will listen to this warning, and resist taking the Mark of the Beast-- at the cost of their lives. "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the Word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years" (Revelation 20:4).

If, as it seems, most Christians will be martyred during the last half of the Tribulation Week, then who will be "alive and remain" (1Thessalonians 4:17) for a Pre-Wrath Rapture? Church history is full of stories of the conversion of multitudes due to the witness for the LORD Jesus Christ in the death of martyred Christians. Jesus' crucifixion brought the acknowledgment from the Roman centurion in charge of the execution: "Truly this man was the Son of God" (Mark 15:39). The man in charge of holding the coats of those who stoned Stephen, Saul of Tarsus, became the Apostle to the Gentiles. "And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul" (Acts 7:58). Doubtlessly, these Martyred Tribulation Christians will yield a very great multitude of people converted to the LORD Jesus because of their witness unto death. These multitudes will be "alive and remain" at the Pre-Wrath Rapture. "And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD" (Psalm 40:3).

Conclusion

y interpretation of Armin's dream puts God in the position of performing a Pre-Tribulational Rapture, a Pre-Mid-Tribulational Transformation, and a Pre-Wrath Rapture. This may seem impossible to some, "but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). Why so many Rapture-like events? God loves His people more than we think. "And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him" (1John 4:16).

"I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds" (Acts 26:29). Certainly, I would exhort all to embrace my interpretation of Armin's dream; however, I desire my understanding to grow "in the knowledge of our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2Peter 3:18). Pray with me that we would abide in the love of Christ, which is a "more excellent way" (1Corinthians 12:31).

Whatever you may think about this particular interpretation of Armin's dream, "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind" (Romans 14:5). Pray for a clear understanding of God's Word and prophecies. "Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth" (Romans 14:22). May the LORD Jesus Christ, whose "Name is called The Word of God" (Revelation 19:13), be your joy and rejoicing. "Thy Words were found, and I did eat Them; and Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by Thy Name, O LORD God of hosts" (Jeremiah 15:16).

Big Chart - The tribulation timeline displayed all at once.

Index - An in-depth index of all topics displayed on the Big Chart, but in small chart form.

Print - It is recommended that you print out the Big Chart, to help you see an overview easier, and for future reference.

Section Index for Timeline

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