Connecting the dots = a pre-tribulation rapture.

[ScottA]

Well... hmmmm again... <smile> So we are not yet born again and of God... even though we are told we are... have been... <scratching head...smile> ...as notably as anywhere else by Paul in Ephesians 2 and Peter in 1 Peter 1. Yeah, I disagree with you there. I do agree that we will no longer be in this age (this current age will have ended), that we will be in the age which still as of now is yet to come, eternity...

As for these things being rapturous, yes, but I would say that for each of us, it may not have felt like it... we may not even remember it, especially if it happened early enough in our life... but our being born again was for each of us very rapturous. Since then, we are His. And He ours. From "once slaves of sin" to now "obedient from the heart," and "set free from sin" and now "slaves of righteousness"... "slaves of God, the fruit (we) get lead(ing) to sanctification and its end, eternal life" (Romans 6)... yes, that's quite the radical, rapturous change.

Oh, we who are in Christ certainly are born again and of God! This is the first resurrection. But, while it is a rapturous experience for some even in the flesh, it is not for all, for unlike the poor in spirit, the flesh still has a blinding effect on many who are strong. Therefore, the full and rapturous effect will not come until the flesh that restrains is taken out of the way.

As for eternity, it comes that very moment of passing from death to life--that moment experienced even in the flesh by those born again of the spirit of God.

 

[ScottA]

One more time: Hmmmm... As I and others have said, this is about the end of the age and the final judgment... its coming without warning and its suddenness is Jesus's context here.

Grace and peace to you, Scott.

That is indeed what is taught--but I have told you the truth--"the one is taken and the other left" that very moment of passing from death to life..."at an hour you do not expect."