THE 3
GLORIES OF HEAVEN
The Partial Rapture And the foolish said to the prudent 'Give us of your oil for our lamps are going out!' But the prudent answered saying, [no] lest it may not suffice for us and you: but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves. But as they went away to buy, the Bridegroom came and those ready went in with him to the wedding feast, and the door was shut. Matt. 25:8 (Berry's Greek-English) Some students of eschatology claim that the Foolish Virgins are unsaved people. But the Foolish Virgins identify themselves otherwise when they say "our lamps are going out." This means that they have the lamp oil. Oil, once again representing the Holy Spirit. The Foolish Virgins are Spirit-filled Believers who didn't use the Holy Spirit for the fullest, intended purpose. So, when we realize that the Brides are only some of the Spirit-filled Believers ... we are then viewing a partial-rapture scenario. The 1st Century Believers were also very aware that the "foolish virgins" would miss the Rapture / 1st Resurrection. This is brought out in 2 Tim 2:18. Knowing this truth, they were 'shaken' by the false report that the Resurrection had taken place ... they were very upset and wavering in their faith. But please note: Paul did NOT admonish them that their DOCTRINE was wrong ... only that the TIMING was wrong ... the Rapture / Resurrection had NOT happened yet. Someday soon, though, the Rapture / Resurrection WILL occur and many WILL miss it and be very upset. But the question remains: what then happens to the Foolish Virgins? Answer: they are those Believers who will have to go thru the last 3.5 years ... the Great Tribulation. They are the Believers whom various New Testament verses describe as going thru it ... but the One Glory theology can't fit them into their version of the End Times. The One Glory Gospel insists on picturing all Believers the same. Same rewards, same crowns, same thrones, etc, etc. But God has an entirely different view of things. Foreknowing that mankind would have an extremely varied reaction to Him, God has structured His 3 Glory Kingdom to accommodate these variances. And that's wonderful, That's the justice, ingenuity, generosity, and love of God. And so, when the Brides are gathered / resurrected, everyone will be viewing, first hand, the beginning of the Glory-positioning of the Kingdom's inhabitants. But "the One Glory Gospel of the 16th Century" can't explain why there should be a like / dislike (qualify / reprobate, approved / unapproved) viewpoint on God's part. The One Glory Gospel misses the whole point of the Kingdom. All of the "Everyone gets Raptured" theories (pre, mid, and post trib) are based on the One Glory concept of the Kingdom. But, both Old and New Testaments teach the 3 Glory Kingdom. And, although everyone is now growing-up together, it's at harvest-time that God's plans call for harvesting to be accomplished per certain stages. Hence, the Bridegroom arrives to receive the Bride ... whereas certain slow Spirit-filled Believers must remain on this earth during the last 3.5 years. For them it will be an 'extended chance' as they strengthen, prove, and finalize their love and loyalty unto the Father, even at the price of their lives. (Rev. 6:11; 12:11; 14:12,13) |
|
|
