THESIS: To show the events which follow the Rapture of the Church in heaven.
INTRO:
A. Most Christians are conversant with the Scriptures relating to the Rapture, but beyond that the prophetic picture is often unclear. This series of messages is designed to clarify some of these events.
B. But the question is, "WHAT NEXT?!" i.e., what will every believer experience after the Rapture? We know that down here on earth, we will be discovered missing, the Antichrist will be revealed and the Tribulation will com-mence, but what is in store for the raptured church?
I. WAR IN HEAVEN: Rev. 12:7-13
NOTE: Who ever heard of "War in Heaven"?! What a strange concept. Of course Satan has had access to heaven over the millennia, and where ever he is there is always conflict. No wonder God will create both a new earth and new heavens. But this war will be decisive.
A. The Archangel VS. The Arch-Devil: v.7
1. These two age-old enemies have had their "wars" before.
Jude 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
2. Satan probably wanted Moses' body so he could cause the Israelites to worship his relics and bones.
B. The Rapture and The Results:
1. Previously Michael was not permitted to engage Satan in battle, but this time there is a fantastic war between the holy angels and the unholy angels with their respective leaders. 2. Nearly all the Bible commentators connect this "war" with the Rapture.
QUOTE: LaHaye: "...Satan and his hosts will battle vig orously with Michael and the heavenly hosts immediately after the Rapture of the Church, for when Christ comes for His Church "with a shout," He will come with "the voice of the archangel." Strauss: "...it is possible that the Rapture occasions this conflict." Morris: "Almost certainly the devil and his angels would offer strong resistance (but unsuccessful) to the great rapture of believers and the translation of God's throne to earth's atmosphere, and this great 'war in heaven' would become more intense than ever when Satan makes a last ditch effort to destroy Israel and any remaining earthly believers."
3. The "air" or atmosphere is Satan's present domain and without super natural help and assistance believers would never make it through. 4. The outcome of this war is never in question and Satan and his cohorts are forever cast out of heaven. v.8,9
a. His privileged positon of "Accuser" is over forever. v.10 b. Blood washed believers have a part in this defeat. v.11 c. The timing of this even is given in v.12 and the Tribulation now begins in earnest.
NOTE: Though this war begins at the Rapture, it may continue through the 1st 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation when the persecution phase or the Great Tribulation begins, "the time of Jacob's trouble". cf. "the woman" v.13ff
II. WORKS IN HEAVEN: I Cor.3:11-15
A. Works Reviewed: "made manifest...revealed..." v.13 NOTE: It is works, not sin which is the issue. Works (activities) can be moral, amoral or immoral. Ex.: TV, music, friends...
B. Works Rewarded: v.14
C. Works Razed: v.15
III. WORSHIP IN HEAVEN: Rev.19:7-10
A. The Time:
1. Now we are engaged or "espoused" to Christ. 2. At the Judgment Seat we are "cleaned up" for presentation to the Bridegroom.
Eph. 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
3. After the Judgment Seat is over the Marriage takes place. 4. Next comes the Marriage Supper of the Lamb or the Reception.
B. The Place:
1. There are two views: earth and heaven. 2. First, the Church consists of a heavenly people, so heaven seems fitting. 3. Second, It is the Marriage Supper of the "Lamb" - He is especially the Sacrificial Lamb to the Church.
C. The Participants: 1. The Church is the Bride, Jesus is the Bridegroom and the Friends of the Bridegroom are John the Baptist and the Old Testament saints. 2. The Bride is ready and robed:
a. Ready because of the imputed righteousness of Christ. v.7 b. Robed in the garments she has made herself. v.8
NOTE: We will apparently be wearing a wedding garment of our own making!! Some will be wearing "mini-skirts" instead of gowns or robes!!! Satan tells the unbeliever to work for his salvation knowing that it is impossible. Satan tells the believer to quit working after he is saved knowing that is an abomination to God.
CONCL: Heaven is not only wonderful place, it is also a very busy place! Death and/or the Rapture is just the beginning of the believer's eternal life and continuing service for the Savior. After the Wedding Reception, the Bride and Bridegroom have a whole life ahead of them. What kind of garments will you wear at your wedding? What kind of Wife will you be? Faithful now...faithful then! Unfaithful now...?????