𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗢𝗥 𝗟𝗘𝗙𝗧 𝗕𝗘𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗗?

RAPTURED OR LEFT BEHIND?

Faith Alone vs Faith + Works — Rightly Divided
Key Text: 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
Gospel Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1–4 (KJV)

INTRODUCTION

Many confuse the Rapture with the Tribulation, and in doing so, they mix:
Grace with wrath
Faith alone with faith plus works
The Body of Christ with Israel

Dispensational truth reveals two different programs, two different peoples, and two different outcomes.
Failing to rightly divide this truth leads to fear, confusion, and false doctrine.

PROMISE — Deliverance Promised vs Distress Predicted
1 Thessalonians 1:10 | Matthew 24:21

A. Promised Escape — Delivered from wrath
B. Predicted Distress — Great Tribulation coming
C. Proper People — Church vs Israel
Insight:
The Rapture is a promise to the Body of Christ, not a warning.

POSITION — In Christ vs In the World
Ephesians 2:6 | Revelation 6:16–17

A. In Christ — Seated in heavenly places
B. In the World — Facing God’s wrath
C. In Contrast — Heaven vs Earth
Dispensational Truth:
The Church’s position is heavenly, not earthly.

PURPOSE — Comfort Given vs Judgment Poured
1 Thessalonians 4:18 | Revelation 6:17

A. Comfort One Another — Rapture doctrine
B. Cry for the Mountains — Tribulation terror
C. Clear Difference — Grace vs wrath
Pauline Emphasis:
Paul never told the Church to prepare for Antichrist.

PROTECTION — Not Appointed vs Fully Exposed
1 Thessalonians 5:9 | Revelation 3:10

A. Not Appointed to Wrath
B. Kept from the Hour
C. Removed Before Judgment
Clarity:
Wrath begins after the Church is gone.

PROCESS — Instant Change vs Enduring Suffering
1 Corinthians 15:51–52 | Revelation 14:12

A. Changed in a Moment — Rapture
B. Endure to the End — Tribulation saints
C. Different Requirements — Grace vs endurance
Right Division:
Endurance belongs to Tribulation doctrine, not the Church.

PAYMENT — Faith Alone vs Faith Plus Works
Ephesians 2:8–9 | Revelation 12:17

A. Faith Alone Saves Today
B. Works Excluded Completely
C. Grace Unmixed
Dispensational Line:
Faith + works nullifies grace (Romans 11:6).

PERSECUTION — Glory Ahead vs Beheading Ahead
Romans 8:18 | Revelation 20:4

A. Glory Revealed — For the Church
B. Beheading Required — Tribulation saints
C. Different Outcomes — Reward vs martyrdom
Truth:
The Church is never instructed to prepare for execution.

PLACE — Heaven with Christ vs Earth under Antichrist
1 Thess 4:17| Revelation 13:16–17

A. Taken to Heaven
B. Left on Earth
C. Ruled by Antichrist
Dispensational Separation:
The Rapture removes believers before the Beast rises.

PROCLAMATION — Blessed Hope vs Bitter Horror
Titus 2:13 | Revelation 6:15–16

A. Blessed Hope — Looking up
B. Bitter Horror — Crying out
C. Bold Warning — Believe now
Pauline Conclusion:
The Rapture is hope; the Tribulation is judgment.

CONCLUSION

Two groups.
Two destinies.
Two doctrines.
The Church — Raptured by grace
The World — Left to wrath
Where you stand depends on what gospel you believe.

CALL TO ACTION

Believe the gospel NOW (1 Cor. 15:1–4)
Trust Christ alone
Do not wait for signs
Look up — your redemption draweth nigh
Warn others before it’s too late

FINAL THOUGHTS

Promise of escape
Position in Christ
Purpose of comfort
Protection from wrath
Process of change
Payment by grace
Persecution avoided
Place in heaven
Proclamation of hope

RAPTURE IS NOT FEAR — IT IS GRACE.
TRIBULATION IS NOT FOR THE CHURCH — IT IS WRATH.