The Lord and Harpazo

Thirteen Aspects of the Rapture.

Take your inheritance in the kingdom of heaven by force.
Stand against the world system trying to force its mold upon your life.
Look to the Lord, and He will forcefully remove you from dissension and affliction.
These three things are the rapture.

Hang on to the Word in your heart lest the devil come to catch it away.
Hang on to your relationship with the Chief Shepherd,

lest the wolf come to catch you away from His fold.
Be baptized in the Holy Spirit and filled to the full with Him each day;
And the Lord will catch you away into the position He has for you on earth.
These three things are the rapture.
 
Rest in the hands of Jesus Christ the Lord, and no man can pluck you out of His hand.
Rest in the arms of your heavenly Father, the Ancient of Days:
He is well able to hold on to you in His hand, and no man can pluck you out of His hand.
The Spirit has sealed you unto the day of redemption.
These three Persons are the rapture.

Dwell in the Vine and wait for the vision, and be caught up with whatever He says to do.
Be so caught up with the love of Christ Jesus that you will meet Him in the air when He calls.
Rest assured in Him, knowing that He has prepared you a place on His throne with Him.
These three truths are the rapture.

Be occupied daily only with the fear of the LORD, and He will rescue you from the fire of His wrath.
This one thing I know,
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
On the other side of His blood is the rapture.
____________________________________________

As blood bought believers, we are engaged in the most important conflict ever: the battle between God and Satan, between good and evil, between the heavenly realm of light and the forces of spiritual darkness. Our commander, the Lord of hosts, has already determined the outcome, which He sealed through the death on the cross, the burial, and resurrection of His only begotten Son Jesus Christ. In turn, we determine our position in this battle by faith in Jesus Christ, and this act guarantees the outcome in our own life by the seal of the Holy Spirit of promise. After this gift we must strive for the prize. There are crowns laid up for those who run the race with endurance while working the works of God. We must execute the battle plan of the Father of spirits.

See also A Vesture Dipped in Blood; The Blood of the Passover Lamb; Dark Speeches

Related Scriptures: Matthew 11:12; Matthew 13:19; John 6:15; John 10:12; John 10:28-29; Acts 8:39; Acts 23:10; 2 Corinthians 12:2-4; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; Jude 1:23; Revelation 12:5

Pulling Out (Harpazo, Part 5 of 5)

The rapture is not a term that is found anywhere in the Bible, it is a concept invented by man to conceive of the Greek word harpazo. (The word “rapture” is taken from the Latin Vulgate translation “rapio”.) This word has five meanings spread across thirteen different Scriptures, so it is my intent here to let the Spirit lead into a deeper understanding of this word, and thereby a greater understanding of the concept of the rapture.

Jude 1:23

And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Here we see the final act of God's redemptive process: pulling out (harpazo) of the fire those who must be saved with fear. Their garments are defiled by the works of the flesh, and they are alarmed by the possibility that they may not escape the flames. This could well be the lukewarm church, spewed out of the mouth of the Lord and left behind at the rapture. If so, they will have to endure dire hardship and persecution without the benefit of the indwelling Holy Spirit in order to escape. The Lord makes a distinction between these, whose very garments of self-righteous works are to be hated, and those who are saved by a heartfelt response to His compassion. As it is written,

Hebrews 6:1-3 KJV

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.

Now that we have reviewed all thirteen of the harpazo verses, we can begin to pull this all together for a more thorough understanding, from every angle, of the concept of the rapture. Here is a synopsis of the five meanings and their implications:

1.  take by force - seizing, especially with dire urgency (Matthew 11:12; John 6:15; Acts 23:10)

2.  catch away - to take out of the grasp of, to transport instantly (Matthew 13:19; John 10:12; Acts 8:39)

3.  pluck out - to snatch or pull away from, especially by a rapid jerking motion (John 10:28-29)

4.  catch up - translated, removed from a lower state to a higher one (2 Corinthians 12:2,4; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; Revelation 12:5)

5.  pull out - to rescue from danger or peril, especially those who are unable to do so on their own (Jude 1:23)

The Spirit has ministered a set of verses to post separately that will summarize this study, and bring the whole word of the Lord to bear on how we should view the many aspects of harpazo. This will help us to gain a deeper understanding of the various forms of the rapture. Follow along tomorrow as He speaks through The Lord and Harpazo, Thirteen Aspects of the Rapture.

See also Jericho Mindset; The Third Part Through the Fire; Walking Through the Fire

Related Scriptures: Jude 1:1-25

Caught Up (Harpazo, Part 4 of 5)

The rapture is not a term that is found anywhere in the Bible, it is a concept invented by man to conceive of the Greek word harpazo. (The word “rapture” is taken from the Latin Vulgate translation “rapio”.) This word has five meanings spread across thirteen different Scriptures, so it is my intent here to let the Spirit lead into a deeper understanding of this word, and thereby a greater understanding of the concept of the rapture.

2 Corinthians 12:2-4

I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Paul describes his visions of heaven as being so realistic that he left it to God to determine whether they were spiritual experiences, or physical experiences, or both. He describes being caught up (harpazo) to paradise where he heard "unspeakable" words. Perhaps he witnessed the angelic hosts singing in tongues before the throne of God. The revelations were of such awesome magnitude that a demonic spirit was sent to afflict Paul in direct opposition. The Lord allowed this to continue as a constant reminder that His spiritual strength is sufficient to overcome every physical, mental or emotional affliction.

1 Thessalonians 4:17

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.

Here is the verse that focuses all the other meanings of harpazo. This is the objective of the revelation of Jesus Christ: to reap the rewards of His sacrifice on the cross by raising up all those who have believed in their hearts that He is Lord and that He was raised from the dead and will resurrect those who believe. Immediately after the Lord was resurrected there was a procession of raised saints through the streets of Jerusalem, visible proof that He was the firstborn among MANY brethren. Paradise, the compartment of hell where the righteous dead were reserved until that moment, was snatched from the grasp of the devil and relocated as Christ led captivity captive. Satan had positioned himself for what he believed to be the ultimate defeat of God's purpose and plan, yet now he stood by helplessly as this glorious cascade of scriptural fulfillment buried him in a wave of righteousness. The next harpazo verse is a vivid description of Satan's intentions and God's glorious intervention:

Revelation 12:5

And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to His throne.

In the form of a red dragon and with a sweep of his tail, Satan snapped up the angels who were foolish enough to follow him and cast them down to the earth, as one third of the angelic hosts now were under his command. He and his army had spent every moment of the ages since they rebelled against God trying to prevent the birth of the Messiah, and this portion of Scripture describes their defeat as Christ is caught up (harpazo) to God. Contrary to his evil scheme to devour God's Son, Christ is now seated at the right hand of God and Satan will be cast down into the deepest depths of eternity, sealed in the burning lake of fire forever.

With just one more verse to go, we have a clearer picture of the full implications of the term harpazo and the concept of the rapture. In this posting we see that it is the catching up (harpazo) of various prophets, men of God, and Christ Himself to heaven, either for revelation or rescue. It is a tool that God uses to impart spiritual visions to His people and to perform His perfect will when circumstances seem hopeless. It is a tool of communion also, a form of direct communication that God uses to bypass His enemies. It is both a glorious demonstration of God's sovereignty and His ability to conceal His intentions from the destructive forces of Satan, the fallen angels, and other dark forces gathered in the world. As it is written,

Ephesians 1:9-10

Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him...

See also Run With the Vision; He Will Raise Us Up; Salvation and Strength

Related Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-18; Revelation 12:1-17

Pluck Out (Harpazo, Part 3 of 5)

The rapture is not a term that is found anywhere in the Bible, it is a concept invented by man to conceive of the Greek word harpazo. (The word “rapture” is taken from the Latin Vulgate translation “rapio”.) This word has five meanings spread across thirteen different Scriptures, so it is my intent here to let the Spirit lead into a deeper understanding of this word, and thereby a greater understanding of the concept of the rapture.

John 10:28-29

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand.

This is one of the most revealing harpazo passages. The dual nature of this meaning is powerful. It is the nature of the promise of the Father, that as we receive the free gift of His grace through His Son Jesus Christ unto salvation by His shed blood on the cross, we are firmly held in the hand of both Jesus and the Father. Therefore no man is able to pluck us out (harpazo) of their hands. To complete the picture, we have the indwelling presence of the Lord in our hearts in the Person of the Holy Spirit, our Comforter identical to Jesus and who does not speak of Himself but accomplishes the will of God based upon His spoken Word, and who is the seal of His promise unto the day of redemption when He will deliver all believers from the grasp of the enemy.

All three members of the Godhead have sworn their covenant with the one who believes in Jesus Christ, God in the flesh. The trinity of God, in complex unity (echad), has promised to catch us up (harpazo) from the wrath to come. As it is written,

1 Thessalonians 5:9

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ

See also Latter and Former Rain; Walking With God Through the Blood

Related Scriptures: John 10:1-42; John 14:1-31

Catch Away (Harpazo, Part 2 of 5)

The rapture is not a term that is found anywhere in the Bible, it is a concept invented by man to conceive of the Greek word harpazo. (The word “rapture” is taken from the Latin Vulgate translation “rapio”.) This word has five meanings spread across thirteen different Scriptures, so it is my intent here to let the Spirit lead into a deeper understanding of this word, and thereby a greater understanding of the concept of the rapture.

Matthew 13:19

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

If you stand passively by the wayside to receive the Word of God, it will not penetrate your heart, and the devil will most certainly come to catch it away before it takes root. You must actively pursue a deeper understanding of the Word, feeding on it night and day, in order for the Holy Spirit to effectively change you into the image of Christ. This verse illuminates the work of Satan: he is urgently desperate to catch away (harpazo) the Word, for he knows its mighty transforming power once it takes hold in the heart of man.

John 10:12

But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

Jesus warned here of the hireling, who leads the sheep into danger because he does not care for them, and then runs away when the wolf appears to catch them (harpazo) and scatter them. This is the rapture of the antichrist, who lulls lukewarm believers to sleep as he slips the snare around their souls. Be sober, be vigilant: your enemy knows how to impersonate light. You have need of keen spiritual discernment, and you should always be trying the spirits.

Acts 8:39

And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

When the Holy Spirit moves upon the soul of a man whom God has called to a sovereign purpose, there is a mighty flow of revelatory outpouring. Here we see the Holy Spirit wooing an Ethiopian eunuch with Isaiah 53 while simultaneously positioning Philip for a divine appointment with him. The Ethiopian is so powerfully moved by the Spirit of God that he knows to ask for baptism, boldly proclaiming that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Afterward Philip is caught away (harpazo) as soon as they come up out of the water, moved on to his next assignment by the Holy Spirit.

The instances of catching away (harpazo) described in these verses illustrate two opposites. First, the evil device used by Satan to catch away the word of God and then believers. Secondly, the instrument God uses to position believers for His purposes. As the rapture approaches, believers need to be firmly rooted and grounded in God's Word, to ensure that their shepherd is following the Good Shepherd, and to make themselves available when God moves to position them supernaturally. And remember, as it is written,

Matthew 24:4

And Jesus said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

See also Dividing (and Divided By)the Word; Smite the Shepherd; Receiving Our Inheritance

Related Scriptures: Matthew 13:10-23; John 10:1-18; Acts 8:26-40

Take By Force (Harpazo, Part 1 of 5)

The rapture is not a term that is found anywhere in the Bible, it is a concept invented by man to conceive of the Greek word harpazo.(The word “rapture” is taken from the Latin Vulgate translation “rapio”.) This word has five meanings spread across thirteen different Scriptures, so it is my intent here to let the Spirit lead into a deeper understanding of this word, and thereby a greater understanding of the concept of the rapture.

Matthew 11:12

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

Those who actively seek the kingdom of heaven and His Christ will lay hands on it with dynamic energy, seizing their blood bought place in the realm of the sky. This taking of the kingdom by force (harpazo) is initiated by repentance, which is the act of turning from the violence against God of this world system and walking vigorously in the opposite direction. When you truly walk with Christ in this present age you will undoubtedly suffer violent persecution in one form or another: physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Harpazo will remove you from the sources of persecution to the safety of the kingdom of heaven.

John 6:15

When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take Him by force, to make Him a king, He departed again into a mountain Himself alone.

When the people witnessed the miracle of the loaves and fishes, they believed that Jesus was the prophet that was to come into the world. Knowing their thoughts, and that they would try to take Him by force (harpazo) before the time of His appointed Kingdom, He removed Himself from the situation. Jesus Christ was endued with the full authority of God by the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and was able at all times to deliver Himself from any situation that was not a part of God’s plan and purpose.

Act 23:10

And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

When conflict arose between Paul and the council of the high priest regarding the resurrection, tempers flared and the Roman captain ordered his soldiers to take Paul by force (harpazo) from the midst of the assembly. God had already arranged for his deliverance so Paul could continue on with his witness of the Gospel.

 

In each of these examples, we see a violent disturbance surrounding believers and the kingdom, and their removal from the midst by use of force. Harpazo will be a forceful removal of believers from the midst of the outright rebellion against God that is sweeping the earth even as we speak. It will be the ultimate military extraction of the body of Christ, taken by force in a split second from the midst of this crooked and perverse generation. Afterward, violent turmoil will envelop the world as it plunges headlong into seven years of the deepest darkness ever imaginable, when the Antichrist and his tyrannical world system rises to encompass the earth during Daniel’s seventieth week. Examine every doctrine in the light of God's word, and be ready for harpazo. As it is written,

Matthew 24:4

And Jesus said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

See also The Realm of the Sky; From the Four Winds; Watch Ye Therefore

Related Scriptures: Matthew 11:7-15; John 6:1-15; Acts 23:1-11; 1Thessalonians 4:1-18

The Lord and Harpazo

Thirteen Aspects of the Rapture.

Take your inheritance in the kingdom of heaven by force.
Stand against the world system trying to force its mold upon your life.
Look to the Lord, and He will forcefully remove you from dissension and affliction.
These three things are the rapture.

Hang on to the Word in your heart lest the devil come to catch it away.
Hang on to your relationship with the Chief Shepherd,

lest the wolf come to catch you away from His fold.
Be baptized in the Holy Spirit and filled to the full with Him each day;
And the Lord will catch you away into the position He has for you on earth.
These three things are the rapture.

Rest in the hands of Jesus Christ the Lord, and no man can pluck you out of His hand.
Rest in the arms of your heavenly Father, the Ancient of Days:
He is well able to hold on to you in His hand, and no man can pluck you out of His hand.

The Spirit has sealed you unto the day of redemption.

These three Persons are the rapture.

Dwell in the Vine and wait for the vision, and be caught up with whatever He says to do.
Be so caught up with the love of Christ Jesus that you will meet Him in the air when He calls.
Rest assured in Him, knowing that He has prepared you a place on His throne with Him.
These three truths are the rapture.

Be occupied daily only with the fear of the LORD, and He will rescue you from the fire of His wrath.
This one thing I know,
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
On the other side of His blood is the rapture.
____________________________________________

As blood bought believers, we are engaged in the most important conflict ever: the battle between God and Satan, between good and evil, between the heavenly realm of light and the forces of spiritual darkness. Our commander, the Lord of hosts, has already determined the outcome, which He sealed through the death on the cross, the burial, and resurrection of His only begotten Son Jesus Christ. In turn, we determine our position in this battle by faith in Jesus Christ, and this act guarantees the outcome in our own life by the seal of the Holy Spirit of promise. After this gift we must strive for the prize. There are crowns laid up for those who run the race with endurance while working the works of God. We must execute the battle plan of the Father of spirits.

See also A Vesture Dipped in Blood; The Blood of the Passover Lamb; Dark Speeches

Related Scriptures: Matthew 11:12; Matthew 13:19; John 6:15; John 10:12; John 10:28-29; Acts 8:39; Acts 23:10; 2 Corinthians 12:2-4; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; Jude 1:23; Revelation 12:5

Pulling Out (Harpazo, Part 5 of 5)

The rapture is not a term that is found anywhere in the Bible, it is a concept invented by man to conceive of the Greek word harpazo. This word has five meanings spread across thirteen different Scriptures, so it is my intent here to let the Spirit lead into a deeper understanding of this word, and thereby a greater understanding of the concept of the rapture.

Jude 1:23

And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Here we see the final act of God's redemptive process: pulling out (harpazo) of the fire those who must be saved with fear. Their garments are defiled by the works of the flesh, and they are alarmed by the possibility that they may not escape the flames. This could well be the lukewarm church, spewed out of the mouth of the Lord and left behind at the rapture. If so, they will have to endure dire hardship and persecution without the benefit of the indwelling Holy Spirit in order to escape. The Lord makes a distinction between these, whose very garments of self-righteous works are to be hated, and those who are saved by a heartfelt response to His compassion. As it is written,

Hebrews 6:1-3

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.

Now that we have reviewed all thirteen of the harpazo verses, we can begin to pull this all together for a more thorough understanding, from every angle, of the concept of the rapture. Here is a synopsis of the five meanings and their implications:

1.  take by force - seizing, especially with dire urgency (Matthew 11:12; John 6:15; Acts 23:10)

2.  catch away - to take out of the grasp of, to transport instantly (Matthew 13:19; John 10:12; Acts 8:39)

3.  pluck out - to snatch or pull away from, especially by a rapid jerking motion (John 10:28-29)

4.  catch up - translated, removed from a lower state to a higher one (2 Corinthians 12:2,4; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; Revelation 12:5)

5.  pull out - to rescue from danger or peril, especially those who are unable to do so on their own (Jude 1:23)

The Spirit has ministered a set of verses to post separately that will summarize this study, and bring the whole word of the Lord to bear on how we should view the many aspects of harpazo. This will help us to gain a deeper understanding of the various forms of the rapture. Follow along tomorrow as He speaks through The Lord and Harpazo, The thirteen raptures.

See also Jericho Mindset; The Third Part Through the Fire; Walking Through the Fire

Related Scriptures: Jude 1:1-25

Caught Up (Harpazo, Part 4 of 5)

The rapture is not a term that is found anywhere in the Bible, it is a concept invented by man to conceive of the Greek word harpazo. This word has five meanings spread across thirteen different Scriptures, so it is my intent here to let the Spirit lead into a deeper understanding of this word, and thereby a greater understanding of the concept of the rapture.

2 Corinthians 12:2-4

I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Paul describes his visions of heaven as being so realistic that he left it to God to determine whether they were spiritual experiences, or physical experiences, or both. He describes being caught up (harpazo) to paradise where he heard "unspeakable" words. Perhaps he witnessed the angelic hosts singing in tongues before the throne of God. The revelations were of such awesome magnitude that a demonic spirit was sent to afflict Paul in direct opposition. The Lord allowed this to continue as a constant reminder that His spiritual strength is sufficient to overcome every physical, mental or emotional affliction.

1 Thessalonians 4:17

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.

Here is the verse that focuses all the other meanings of harpazo. This is the objective of the revelation of Jesus Christ: to reap the rewards of His sacrifice on the cross by raising up all those who have believed in their hearts that He is Lord and that He was raised from the dead and will resurrect those who believe. Immediately after the Lord was resurrected there was a procession of raised saints through the streets of Jerusalem, visible proof that He was the firstborn among MANY brethren. Paradise, the compartment of hell where the righteous dead were reserved until that moment, was snatched from the grasp of the devil and relocated as Christ led captivity captive. Satan had positioned himself for what he believed to be the ultimate defeat of God's purpose and plan, yet now he stood by helplessly as this glorious cascade of scriptural fulfillment buried him in a wave of righteousness. The next harpazo verse is a vivid description of Satan's intentions and God's glorious intervention:

Revelation 12:5

And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to His throne.

In the form of a red dragon and with a sweep of his tail, Satan snapped up the angels who were foolish enough to follow him and cast them down to the earth, as one third of the angelic hosts now were under his command. He and his army had spent every moment of the ages since they rebelled against God trying to prevent the birth of the Messiah, and this portion of Scripture describes their defeat as Christ is caught up (harpazo) to God. Contrary to his evil scheme to devour God's Son, Christ is now seated at the right hand of God and Satan will be cast down into the deepest depths of eternity, sealed in the burning lake of fire forever.

With just one more verse to go, we have a clearer picture of the full implications of the term harpazo and the concept of the rapture. In this posting we see that it is the catching up (harpazo) of various prophets, men of God, and Christ Himself to heaven, either for revelation or rescue. It is a tool that God uses to impart spiritual visions to His people and to perform His perfect will when circumstances seem hopeless. It is a tool of communion also, a form of direct communication that God uses to bypass His enemies. It is both a glorious demonstration of God's sovereignty and His ability to conceal His intentions from the destructive forces of Satan, the fallen angels, and other dark forces gathered in the world. As it is written,

Ephesians 1:9-10

Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him...

See also Run With the Vision; He Will Raise Us Up; Salvation and Strength

Related Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-18; Revelation 12:1-17

Pluck Out (Harpazo, Part 3 of 5)

The rapture is not a term that is found anywhere in the Bible, it is a concept invented by man to conceive of the Greek word harpazo. This word has five meanings spread across thirteen different Scriptures, so it is my intent here to let the Spirit lead into a deeper understanding of this word, and thereby a greater understanding of the concept of the rapture.

John 10:28-29

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand.

This is one of the most revealing harpazo passages. The dual nature of this meaning is powerful. It is the nature of the promise of the Father, that as we receive the free gift of His grace through His Son Jesus Christ unto salvation by His shed blood on the cross, we are firmly held in the hand of both Jesus and the Father. Therefore no man is able to pluck us out (harpazo) of their hands. To complete the picture, we have the indwelling presence of the Lord in our hearts in the Person of the Holy Spirit, our Comforter identical to Jesus and who does not speak of Himself but accomplishes the will of God based upon His spoken Word, and who is the seal of His promise unto the day of redemption when He will deliver all believers from the grasp of the enemy.

All three members of the Godhead have sworn their covenant with the one who believes in Jesus Christ, God in the flesh. The trinity of God, in complex unity (echad), has promised to catch us up (harpazo) from the wrath to come. As it is written,

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ

See also Latter and Former Rain; Walking With God Through the Blood

Related Scriptures: John 10:1-42; John 14:1-31

Catch Away (Harpazo, Part 2 of 5)

The rapture is not a term that is found anywhere in the Bible, it is a concept invented by man to conceive of the Greek word harpazo. This word has five meanings spread across thirteen different Scriptures, so it is my intent here to let the Spirit lead into a deeper understanding of this word, and thereby a greater understanding of the concept of the rapture.

Matthew 13:19

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

If you stand passively by the wayside to receive the Word of God, it will not penetrate your heart, and the devil will most certainly come to catch it away before it takes root. You must actively pursue a deeper understanding of the Word, feeding on it night and day, in order for the Holy Spirit to effectively change you into the image of Christ. This verse illuminates the work of Satan: he is urgently desperate to catch away (harpazo) the Word, for he knows its mighty transforming power once it takes hold in the heart of man.

John 10:12

But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

Jesus warned here of the hireling, who leads the sheep into danger because he does not care for them, and then runs away when the wolf appears to catch them (harpazo) and scatter them. This is the rapture of the antichrist, who lulls lukewarm believers to sleep as he slips the snare around their souls. Be sober, be vigilant: your enemy knows how to impersonate light. You have need of keen spiritual discernment, and you should always be trying the spirits.

Acts 8:39

And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

When the Holy Spirit moves upon the soul of a man whom God has called to a sovereign purpose, there is a mighty flow of revelatory outpouring. Here we see the Holy Spirit wooing an Ethiopian eunuch with Isaiah 53 while simultaneously positioning Philip for a divine appointment with him. The Ethiopian is so powerfully moved by the Spirit of God that he knows to ask for baptism, boldly proclaiming that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Afterward Philip is caught away (harpazo) as soon as they come up out of the water, moved on to his next assignment by the Holy Spirit.

The instances of catching away (harpazo) described in these verses illustrate two opposites. First, the evil device used by Satan to catch away the word of God and then believers. Secondly, the instrument God uses to position believers for His purposes. As the rapture approaches, believers need to be firmly rooted and grounded in God's Word, to ensure that their shepherd is following the Good Shepherd, and to make themselves available when God moves to position them supernaturally. And remember, as it is written,

Take heed that no man deceive you.

 

See also Dividing (and Divided By)the Word; Smite the Shepherd; Receiving Our Inheritance

Related Scriptures: Matthew 13:10-23; John 10:1-18; Acts 8:26-40

Take By Force (Harpazo, Part 1 of 5)

The rapture is not a term that is found anywhere in the Bible, it is a concept invented by man to conceive of the Greek word harpazo. This word has five meanings spread across thirteen different Scriptures, so it is my intent here to let the Spirit lead into a deeper understanding of this word, and thereby a greater understanding of the concept of the rapture.

Matthew 11:12

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

Those who actively seek the kingdom of heaven and His Christ will lay hands on it with dynamic energy, seizing their blood bought place in the realm of the sky. This taking of the kingdom by force (harpazo) is initiated by repentance, which is the act of turning from the violence against God of this world system and walking vigorously in the opposite direction. When you truly walk with Christ in this present age you will undoubtedly suffer violent persecution in one form or another: physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Harpazo will remove you from the sources of persecution to the safety of the kingdom of heaven.

John 6:15

When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take Him by force, to make Him a king, He departed again into a mountain Himself alone.

When the people witnessed the miracle of the loaves and fishes, they believed that Jesus was the prophet that was to come into the world. Knowing their thoughts, and that they would try to take Him by force (harpazo) before the time of His appointed Kingdom, He removed Himself from the situation. Jesus Christ was endued with the full authority of God by the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and was able at all times to deliver Himself from any situation that was not a part of God’s plan and purpose.

Act 23:10

And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

When conflict arose between Paul and the council of the high priest regarding the resurrection, tempers flared and the Roman captain ordered his soldiers to take Paul by force (harpazo) from the midst of the assembly. God had already arranged for his deliverance so Paul could continue on with his witness of the Gospel.

In each of these examples, we see a violent disturbance surrounding believers and the kingdom, and their removal from the midst by use of force. Harpazo will be a forceful removal of believers from the midst of the outright rebellion against God that is sweeping the earth even as we speak. It will be the ultimate military extraction of the body of Christ, taken by force in a split second from the midst of this crooked and perverse generation. Afterward, violent turmoil will envelop the world as it plunges headlong into seven years of the deepest darkness ever imaginable, when the Antichrist and his tyrannical world system rises to encompass the earth during Daniel’s seventieth week. Examine every doctrine in the light of God's word, and be ready for harpazo. As it is written,

Take heed that no man deceive you.

See also The Realm of the Sky; From the Four Winds; Watch Ye Therefore

Related Scriptures: Matthew 11:7-15; John 6:1-15; Acts 23:1-11; 1Thessalonians 4:1-18