Birth and death of Jesus in Matthew with Rapture information

 

Here is a salvation teaching featuring the first two chapters of Matthew which cover the birth of Jesus, and the last three chapters, 26 through 28, which cover the passion and crucifixion for us. While being made at Christmas time to celebrate Jesus’ birthday, this teaching can be used at any time at all to show what He did willingly for us, being born to die to atone for all of man’s sins and restore fellowship with a loving God, which was why Jesus was sent in the first place. Also this features information and scriptures on the coming rapture of the church which will help you understand it more so as that you do not miss it and find yourself left behind to face the tribulation period.

Matthew chapter 1 first lists the genealogy of Jesus and then while Joseph was contemplating divorcing Mary and angel comes to him and tells her to marry her and that she carried a son, whose name was to be Jesus, which he Joseph did

(Matthew 1:1)  The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

 

(Matthew 1:2)  Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;

 

(Matthew 1:3)  And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;

 

(Matthew 1:4)  And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;

 

(Matthew 1:5)  And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;

 

(Matthew 1:6)  And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;

 

(Matthew 1:7)  And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;

 

(Matthew 1:8)  And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;

 

(Matthew 1:9)  And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;

 

(Matthew 1:10)  And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;

 

(Matthew 1:11)  And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:

 

(Matthew 1:12)  And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;

 

(Matthew 1:13)  And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;

 

(Matthew 1:14)  And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;

 

(Matthew 1:15)  And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;

 

(Matthew 1:16)  And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

 

(Matthew 1:17)  So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.

 

(Matthew 1:18)  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

 

(Matthew 1:19)  Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

 

(Matthew 1:20)  But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

 

(Matthew 1:21)  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

 

(Matthew 1:22)  Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

 

(Matthew 1:23)  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

 

(Matthew 1:24)  Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

 

(Matthew 1:25)  And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

 

Matthew chapter 2 then goes on to related the story of the wise men bringing gifts to Jesus, then going their ways, and Herod seeking to kill Jesus which forced the family to flee, and then they would return to Nazareth where Jesus would grow up

(Matthew 2:1)  Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

 

(Matthew 2:2)  Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

 

(Matthew 2:3)  When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

 

(Matthew 2:4)  And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

 

(Matthew 2:5)  And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

 

(Matthew 2:6)  And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

 

(Matthew 2:7)  Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

 

(Matthew 2:8)  And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

 

(Matthew 2:9)  When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

 

(Matthew 2:10)  When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

 

(Matthew 2:11)  And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

 

(Matthew 2:12)  And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

 

(Matthew 2:13)  And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

 

(Matthew 2:14)  When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

 

(Matthew 2:15)  And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

 

(Matthew 2:16)  Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.

 

(Matthew 2:17)  Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,

 

(Matthew 2:18)  In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

 

(Matthew 2:19)  But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

 

(Matthew 2:20)  Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.

 

(Matthew 2:21)  And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.

 

(Matthew 2:22)  But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:

 

(Matthew 2:23)  And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene

 

In Matthew chapter 26 Jesus has the last supper with His disciples and is then betrayed and arrested, and also Peter, as foretold denies Jesus three times. Jesus’ hearings begin in this chapter

(Matthew 26:1)  And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,

 

(Matthew 26:2)  Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.

 

(Matthew 26:3)  Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,

 

(Matthew 26:4)  And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.

 

(Matthew 26:5)  But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.

 

(Matthew 26:6)  Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

 

(Matthew 26:7)  There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.

 

(Matthew 26:8)  But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?

 

(Matthew 26:9)  For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.

 

(Matthew 26:10)  When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.

 

(Matthew 26:11)  For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.

 

(Matthew 26:12)  For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.

 

(Matthew 26:13)  Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.

 

(Matthew 26:14)  Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

 

(Matthew 26:15)  And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

 

(Matthew 26:16)  And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

 

(Matthew 26:17)  Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?

 

(Matthew 26:18)  And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.

 

(Matthew 26:19)  And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.

 

(Matthew 26:20)  Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.

 

(Matthew 26:21)  And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

 

(Matthew 26:22)  And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?

 

(Matthew 26:23)  And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.

 

(Matthew 26:24)  The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

 

(Matthew 26:25)  Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

 

(Matthew 26:26)  And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

 

(Matthew 26:27)  And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;

 

(Matthew 26:28)  For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

 

(Matthew 26:29)  But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.

 

(Matthew 26:30)  And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

 

(Matthew 26:31)  Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

 

(Matthew 26:32)  But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.

 

(Matthew 26:33)  Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.

 

(Matthew 26:34)  Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

 

(Matthew 26:35)  Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

 

(Matthew 26:36)  Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.

 

(Matthew 26:37)  And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

 

(Matthew 26:38)  Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

 

(Matthew 26:39)  And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

 

(Matthew 26:40)  And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

 

(Matthew 26:41)  Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

 

(Matthew 26:42)  He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

 

(Matthew 26:43)  And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.

 

(Matthew 26:44)  And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

 

(Matthew 26:45)  Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

 

(Matthew 26:46)  Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

 

(Matthew 26:47)  And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

 

(Matthew 26:48)  Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.

 

(Matthew 26:49)  And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

 

(Matthew 26:50)  And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

 

(Matthew 26:51)  And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.

 

(Matthew 26:52)  Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

 

(Matthew 26:53)  Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

 

(Matthew 26:54)  But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

 

(Matthew 26:55)  In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.

 

(Matthew 26:56)  But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

 

(Matthew 26:57)  And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.

 

(Matthew 26:58)  But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.

 

(Matthew 26:59)  Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;

 

(Matthew 26:60)  But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,

 

(Matthew 26:61)  And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.

 

(Matthew 26:62)  And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?

 

(Matthew 26:63)  But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.

 

(Matthew 26:64)  Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

 

(Matthew 26:65)  Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.

 

(Matthew 26:66)  What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.

 

(Matthew 26:67)  Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,

 

(Matthew 26:68)  Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?

 

(Matthew 26:69)  Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.

 

(Matthew 26:70)  But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.

 

(Matthew 26:71)  And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.

 

(Matthew 26:72)  And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.

 

(Matthew 26:73)  And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.

 

(Matthew 26:74)  Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

 

(Matthew 26:75)  And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

 

In Matthew 27 Jesus is taken before Pilate, and is then condemned to be crucified and is taken to be whipped and is taken to Calvary and there He  is indeed crucified, making atonement there for all mankind’s sins through giving His life for us to pay our sin debt to God for us. His body is then taken down from the cross and then is buried in a tomb, but would rise again.

(Matthew 27:1)  When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:

 

(Matthew 27:2)  And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

 

(Matthew 27:3)  Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

 

(Matthew 27:4)  Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.

 

(Matthew 27:5)  And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

 

(Matthew 27:6)  And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.

 

(Matthew 27:7)  And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.

 

(Matthew 27:8)  Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.

 

(Matthew 27:9)  Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;

 

(Matthew 27:10)  And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.

 

(Matthew 27:11)  And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.

 

(Matthew 27:12)  And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.

 

(Matthew 27:13)  Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?

 

(Matthew 27:14)  And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.

 

(Matthew 27:15)  Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.

 

(Matthew 27:16)  And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.

 

(Matthew 27:17)  Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?

 

(Matthew 27:18)  For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

 

(Matthew 27:19)  When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

 

(Matthew 27:20)  But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

 

(Matthew 27:21)  The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.

 

(Matthew 27:22)  Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

 

(Matthew 27:23)  And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.

 

(Matthew 27:24)  When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.

 

(Matthew 27:25)  Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.

 

(Matthew 27:26)  Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

 

(Matthew 27:27)  Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.

 

(Matthew 27:28)  And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.

 

(Matthew 27:29)  And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

 

(Matthew 27:30)  And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.

 

(Matthew 27:31)  And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.

 

(Matthew 27:32)  And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

 

(Matthew 27:33)  And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,

 

(Matthew 27:34)  They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.

 

(Matthew 27:35)  And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

 

(Matthew 27:36)  And sitting down they watched him there;

 

(Matthew 27:37)  And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

 

(Matthew 27:38)  Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.

 

(Matthew 27:39)  And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,

 

(Matthew 27:40)  And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.

 

(Matthew 27:41)  Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,

 

(Matthew 27:42)  He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.

 

(Matthew 27:43)  He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

 

(Matthew 27:44)  The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

 

(Matthew 27:45)  Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.

 

(Matthew 27:46)  And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

 

(Matthew 27:47)  Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.

 

(Matthew 27:48)  And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.

 

(Matthew 27:49)  The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.

 

(Matthew 27:50)  Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

 

(Matthew 27:51)  And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

 

(Matthew 27:52)  And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

 

(Matthew 27:53)  And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

 

(Matthew 27:54)  Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

 

(Matthew 27:55)  And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:

 

(Matthew 27:56)  Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.

 

(Matthew 27:57)  When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:

 

(Matthew 27:58)  He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.

 

(Matthew 27:59)  And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

 

(Matthew 27:60)  And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

 

(Matthew 27:61)  And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.

 

(Matthew 27:62)  Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,

 

(Matthew 27:63)  Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.

 

(Matthew 27:64)  Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.

 

(Matthew 27:65)  Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.

 

(Matthew 27:66)  So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

 

In Matthew chapter 28 Jesus is raised from the dead and all that takes place is described in the chapter including the angel and visits from the risen Jesus. The risen Jesus goes on to give the great commission to conclude this chapter and gospel to go teach through the world for He will be with us always.

(Matthew 28:1)  In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

 

(Matthew 28:2)  And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

 

(Matthew 28:3)  His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

 

(Matthew 28:4)  And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

 

(Matthew 28:5)  And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

 

(Matthew 28:6)  He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

 

(Matthew 28:7)  And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

 

(Matthew 28:8)  And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

 

(Matthew 28:9)  And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

 

(Matthew 28:10)  Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

 

(Matthew 28:11)  Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.

 

(Matthew 28:12)  And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,

 

(Matthew 28:13)  Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.

 

(Matthew 28:14)  And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.

 

(Matthew 28:15)  So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

 

(Matthew 28:16)  Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

 

(Matthew 28:17)  And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

 

(Matthew 28:18)  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

 

(Matthew 28:19)  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

 

(Matthew 28:20)  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 

Not only did Jesus come and die for our sins He also promises to come back and retrieve us, too at the end. I am presenting three sets of scriptures first of these is in John chapter 14

In the first seven verses of John chapter 14 Jesus promises that if Jesus goes to prepare a place for us- as there are mansions in the Father’s place- He will receive us too for them and that He Jesus  is the only way to the Father and Heaven.

(John 14:1)  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

 

(John 14:2)  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

 

(John 14:3)  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

 

(John 14:4)  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

 

(John 14:5)  Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

 

(John 14:6)  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

 

(John 14:7)  If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

 

Here are the other two scriptures relating to the coming rapture in 1 Corinthians chapter 15 and 1 Thessalonians chapter 4:

First up in this is 1 Corinthians chapter 15 speaking of the rapture and how we must all be changed and made incorruptible and how death is then swallowed up in victory

(1 Corinthians 15:50)  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

 

(1 Corinthians 15:51)  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

 

(1 Corinthians 15:52)  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

 

(1 Corinthians 15:53)  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

 

(1 Corinthians 15:54)  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

 

(1 Corinthians 15:55)  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

 

(1 Corinthians 15:56)  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

 

(1 Corinthians 15:57)  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

(1 Corinthians 15:58)  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

 

Here are the six verses in 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 that deal with the rapture and how it will work and the dead rise first and how that we which are alive will be caught up(raptured) to meet them in the air.

(1 Thessalonians 4:13)  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

 

(1 Thessalonians 4:14)  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

 

(1 Thessalonians 4:15)  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

 

(1 Thessalonians 4:16)  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

 

(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.

 

(1 Thessalonians 4:18)  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

 

Here now are more prophecies and information concerning the coming rapture:

I honestly believe God has been showing me recently that the rapture is coming sooner and not later as some believe, but we cannot predict the day or the hour but we are to keep doing our part, keeping a good relationship with Him and winning souls until God the Father tells the angels to blow the trumpet and sends Jesus to gather up His children to Him, and so I am adding a presentation with more information on the rapture and end times, for the day of the Lord’s coming will be as a thief in the night and it is necessary for all to be prepared for this always.

Now is a good time to draw near to the Lord and be reading His word, forgiving ALL offenses done against you, asking for God and or others help if need be for I sense Satan is holding many in the bonds of unforgiveness, and more, for I have gotten together a number of prophetic messages both of my own- by dreams and more and from other sources. I do not want anyone to miss this coming rapture for earth will be hell during the tribulation period so now I present information on the rapture and events related below:

 

ARE ALL CHRISTIANS GOING IN THE RAPTURE???

ARE YOU SURE YOU ARE READY???

This seems to be one of the hot topics on 5 Doves recently, so I feel it is time that I forward one of my tracts that I wrote about 12 years ago, with several hundred thousand in circulation. For those of you who believe that ALL Christians will be taken in the Rapture, I hope and pray that you are right. On the other hand, if one believes that way, and feels no need to change his backslidden, lukewarm, compromising, unwatchful, worldly, or fence-straddling ways, WOE BE UNTO HIM, if he suddenly finds the Rapture happened and he was left behind.


Isn't it much safer to get as close to the Lord as we can in these VERY LAST DAYS? Is there any negative in doing that??? It is much safer and wiser to believe that all Christians are NOT going in the Rapture. Not only safer and wiser, but I believe MORE SCRIPTURAL, also. Following is the tract that I wrote:


Are All Christians going in the Rapture? If, at some point in your life, you have asked Jesus Christ into your life to become your personal Lord and Saviour, does this GUARANTEE that you are going in the Rapture? All signs point to the END OF THE AGE VERY SOON, SO THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION YOU COULD ASK YOURSELF IS, "AM I READY FOR THE RAPTURE?"



Before we go any further, let's clarify what the RAPTURE is. I Thessalonians 4:16-17 says, "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain will 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."



The Rapture is the GREAT ESCAPE from the horrendous Tribulation period that is SOON to come on ALL THE WORLD! It is for a body of born-again believers in Jesus Christ. The question is IS THE RAPTURE FOR ALL CHRISTIANS?



It is probably safe to say that a majority of Chlristians reading this tract would say "YES". We are NOT addressing the issue of salvation, or "once saved, always saved," or "eternal security". For those of you who answered "Yes", CAN YOU FIND EVEN ONE SCRIPTURE THAT GUARANTEES THAT ALL CHRISTIANS ARE GOING IN THE RAPTURE? Scripture points to the fact that all will NOT be making it to the rapture.



Just because you have always believed something, or your Pastor believes it, or your church teaches it, DOES NOT MAKE IT TRUE! IT MUST BE BASED ON THE WORD OF GOD! It is our fervent desire that ALL CHRISTIANS are going in the Rapture. If ALL CHRISTIANS are going in the Rapture, we have lost nothing by drawing closer to the Lord to prepare for His Soon Return. If, on the other hand, we have a false sense of security regarding our readiness for the Rapture, and we ignore the Lord's warnings to GET OUR HEARTS RIGHT WITH HIM BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, we have a TREMENDOUS amount to lose. Just read the Book of Revelation!



"Lord, your Word is awesome. Lord, your Word is powerful. Lord, your Word is sharper than any two-edged sword. Lord, use the convicting power of the word of the Living God and the convicting power of your mighty Holy Spirit to reveal to every one of us the Truth from your Word. If the message of this tract is not true, then cause it to have no effect on the hearts of those reading it. If, however, the message from your Word IS true, we ask you to release an outpouring of your Holy Spirit on Christians everywhere. For those who are not spiritually ready, cut to the very bottom of their heart and REMOVE THAT FALSE SENSE OF SECUITTY IN THE NAME OF JESUS! AMEN."



Your opinion, and my opinion, do not matter. What you have been taught does not matter. WHAT DOES THE WORD OF GOD SAY? This is ALL that really matters. The remainder of this tract will be WARNINGS DIRECTLY FROM THE WORD OF GOD CONCERNING YOUR READINESS FOR THE RAPTURE! (If YOU are ready, that's wonderful, but how about your family, your friends, and those who sit in the church pews around you?)



In Luke 21, the whole chapter is discussing the End of the Age and the Second Coming of Christ. In verses 34-36, JESUS GIVES AN OMINOUS WARNING TO ALL CHRISTIANS, "and TAKE HEED TO YOURSELVES, lest at any time YOUR HEARTS be over-charged with surfeiting (partying), and drunkenness, AND CARES OF THIS LIFE, and so THAT DAY COME UPON YOU UNAWARES. For as a snare (trap) shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. WATCH YE, therefore, AND PRAY ALWAYS, THAT YE MAY BE ACCOUNTED WORTHY TO ESCAPE ALL these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the son of man (Jesus)."



If ALL Christians were going to take part in this GREAT ESCAPE, WHY WOULD JESUS GIVE SUCH A STERN AND OMINOUS WARNING TO THE END-TIME CHRISTIAN??? This is DEFINITELY a very PERSONAL WARNING for each of us. The subject matter can be nothing but the Tribulation hour and the Rapture. Jesus says to pray always. Surely, Jesus knows that a non-Christian cannot be in an attitude of constant prayer. Surely, non-Christians are not expected to be LOOKING FOR THAT DAY and WATCHING for signs of His Soon Return.



Jesus is continuously talking to HIS FOLLOWERS throughout this chapter. Jesus says to TAKE HEED TO YOURSELF, He is addressing YOUR HEART and He is constantly personalizing this message to YOU, to YE, THE CHRISTIAN! ARE YOU LISTENING? ARE YOU READY???



What can we do, as Christians, to be found WORTHY of the Lord's GREAT ESCAPE, THE RAPTURE? Jesus tells us to be in a constant attitude of prayer. Become so close to the Lord that you can talk with Him about anything. Pray that the Lord would reveal to YOU anything in your life that might keep you from being ready for the Rapture. Then you need to act upon that which the Lord shows you to do.



In this passage, the Lord strongly encourages us to be WATCHING for the SIGNS of His Soon Return, so that we would not be UNAWARE of the approximate time of His Return. Jesus said we could KNOW when His Return was NEAR, EVEN AT THE DOORS! ALL SIGNS NOW CONFIRM TO US THAT HIS COMING IS AT THE DOOR!!!



If you do not have this firm conviction in your heart that our Lord's Return is AT THE DOOR, it is probably because you have not been WATCHING for signs as He continuously admonishes us to do over and over again in the New Testament (Read Mark 13 and 14). Are the CARES OF THIS LIFE your priority, or do you so much look forward to His Return that YOU LOVE HIS APPEARING (II Timothy 4:8) more than the things of this life?

(2 Timothy 4:8)  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

 

The CARES OF THIS LIFE (Luke 21:34) are what cause us to become "worldly" Christians, or "backslidden" Christians, or "lukewarm" Christians. Luke 21:34-36 (Go back and read it again) strongly implies that these types of Christians ARE NOT READY FOR THE RAPTURE!!!
(Luke 21:34)  And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

 

(Luke 21:35)  For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

 

(Luke 21:36)  Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

 

In Revelation, starting with Chapter 6, the horrible judgments of the Tribulation are poured out on an unsuspecting world. In Chapters 1-3, there are several WARNINGS TO THE CHRISTIANS IN THE LAST DAYS, WARNINGS BEFORE THE RAPTURE AND THE TRIBULATION IN CHAPTERS 6-19.



The constant theme of Revelation, Chapter 2, is the NEED OF THE END-TIME CHRISTIAN TO REPENT! Rev. 2: 4-5 says, "I have somewhat against thee, because THOU HAS LEFT THY FIRST LOVE. Remember, therefore, from whence thou are fallen, AND REPENT, and do the first works; or else I WILL COME UNTO THEE QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK OUT OF HIS PLACE, EXCEPT THOU REPENT."



If you HAVE LEFT YOUR FIRST LOVE you are a "backslidden" Christian. You need to REPENT and restore your relationship with Christ back to what it should be. Is the Lord speaking to YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW?



Rev. 3:10 says, "Because thou has kept the word of my patience, I ALSO WILL KEEP THEE FROM THE HOUR OF TEMPTATION, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth." The implication of this verse is obvious: If the end-time Christian does NOT stay close to the Lord and endure to the end, HE WILL NOT BE KEPT FROM THE TRIBULATION HOUR!



Rev. 3: 15-16 is ANOTHER OMINOUS WARNING TO ALL CHRISTIANS, "I know thy works, that thou are neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then BECAUSE THOU ART LUKEWARM, AND NEITHER COLD NOT HOT, I WILL SPUE THEE OUT OF MY MOUTH."



Can you honestly give another explanation for this verse, other than the LORD CASTING LUKEWARM CHRISTIANS OUT INTO THE TRIBULATION? What are YOU doing that would show the Lord that you are ON FIRE for Him? These verses say emphatically that their WORKS WERE LUKEWARM.



What happens to the unwatchful SERVANT who believes his LORD is not coming back for a while and is not that concerned about the way he is living his life? Matthew 24: 50-51 says, "the LORD of that SERVANT...shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (The Tribulation Hour?)." In Matthew 25:30, we see the exact same result for the unprofitable SERVANT. In both cases, there is A LORD--SERVANT RELATIONSHIP ALREADY ESTABLISHED. ARE ALL CHRISTIANS GOING IN THE RAPTURE? WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY???



This world is full of LUKEWARM, BACKSLIDDEN, UNWATCHFUL, AND WORLDLY Christians. In Rev. 7:9, we see a GREAT MULTITUDE, that no man could number, standing before the Lamb of God in Heaven. Verse 14 describes them, "These are they which came OUT OF GREAT TRIBULATION, AND HAVE WASHED THEIR ROBES, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." In Chapter 20, it says they were beheaded for not taking the Mark of the Beast.



This great multitude of people already had robes. Your Robe of righteousness is given to you at the time of your salvation. They were already saved but their ROBES WERE DIRTY. These COMPROMISING Christians were caught up in the CARES OF THE WORLD when the Rapture happened and they were cast into the Tribulation hour like the Scriptures had warned them about so many times. They WASHED THEIR DIRTY ROBES in the Great Tribulation because there is no compromise then---IT'S EITHER JESUS CHRIST (and lose your head) OR ANTICHRIST (and lose your soul FOREVER)!!!



Do you really want to have to face that choice? It is clear from God's Word what you must do to be assured of a place in the Rapture. YOU MUST ACT QUICKLY BECAUSE THE TIME FOR THE RAPTURE IS ALMOST HERE!



1. Make sure that you have received Jesus Christ into your life as your PERSONAL Lord and Saviour. If you do find you need Him to be your personal Lord and Saviour please pray the following prayer with me. There is nothing that can compare with a relationship with God or even come remotely close

Heavenly Father I come to You in the Name of Jesus. I confess to You that I am a sinner and cannot save myself. I confess and repent of all of my sins and unrighteousness. Right now I confess with my mouth Jesus as the Lord of my life and believe in my heart that You, God did indeed raise Him from the dead. I thank You for cleansing and forgiving me of all of my sins and unrighteousness and for saving me. I thank You for sending Your Son to die in my place for my sins, and for the inexpressible gift of eternal life that I now claim through the death of Jesus on the cross. Thank You, Lord, again for saving me. In the Name of Jesus I pray Amen

2. Examine your own heart for any signs of backsliding, worldliness, unwatchfulness, compromising, and lukewarmness.



3. REPENT (Turn COMPLETELY away from sin and turn COMPLETELY around towards Jesus). Sin separates you from God, even as a Christian. Feel free to use the following prayer, praying it with me

Heavenly Father I confess these sins(list them) to You and say I am sorry I did these things, doing so by faith thanking You for Your promise in Your word that when we confess our sins You are faithful and just to forgive them and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Thank You for forgiving all my sins and breaking all demonic oppressions, bondages, and strongholds behind them and deliverance from temptation. In Jesus Name I pray Amen



4. Study end-time Biblical prophecy until you become completely convinced that His Coming is, indeed, AT THE DOOR. This will help keep you from temptation and sin. JESUS IS COMING VERY SOON!!! The book of Revelation, Matthew 24, 25, Mark 13, Luke 12, 17, 21 are good places to start.



5. Do something for the Lord. (Passing out tracts would be a good start.)



6. Examine your priorities, lest the CARES OF THIS LIFE cause YOU to MISS THE RAPTURE, as we are so adamantly WARNED about in Luke 21, and so many other Scriptures.



7. Draw closer to God by praying, reading His Word, attending a fundamental church as often as possible, and surround yourself with a Christian atmosphere (Christian friends, books, music, radio, TV, etc.)



8. PRAY DILIGENTLY. ASK THE LORD TO REVEAL TO YOU ANYTHING IN YOUR LIFE THAT EVEN MIGHT KEEP YOU FROM THE RAPTURE. PRAY THAT THE LORD WOULD GIVE YOU A PEACE, IF YOU ARE READY, AND AN UNREST AND UNEASINESS IN YOUR HEART, IF YOU ARE NOT READY.



9. Listen for His voice and then STAY OPEN TO THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.



10. Act upon that which the Lord is calling you to do. DO IT NOW BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!



If the Lord has planted the least bit of doubt or uneasiness in your heart, will you swallow your pride and pray this prayer with me:



"Dear Lord, Thank you for preparing a WAY OF ESCAPE from the horrible Tribulation to come. It is my sincere desire to be ready for your Soon Return, so that I can participate in the Rapture. Give me a COMPLETE PEACE IN MY HEART FROM YOU if I am, indeed, ready.

Let there be no false sense of security in my heart concerning my readiness for Your Return. Begin to reveal to me things in my life and in my heart that might keep me from the Rapture. Show me what I need to do to BE READY and then give me the power to act upon that which you show me to do. Draw me away from the world and closer to you every day. Use me in whatever way you can to help others who may not be ready for your Return. Fill me with your peace when I am ready and fill me with YOUR POWER, for victory over sin and temptation, and for effective service for your kingdom. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen."

The words of the Lord that He would leave with you in these last days before His Return, "REMEMBER THEREFORE, HOW THOU HAST RECEIVED AND HEARD, AND HOLD FAST, AND REPENT. IF THEREFORE, THOW SHALT NOT WATCH, I WILL COME ON THEE AS A THIEF, AND THOU SHALT NOT KNOW WHAT HOUR I WILL COME UPON THEE." (Revelation 3:3)



Feel free to make copies of this tract or forward it to your backslidden, lukewarm, compromising, unwatchful, and worldly family members and friends. Do not delay. Time is short. What we do, we must do quickly now.



Maranatha!



God bless you and yours