Answers | To Your Questions About the Bible, Theology and Christian Living

Both the dead and living believers will be caught up together to meet Jesus in the air at His appearing (1 Thessalonians 4:17). All without exception will then be brought before the judgment seat of Christ where each will receive “what is due him [or her] for the things done while in the body” (2 Corinthians 5:10, NIV; see also Romans 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15).

At the end of the Tribulation the Bible shows the believers following Jesus, coming from heaven, riding triumphantly on white horses, “and dressed in fine linen, white and clean” (Revelation 19:14). The fine linen identifies them as the Lamb’s bride (the Church) who are fully clothed with “the righteous acts of the saints” and have already taken part in the wedding supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9). Thus, they are ready to reign with Jesus during the Millennium.

Stanley M. Horton

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Will the Holy Spirit be here on the earth after Jesus raptures His church? Will the Holy Spirit be left on the earth during the Tribulation?

It is commonly held evangelical belief that the Holy Spirit will not remain on earth after the Rapture in the same sense that He is here now during the Church Age. This is based upon 2 Thessalonians 2:7: “For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way” (NIV). The Holy Spirit, as the one who restrains evil on the earth (a concept known as common grace), seems to be the one referred to in this verse. (There are varying interpretations.)

The first response to this answer makes a good point. The Rapture de facto removes the true Church and it is in the sense of the Holy Spirit indwelling the Church that He will not be present. Of course, as God He continues to be omnipresent.

Ken Horn

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