John shared this wonderful experience of being “caught up” with us, “I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a TRUMPET SPEAKING with me, saying, “COME UP HERE, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” (Rev. 4:1)
John actually experienced the harpazō, Paul had it revealed to Him by the Holy Spirit! “…the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with THE TRUMPET OF GOD. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be CAUGHT UP (harpazō: to snatch away) together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” (1 Thess. 4:16-17)
John said, “Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne (Jesus Christ)…the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For YOU CREATED ALL THINGS, And by Your will they exist and were created.” (Rev. 4:2, 10-11)
How do we know this is Jesus Christ they are talking about? “…through the kingdom of God’s dear Son…we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God…For by Him were ALL THINGS CREATED…all things were created by Him, and for Him: And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist, He is the HEAD OF THE BODY, the church…” (Col. 1:13-17)
-Bill Stockham