Instantly Instantaneous :: By Jeff Van Hatten

Published on: July 4, 2021July 4, 2021 by RR7

We use many words to define the word instant, including: abrupt, fast, immediate, instantaneous, prompt, quick, rapid, sudden, and unexpected. Scripture, likewise, uses many different words that are translated as instant or instantly.

Instant Defined in the Older Covenant

In the Older Covenant, raga [H7280] and rega [H7281 from H7280], which both mean: a very short space of time – as in a wink of the eyes – are two words that Jeremiah uses frequently {see Jeremiah 4:20; 18:7; 18:9; 49:19; 50:44; Isaiah 47:9; Lamentations 4:6}. Isaiah also uses the word pith’owm [H6597 from petha H6621], which both mean: in a wink, i.e., moment {Isaiah 29:5; 30:13}. We need to understand that a wink is not a blink but is just a very short space of time, as in quickly. Wink and Blink are not equal in length.

Instant Defined in the Newer Covenant

In the Newer Covenant, Matthew, Mark, and John prefer euthus [G2117] or eutheos [G2112 from G2117], which both mean: directly, i.e., at once or soon {see Matthew 20:34; Mark 1:42; 5:29; 9:24; 10:52; John 6:21; 18:27; Revelation 4:2}. Luke uses two different words but seems to prefer parachrema [G3916], which means: at the thing itself, forthwith, presently, straightway, soon {see Luke 8:44; 8:47; 18:43; 22:60; Acts 3:7; 5:10}. Only once does Luke use stigme [G4743], which means: a point of time, i.e., a moment {Luke 4:5}. Again, we see the image of something that takes place soon, in a very short time, as in quickly, but this does not equate to an indivisible moment of time.

Paul introduces us to the words atomos [G823] and rhipe [G4493], which together mean: in the instantaneous, indivisible blink of an eye, which today we define as a nanosecond of time when he is teaching about the resurrection. {1 Corinthians 15:52}. Only in this singular verse do we find the concept of an event that takes place in an indivisible moment of time.

Instant Defined Today

Today we have all kinds of instant food items: instant coffee, instant noodles, instant potatoes, instant rice, and instant milk. These items are considered instant if they can be prepared in less than one minute. However, even using a microwave oven, it often takes at least one minute to boil the water for the coffee, noodles, potatoes, or rice, and much longer to cool the water for the milk! I don’t see any nanosecond of instant occurrence here – do you?

We have instant communications, but again, it takes time to dial the number, time for the dialed number to ring, and more time for the person to answer the phone that is ringing. I don’t see any nanosecond of instant occurrence here – do you?

The same can be said for lightning. We say lightning flashes instantly, but a single flash is formed by a series of about four lightning strokes. Each stroke lasts for about 30 microseconds, so a flash of lightning can take up to 120 microseconds, substantially longer than a nanosecond. I don’t see any nanosecond of instant occurrence here, either – do you?

And yet, we generally apply the rhipe definition of an indivisible, instant blink of the eye; in other words, in a nanosecond of time, to most items we consider instant. Me thinks our definition of instant needs a little fixin’ – what do you say?

HARPAZO – Taken by Force

Taken by force are the words used by scripture in numerous places to translate the Greek word harpazo [G726], which means: to seize, carry off by force, to snatch out or away. If we compare the Newer Covenant word harpazo with the Older Covenant Hebrew word laqach [H3947], we find that laqach also means: to take, seize, send for, fetch, carry away.

Here are some examples of those words:

Violent men “take the kingdom of heaven by force” {Matthew 11:12}. This process has been ongoing for roughly 6,000 years! Not even close to a nanosecond of instant occurrence!

The evil one “snatches away the words of Yahweh if that person fails to understand their meaning” {Matthew 13:19}. This process usually happens over a period of time – we call this a falling away or apostasy. Not even close to a nanosecond of instant occurrence!

Yeshua knew that people wanted to take him by force, so he departed to the mountains {John 6:15}. Yet another example of a harpazo that did not occur in a nanosecond of time.

The centurions were afraid the crowd would kill Paul, so they took him by force and brought him to the barracks {Acts 23:10}. This removal from the public arena to the barracks did not happen in a nanosecond.

Robbers come to plunder and steal and to carry off the goodies they have found {Matthew 12:29}. This usually takes a bit of time. When the SWAT team shows up at the door to seize the criminal and carry them off by force, rarely does the SWAT team instantly remove someone – how many times have we seen on TV the hours-long standoffs. Rarely do criminal activities and the arrest of those same criminals happen in a nanosecond.

Elijah was “taken” {2 Kings 2:3, 2:5, 2:9}, but again, Elijah did not disappear in a nanosecond.

HARPAZO – The Rapture

The nanosecond definition is also applied to the Rapture, which is puzzling. The most commonly applied definition of the word translated rapture, or caught up, harpazō [G726], is: to seize, carry off by force, to snatch out or away. I prefer the third definition: to claim for one’s self eagerly. Regardless of which definition one uses, the imposition of a nanosecond event simply does not conform to the many instances of the word harpazo describing an ongoing process that is anything but instantaneous.

But, what about Philip, you ask?

Acts 8:39-40 – “When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Ashdod, and as he passed through, he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea.”

Seriously, you really think this is a nanosecond occurrence? Do you have children? Ever taken them to the store? Humph. Let me translate the above scripture for you using a more modern, family approach: “When you were studying the nutrition label on a product, the Spirit of the Lord snatched the child away, and you saw not where they went. But the child found themself in the candy aisle as they passed through the movie aisle and the shoe aisle until they came to the toys aisle.” Now, you may not have been as joyful as the eunuch, but the child’s disappearance did not take place in a nanosecond – the child was not instantly transported to the candy aisle.

I find no grounds for imposing an instant transportation reading on the disappearance of Philip – the Spirit did not beam him away ala Star Trek technology. The spirit simply required Philip to depart immediately without saying goodbye to the eunuch, and the eunuch was so filled with rejoicing that he simply went on his way. Neither he nor Philip saw each other again. I don’t see any nanosecond of instant occurrence here, either – do you?

RESURRECTIONS and The Rapture

You have heard it said that the rapture is an instantaneous event that happens at the same time as the resurrection of the dead. But I say scripture presents an entirely different scenario. For instance, we have the bodily resurrections of the following people:

The Seven

The son of the Shunammite woman (1 Kings 17:21-22, and 2 Kings 4:31-35)
The dead man placed into the tomb of Elisha (2 Kings 13:21)
The prophet Jonah (Jonah 2:1-10)
The daughter who is only “asleep” (Matthew 9:23-25; Mark 5:35-42; and Luke 8:52-55)
The only son of a widow (Luke 7:11-15)
Lazarus (John 11:11-44)
Dorcas/Tabitha (Acts 9:37-42)

Not one of these seven resurrected people instantly disappeared when they came back to life. Just the opposite. ALL were seen alive by many after their resurrection. I don’t see any nanosecond instant disappearance here – do you?

The Holy Ones in Jerusalem

Matthew 27:50-53 – “The graves were opened, and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life; and after Yeshua rose, they came out of the graves and went into the holy city, where many people saw them.”

Those who were already in the grave were resurrected at the moment Yeshua died and later were seen by many as they witnessed in the city of Jerusalem. I don’t see any nanosecond instant disappearance here – do you?

Yeshua

Matthew 28:7 – “He has been raised from the dead, and now he is going to Galilee ahead of you.”

Mark 16:9 – “When Yeshua rose early on Sunday, he appeared first to Miryam of Magdala.”

John 20:17 – “Stop holding onto me,’ Yeshua said to her, ‘because I have not yet ascended to the Father.”

When Yeshua rose early on Sunday, he appeared first to Miriam of Magdala and commanded her not to cling to him as he had “not yet ascended to his Father,” saying he would meet them in Galilee. I don’t see any nanosecond instant disappearance here – do you?

The Two Witnesses of Revelation

Revelation 11:11-12 – “But after the three-and-a-half days a breath of life from God entered them, they stood up on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. Then the two heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, ‘Come up here!’ And they went up into heaven in a cloud, while their enemies watched them.”

The two witnesses are resurrected, stand on their feet, were called to come up, finally were raptured. I don’t see any nanosecond instant disappearance here, either – do you?

As was the case of The Seven, neither the Holy Ones, nor Yeshua, nor the Two Witnesses instantly disappear after their resurrection. Just the opposite. ALL were seen alive by many after their resurrection.

Conclusions

We need to understand the word instant is more accurately defined as quickly, not as an instantaneous, indivisible nanosecond of time – that a wink is not a blink, but is just a very short space of time. Wink and Blink are not equal in length.

Imposing an instant, nanosecond interpretation on the word harpazo, which means: to seize, carry off by force, to snatch out or away, is unnecessary. The most common usage of the word harpazo simply shows a removal by force over a period of time – short or more prolonged. Furthermore, Scripture does not reveal one single resurrection that culminates in a rapture of any kind, much less an instant, nanosecond disappearance.

I believe the instant disappearance rapture paradigm is as flawed as our definition of the word instant. Me thinks our definitions and interpretations need a little fixin’ – what do you say?

Final Thought

The prophetic signs are burgeoning and not abating. Time is incredibly short – Yeshua Ha’Mashiach is coming soon – so be of great cheer, keep looking up, and keep maintaining an attitude of gratitude. Be sure you are believing The Truth, not The Lie. Be sure Yeshua is your Redeemer, King, and High Priest, and your sins are forgiven.

Website: https://raptureparty.net

Email: jeff@raptureparty.net

The Best Is Yet to Come :: By Holly Spate

Published on: July 1, 2021 by RR7

No matter what you may be experiencing in life, no matter what the world looks like, as a believer in Christ you can confidently and boldly proclaim, “The Best is Yet to Come!” While chaos may ensue and things may spiral out of control, as a Christian you can breathe a sigh of relief and rejoice knowing that your heavenly Father has all things in His control and that one day you will be with Him forever…for all eternity!

Imagine forever. It’s difficult to do as we can’t completely comprehend forever. Imagine never being ill again. Imagine never being tempted to sin again. Imagine never suffering again. Imagine receiving a new body…one without spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 5:27).

Imagine the day when the trumpet sounds and we meet our Redeemer in the air! What a day that will be…not like any other day or anything we’ve ever experienced before or will ever experience again. And then, we will forever be with the Lord! Forever…amazing!

1 Corinthians 2:9 reminds us of what’s ahead: “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

Imagine the beauty of heaven, the freedom, the unconditional love. And, most importantly, the very One who spoke the world into existence…the very One who created your very being and gave you breath will be there. How incredible…how awesome…how miraculous that day will be!

Years ago, God impressed upon my heart to write about this beautiful eternity that awaits all who place their trust in Christ Jesus. I’d like to share the poem He placed on my heart with you. As you read it, imagine all the wonder…all God has in store for YOU for all eternity. Take a moment to think about the time you made the best decision of your life…the moment when you accepted Jesus into your heart to be your Lord and Savior. Remember the awe of realizing that Jesus paid your debt in full when He painfully endured the cross, taking on the sins of the whole world, so that you would never be separated by sin and would never experience the loss of being lost forever. Think about His resurrection and all the blessings given because of His unconditional love for you.

I pray this poem serves as an encouragement as you remember and rejoice because the best is yet to come!

At Heaven’s Gate

Wipe these tears to cry no more
For all will cease at Heaven’s door
The pain of life will fade away
The warmth of love will light the way
All will pass at Heaven’s gate.

New life formed while old is gone
Trumpets sound in praise of song
Angelic voices, clouds of white
Beauty beheld, no dark of night
Streets of gold, glorious days
All begin at Heaven’s gate.

The cries of hunger often ignored
Lack of love shown to the poor
Powers of darkness existing before
Will all be shut out at Heaven’s door
The love of the Father cries, “NO MORE!”

For Heaven is a province of peace
A station where the faithful wait to retreat
A place of goodness not experienced before
A point existing through Heaven’s door.

And as I enter…
I’ll walk upon the streets of gold
Listening to stories from prophets of old
Feeling His love in every face
Expressions flowing deep in this holiest place.

I’ll see Him standing with glory great
The life which brought me here by grace
The lamb who died on Calvary’s tree
To set this lowly sinner free.

I’ll run to Him with outstretched arms
Engulfed in His presence, His loving form
His face of love, in awe I’ll stand
My helper through life, my most faithful friend.

I dream of that day hearing angels sing
When I bow in the presence of my Father, The KING!

Isn’t God good!

The Bible gives us a glimpse into God’s wonderful plan when we venture from this life into our new life for all eternity. Be encouraged by these verses as you’re reminded of your wonderful future which is to come.

Revelation 21:4 “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

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.”

Revelation 22:1-5 “And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.”

Luke 23:43 “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

Matthew 6:19-21 “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

1 Timothy 6:17-19 “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

Revelation 21:21-27 “And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.

^“And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.”

Hebrews 11:16 “But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.”

John 3:13 “And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.”

2 Peter 3:13 “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”

Revelation 21:1-5 “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.”

The greatest gift the world has ever received is God’s Son. The best decision a person could ever make in this life is to accept God’s precious, perfect, remarkable, life-changing gift with open arms. It is a gift like no other, bringing with it forgiveness, salvation, hope, joy and a beautiful forever future in eternity with the Creator of all. Nothing…nothing this world has to offer will satisfy, will cleanse, will save, will redeem. Nothing but the blood of Jesus can cleanse, save, redeem, forgive, and bring both hope and a beautiful eternal future.

No matter what you may be experiencing in life, no matter what the world looks like, as a believer in Christ you can confidently and boldly proclaim, “The Best is Yet to Come!” While chaos may ensue and things may spiral out of control, as a Christian you can breathe a sigh of relief and rejoice knowing that your heavenly Father protects you, loves you, guides you, and one day will bring you to be with Him forever…for all eternity!

Never take for granted the fact that God’s love compelled Him to send the most precious gift He had to give…His one and only Son.

Jesus’ sacrifice gave YOU salvation. His decision affected YOUR destiny. His unconditional love laid the foundation for YOUR future.

If you are a believer, Rejoice…. Your future is bright and the best is yet to come!

If you have never made the personal decision to make Jesus your Lord and Savior, He is waiting…arms wide open, to accept you and welcome you into His kingdom. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Romans 10:9-13 states: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Call on Him today… He’s waiting, with open arms, to welcome you home!

spate.holly@gmail.com