Gospels and Raptures (Christ - Part 20): Destination

The Gospels and their Raptures (Christ - Part 20)

Destination

As a side note, the book of Thessalonians provides us with another great view into how Paul brought believers into the gospel of Christ. Notice the references in the verses below regarding the gospel of God,

1 Thess.2:2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. ...... 8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. 9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

This gospel was preached to these Thessalonians while they were in the synagogues. It was Paul's entry point with these believers and then to those who believed this message he would later reveal the gospel of Christ to them, moving them out of the Jewish program into the body of Christ. We see this action taking place when Paul sent both Silas and Timothy back to the Thessalonians in order to establish them in this truth,

1 Thessalonians 3:1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; 2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

So, in terms of these saints in Thessalonians, as well as all saints that continued in Paul's ministry to receive the gospel of Christ, these are the ones that make up the fledgling 'body of Christ' and would have their destination to be in the heavens, meeting the Lord in that place of light, either through death or by the pre-tribulation rapture of the body of Christ.

Col.1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

1 Tim.6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Here are further scriptures that confirm the destination of the body of Christ to be eternal in the heavens,

2 Cor.5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 

Eph.1:3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Eph.2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Phil.3:20 For our conversation [citizenship] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Col.1:5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

2 Tim.4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Part 21 will continue with 'additional' details of the Gospel of Christ.