The Rapture – At the “LAST TRUMP”

By: Randall E. Pickens, Sr.

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3 Key Phrases That Help Explain The RAPTURE

1. In a moment

2. In the twinkling of an eye

3. At the last trump

These are Familiar phrases to most Christians and yet not clearly understood unless you are familiar with ancient Jewish terms and Fall Feast observances … Paul and the Israelite’s knew exactly what was implied…

In this article, I will focus on three phrases that most readers are familiar with but likely don’t fully understand. The ramifications of these terms in relation to our understanding of the resurrection of the dead at the Rapture and Christ’s second coming are crucial. These phrases indicate both the speed and timing of the events. Lets consider these 3 phrases in verse 52 of 1 Cor 15.

1 Corinthians 15:51-57 (KJV)

51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
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.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
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.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Introduction:

Recently I posted an article discussing the subject of 1st resurrection and how this phenomenon is associated with prophecy; specifically, the rapture and also the 2nd second coming of Christ. Let us take a moment now and consider the ramifications of these phrases and their relevance to these events. I hope you will take the time to complete this article; it presents information that every believer should be contemplating and sharing with others. I am convinced the return of Christ is near! I am convinced He wants us to be ready!

The attached chart; The Times of Israel

I have included a chart that I created several years ago to assist me in my studies. Many of you will recognize it as the Cover Page photo from my Facebook group, What’s Next – Prophecy Review. I recently edited this chart to include ancient Jewish harvest times and increased the font sizes for improved viewing. As you read through this article and other prophetic studies, I hope this chart will allow you to see the “big picture” and recognize how events throughout time have reflected symbolism and associations with other events. When we understand the terminology of the day we can better understand what would otherwise be vague and possibly hidden points yet are critical to our full understanding of scriptures.  

In 1Cor 15:52, the phrase “in the twinkling of an eye” is a good example of a prophetic statement that has multiple meanings. Most have interpreted this to be solely a reference to an immeasurable instant, however, although this can refer to the speed of an event, based on the context and Jewish usage, in this case it also refers to a specific time of day that being “twilight” and also a specific day that being the Feast of Trumpets. As described in the Talmud, twilight is a time frame separating the day from the night. The reference, in a “moment” is a Greek word meaning (at’-o-mos) for a uncut or indivisible moment of time is clearly intended for identifying the measuring or speed of the event. Now, these two phrases together draw attention to both “speed” and a “specific time frame”, the separation of day from night. I am told that Jewish Rabbis identify an approximate 13 minute period just prior to the official transition of day to night and the beginning and ending of a day to be called twilight; or in other words a Jewish idiom “in the twinkling of an eye“.

The phrase “at the last trump” is equally associated with a specific time frame that being the “last blow” of the trump at the end of the day of the Feast of Trumpets thus transitioning to the beginning of the sixth of the Fall Feast being the Feast of Atonement. Again we see reference to twilight being a specific time of day and not just a measure of time but also as an association with a very specific day. That day being, the Feast of Trumpets which interestingly is stated in the Jewish Talmud to be a time for the appearance of the Messiah. Yes, the Jewish audience would have clearly understood this phase to draw attention to the speed of the event, the specific time of the event and the association with a prophetic occurrence, the coming of Messiah!

In summary, we find that the phase “in the twinkling of an eye” is a known Jewish idiom for the time separating the day from the night. The transition from the close of a old day to the beginning of a new day This is also in accordance with the Jewish observance of the Sabbath; in order to assure there were no violations to the Sabbath ordinances and because they couldn’t accurately identify the exact moment of transition from day to night, they would begin early in what was termed “the twinkling of an eye”. In other words, 6 PM marked the end of that day and the beginning of a new day or the Sabbath. So, there was an allowance (a grey area) just before and after sunset that would assure there were no mistaken violations.

Why is this important? In context we see these scriptures are addressing the subject of the resurrection of the dead in Christ “first” and then the changing of living believers at a specific moment, time, and Feast Day. The time is to be the beginning of a new day ushered in by the last trump on the last day of the Feast of Trumpets. The audience Paul was speaking to knew well that the “last” trump would blow just prior to the start of the Feast of Atonement. They knew that Elul was a month of preparations (soul searching) and that the trump would blow every day of the month of Elul with exception of the Sabbath days up to the “last” trump sounding on the 1st day of the month of Tishri initiating the start of the High Holy Days! This is a clear indication of not just the measurement of time but precisely the timing and sequence of the event. Remember, Paul told us we were “not of the night” but “of the day“.

The “last trump” is as stated, to be the “last” of numerous blasts that occur prior to the commencement of the Feast of Atonement. (I’m told as many as 100 blast of the trump during the lead up to the feast).  So, the scripture in context, is describing the speed, timing and sequence of the specific event.  The Tekiah Gedolah – Means “the last trump.” This one symbolizes the hope of redemption. It is a very long, “final note”! Paul was a Pharisee so he as well as his audience would have clearly understood the significance of these phrases to the defining of this event. So, now so should we…

I have told my readers continually, I am not a date setter and so let me reiterate this here!  However, I am aware of the fact that God honors his Feast Days and so did Jesus and the Disciples.  There is evidence that the Apostles kept all the Feast.  Frankly, I still honor the Feast and I believe the Church of Jesus Christ should as well.   I challenge anyone to show me where Jesus relieved us of these commanded Feast observances.  They were established by God in perpetuity and intended to commemorate historic and prophetic events as well as the character of God toward man.  These Feast are just as relevant to the Christian as the Jew.  Jesus kept all of these Feast and we can see that He actually “fulfills” them!  Observe how Jesus fulfilled the Spring Feasts of Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits as well as Pentecost.  Observe how each detail was prophetically significant.  Could it be that the Fall Feasts (High Holy Days) could fulfill and initiate the final prophetic events; the rapture and 2nd coming?

After all, the Feast are are “appointed” times!

Here are some thoughts that I believe should factor into our considerations. God told us specifically that celestial bodies were to be used in dividing the day from the night and for communicating signs and seasons. We see examples throughout the scriptures where Feasts were established to commemorate events and often these events and dates would be replicated in association with symbolic, prophetic or fulfillment events. Would anyone deny that the Spring Feasts commemorate both the historic deliverance of the Israelite’s as well as the fulfillment of the promised Passover Lamb, Jesus; the fulfillment of His coming, sacrifice, death and resurrection? The gift of the Holy Spirit on the Feast of Pentecost. We see the parable of the”Laborers in the vineyard” and the hours of the call to the laborers coinciding with the crucifixion events as stated (early morning, 3rd, 6th, and 9th hours and finally the completion of the day and transition to a new day “at the twinkling of an eye“. A time that no man knoweth exactly but certainly knows of the prophesied event and associated characteristics. In John 9:4 Jesus reminds us that “… night cometh when no man can work”. In John 11:9 Jesus reminds us, “are there not 12 hours in the day?” (see the attached chart to get the big picture of how and when these events are associated)

Have we been so blinded by Constantine’s abominations of the Holy Days with the polluted Pagan celebrations that we’ve lost the true timing of the 1st advent? We are told in Rev. 12 of the timing of the 1st advent to be confirmed by the astronomical realities to have occurred during the High Holy Days of antiquity. Is it unreasonable to consider our Lord would return on the anniversary of the 1st advent? I think not. Based on many other examples, I find this to be a very plausible expectation.       

So, it appears there is reference in these scriptures to speed, timing and sequence and even the transition of the Church age to Jacob’s trouble, from day to night, or light to darkness.  (see the attached chart to get the big picture of how and when these events are associated)      

The Day of the Lord

I want you to take notice of a comparison made by Paul that is commonly overlooked in the following scriptures.  It is very clear that Paul is describing Two unique groups or types of people.  Notice the diverse use of 1st, 2nd and 3rd person pronouns; them and us.  However, in neither case is the truth violated that the “calendar day” nor the “specific time” of the event is unknown but the season certainly is ….  

1Th 5:1  But! of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 

1Th 5:2  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 

1Th 5:3  For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 

1Th 5:4  But! ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 

1Th 5:5  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 

1Th 5:6  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 

1Th 5:7  For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 

1Th 5:8  But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 

1Th 5:9  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 

1Th 5:10  Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 

1Th 5:11  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 

Now considering the information we have discovered regarding the High Holy Days of the Fall Feast we can begin to see a pattern.  The month of Elul was intended to be a time of introspection and repentance.  The trumps blowing throughout the month to be a consent call and creating an atmosphere of anticipation for the “LAST TRUMP” called  “Tekiah Gedolah” !   

Observe how Jesus fulfilled the Spring Feasts of Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits as well as Pentecost.  Observe how each detail was prophetically significant.  Could it be that the Fall Feasts (High Holy Days) too will be kept and and initiate the final prophetic events; the rapture and 2nd coming and millennial age? After all, the Feast are Father God’s “appointed” times!

So, since the Jews have failed to keep these feast and observances time and time again throughout history, even their current attempts to assess the calendar days and time for these observance is to say the least, just a “guess” which satisfies the statement that only the “Father” knows the accurate day or hour but the scriptures clearly tell us to note the seasons!

Selah!

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