The most erudite scholars studying Biblical prophesy in the time of Christ were the Scribes and Pharisees. Why then (we must ask) were they so blinded to the claims of Jesus -- even when He performed all manner of supernatural miracles in their midst? Truly, the answer lies within the religious mind -- for the religious mind is often dogmatic, unteachable and immovable; once the process of scriptural indoctrination has taken hold, our doctrines can sometimes blind us to the truth itself. Often, the most religious are the most closed minded, simply because they already have all the answers.  As we shall see in this section of our study, the devil himself is actively sowing the leaven of false doctrine among Gods people, in the hopes of rendering us both impotent and unprepared.  An elephant, being tied to a pole as a baby with a thin rope, can be conditioned for life to believe that he cannot move beyond its perimeter, even though, being full grown, he could easily tear himself free.  Such is true in Gods house, for many believers today merely accept the proclamations and conclusions of biblical scholars, rather than searching and seeking out the truth for themselves. This is a violation of scriptural truth itself; for Jesus exhorted us to search the scriptures.  (John 5 v. 39)  (see also Acts 17 v. 11 and Matt 23 v. 8) Many current theories concerning the Rapture of the Church have become popular only in the last 100 years. Remember, the devil will only put his money behind that which is inherently deceptive, so let us search the scriptures hearkening back to Paul's admonition in (1 Thes. 5 v. 21), Prove all things, hold fast that which is good; lest we find ourselves (like the baby elephant in our story) so tied to our doctrines that we actually miss the Lord, (at His coming) when He returns as a thief in the night.  Hebrews (4 v. 12) tells us that the Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  (Rev. 1 v. 16) presents Christ, as Judge of His church, coming with a two-edged sword proceeding forth from His mouth.  What this means to us (of the house of faith) is that Christ will judge our works -- as to whether they were born in our souls (i.e. the flesh) or born of God's Spirit.

        The church today is asleep, unprepared for this judgment -- for our salvation is free, but rewards are given according to the works we perform -- as to whether theywere conceived in our own religious minds or conceived by Gods Spirit.  The Rapture of the elders of the church, the five crowns, and the promises of rulership with Christ before the tribulation, are the rewards for the faithful Christians who are prepared.  This is the challenge being laid before the church by Christ in these last hours -- a challenge we dare not fail!