Those who teach the confusing doctrine of the "any-moment rapture" maintain that Matthew 24:29-31 cannot be speaking of the Lord's coming as a thief in the night because of these preliminary events. They claim, as we understand their point of view, that the signs of His coming will not take place first because then there would be no surprise.

Those who believe Matthew 24:29-31 is not Christ's coming as a thief because of the preliminary signs are basing their understanding on the idea that lukewarm Christians could make themselves ready for His appearing in the time period between the darkening of the sun and the going forth of the angels to gather together the elect. They view Matthew 24:29-31 as taking place, not with lightning-like speed but over a period of time long enough to permit sinners to repent.

Because of this point of view, they reason the Lord would not then be coming as a thief in the night. In this case, according to their thinking, there would be no surprise. Therefore, they conclude, the "rapture" of necessity must take place before the signs in the heavens.

However, the assumption that the great signs will be prolonged may or may not prove to be true. In any case, it may not always be possible for people to pray and repent. The moment the sun begins to be darkened—in that moment the opportunity for participation in the parousia may be terminated.

When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: (Luke 13:25)

Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. (Matthew 25:11,12)

As soon as the master of the house arises the sun will be darkened. After that moment it may be impossible to change one's status so he can participate in the parousia. He will not appear with Christ if he is not ready when the signs begin. This is how the Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.

It is not always possible to prepare one's self in a moment of time. As we have pointed out, participation in the parousia depends on our having become life-giving spirits, on our having learned to live by the Life of Jesus instead of our natural flesh-and-blood life. We cannot suddenly learn to live by the Life of Jesus when the sun and the moon grow dark.

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. (Matthew 25:10)

Thus the Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.

It makes no difference whether Matthew 24:29-31 requires ten minutes or a year or longer. Only those who are living by Christ's life at the time the sun is darkened will participate in the parousia.

To be continued.