Who Was The Lord Prophetically Speaking To?

Q

I believe in pre-tribulation rapture. From my research I believe Matt. 24:40-42 are referencing the Second Coming (and not the Rapture). Matthew 24:40-41 says, “Then there shall be two men in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left.” Who are the ones taken, and who are the ones left ? Also who is Jesus prophetically telling to keep watch in Matt. 24:42?

A

In Matt. 24:40 the Greek word translated “taken” means “to take with one’s self, to join to one’s self”. These are the ones who will be welcomed into the Millennial Kingdom. They are the sheep of the sheep and goat judgment (Matt. 25:31-46).

The Greek word translated “left” means “to send away”. It’s often used in the context of a divorce, as in “he left his wife.” These are the ones who will be sent away to judgment. They are the goats.

The people Jesus is telling to keep watch in Matt. 24:42 are surviving tribulation believers who will be saved after the rapture and are still on earth at the time of the 2nd Coming. We know this because He said, “You do not know on what day your Lord will come.” Unbelievers don’t see Him as their Lord.