I was wondering if you could provide some clarity for me regarding the possibility of a period of time existing between the rapture and the start of Daniel’s 70th week.
I had never considered this before but have recently read this on some websites by prominent end times teachers. My understanding (please correct me if I’m wrong) is that the rapture will occur when the ‘full number of the gentiles has come in’. This, I would assume, would mark the end of the age of grace. Daniel’s 70th week would then begin when the treaty is confirmed by the anti-christ, which would in turn mark the re-commencement of the age of law.
If there is a gap of time between the rapture (end of age of grace) and the start of Daniel’s 70th week (recommencement of age of law), into which age do those who are saved during this gap period fall and how does that affect their salvation (ie do they rely on God’s grace, are they required to maintain their salvation or is it something else)?
First, let’s understand that the notion of a gap between the end of the Age of Grace and the resumption of the Age of Law is a purely human conjecture, unsupported by Scripture.
But once the rapture comes, the age of grace will officially end. Therefore, everyone saved after the rapture will be subject to the rules that will govern post-church salvation. I don’t believe God leaves cracks that people can unknowingly fall through into some kind of spiritual twilight zone.
The resumption of the Age of Law will primarily be obvious in Israel. That’s the only place there will be a temple with a priesthood conducting animal sacrifices. Gentiles around the world who become saved after the rapture will stay that way by obeying God’s commandments and remaining faithful to Jesus (Rev. 14:12).
Some people believe that with the rapture of the Church the Holy Spirit will disappear from Earth, but I don’t think that’s correct. One of His responsibilities during the Church Age has been to act as a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. Once the rapture occurs, we will receive our inheritance, so it will no longer be necessary for Him to guarantee it. Remember, Paul said we are sealed with Him unto the day of redemption (Ephes. 4:30).
After the rapture, He will stop restraining the secret power of lawlessness on earth. I believe at that time He will also resume a ministry similar to His Old Testament one, being with believers and coming upon them in power, but will not be sealed within them. He will guide these new believers into understanding what God requires of them just as He has always done.