JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

March 1991

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning Matthew 24:40-41.

To be properly understood, these verses must be read in context. Starting in verse 21, Christ described the Great Tribulation and the end-time events which would lead up to His return. In verses 37 and 38, He referred to the time of Noah. Just before the Flood, people were going about their daily business when disaster came upon them suddenly. Jesus said that the end time will be like the days of Noah in this respect (verse 39).

People will be living their usual lives, working in the fields, grinding at the mill, and so forth (verses 40 and 41) when the Great Tribulation falls upon them unexpectedly. Death or slavery will take half the population -- one of every two individuals. Christ said this to emphasize the terrible calamity which is to come upon the modern descendants of Israel at the end of the age (verses 21 and 22).

This passage can be applied in principle to another future event. At the beginning of Matthew 24, Christ told His disciples about HIS RETURN to this earth. In this light, verses 40-41 can be taken to mean that at Christ's return there is to be a SEPARATION made between those who attain to the first resurrection and those who do not (John 3:3-8; I Cor. 15:50-53; Rev. 20:6).

Our article "The Secret Rapture" shows that Matthew 24:40-41 and Luke 17:34-36 do not refer to a secret rapture, as some teach. Please feel welcome to request it as well as our booklet THE WONDERFUL WORLD TOMORROW -- WHAT IT WILL BE LIKE.

Thank you for your interest. It is our pleasure to help you with your study of the Bible.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT