Poetry With A Mission

...a thought provoking poetical exercise.

It is my sincere belief, that many people have been deceived
By a circulating doctrine I contend shouldn’t be believed.
For though it may well seem appealing, it in fact is far from true,
For it’s contrary to God’s Word, not to mention perilous too.

This doctrine is called the RAPTURE, it’s about folk who disappear,
A SECRET snatching of the SAVED, who in Heaven will next appear.
It says Christ’s coming like a THIEF, to SILENTLY Christians remove,
And yet, as hard as one may try, such one cannot from Scripture prove.

The Scriptures contain warnings, some very creatively conveyed,
Needing careful scrutiny, lest faulty claims like this one be made.
For although the Scriptures tell us that Christ is coming like a thief,
Such is just an illustration, one that's designed to save us GRIEF.

For what it really means is, that Christ’s Second Coming will SURPRISE,
Catching many people unprepared, who, far too late this realize.
Yes, just like those outside the Ark, most will find that it is too late,
And that their sudden change of heart will not remove them from their fate.

And hence the five foolish virgins that we are told of in Scripture,
Whose foolish lack of preparation bears out that same sad picture.
Yes, this parallel illustration is WARNING us to take care, 
Lest we, in a similar manner, are caught out should Christ appear.

Where Scripture says that one’s left behind, and that the other’s taken,
We see another warning that is designed to all AWAKEN.
For it shows Christ’s Second Coming will CUT ACROSS family ties
When the unsaved loved one dies, and the saved one, joyously heavenward flies.

Sheep and goats are mentioned as well, in another illustration,
Further bearing out this fact of a soon coming SEPERATION.
For we’re told Christ’s Second Coming separates the goats and sheep,
The sheep being the righteous, the goats being the unsaved, who death will reap.

Christ says that up in Heaven there are homes He has been preparing
For the righteous sheep that He’ll claim at His GLORIOUS APPEARING.
And that the righteous dead or living only THEN receive their crowns,
As no one is rewarded until the day that His TRUMPET sounds.

No, Christ will not come in secret, for Scripture makes that VERY clear, 
But rather, in SPECTACULAR fashion, will very soon appear.
Yes, surrounded by hosts of angels, He in glory will be seen,
Descending from the heavens as His trumpet blast disturbs earth’s scene.

Thus, any time of tribulation, or troubles that lie ahead,
Not every Christian will be spared, like this Rapture doctrine has said.
For Scripture clearly tells us that Christians who're faithful to their Lord,
TRIBULATION will have to endure, BEFORE they get their reward.

And that is why the Rapture doctrine is so perilous and cruel,
For it has been designed by Satan to all Christians LULL and FOOL.
God has NEVER told His children that He’ll remove them from earth’s pain, 
Except, for when in glory, Jesus Christ returns to this earth claim.

Thus, the world-wide power reigning just prior to our Saviour's return, 
Will PERSECUTE all of God’s faithful — this, we via the Scriptures learn.
But even though they will suffer such, they’re promised STRENGTH to endure,
And that their place in God's heavenly kingdom is very SECURE.

By Lance Landall


Further comment:
The idea of a ‘secret rapture’ does not occur in Scripture. It is a theological concept superimposed upon certain passages in the New Testament. Christ and the New Testament writers explicitly affirm the ‘taking up of the saints’ occurs at the time of the visible, audible, earth-shaking, and glorious second coming of Jesus Christ when He returns in person with
His angels (Matt 24:26,27,30,31; Rev 1:7; 1 Thess 4:16; John 5:28,29; Luke 17:24) and with
His reward of eternal life (Matt 16:27; Rev 22:12; 2 Tim 4:8; 1 Peter 5:4; Heb 11:39,40).





Best you read the poem through first, then the texts within it.

2.  Is Elvis In Heaven?

(Elvis Presley — popular American singer, 1935-1977)

Well, according to the Bible, the answer to that question is a categorical “No!” — and, by the way,
Nor is Mary (Christ’s earthly mother), for no one goes to Heaven before Christ’s return, despite what some say.
Hence why we’re told in Hebrews that those who’re saved but deceased will have to WAIT, for such is fairer, obviously,
And why Christ brought Lazarus back from death, and not down from Heaven, which would've been an utter absurdity.

“And all these [faithful Bible heroes of all the ages], though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised [eternal life, immortality], since God had provided something better [much fairer] for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect [immortal. They will have to wait]” (Heb 11:39,40, ESV).

But what about that thief on the cross, you holler? Didn’t he go to Heaven with Christ? Well, firstly let me say
That Christ didn’t go to Heaven that day, resting on the Sabbath, and speaking to Mary Magdalene on Sunday,
And Christ clearly died well before the two thieves — thus, the translators should have put their faulty coma after “today.”
“And He said to him, “Truly, I say to you today, you will be with Me in Paradise’ ” — such being the right way!

"Jesus said, 'Do not hold on to Me, for I have not yet returned to the Father...' " (John 20:17, NIV).
" 'And you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous [Christ's second coming)' " (Luke 14:14, NIV).

Yes, even translators err — or was it bias, maybe, given we’re fallen humanity?

But when we think things through logically, such makes far more sense, for Christ is bringing our reward with Him, you see,
Such being, eternal life for the saved. And as far as the unsaved go — well, the tragic loss of eternity.
And the latter will be destroyed, hence why we’re told they’ll be ashes under our feet, not burning eternally,
For God’s no sadistic monster, but rather, loving and fair, hence why all must await His return, thankfully.

" 'Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done' " (Rev 22:12, NIV). Note also Matt 16:27.
"For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet..." (Mal 4:1,3, ESV).

David included, whom we’re told hasn’t left his grave, for what joy would be found in Heaven if looking down here
We saw, or knew of our loved ones going through struggles-cum-trials-cum-misery; such being cruel as well as unfair.
And hence why we’re also told that the saved do not get their crowns until Christ’s soon return-cum-resurrection day,
When the saved who are still in their graves will ascend with the saved who are still living at that time — oh happy day!

"...that he [David] both died and was buried and his tomb is with us today. For David did not ascend into the heavens.." (Acts 2:29,34, ESV).
"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day -- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing" (2 Tim 4:8, NIV).

And will we see Elvis there? Well, such no one can say, but only Christ who knows the secrets of each heart-cum-mind,
And hence why we — if amongst the saved — will no doubt be very surprised regarding who we might or mightn’t find.
But as for who is or isn’t there, we’ll not find out until Christ’s return, we being the reason for His return,
Over which the saints of all the ages have yearned, a fact we can discover when the sacred pages we turn.

" 'In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again [the second coming] and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also' " (John 14:2,3, ESV).

And furthermore, we also don’t have a soul that flits to Heaven on death, such being pure pagan nonsense, sadly,
Yes, another thing that crept into the Christian Church — via Greek influence, that is — that’s now accepted broadly.
The truth is, each of us is a soul, we don’t have a soul, and hence why Scripture says that the soul who sins will die,
And why we shouldn’t believe otherwise, for the idea of an immortal soul is just a devilish lie.

"The soul that sinneth, it shall die..." (Ezek 18:20, KJV). Note also Matt 10:28; James 5:20.
"It is He [God] alone who has immortality..." (1 Tim 6:16).

Yes, there’s nothing about us that is immortal, hence why when the breath of life has gone, we no longer exist,
And that means, in any form, until Christ returns to Earth to gather all the saved ones who are on His spared list.
And hence why there’s no Rapture, for none are secretly spirited away, which is another myth, by the way,
For we are told that Christ’s coming for the saved will be a very noisy, earth shaking, and lightning flashing day.

" 'For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in His day [at His second coming]' " (Luke 17:24, ESV). Note Matt 24:30,31; 1 Thess 4:16.

And hence why those who supposedly communicate with the dead are simply charlatans who behave cruelly,
For the things they supposedly convey from loved ones are false, and certain facts are guessed, or gained devilishly.
That is, via evil angels who somehow convey such facts, only to happy to help those charlatans deceive,
And why only in the Word of God (correctly interpreted), and not in the word of man, we should believe.

“Let no one be found among you...who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you” (Deut 18:10-12, NIV).

By Lance Landall


You may also wish to read my poems No One Burns Forever and Where Are They? which are in the orange boxes so titled, and where there may be diagrams too.

3.  POOF!

Picture the following:

Lazarus is up in Heaven-cum-Paradise, and there, he enjoying immortality;
In other words, a life beyond one’s wildest dreams — such staggering — and this, for an eternity.
And then — POOF! — he suddenly and instantly back on Earth, and this, four days after he had died,
And he, quickly surrounded by many, they hoping that some things about Heaven he’d provide.

Poor old Lazarus, he no doubt horrified in more ways than one, and wouldn’t you and I be?
We one minute enjoying heavenly bliss, and then — POOF! — hello chaos and insanity.
And some years on — dying again — meantime having spoken and written all about Paradise,
And such recorded in Scripture — one would think — in order to more doubters and scoffers entice.

But such causing some consternation given that David didn’t ascent to Heaven when he died,
Well, going by the book of Acts, that is — and we’ve certainly no reason to think that Luke lied.
And nor Paul, who talks about the dead being asleep and awaiting the coming resurrection,
Which, if Lazarus had gone straight to Heaven at death, would surely be cause for some objection.

Well, I don’t recall the Word of God saying that Lazarus did go to Heaven when he died,
And nor does it gel that — POOF! — he suddenly appear back on Earth taking it all in his stride.
So what in fact did happen during those four days — consistency, please — or was he in his grave?
For despite his return from where the dead be — Heaven or hell, some say — not a single clue he gave.

And hey, didn’t Christ say that Lazarus was asleep? Figuratively, that is. He KO’d,
And thus not roaming about Paradise, nor in some hell, but in a far more silent abode.
And I guess that’s why the Bible says that the dead know nothing, and won’t awake from their slumber
Until the resurrection of the saved at Christ’s coming, and I pray you’ll be in that number.

Yes, imagine having gone to Heaven upon death, your body having only just gone cold,
And your family pleading, “Please bring our loved one back to life,” and right before their eyes, behold!
And you, having just got through those pearly gates, and — POOF! — yes, back to chaos and insanity,
And you thanking your loved ones profusely (I don’t think), and they questioning you, undoubtedly.

“What was it like?”  “Was so and so there?”  “Has the wedding feast started yet?” and “When is Christ coming?”
And here you are lost for words, the glory, peace and joy of Heaven mind-blowing and mind-numbing.
Yes, such doesn’t bear thinking about, for who’d want to end up back here, and wouldn’t that be cruel?
And why we’re told that we’ll all be made perfect together, God always fair, clear, and He no fool.

By Lance Landall


Refer to the texts in the poem above and elsewhere on site.

4.  Oopsy Daisy

And Jesus supposedly said:
“Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in paradise.”
Oopsy daisy. Try this instead:
“Assuredly, I say to you today, you will be with Me in paradise.”

Now that makes far more sense, and I’ll tell you why (combing the Scriptures thoroughly):
Our Saviour, upon His death, did not ascend to Heaven immediately,
But rather, after resting in His tomb on the Sabbath (in line with His Law),
Remained on Earth for a number of days, His reappearance hard to ignore.

Yes, Christ even telling Mary that He hadn’t ascended to His Father,
And therefore, had hardly taken the thief back to Heaven with Him, but rather,
Will collect him come the resurrection of the righteous dead at Christ’s return,
For no one ascends to Heaven at death, which, via searching God’s Word, one can learn.

This being why Paul said that those who’ve been promised eternity will have to wait —
He referring to past Bible heroes — and thus nobody jumping the gate.
Yes, Christ having provided something fairer, we all ascending together,
And there, and forever on, enjoying Christ’s presence; peace and divine weather.

That comma?

It simply the result of the bias of the translators, who, wrongly so,
Believe, or believed, that one goes to Heaven at death, which Scripture says isn’t so,
No, the original Greek text having no punctuation, and why we see,
Those translators going by what they think and not by what’s right biblically.

Yes, sincerely mistaken,

For we’re told that David (for one, who slew Goliath), is still with us today,
He lying in his tomb, and thus no imaginary soul winging its way.
In other words, Christ not just returning for bodies that have returned to clay,
But the complete person (who’s called a soul), and who He’ll restore in every way.

That we’ve souls is as foolish as Lazarus being summoned back from Heaven, and,
Why he hadn’t gone anywhere and thus is still at rest in some Bible land.
And I’m so glad of that, for who would be happy in Heaven if they could see
Their loved ones suffering below, or just as absurd, burning eternally.

By Lance Landall

5.  God's No Strange God

Yes, God’s no strange God, as so many Christians would have us believe, tragically,
Souls flitting to Heaven at death, bodies later resurrected, supposedly.
Now why on Earth would Christians believe such, 'cause such is not what God’s Word says is so,
But merely those flawed interpretations of which each Christian should far better know.

Yes, if it’s not immortal souls contrary to the fact that we’re told we’re mortal, or,
Christ returning for bodies that He could make anew, it’s eternal fire in store,
As if Christ would act so sadistically; and where’s that power of His they ignore
Which created us all in the first place? He no doubt having our blueprints, what’s more.

Hence why He would hardly return for decaying bodies, some blown to smithereens,
All being why when God’s Word is studied correctly a different story one gleans.
Not one where false teachers have borrowed from pagan sources-cum-Egyptian and Greek,
And which entered the Christian Church post the apostles — oh, how the devil’s a sneak.

Surely logic must convict us that something is wrong with what’s commonly believed;
The devil — who loves mixing error with truth — thus ensuring that folk are deceived.
For no soul or complete person arises at death, but at Christ’s return, who then,
Rewards with eternal life or death, and not before as propagated by men.

No wonder Christians are confused, and the world scratching its head, for who’d believe such?
It peppered with pagan thinking, and hence how the devil wrestles folk from truth’s clutch.
And how he ensures that that strange God comes about — well, as some would have us believe,
They holding to heresy that crept into the Christian Church, hence how they deceive.

The reason for Christ’s return is to take the saved ones to Heaven, and not before,
Which not only makes more sense, but is fairer, and thus our reward being kept in store.
All why He says that He’s bringing His reward with Him, and why we’ll all have to wait,
His judgment currently in session, and why no one will be vaulting Heaven’s gate.

Yes, so much for souls supposedly flitting to Heaven detached from the body,
A body that soon returns to clay, but one that Christ can recreate instantly.
In other words, He having no need to return just for bodies, and nor will He,
But rather, the complete person who is a soul, should they have died previously.

And they, along with the saved still living at Christ’s return, will meet Christ in the air,
He being no strange God but an orderly God who such matters has made very clear.
For separate bodies and souls make no sense, nor some eternally burning Hell,
Which hardly draws the non-believer to Christ, for such with a just God doesn’t gel.

Listen, the only thing that departs from the body at death is the breath of life,
And it’s not old bodies that get raised, but new ones full of the returned breath of life.
And thus why Christ is returning for the complete man, woman, boy and girl, who then
(And with the saved of all the ages), ascend to Heaven, to which lets say “Amen!”

And come the end of a millennium (Scripture states), both Christ and those who are saved,
And the New Jerusalem, will descend to this Earth made new, Christ’s hands still engraved.
And there, together with Christ, we’ll remain forever, sin and the wicked no more,
The latter not still burning but burnt up — gone — which John the Revelator foresaw.

Yes, God’s no strange God, He hardly having burning people spoiling eternity,
And nor would He have us anxious over such now thanks to folk teaching heresy.
And, let me add, nor thinking of our loved ones enjoying Heaven while we’re not, or,
Anxious a loved one might be already screaming in some Hell, which at one’s mind would gnaw.

And as for souls flitting to Heaven, such simply plays into the old devil’s hand,
Who thereby has deluded folk seeking messages from the dead as he no doubt planned.
And why he wants folk thinking that Christ is returning for bodies, which isn’t true,
For why would Christ bother with those old ones when He can create bodies that are new?

By Lance Landall


I highly recommend that you read my article Getting The Millennium Right which is on my page Where Love And Wrath Meet.

6.  "My Kingdom Is Not Of This World"

Yes. Christ said, “My kingdom is not of this world,” hence why His kingdom we won’t see
Until that time when the New Jerusalem descends in all its finery.
And that won’t be until after Christ’s second coming and this Earth is made new,
For at His coming everything will be destroyed amidst His saving rescue.

The truth is:

That God wouldn’t set up His kingdom on a fallen, tainted, corrupt planet,
And nor midst a mixed multitude, those sheep and goats, which surely one must admit,
For Christ’s kingdom is a heavenly one, hence all must be well before it descends,
And why anyone who thinks such will happen before hand, a falsehood defends.

We’re clearly told that the New Jerusalem descends after a thousand years,
And that during those years the Earth lies desolate, just Satan here with his fears;
The saints that were rescued having been in Heaven, but now they descending too,
For both Christ and they will inhabit the Earth made new, things no longer askew.

It’s logic, really,

For if the saints have been taken up (rescued), they clearly must come back down, for
We’re told that they will be living with Christ on the renewed Earth for evermore;
And that Satan (and the resurrected wicked), try to attack the city
(the descending New Jerusalem),
But fire devours them all and they therefore dead and gone for all eternity.

So what would the saints do during those thousand years? you ask. Check out Heaven’s books,
They thus able to see why many loved ones were rejected; hence those sad looks,
And why those tears will only be wiped away come their return to this planet
Where there will be no goats; not one single sinner, false prophet or hypocrite.

By Lance Landall


Check out Revelation chapters 20,21 remembering that the book of
Revelation tends to move back and forth a bit.


“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare” (2 Peter 3:9,10, NIV).





This crossover poem also appears in my secular section.

7.  No One's Gone Anywhere

Okay, so you’re not a Christian, but let me fill you in on a few things, friend,
For despite what most Christians think, no one goes to Heaven until this Earth’s end.
Hence why the Christian Bible speaks of an airlift come Christ’s return, and also
Of a resurrection; everyone who’s saved having to wait, and then upwards go.

Yes, it’s a myth that folk go to Heaven at death, just another heresy,
One that crept into the Christian Church after the old apostles died, sadly.
And why the Bible says that God has a fairer plan in mind, it His return,
When all, and together (both the saved and unsaved), their happy or sad fate will learn.

And hence why the Christian Bible talks of a separation that will take place;
The saved termed “sheep” and the unsaved termed “goats” — the latter, eternal death to face.
And not because God wants them destroyed, but they effectively making that choice,
One group responding and the other group rejecting His loving, warning voice.

And hence why there’s no departed loved ones on the other side, Heaven or Hell,
For such is purely the thinking of those who don’t know the Bible very well.
And why mediums have a field day, they milking that erroneous belief,
Thus preying on the gullible and vulnerable, making money out of grief.

So, where are the dead? Still on Earth, they metaphorically sleeping, we’re told,
And they, unable to speak, move, or even breathe, they lifeless and deathly cold.
In other words, they no more until their Creator returns, He the life-giver,
Who from the grave, or the surrounding chaos of the times, such will deliver.

Yes, and no soul that meantime departs, such nothing but more foolish nonsense too,
Which, sad to say, also crept into the Christian Church, a doctrine that’s askew.
For each of us is a soul, not has a soul, and why we say, “That poor old soul,”
Who, just like us come their death, ceases to be anything, hence that plot-cum-hole.

But one from which they’ll very soon be delivered if having chosen wisely,
For it’s clear that Earth’s on borrowed time — and we, sad and broken humanity.
In other words, in need of a Saviour; a heavenly one-cum-Christ the Son,
Who’ll return as soon as His Judgment’s over, such having already begun.

By Lance Landall


“Now he [Paul] reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come,
Felix was afraid…” (Acts 24:25, NKJV).

“He [an angel] said in a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come, Worship Him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water’ ” (Rev 14:7, NIV).

“ ‘For the Son of Man is going to come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He
will reward each person according to what he has done’ ” (Matt 16:27, NIV).

“ ‘Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me, and I will give to everyone according
to what he has done’ ” (Rev 22:12, NIV).

“These [faithful heroes of the Bible] were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised [they didn’t go to Heaven-cum-receive eternal life]. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect [they will have to wait to receive immortality]” (Heb 11:39,40, NIV).

"...that he [David] both died and was buried and his tomb is with us today. For David did not ascend into the heavens.." (Acts 2:29,34, ESV).


I highly recommend that you read my article Getting The Millennium Right which is on my page Where Love And Wrath Meet.

8.  But All Of Us Together

My dear Christian friend, and with the greatest of respect, your loved one’s not up there,
Because such simply wouldn’t make sense, and why the truth is, that they’re still down here.
Yes, they asleep in their grave, for God’s Word says so, speaking figuratively,
Because they’ve actually passed away, are lying where they were laid, you see.

Yes, Christendom having swallowed a devilish lie that crept into the Church,
And why another important truth has been knocked from its apostolic perch.
Both Christ and his disciples having pointed us to a resurrection day,
When those who’re saved but deceased will arise from Earth’s imprisoning mud and clay.

We all to be made perfect together, God’s Word says, for such is much fairer,
And why when it comes to that blessed hope, resurrection, there’s nothing dearer,
Nor clearer, for the deceased know nothing, according to the Scriptures, nothing,
Nor praise God, and thus why they’ll have to wait until that coming shout, trumpet ring.

It’s never wrong to question what you’ve always been taught, so long as truth’s desired,
Your questioning not due to rebellion, but such the Spirit having inspired.
For it’s the Spirit that guides us to truth, and conversely, away from falsehood,
As God wants everything within His Holy Word to be clearly understood.

Yes, there’s hardly fairness in our deceased loved ones already being up there,
They as tortured as us, they missing us up there, and we missing them down here.
In other words, such adding to our earthly lot, such spoiling their time up there,
And why the Bible says that those who’re deceased but saved are still waiting down here.

So no detached soul has flittered its way to Heaven, such another porky,
And the devil grinning, so many having once again swallowed heresy.
For each of us is a soul, a whole, and that’s the way that we will all be raised,
So that all together, our Lord and Saviour will be even more loudly praised.

Thus no one getting an earlier invitation to the banquet, wedding,
And milling around for years, many centuries, though here I’m kind of kidding,
But in order to make a point, for God says He’s bringing His reward with Him,
And why we’ve been charged with conveying truth-cum-sowing seeds in the interim.

All why the dead don’t need to be in Heaven in the meantime, but ’neath Earth’s sod,
Centuries passing in a flash, and then, the awesome sight of our returning God.
And David raised from his grave too, Scripture stating that he never ascended,
'Cause it doesn’t contradict itself, and faith and trust being what God intended;

He not returning nor removing us until all is fulfilled and ended.

By Lance Landall

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