Our subject for study is the solitary phrase "the last trump", but to do so we must look at least twenty-five references in the New Testament. During this exercise we discover that the phrase is simply understood by the context in which it is found together with a knowledge of word usage at the time it was written.

1. Math.6:2

2 Math.24:31

3. 1 Cor.14:8

4-6. 1 Cor.15:52, a,b,c, three references

7. 1 Thes.4:16

8. Heb.12:19

9. Rev.1:10

10 Rev.4:1

11-19 Rev.8:2,6,6,7,8,10,12,13,13

20-22 Rev.9:1,13,14

23. Rev.10:7

24. Rev.11:15

25. Rev.18:22

There are three Greek words used in the references above:

1. "salpinx",(noun), a trumpet

2. "salpizo",(verb), to blow a trumpet, or to sound a trumpet;

3. "salpistes", a trumpeter.

We will also notice that the words used fall into three divisions,

Division 1. The natural instrument only:

Division 2. Divine intervention with three sections:

Division 3. Divine summons with two sections

All the divisions and sections are determined by the context

_.

.________________________________SECTIONS_______________________________________________

1.Trumpet 1. Trumpet at Sinai 1 Summons to John

Math.6:2 Heb.12:19 Rev.4:1

1 Cor.14:8 Rev.1:10

Rev.18:22

2. Divine Judgments 2 Summons to Believers

Rev 8 to ch.11:15 Cor:15:52*

1 Thes.4:16*

3. Second Advent

Math 24:31.

We can immediately conclude that there is a considerable amount of difference between the divisions and sections. There are divisions which talk about the instrument, then there are three supernatural soundings of trumpets, and finally there are two distinctly different calls to believers to come up here. They can not, under any circumstances, be lumped together. We will first of all look at the divisions and note the reason for them being sectionalised in that way. In addition, as mentioned above, it is absolutely essential to study the context of each of the sections to understand their meanings.

This is simple and has only one section. This division only mentions the natural instrument as such, and has no other meaning.

This division has been labeled "Divine intervention". Note the division only contains "the supernatural accompaniment of Divine interposition" whereas the first division has as its subject the actual trumpet as an instrument.

There is a summons to John in Revelation and also a summons to believes

The three sections are different.

Section 1. Heb.12:19, and refers to the Divine warning to the Children of Israel at Sinai. The people heard it with fear. God intervenes and brings in the law.

Section 2. It is all the trumpet warnings of Divine judgement upon the earth during the tribulation. They are sounded by angels.

Section 3. The divine announcement of the advent of the Lord Jesus Christ and is unique the only similarity being that it was Divine in origin. It heralded the advent of the Lord Jesus Christ back to the earth where He is to reign for a thousand years. This is direct intervention as the Lord comes into this world's scene and rules with a rod of iron, and man is subject. One must conclude that this is the last trumpet sounded in scripture.

This division only deals with the Divine summons to some on the earth to ascend into heaven. This is not related in any way to the other two divisions we have looked at. It is placed in its own division as the two sections show the word used in a totally different context.

Section 1. The call to the apostle John in Patmos which is unique in that it is a trumpet speaking and saying, "come up here." Rev.1:10; 4:1. Notice it was a voice like a trumpet speaking. There is no other reference to a trumpet speaking in scripture.

Section 2. Precedes the rapture in 1Thes.4:16 and 1Cor.15:52.

Are we to conclude that there is only one series of trumpets? Most certainly not as we have six sections none of which are directly related to any other. As this is the case, each section occurs at a different point in time and are not related. The context of each section clearly shows this to be the case. It is wresting the scriptures out of context to relate Mat.6:12 to Rev.4:1 for example

There are six kinds of trumpets and trumpet calls and chronologically they are:

1. Natural trumpets and the blowing of them.

2. The trumpet sound when Israel put themselves under the law.

3. The gathering call at the Rapture of the Saints.

4. The voice like a trumpet speaking to summons John up here.

5. Many trumpets and trumpet calls preceding Divine judgments.

6. Announcing the return of the Lord to rule over the earth.

Division 3 section 6 seems to cause problems in interpretation:

1. 1Cor.15:52

2. 1Thes.4:16

These verses describe the same unique event. In order to understand the meaning of these verses we must study them individually then compare them for their similarities and differences

The theme is that, at the coming of the Lord IN THE AIR for His own, we shall be changed! For this corruptible must put on incorruption. It will all happen so quickly as to be almost imperceptible.

in the twinkling rhipe; rapid movement, the blink of an eye of an eye

at a point in time

the last trump a name of a special trumpet call in the Roman army, to break camp: it does NOT mean last in rank, time, or place  

We must ask why are the words trump and trumpet used when it need have only be mentioned once if it is merely repetition? It is used twice because there are two entirely different thoughts given. The word of God in this case is very specific as we shall see later. First let us be sure of what it does not mean.

First let us note that this is the only reference to a trump or trumpet in chapter 15,or that matter the whole book. Let us try and make "last" mean "last in place". " In the twinkling of an eye, at the last placed trumpet (noun), for the trumpet shall sound" simply does not make sense as no other trumpets are mentioned.

It is equally wrong to suggest that "last" is "last in rank". The reason for this is that there in only one other place in scripture where the same scene is described is in 1 Thes 4:16. Please note very carefully, it is there described as follows, "With the trump of God". The vitally important point, of course, is that it is the TRUMP OF GOD. NOTE! It is "the trump of GOD". It is the one and only time in the whole New Testament that a trumpet is thus described. Therefore as far as rank is concerned it is FIRST as the trump of God.

It seems that most error in interpretation is by wresting the scripture to make this trumpet sound the last in a series. It, as the trump of God, stands alone. Unique in that it is associated with no thought of judgment. It is associated with the triumphant shout, and above all, the joy of the Lord. He will see of the travail of His soul and be satisfied, Isa.53:11. It is a summons to believers, gathering them to their Lord in the air. We repeat there is no other occasion remotely similar to this unique event.

Far from being the last it is in fact the first and only such call in all scripture. No one with any understanding of the scripture can place the rapture trumpet as the last in the biblical series of trumpets. It is impossible that if the saints come with the Lord out of heaven to rule the earth that His advent trumpet (last trump) comes before the summons of the rapture.

Let us say, with the evidence before us, that the last trump stands alone and rather than being last in time it is first; the one and only. It is therefore not last in place, rank or time, but has another meaning.

Let us repeat what we have already noted; "..we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, AT THE LAST TRUMP, for the trumpet shall sound..." Please note the two trumpets in the verse, the "last trump", and "the trumpet shall sound."

Some seem to think that there is a mistake in having the word trumpet mentioned twice in this verse. It is contended the words should have been, "when the last trumpet sounds we shall be changed etc." We must ask why are the words trump and trumpet used when it need have only be mentioned once. It is used twice because there are two entirely different thoughts given. The word of God in this case is very specific.

at: a point in time

the last as we have seen above it does NOT mean last in rank, time, or place

trump a noun together with last as describing a special trumpet call.

"We shall all be changed, at a point in time, that is at the last trump (a special order given), verily the trumpet shall sound,(that is "the trumpet of God", from 1Thes. 4:16.).

1. At the last trump. In the apostle Paul's day the last trump was a commonly used phrase. Everyone in the Roman empire knew that it referred to a trumpet signal signifying the fact that the order had been given, at that time and place, to break up camp and move on! One and only one call.

2. Immediately the trumpet sounds believers instantly meet the Lord in the air. They moved on.

How simple it all now becomes. "at the twinkling of an eye, when the order is given to break camp, verily (gar) the trumpet shall sound" etc. How beautiful is this illustration. We have finished with our present camp, we are moving on. That is assured as that trumpet will most certainly sound. Yes, on the break up of camp we are on our way. What a way when corruption inherits incorruption. You see the whole difficulty arises because we simply do not "study to show ourselves approved of God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth."

Now no doctrine can be formed on one verse or passage. Is our interpretation above supported elsewhere? Let us see.

1. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself comes

(a) "With a shout", this being the custom of the time for the bridegroom to come for the bride with a shout.

(b) "With the voice" of the archangel; this voice may be for Israel as archangels seem to be exclusive to Israel.

(c) with the trump of God"

The two passages 1Cor.15:52 and 1Thes. 4:16 have the following points in common:

1. They both describe the rapture, that is the coming of the Lord in the air to call up both the Living and dead saints to be with Him for ever.

2. Both passages mention a trumpet.

IThes.4:16 has three additional things not included in 1Cor.15:52,

1. the shout

2. the voice of the archangel

3. the trumpet is sounded in 1Cor.15, but no mention of that in 1Thes.4.

There is no mention of the "last trump" or that call being sounded in 1Thes. This must surely raise question in one's mind. The reason is quite simple in that it would be completely out of context. It is correct in 1 Cor.15:52, but not in 1 Thes.4:16. Let us see.

There is no doubt that the context in 1Cor 15 has to do with the change from a natural corrupt body and surroundings to the spiritual and glorious. We, the believers, will leave behind corruption and take on incorruption. How apt and beautiful is the "last trump" as an allegory. We have the absolute assurance that the camp will be broken up and we will move on, leaving one scene for another.

In this passage the context is the order of resurrection. The dead first, then the living, and we are told how He is to come. He comes with an assembling shout, with a voice such as an archangel uses, and with the trumpet (noun) of God. We may note there is no mention of it being sounded. No doubt it was, but not mentioned in this passage, but rather we are told of an assembling shout. No support is here for the last trump being the last trumpet sound in fact the word "last" is not there. There was no need to sorrow for those who sleep in the Lord. It was a case of "absent from the body, present with the Lord". Not only so, but the time was soon coming when "we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord" would not go before the dead in Christ to meet Him. We will all be caught up together. There is no talk of the old fleshly nature and surroundings, the focus is rather on the Lord Himself in the clouds in the air. The "last trump" has no relevance. We have left the camp and are on our way.

There are those who adamantly insist that the "last trump" means the very last trumpet in scripture. This we believe has been shown to be not only very wrong, but also it will be shown to be blasphemous. It strikes at the very integrity of God Himself.

It is impossible for the christians to go through the tribulation. Furthermore to try and associate the rapture with judgement for the believer is positively evil on at least three grounds:

1. The believers are saved from wrath, Rom.5:9

2. They are also delivered from wrath, 1Thes 1:10

3. Believers are not appointed to wrath, 1Thes 5:9.

Please note that even in the same book (1Thes.) which has no mention of the last trump clearly states on two occasions that wrath is not the portion of the believer as the focus is on the Lord in the air.

No doubt one must have a proper appreciation of Daniel chapters 9 and 12, Matthew 13,24,and 25, Mark 13 and Luke.19 and 21, to understand the tribulation. These passages indicate that there is a time coming, typified by Mat 24:21, "for then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world." We discovered in the book of the Revelation that it is the wrath of God poured out on the earth dwellers who are the recipients of this wrath.

This period of tribulation or as it is more closely defined in the words "the wrath of Almighty God". It is important to notice that the Lamb is connected with the seal judgments, the angels with the trumpets, and God with the vials. That these judgments are from God there can be no doubt as even the earth dwellers clearly recognised its source. In Rev chapter 6 the kings, the great, the rich, chief captains, mighty men, slaves, and free men hid themselves and called for the rocks to fall on them, Verse 17, "for the great day of His wrath is come." It is expressly the wrath of God and clearly understood by all. Having clearly seen from the scriptures that all of the seven year tribulation is the wrath of God we next must see the relationship between the believer and the wrath of God.

We have already shown in these notes that the believer is saved from wrath. That should really be the end of the matter. There are, however, those who will not accept the clear word of God. Let us go further.

Before we look at the character of God we will note that the preaching of John the Baptist contained these words, Mat 3:7, "who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come." Not only so, but in Rom.2:8 "but unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath." Note also 1Thes 1:10, which shows the christian is saved from wrath, and 1Thes.2:16, and other which show the wrath of God is for the unsaved. There God makes two statements that christians are saved from wrath and the unsaved are reserved for wrath.

Let us note Luke 16 where the poor man is comforted in Abraham's bosom, and the rich man tormented. We should also note the statement of Paul 2Cor 5:8, "to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." This was the apostles expectation.

Now suppose we thought a christian had to go through the tribulation or even a part of it, if by the will of God he was alive at the rapture, it would be a vicious blasphemy. This is so on two grounds:

1. God is a liar and we are not saved from wrath.

2. God is partial; some of His people would not see His wrath, and some would.

Let us say from the outset, under no circumstances can we equate loving parental chastisement, nor the worlds hatred of the believer, with the UNBRIDLED WRATH OF GOD. It is gross blasphemy to even think of such a thing. Not only has His Son purchased us with His own precious blood, but we have been adopted into His family as children. We have been blessed with ALL spiritual blessing in the heavenlies, we are "bone of His bone", and then to be subject to the effects of God's wrath? May we never charge God with such a thing. It comes from the very pit of hell, a blast from Satan.

Far from being recipients of wrath, we shall be the spectators looking down on the world where the haters of God feel the brunt of His wrath. Our portion will be, singing a new song, "thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred.."Praise be to God for His unspeakable grace!