Amir Tsarfati: Who Will Be Raptured?

Join Amir for a live Middle East Update as he answers a vital question: who will be taken in the rapture—according to Scripture?
Discover what it means to be “in Christ,” the difference between the rapture and the Second Coming, how current events fit Bible prophecy, and how to be ready.

Key passages: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; 1 Corinthians 15:50–58; John 14:1–3; Revelation 3:10; Matthew 24.

Who Will Be Raptured?

Yes, we are in Israel after 2,000 years. Miraculously, God brought us back to this land. Miraculously, after 72–73 years, we’re now a strong country. Miraculously, we are now a country that our enemies want to have peace with. Miraculously, we are a country that is now influencing this part of the world. And miraculously, we have our language restored, our land restored, and our people back from the four corners of the earth. All of that is a miracle called Israel, which the enemy tries to attack every single day.

Today was a very historic day, and I would like to show you how historic it was. Please take a look at this video.
*(Video playing)*

What you’re watching is the landing of the first-ever Israeli airliner on Arab soil in Abu Dhabi. This is the beginning of the peace that we talked about earlier between Israel and the Gulf States. It starts with the Emirates. Very shortly you will find out that there are more countries that will do the same.

I want to make it very clear: this is with the full consent and, maybe, even encouragement of the Saudis. The Saudis would never have let this happen without their approval. In fact, the Saudis are using the Gulf States right now to “test drive” peace with Israel to see how it works, and they may do the same. I’m not sure they have to, because they just allowed the Israeli airplane to fly above their airspace.

This is the flight route of Flight 971 from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi. Most of the flight, after crossing from Jordan, was in Saudi Arabian airspace. The flight landed in Abu Dhabi, and upon landing, the American team and the Israeli team eventually made it to the presidential palace.

It may be hard to believe if you don’t live here or don’t understand what it means to be at war or boycotted for all those years, but it’s amazing that the Israeli flag is proudly standing in an Arab palace—in a country that, up until three days ago, had boycotted anything to do with Israel for almost 70 years. This is quite memorable.

Let me explain something: I know many people are suspicious of this peace plan. Let me explain how biblical it is.

Biblically—as we approach Ezekiel 38 and 39, and you’ll agree that is the next thing on the agenda, as we see the coalition of Ezekiel 38 being formed before our very eyes—Israel must be strong, safe, secure, and at peace, and prosperous. So don’t suspect that this peace is going to destroy Israel—no. We are coming to the Ezekiel war as a strong, safe, secure, and very prosperous country. That is when we will be attacked by the coalition led by Russia, Turkey, and Iran.

You need to understand: what is happening right now in the Middle East is super-biblical. Every second that goes by, Israel gets stronger, and Iran, Turkey, and Russia get angrier. At some point—and of course, note Russia—Sheba and Dedan are on our side right now, obviously.

All of that is thanks to an Israeli prime minister who worked very hard for the last 25 years, and especially the last 12 as prime minister, to convince the world that Iran is the biggest problem in the Middle East. He managed to convince a president-elect four years ago, and once he became president—Donald J. Trump—he immediately acted. Everybody in the world understands the danger of Iran. The people of Iran understand that. All of the Sunni neighbors around it understand that. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf States, Jordan—all the countries around—understand Iran is the biggest problem. Once Donald Trump pulled out of the Iran deal and put sanctions on it, that was the beginning.

Israel has been the only country actively fighting the Iranians on the ground elsewhere—not on Iranian soil. On Iranian soil, we did other things, which I cannot talk about. Some are known; most are not. But Israel and the Arab countries around us concede that only Israelis managed to penetrate the archive of the nuclear program and steal it. Only Israelis disclosed where other nuclear facilities are. Only Israelis were able to pull off a significant strike from within the Natanz nuclear facility about a month and a half ago.

The Arab world around us is convinced that Israel is a safe bet. In fact, Iran accelerated peace between Israel and the Arab Sunni states. Make no mistake: Oman and Bahrain, and maybe even the Saudis, are standing in line. The Emirates were the first to take the lead. The leader of the Emirates canceled the decree boycotting Israel two or three days ago. As of today, an Israeli civilian commercial flight landed there. Israeli flags are being flown across Abu Dhabi as of today. These are amazing things.

Some of you are suspicious, but there is no need for that. These things must happen for us to reach the moment of Ezekiel’s war when Israel is strong, respected, secure, and prosperous. Those who attack Israel will do so because they’re frustrated with what’s going on. These are three empires that want to restore their past: the Russian, the Ottoman, and the Persian empires. They will have a horrible end, of course.

Now let’s move to the more practical side of this agreement. Some of you may not know this, but you don’t go out in the open and say there is a peace deal before you send advance teams and start working on certain things.

Let me show you something—courtesy of a Telegram channel called Abu Salma. There is a group of four islands; the big one is called Socotra, just south of Yemen. The UAE took over in 2019–2020. The Yemeni forces there pledged allegiance to the UAE because there’s a war in Yemen. Now the UAE has full control over that group of islands.

Look at this strategic location. Israel and the UAE will build reconnaissance and intelligence facilities there. From there, you can see Somalia and Yemen; you can see the Strait of Hormuz on the top, and you can see the Bab el-Mandeb into the Red Sea below. You have the Persian Gulf to the north and the Red Sea to the south. These are the areas Iran wanted to control. Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz and uses Somalia on one side and Yemen on the other to control the Strait of Aden and the Gulf of Aden.

What we see here is that Israel is going to advance its reconnaissance and intelligence capabilities much closer to the hot zones. What Israel will harvest from this peace is beyond words. The Arabs are going to buy from Israel medical equipment, technology, cybersecurity—many things. That’s why the Europeans are angry; they won’t be the main sellers now that Israel is in the picture.

From a military intelligence perspective, this is a gold mine. Socotra is amazing. I’m not even mentioning the UAE itself, just 60 kilometers from Iran. If Israel has a representation there—Mossad or military intelligence—we can provide the Arabs intelligence in real time and see things coming around the corner. God has blessed us with these things. Thank you, President Trump, for putting that together. It aligns perfectly with the Bible. Israel will benefit and arrive at Ezekiel 38 as Scripture says: strong, secure, and safe.

Now, let me show you how frustrated the Turks are. President Erdogan has lost his mind a long time ago. He truly believes it’s time to restore the Ottoman Empire. He could care less about international law. Angela Merkel had a horrible phone call with him, and she said that in two weeks the EU will probably have to vote for sanctions against Turkey if Turkey continues to violate the sovereignty of Greece and Cyprus, which are EU members.

Erdogan believes he’s creating “The Last Army of Muhammad.” That’s important. If Ezekiel 38 is going to be the death blow to radical Islam and will cause many Muslims in the time of the Antichrist to change their faith into a world religion, then it makes sense why he calls his army “The Last Army of Muhammad.” He just released two propaganda videos saying this.
(Videos playing)

I’m showing you this because Erdogan is running as fast as he can to become the leader of the Sunni Muslim world, and his army is “The Last Army of Muhammad.” He’s not the Antichrist. He won’t have peace with Israel or love Israel for a while. He wants to destroy Israel and kick the Jews out of Jerusalem—not allow them to build anything. The Antichrist will allow the Jews to build a temple on the Temple Mount. For that, Erdogan created Muhammad’s Last Army.

Turkey starts tomorrow—without asking permission—naval exercises with live ammunition on the coast of Cyprus, violating Cyprus’s space and taking other areas as well. That’s why Greece is working hard to bring troops to some islands close to Turkey. They’re using civilian ferries. Greece is also conducting a military exercise, and guess what country now feels strong enough to be part of it? The UAE. The UAE sent F-16s to participate with Greece over the Mediterranean. Erdogan is so angry he warned that if any UAE airplane enters Turkish airspace, he’ll shoot it down instantly.

He’s upset they’re doing well and now have peace with Israel. He’s had one defeat after another in Libya, Iraq, and Syria. He claims he found gas in the Black Sea, but if that’s true, why keep searching in the Mediterranean and violating Greece and Cyprus? Because he probably didn’t find much. Those are the spoils they want to take from Israel once they come. France is now willing to sell Greece new aircraft. On one hand, Turks are angry; on the other, France is interested in becoming a power here. Some of you still think Macron could be the Antichrist. Remember: the Antichrist cannot be revealed until we’re out of here.

Speaking of Macron, he’s about to land in Beirut in about an hour to be received by President Michel Aoun. Lebanon’s president just appointed Mustapha Adib, the former ambassador to Germany, to form the new government after the recent explosion and the government’s resignation. Macron wants to visit Lebanon as the French “patron” and will leave tonight.

Lebanon is not secure. There is a brewing civil war in southern cities. We already saw clashes and people killed between Shiites and Sunnis—it’s the beginning of something that could explode. Hezbollah is using UN outposts on the border with Israel, placing snipers there. They shoot at Israeli soldiers. When we retaliate, Hezbollah shows damage to civilian houses—just like Hamas does in Gaza. They attack from civilian areas, then accuse us of violating civilians’ rights. They’re trying to build a case so if Iran tells them to attack Israel, they’ll claim a pretext.

We also talked about Iraqi Prime Minister Kadhimi visiting Washington. President Trump promised to bring back troops from places America shouldn’t be. Eight American bases in Iraq were evacuated in the last week. America is either bringing troops home or resettling them in northern Syria to keep an eye on what’s going on there. Syria is where we should look—Damascus—if we want to understand how close we are to Ezekiel. I don’t believe Russia will initiate a strike on Israel unless their “baby,” Syria and Damascus, is destroyed first.

America is keeping its eyes on the Conoco gas fields east of the Euphrates and on the Russians. There’s a lot going on between American and Russian troops on Syrian soil—believe it or not. American convoys are harassed by low-flying Russian helicopters kicking up dust; Russian vehicles bump into American ones—three American soldiers were lightly wounded a few days ago. Who would imagine Russia and America would clash on Syrian soil?

America is beefing up its presence in northern Syria, using assets moved out of Iraq. President Trump is fulfilling his promises.

There’s a lot going on in the Middle East. Everything fits perfectly with Bible prophecy. The peace with the UAE—and more to come—supports what the Bible says Israel will look like on the eve of Ezekiel 38: strong, secure, prosperous, and respected. Remove the chronic concern some Christians have. The peace deal of the Antichrist will mark his rise—and we are not here for that. Don’t panic every time there’s a peace deal.

Jared Kushner said today when he landed in Abu Dhabi: “We cannot want peace more than the Palestinians. We offered them a peace deal; they rejected it. We’re waiting, but we’re not going to wait forever. Israel will have peace—an economic peace—with medical, technological, agricultural, and security collaboration.” For 50+ years the Palestinians held a veto: no peace with the Arab world unless Israel gives them what they want. For the first time, a deal is on the table they cannot accept and will not accept. They said “no” to more generous offers; they’ll say “no” to this one. The deal allows Israel to have peace with other countries and to keep land it couldn’t before, such as the Jordan Valley; Israeli settlements will stay. Every other peace deal demanded Israel dismantle settlements and give the Palestinians the Old City of Jerusalem. This one does not. They do talk about a Palestinian state—I don’t like that either—but they talked about it in 1947, the 1980s, the 1990s, and in 2000. They kept saying no. This time, we know they’ll say no, but we can enjoy the fruits of peace and not wait forever. The Trump peace deal is probably the most brilliant I’ve seen. It leaves the Palestinians to think while Israel moves ahead with peace and economic collaboration, making Israel stronger financially, militarily, and technologically—exactly what Israel needs before Ezekiel’s war. It all aligns with Bible prophecy. We live in unbelievable times.

Remember: we won’t see the Antichrist’s peace deal or his rise, rule, or the mark of the beast. We’ll be out of here.

Now, our theme:

“Who will be raptured?”

I didn’t say, “Who will be saved?” Anyone who is raptured will be saved, but not everyone who is eventually saved will be raptured. The rapture will take a specific group of people. After that group is taken, the rest of the world will face tough conditions but will still have a window to be saved and eventually enter the Millennial Kingdom and the New Jerusalem—but they won’t be raptured.

Biblically, as a nation, Israel will not be raptured. Romans 11 says blindness has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come. That means until every Gentile God has foreknown comes in—some even after the rapture, paying with their lives. Israel, as a nation, will not be raptured. Of course, I’m Israeli and Jewish, but I am a believer; I am part of the bride; I will be raptured.

John 3 says, “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already… And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light” (vv. 18–19). We shouldn’t be saved based on who we are or what we do, but the minute we believe—Jew or Gentile—“whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (v. 17). Anyone who understands he’s a sinner, repents, believes in the finished work of Jesus on the cross, and believes He is God who came as a man—will be saved and raptured.

Israel will believe only after the fullness of the Gentiles comes in; then “all Israel will be saved.” Zechariah 12 and 14 tell us that only when they see Him returning and see the One whom they pierced, they will mourn and repent.

What about the saints of the Tribulation? Once we are taken out of here—before the Antichrist reveals himself (2 Thessalonians 2)—there will be a group of people who, during those seven years, will see the horrific things of the Antichrist and, through the two witnesses or the 144,000 evangelists, will come to faith. They are known as the Tribulation saints. They are not the church (the church is not mentioned in the Tribulation). They will not be raptured with us; they will be resurrected/received at the end of the Tribulation (Revelation 19–20).

So our rapture will not include Israel as a nation, the Tribulation saints (they’re not saved yet), nor the unbelieving nations. We are left with only those who truly believe in Jesus.

But Jesus also said not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” will enter His kingdom. In Matthew 7 (Sermon on the Mount), even those who did things in His name will be told, “I never knew you.” He says only those who do the Father’s will.

John 14 tells us He went to prepare a place and will come again and receive us to Himself, that where He is, we may be also. John 17 says, “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory…” (v. 24). Jesus plans to take us where He is so we behold His glory—another rapture promise.

Matthew 12: “Whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” You cannot enter by works. Ephesians 2: “By grace you have been saved through faith… not of works, lest anyone should boast” (vv. 8–9). We are His workmanship, created for good works (v. 10)—works that flow from salvation, not cause it.

To be raptured, you must believe that Jesus is God, who died for our sins and rose again, and respond in repentance and faith. Non-Christians do not have the indwelling Holy Spirit and cannot produce the good works He empowers. Don’t add to or take away from Scripture. You cannot love and worship the God of Israel and the Messiah of Israel while rejecting Israel. Romans 11 says Israel has a purpose; the day is coming when all Israel will be saved. Anyone canceling or changing Scripture, denying Christ’s deity, or elevating others to deity is not doing the Father’s will and cannot enter the kingdom of God.

The rapture will happen before the Tribulation. We have 1 Thessalonians 1 and 5, 2 Thessalonians 2, John 14, and Revelation 3 (Church of Philadelphia). We are not destined for wrath. He will keep us from the hour of trial coming upon the whole world. The Restrainer must be removed before the Antichrist is revealed. Jesus is preparing a place for us—and He’ll use it. We have the Bema Seat of Christ and the marriage of the Lamb in heaven.

Examine yourself. Are you taking away Scripture? Saying “Lord, Lord,” yet He doesn’t know you? There must be a relationship. Tune your heart to the Holy Spirit. Salvation is not by religion; it’s by grace through faith. The grace that saves you indwells you by the Spirit, producing fruit and works that follow faith. Faith without works is dead (James).

No anti-Semite can inherit the kingdom of God. Matthew 25 and Joel 3 show how nations are judged regarding “the least of these My brethren”—Israel—at the end of the Tribulation. If those nations aren’t allowed into the Millennial Kingdom, how much less into the presence of God as the bride.

A personal relationship is only available through the shed blood of Jesus. A price has been paid. Remember it in communion. If you disregard His death until He comes, how can you claim to know Him? He wants to find you doing the Father’s business when He comes—sharing the gospel, calling people to repentance, proclaiming forgiveness through His blood, and offering eternal life.

Accept Him now, and you will reign with Him tomorrow. Reject Him now, and you may not even see tomorrow.

Prayer:
Father, I pray for those who call themselves Christians yet live without You—some even doing evil in Jesus’ name. Cause them to repent and understand their need for a Savior—the Jewish Messiah, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. We cannot hate Israel and love the King of the Jews. We cannot live for ourselves and refuse to give our lives fully to You. Open hearts to Your Word; draw them by the power of the blood, the Holy Spirit, and the truth of Scripture. May many fall on their knees, repent, and become true followers who will be raptured soon and meet the Lord in the air—never to leave His presence. Strengthen Israel; open many eyes before the Tribulation. Guide the leaders of this world. Take us to be with You as soon as possible, and until then, find us faithful. In Jesus’ name.

Yevarechecha Adonai v’yishmerecha.
Ya’er Adonai panav eleicha vichuneka.
Yisa Adonai panav eleicha v’yasem lecha shalom.

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you His shalom—His peace. The only way to have peace with God is by faith in Jesus. He is the Prince of Peace, the Lord of Peace, who can give you peace now and forever, here and everywhere. In His name we pray, Amen.

Thank you. God bless you. Share this message with as many as you can. I love you. If you haven’t done so, you can find my books The Last Hour and The Day Approaching in the store.

Thank you, God bless you, and shalom from Galilee.