The Taken, The Left, and The Returning Saints
A CWT Ministry Devotional Study by Dr. Cecil W. Thorn, ThD
Introduction
“I will come again and receive you to Myself.” — John 14:3 (ESV)
The passages in Matthew 24:40–41 and Luke 17:34–35 have long stirred deep reflection and debate among believers. Jesus’ vivid imagery of two in the field or two at the mill—one taken and the other left—invites us to consider a moment of divine separation that mirrors the days of Noah and Lot. Yet, within this striking contrast lies a deeper truth often missed: the Greek word paralambanō, meaning “to take along” or “to receive to oneself,” reveals a tender and purposeful gathering, not a removal for judgment. It is the same word Jesus used in John 14:3 when He promised to return and receive His followers to Himself.
Seen through this lens, the “taken” are not the lost but the redeemed—those received by Christ into His presence. The parallel between these passages forms a beautiful thread connecting the Gospels and Revelation: from being taken in Matthew and Luke, to being received in John, and finally to returning with Christ in glory as described in Revelation 19:11–14. This divine sequence unveils God’s consistent plan for His people—to rescue, refine, and reveal them as co-heirs in His Kingdom.
This study, “The Taken, the Left, and the Returning Saints,” explores this redemptive pattern as a unified story of salvation. It reveals the harmony between Christ’s promises and prophetic fulfillment, showing that those “taken” are the very ones who will one day return with Him, clothed in white, as the armies of heaven. Through these Scriptures, we see not a tale of fear and division, but a divine assurance that the faithful will be received, prepared, and revealed in the glory of their returning King.
✝️ Analogy
In Matthew 24:40–41 and Luke 17:34–35, Jesus describes a moment of sudden separation:
“Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding together; one will be taken and the other left.”
This scene mirrors the days of Noah and Lot—times when divine separation occurred swiftly and decisively. While many interpret “taken” as those swept away in judgment, the Greek verb used here—παραλαμβάνω (paralambanō)—most often means to take along, to receive to oneself. It is the same verb Jesus used in John 14:3, where He promised:
“I will come again and receive (παραλήμψομαι) you to Myself.” (John 14:3, ESV)
🕊️ The Analogy: From Taken → Received → Returning
The Taken — Matthew & Luke (The Gathering)
In these Gospels, those “taken” are the righteous received by Christ—taken from the field, not for destruction, but for preservation and fellowship.
The Received — John 14:3 (The Promise)
Jesus uses the same root verb paralambanō to promise that He will receive His followers to Himself. The taken ones in Matthew and Luke are thus the fulfilled promise of John 14:3—those whom Christ gathers to Himself before judgment falls.
The Returning — Revelation 19:11–14 (The Fulfillment)
In Revelation, the saints are now seen returning with Christ as “the armies of heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and pure.” This identifies the same group: those who were “taken to be with Him” are now “with Him” as He returns to judge and reign.
🔄 The Divine Pattern table :
| Stage | Passage | Verb / Symbol | Who | Meaning |
| Taken / Received | Matt 24–Luke 17 / John 14 | παραλαμβάνω | Saints | Christ receives His own |
| Hidden / Prepared | Rev 19:7–8 | Bride in Heaven | Church | Saints made ready |
| Returning / Revealed | Rev 19:11–14 | Armies in fine linen | Same saints | Christ returns with His saints |
🌍 The Harmony
Thus, the “one taken” in Matthew and Luke is not lost, but received. Those “taken” are the same ones who, having been gathered to Christ, return with Him in glory. Revelation 19 shows the culmination of this promise:
“The armies of heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and pure, followed Him on white horses.” (Revelation 19:14, ESV)
These armies are the redeemed saints, once taken from the earth by Christ’s call, now returning with Him to rule and judge the nations.
💡 Analogy Summary
As the flood lifted Noah above the waters, and as the angels lifted Lot out of Sodom, so shall the Son of Man lift His people out of wrath to be with Him. And when He appears again, those same redeemed ones—the “taken”—shall appear with Him in glory (Colossians 3:4; Revelation 19:14).
💭 Reflection & Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the promise that You will receive Your people to Yourself and return in glory with those who love You. Help us to live ready, clothed in righteousness, walking faithfully until that day. Strengthen our hearts to watch, pray, and serve in Your name, so that when You appear, we may rejoice among the saints returning with You. Amen.
Scripture Index
Matthew 24:40–41 · Luke 17:34–35 · John 14:3 · Revelation 19:7–14 · 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 · Colossians 3:4
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