What did God really say to Dr. Eby?
Most people are aware of the amazing story of Dr. Richard E. Eby, former obstetrician and professor, now about 91-92 years old.
He fell off a balcony in Chicago in 1972, actually splattered his brains, clinically died and had an out-of-body experience with the Lord in heaven before he was sent back. In 1977 he had another encounter with the Lord at Lazarus' tomb in Israel, when God showed him what hell is like. The Lord gave him a commission, saying, as recorded in one of his books, "You are to go tell them! Tell them! Tell them! I have brought you here to reveal to you my commission.... I am returning soon to receive my Body of believers, and I want you to tell people about those things I showed you in heaven and hell. I want you to show them the choice they must make between Me.... and Satan. I will return for you and my Body of believers before you can complete this commission. I am returning soon!"
More details are at http//www.oocities.org/bramlett2000/dreby.html
Most of us have always thought this message meant that Dr Eby would not die before the rapture, and apparently Eby has thought that. That may still be true. However, Eby's close friend and my friend, Rev. Ron Patterson, thinks that it may have a different meaning. I believe we should be open to this possibility.
I spoke with Ron yesterday and learned that a year or so ago, before Eby's health deteriorated so badly, Ron had a chance to sit down and talk with him at length. Ron asked him to repeat his experiences to him, and precisely what he actually heard the Lord say.
Eby told Ron that the Lord told him that He is going to use his life span as an indicator, or an example, so that people will know when He is coming. Ron says that Eby always interpreted that as meaning the rapture will happen before he dies. But he asked Ron, "What do you think it means?"
At the time, Ron said he was not sure, but in the last few days he believes God may be giving him some new insight. Ron says that he is not certain, but because of the wording Dr. Eby described, he thinks it is a distinct possibility that Dr. Eby's life is like that of Methuselah, the son of Enoch. There are different possible meanings to Methuselah's name, but one meaning is, "When he dies, judgment." Methuselah's life was an indicator of God's coming judgment. This judgment was delayed as long as Methuselah was alive, but as soon as he died, God's judgment came via the Flood (from which Noah and his family were saved, in a type of the rapture, as with Lot).
Ron believes it may be possible that based on the exact wording Dr. Eby reports that he heard, he may not live to see the rapture but the end of his life may be a major sign of the rapture and judgment just afterward.
Ron says that in his books, Dr. Eby honestly gave the best possible description and explanation for his experience as he understood it at the time. Again, it is not clear, and it is possible that the rapture may occur before Dr. Eby dies, Ron says. But if he does die, Ron emphasizes, we will know that we are really "at the door," and it will confirm the new understanding just described.
We should be prepared for any eventuality. I have not spoken with Dr. Eby and I do not know anyone who has, but I did see a report the other day that his health has further deteriorated badly and he may not have much longer.
By the way, the Bible Encyclopedia says that Methuselah was the oldest man of whom we have any record. This very ancient man lived before the Flood, and died at the age of 969 years, in the year of the Flood (Gen. 521-27; 1 Chr. 13). This fact, plus the possible meaning of his name, suggests that Methuselah's very godly father, Enoch, received a prophecy from God when his son was born, thus the name. Methuselah's great age may be further evidence of God's "long-suffering...in the days of Noah" (1 Peter 320; 2 Peter 39). Methuselah's name is mentioned seven times in the Bible
Jim