Ok, I said it 3 times in the mirror. Isn’t something supposed to happen? Am I not supposed to see a dead teenage girl looking back at me? Oh! Wait a minute! That’s the other thing that is never spoken of. Well, I’m going to go off the beaten path and talk about what I believe in regards to the Rapture of the Church.
What Is The Rapture?
The Dispensation of Grace, which began with the Life and Ministry of Christ, continues today. The future events of this Dispensation are revealed clearly in the Word of God. God promised that Israel would be restored as a nation in the land of Palastine (Jer. 31:35-36 ; Ezek. 37:21). The formation of the new state of Israel on May 14, 1948, was a giant step toward the fulfillment of this Prophecy.
The next even scheduled to occur during this Dispensation, according to Bible Prophecy, is the Rapture of the Church (Lk. 21:34-36 ; Jn. 14:1-3 ; I Cor. 15:23, 51-58 ; Phil. 3:20-21 ; Col. 3:4 ; I Thess. 4:13-17).
A lot of people get hung up on the aspect of
“The word Rapture is not in the bible, so the event is not going to happen“.
I love the way that the website Rapture Ready tackles this issue:
Isn’t it true that the word “rapture” is not found in the Bible?
I’ve always been totally amazed at how some folks write me and try use the fact that the word “rapture” does not appear in the Bible as an argument against its validity. The issue should be whether or not the concept of the rapture appears in the Bible.
With 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 giving us such a clear description of the rapture, you would have to conclude some people are just playing games with the Word of God. I could change the name of my site to “Catching-Up Ready” to satisfy these folks, but I hardly think that would improve things.
Their logic runs very thin because a huge number of words don’t appear in the Bible, including the word “Bible.” Because God’s Word was originally written in Hebrew and Greek, one could truthfully say that no English words are found in the Bible. Let’s take a look at 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 in the original Greek:
4:16 oti autos o kurios en keleusmati en fwnh arcaggelou kai en salpiggi qeou katabhsetai ap ouranou kai oi nekroi en cristw anasthsontai prwton 4:17 epeita hmeis oi zwntes oi perileipomenoi ama sun autois arpaghsomeqa en nefelais eis apanthsin tou kuriou eis aera kai outws pantote sun kuriw esomeqa 4:18 wste parakaleite allhlous en tois logois toutois
I don’t see the dead in Christ rising, Jesus descending from Heaven, or us meeting Him in the air. They’re right; the word “rapture” is nowhere to be found. All I see is gobbledygook.For the record, the word “rapture” comes from the Latin word rapturo, which is a translation of the Greek verb “caught up” that’s found in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. You can call it the “pre-trib rapture,” the “pre-trib rapturo,” or the “pre-trib caught up” - it’s all the same thing.
So, in essence, to get crazy over translation of a word, is crazy. To shut down that, that event will not happen because of a word is crazy. Here are some thoughts as to why I believe in the rapture, and why I think it will happen BEFORE the Tribulation.
Rapture of the Church
Paul referred to the Rapture as the “blessed hope” of the Church:
“Looking for that Blessed Hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).
This Scripture and others reveal that the New Testament Saints were looking for this event to occur in their day, providing that the Rapture could occur at any moment. The most vivid description of the Rapture of the Church is given in Paul’s First Epistle o the Thessalonians:
“For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the Trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (I Thess. 4:16-17).
Purpose of the Rapture
The Purpose of the Rapture will be to resurrect all of the righteous dead, from each Dispensation, reuniting the soul and spirit with a glorified body (I Cor. 15:35-55). They then will be caught up, along with all of the Saints still living on the Earth, to meet the Lord in the air and return with Him to Heaven (Jn. 14:1-3).
Pre-Tribulation Rapture
The Rapture will occur BEFORE the Great Tribulation as taught by several Scriptures:
“Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy TO ESCAPE ALL THESE THINGS (the tribulation) that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” (Lk. 21:36).
and
“For God has not appointed us to WRATH (the tribulation), but to obtain SALVATION by our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Thess. 5:9).
and
“The mystery of iniquity does already work: only he (the Church) who now lets will let, until he be TAKEN OUT OF THE WAY. AND THEN shall that Wicked be revealed” (II Thess. 2:7-8).
and
“After this I looked, and, behold, A DOOR WAS OPENED IN HEAVEN: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, COME UP HITHER, AND I WILL SHOW YOU THINGS WHICH MUST BE HEREAFTER (after the rapture of the church)” (Rev. 4:1).
While the Church is mentioned 17 times in the first three Chapters of the Book of Revelation, it is NEVER MENTIONED AGAIN as being on the Earth, but is immediately pictured as being in Heaven (Rev. 4:1-11). The inhabitants of the Earth then will experience the most horrible time in history (Matt. 24:21), followed by the Second Coming of Christ WITH the Saints (Matt. 24:29-30 ; Jude, Vs. 14 ; Rev. 19:11-21).
Where False Doctrine and Heresy in the Modern Church World Get PWND
Posted with named internet source and God’s Plan for The Ages.
34 Comments, Comment or Ping
Caught thinking
I haven’t yet made any conclusion about my belief of last things. It is interesting to read of yours. Was a consideration of church tradition apart of your assessment?
Caught thinkings last blog post..A faith I can live with
Oct 23rd, 2008
Tony
Well, on paper, the denomination that I am a part of believes in a rapture. But you will find that, even in my denomination, due to many modern church movements, that they might tend to shy away from talking about certain issues due to offending someone. (which I find very sad). But this is just something that I truly believe and believe it could happen at any time.
Tonys last blog post..Rapture, Rapture, Rapture.
Oct 23rd, 2008
Matt Oxley
i used to scream rapture and revalation at the top of my lungs
how many generations are going to die “on the brink of the rapture” i do not know
Matt Oxleys last blog post..Vipers, Snakes, and Actors
Oct 23rd, 2008
Tony
Hey Matt!
Well, to me, if I die and was waiting a Rapture, I still wake up a winner!
It isn’t something that I “live” for, but there is something in me that believes it is true, and thus I await that event.
Tonys last blog post..Rapture, Rapture, Rapture.
Oct 23rd, 2008
Matt Oxley
keep waitin bro…keep waitin
Matt Oxleys last blog post..Vipers, Snakes, and Actors
Oct 23rd, 2008
Tony
Tonys last blog post..Rapture, Rapture, Rapture.
Oct 23rd, 2008
John Sullivan
Maybe God changed his mind and said WOW I didn’t know they would love evil this much the hell with them leave them there
John Sullivans last blog post..Christmas comes early- Santa is here
Oct 23rd, 2008
Matt Oxley
here is where i call you a geek tony
you brought it on yourself lol
Matt Oxleys last blog post..Vipers, Snakes, and Actors
Oct 23rd, 2008
Tony
There are worse things you could call me
Geek is a title I will semi-proudly wear.
Tonys last blog post..Rapture, Rapture, Rapture.
Oct 23rd, 2008
Matt Oxley
me too :\
Matt Oxleys last blog post..Vipers, Snakes, and Actors
Oct 23rd, 2008
Tony
I’m not sure where I sit on this. I do believe the Bible teaches that we will be raptured. However, I’m not sold on a pre-trib rapture. That said, I hope your right.
I do know while we may be raptured before THE TRIBULATION, I expect Christians will see plenty of tribulation before Jesus returns. To many Christian brothers and sisters are facing tribulation everyday. Our day in the USA could come anytime.
Kind of negative - maybe. On the other hand, churches under persecution are stronger than most churches here. Our church at home may need a little distress to wake it up.
Do you know all of the Star Wars character names? My kids do and I have no idea what their talking about even if I just watched the movie. So maybe your not a geek - just young at heart.
Tonys last blog post..The Question Song
Oct 23rd, 2008
Tony
@Tony
Hey, Thanks for your comment!
I don’t think that we will escape persecution, as I agree with you that it is getting harder and harder for Christians in the United States at the moment. We are slowly being condemned for our beliefs and I don’t think it will be long that Christianity is persecuted like it is in many places around the world, of which I know you are personally aware of. The early church was persecuted heavily, so I don’t think that we are immune to it. I know that during the tribulation, it will be even more so, and I just happen to believe that the scriptures are indicating that the tribulation, or Jacobs trouble, is meant to bring Israel back to God, and not the Church. It is a core belief of mine, but I am not too uptight and arrogant to say that I don’t deserve to be persecuted. Christ warned that we would be because He was, so I count it as Grace and Blessings that we still have some freedom from that at the moment.
About Star Wars…I can pretty much name most of the characters, but my son is amazing with knowing the fringe characters as well. It’s crazy!!!
God Bless you, Tony!
Oct 23rd, 2008
Matt Oxley
OMG two tony’s
danger danger
Matt Oxleys last blog post..Vipers, Snakes, and Actors
Oct 24th, 2008
Alan K
Very interesting read. It does a good job of explaining the rapture and its origins in the Bible. It’s amazing to me how so many people get hung up on specific words not appearing in the Bible you’d think the author should have known English back then, lol
Oct 24th, 2008
Tony
@ Alan
LOL!
Tonys last blog post..Inconceivable God : Lessons From Princess Bride
Oct 24th, 2008
Jessie
Hi Tony
I found this really great read on Rapture Ready concerning the Pre-trib Rapture. Might be worth a read. http://www.raptureready.com/soap/pretrib.htm
In Jesus, Jessie
Jessies last blog post..Is it happening already - Criminalizing Christianity?
Oct 24th, 2008
Tony
Jessie, that is a nice read, Way more in depth than I went into!
Thanks!
Oct 24th, 2008
ZadokTM
Tribulation: An experience that tests one’s endurance, patience, or faith.
(The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition)
Just curious if that definition raises any discussion.
Oct 24th, 2008
Tony
@Zadktm
Yes, that is correct. We go through trials and tribulations daily. What I am referring to is the escotological time frame known as The Great Tribulation, or Jacobs Trouble.
Tonys last blog post..Inconceivable God : Lessons From Princess Bride
Oct 24th, 2008
Matt Oxley
good one zadok
Matt Oxleys last blog post..Vipers, Snakes, and Actors
Oct 24th, 2008
ZadokTM
Tony, the definition still stands.
Oct 24th, 2008
Tony
Yes, I agree with you on the definition of tribulation. But what I am talking about is an event and not the noun as found in the Websters Dictionary. That is like talking about the Depression and refuting that there wasn’t a time period in USA history that was called that.
Oct 24th, 2008
ZadokTM
So the event and the definition have no correlation?
Oct 24th, 2008
Tony
Sort of, but the event I am referring to from the book of Revelation , can’t be described simply by that defination. There are multiple things happening during this event that just so happens to be called the Great Tribulation. The name “Great Tribulation” encompasses all of these series of “tribulations”. I plan on posting about it tomorrow actually.
Oct 24th, 2008
IsaiahsWatchman
I would have to agree with ZADOKTM. If it is called ‘The Great Tribulation’ it must be relative to the definition. If a tribulation is to test one’s endurance, patience, and faith then who would it test. If pre-tribulation rapture is true all the people with true faith are gone and all that is left are the ‘faithless’ people. So there isn’t anyone really being tested. It only makes sense to test people with faith. Sorry for the poor example, it is like having a bunch of british literature major students taking 7 1/2 years of advance mathematics.
Oct 24th, 2008
Tony
But that is using mans logic instead of scripture. Plus, what of all of the saints that have already died and gone on to be with the Lord. Because they didn’t go though the Great Tribulation, are they “faithless”?
The purpose of the Great Tribulation is to bring Israel, who has rebelled and denied God (like it has many times in scripture), back to Him. The church has already accepted Him, and doesn’t need to be tested. Their faith is in Christ’s Finished Work which alone saves.
Oct 24th, 2008
Tony
Posted about the Tribulation if any one cares:
http://imablogger.net/2008/10/26/investigating-the-tribulation/
Oct 26th, 2008
Jessie
Hi Tony
I was directed to another site by a brother - http://www.answersinrevelation.org/ , this time it is a look at the Post Tribulation Rapture and is quite an investigative read. I have never read a lot about the post-trib, as I have alwyas been moved away by others and authors I have read. Guess if I am honest, the thought of going through it is quite terrifying. Might be another interesting read.. would like to hear comment from you and others on it if you do.
Jessies last blog post..Is it happening already - Criminalizing Christianity?
Oct 27th, 2008
Tony
Jessie,
I’ll have to look into that site. I have seen many sites that claim the rapture to take place after the tribulation, but have not been convinced by the arguments, and the total lack of scripture references from those sources always makes me believe them less. I just believe it to happen before the tribulation event, but being it hasn’t happened yet, I of course could be wrong, but I believe that the scriptures do point out to a pretribulation rapture.
Oct 27th, 2008
tommy
he term rapture isnt in the bible…
* The term “Rapture” first became popular in the United States toward the end of the 19th century through the teachings on premillennialism and dipensationalism by John Nelson Darby, an Irish evangelist. The rapture theory continued to grow in popularity among evangelicals largely due to a preacher named William Eugene Blackstone (1841-1935). His book, Jesus is Coming, sold more than one million copies.
* In the late 1960’s and 1970’s, during the Jesus Movement, the Rapture theory made its way into many popular secular songs such as Are You Ready? by Pacific Gas & Electric and In The Year 2525 by Zager and Evans.
* The Rapture theory gained even greater interest during this time due to the books of Hal Lindsey. In The Late Great Planet Earth Lindsey predicted an imminent Rapture based on global conditions at the time.
* In 1972 Russell S. Doughten produced a four-part movie series beginning with A Thief in the Night. The film recorded the events surrounding the Rapture in a terrifying way, creating widespread public interest in the theory.
* In 1991 the film The Rapture, with Mimi Rogers was released. It recorded one woman’s experience through the Rapture.
* Currently, the very popular Christian book series, based on the events surrounding the Rapture is the Left Behind series, by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins.
Lets get real people if its not in the bible (King James 1611 ) Its not the true word of god.. I love the way you “BORN AGAIN ” christians tell people that the word of god is the final word and leaves no room for personal interrupritation Then you spend days trying to reword the bible to suit your needs. One way or the other…
ALSO HAS ANYONE HERE SEEN “JESUS CAMP” OR DOES THE TRUTH OF THE MODERN CHRISTIAN BORN AGAIN FAITH SCARE YA….
Nov 26th, 2008
Tony
Tommy…….wait……what?!
Tonys last blog post..Hindu Extremist Offer $250 To Kill Christian Pastors.
Nov 26th, 2008
luis
Yes Its closer than it ever has. All prophesies and Signs have been for filled. Did You know that the goverment knows exactly where you are, They know your conversations and they are watching right know trough your computers, plasma tvs, cellphones and the IBM wants to insert microchips on clothing..But why do they wanna do that if they only build computers?? Its the Antichrist setting all this stuff when he appears. The pastor’s Wife was searching on this website called Big Brother I think and The Computer froze and a big eye came out and said “WE ARE WATCHING YOU” what is that?? Are You Gonna be able to hear the trumpet?? Are You Ready to go with Jesus when the rapture happens??
Dec 11th, 2008
Rick
Check this page out for some different opinions on the same texts.
http://watchforparousia.blogspot.com/
Dec 15th, 2008
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