What about the Rapture? |
The rapture teaching originated during the mid nineteenth century. John Darby, (died 1882) first proposed the idea that God’s people would go to heaven before the final tribulations prophesied in Revelation. From England the idea spread to America where many religious groups, new and old readily accepted it. Today many denominations and Bible schools teach the rapture with only minor variations. We can say that all rapturists agree on the following basic order of events:
1. First, they say, comes the “rapture”. This is the “first phase” of Christ’s second coming. He comes in the air alone and secretly snatches the righteous living from the earth. He unites them with the great multitude of resurrected saints 2. Then, they say, comes the “tribulation”. This is a short period of time. Evil develops rapidly. Antichrist appears, establishes and then breaks a covenant with Jewish Israel. The events of Revelation 6 to 19 occur. Some say this period lasts three-and-a-half years others seven or ten years 3 Finally, they say, comes the “revelation”. This is the second phase of Christ’s second coming. He appears in glory with the saints in the clouds. He descends to the earth and sets up his throne for 1000 years. But does the Bible teach such a “snatching away” of the righteous, a two part coming -one secret, the other open. If it does, where is the evidence to be found? This guide has been prepared to help you study the Scriptural evidence for yourself. 1. Texts which are quoted in support of the “Secret Rapture”
[For more information on the manner of his coming see Acts 1:9-Il. Did the disciples see Jesus ascend? They’ were told, “This same Jesus … will come back in the same way you have seen him go…]
2. Like a thief in the night ??? What does the Bible mean when it speaks of the “Day of the Lord” coming like a thief? Those who believe the secret rapture say that as a thief comes silently, so Christ will come silently and steal away the believers. The following are the only places where the idea of a thief is used:
3. Two will be in the field, one will be taken, the other left An examination of the context of these passages makes them very clear.
4. Jesus parables of the end of the world In his parables, Jesus gave clear teaching on his coming. a. The parable of the wheat and tares Matt 13:24-30, 36-43..
The second coming of Jesus will be one glorious event. It will affect every person living on the earth. If we miss that, we miss everything. “Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him” Hebrews 9.26 |
2017-06-29