What the Bible Says About the Rapture
When it comes to what the Bible says about the rapture, there are many different answers. Some hold to the idea of a pre-tribulational rapture, while others hold to a post-millennial rapture. Regardless of which interpretation you believe in, Pan American Broadcasting discusses a few of the things the Bible tells us about the rapture in the article below.
Pretribulationism
Pretribulationism is a relatively new doctrine that asserts the return of Jesus Christ will take place before the Great Tribulation. This interpretation of the Bible has been accepted by thousands of lay interpreters, but it is not without controversy. There are several reasons why it may be considered a false teaching. Regardless of why it is rejected, the pretribulational viewpoint can still be considered a viable way to study the end of the world.
Pretribulationism was developed in the nineteenth century by John Darby. The doctrine is a hybrid of futurist and strict dispensationalist theories. It combines a literal interpretation of Scripture with a distinct emphasis on the imminence of the Lord’s coming.
Although pretribulationism has gained popularity, the vast majority of Christian denominations who take a literal view of end-times prophecy disagree with the pretribulational interpretation. They generally agree on the second coming of Christ, but disagree on the timing of the rapture, and the seven-year Tribulation that precedes it.
In the midst of the tribulation, the saints will be caught up to meet the Lord. However, the word “church” does not appear in the description of the Tribulation in the book of Revelation. Instead, the term “Israel of God” is used 19 times.
The most important aspect of the pretribulational view is the emphasis on the imminent return of the Lord. Aside from that, it makes sense out of many passages pertaining to the rapture of the church.
While the pretribulational view has some merits, it can also be criticized for lacking a clear timeline. Consequently, there is no reason to expect that the rapture will occur at the same time as the Second Coming of Christ. Moreover, the pretribulational viewpoint often opens the door to false prophets.
Postmillennialism
Postmillennialism is an eschatological viewpoint which says that Christ will return to the earth after the millennium. This position has been debated among Christians for centuries. It is commonly confused with salvific universalism, but it is distinct from both.
According to this view, Christ will return to the earth after the millennium and will establish a kingdom on earth. During the millennium, faith, righteousness, peace, and prosperity will be the norm.
The postmillennialist position is similar to the premillennialist and amillennialist views. However, they differ in some major ways. First, the postmillennialist expects the vast majority of people to be saved. Second, they think the Gospel will spread more effectively and gradually.
They believe that the church will be discipled, and the gospel will be preached to the entire world before Christ returns. Furthermore, they expect the millennium to be a time of unparalleled spiritual growth.
Although postmillennialists agree that the rapture is a pre-requisite for the second coming of Christ, they disagree with the belief that a tribulation will occur prior to the millennial reign. They point to the Matthew 13 parable of wheat and weeds to support their viewpoint.
According to this perspective, the kingdom of God is present in the Spirit since Pentecost. Nevertheless, it is not yet fully developed. Despite its progress, the kingdom of God is still not in full view. As the gospel spreads, it is a way for the Kingdom to grow.
Compared to the amillennialist and premillennialist view, the postmillennialist position emphasizes the positive aspect of the Kingdom of God. Postmillennialists believe that the spread of the Gospel will be successful, and will result in the conversion of many.
Dispensationalism
Dispensationalism is a popular way of reading the Bible. It focuses on distinctive eschatological doctrines. These include the Rapture, the first resurrection, and a seven-year tribulation period. In addition, dispensationalism emphasizes the importance of plain interpretation of Scripture. Unlike many other forms of evangelicalism, dispensationalism is not a denominational religion.
Dispensationalism originated in the nineteenth century teachings of John Nelson Darby. It later found popular appeal in the United States through the Bible Conference movement. Many of the basic teachings of dispensationalism are based on Daniel’s Seventy Weeks.
Those who promote dispensationalism also teach that there will be a secret Rapture of the Church. The Bible describes the Rapture in detail. However, dispensationalism does not support its claims. For example, it fails to provide support for a pre-tribulational Rapture.
It also does not teach that the Rapture is a millennial event. While it may seem logical to say that the Rapture will occur before the millennial reign of Christ on earth, it is a nonsensical idea.
Another dispensational teaching is that there are two different kinds of Christians. Fleshly Christians will be raptured away, but those who are glorified saints will go to heaven.
Dispensationalism also tends to miss the fact that the New Testament calls Christians “Israel of God.” Israel is a spiritual entity. This is clearly a different kind of Israel than the physical people who were called the Jews in the Old Testament.
There is no reason to believe that dispensationalism can make any claim that the Bible does not already teach. However, it is not clear what such claims are aimed at. Those who promote the concept of a millennial reign of Christ are likely to use it to justify a literal incarnation of the Rapture.
Jesus’ “olivet discourse”
The Olivet Discourse is the last great discourse that the Prophet Jesus delivered. It summarizes prophecies found in the Old Testament. He also provides words for believers and unbelievers in the world today.
Before completing this study, it’s important to understand the significance of the term “olivet”. In Greek, it’s actually a word that’s translated as “rapturo.” Rapturo refers to the rapture, or “catching up.” This event is the climax of the Second Coming.
When the disciples came to Jesus, they asked Him what would happen in the future. He answered them by giving them five parables. Each of the parables focused on a different aspect of the coming time.
The first parable was about labor, the second was about the Lord’s return, and the third and fourth were about watchfulness. These parables were also used to show the importance of being ready for the coming of the Kingdom of God.
The fifth parable was about the Abomination of Desolation, a sign that signals the coming of the Kingdom of God. The Abomination occurs three and a half years before the Second Coming. Those who see the Abomination will be saved from the Tribulation and remain with the Jewish generation.
The next part of the Olivet Discourse discusses the preparation of the last Passover. While the destruction of Jerusalem occurred during the beginning of the Tribulation, it was not mentioned. Instead, the disciples ask Jesus what would be the sign that would tell them when the Messiah was coming back.
Neither the disciples nor the readers of the Olivet Discourse are told when the Saints will be taken up. Rather, the Messiah says to look up when things begin to come to pass.
Revelation 13:7
There are a lot of speculations about what the Bible says about the Rapture. Some say it is catching believers into heaven. Others think it is the return of Christ. What is the true identity of the Christ?
During the time of the end, the earth will be divided into two groups: Heaven dwellers and Earth dwellers. This division will last for three and a half years. During that time, Christians will be persecuted, but a great number of them will survive.
At the time of the end, a powerful charismatic leader will come from the sky. He will preach peace and unity. But eventually he will become a cruel dictator. The people will look for him to be an authoritative leader.
At the same time, the people of the Earth will worship a Beast. In verses 6-9, a second Beast is described as a man who rises from the earth. It is believed to be Jewish in origin, and it will act like a priest, king, or prophet.
In addition to the Beast, there will be a False Prophet. As a result, the Beast will be able to deceive the entire world through this man.
The False Prophet will have the power to call down fire from the heavens. He will be a deceiver and will use this power to compel the people of the Earth to worship the Antichrist.
Satan will also be the master of the Beast. His power will extend to every language on the earth.
The beast will rule the whole world. It will be a one-world government. These governments, which are ensnared by the Devil, will not submit to the King of Kings.
