The Rapture: A Popular but False Doctrine

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The Rapture

A Popular but False Doctrine

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The rapture is widely taught and believed in Christianity today. Popular books and movies spin themes around this doctrine that essentially teaches Christ will come back twice, first coming only into the atmosphere to snatch believers away to heaven for several years; then actually returning to set foot on the earth.

We live in a time when most are content to get their knowledge of religion secondhand, preferably through dramatic presentations, including stage, screen and novels.

But you cannot afford to neglect your personal responsibility to prove the truth!

Those willing to take a careful look at the Bible will see that the rapture theory doesn't stand up to the scrutiny of God's Word.

The rapture was popularized in the 1970s by Hal Lindsey's writings (The Late Great Planet Earth, etc.) and more recently by Jim Jenkins and Tim LaHaye in their Left Behind fictional books and films. But where did the idea of the rapture originate?

The origin of the rapture theory

Credit for its origin generally goes to John Nelson Darby, a 19th-century theologian.

Let's define some common terms to help one navigate the technicalities, for in reading about the rapture, you will often encounter the words postmillennialism, amillennialism and premillennialism. First, the root word, Millennium, comes from the Latin for 1,000 years. Religiously, it refers to the first 1,000 years of Christ's reign over the Kingdom of God on earth (Revelation 20:4).

A postmillennialist believes that Christ returns to establish the Kingdom on earth after the 1,000 years; an amillennialist doesn't believe that the Kingdom is coming at all; a premillennialist believes that Christ returns before the Millennium to set up His Kingdom as described in Revelation 20:4.

In the century before Darby, Daniel Whitby pushed the philosophy of postmillennialism in England. "This interpretation maintains that present gospel agencies will root out evils until Christ will have a spiritual reign over the earth, which will continue for 1,000 years. Then the second advent of Christ will initiate judgment and bring to an end the present order" (Unger's Bible Dictionary, 1988, "Millennium").

Postmillennialism gives life to the idea of "the social gospel" and the belief that the Church can actually bring about the Kingdom by its actions. It has led to many Christian churches involving themselves in politics on the premise that they are virtually obligated to lobby governments in the direction of godliness.

There were also amillennialists in Darby's day. He labored to correct both false teachings. Darby believed, rightly, that Jesus Christ would return to earth to establish and rule over the Kingdom of God. Darby was a premillennialist.

But in his zeal for countering error, he added another—the rapture theory. He believed he understood a new truth, an idea that had not been taught in the history of Christendom. While he was most likely sincere, sincerity alone does not make one right.

"Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation" (2 Peter 1:20, New International Version).

How do we know whether God inspired John Darby with new understanding? It actually would not be difficult to verify. Jesus said, "...the Scripture cannot be broken" (John 10:35), meaning Scripture agrees within itself.

If the rapture were truly a biblical doctrine, it would mesh with all other scriptural references to Christ's coming. But it does not stand up to that test, as we will see.

Scofield picks it up

"Darby's pre-tribulational view of the rapture was then picked up by a man named C.I. Scofield, who taught the view in the footnotes of his Scofield Reference Bible, which was widely distributed in England and America. Many Protestants who read the Scofield Reference Bible uncritically accepted what its footnotes said and adopted the [rapture doctrine], even though no Christian had heard of it in the previous 1800 years of Church history" ("Catholic Answers," http://www.catholic.com/library/Rapture.asp).

Both Darby and Scofield claimed that the "day of Christ" refers to the rapture and that "the day of the Lord" refers to the actual second coming several years after the rapture.

In fact, "the day of the Lord" and "the day of Christ" both refer to Christ's return to the earth throughout the Bible—that is, to the time when He will step foot on earth. So also do the phrases, "the day of the Lord Jesus Christ" and "the Lord's Day." They all speak of His actual descent and setting His feet on this earth (Zechariah 14:1-4). This fact further discredits this principal premise of Darby and Scofield.

The heart of the case offered by Darby, Scofield and their modern counterparts is based upon the English words "caught up" in 1 Thessalonians 4:17.

Thin proof

For such a seemingly major doctrine, one might expect a weighty argument, but this is what is offered in The Scofield Bible's Reference Notes (1917 Edition): "...'caught up'—Not church saints only, but all bodies of the saved [that is, not only the living, but also the dead], of whatever dispensation, are included in the first resurrection... [It] is peculiarly the 'blessed hope' of the Church (cf) Matthew 24:42; 25:13; Luke 12:36-48; Acts 1:11; Philippians 3:20, 21; Titus 2:11-13."

This offers surprisingly little information, considering how many accept the rapture doctrine based upon these notes. Additionally, all of the references he cited are about Christ's return and the believer's need to be ready for that event. None of them speak of a "near return" by Christ to snatch away believers.

Some rapturists today cite Acts 8:39, saying it uses the same Greek word that is translated "caught up" in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. They say that the fact the Spirit of God "caught [Philip] away" shows that 1 Thessalonians 4:17 means that the saints are caught away to heaven. Yet the Spirit did not transport Philip to heaven, but rather from one place on the earth to another.

The saints of 1 Thessalonians 4:17, on the other hand, rise to meet the Lord in the air. (We'll cover more on this point in the next article in this series.)

The words "blessed hope" also often appear in rapture literature. In fact, "The Blessed Hope" is the name by which some denominations refer to the rapture doctrine. They take "blessed hope" from Titus 2:13, where Paul writes, "looking for the blessed hope, and the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."

The implication is that the word "appearance" conveys something secretive and sudden; that is, the rapture. Therefore, "blessed hope" becomes a sort of shorthand for the rapture in literature and films on the doctrine. A few other New Testament references that mention "the appearing of Christ" are also often cited, as if these scriptures strengthen their case.

But all of these are simply referring to Christ's coming, either the first time as a perfect sacrifice for sin, or the second time, as an invincible King.

Flawed foundation

The word rapture comes from the Latin rapere, meaning, "to seize" or "to abduct." It is translated from the Greek word that is rendered "caught up" in English Bibles today.

All advocates of the rapture agree that the main argument is based on 1 Thessalonians 4:17. Here the argument stands or falls.

First, look at verse 17 in the New King James Version: "Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord."

The Greek verb for "caught up" is harpagesometha. Does it convey the sense of an abduction here? No, "[it] combines the ideas of force and suddenness seen in the irresistible power of God" (Leon Morris, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, Revised Edition, 1984, p. 94).

Why would Paul use such a strong word? Let's allow the Bible to speak for itself. The context of the subject begins in verse 13 and concludes in verse 11 of the next chapter. Paul wrote this section of the letter in answer to concerns of the local Christians.

As you read verse 13, you discover that Christians in Thessalonica were grieving over the unexpected deaths of members of their congregation.

Albert Barnes comments: "There seems some reason to suppose...that some of them believed that, though those who were dead would indeed rise again, yet it would be long after those who were living when the Lord Jesus would return had been taken to glory, and would always be in a condition inferior to them" ( Barnes' Notes on the New Testament, notes on 1 Thessalonians 4:13).

Paul wrote that they should not grieve over this: "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus [believers who had died]" (verse 14).

Was he responding to a worry about whether Christ would rescue believers from the Great Tribulation? No, nothing is said of this.

Nor is there anything in these verses that intimates Christ making a swooping pass by the earth to snatch off a few people to take them to heaven. These verses refer only to the doctrine of the second coming, at which time Jesus sets foot on the earth.

A reunion with friends who died

There is more to Paul's encouragement. Dr. Morris observes, "There will be a reunion with Christ, but there will also be a reunion with the friends who have gone before" (Tyndale).

The Commentary on the Whole Bible by Jamieson, Fausset and Brown observes something further. "The leading topic of Paul's preaching at Thessalonica having been the coming kingdom (Acts 17:7), some perverted it into a cause for fear in respect to friends lately deceased, as if these would be excluded from the glory which those found alive alone should share. This error Paul here corrects."

Verse 15 amplifies the point: "We who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep."

Verse 18 reiterates this main point: "Therefore comfort one another with these words." Paul sums it up in verses 10-11 of chapter 5 (there is no chapter break in the original text): "...that whether we wake or sleep [remain alive or die], we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing."

Any claim that "the comfort" of these verses was about being snatched away to heaven takes incredible license with the Bible.

Paul's reason for using such a strong word as harpagesometha was to reassure people that, at Christ's return, God would reunite believers who remain alive with believers who had died. The dead won't be behind in any way!

But why will the saints meet Christ in the air? We will cover that in the next article.

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Comments

  • Nikki1

    I believe we will have to go through the first 3 1/2 years of Tribulation, or Satan's wrath. The 'rapture' or whatever you choose to call it will be before God's wrath. We as Christians are not appointed to God's wrath because He is no longer angry with us and Jesus paid our price with His blood. I believe in mid-trib rapture before God unleashes HIS fury upon the world. The first 3 1/2 years will be Satan testing, tempting, torturing, and hating Christians. If we make it through all that alive and are waiting for our Savior to get us, fine. However, some of us will not make it through the 3 1/2 years alive. 'To live is Christ..to die is gain' We have to run the race, be tested, and endure. If Jesus' beloved disciples had to lose their lives what makes us think we are any better. Jesus even points out that the days will be shortened for the believer. What do you suppose He means by this? The Bible also says that one will be working in the field, and one will be taken. This can't mean after the 7 year Tribulation when Jesus comes as this articles says because at this point (after Trib) when He comes EVERY eye will see Him.

  • tdye1958

    Excellent article. However, I think the comments are more telling.
    There is a serious difference between belief, faith and verifiable historical facts.
    I believe that Jesus was/is the Christ. I have faith that the New Testament is mans inspired words of Jesus/God. There are many historical references to verify that Jesus existed. The Romans kept very good records and actually the best proof is the records kept by people who hated him. Historically, this fact is not in contention.
    So, under the same lens of logic lets take a look at the concept of the rapture.
    The idea for the rapture is not supported in the New Testament. (All of us can read this for ourselves)
    The idea for the rapture is attributed to John Nelson Darby ( in the early 1980's) Darby was an 18th century theologian from England. This idea did not sit well with the British. Darby sailed to America where he found fertile ground for his beliefs. (once again anyone can look this up.)
    No matter which New Testament version of the Bible you prefer "The Rapture" is not part of it.
    There is a major difference between the NT and religious dogma, Before anything else read what the NT actually said.
    Think about it !

  • W M C

    It is true that Darby popularised a Pretrib Rapture of the Church, but that is only part of the history behind the false hope/doctrine. Back when the reformation started to become very popular, a Catholic priest, concerned about they being identified as the Beast, by these breakaway Christians, created the Jesuits; aka, The Order of Jesus. Their main purpose was to destroy all Jews and Protestant Christians. It was a Jesuit by the last name of Riberra who began working on the millennialism. After he died, Jesuit LaCunza completed his work that included the pretib rapture teaching. He published his book under a false identity of a supposed converted Jewish Rabbi by the name of Rabbi Ben Ezra. Many years passed, when a Scottish minister by the name of Perkins found the ancient book and translated it into English and fell in love with the new and improved Rapture teaching. The Moravian Brotherhood fell under his teaching and incorporated it fully into their teachings. Darby was invited to study with them and also accepted the pretib rapture as gospel. Being a prolific writer, he soon had Spurgeon, Moody, Schofield and many more teaching a Pretrib Rapture of the Church

  • Ryan_Taylor

    I have to disagree with you on this because the rapture is a true doctrine. Evidence for this can be found in the gospels which are in the NEW TESTAMENT. In Luke verses 21:34 it says "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon your unawares. Luke 21:35 say "For as a snare shall it come on all of them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Luke 21:36 states "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to ESPCAPE all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man." Is the rapture not an escape from the terrible things that shall come to pass? We all must repent for our sins and ask God for forgiveness and that we may be taken into the rapture with him when he comes.

  • ericj58

    Confused on your verses. Doesn't support the topic. This topic, known as the 'rapture theory' is that; a theory. It is an outgrowth from Pentecostal movement of the 1920's. The gospel in Matthew 24:36-44 is one of the more popular one used. It is actually an example Christ was showing by using Enoch & hah who preached God's word before the flood. It was a forewarning (Ezek. 33). This is what Christ was saying here - v. 29-31; the sign of His return. One single return - not multiple returns to "collect" His saints to heaven. His forewarning message here is to be prepared because no one know when a "thief comes". That's it....

  • Rand

    This evokes a lot of emotion in the pretribulationists. "If you don't believe in the rapture before the tribulation you don't believe the Bible," is said with anger by a lot of PTR preachers. I believe this is caused by insecurity at not being able to truly find scripture to back up what they believe. Eisegesis works when you're convincing people who believe like you do, but when challenged by exegesis, you either admit you're wrong or get angry. Because they don't want to go through the tribulation they get emotional about it. What's going to happen to them when they find out their preachers led them astray, and they aren't prepared for what they are having to face?

  • beloved4

    I have done alot of study in the bible and over and over I find that the truth the way and the light is love period. now all throughout the old testament you can see and realize that God is just like us jealous angry controlling vengeful etc. However the new testament the new covenant was an act of love why would he go back to His old ways...plus John's revelation has more to do with what was to come than...the anti-christ or the beast was code for king Nero and Nero did kill at least 144000 Christians or Christ followers....plus Christ Himself reiterated 6 commandments all having to do with loving each other which he stated as the ultimate command to love one other we are made to have a relationship with Him however with eve being pulled out of a whole being adam he was no longer whole on His own because of what happened w/the first women and Adam had now was given responsibility no control or dominance because that was the first sin...an angel wanting dominion over God's throne which cause Him to push it on Adam...Oops Adam....So God wants us to have close relationships of Love and intimacy (not sexual) if we have close honest open relationships w/others than we Love like Christ

  • Mark A.

    An understanding is needed of the Galactic Year and the cosmic cycles at play governing the end time changes. The earth and solar system is at the end of a Galactic Year which is 25,920 year cycle. The entire quadrant of this galaxy is in closer alignment to the Great Central Sun and this area is also being exposed to a high energy photon Belt. In addition other alignments are occurring which precipitates an increase in the vibratory rate of every atomic structure within these fields. This is commonly known as Increasing or Ascending Frequency . This increase is serving to assist humanity in very profound ways that is restoring the original DNA blue print to a 12 stand crystiline from the existing 2 strand carbon based. This down grade to a 2 strand carbon base resulted from the high jacking of the DNA but that is another story.

    The point to this is the terms used such as Rapture or more commonly of recent Ascension have merit and are based upon the events occurring as we speak. Your personal Frequency that is governed by your thought beliefs and actions determine if Ascension is occurring for you personally and includes spontaneous DNA restoration a true gift from God.

  • Kyren

    It's all a matter of interpretation isn't it? Everyone believes they have the correct interpretation because that's all it takes: faith. Faith is all that matters in religion so what is the point of trying to say who's right and wrong? It doesn't actually matter. It's all nonsense anyway.

  • Johnny Ash

    Rapture in the Bible: taken as in taken UP, gathered (Matt 24:31), caught up, Lifted Up, Raised, Resurrection, Raised Up, Set me in a large place. Examples: The Flood, Exodus, Sodom and Gomorrah, Elijah, Enoch, the Messiah. Time frames: Passover, Day of Trumpet, Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles, Pentecost.

  • Daniel Thomas

    The rapture doctrine was invented primarily because it wasn't "popular" to speak of a time when the church would endure such troubles. We are in the last days, nobody disputes that and scripture bares it out. The church today is described as in Revelation, the Laodician church. I have opportunity to visit many churches and we are "clothed in filthy rags" My indictment includes abortion, homosexual marriage and many other atrocities. We as the church body could have prevented all wickedness if we had stood as one voice and voted for right each time these came up. We have not loved one another and walked holy but rather have let wickedness slip in and divide us. The tribulation is for our good. It is because God loves us and is not willing that any should perish. Before HE brings this world to an end HE is going to give us a clear-cut choice. A time of tribulation will purge us as in fire and bring us ALL to a place of repentance and unity. IT IS BECAUSE HE LOVES US! He is most interested in us all making it home. His bride right now is clothed in filthy rags and unable or unwilling to change. God's very nature is described throughout the whole bible and if studied you can see it.

  • Alliev64

    Hello,

    Can I add my 2 cents to this debate or argument? First off, without nitpicking the bible/scripture apart, God says that we should not argue amongst each other over these things, and how relevant to our salvation is it? It isn't. Secondly, I have observed many differences in 'religious' beliefs in my years to know that RELIGIOUS beliefs are not of God what so ever. The Catholics believe they are correct in their understandings, the Pentecostals believe this to be true with their interpretations of scripture, and so on and so forth. Have you ever wondered why they're are so many religions and how they came to be? And what purpose to have so many of they, do they serve anyone other then to cause dissension between men and separate us from God. Not intentionally, but that's what religion has done, don't ya know.

    Tell me something: what does it matter if the RAPTURE happens or is doesn't? God has promised us salvation and an eternal place in His kingdom if we believe in His son, believe He died on the cross, and resurrected and is sitting at His Father's side. People and their religions complicate what is very simple, and miss the point of His dying for us.

  • Dadlylo1020

    If its written in the bible it will happen..Don't mislead people sayin that its a" false doctrine"this event will happen(Rapture)before the great tribulation otherwise even the believer will suffer from this event. My point exactly,if God added it will Happen wether people believe it or not.

  • Annacrome

    @Alain Caraang, if Christ secretly takes away his saints, before tribulation, then who are "the elect", spoken of in Matthew 24? (They are NOT the Jews. because Jesus called THEM a "generation of vipers", before they had Him crucified. Christians are "the elect" who WILL be HERE on Earth DURING the tribulation. Now, please go read that chapter again; in view of Christians being "the elect".

  • mimijones

    I'm not familiar with the teachings of this church but I was always taught in rapture and pre-trib destiny of the church. However, once I studied on my own, I noticed the Bible is actually extremely clear that the saints will suffer incredible persecution by the anti-Christ before God's judgment is applied on earth, but 144,000 (12,000 of each tribe of Israel) will be sealed before the judgment on earth begins (Rev 14). When Christ comes, it will be a surprise moment, like a lightening, in the twinkling of an eye (1 Co 15:52) but also loud, full of glory, noticed and feared by everyone on earth (2 Thessalonians 2, Rev 1:7, Mt 24:30-31, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8). It will happen AFTER the anti-Christ has been revealed and started demanding worship, and this will also be the moment he will destroy the anti-Christ and start establishing his kingdom by applying earthly judgement before the ultimate judgment before God's throne. The Bible says the anti-Christ will be given the authority by God to "wage war against the saints and conquer them" (Rev 13:7 and Rev 7:13) so yes,we will suffer. What we will not suffer is the judgment portion that comes AFTER the tribulation.

  • JustUs2

    I'm also studying and so far my understanding, is NO PRE TRIB RAPTURE.
    Read 1 Cor. 15:52. Seems to make it clear. Just my understanding of course.

    " In a moment in the twinkling of an eye, at the LAST TRUMP: for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. "
    This verse tells me we will be changed AFTER Tribulation and meet Jesus in the air.

  • katznhat

    I questioned beliefs from my parents , I accepted as mine. I realized-Not Biblical. IF WAS RAPTURE,DON'T YOU THINK JESUS, WOULD HAVE MENTIONED IT?WHY would He, & all the apostles & prophets, say to "PERSEVERE", hang in there, don't give up, &you'll receive victor's crown? When Jesus, gave John the visions of Revelation, WHY did He tell churches of Smyrna&Philadelphia, TRUE believers being severely persecuted during the end times to persevere, not give up, & they'd be rewarded in the here-after? IF is a Rapture, He'd have told them, "Don't worry! Gotcha covered with this Rapture thing!" (MY paraphrasing throughout.) He returns at 7th,LAST trumpet!Bible says that the Antichrist-martyred Trib. saints rise 1st,"AND the REST of the dead lived NOT."Those living meet, with Him in the air. On cross,Jesus said" I tell you today you'll be with me in paradise." -Paradise starts AFTER the Millennium. No HEBREW punctuation.Should be,"I tell you today,(COMMA) you will be with Me in Paradise."-WHEN IT COMES, and NOT "I tell you,(COMMA) today you'll be with ME.."WAS 3 DAYS before He went to His Father in Heaven. My take on it all-INSUFFICIENT BIBLICAL PROOF!

  • mistysnow

    This church and what they teach are lies. For those here writing these sermons and going against the grain the Word of God, be careful because those that fall away do to teachings such as this, their blood will be upon your hands, and that's nothing to mess around with.

  • mistysnow

    I'm sorry I have to disagree with this article. In the Word of God Everytime judgement was going to fall upon the earth from God himself he removed his people first he warned them and told them what to do. God's judgement is for the unbelievers and the Tribulation time frame is a judgement. Why would God keep HIS children here during the Tribulation to be judged? He wouldn't, when we excepted Christ as our Savior and are living for him we then are exempt from having to go through the Tribulation, why? Because we at that moment of salvation become his child. God's wrath is not for his children and during the Tribulation his wrath is poured out upon the earth and on the unbelieving and the evil, a child of God does not fall in to that catagory. This is why the Bible says people perish for the lack of knowledge. It's God given common sense that tells a child of God that they are not going to be left behind to endure his wrath during the Tribulation, he will remove his children before hand (the rapture) because they have excepted him as Lord and are saved ( not for his wrath or judgement) but to live with him in Heaven for all of eternity. Be careful of what you teach.

  • pdfranklin

    Jesus (Yeshua) says "But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Matthew 24:37-39.
    Just listen to the KING himself explain his coming. He told us who was "Taken Away" in the days of Noah. Think to yourself. In the Day of Judgement, Who was "LEFT BEHIND" and who was "TAKEN"?

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