Examine the rapture theory and find some shocking revelations in your Bible
Millions of Christians and non-Christians all over the world have been exposed to the idea of a secret rapture. I read a bumper sticker that was rather tickling. It said something like this...
"In case of the rapture, this car will be un-manned."
At the time of the rapture, it is said that Jesus will come and secretly snatch away the believers. This event will be followed by a seven-year period of tribulation, after which Christ will come again in an open manifestation of power and glory.
The theory claims that between the rapture and the powerful revelation of Christ, the antichrist will be unmasked. But I have some questions...
Will the rapture be a secret event?
Let's look at the 'secrecy' in which this event is portrayed. Examine what the Bible has to say about the coming of Christ.
It is certainly frightening to imagine that your flight from London to New York could be left without a pilot in case the rapture occurs and the pilot was a born again Christian.
But let us probe this secret about the rapture just a bit more. Follow this link to discover if there is any secrecy in the secret rapture theory. Click here.
Two phases of Christ's return - parousia and apokalupsis
What is the difference between the Greek terms parousia and apokalupsis? These two terms are used in passages that talk about Christ's coming.
The rapturists and dispensationalists consider this as two separate events. The explanation given is that parousia refers to the secret rapture of the saints. Then after seven years, there will be the apokalupsis or revelation in which Christ will return in power and great glory.
Does the Bible teach about a two phase return of Christ, before and after a seven year period of tribulation?
Listen... you do not need more than a sixth grade education to really get this. Click here now to see that these two terms are used interchangeably in scripture and actually mean the same thing. (There will be a link to return to this page.)
How about the seven-year tribulation period?
The dispensationalists teach that the rapture will trigger off a seven year period of great tribulation which will end when Christ is gloriously revealed and will destroy the antichrist.
This teaching has been made even more popular by the popular book and movie, Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and others. There are at least two main points about the tribulation that are totally inconsistent with what your Bible is saying right now.
Let's examine the basis for the teaching surrounding this seven-year period. To examine the teaching about the tribulation period, click here now.
The antichrist - When will he come?
If you have been taught the despensationalists and rapturists' views, you would have found most things on this page (and on the referring pages) very new. But I hope you are well-thinking and search the Bible for yourself.
Is the antichrist still coming? Is there a different antichrist from the one Paul said had come in his day? Or, is the antichrist already here?
Do I Get a Second Chance?
There is another strange conclusion by those who teach the rapture theory. It is that, during the tribulation period, those who missed the rapture will get a second chance.
It is all in the movie called Left Behind. But they have have left behind some very clear and unmistakable truths in God's word.
It has been noted already how the coming of Christ is usually presented with urgency. Why?
Because when you depart this life, that's it for you - there is no more second chance. Your next waking moment will be the Second Coming of Jesus!
2 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV) -
"...now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation."
Matthew 24:37-39 (NIV) -
"As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man."
We should remember that while God is merciful, His justice is sure. He says, now is the time to repent. If you can miss heaven and then catch a second trip 7 years later, why bother to go in the first trip?
Neither Sodom and Gomorrah nor the people in Noah's day got second chances. However, they got several warnings. So too, we who are alive in these end times have been given more than enough warnings. There won't be any second chance.
The idea of a second chance at salvation is just a counterfeit plan of the devil.
You are encouraged to study your Bible and learn what great plans God has for your life.
If you would like to consider more insightful truths right between the covers of your very own Bible, just use the contact information provided. I will let you know how you can get more information on these and other life-changing topics.
Thanks for reading.