The Secret Rapture Theory - Where is the secret?
What is the meaning of the idea of Christ coming "like a thief?" Millions of Christians use this phrase to support the secret rapture theory.
Let's see some of these Bible texts that use the phrase...
For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. - 1 Thessalonians 5:2
Also in 2 Peter 3, we read...
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. - 2 Peter 3:10
Like a thief - look at the 'rest of the story'
If you continue reading 1 Thessalonians 5 and on to verse 4, you will see where it speaks to the Christian, and says...
"But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief." - 1Thessalonians 5:4
Is this about a secret rapture? No. We see that Paul was telling the believers that there will not be the element of surprise for them. Why?
Because they are looking forward to and hoping for the coming of Jesus, it won't be a surprise, as when a thief breaks into your house.
In fact, Jesus explains this in Matthew chapter 24, verses 42 and 43.
"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into." - Matthew 24:42, 43
Do you think this is talking about a secret rapture? This passage is saying that, if the homeowner knew what time the thief would come he'd lay wait for that thief and catch him. Jesus was talking about the element of surprise that will come when we are not expectant.
Here's another text...
Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. - Revelation 3:3
There is no evidence here for a secret rapture theory - no implication that Jesus will secretly snatch away those who are going to heaven.
But wait...
Although the time of Jesus' coming remains a secret - not even the angels in heaven know, only the Father - if we are expecting Him to come we won't be surprised when he comes. Why?
Because we will be looking for Him. That's why Matthew 24 verse 42 encourages us to keep watch because we do not know exactly when he will come.
Some people claim that Greek translation of the scripture reveals two phases of Christ's coming. The first is said to be the secret rapture and the second, the revelation.
This is very important! Let's take a look at this issue: What's the difference between parousia and apokalupsis?