email

The Rapture

I am reluctant to discuss specific doctrines at the risk of triggering the hostility that many Christians demonstrate when presented with that with which they disagree. However, it can be useful to demonstrate how a doctrine can be considered. Some say that the word “rapture” is not in the bible. This is not exactly correct as it is a Latin derived word for the Greek harpazo (to seize, snatch up, pluck, take by force).

1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

In context this is talking about those who are “in Christ” (both living and dead). When questioning a doctrine, perhaps the first thing to ask is why would this happen. One answer can be found a few verses later in chapter five verse nine that Christians are not appointed unto wrath. The larger context is that there will be wrath coming upon the earth and Christians will be taken out before this wrath is dispensed. The wrath that is coming can be associated with what is called the day of Jacob’s trouble (Jer 30:7). This is perhaps the first point of objection. If one holds a view that there is no future role for a remnant of Israel, then those prophecies that concern Israel would not be given consideration.

Another test for examining a doctrine is to determine if there are additional biblical references that support it. In the second letter to the Thessalonians Paul mentions that the end time events will not occur until there is an “apostasy”. This is usually taken as a “falling away” from correct teaching. However, the Greek word apostasia can also mean departure and could also be seen in support of a rapture. Support of a change can be found in (1Cor 15:52 and Phil 3:20-21).

There can also be found support in consideration of an extraction of those in Christ so that the world can return to a state where God will deal with earth through Israel. This might be seen from and end to what is called the time of the gentiles (Rom 11:25).

Regardless of whether one is persuaded in regard to a rapture, the process of considering a doctrine and questioning what might support or refute it is a worthwhile exercise. Except for the gospel (Christ died for our sins) there are few doctrines that are so essential that they cannot be questioned (Rom 14:5). They are often more a matter of denominational pride. These may benefit from being questioned, rejected or modified as we grow in understanding.

Many feel ill-equipped to make an assessment of doctrine. This is often a result of biblical illiteracy. It can also be the result of trusting in the traditions one has inherited more than trusting in Christ. Those who trusted in their traditions in Israel were also the one who put Jesus to death.

There is an advantage available to Christians to increase in understanding and wisdom. We all should be in prayer that this would be made available to us so that we can more effectively evaluate various doctrines and discover and build upon truth.

Eph 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Information about Christianity and the Christian life.