Last Thursday about 5 minutes after I (Meade) posted an article on this blog critiquing Harold Campings teachings on the rapture I received an email (as did all of you who go to our church) from Pastor Richard on what the Bible actually teaches about the rapture. The two of us were amazed. We didn’t plan or converse on it at all and our writings were perfectly complementary. I critiqued the false teaching and Richard explained the truth. I thought it was cool. If you haven’t read it yet here’s Richard’s letter explaining the rapture.
Mr. Harold Camping, a prominent Christian radio Bible teacher, has predicted the rapture of the church for last Saturday, May 21, 2011. His prediction has engendered a range of responses from atheist “rapture parties” http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2015071658_rapture17m.html?prmid=obinsite to full scale preparation to meet the Lord http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-leaders-respond-to-campings-may-21-rapture-prediction-50275/. Since Mr. Camping’s influence is worldwide the media have given it some attention. If this weekend turns out to be news deprived there will most certainly be ample coverage of this non-event. Moreover, there are many who follow Mr. Camping locally. You may have an opportunity to speak about what you believe.
Do you know what the rapture is and how Bible believing Christians like us should respond to those who ask us? I thought it good to offer you a biblical perspective on rapture questions.
Does the Bible teach a “rapture?” Yes. We can affirm the Bible does teach a future rapture of the church before a time of worldwide tribulation. The English word “rapture” means “snatched up” or “caught up.” The word itself does not appear in English versions of the Bible. Instead it is a summary word describing what we read in John 14:1-3, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, and 1 Corinthians 15:51-52. Not all Christians interpret these passages as a rapture (e.g. reformed denominations see this as part of the Second Coming) and among those who do, not all agree on the timing (e.g. there are pre-, mid-, and post-tribulation positions). But we believe the Scriptures teach a pre-tribulation rapture of believers.
What is the purpose of the rapture? The church has been specifically promised to be spared from God’s wrath because Christ already absorbed it for us on the cross (Rom 8:1; 1 Thess 1:10). God has not destined Christians for wrath but for salvation (1 Thess 5:9). Therefore, Paul made it clear it is inconsistent for Christians to be on the earth at the time God is judging it (1 Thess 4:13-5:10; c.f. Rev 3:10). This future tribulation is specifically meant for Israel and Gentiles alive at the end times. It’s variously called the “Day of the Lord,” the time of “Jacob’s trouble” (Jer 30:7), and time of God’s wrath. It is the subject of many Old Testament prophesies (Zeph 1:14-18; Joel 1:15; 2:2; Jer 23:20-21; 26:20-21; 34:1-3; Isa 13:6) and, of course, much of the book of Revelation. None of the tribulation passages in the New Testament mention the presence of the church and all the descriptions of that period are distinctly Jewish.
The rapture of the church seems also to be necessary in order to inaugurate the Tribulation. Since Scripture affirms that the Holy Spirit dwells within Christians, the removal of the church is a major factor in bringing about this period of judgment. The antichrist is unable to be revealed until “the restrainer” is taken away (2 Thess 2:6-7). It seems logical to conclude that only the Holy Spirit is adequate to restrain sin. Since the church receives special ministries of the Spirit and is indwelt by the Spirit it would appear logical to conclude Spirit-filled believers must be removed from the earth. That would mark the end of Gentile missionary work and commence the Jewish witness of the 144,000 in Revelation 14. Therefore, the rapture concludes the church age and God will resume his special dealing with Israel which stopped at the crucifixion of Jesus.
Is the rapture something new? No. There is biblical precedent for a rapture in the cases of Enoch (Gen 5:24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11). Both of these men were caught up to be with God without suffering death.
Will Christians know when the rapture will occur? No. Christians are taught to look for Christ – not signs. Therefore we watch for Jesus not knowing when he will come (1 Thess 1:10; 1 Cor 1:7; Phil 3:20-21; Heb 9:28; Jude 21). The church is never told to look for preceding signs.
This is different than what Christ told Israel to expect. Since Israel will go through the Tribulation they are told to look for the signs which Jesus described as wars, famines, and earthquakes (Matt 24:7-8). They will see the “abomination of desolation” (Matt 24:15; 2 Thess 2:4; Dan 9:27) and cosmic signs such as darkened sun, moon and falling stars (Matt 24:29). Israel is therefore to expect their Messiah after these signs at what is called the Second Coming of Christ. You can see the order of events in the diagram below.
The church will experience the rapture followed by the “marriage supper of the lamb” in heaven during the Tribulation on earth (Rev 19:1-10). This is a period of 7 years of celebration for Christians. The church will then return with Christ to earth to rule and reign with him for the millennial kingdom 1000 years (Rev 19:11-20:4).
If we understand our God at all we understand he takes pleasure in turning man’s weakness and failure to his advantage and glory. So do not be surprised if Mr. Camping’s debacle presents you with an opportunity to humbly explain the reason you have hope in Christ. Prepare an answer.
- We can affirm to skeptics that Jesus is indeed coming back for Christians. He has told us to expect Him and that expectation is one motivation to live a holy life so we are not ashamed at his appearing.
- Those who have set their hope in Mr. Camping’s prophecy may undergo discouragement and disillusionment with Christ, Christian teachers, or themselves. Be prepared to show disheartened followers of Mr. Camping that while people often fail, God does not. Christ is faithful and so are his promises. Point them to better teaching.
- In some families, one spouse is a follower of Mr. Camping and the other not. There may be a loss of confidence in the spouse with regard to spiritual leadership. This could adversely affect their marriage, parenting, or career. In this case it is necessary to help them love and respect each other even in the face of disappointment.
- Mr. Camping has presumed to be a teacher and he will therefore incur a stricter judgment (James 3:1). We, however, at this distance, should refrain from overreacting. Christians are humble, gracious people who often make mistakes. We are to love our enemies, deal gently with wayward sheep, and take a firm stand on truth.
May God give you wisdom, grace and boldness to face the opportunities he provides.
In Christian love,
Pastor Richard
Posted by Meade 
