THE RAPTURE

I have two commentaries, one by John Walvoord and the other by Hal Lindsey. They both take the position that a period of time they call the Rapture is coming. Many good, sincere people have taken up their teaching and are advocating the same doctrine. Some display bumper stickers that say: "WARNING: In case of Rapture this car will be unoccupied." The idea is that when the Rapture occurs the Lord will come and call up all His faithful followers to a heavenly dwelling for a period of seven years. The unfaithful will be left behind. Another book has been written speculating about those who are "left behind."

These seven years will be divided into two 3 1/2 year periods. The first of these will be a time of severe tribulation and the 2nd will be a time when many people will turn to the Lord. After the seven year period is completed the Lord will return with his saints and be seated on David's throne in Jerusalem, the Jewish economy will be somewhat reestablished and that reign will continue for 1000 years. (That is another false theory.)

The Rapture theory is based primarily on two passages: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 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," and Matthew 24:40-41: "Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left."

The first passage is self explanatory and denies the seven year rapture period for it is telling of the Lord's final coming and the ones caught up "shall EVER be with the Lord." Not seven nor 1000 years but forever. There is one hope (Ephesians 4:4) and that hope and my hope is going to heaven and dwelling in eternity. The second passage is dependent on this one. If the first does not teach a seven year rapture (and it doesn't) then the second has no connection.

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