Following Rapture Fact or Fiction: we should look again at the rapture focused churches and what they believe will happen when and after the rapture occurs, and there are some interesting ideas to say the least. Such as Mormons; while they are not convinced on rapture, believe only 144,000 will reign with Jesus in Heaven. The British Israelites think, only Anglo-Saxons will be raptured by God. But it is only in the small fringe assemblies we find elements of exclusivity; that only they will be favoured. So, let’s look at the common belief of the others and its origin.
The agreed vision is based on the Seventy Weeks of Daniel, as re-imagined by the Jesuit concept of Futurism. It is the genesis of Dispensationalism and the pre and post tribulation ideas of John Darby, which included his rapture theories now imbedded in much of Church thinking. But it is worth noting that while current theories of the rapture and tribulation grew out of a religious order in the Catholic Church, the Church itself does not apply their teaching. Maybe they knew it was wrong from the start.
Anyway, it is a total departure from the accepted view of prophesies held by recognised authorities within the wider Church, not that they are in any way a reliable source. The ultimate authority is the Spirit in true believers. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance: (John 14:26)
The rapture of the saints will see Jesus appear in the clouds ‘to carry off’ believers worthy of saving. Once all are gathered in the air, they continue to Heaven for a period of seven years (taken from the misreading of Daniel’s Seventy Weeks) as the events of the Great Tribulation unfold below. They remain with Jesus until He returns with His Angels and the Saints.
While most are agreed on the events of the tribulation, the major sticking point is the timing of the rapture itself: some believe it is before the tribulation begins, others believe it is midway through the rule of the tyrannical Antichrist, when the tribulation of the saints allegedly starts. So from the outset there is confusion in the ranks, which is not surprising as none of it is based on a solid foundation.
The age of Tribulation will commence when a charismatic leader appears when the world is at risk. He will unite all NGO’s: the United Nations, World Health and all Economic Forums, and military alliances together under one organisation. He will then enter into agreements with all the world’s governments to end wars, stabilize the financial system, to end poverty and bring peace to the Earth.
It is the Day of the Antichrist. When he has revealed himself, God will unleash His divine judgements of the Seals, the Trumpets and Vials leading to disasters, earthquakes, plagues and famines, on a scale never before seen, causing major loss of life and destruction around the world.
Halfway through the seven years, the Beast and his Mark will emerge, and the Antichrist will demand total control over the Planet. It is during this period his False Prophet will direct everyone to take the mark on their hand and forehead in order to buy or sell the necessities of life. Many believe it is behind the release of AI and bar-coding, imprint scanners, faster internet technology and compulsory ID cards being introduced around the world.
After the oppression of the Beast and the Prophet, the Great Tribulation begins in earnest; those who reject them, convert to Christianity and are persecuted and martyred for their faith; others also refuse and die through deprivation. It is a time of great distress for humanity as the evil of Antichrist sweeps across the world and Christianity, but there’s little mention of other faiths in these scenarios.
Finally, under rule of the Man of Sin; the son of Perdition, the armed forces of the world will assemble in Israel for Armageddon: the ultimate battle and destruction of all things pertaining to God. There are quite a few theories on how this will unfold, but all agree it paves the way for the return of Jesus to overcome and bind His enemy, and to rescue those who have come through the Great Tribulation.
After the return of Jesus, the earth will be cleansed and renewed, and His Earthly Kingdom will reign for a thousand years, after which Satan will be cast into hell for all eternity. But one must ask why, when Jesus told Pontius Pilate His Kingdom was not of this world. As to what happens next, the jury is out, but we can rest assured it will have little in common with the teachings of Jesus, or the Apostles and Paul, as it appears these believers have done the unthinkable and written their own Bible.
This is a simple outline on how most rapture faithful see the Great Tribulation. While details change depending on the church and its teaching; no two churches, or for that matter church members, will be in full agreement on the rapture, tribulation or the last days as mentioned in the New Testament.
As we have seen, when we pay attention to God’s Word, it is no hardship to dismantle the rapture hypothesis as mistaken theology. As to the end of age views in these churches it is sheer speculation on their part. If they had taken time to consider the Gospel of Jesus concerns the Spirit, perhaps none of this may have transpired, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be trying times ahead. However, when we rest in the Faith of Jesus nothing else really matters, and as much of this silliness has come from the corruption of Paul’s teachings, it’s only right and proper to leave the last word to him…
Know this also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good. Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2Ti 3:1-5)
In love and peace as always,
James