WikiChristian - User contributions [en]

Martin's Free Christian Website

2008-02-12T19:13:50Z

Martin Simon: New page: '''Martin's Free Christian Website''' http://web.express56.com/~bromar/ was put together to help Christians find excellent free resources on the Internet to grow in their Christian faith. ...

'''Martin's Free Christian Website''' http://web.express56.com/~bromar/ was put together to help Christians find excellent free resources on the Internet to grow in their Christian faith. The Free Stuff page has links for free Bible Study software like e-Sword, links for downloading the Bible in MP3 format in the King James and New International Versions. There are links to Free Christian Music MP3 files as well apologetic links and links to free on line Christian books and resources for children.

Famous Christians Index

2008-02-12T19:03:03Z

Martin Simon:

__NOTOC__

{{christians_box}}

==A==

[[Adam]]

[[Athanasius]]

[[Augustine]]

==B==

[[Billy Graham]]

[[Børre Knudsen]]

[[Phineas Bresee|Bresee, Phineas]]

[[John Bunyan|Bunyan, John]]

==C==

[[William Carey|Carey, William]]

[[Cecil B. DeMill]]

[[C.S. Lewis|Clive Staples Lewis]]

[[Constantine I]]

[[Thomas Cranmer|Cranmer, Thomas]]

[[C.S. Lewis]]

==D==

==E==

==F==

==G==

[[Billy Graham|Graham, Billy]]

==H==

[[Bethany Hamilton|Hamilton, Bethany]]

==I==

[[Irenaeus]]

==J==

[[J.B. Phillips]]

[[John Bertram Phillips]]

[[John Bunyan]]

[[John Wimber]]

[[John Wycliffe]]

[[Justin Martyr]]

==K==

[[Kirk Franklin]]

[[Børre Knudsen|Knudsen, Børre]]

==L==

[[C.S. Lewis|Lewis, C.S.]]

[[Martin Luther|Luther, Martin]]

==M==

[[Dwight Lyman Moody|Moody, Dywight Lyman]]

[[Martin Luther]]

==N==

==O==

==P==

[[Apostle Paul|Paul the apostle]]

[[Apostle Peter|Peter the apostle]]

[[John Bertram Phillips|Phillips, J.B.]]

[[Phineas Bresee]]

==Q==

==R==

[[Ravi Zacharias]]

==S==

==T==

[[Hudson Taylor|Taylor, Hudson]]

[[Terry Virgo]]

[[Thomas Cranmer]]

==U==

==V==

==W==

[[William Carey]]

[[John Wimber|Wimber, John]]

[[John Wycliffe|Wycliffe, John]]

==X==

==Y==

==Z==

[[Ravi Zacharias|Zacharias, Ravi]]

{{returnto}} [[Famous Christians]]

Hudson Taylor

2008-02-12T19:02:45Z

Martin Simon:

Hudson Taylor
Faith missionary to China

"''China is not to be won for Christ by quiet, ease-loving men and women … The stamp of men and women we need is such as will put Jesus, China, [and] souls first and foremost in everything and at every time—even life itself must be secondary''."

In September 1853, a little three-masted clipper slipped quietly out of Liverpool harbor with Hudson Taylor, a gaunt and wild-eyed 21-year-old missionary, aboard. He was headed for a country that was just coming into the Christian West's consciousness; only a few dozen missionaries were stationed there. By the time Taylor died a half-century later, however, China was viewed as the most fertile and challenging of mission fields as thousands volunteered annually to serve there.

== Radical missionary ==
Taylor was born to James and Amelia Taylor, a Methodist couple fascinated with the Far East who had prayed for their newborn, "Grant that he may work for you in China." Years later, a teenage Hudson experienced a spiritual birth during an intense time of prayer as he lay stretched, as he later put, "before Him with unspeakable awe and unspeakable joy." He spent the next years in frantic preparation, learning the rudiments of medicine, studying Mandarin, and immersing himself ever deeper into the Bible and prayer.

His ship arrived in Shanghai, one of five "treaty ports" China had opened to foreigners following its first Opium War with England. Almost immediately Taylor made a radical decision (as least for Protestant missionaries of the day): he decided to dress in Chinese clothes and grow a pigtail (as Chinese men did). His fellow Protestants were either incredulous or critical.

Taylor, for his part, was not happy with most missionaries he saw: he believed they were "worldly" and spent too much time with English businessmen and diplomats who needed their services as translators. Instead, Taylor wanted the Christian faith taken to the interior of China. So within months of arriving, and the native language still a challenge, Taylor, along with Joseph Edkins, set off for the interior, setting sail down the Huangpu River distributing Chinese Bibles and tracts.

When the Chinese Evangelization Society, which had sponsored Taylor, proved incapable of paying its missionaries in 1857, Taylor resigned and became an independent missionary; trusting God to meet his needs. The same year, he married Maria Dyer, daughter of missionaries stationed in China. He continued to pour himself into his work, and his small church in Ningpo grew to 21 members. But by 1861, he became seriously ill (probably with hepatitis) and was forced to return to England to recover.

In England, the restless Taylor continued translating the Bible into Chinese (a work he'd begun in China), studied to become a midwife, and recruited more missionaries. Troubled that people in England seemed to have little interest in China, he wrote China: Its Spiritual Need and Claims. In one passage, he scolded, "Can all the Christians in England sit still with folded arms while these multitudes [in China] are perishing—perishing for lack of knowledge—for lack of that knowledge which England possesses so richly?"

Taylor became convinced that a special organization was needed to evangelize the interior of China. He made plans to recruit 24 missionaries: two for each of the 11 unreached inland provinces and two for Mongolia. It was a visionary plan that would have left veteran recruiters breathless: it would increase the number of China missionaries by 25 percent.

Taylor himself was wracked with doubt: he worried about sending men and women unprotected into the interior; at the same time, he despaired for the millions of Chinese who were dying without the hope of the gospel. In 1865 he wrote in his diary, "For two or three months, intense conflict … Thought I should lose my mind." A friend invited him to the south coast of England, to Brighton, for a break. And it was there, while walking along the beach, that Taylor's gloom lifted:

"''There the Lord conquered my unbelief, and I surrendered myself to God for this service. I told him that all responsibility as to the issues and consequences must rest with him; that as his servant it was mine to obey and to follow him."''

His new mission, which he called the China Inland Mission (CIM), had a number of distinctive features, including this: its missionaries would have no guaranteed salaries nor could they appeal for funds; they would simply trust God to supply their needs; furthermore, its missionaries would adopt Chinese dress and then press the gospel into the China interior.

Within a year of his breakthrough, Taylor, his wife and four children, and 16 young missionaries sailed from London to join five others already in China working under Taylor's direction.

== Strains in the organization ==
Taylor continued to make enormous demands upon himself (he saw more than 200 patients daily when he first returned) and on CIM missionaries, some of whom balked. Lewis Nicol, who accused Taylor of tyranny, had to be dismissed. Some CIM missionaries, in the wake of this and other controversies, left to join other missions, but in 1876, with 52 missionaries, CIM constituted one-fifth of the missionary force in China.

Because there continued to be so many Chinese to reach, Taylor instituted another radical policy: he sent unmarried women into the interior, a move criticized by many veterans. But Taylor's boldness knew no bounds. In 1881, he asked God for another 70 missionaries by the close of 1884: he got 76. In late 1886, Taylor prayed for another 100 within a year: by November 1887, he announced 102 candidates had been accepted for service.

His leadership style and high ideals created enormous strains between the London and China councils of the CIM. London thought Taylor autocratic; Taylor said he was only doing what he thought was best for the work, and then demanded more commitment from others: "China is not to be won for Christ by quiet, ease-loving men and women," he wrote. "The stamp of men and women we need is such as will put Jesus, China, [and] souls first and foremost in everything and at every time—even life itself must be secondary."

Taylor's grueling work pace, both in China and abroad (to England, the United States, and Canada on speaking engagements and to recruit), was carried on despite Taylor's poor health and bouts with depression. In 1900 it became too much, and he had complete physical and mental breakdown. The personal cost of Taylor's vision was high on his family as well: his wife Maria died at age 33, and four of eight of their children died before they reached the age of 10. (Taylor eventually married Jennie Faulding, a CIM missionary.)

Between his work ethic and his absolute trust in God (despite never soliciting funds, his CIM grew and prospered), he inspired thousands to forsake the comforts of the West to bring the Christian message to the vast and unknown interior of China. Though mission work in China was interrupted by the communist takeover in 1949, the CIM continues to this day under the name Overseas Missionary Fellowship (International).

=== External Links ===

Listen to the reading of the book: Hudson Taylor - Spiritual Secrets which catalogs the amazing story of this great missionary http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?keyword=hudson%20taylor%20spiritual%20secrets&entiresite=true

Hudson Taylor

2008-02-12T18:54:26Z

Martin Simon: New page: Hudson Taylor Faith missionary to China "''China is not to be won for Christ by quiet, ease-loving men and women … The stamp of men and women we need is such as will put Jesus, China, [...

Fast Paul (Apologetix)

2008-02-11T02:53:52Z

Martin Simon: New page: This music video depicts the calling on the life of the Apostle Paul http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=6866b3c5eb9643d2dbb9

This music video depicts the calling on the life of the Apostle Paul http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=6866b3c5eb9643d2dbb9

Joseph (Genesis)

2008-02-10T22:30:28Z

Martin Simon: /* Links */

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Joseph |
subtopics = [[Jacob]]
* [[Joseph: King of Dreams]]
* [[Genesis (WEB)#Chapter 37|Genesis 37-50 (text)]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[Messages in Joseph (G.G.)]]
* [[Joseph (EBD)|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on Joseph]] |
}}

Joseph was an important figure in the [[Old Testament]]. His story is found in the [[book of Genesis]] (Genesis 37 - 50). Joseph was one of twelve sons of [[Jacob]] (also called Israel), who was, in turn, the grandson of [[Abraham]]. Joseph was the favourite son of Jacob, because he was the firstborn son of [[Rebecca]], the wife he loved most. The story of Joseph explains why the Israelites ended up in [[Egypt]], and therefore is essential background to understanding the story of [[Moses]] and the [[exodus]] of the Israelites.

===Joseph as an example for us===

The story of Joseph provides us with an example of godly living
* Joseph was a man of integrity - When Potiphar's wife attempted to seduce Joseph, he did not submit.
* Joseph did not credit his abilities to himself - He gave the glory to God.
* Joseph forgave - He forgave and protected his brothers.
* Joseph put his trust in God.

===Joseph in light of the New Testament===

The story of Joseph is about saving forgiveness, and it reminds us of Jesus. Joseph was punished even though he was innocent of the crime he was accused of. Jesus was punished even though he was innocent of all crimes. Joseph saved his family from death despite the wrong they had done to him. Christ, through the cross, saves us from death and eternal separation from God, despite the wrong we all have done him.

==Quotes==

==Links==

{{returnto}} [[Bible Characters Index]]

The Christian parody band ApologetiX encapsulates the life story of Joseph in their song entitled [Somebody Sold Me http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=2aea5eab3352f8cc0787]

Rapture

2008-02-10T22:25:40Z

Martin Simon: /* The Rapture in the media */

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Rapture |
subtopics = [[1 Thessalonians 4:15]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
}}

The Rapture refers to an event that some [[Christian]]s believe will occur in the end-times - that all Christians will be taken up into the sky to meet [[Jesus]] and be taken to [[heaven]]. The doctrine of the Rapture is relatively recent, becoming popular with certain [[Protestant]] denominations in the nineteenth century.

Although all denominations teach that that those who are "saved" will have eternal life, the term "rapture" is usually applied specifically to the belief that all Christians will be "taken" up into the air to meet Jesus and be taken into heaven at a specific moment. Its introduction and popularization in Christian belief is relatively recent, and the teachings of older Churches do not include any such doctrine.

The timing of "when" the rapture will take place is a key point often discussed and debated between denominations and individuals who accept the belief. One belief ("dispensationalist" or "futurist" interpretations) is that the rapture will take place at an unknown period of time prior to the beginning of the seven year tribulation, and that at that time only non-Christians will be left on the earth. However, according to the dispensationalist view, many will come to know Christ during the time of the tribulation. Others believe that the rapture will be a very audible and visible event which takes place after the events of the tribulation, right at the Second Coming of Christ in which the righteous will be taken up in the clouds to meet Christ upon his return. Other Christians teach that Jesus will return when all on Earth have come to worship Him as their savior.

=== Etymology ===

The word "rapture" comes from the same root as rapt: the Latin verb ''rapere'', or the adjective ''raeptius'', which means "carried away by force, caught up." The 405 AD Vulgate translation used it in [[1 Thessalonians 4:17]], which is the primary biblical reference usually quoted for the Rapture event. The specific form used is ''rapiemur'', "we shall be caught up", translating the original Greek harpagēsometha (ἁρπαγησόμεθα) (passive voice, future tense of harpazō (ἁρπάζω): "snatch away, carry off.")

However, the word "rapture" itself is found nowhere in English Bible translations nor in its original Greek or Hebrew documents.

=== Three Major views on the Timing of the Rapture ===

====Pre-tribulation====

Dispensationalism is referred to as the Pre-Tribulation Rapture, or simply "Pre-Trib". This is the belief that the Rapture will occur at the beginning of the 70th Week of Daniel, the final seven years of this age. Christian believers will be translated into immortal bodies in the Rapture before the great persecutions by the Antichrist as he comes into his Beast role midway through the final seven years. According to this view, the Christian Church that existed prior to that seven year period has no vital role during the seven years of Tribulation. However, one should keep in mind that the Bible affirms that the Church is made up of individual Christians. If the rapture occurs according to pre-trib doctrine, many others will believe in the Jesus Christ of the Bible and will be saved, despite having missed the "rapture" and will now have to go through that tribulation period with everyone else on the Earth. When those people become new Christians, they will be part of "the Church" on earth during this time period. They will witness during the first three and one half years, and they will also witness during the last three and a half years, or 1260 days of the Great Tribulation, which follow. The pre-trib rapture is sometimes presented as minority opinion among Christians, but it has become popular in recent years around the world and through the work of dispensational preachers such as Tim LaHaye and Hal Lindsey.

====Post-tribulation====

The other main view is termed the Post Tribulation Rapture (or "Post-Trib"). This view admits the concept of "rapture" from [[1 Thessalonians]], but does not see an intervening 7-year period between the rapture and the return of Christ. This viewpoint is that Christian believers will be on earth as witnesses to Christ during the entire seven years and right up until the last day of this age. This includes the final three and one half years of the age believed to be the time period of the Antichrist in his malevolent role as the Beast. The post-trib view is supported by [[Matthew 24]]:29–31
: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days...they shall gather together his elect..."

Both views hold that Christian believers will be either removed from, or protected from, the judgement when the wrath of God falls and the wicked are carried off at the end of the age

====Pre-wrath rapture====

The Pre-wrath Rapture view teaches that at the midpoint of the "7 year period" the "abomination of desolation" will begin the Antichrist's Great Tribulation. Then sometime during the Great Tribulation it will be cut short with the Coming of Christ to deliver the righteous (rapture) and then the subsequent Day of the Lord's wrath against the ungodly will follow for the remaining 7 year period.

=== Predictions ===

Some notable predictions include these:

* '''1988''' - Publication of ''88 Reasons why the Rapture is in 1988'', by Edgar C. Whisenant.

* '''1989''' - Publication of ''The final shout: Rapture report 1989'', by Edgar Whisenant. More predictions by this author appeared for 1992, 1995, and other years.

* '''1992''' - Korean group "Mission for the Coming Days " predicted October 28, 1992 as the date for the rapture.

* '''1993''' - Seven years before the year 2000. The Rapture would have to start to allow for seven years of the Tribulation before the Return in 2000. Multiple predictions.

* '''1994''' - Pastor John Hinkle of Christ Church in Los Angeles predicted June 9, 1994.

* '''1997''' - Stan Johnson of the Prophecy Club predicted September 12, 1997. <ref>http://www.seekgod.ca/prophclub.htm#dud</ref>

* '''1998''' - Marilyn Agee, in ''The End of the Age'', predicted May 31, 1998.

* '''2000''' - Many "millennial" predictions.

Predictions continue to appear in fundamentalist literature and speeches.

===Scriptural basis and the Ongoing Debate===

Although there are alternative interpretaions, the Rapture interpretation states that in the near future dead believers in Jesus will be brought back to life and believers who have never died will be changed in the "twinkling of an eye" and both groups will be taken up to heaven.

Supporters for this belief generally cite the following primary sources in the [[New Testament]]:
* [[1 Corinthians 15:52]] - "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."
* [[1 Thessalonians 4:15]] - "For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not preceed them which are asleep. 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: 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. "

Generally, an elaborate set of predictions about the end times is constructed from these verses, together with various interpretations of the [[Book of Revelation]] and the predictions of Christ's return in [[Matthew 24]]:30-36. In general, believers in the rapture consider the present to be the end times, and offer interpretations of the various symbolisms in the book of Revelation in terms of contemporary world events.

==== Criticisms ====

Many Christians who do not agree that there will be a pre-tribulation Rapture of the Church point out that it is a relatively new doctrine, first popularized in the [[1800s]] and elaborated on subsequently. There are whole denominations holding this view. The [[Roman Catholic Church]] and the [[Eastern Orthodox]] do not accept it either, as such a thing as "rapture" was never taught by any of their bishops, from the beginning.

Many do not accept the pre-Tribulation rapture interpretation because they believe that it is not clearly expressed in the Bible, but instead relies on extrapolations and inferences made from unconnected verses. Many further believe that if anything this significant were intended to be a major part of Christian teaching, then surely Christ would have made a plain reference to it in his own sermons as recorded in the Gospel, and not buried such a major prophecy in a few verses of the [[Apostle Paul]].

One common criticism of the pre-Tribulation rapture is based on the assumption that the necessity of believing in Christ would be proven, by the events of the rapture, to anyone left behind. Thus anyone left behind who had knowledge of the rapture theory, but previously did not believe in Christ, would essentially be forced, by the proof of this miracle, to believe.

Most Roman Catholics and many Protestants do not accept the concept of a pre-Tribulation rapture in which some are "taken up into Heaven" before the end of the world, because as mentioned, it is claimed that this idea did not exist in the teachings of any Christians until the 1800s. Instead, most Catholics and many Protestants interpret [[1 Thessalonians 4]]:16-17 literally, and assert that the rapture will immediately follow the general [[resurrection]] on [[Judgment Day]], when the living and the newly-resurrected-dead will rise up to meet Christ as he descends from heaven to judge the world (known as the ''Parousia''). This is analogous to the common custom in which the people would go outside the gates of a kingdom to meet their returning king. Catholics and post-tribulation Protestants consider the rapture to be merely a minor detail in the Biblical description of the [[Second Coming]] of Christ.

Barbara R. Rossing, a [[Lutheran]] minister, challenges the idea of the rapture in her 2004 book ''The Rapture Exposed: The Message of Hope in the Book of Revelation''. In it, she discusses the history of [[dispensationalism]], arguing that the Biblical verses cited in support of the rapture are grossly taken out of context and misinterpreted.

There are also a number of other objections to the rapture theory. Those scriptures offered in support of the rapture do not require a rapture for their fulfillment.

Plus, inasmuch as the rapture theory requires belief that Christ will visit the Earth not once more -- but twice -- it's important to note that the New Testament speaks of [[Second Coming|Christ's return]] in the singular only.

Rhe famous Baptist theologian [[Dale Moody]] wrote: "Belief in a pre-tribulational rapture . . . contradicts all three chapters in the New Testament that mention the tribulation and the rapture together ([[Mark 13]]:24–27; [[Matthew 24]]:26–31; [[2 Thessalonians 2]]:1–12)... The theory is so biblically bankrupt that the usual defence is made using three passages that do not even mention a tribulation ([[John 14:3]]; [[1 Thessalonians 4:17]]; [[1 Corinthians 15:52]]). These are important passages, but they have not had one word to say about a pre-tribulational rapture. The score is 3 to 0, three passages for a post-tribulational rapture and three that say nothing on the subject... Pre-tribulationism is biblically bankrupt and does not know it" (The Word of Truth, 556–7).

=== The Rapture in the media ===

Charlie Daniels sings about the rapture from the pre-tribulation perspective in this music video of his song [["Tribulation" http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=798ff599809dc3729e5a]]

The 1941 religious propaganda film [[The Rapture (1941 film)|The Rapture]] calls to the faithful to make sure that they are ready for the rapture and shows the fate of those left behind.

The 1972 four-part movie series starting with ''A Thief in the Night'', which chronicled events before and after the rapture, in an intentionally frightening way, produced by Russell S. Doughten.

The 1991 film ''[[The Rapture (1991 film)|The Rapture]]'', about one woman's experience of the rapture, starring Mimi Rogers and David Duchovony. The film shows the progression of Mimi Roger's character from hedonistic swinger to devout Christian, and finally to rejection of God even after the Rapture has taken place.

Episode 19 in season 16 of The Simpsons, titled "Thank God, it's Doomsday" features Homer predicting the Rapture. After seeing a movie titled "Left Below" (a parody of "Left Behind"), he becomes paranoid and predicts that the Rapture will occur at 3:15 p.m. on May 18.

The band [[Sonic Youth]], released their 21st album [[Rather Ripped]], which features a song called "Do You Believe in Rapture?"

==Quotes==

==Links==

=== Denominational Rapture Views ===

* [http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_4182_rapture.cfm Assembly of God]
* [http://xrysostom.blogspot.com/2005/08/rapture.html Lutheran]
* [http://www.catholic.com/library/Rapture.asp Roman Catholic]

=== Miscellaneous Links ===

* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapture Wikipedia - Rapture]
* [http://www.lastdaysmystery.info Post Tribulation Rapture View]
* [http://endtimepilgrim.org/index.htm A good Post-Trib resource]
* [http://www.tribulationforces.com Tribulation Forces Study of the End Times and Bible Prophecy]
* [http://www.raptureready.com Rapture Ready] The most visited prophecy site
* [http://www.raptureprophecy.com Rapture Prophecy] Sharing Divine Prophecy On The End Times.
* [http://www.religioustolerance.org/rapture.htm ReligiousTolerance.org] A comprehensive encyclopedic article
* [http://www.blessed-hope.net Blessed Hope]
* [http://www.inspiredproducts.com/rapture/]
* [http://www.end-time-rapture-prophecy.com/]
* [http://www.onlinebaptist.com/ams/Article/Why-I-Believe-In-A-Pre-Tribulation-Rapture/2 Baptists view of the Rapture]
* [http://www.catholicexchange.com/vm/index.asp?vm_id=6&art_id=1705 Catholics and the Rapture]
* [http://www.prewrathrapture.com/ Prewrath Rapture]
* [http://www.raptureletters.com/ Rapture Letters] is a service that aims to send out letters to non-Christians whose loved ones have been taken up in the rapture.
* [http://www.solagroup.org/articles/endtimes/et_0019.html Visual diagrams of rapture viewpoints]
* [http://www.biblicaladvancedbasics.com/Rapture.pdf The Rapture]
* [http://www.bibleprophesy.org/ Bible prophecy study: pre-tribulation rapture]
* [http://www.biblicaluniversalist.com/RaptureAndPremillennialism.html The Rapture and Premillennialism]
* [http://www.jesusfreak.com/rapture.asp Criticism of the pre-millennialist doctrine from a Scriptural and practical standpoint]
* [http://www.babylonfalls.org/ezek4andrapture17jul06.html Ezekiel 4 and the Coming Rapture: An Adaptation of the Work of Arthur E. Bloomfield] by Hermano Cisco of babylonfalls.org.
* [http://truthroom.com/ 40 Day Warning of the Rapture]
* [http://www.ShoutVoiceTrump.com ShoutVoiceTrump.com : Has the Rapture started?]
* [http://www.andrewcorbett.net/articles/rapture.htm[http://www.andrewcorbett.net/articles/rapture.htm]

{{returnto}} [[Eschatology]]

Rapture

2008-02-10T22:22:22Z

Martin Simon: /* The Rapture in the media */

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Rapture |
subtopics = [[1 Thessalonians 4:15]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
}}

The Rapture refers to an event that some [[Christian]]s believe will occur in the end-times - that all Christians will be taken up into the sky to meet [[Jesus]] and be taken to [[heaven]]. The doctrine of the Rapture is relatively recent, becoming popular with certain [[Protestant]] denominations in the nineteenth century.

Although all denominations teach that that those who are "saved" will have eternal life, the term "rapture" is usually applied specifically to the belief that all Christians will be "taken" up into the air to meet Jesus and be taken into heaven at a specific moment. Its introduction and popularization in Christian belief is relatively recent, and the teachings of older Churches do not include any such doctrine.

The timing of "when" the rapture will take place is a key point often discussed and debated between denominations and individuals who accept the belief. One belief ("dispensationalist" or "futurist" interpretations) is that the rapture will take place at an unknown period of time prior to the beginning of the seven year tribulation, and that at that time only non-Christians will be left on the earth. However, according to the dispensationalist view, many will come to know Christ during the time of the tribulation. Others believe that the rapture will be a very audible and visible event which takes place after the events of the tribulation, right at the Second Coming of Christ in which the righteous will be taken up in the clouds to meet Christ upon his return. Other Christians teach that Jesus will return when all on Earth have come to worship Him as their savior.

=== Etymology ===

The word "rapture" comes from the same root as rapt: the Latin verb ''rapere'', or the adjective ''raeptius'', which means "carried away by force, caught up." The 405 AD Vulgate translation used it in [[1 Thessalonians 4:17]], which is the primary biblical reference usually quoted for the Rapture event. The specific form used is ''rapiemur'', "we shall be caught up", translating the original Greek harpagēsometha (ἁρπαγησόμεθα) (passive voice, future tense of harpazō (ἁρπάζω): "snatch away, carry off.")

However, the word "rapture" itself is found nowhere in English Bible translations nor in its original Greek or Hebrew documents.

=== Three Major views on the Timing of the Rapture ===

====Pre-tribulation====

Dispensationalism is referred to as the Pre-Tribulation Rapture, or simply "Pre-Trib". This is the belief that the Rapture will occur at the beginning of the 70th Week of Daniel, the final seven years of this age. Christian believers will be translated into immortal bodies in the Rapture before the great persecutions by the Antichrist as he comes into his Beast role midway through the final seven years. According to this view, the Christian Church that existed prior to that seven year period has no vital role during the seven years of Tribulation. However, one should keep in mind that the Bible affirms that the Church is made up of individual Christians. If the rapture occurs according to pre-trib doctrine, many others will believe in the Jesus Christ of the Bible and will be saved, despite having missed the "rapture" and will now have to go through that tribulation period with everyone else on the Earth. When those people become new Christians, they will be part of "the Church" on earth during this time period. They will witness during the first three and one half years, and they will also witness during the last three and a half years, or 1260 days of the Great Tribulation, which follow. The pre-trib rapture is sometimes presented as minority opinion among Christians, but it has become popular in recent years around the world and through the work of dispensational preachers such as Tim LaHaye and Hal Lindsey.

====Post-tribulation====

The other main view is termed the Post Tribulation Rapture (or "Post-Trib"). This view admits the concept of "rapture" from [[1 Thessalonians]], but does not see an intervening 7-year period between the rapture and the return of Christ. This viewpoint is that Christian believers will be on earth as witnesses to Christ during the entire seven years and right up until the last day of this age. This includes the final three and one half years of the age believed to be the time period of the Antichrist in his malevolent role as the Beast. The post-trib view is supported by [[Matthew 24]]:29–31
: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days...they shall gather together his elect..."

Both views hold that Christian believers will be either removed from, or protected from, the judgement when the wrath of God falls and the wicked are carried off at the end of the age

====Pre-wrath rapture====

The Pre-wrath Rapture view teaches that at the midpoint of the "7 year period" the "abomination of desolation" will begin the Antichrist's Great Tribulation. Then sometime during the Great Tribulation it will be cut short with the Coming of Christ to deliver the righteous (rapture) and then the subsequent Day of the Lord's wrath against the ungodly will follow for the remaining 7 year period.

=== Predictions ===

Some notable predictions include these:

* '''1988''' - Publication of ''88 Reasons why the Rapture is in 1988'', by Edgar C. Whisenant.

* '''1989''' - Publication of ''The final shout: Rapture report 1989'', by Edgar Whisenant. More predictions by this author appeared for 1992, 1995, and other years.

* '''1992''' - Korean group "Mission for the Coming Days " predicted October 28, 1992 as the date for the rapture.

* '''1993''' - Seven years before the year 2000. The Rapture would have to start to allow for seven years of the Tribulation before the Return in 2000. Multiple predictions.

* '''1994''' - Pastor John Hinkle of Christ Church in Los Angeles predicted June 9, 1994.

* '''1997''' - Stan Johnson of the Prophecy Club predicted September 12, 1997. <ref>http://www.seekgod.ca/prophclub.htm#dud</ref>

* '''1998''' - Marilyn Agee, in ''The End of the Age'', predicted May 31, 1998.

* '''2000''' - Many "millennial" predictions.

Predictions continue to appear in fundamentalist literature and speeches.

===Scriptural basis and the Ongoing Debate===

Although there are alternative interpretaions, the Rapture interpretation states that in the near future dead believers in Jesus will be brought back to life and believers who have never died will be changed in the "twinkling of an eye" and both groups will be taken up to heaven.

Supporters for this belief generally cite the following primary sources in the [[New Testament]]:
* [[1 Corinthians 15:52]] - "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."
* [[1 Thessalonians 4:15]] - "For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not preceed them which are asleep. 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: 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. "

Generally, an elaborate set of predictions about the end times is constructed from these verses, together with various interpretations of the [[Book of Revelation]] and the predictions of Christ's return in [[Matthew 24]]:30-36. In general, believers in the rapture consider the present to be the end times, and offer interpretations of the various symbolisms in the book of Revelation in terms of contemporary world events.

==== Criticisms ====

Many Christians who do not agree that there will be a pre-tribulation Rapture of the Church point out that it is a relatively new doctrine, first popularized in the [[1800s]] and elaborated on subsequently. There are whole denominations holding this view. The [[Roman Catholic Church]] and the [[Eastern Orthodox]] do not accept it either, as such a thing as "rapture" was never taught by any of their bishops, from the beginning.

Many do not accept the pre-Tribulation rapture interpretation because they believe that it is not clearly expressed in the Bible, but instead relies on extrapolations and inferences made from unconnected verses. Many further believe that if anything this significant were intended to be a major part of Christian teaching, then surely Christ would have made a plain reference to it in his own sermons as recorded in the Gospel, and not buried such a major prophecy in a few verses of the [[Apostle Paul]].

One common criticism of the pre-Tribulation rapture is based on the assumption that the necessity of believing in Christ would be proven, by the events of the rapture, to anyone left behind. Thus anyone left behind who had knowledge of the rapture theory, but previously did not believe in Christ, would essentially be forced, by the proof of this miracle, to believe.

Most Roman Catholics and many Protestants do not accept the concept of a pre-Tribulation rapture in which some are "taken up into Heaven" before the end of the world, because as mentioned, it is claimed that this idea did not exist in the teachings of any Christians until the 1800s. Instead, most Catholics and many Protestants interpret [[1 Thessalonians 4]]:16-17 literally, and assert that the rapture will immediately follow the general [[resurrection]] on [[Judgment Day]], when the living and the newly-resurrected-dead will rise up to meet Christ as he descends from heaven to judge the world (known as the ''Parousia''). This is analogous to the common custom in which the people would go outside the gates of a kingdom to meet their returning king. Catholics and post-tribulation Protestants consider the rapture to be merely a minor detail in the Biblical description of the [[Second Coming]] of Christ.

Barbara R. Rossing, a [[Lutheran]] minister, challenges the idea of the rapture in her 2004 book ''The Rapture Exposed: The Message of Hope in the Book of Revelation''. In it, she discusses the history of [[dispensationalism]], arguing that the Biblical verses cited in support of the rapture are grossly taken out of context and misinterpreted.

There are also a number of other objections to the rapture theory. Those scriptures offered in support of the rapture do not require a rapture for their fulfillment.

Plus, inasmuch as the rapture theory requires belief that Christ will visit the Earth not once more -- but twice -- it's important to note that the New Testament speaks of [[Second Coming|Christ's return]] in the singular only.

Rhe famous Baptist theologian [[Dale Moody]] wrote: "Belief in a pre-tribulational rapture . . . contradicts all three chapters in the New Testament that mention the tribulation and the rapture together ([[Mark 13]]:24–27; [[Matthew 24]]:26–31; [[2 Thessalonians 2]]:1–12)... The theory is so biblically bankrupt that the usual defence is made using three passages that do not even mention a tribulation ([[John 14:3]]; [[1 Thessalonians 4:17]]; [[1 Corinthians 15:52]]). These are important passages, but they have not had one word to say about a pre-tribulational rapture. The score is 3 to 0, three passages for a post-tribulational rapture and three that say nothing on the subject... Pre-tribulationism is biblically bankrupt and does not know it" (The Word of Truth, 556–7).

=== The Rapture in the media ===

Charlie Daniels sings about the rapture from the pre-tribulation perspective in this music video of his song ["Tribulation" http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=798ff599809dc3729e5a]

The 1941 religious propaganda film [[The Rapture (1941 film)|The Rapture]] calls to the faithful to make sure that they are ready for the rapture and shows the fate of those left behind.

The 1972 four-part movie series starting with ''A Thief in the Night'', which chronicled events before and after the rapture, in an intentionally frightening way, produced by Russell S. Doughten.

The 1991 film ''[[The Rapture (1991 film)|The Rapture]]'', about one woman's experience of the rapture, starring Mimi Rogers and David Duchovony. The film shows the progression of Mimi Roger's character from hedonistic swinger to devout Christian, and finally to rejection of God even after the Rapture has taken place.

Episode 19 in season 16 of The Simpsons, titled "Thank God, it's Doomsday" features Homer predicting the Rapture. After seeing a movie titled "Left Below" (a parody of "Left Behind"), he becomes paranoid and predicts that the Rapture will occur at 3:15 p.m. on May 18.

The band [[Sonic Youth]], released their 21st album [[Rather Ripped]], which features a song called "Do You Believe in Rapture?"

==Quotes==

==Links==

=== Denominational Rapture Views ===

* [http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_4182_rapture.cfm Assembly of God]
* [http://xrysostom.blogspot.com/2005/08/rapture.html Lutheran]
* [http://www.catholic.com/library/Rapture.asp Roman Catholic]

=== Miscellaneous Links ===

* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapture Wikipedia - Rapture]
* [http://www.lastdaysmystery.info Post Tribulation Rapture View]
* [http://endtimepilgrim.org/index.htm A good Post-Trib resource]
* [http://www.tribulationforces.com Tribulation Forces Study of the End Times and Bible Prophecy]
* [http://www.raptureready.com Rapture Ready] The most visited prophecy site
* [http://www.raptureprophecy.com Rapture Prophecy] Sharing Divine Prophecy On The End Times.
* [http://www.religioustolerance.org/rapture.htm ReligiousTolerance.org] A comprehensive encyclopedic article
* [http://www.blessed-hope.net Blessed Hope]
* [http://www.inspiredproducts.com/rapture/]
* [http://www.end-time-rapture-prophecy.com/]
* [http://www.onlinebaptist.com/ams/Article/Why-I-Believe-In-A-Pre-Tribulation-Rapture/2 Baptists view of the Rapture]
* [http://www.catholicexchange.com/vm/index.asp?vm_id=6&art_id=1705 Catholics and the Rapture]
* [http://www.prewrathrapture.com/ Prewrath Rapture]
* [http://www.raptureletters.com/ Rapture Letters] is a service that aims to send out letters to non-Christians whose loved ones have been taken up in the rapture.
* [http://www.solagroup.org/articles/endtimes/et_0019.html Visual diagrams of rapture viewpoints]
* [http://www.biblicaladvancedbasics.com/Rapture.pdf The Rapture]
* [http://www.bibleprophesy.org/ Bible prophecy study: pre-tribulation rapture]
* [http://www.biblicaluniversalist.com/RaptureAndPremillennialism.html The Rapture and Premillennialism]
* [http://www.jesusfreak.com/rapture.asp Criticism of the pre-millennialist doctrine from a Scriptural and practical standpoint]
* [http://www.babylonfalls.org/ezek4andrapture17jul06.html Ezekiel 4 and the Coming Rapture: An Adaptation of the Work of Arthur E. Bloomfield] by Hermano Cisco of babylonfalls.org.
* [http://truthroom.com/ 40 Day Warning of the Rapture]
* [http://www.ShoutVoiceTrump.com ShoutVoiceTrump.com : Has the Rapture started?]
* [http://www.andrewcorbett.net/articles/rapture.htm[http://www.andrewcorbett.net/articles/rapture.htm]

{{returnto}} [[Eschatology]]

Rapture

2008-02-10T22:21:22Z

Martin Simon: /* The Rapture in the media */

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Rapture |
subtopics = [[1 Thessalonians 4:15]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
}}

The Rapture refers to an event that some [[Christian]]s believe will occur in the end-times - that all Christians will be taken up into the sky to meet [[Jesus]] and be taken to [[heaven]]. The doctrine of the Rapture is relatively recent, becoming popular with certain [[Protestant]] denominations in the nineteenth century.

Although all denominations teach that that those who are "saved" will have eternal life, the term "rapture" is usually applied specifically to the belief that all Christians will be "taken" up into the air to meet Jesus and be taken into heaven at a specific moment. Its introduction and popularization in Christian belief is relatively recent, and the teachings of older Churches do not include any such doctrine.

The timing of "when" the rapture will take place is a key point often discussed and debated between denominations and individuals who accept the belief. One belief ("dispensationalist" or "futurist" interpretations) is that the rapture will take place at an unknown period of time prior to the beginning of the seven year tribulation, and that at that time only non-Christians will be left on the earth. However, according to the dispensationalist view, many will come to know Christ during the time of the tribulation. Others believe that the rapture will be a very audible and visible event which takes place after the events of the tribulation, right at the Second Coming of Christ in which the righteous will be taken up in the clouds to meet Christ upon his return. Other Christians teach that Jesus will return when all on Earth have come to worship Him as their savior.

=== Etymology ===

The word "rapture" comes from the same root as rapt: the Latin verb ''rapere'', or the adjective ''raeptius'', which means "carried away by force, caught up." The 405 AD Vulgate translation used it in [[1 Thessalonians 4:17]], which is the primary biblical reference usually quoted for the Rapture event. The specific form used is ''rapiemur'', "we shall be caught up", translating the original Greek harpagēsometha (ἁρπαγησόμεθα) (passive voice, future tense of harpazō (ἁρπάζω): "snatch away, carry off.")

However, the word "rapture" itself is found nowhere in English Bible translations nor in its original Greek or Hebrew documents.

=== Three Major views on the Timing of the Rapture ===

====Pre-tribulation====

Dispensationalism is referred to as the Pre-Tribulation Rapture, or simply "Pre-Trib". This is the belief that the Rapture will occur at the beginning of the 70th Week of Daniel, the final seven years of this age. Christian believers will be translated into immortal bodies in the Rapture before the great persecutions by the Antichrist as he comes into his Beast role midway through the final seven years. According to this view, the Christian Church that existed prior to that seven year period has no vital role during the seven years of Tribulation. However, one should keep in mind that the Bible affirms that the Church is made up of individual Christians. If the rapture occurs according to pre-trib doctrine, many others will believe in the Jesus Christ of the Bible and will be saved, despite having missed the "rapture" and will now have to go through that tribulation period with everyone else on the Earth. When those people become new Christians, they will be part of "the Church" on earth during this time period. They will witness during the first three and one half years, and they will also witness during the last three and a half years, or 1260 days of the Great Tribulation, which follow. The pre-trib rapture is sometimes presented as minority opinion among Christians, but it has become popular in recent years around the world and through the work of dispensational preachers such as Tim LaHaye and Hal Lindsey.

====Post-tribulation====

The other main view is termed the Post Tribulation Rapture (or "Post-Trib"). This view admits the concept of "rapture" from [[1 Thessalonians]], but does not see an intervening 7-year period between the rapture and the return of Christ. This viewpoint is that Christian believers will be on earth as witnesses to Christ during the entire seven years and right up until the last day of this age. This includes the final three and one half years of the age believed to be the time period of the Antichrist in his malevolent role as the Beast. The post-trib view is supported by [[Matthew 24]]:29–31
: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days...they shall gather together his elect..."

Both views hold that Christian believers will be either removed from, or protected from, the judgement when the wrath of God falls and the wicked are carried off at the end of the age

====Pre-wrath rapture====

The Pre-wrath Rapture view teaches that at the midpoint of the "7 year period" the "abomination of desolation" will begin the Antichrist's Great Tribulation. Then sometime during the Great Tribulation it will be cut short with the Coming of Christ to deliver the righteous (rapture) and then the subsequent Day of the Lord's wrath against the ungodly will follow for the remaining 7 year period.

=== Predictions ===

Some notable predictions include these:

* '''1988''' - Publication of ''88 Reasons why the Rapture is in 1988'', by Edgar C. Whisenant.

* '''1989''' - Publication of ''The final shout: Rapture report 1989'', by Edgar Whisenant. More predictions by this author appeared for 1992, 1995, and other years.

* '''1992''' - Korean group "Mission for the Coming Days " predicted October 28, 1992 as the date for the rapture.

* '''1993''' - Seven years before the year 2000. The Rapture would have to start to allow for seven years of the Tribulation before the Return in 2000. Multiple predictions.

* '''1994''' - Pastor John Hinkle of Christ Church in Los Angeles predicted June 9, 1994.

* '''1997''' - Stan Johnson of the Prophecy Club predicted September 12, 1997. <ref>http://www.seekgod.ca/prophclub.htm#dud</ref>

* '''1998''' - Marilyn Agee, in ''The End of the Age'', predicted May 31, 1998.

* '''2000''' - Many "millennial" predictions.

Predictions continue to appear in fundamentalist literature and speeches.

===Scriptural basis and the Ongoing Debate===

Although there are alternative interpretaions, the Rapture interpretation states that in the near future dead believers in Jesus will be brought back to life and believers who have never died will be changed in the "twinkling of an eye" and both groups will be taken up to heaven.

Supporters for this belief generally cite the following primary sources in the [[New Testament]]:
* [[1 Corinthians 15:52]] - "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."
* [[1 Thessalonians 4:15]] - "For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not preceed them which are asleep. 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: 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. "

Generally, an elaborate set of predictions about the end times is constructed from these verses, together with various interpretations of the [[Book of Revelation]] and the predictions of Christ's return in [[Matthew 24]]:30-36. In general, believers in the rapture consider the present to be the end times, and offer interpretations of the various symbolisms in the book of Revelation in terms of contemporary world events.

==== Criticisms ====

Many Christians who do not agree that there will be a pre-tribulation Rapture of the Church point out that it is a relatively new doctrine, first popularized in the [[1800s]] and elaborated on subsequently. There are whole denominations holding this view. The [[Roman Catholic Church]] and the [[Eastern Orthodox]] do not accept it either, as such a thing as "rapture" was never taught by any of their bishops, from the beginning.

Many do not accept the pre-Tribulation rapture interpretation because they believe that it is not clearly expressed in the Bible, but instead relies on extrapolations and inferences made from unconnected verses. Many further believe that if anything this significant were intended to be a major part of Christian teaching, then surely Christ would have made a plain reference to it in his own sermons as recorded in the Gospel, and not buried such a major prophecy in a few verses of the [[Apostle Paul]].

One common criticism of the pre-Tribulation rapture is based on the assumption that the necessity of believing in Christ would be proven, by the events of the rapture, to anyone left behind. Thus anyone left behind who had knowledge of the rapture theory, but previously did not believe in Christ, would essentially be forced, by the proof of this miracle, to believe.

Most Roman Catholics and many Protestants do not accept the concept of a pre-Tribulation rapture in which some are "taken up into Heaven" before the end of the world, because as mentioned, it is claimed that this idea did not exist in the teachings of any Christians until the 1800s. Instead, most Catholics and many Protestants interpret [[1 Thessalonians 4]]:16-17 literally, and assert that the rapture will immediately follow the general [[resurrection]] on [[Judgment Day]], when the living and the newly-resurrected-dead will rise up to meet Christ as he descends from heaven to judge the world (known as the ''Parousia''). This is analogous to the common custom in which the people would go outside the gates of a kingdom to meet their returning king. Catholics and post-tribulation Protestants consider the rapture to be merely a minor detail in the Biblical description of the [[Second Coming]] of Christ.

Barbara R. Rossing, a [[Lutheran]] minister, challenges the idea of the rapture in her 2004 book ''The Rapture Exposed: The Message of Hope in the Book of Revelation''. In it, she discusses the history of [[dispensationalism]], arguing that the Biblical verses cited in support of the rapture are grossly taken out of context and misinterpreted.

There are also a number of other objections to the rapture theory. Those scriptures offered in support of the rapture do not require a rapture for their fulfillment.

Plus, inasmuch as the rapture theory requires belief that Christ will visit the Earth not once more -- but twice -- it's important to note that the New Testament speaks of [[Second Coming|Christ's return]] in the singular only.

Rhe famous Baptist theologian [[Dale Moody]] wrote: "Belief in a pre-tribulational rapture . . . contradicts all three chapters in the New Testament that mention the tribulation and the rapture together ([[Mark 13]]:24–27; [[Matthew 24]]:26–31; [[2 Thessalonians 2]]:1–12)... The theory is so biblically bankrupt that the usual defence is made using three passages that do not even mention a tribulation ([[John 14:3]]; [[1 Thessalonians 4:17]]; [[1 Corinthians 15:52]]). These are important passages, but they have not had one word to say about a pre-tribulational rapture. The score is 3 to 0, three passages for a post-tribulational rapture and three that say nothing on the subject... Pre-tribulationism is biblically bankrupt and does not know it" (The Word of Truth, 556–7).

=== The Rapture in the media ===

Charlie Daniels sings about the rapture from the pre-tribulation perspective in this music video of his song "Tribulation" [http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=798ff599809dc3729e5a]

The 1941 religious propaganda film [[The Rapture (1941 film)|The Rapture]] calls to the faithful to make sure that they are ready for the rapture and shows the fate of those left behind.

The 1972 four-part movie series starting with ''A Thief in the Night'', which chronicled events before and after the rapture, in an intentionally frightening way, produced by Russell S. Doughten.

The 1991 film ''[[The Rapture (1991 film)|The Rapture]]'', about one woman's experience of the rapture, starring Mimi Rogers and David Duchovony. The film shows the progression of Mimi Roger's character from hedonistic swinger to devout Christian, and finally to rejection of God even after the Rapture has taken place.

Episode 19 in season 16 of The Simpsons, titled "Thank God, it's Doomsday" features Homer predicting the Rapture. After seeing a movie titled "Left Below" (a parody of "Left Behind"), he becomes paranoid and predicts that the Rapture will occur at 3:15 p.m. on May 18.

The band [[Sonic Youth]], released their 21st album [[Rather Ripped]], which features a song called "Do You Believe in Rapture?"

==Quotes==

==Links==

=== Denominational Rapture Views ===

* [http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_4182_rapture.cfm Assembly of God]
* [http://xrysostom.blogspot.com/2005/08/rapture.html Lutheran]
* [http://www.catholic.com/library/Rapture.asp Roman Catholic]

=== Miscellaneous Links ===

* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapture Wikipedia - Rapture]
* [http://www.lastdaysmystery.info Post Tribulation Rapture View]
* [http://endtimepilgrim.org/index.htm A good Post-Trib resource]
* [http://www.tribulationforces.com Tribulation Forces Study of the End Times and Bible Prophecy]
* [http://www.raptureready.com Rapture Ready] The most visited prophecy site
* [http://www.raptureprophecy.com Rapture Prophecy] Sharing Divine Prophecy On The End Times.
* [http://www.religioustolerance.org/rapture.htm ReligiousTolerance.org] A comprehensive encyclopedic article
* [http://www.blessed-hope.net Blessed Hope]
* [http://www.inspiredproducts.com/rapture/]
* [http://www.end-time-rapture-prophecy.com/]
* [http://www.onlinebaptist.com/ams/Article/Why-I-Believe-In-A-Pre-Tribulation-Rapture/2 Baptists view of the Rapture]
* [http://www.catholicexchange.com/vm/index.asp?vm_id=6&art_id=1705 Catholics and the Rapture]
* [http://www.prewrathrapture.com/ Prewrath Rapture]
* [http://www.raptureletters.com/ Rapture Letters] is a service that aims to send out letters to non-Christians whose loved ones have been taken up in the rapture.
* [http://www.solagroup.org/articles/endtimes/et_0019.html Visual diagrams of rapture viewpoints]
* [http://www.biblicaladvancedbasics.com/Rapture.pdf The Rapture]
* [http://www.bibleprophesy.org/ Bible prophecy study: pre-tribulation rapture]
* [http://www.biblicaluniversalist.com/RaptureAndPremillennialism.html The Rapture and Premillennialism]
* [http://www.jesusfreak.com/rapture.asp Criticism of the pre-millennialist doctrine from a Scriptural and practical standpoint]
* [http://www.babylonfalls.org/ezek4andrapture17jul06.html Ezekiel 4 and the Coming Rapture: An Adaptation of the Work of Arthur E. Bloomfield] by Hermano Cisco of babylonfalls.org.
* [http://truthroom.com/ 40 Day Warning of the Rapture]
* [http://www.ShoutVoiceTrump.com ShoutVoiceTrump.com : Has the Rapture started?]
* [http://www.andrewcorbett.net/articles/rapture.htm[http://www.andrewcorbett.net/articles/rapture.htm]

{{returnto}} [[Eschatology]]

Rapture

2008-02-10T22:20:34Z

Martin Simon: /* Quotes */

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Rapture |
subtopics = [[1 Thessalonians 4:15]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
}}

The Rapture refers to an event that some [[Christian]]s believe will occur in the end-times - that all Christians will be taken up into the sky to meet [[Jesus]] and be taken to [[heaven]]. The doctrine of the Rapture is relatively recent, becoming popular with certain [[Protestant]] denominations in the nineteenth century.

Although all denominations teach that that those who are "saved" will have eternal life, the term "rapture" is usually applied specifically to the belief that all Christians will be "taken" up into the air to meet Jesus and be taken into heaven at a specific moment. Its introduction and popularization in Christian belief is relatively recent, and the teachings of older Churches do not include any such doctrine.

The timing of "when" the rapture will take place is a key point often discussed and debated between denominations and individuals who accept the belief. One belief ("dispensationalist" or "futurist" interpretations) is that the rapture will take place at an unknown period of time prior to the beginning of the seven year tribulation, and that at that time only non-Christians will be left on the earth. However, according to the dispensationalist view, many will come to know Christ during the time of the tribulation. Others believe that the rapture will be a very audible and visible event which takes place after the events of the tribulation, right at the Second Coming of Christ in which the righteous will be taken up in the clouds to meet Christ upon his return. Other Christians teach that Jesus will return when all on Earth have come to worship Him as their savior.

=== Etymology ===

The word "rapture" comes from the same root as rapt: the Latin verb ''rapere'', or the adjective ''raeptius'', which means "carried away by force, caught up." The 405 AD Vulgate translation used it in [[1 Thessalonians 4:17]], which is the primary biblical reference usually quoted for the Rapture event. The specific form used is ''rapiemur'', "we shall be caught up", translating the original Greek harpagēsometha (ἁρπαγησόμεθα) (passive voice, future tense of harpazō (ἁρπάζω): "snatch away, carry off.")

However, the word "rapture" itself is found nowhere in English Bible translations nor in its original Greek or Hebrew documents.

=== Three Major views on the Timing of the Rapture ===

====Pre-tribulation====

Dispensationalism is referred to as the Pre-Tribulation Rapture, or simply "Pre-Trib". This is the belief that the Rapture will occur at the beginning of the 70th Week of Daniel, the final seven years of this age. Christian believers will be translated into immortal bodies in the Rapture before the great persecutions by the Antichrist as he comes into his Beast role midway through the final seven years. According to this view, the Christian Church that existed prior to that seven year period has no vital role during the seven years of Tribulation. However, one should keep in mind that the Bible affirms that the Church is made up of individual Christians. If the rapture occurs according to pre-trib doctrine, many others will believe in the Jesus Christ of the Bible and will be saved, despite having missed the "rapture" and will now have to go through that tribulation period with everyone else on the Earth. When those people become new Christians, they will be part of "the Church" on earth during this time period. They will witness during the first three and one half years, and they will also witness during the last three and a half years, or 1260 days of the Great Tribulation, which follow. The pre-trib rapture is sometimes presented as minority opinion among Christians, but it has become popular in recent years around the world and through the work of dispensational preachers such as Tim LaHaye and Hal Lindsey.

====Post-tribulation====

The other main view is termed the Post Tribulation Rapture (or "Post-Trib"). This view admits the concept of "rapture" from [[1 Thessalonians]], but does not see an intervening 7-year period between the rapture and the return of Christ. This viewpoint is that Christian believers will be on earth as witnesses to Christ during the entire seven years and right up until the last day of this age. This includes the final three and one half years of the age believed to be the time period of the Antichrist in his malevolent role as the Beast. The post-trib view is supported by [[Matthew 24]]:29–31
: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days...they shall gather together his elect..."

Both views hold that Christian believers will be either removed from, or protected from, the judgement when the wrath of God falls and the wicked are carried off at the end of the age

====Pre-wrath rapture====

The Pre-wrath Rapture view teaches that at the midpoint of the "7 year period" the "abomination of desolation" will begin the Antichrist's Great Tribulation. Then sometime during the Great Tribulation it will be cut short with the Coming of Christ to deliver the righteous (rapture) and then the subsequent Day of the Lord's wrath against the ungodly will follow for the remaining 7 year period.

=== Predictions ===

Some notable predictions include these:

* '''1988''' - Publication of ''88 Reasons why the Rapture is in 1988'', by Edgar C. Whisenant.

* '''1989''' - Publication of ''The final shout: Rapture report 1989'', by Edgar Whisenant. More predictions by this author appeared for 1992, 1995, and other years.

* '''1992''' - Korean group "Mission for the Coming Days " predicted October 28, 1992 as the date for the rapture.

* '''1993''' - Seven years before the year 2000. The Rapture would have to start to allow for seven years of the Tribulation before the Return in 2000. Multiple predictions.

* '''1994''' - Pastor John Hinkle of Christ Church in Los Angeles predicted June 9, 1994.

* '''1997''' - Stan Johnson of the Prophecy Club predicted September 12, 1997. <ref>http://www.seekgod.ca/prophclub.htm#dud</ref>

* '''1998''' - Marilyn Agee, in ''The End of the Age'', predicted May 31, 1998.

* '''2000''' - Many "millennial" predictions.

Predictions continue to appear in fundamentalist literature and speeches.

===Scriptural basis and the Ongoing Debate===

Although there are alternative interpretaions, the Rapture interpretation states that in the near future dead believers in Jesus will be brought back to life and believers who have never died will be changed in the "twinkling of an eye" and both groups will be taken up to heaven.

Supporters for this belief generally cite the following primary sources in the [[New Testament]]:
* [[1 Corinthians 15:52]] - "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."
* [[1 Thessalonians 4:15]] - "For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not preceed them which are asleep. 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: 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. "

Generally, an elaborate set of predictions about the end times is constructed from these verses, together with various interpretations of the [[Book of Revelation]] and the predictions of Christ's return in [[Matthew 24]]:30-36. In general, believers in the rapture consider the present to be the end times, and offer interpretations of the various symbolisms in the book of Revelation in terms of contemporary world events.

==== Criticisms ====

Many Christians who do not agree that there will be a pre-tribulation Rapture of the Church point out that it is a relatively new doctrine, first popularized in the [[1800s]] and elaborated on subsequently. There are whole denominations holding this view. The [[Roman Catholic Church]] and the [[Eastern Orthodox]] do not accept it either, as such a thing as "rapture" was never taught by any of their bishops, from the beginning.

Many do not accept the pre-Tribulation rapture interpretation because they believe that it is not clearly expressed in the Bible, but instead relies on extrapolations and inferences made from unconnected verses. Many further believe that if anything this significant were intended to be a major part of Christian teaching, then surely Christ would have made a plain reference to it in his own sermons as recorded in the Gospel, and not buried such a major prophecy in a few verses of the [[Apostle Paul]].

One common criticism of the pre-Tribulation rapture is based on the assumption that the necessity of believing in Christ would be proven, by the events of the rapture, to anyone left behind. Thus anyone left behind who had knowledge of the rapture theory, but previously did not believe in Christ, would essentially be forced, by the proof of this miracle, to believe.

Most Roman Catholics and many Protestants do not accept the concept of a pre-Tribulation rapture in which some are "taken up into Heaven" before the end of the world, because as mentioned, it is claimed that this idea did not exist in the teachings of any Christians until the 1800s. Instead, most Catholics and many Protestants interpret [[1 Thessalonians 4]]:16-17 literally, and assert that the rapture will immediately follow the general [[resurrection]] on [[Judgment Day]], when the living and the newly-resurrected-dead will rise up to meet Christ as he descends from heaven to judge the world (known as the ''Parousia''). This is analogous to the common custom in which the people would go outside the gates of a kingdom to meet their returning king. Catholics and post-tribulation Protestants consider the rapture to be merely a minor detail in the Biblical description of the [[Second Coming]] of Christ.

Barbara R. Rossing, a [[Lutheran]] minister, challenges the idea of the rapture in her 2004 book ''The Rapture Exposed: The Message of Hope in the Book of Revelation''. In it, she discusses the history of [[dispensationalism]], arguing that the Biblical verses cited in support of the rapture are grossly taken out of context and misinterpreted.

There are also a number of other objections to the rapture theory. Those scriptures offered in support of the rapture do not require a rapture for their fulfillment.

Plus, inasmuch as the rapture theory requires belief that Christ will visit the Earth not once more -- but twice -- it's important to note that the New Testament speaks of [[Second Coming|Christ's return]] in the singular only.

Rhe famous Baptist theologian [[Dale Moody]] wrote: "Belief in a pre-tribulational rapture . . . contradicts all three chapters in the New Testament that mention the tribulation and the rapture together ([[Mark 13]]:24–27; [[Matthew 24]]:26–31; [[2 Thessalonians 2]]:1–12)... The theory is so biblically bankrupt that the usual defence is made using three passages that do not even mention a tribulation ([[John 14:3]]; [[1 Thessalonians 4:17]]; [[1 Corinthians 15:52]]). These are important passages, but they have not had one word to say about a pre-tribulational rapture. The score is 3 to 0, three passages for a post-tribulational rapture and three that say nothing on the subject... Pre-tribulationism is biblically bankrupt and does not know it" (The Word of Truth, 556–7).

=== The Rapture in the media ===

The 1941 religious propaganda film [[The Rapture (1941 film)|The Rapture]] calls to the faithful to make sure that they are ready for the rapture and shows the fate of those left behind.

The 1972 four-part movie series starting with ''A Thief in the Night'', which chronicled events before and after the rapture, in an intentionally frightening way, produced by Russell S. Doughten.

The 1991 film ''[[The Rapture (1991 film)|The Rapture]]'', about one woman's experience of the rapture, starring Mimi Rogers and David Duchovony. The film shows the progression of Mimi Roger's character from hedonistic swinger to devout Christian, and finally to rejection of God even after the Rapture has taken place.

Episode 19 in season 16 of The Simpsons, titled "Thank God, it's Doomsday" features Homer predicting the Rapture. After seeing a movie titled "Left Below" (a parody of "Left Behind"), he becomes paranoid and predicts that the Rapture will occur at 3:15 p.m. on May 18.

The band [[Sonic Youth]], released their 21st album [[Rather Ripped]], which features a song called "Do You Believe in Rapture?"

==Quotes==

==Links==

=== Denominational Rapture Views ===

* [http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_4182_rapture.cfm Assembly of God]
* [http://xrysostom.blogspot.com/2005/08/rapture.html Lutheran]
* [http://www.catholic.com/library/Rapture.asp Roman Catholic]

=== Miscellaneous Links ===

* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapture Wikipedia - Rapture]
* [http://www.lastdaysmystery.info Post Tribulation Rapture View]
* [http://endtimepilgrim.org/index.htm A good Post-Trib resource]
* [http://www.tribulationforces.com Tribulation Forces Study of the End Times and Bible Prophecy]
* [http://www.raptureready.com Rapture Ready] The most visited prophecy site
* [http://www.raptureprophecy.com Rapture Prophecy] Sharing Divine Prophecy On The End Times.
* [http://www.religioustolerance.org/rapture.htm ReligiousTolerance.org] A comprehensive encyclopedic article
* [http://www.blessed-hope.net Blessed Hope]
* [http://www.inspiredproducts.com/rapture/]
* [http://www.end-time-rapture-prophecy.com/]
* [http://www.onlinebaptist.com/ams/Article/Why-I-Believe-In-A-Pre-Tribulation-Rapture/2 Baptists view of the Rapture]
* [http://www.catholicexchange.com/vm/index.asp?vm_id=6&art_id=1705 Catholics and the Rapture]
* [http://www.prewrathrapture.com/ Prewrath Rapture]
* [http://www.raptureletters.com/ Rapture Letters] is a service that aims to send out letters to non-Christians whose loved ones have been taken up in the rapture.
* [http://www.solagroup.org/articles/endtimes/et_0019.html Visual diagrams of rapture viewpoints]
* [http://www.biblicaladvancedbasics.com/Rapture.pdf The Rapture]
* [http://www.bibleprophesy.org/ Bible prophecy study: pre-tribulation rapture]
* [http://www.biblicaluniversalist.com/RaptureAndPremillennialism.html The Rapture and Premillennialism]
* [http://www.jesusfreak.com/rapture.asp Criticism of the pre-millennialist doctrine from a Scriptural and practical standpoint]
* [http://www.babylonfalls.org/ezek4andrapture17jul06.html Ezekiel 4 and the Coming Rapture: An Adaptation of the Work of Arthur E. Bloomfield] by Hermano Cisco of babylonfalls.org.
* [http://truthroom.com/ 40 Day Warning of the Rapture]
* [http://www.ShoutVoiceTrump.com ShoutVoiceTrump.com : Has the Rapture started?]
* [http://www.andrewcorbett.net/articles/rapture.htm[http://www.andrewcorbett.net/articles/rapture.htm]

{{returnto}} [[Eschatology]]

Rapture

2008-02-10T22:19:17Z

Martin Simon: /* Quotes */

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Rapture |
subtopics = [[1 Thessalonians 4:15]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
}}

The Rapture refers to an event that some [[Christian]]s believe will occur in the end-times - that all Christians will be taken up into the sky to meet [[Jesus]] and be taken to [[heaven]]. The doctrine of the Rapture is relatively recent, becoming popular with certain [[Protestant]] denominations in the nineteenth century.

Although all denominations teach that that those who are "saved" will have eternal life, the term "rapture" is usually applied specifically to the belief that all Christians will be "taken" up into the air to meet Jesus and be taken into heaven at a specific moment. Its introduction and popularization in Christian belief is relatively recent, and the teachings of older Churches do not include any such doctrine.

The timing of "when" the rapture will take place is a key point often discussed and debated between denominations and individuals who accept the belief. One belief ("dispensationalist" or "futurist" interpretations) is that the rapture will take place at an unknown period of time prior to the beginning of the seven year tribulation, and that at that time only non-Christians will be left on the earth. However, according to the dispensationalist view, many will come to know Christ during the time of the tribulation. Others believe that the rapture will be a very audible and visible event which takes place after the events of the tribulation, right at the Second Coming of Christ in which the righteous will be taken up in the clouds to meet Christ upon his return. Other Christians teach that Jesus will return when all on Earth have come to worship Him as their savior.

=== Etymology ===

The word "rapture" comes from the same root as rapt: the Latin verb ''rapere'', or the adjective ''raeptius'', which means "carried away by force, caught up." The 405 AD Vulgate translation used it in [[1 Thessalonians 4:17]], which is the primary biblical reference usually quoted for the Rapture event. The specific form used is ''rapiemur'', "we shall be caught up", translating the original Greek harpagēsometha (ἁρπαγησόμεθα) (passive voice, future tense of harpazō (ἁρπάζω): "snatch away, carry off.")

However, the word "rapture" itself is found nowhere in English Bible translations nor in its original Greek or Hebrew documents.

=== Three Major views on the Timing of the Rapture ===

====Pre-tribulation====

Dispensationalism is referred to as the Pre-Tribulation Rapture, or simply "Pre-Trib". This is the belief that the Rapture will occur at the beginning of the 70th Week of Daniel, the final seven years of this age. Christian believers will be translated into immortal bodies in the Rapture before the great persecutions by the Antichrist as he comes into his Beast role midway through the final seven years. According to this view, the Christian Church that existed prior to that seven year period has no vital role during the seven years of Tribulation. However, one should keep in mind that the Bible affirms that the Church is made up of individual Christians. If the rapture occurs according to pre-trib doctrine, many others will believe in the Jesus Christ of the Bible and will be saved, despite having missed the "rapture" and will now have to go through that tribulation period with everyone else on the Earth. When those people become new Christians, they will be part of "the Church" on earth during this time period. They will witness during the first three and one half years, and they will also witness during the last three and a half years, or 1260 days of the Great Tribulation, which follow. The pre-trib rapture is sometimes presented as minority opinion among Christians, but it has become popular in recent years around the world and through the work of dispensational preachers such as Tim LaHaye and Hal Lindsey.

====Post-tribulation====

The other main view is termed the Post Tribulation Rapture (or "Post-Trib"). This view admits the concept of "rapture" from [[1 Thessalonians]], but does not see an intervening 7-year period between the rapture and the return of Christ. This viewpoint is that Christian believers will be on earth as witnesses to Christ during the entire seven years and right up until the last day of this age. This includes the final three and one half years of the age believed to be the time period of the Antichrist in his malevolent role as the Beast. The post-trib view is supported by [[Matthew 24]]:29–31
: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days...they shall gather together his elect..."

Both views hold that Christian believers will be either removed from, or protected from, the judgement when the wrath of God falls and the wicked are carried off at the end of the age

====Pre-wrath rapture====

The Pre-wrath Rapture view teaches that at the midpoint of the "7 year period" the "abomination of desolation" will begin the Antichrist's Great Tribulation. Then sometime during the Great Tribulation it will be cut short with the Coming of Christ to deliver the righteous (rapture) and then the subsequent Day of the Lord's wrath against the ungodly will follow for the remaining 7 year period.

=== Predictions ===

Some notable predictions include these:

* '''1988''' - Publication of ''88 Reasons why the Rapture is in 1988'', by Edgar C. Whisenant.

* '''1989''' - Publication of ''The final shout: Rapture report 1989'', by Edgar Whisenant. More predictions by this author appeared for 1992, 1995, and other years.

* '''1992''' - Korean group "Mission for the Coming Days " predicted October 28, 1992 as the date for the rapture.

* '''1993''' - Seven years before the year 2000. The Rapture would have to start to allow for seven years of the Tribulation before the Return in 2000. Multiple predictions.

* '''1994''' - Pastor John Hinkle of Christ Church in Los Angeles predicted June 9, 1994.

* '''1997''' - Stan Johnson of the Prophecy Club predicted September 12, 1997. <ref>http://www.seekgod.ca/prophclub.htm#dud</ref>

* '''1998''' - Marilyn Agee, in ''The End of the Age'', predicted May 31, 1998.

* '''2000''' - Many "millennial" predictions.

Predictions continue to appear in fundamentalist literature and speeches.

===Scriptural basis and the Ongoing Debate===

Although there are alternative interpretaions, the Rapture interpretation states that in the near future dead believers in Jesus will be brought back to life and believers who have never died will be changed in the "twinkling of an eye" and both groups will be taken up to heaven.

Supporters for this belief generally cite the following primary sources in the [[New Testament]]:
* [[1 Corinthians 15:52]] - "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."
* [[1 Thessalonians 4:15]] - "For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not preceed them which are asleep. 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: 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. "

Generally, an elaborate set of predictions about the end times is constructed from these verses, together with various interpretations of the [[Book of Revelation]] and the predictions of Christ's return in [[Matthew 24]]:30-36. In general, believers in the rapture consider the present to be the end times, and offer interpretations of the various symbolisms in the book of Revelation in terms of contemporary world events.

==== Criticisms ====

Many Christians who do not agree that there will be a pre-tribulation Rapture of the Church point out that it is a relatively new doctrine, first popularized in the [[1800s]] and elaborated on subsequently. There are whole denominations holding this view. The [[Roman Catholic Church]] and the [[Eastern Orthodox]] do not accept it either, as such a thing as "rapture" was never taught by any of their bishops, from the beginning.

Many do not accept the pre-Tribulation rapture interpretation because they believe that it is not clearly expressed in the Bible, but instead relies on extrapolations and inferences made from unconnected verses. Many further believe that if anything this significant were intended to be a major part of Christian teaching, then surely Christ would have made a plain reference to it in his own sermons as recorded in the Gospel, and not buried such a major prophecy in a few verses of the [[Apostle Paul]].

One common criticism of the pre-Tribulation rapture is based on the assumption that the necessity of believing in Christ would be proven, by the events of the rapture, to anyone left behind. Thus anyone left behind who had knowledge of the rapture theory, but previously did not believe in Christ, would essentially be forced, by the proof of this miracle, to believe.

Most Roman Catholics and many Protestants do not accept the concept of a pre-Tribulation rapture in which some are "taken up into Heaven" before the end of the world, because as mentioned, it is claimed that this idea did not exist in the teachings of any Christians until the 1800s. Instead, most Catholics and many Protestants interpret [[1 Thessalonians 4]]:16-17 literally, and assert that the rapture will immediately follow the general [[resurrection]] on [[Judgment Day]], when the living and the newly-resurrected-dead will rise up to meet Christ as he descends from heaven to judge the world (known as the ''Parousia''). This is analogous to the common custom in which the people would go outside the gates of a kingdom to meet their returning king. Catholics and post-tribulation Protestants consider the rapture to be merely a minor detail in the Biblical description of the [[Second Coming]] of Christ.

Barbara R. Rossing, a [[Lutheran]] minister, challenges the idea of the rapture in her 2004 book ''The Rapture Exposed: The Message of Hope in the Book of Revelation''. In it, she discusses the history of [[dispensationalism]], arguing that the Biblical verses cited in support of the rapture are grossly taken out of context and misinterpreted.

There are also a number of other objections to the rapture theory. Those scriptures offered in support of the rapture do not require a rapture for their fulfillment.

Plus, inasmuch as the rapture theory requires belief that Christ will visit the Earth not once more -- but twice -- it's important to note that the New Testament speaks of [[Second Coming|Christ's return]] in the singular only.

Rhe famous Baptist theologian [[Dale Moody]] wrote: "Belief in a pre-tribulational rapture . . . contradicts all three chapters in the New Testament that mention the tribulation and the rapture together ([[Mark 13]]:24–27; [[Matthew 24]]:26–31; [[2 Thessalonians 2]]:1–12)... The theory is so biblically bankrupt that the usual defence is made using three passages that do not even mention a tribulation ([[John 14:3]]; [[1 Thessalonians 4:17]]; [[1 Corinthians 15:52]]). These are important passages, but they have not had one word to say about a pre-tribulational rapture. The score is 3 to 0, three passages for a post-tribulational rapture and three that say nothing on the subject... Pre-tribulationism is biblically bankrupt and does not know it" (The Word of Truth, 556–7).

=== The Rapture in the media ===

The 1941 religious propaganda film [[The Rapture (1941 film)|The Rapture]] calls to the faithful to make sure that they are ready for the rapture and shows the fate of those left behind.

The 1972 four-part movie series starting with ''A Thief in the Night'', which chronicled events before and after the rapture, in an intentionally frightening way, produced by Russell S. Doughten.

The 1991 film ''[[The Rapture (1991 film)|The Rapture]]'', about one woman's experience of the rapture, starring Mimi Rogers and David Duchovony. The film shows the progression of Mimi Roger's character from hedonistic swinger to devout Christian, and finally to rejection of God even after the Rapture has taken place.

Episode 19 in season 16 of The Simpsons, titled "Thank God, it's Doomsday" features Homer predicting the Rapture. After seeing a movie titled "Left Below" (a parody of "Left Behind"), he becomes paranoid and predicts that the Rapture will occur at 3:15 p.m. on May 18.

The band [[Sonic Youth]], released their 21st album [[Rather Ripped]], which features a song called "Do You Believe in Rapture?"

==Quotes==

Charlie Daniels sings about the rapture from the pre-tribulation perspective in this music video of his song "Tribulation" [http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=798ff599809dc3729e5a]

==Links==

=== Denominational Rapture Views ===

* [http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_4182_rapture.cfm Assembly of God]
* [http://xrysostom.blogspot.com/2005/08/rapture.html Lutheran]
* [http://www.catholic.com/library/Rapture.asp Roman Catholic]

=== Miscellaneous Links ===

* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapture Wikipedia - Rapture]
* [http://www.lastdaysmystery.info Post Tribulation Rapture View]
* [http://endtimepilgrim.org/index.htm A good Post-Trib resource]
* [http://www.tribulationforces.com Tribulation Forces Study of the End Times and Bible Prophecy]
* [http://www.raptureready.com Rapture Ready] The most visited prophecy site
* [http://www.raptureprophecy.com Rapture Prophecy] Sharing Divine Prophecy On The End Times.
* [http://www.religioustolerance.org/rapture.htm ReligiousTolerance.org] A comprehensive encyclopedic article
* [http://www.blessed-hope.net Blessed Hope]
* [http://www.inspiredproducts.com/rapture/]
* [http://www.end-time-rapture-prophecy.com/]
* [http://www.onlinebaptist.com/ams/Article/Why-I-Believe-In-A-Pre-Tribulation-Rapture/2 Baptists view of the Rapture]
* [http://www.catholicexchange.com/vm/index.asp?vm_id=6&art_id=1705 Catholics and the Rapture]
* [http://www.prewrathrapture.com/ Prewrath Rapture]
* [http://www.raptureletters.com/ Rapture Letters] is a service that aims to send out letters to non-Christians whose loved ones have been taken up in the rapture.
* [http://www.solagroup.org/articles/endtimes/et_0019.html Visual diagrams of rapture viewpoints]
* [http://www.biblicaladvancedbasics.com/Rapture.pdf The Rapture]
* [http://www.bibleprophesy.org/ Bible prophecy study: pre-tribulation rapture]
* [http://www.biblicaluniversalist.com/RaptureAndPremillennialism.html The Rapture and Premillennialism]
* [http://www.jesusfreak.com/rapture.asp Criticism of the pre-millennialist doctrine from a Scriptural and practical standpoint]
* [http://www.babylonfalls.org/ezek4andrapture17jul06.html Ezekiel 4 and the Coming Rapture: An Adaptation of the Work of Arthur E. Bloomfield] by Hermano Cisco of babylonfalls.org.
* [http://truthroom.com/ 40 Day Warning of the Rapture]
* [http://www.ShoutVoiceTrump.com ShoutVoiceTrump.com : Has the Rapture started?]
* [http://www.andrewcorbett.net/articles/rapture.htm[http://www.andrewcorbett.net/articles/rapture.htm]

{{returnto}} [[Eschatology]]