QUESTION: Should we believe in the “rapture?”

ANSWER: No! Undoubtedly there are those whose religious focus seems always to be directed toward the end of time. As well, there are many false doctrines about this matter being promoted throughout the religious world today. Primarily they revolve around the unscriptural theory of “Premillenialism.” Some false teachings included in this theory are: the rapture; the great tribulation; two (sometimes three) resurrections; and Christ returning to reign over the earth for a thousand years. None of this is biblical and certainly cannot be helpful! Many of these false prophets have repeatedly tried to predict the time of Christ’s return. All have failed and will continue to do so. Jesus said in Matthew 24:36, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” It is folly to speculate about these matters. However, we do need to be aware of the truth that He will return someday to judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:30-31). Therefore, we are told in Matthew 24:44, “be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” To be “ready” means to be living a faithful Christian now, and at the time of His coming! Our focus then in this life ought to be on our faithful service in His church, the church of Christ! Undue anxiousness about the “end of time” will then leave us and, indeed, we will learn to look forward to that great day with joyous anticipation. Perhaps it would help to list the events that will occur at His second coming:

1. All the dead (good and bad) will be resurrected (John 5:28-29).

2. All (good and bad) will be judged (II Corinthians 5:10).

3. The righteous will go to heaven, the wicked will go to hell (Matthew 25:31- 46).

4. The earth will be destroyed by fire (II Peter 3:10). The faithful Christian will fear none of these things!