THE RAPTURE
This word is not found in our English translations of the Bible, but is borrowed from the Latin version. It was used to translate part of (1 Thess 4:17), which is often referred to as "the rapture passage". The expression in our Bibles is "caught up", which describes what will happen to the followers of Jesus when He returns to earth at the end of the tribulation period. Several theories have come forth in the church over the years as to the timing of this event. They all center around the period that has come to be known as the "great tribulation", which was first revealed to Daniel through dreams and visions. Matthew records the words of Jesus in (Matt 24:4-41) which is an accurate outline of what will happen during the final 7 years of life as we know it on planet earth. This 7 year period is known as Daniel's seventieth week, which is taken from (Daniel 9:20-27), which is the angel Gabriel's answer to Daniel's prayer recorded in the first of this chapter. When we compare what Paul, Peter, and John had to say about this final period of history, and how it will play out during this 7 year period, we find it lines up exactly with the outline given by Jesus! Especially Paul's 2 letters to the church in Thessalonica, and the book of Revelation, which was given to John by Jesus to share with the churches. Since it is all basically the words of Jesus, why would we expect any differences?
The three most popular theories on the rapture are the Pretrib, the Mid-trib, and the Post-trib which are named because of where they place the timing of this event in relation to the time of the great tribulation. In the late 1980's a fourth teaching came forth called the Prewrath Rapture, which takes the truth from each of the other 3, and adds clarity regarding the timing based solidly on scripture. Although the others had certain truth, it was mixed with man made teachings, such as the idea of a "secret rapture", coupled with the dispensional teaching of C.I.Scofield, which is the basis of the Pre-trib theory. From this has come the idea that Jesus could return at "any moment", even though the scriptures tell us that He will remain in heaven at Father's side "until" certain events happen. (Ps 110:1), (Acts 3:19-21) Robert Van Kampen's book called "The Sign" is what opened my eyes to the truth on this matter. If you are interested in checking this further you will find lots of information at their website <prewrathministries.org>. Why not check it out?
Sincerely submitted.
Dave Jamer 04/05/12
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