Is the Rapture credible?

[Xeno.of.athens]

The concept of the "rapture" is one that's often discussed in Christian theology, particularly among certain Protestant denominations. It refers to a belief that faithful Christians will be taken up to heaven before a period of tribulation on Earth. This idea is primarily derived from a few key passages in the New Testament, though interpretations vary widely.

One of the main scriptures cited to support the belief in a rapture is 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, which describes how "the dead in Christ will rise first" and how believers "will be caught up together... to meet the Lord in the air." The phrase "caught up" is often translated from the Greek word "harpazo," which means to seize or snatch away, and this is where the term "rapture" originates.

Another passage frequently mentioned is 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, which speaks of a mystery where believers will be changed "in the twinkling of an eye" at the last trumpet. These verses have been interpreted as describing an instantaneous transformation and ascension of believers.

However, it's worth noting that the exact term "rapture" does not appear in the Bible, and the belief in a rapture as it's commonly understood today largely stems from interpretations popularised in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially through dispensationalist theology. Other Christians interpret these passages differently and may view them as metaphorical or as describing events at Christ's second coming.

Whether the rapture has a credible scriptural basis depends on one's theological perspective and how these passages are interpreted. Some believers see it as a clear promise, while others consider it a more modern doctrinal development.

 

[DrGoblin]

The concept of the "rapture" is one that's often discussed in Christian theology, particularly among certain Protestant denominations. It refers to a belief that faithful Christians will be taken up to heaven before a period of tribulation on Earth. This idea is primarily derived from a few key passages in the New Testament, though interpretations vary widely.

One of the main scriptures cited to support the belief in a rapture is 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, which describes how "the dead in Christ will rise first" and how believers "will be caught up together... to meet the Lord in the air." The phrase "caught up" is often translated from the Greek word "harpazo," which means to seize or snatch away, and this is where the term "rapture" originates.

Another passage frequently mentioned is 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, which speaks of a mystery where believers will be changed "in the twinkling of an eye" at the last trumpet. These verses have been interpreted as describing an instantaneous transformation and ascension of believers.

However, it's worth noting that the exact term "rapture" does not appear in the Bible, and the belief in a rapture as it's commonly understood today largely stems from interpretations popularised in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially through dispensationalist theology. Other Christians interpret these passages differently and may view them as metaphorical or as describing events at Christ's second coming.

Whether the rapture has a credible scriptural basis depends on one's theological perspective and how these passages are interpreted. Some believers see it as a clear promise, while others consider it a more modern doctrinal development.

A few things to take into consideration. In 2000+ years this question has not been answered, there are great arguments on both sides. Rapture is in the bible. The Latin Vulgate.

The Greek word from this term “rapture” is derived from what appears in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, translated “caught up.” The Latin translation of this verse used the word rapturo. The Greek word it translates this as harpazo, which means to snatch or take away. Elsewhere it is used to describe how the Spirit caught up Philip near Gaza and brought him to Caesarea (Acts 8:39) and to describe Paul’s experience of being caught up into the third heaven (2 Cor. 12:2-4). Thus there can be no doubt that the word is used in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 to indicate the actual removal of people from earth to heaven.​

I sway 51% that there will be a rapture before the second coming, but I will not die on this hill over it. It is also not considered an essential belief to salvation so I would just decide which makes more sense to you and keep going. It's not a showstopper.

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

In 2000+ years this question has not been answered, there are great arguments on both sides.

But that isn't historically accurate, the rapture is a 19th century innovation in Protestant theology.

 

[Ivan Hlavanda]

But that isn't historically accurate, the rapture is a 19th century innovation in Protestant theology.

This is simply not true. You can easily google it.

I'm a pre-trib rapture believer. I do understand the argumants against the rapture, but the rapture being a 19th centrury innovation is not one of them.

 

[RandyPNW]

The concept of the "rapture" is one that's often discussed in Christian theology, particularly among certain Protestant denominations. It refers to a belief that faithful Christians will be taken up to heaven before a period of tribulation on Earth. This idea is primarily derived from a few key passages in the New Testament, though interpretations vary widely.

One of the main scriptures cited to support the belief in a rapture is 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, which describes how "the dead in Christ will rise first" and how believers "will be caught up together... to meet the Lord in the air." The phrase "caught up" is often translated from the Greek word "harpazo," which means to seize or snatch away, and this is where the term "rapture" originates.

Another passage frequently mentioned is 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, which speaks of a mystery where believers will be changed "in the twinkling of an eye" at the last trumpet. These verses have been interpreted as describing an instantaneous transformation and ascension of believers.

However, it's worth noting that the exact term "rapture" does not appear in the Bible, and the belief in a rapture as it's commonly understood today largely stems from interpretations popularised in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially through dispensationalist theology. Other Christians interpret these passages differently and may view them as metaphorical or as describing events at Christ's second coming.

Whether the rapture has a credible scriptural basis depends on one's theological perspective and how these passages are interpreted. Some believers see it as a clear promise, while others consider it a more modern doctrinal development.

No, Pretrib Doctrine was made up by John Darby. Some elements of his Eschatology are worthy considering, such as his Premillennialism. But a Church Rapture before the rise of Antichrist is unbiblical, particularly in view of the explicit statement of Paul in 2 Thes 2.

In a nutshell, he says that the Rapture of the Church, or its "assembly" at Christ's Coming, cannot take place until Antichrist is revealed. Then Christ will come (for his Church) at the time he comes to destroy the "Man of Sin."

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

This is simply not true. You can easily google it.

I'm a pre-trib rapture believer. I do understand the argumants against the rapture, but the rapture being a 19th centrury innovation is not one of them.

The rapture doctrine, as understood in modern Christian eschatology, is a relatively recent theological concept. It emerged prominently in the 1830s, largely attributed to the teachings of John Nelson Darby, a British evangelist and theologian. Darby developed the idea as part of dispensational premillennialism, which interprets biblical prophecies as events yet to occur [Rapture - Wikipedia] [Chapter 17: The Rapture Theory - Its Surprising Origin].

The term "rapture" itself is derived from the Latin word raptura, meaning "to seize" or "to carry off," and is linked to the Greek word harpazo found in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, which describes believers being "caught up" to meet Christ in the air. Darby's interpretation distinguished the rapture from the second coming of Christ, proposing that the rapture would precede a seven-year tribulation period, followed by Christ's return and the establishment of a millennial kingdom[Rapture - Wikipedia].

While the rapture doctrine gained traction among certain evangelical groups, particularly in the United States, it is not universally accepted across Christian denominations. Many interpret the aerial gathering described in 1 Thessalonians 4 as symbolic of the elect joining Christ in heaven after his second coming, without the extended tribulation period [The Rapture | Belief, Definition, & Predictions | Britannica].

 

[RandyPNW]

The rapture doctrine, as understood in modern Christian eschatology, is a relatively recent theological concept. It emerged prominently in the 1830s, largely attributed to the teachings of John Nelson Darby, a British evangelist and theologian. Darby developed the idea as part of dispensational premillennialism, which interprets biblical prophecies as events yet to occur [Rapture - Wikipedia] [Chapter 17: The Rapture Theory - Its Surprising Origin].

The term "rapture" itself is derived from the Latin word raptura, meaning "to seize" or "to carry off," and is linked to the Greek word harpazo found in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, which describes believers being "caught up" to meet Christ in the air. Darby's interpretation distinguished the rapture from the second coming of Christ, proposing that the rapture would precede a seven-year tribulation period, followed by Christ's return and the establishment of a millennial kingdom[Rapture - Wikipedia].

While the rapture doctrine gained traction among certain evangelical groups, particularly in the United States, it is not universally accepted across Christian denominations. Many interpret the aerial gathering described in 1 Thessalonians 4 as symbolic of the elect joining Christ in heaven after his second coming, without the extended tribulation period [The Rapture | Belief, Definition, & Predictions | Britannica].

Yes, the few instances in history where there was somewhat of a divergence in the "postribulational" perspective might more accurately be depicted as the current argument between Pre-Wrath and Post-Trib adherents.

Some saw the Wrath of God to be revealed at the 2nd Coming as something that must happen *after* the Church is caught up to heaven and glorified. Others simply viewed the "Wrath of God," to be poured out at the end of the age, to be massive human death taking place at Armageddon leading many to Eternal Death. In that case, believers may also die in that world war, but it will not lead them to Eternal Death, and thus not indicate they are suffering "God's Wrath."

But there is not much to be said for any Pre-Tribulation Rapture movements in history before John N. Darby. For one thing, the idea of the "Great Tribulation" being a 7 year Reign of Antichrist isn't even established.

In my view, the Early Church viewed the "Great Tribulation" primarily as a punishment upon the Jewish People, as Jesus indicated in Luke 21. Only a very few Church Fathers viewed Daniel's "70th Week" as a future 7 year period at the end of the age, including Irenaeus and Hippolytus.

 

[Clare73]

The concept of the "rapture" is one that's often discussed in Christian theology, particularly among certain Protestant denominations. It refers to a belief that faithful Christians will be taken up to heaven before a period of tribulation on Earth.

Not according to NT authoritative apostolic teaching (1 Th 4:16-17) of Christ (Lk 10:16).

Christians will be taken up in the "rapture" (catching up) at the resurrection at the second coming of Christ at the end of time.

 

[Clare73]

But that isn't historically accurate, the rapture is a 19th century innovation in Protestant theology.

The Protestant invention is the time and nature of its occurrence, not the event itself stated in 1 Th 4:16-17, which occurs at the second coming and resurrection at the end of time. . .second coming --> resurrection --> catching up to meet the Lord in the air (--> descent to earth with Christ to assist in judging the world, 1 Co 6:2).

 

[Maria Billingsley]

Premillennialism is a man made doctrine. A Millennium on earth is a man made doctrine. A rapture is merely Paul easing the minds of first century Christians on the subject of those who have died before them. Are they saved? He tells them they would rise first and those who are alive will join them in the air to meet Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Very poetic! But not meant to be a doctrine by any means.
Blessings

 

[Clare73]

Premillennialism is a man made doctrine. A Millennium on earth is a man made doctrine.

Agreed. . .

A rapture is merely Paul easing the minds of first century Christians on the subject of those who have died before them. Are they saved? He tells them they would rise first and those who are alive will join them in the air to meet Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Very poetic!
But not meant to he a doctrine by any means.
Blessings

WHOA, there!

The apostolic teaching (1 Th 4:16-17) of Christ (Lk 10:16) regarding the catching up of the saints to meet the Lord in the air at his second coming is NOT a man-made doctrine.

WOW! . . .just WOW!

Wherever you are, "Come out from amongst them!"

This is not the Maria Billingsley of the past.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

Agreed. . .

WHOA, there!

The apostolic teaching (1 Th 4:16-17) of Christ (Lk 10:16) is not a man-made doctrine.

WOW!

Premillennialism is a man made doctrine. A rapture on the last day in a " twinkel of an eye" is the biblically sound doctrine.

 

[RandyPNW]

Not according to NT authoritative apostolic teaching (1 Th 4:16-17) of Christ (Lk 10:16).

Christians will be taken up in the "rapture" (catching up) at the resurrection at the second coming of Christ at the end of time.

True, just as Christ ascended into the clouds so Christians will be "seized" up into the clouds to join him in his descent. The context in 1 Thes 4 clearly involves Jesus "descent from heaven." We join him just as he is doing so, in a moment of time.

It is a "rapture" event, but it is less described as an event than as a fact. Christians, in order to be glorified, have to 1st join Christ in his glorified state in the clouds.

The fact is, we are "seized" and taken immediately up to Christ. The event is not called a "rapture" as much as our being assembled to Christ. The emphasis is less on our being "seized" than on the fact we are being assembled to Christ.

We are not going to heaven to stay in heaven. Rather, we are going to heaven to be instantly glorified so that we may partake in Christ's descent from heaven. What happens after that is anybody's guess....

 

[RandyPNW]

Premillennialism is a man made doctrine. A rapture on the last day in a " twinkel of an eye" is the biblically sound doctrine.

Chiliasm was in evidence from immediately after the Apostle John in history. It may very well, then, have come from John, and as such, would not be "man-made."

 

[Clare73]

Premillennialism is a man made doctrine.

Agreed. . .

A rapture on the last day in a " twinkel of an eye" is the biblically sound doctrine.

Whew!. . .so glad to hear that.

Sorry for the confusion.

 

[The Liturgist]

However, it's worth noting that the exact term "rapture" does not appear in the Bible, and the belief in a rapture as it's commonly understood today largely stems from interpretations popularised in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially through dispensationalist theology.

Indeed, you are quite correct. The concept as understood by most originated in the Plymouth Brethren, a Restorationist church, with one of their theologians, John Nelson Darby.

It does not exist in recognizable form in the Patristic corpus.

Whether the rapture has a credible scriptural basis depends on one's theological perspective and how these passages are interpreted. Some believers see it as a clear promise, while others consider it a more modern doctrinal development.

I would argue that since many doctrinal errors have scripture that can be used to prooftext them, what really matters is how the rapture doctrines compare with Patristic eschatology. We know that the early church positively rejected Chiliasm at the Second Ecumenical Synod in Constantinople, which is why the Nicene Creed contains in reference to Christ our True God, “that his Kingdom Shall Have no End.”

Nonetheless many pre-Millenarians agree with the Creed without realizing that it interpreted by those who compiled it, it actually has the effect of precluding their eschatological position.

 

[The Liturgist]

Chiliasm was in evidence from immediately after the Apostle John in history. It may very well, then, have come from John, and as such, would not be "man-made."

Not really - while St. Irenaeus of Lyons was a disciple of other disciples of St. John, he and the only other major church Father who taught Chiliasm, St. Justin Martyr, were both in the Western church, a predominantly Latin speaking region, which, unlike the Eastern churches in Asia Minor directly associated with St. John the Divine, were under the Roman patriarchate. One would be more inclined therefore to regard the doctrine as a passing idea in the Roman patriarch.

It was an acceptable theologoumemnon until the fourth century, just as Quartodecimianism (which actually does have a geographical correlation with St. John the Apostle) was for a time accepted, until concerns about the change in the Jewish calendar (which led to controversy which may well have been the origin of the antecedents of the Karaite-Rabinnical schism along with residual Sadducees and Hellenic Jews who resented the ascendancy of the Rabbis after the destruction of the Temple and the completion of the inscription of the “Oral Torah” into the Mishnah) and how that would impact the calculations as to when the Pascha actually was. Therefore, the Paschalion already in use by a majority of churches became mandatory.

In the same way, it was realized that there were too many contradictions with the idea of Chiliasm, particularly given that a thousand years is a common Semitic way of expressing an eternity (or any large number being used to represent the infinite - for example, we are not limited to forgiving our brother 490 times but rather should do so as many times as we are sinned against, clearly).

 

[SavedByGrace3]

The "first" resurrection is going to happen at the "last" trump, on the "last" day, "after" the (great) tribulation of that day, after the great falling away, after the manifestation of the antichrist.

John 6:40 KJV
40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

1 Corinthians 15:52 KJV
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1 Thessalonians 4:16 KJV
16 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:

Revelation 20:5 KJV
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 KJV
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

Matthew 24:29-31 KJV
29 Immediately after the (great vs 21) tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

 

[JulieB67]

No, it is not credible.

 

[Clare73]

The "first" resurrection is going to happen at the "last" trump, on the "last" day, "after" the (great) tribulation of that day, after the great falling away, after the manifestation of the antichrist.

The "first resurrection" (Rev 20:5) is a prophetic riddle (Rev 1:3) not spoken clearly (Nu 12:6-8), and subject to more than one interpretation (as in it being resurrection from eternal death into eternal life in the new birth, Jn 3:3-8),
the only rule being no personal interpretation in disagreement with apostolic teaching (1 Th 4:16-17) of Christ (Lk 10:16--of only one resurrection--is correct, and with which this interpretation disagrees.

John 6:40 KJV
40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
1 Corinthians 15:52 KJV
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1 Thessalonians 4:16 KJV
16 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:

Revelation 20:5 KJV
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

This is prophetic riddle (Rev 1:3) not spoken clearly (Nu 12:6-8), the interpretation of which is in disagreement with NT apostolic teaching (e.g.;1 Th 4:16-17) of Christ (Lk 10:16) , which teaching presents only one resurrection at the end of time, making this interpretation of prophetic riddle incorrect.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 KJV
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

Matthew 24:29-31 KJV
29 Immediately after the (great vs 21) tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.