As I mentioned in one of my earlier posts, there is disagreement as to the timing of the rapture. Some argue that the Bible doesn’t even mention the rapture at all. So, let’s take a look at that first.
There are actually 3 theories about the rapture that I’ve found, Pre-tribulation, Mid-tribulation, and Post-tribulation. I am going to describe these and if you want to dig in them deeper, you can. Personally, I think the argument is a mute point, as it’s going to happen.
Pre-Tribulation
This theory contends that the dead in Christ will be “caught up” to Jesus as he meets them in the sky, followed by the rest of the church that are still living. Their stand is that this happens before the tribulation begins. They contend the rapture and the second coming are two different things. In the second coming, the earth will go dark and Jesus will come down to the earth just as he left when he ascended.
Mid-Tribulation
This school of thought contends that Christians will endure “a time of great apostasy” and that the Antichrist must be revealed before the church can be gathered up into the air with Jesus. So, Christians will live during some times of trouble, but will be caught up before the Great Tribulation.
Post-Tribulation
The final thought on rapture and when it will occur after the Great Tribulation. The Antichrist and receiving the mark of the beast will happen before the rapture. They believe there is only one resurrection and it comes at the end of the Great Tribulation. There will be no second chances, when Jesus returns, those who have rejected him will be condemned.
You Draw Your Own Conclusion
I can see from what research I’ve done that I need to know more. I’m more confused now than I was when I started to write this. No wonder all theologians, don’t agree! I’ve given you a glimpse of each, but remember, Revelation isn’t the only book in the Bible that refers to the endtimes. You’ll find references to it in Daniel, Isaiah, Psalms, Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts, Romans, 2 Corinthians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, 2 Peter, Revelation.
But, I don’t think that when the rapture occurs matters so much as knowing that an end will come. We are assured of that and that’s what we need to make sure we’re ready for!
ARE YOU READY? IS JESUS YOUR PERSONAL SAVIOR?
I don’t know when it will happen, only that it will happen. And I may not be alive when it happens. I may go to meet my maker tomorrow. He’s coming like a thief in the night and we’d better be ready!
I don’t write this to scare anyone. I write it because I want everyone to be saved. If by writing this blog I can reach one person for the Kingdom of heaven, all of the hours I’ve poured into it will be worth it.
In Faith,
Pam
Where God Leads 