The Not So Secret Rapture

The Center for Reformed Theology and Apologetics ^ | W. Fred Rice

[topcat54]

Evangelical book catalogs promote books such as Planet Earth: The Final Chapter, The Great Escape, and the Left Behind series. Bumper stickers warn us that the vehicle’s occupants may disappear at any moment. It is clear that there is a preoccupation with the idea of a secret rapture. Perhaps this has become more pronounced recently due to the expectation of a new millennium and the fears regarding potential Y2K problems. Perhaps psychologically people are especially receptive to the idea of an imminent, secret rapture at the present time. Additionally, many Christians are not aware that any other position relative to the second coming of Jesus Christ exists. Even in Reformed circles there are numerous people reading these books. Many of these people are unaware that this viewpoint conflicts with Scripture and Reformed Theology.

[topcat54]

What, then, does the Bible teach? At the time of Christ’s ascension, the disciples were told that "this same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11). His ascension was visible and physical; his second coming will be visible and physical as well. Dispensationalists seek to explain this by saying that the second coming is divided into two parts, the coming of Christ for his saints (the secret rapture), and the coming of Christ with his saints (the revelation), and that it is only at his revelation that he will appear visibly. But this in reality postulates a second and a third coming.[1]

Additionally, there is simply no hint of a secret rapture in Scripture. The coming of Christ is consistently described as a visible and noisy event, which is also accompanied by the resurrection of the dead. I Thessalonians 4:16 contains one of the most vivid descriptions of the second coming. We are told that "the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first." The same connection of the sound of the trumpet with the resurrection is also made in I Cor. 15:51-52.

[topcat54]

Reformed Eschatology Ping List (REPL)
Biblically Optimistic and Gospel-Based

"For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled." (Luke 21:22)

[mbynack]

I suspect that this is how Congress plans to resolve the problem with budget deficits. Keep running them up and count on the end of civilization to erase them.

[VRWCTexan]

You can all do what you wish and argue till the cows come home - personally I'm going up in the first load - probably real soon too!

[DManA]

I seriously doubt that God’s plan for our lives include having us arguing about this.

[evets]

I there any difference between the Lord's 'coming' and His 'appearing'?
(That seems to be a controverial topic.)
I'm ready for His return, at an hour that you do not expect!

[B-Chan]

We Catholics agree: the “rapture” doctrine is entirely novel and has no place in the teachings of Christ as passed down to us through the Apostles.

When our Lord returns, it will be no secret, and He won’t be leaving us again.

[RobRoy]

>>I seriously doubt that God’s plan for our lives include having us arguing about this.<<

I think of it as an “iron sharpening iron” thing. As long as it is reasonable discussion to get to a better understanding, it is all good. In fact, the bible talks about people who check the scriptures in a very positive way.

When it becomes an argument in the negative way, that is a problem.

[theFIRMbss]

>I seriously doubt that God’s plan for our lives include having us arguing about this

You're probably right,
but He always surprises
us. You never know.

(It is always good
to give witness, but not good
to argue and whine.

Here in the forum
sometimes it can be tricky
to sort out those two.

Just to give witness,
I'm a pre-trib believer.
But I won't argue.)

[RobRoy]

I discovered this site a year or so ago. It has some very reasonable discussions on this and many other related subjects. http://watchmanbiblestudy.com/BibleStudies/Definitions/Def_Pretrib.htm

[topcat54]

Looking at the words coming (gr, parousia) and appearing (gr, epiphaneia) in context, the Bible indicates they are the same event, that is Christ’s return at the end when all men are resurrected and judgment occurs (2 Tim. 4:1; Titus. 2:13). It will be unannounced (Matt. 24:39) and unmistakable (Matt. 24:27).

[DYngbld]

Mark 13:32 "But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.

Acts 1:7 He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority

I don't know or pretend to know when the Lord will return. I pray it is with in my lifetime. There are as many scenarios about Christ's return as there are sects or the Christian faith. Who knows how it will play out? Only God the Father knows.
I stay ready just in case it happens tonight, or while driving home, or when ever.

I don't mind arguing politics, but I don't like to argue religion with in the Christian faith. I would be willing to bet not two people here agree 100%.
Eph 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

[topcat54]

probably real soon too!

Rapturists have been making that claim for a looong time. It makes you wonder whether they have a good sense of time.

[Duffboy]

Does “ The Rapture” include Co-Colas?
At a fast food I went to the men’s room and when I returned my Cola had disappeared.

[topcat54]

I stay ready just in case it happens tonight, or while driving home, or when ever.

Whether you get killed in a car accident tonight on the way home or Christ's returns in judgment, the net effect for you is the same. So be ready at all time.

[DManA]

And there you stood, left behind and thirsty.

[P8riot]

All of you who believe in a “secret rapture” will have to go through Atlanta first.

[theFIRMbss]

I hope that this guy isn't taken up before the Pack gives him hell...

[Duffboy]

Have a scotch on the rocks while waiting.
Jesus preferred wine from an cedar cask, or so we are told.

[P8riot]

LOL! He’ll just come back. You know he can’t stay away.