Themes of the End Times (Theories of the Rapture)

A. What is the Rapture?

Two key passages: 1 Thes. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:51-53

B. Dispensational Premillennial Theories of the Rapture

Pre-tribulational Rapture

Arguments for a Pre-tribulational Rapture: 1) ultimately, a distinction between Israel and the Church, and a corresponding necessity for God to finish his church dealings before he begins his Israel dealings; the “Church Age” is a parenthesis between the sixty-ninth [after which Messiah was cut off] and seventieth weeks of Daniel; the seventieth week is the Jewish tribulation. 2) An interpretation of 2 Thes. 2:6-7, which suggests that the “restrainer” is the Holy Spirit active in the lives of believers.

Arguments against a Pre-tribulational Rapture: 1) ultimately, the clear correlation between true Israel and the Church (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Ephesians 2 and 3, etc.); 2) 2 Thes. 2:1-4.

Mid-tribulational and Pre-Wrath Rapture

Arguments for a Mid-tribulational or Pre-Wrath Rapture: 1) ultimately, based upon same Israel/Church distinction; 2) 1 Thes. 5:9; 3) Rev. 3:10.

Arguments against a Mid-tribulational or Pre-Wrath Rapture: 1) ultimately, the clear correlation between true Israel and the Church; 2) Rev. 1:9; 6:9-11; 3) Context of Rev. 3:10

Arguments against all forms of a Dispensational “secret rapture”: 1) ultimately, the clear correlation between true Israel and the Church; 2) the contemporaneity between the resurrection of the saints; the glorification of the body; the eternal destruction of the wicked; the eternal state of blessedness for the righteous [1 Thes. 4:13-18 – the rapture will occur with the resurrection of the dead; 1 Cor. 15:51-53 – the rapture will be simultaneous with glorification; 2 Thes. 1:6-10 – the rest given from tribulation will be simultaneous with the eternal destruction of the wicked; John 5:28-29 – the resurrection of the good and wicked will be concurrent]; 3) the rapture will not be “secret,” but something very visible and glorious, which every eye will see [2 Pet. 3:10; 1 Thes. 5:3; Rev. 1:7].

Practical effects of Dispensational rapture theory: 1) desire to be “ready” by life of holiness [commendable]; 2) preoccupation with Middle East/Jewish current events [distracting]; 3) misplaced hopes for a “second chance” when choosing to live an unholy life [damaging to faith and the gospel].

C. Historic Premillennial Theory of the Rapture [Post-tribulational, Premillennial]

Arguments for a Post-tribulational, Premillenial Rapture: 1) takes “rapture” passages basically at face value, without forcing conclusions based on a distinction between Israel and the Church; essentially, sees rapture the same as Post [or A-] millennialists see it, the only difference is that the millennium is seen as occurring after the rapture; 2) straightforward, chronological reading of Rev. 19-20.

Argument against a Post-tribulational, Premillenial Rapture: 1) If the rapture means glorified bodies, how can there be a later millennium in which children are born and die, and after which there is a rebellion?

D. Amillennial Theory of the Rapture [Post-tribulational, Amillennial]

Arguments for a Post-tribulational Rapture [Amillennial]: 1) takes “rapture” passages basically at face value, without forcing conclusions based on a distinction between Israel and the Church; 2) is better equipped to account for the apparent simultaneity of rapture, glorification, destruction of wicked, etc.

Arguments against a Post-tribulational Rapture [Amillennial]: 1) arguments in support of historic premillennialism; chronological reading of Rev. 19-20.

E. Postmillennial Theory of the Rapture [Post-tribulational, Postmillennial]

Essentially the same as Amillennial understanding, differs on imminency of the return of Christ

F. Lessons to be Learned from the Biblical Teaching on the Rapture

Ultimately, the teaching of Christ’s glorious return to take us up from our trying circumstances, raise our dead beloved, give us glorified bodies, destroy our enemies, and provide us with eternal rest in his presence, is not given so that we might construct an elaborate end-times scheme! It is given so that we might have comfort in all our trials when we think of the blessed hope of the Lord’s return, and so that we might stir ourselves up to vigilance and holiness as we reflect on the terrible glory of his sudden coming again.

The great reward for the faithful when Christ returns [2 Thes. 1:7, 10; 2 Tim. 4:8; Rev. 22:12 (Isa. 40:10)]

Comfort for those who have believing loved ones who have died [1 Thes. 4:13]

The great destruction of the faithless when Christ returns [1 Thes. 5:3; 2 Thes. 1:8-9; 2 Pet. 3:7; Rev. 1:7]

The need for vigilance and faithfulness in light of the uncertain timing of Christ’s return [Mat. 24:42-51; 1 Thes. 5:4-9; Tit. 2:12-13; 2 Pet. 3:11]

Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. – 1 John 3:2-3

G. Study Questions

1.Which view of the rapture best characterizes what you believe or have been taught? Is this view the most consistent with the teaching of the scriptures? Have you come to your conclusion based upon the clearest reading of the bible, or because of some teacher, popular book, or some other factor?

2.What practical effects has your view of the rapture had on your daily life? Are those effects the same effects that the bible emphasizes? When you think of the return of the Lord, do you find yourself motivated to purify your heart, able to hope in the blessedness of his return in spite of the difficulties that surround you, eager to reach the lost around you who are in such grave jeopardy with every passing moment? How can you labor to see more of these fruits in your life?

3.Do you find the emphasis of the New Testament passages which speak of the rapture consistent with the main emphasis of the book of Revelation? Do you find the same applications drawn? What is the purpose of the biblical teaching on Christ’s second coming and its results for those who hope in him and those who reject him?

One Response to “Themes of the End Times (Theories of the Rapture)”

  1. Austin says:
    September 20, 2009 at 4:14 pm

    You left out something big in the “Arguments against all forms of a Dispensational “secret rapture”" and for the “Historic Premillennial Theory of the Rapture [Post-tribulational, Premillennial]” and that is the fulfillment of the prophetic feasts which being the Feast of trumpets matches the announcement of a new king and the onslaught of pending wrath, both significant in a Post-tribulational, Premillennial arrival and rapture.

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