REVELATION - The Rapture

Last in this preview of a study in Revelation is the topic of the Rapture, a word never actually mentioned in Scripture. The word “rapture” comes from the Latin word rapturo, which is a translation of the Greek verb "caught up" that’s found in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. Another term used is that of “parousia”, the second coming, referring to Christ’s return.

The purpose here is to describe the differing views as to when the Rapture occurs, in relation to the Tribulation.

Pre-tribulation: This view holds to the rapture happening before the Tribulation. Christ will come and take His church, followed by that 7-year period.

Mid-tribulation: In this view, the church would endure half of the Tribulation period before the Rapture. This view is somewhat similar to the pre-tribulation view. Some writers see the first 3.5 years of the Tribulation as a time of peace, until anti-Christ breaks his treaty, ushering in the next 3.5 years, often referred to as the Great Tribulation.

Post-tribulation: In this view, the church endures the entire Tribulation, and then Christ meets them via the Rapture.

I personally hold to the pre-tribulation position. So, therefore, my overall end times (eschatological) view is that of pre-tribulation regarding the Rapture, and pre-millennial regarding the physical return of Christ. You might often hear this referred to by the shortened “Pre-trib, pre-mil” phrase. And it is through this framework I will read through and comment on Revelation.

When we look at all of Scripture, OT prophecies, NT teachings, and Christ’s direct teachings on the end times, this view is the most consistent and in line with Dispensational interpretation. Prophecies from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Zechariah and others, along with Christ in Matthew, the Thessalonian books, and others fit so well with Revelation, and when we consider the entire counsel of God, Scripture is amazingly accurate and consistent.

God has progressively revealed Himself to mankind. A great “map”, spelling out a summary of each period called a dispensation, can be found at the link at the end of this post. We find ourselves at present in the dispensation of Grace, the church age, while we await Christ’s return, and the final dispensation of the millennial kingdom, to be followed by eternity future.

SO WHAT…?

So, thank you for enduring the academic side of this long introduction to the book of Revelation. I did not mean to be so “teachy”; I obviously do not have all the answers to all the questions. I look forward to reading and learning anew.

So, since we are in the church age, and each dispensation has a command, an expectation from God, I have to do my part. In the church age, the command is to accept Christ, personally. And the Bible states in Romans 10:14, “How will they hear if they don’t have a preacher?” Indeed, I/we have a job to do, and that is to warn people of God’s imminent judgment, and to explain the salvation offered through Christ.

So, I pray that God will open my heart to more learning from His Word. There is no other lasting sustenance or satisfaction than that which comes from hearing from Him.

http://www.armageddonbooks.com/biblemap.html