The Rapture

20 Studies in Bible Prophecy. Study 19 - The Great White Throne. Revelation 20, having described cosmic blessing, cosmic rebellion and cosmic destruction, follows on with cosmic judgment (vs. 11-15). This will be the Final Session, the last Great Assize. Dr. Myrddin Lewis observes in GOD'S ULTIMATE, "In this amazing twentieth chapter of the book of Revelation, we see the doom and end of this earth, the doom and end of Satan, and finally the doom and end of all wicked dead. It is the most frightening scene in the Bible, and no one can read it without a feeling of great awe and horror."

I have received many questions on the whole subject of children and the rapture of the church. I must confess that in some ways it is one of the most difficult subjects to deal with, both because of the sensitivity of it, and because of the lack of direct scriptural evidence. The fact of the rapture is clear and unmistakable. Scripture in 1 Thessalonians 4 vv 16-17 and in 1 Corinthians 15 vv 51-52 plainly and positively declares such an event. The fact that Christian believers are the subjects of the rapture is also undeniable. But beyond these basic truths we move into areas of some speculation since scripture becomes silent at this point

The question highlights an objection often raised by unbelievers and theologians alike. The idea that at one given moment in history literally millions of souls disappear from the face of the earth in a fleeting moment of time is, for some, too hard to conceive. Our analysis of the subject must begin as always with scripture. Let us see what the word of God says. Two passages of scripture are especially poignant and unmistakably clear. Paul, the apostle, writing to the Thessalonian church says:

This particular chapter of Paul's second epistle to the Thessalonians has been the subject of much controversy among those who delve into prophetic truths. More than most it is a that requires skilful rightly dividing of the word of truth, for failure to do so can lead to much confusion and error. The difficulties of the passage are compounded further by the fact that various translations differ in the rendering of verse two. As Mrs E.Potter, our questioner, rightly points out, the A.V. and NKJV translate it 'Day of Christ' whereas most other versions translate 'Day of the Lord'. This is because the A.V. is based on the Textus Receptus (Received Text) of Erasmus and Beza whereas most other translations use the Nestle Greek translation.