The “rapture” predictors are at it again. The latest round of false prophets have chosen today, September 23 (give or take a day), as the date for the return of Christ. But we’ve heard it all before haven’t we? For centuries, many have set dates and, for centuries, they have all failed. Why is that? Are they missing something? Yes.
The so-called “rapture” doctrine comes from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. It’s the idea of being “...caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air…” (v. 17). Note that whatever is being referred to here is tied, in context, to “...the coming of the Lord” (v. 15). Note that Paul expected some of his contemporaries would be “...alive and remain until the coming of the Lord” (v. 15). Note that Paul claims that what he is teaching here is “...by the word of the Lord” (v. 15). So what did Jesus teach about the timing of His coming?
As Jesus sent the apostles out on their mission work, he told them they would “...not finish going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes” (Matthew 10:23). Jesus taught that some of the disciples who were standing and listening to Him would “...not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom” (Matthew 16:28). In an entire chapter devoted to His coming, Jesus said that the generation to whom He was speaking would “...not pass away until all these things take place” (Matthew 24:34). Jesus couldn’t be more clear. He expected to return in that first century generation.
So whatever the “catching away” or “rapture” involved, it had to have taken place in the first century, at least if we are going to take Jesus at His word. The “rapture” is an event in our past -- not our future, despite what any modern-day prophet may try to tell us. Jesus will always be right. They will always be wrong.
God loves you!
Mike
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