The Secret Rapture

 

For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. - Matt 24:27

Is the Secret Rapture Biblical?

NO. The word 'rapture' does NOT appear in the Bible.

The second coming of Jesus (or rapture event) is not a secret event but a highly visible, audible, and global event marking the end of earths history.

The common definition of the word 'rapture' is - to be carried away with force or power.

The secret rapture doctrine was manufactured with a political purpose in mind and was marketed very successfully but it is NOT Biblical.

The great Bible scholars of the past (including John Wycliffe, Martin Luther, Jan Hus, John Wesley, Huldrych Zwingli, John Calvin, John Knox) never believed in a secret rapture doctrine as it could not be found in the Bible.

What do modern Christians believe?

There are primarily two conflicting views among Christians regarding ‘how’ Jesus will return.

These can be classified as 'post-tribulation' and 'pre-tribulation':

• Pre-Tribulation (or the secret rapture) is where the church is caught up (raptured) while the lost are left behind alive for seven years of tribulation. At the end of this 7 year period Jesus comes back with the church and he then sets up his millennial kingdom here on earth.
• Post-Tribulation teaches that the rapture takes place at the end of the time of tribulation. The church remains on earth during this tribulation period and when Jesus comes back (his second coming) the righteous will be 'caught up' in the air (raptured) to meet him in the clouds.

As Christians, the Bible should be the foundation and source of truth so lets look at what the Bible states about the second coming of Jesus and if this will be a secret event.

How will Jesus come back?

If you want to know how Jesus is going to come back we must look at how he left. He left in the clouds. He will come in the clouds. He was real and visible. When he comes a second time he will be real and visible.

“… while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And… behold, two men stood by them in white apparel. “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? 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 1:9-11

"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements melt with ferverent heat, and the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." - 2 Peter 3:10

"But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them..." - 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

Will the second coming be visible?

Revelation 1:7 “Behold. He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him.” Matthew 24:30 “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” NOTE – the climax of the Bible is when Jesus comes the second time. Why would it be secret.

Jesus Second Coming He left in the clouds. He will come in the clouds. It was real and visible when He left. It will be a real and visible when He returns.   Literal – He will come in the same way as he left Personal – He was real when he left, he will be real when he returns Visible – Every eye will see him Audible – A shout and roar of thunder and lightning Physical – The earth will shake Vitalizing – Resurrection taking place Glorious – Angels filling the heavens Climactic – The end of history. Those saved are saved. Those lost are lost.

The Seven-Year Tribulation

FACT - There is not one signle scriptural refernece that ties the seven years to the end of the world or the coming of Christ.

Most rapturist literature mentions the seven-year tribulation period without offering any Bible proof or explaination. Millions have assumed that it must be so well documented that no proof is needed. In fact, the opposite is true. There just isn't any evidence to give.

False Christs and False Doctrines

Jesus said “Be warned” “Take Heed” “Be Carefiul” – Matthew 24:5 “For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:24, 26 “Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth…. He is in the secret chambers; believe it not.”

The Second Chance or Left Behind?

FACT - Nowhere in scripture does it speak of a second chance, nor does the Bible anywhere speak of people being saved after Jesus comes.

Those who believe the "Left Behind" scenarios or "Second Chance" opportunities claim that during the tribulation those not raptured will be given another chance to be saved. However the Bible speaks contrary to this belief. Notice these clear texts of Scripture:

“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation." - 2 Corinthians 6:2

“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me." - Revelation 22:11, 12

(Evidently probation closes just prior to the Second Advent.)

“The harvest (day of second coming) is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." - Jeremiah 8:20

There is no extension. When God told Noah to get into the ark He didn't give a second chance to those that stayed outside.

These fanciful scenarios of second chances are dangerous as they are not Biblical and not what Jesus taught. Would you gamble your eternal destiny on an idea or a ‘chance’ or rather go by what the Bible says will happen?