A Layman's Challenge to the Rapture Theory

A Layman's Challenge to the Rapture Theory

Author: Peter Bellone

Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

Published: 2022-01-12

Total Pages: 172

ISBN-13: 1638445648

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Christian doctrine teaches that one day in the unforeseen future, Jesus Christ is going to appear in the clouds above the earth; and with a shout, he is going to rapture (catch up) all Christians! Then in a moment, they are going to rise and join Jesus in the air, and then be taken to heaven, where they will forever be with the Lord. This English word rapture is a translation of the Latin word Rapiemur, which also is a substitute for the Greek word harpazo, which means "to be caught up" which is taken from Paul's letter to the Thessalonians, referring to the fact that Jesus is going to 'catch up' all Christians living and dead! It is also possible that the use of the term Rapture in describing this event, was used, because in the English language, Rapture means an intense feeling of pleasure or joy! This Rapture theory was first championed in the early 1800s by a Protestant clergyman by the name of John Darby, who was recovering from an illness. And while studying his Bible, came upon the realization that Jesus was going to first come for his saints, take them to heaven, and then, sometime later, Jesus was going to return to earth, defeat Satan, and then the end of the world was going to come about! It is this theory that has been taught to Christian church goers throughout the ensuing years. And with this rapture, there is a secondary teaching that when Jesus comes for his people, there will be many airplanes, trains, and automobiles that will be driver/pilot-less and will go crashing to the ground, killing untold millions all over the globe. It is with this information in mind that we explore the truth of this Rapture theory and if what John Darby taught is true or not. We will look at all the relevant scriptures pertaining to this theory, which then brings us to look at God's seven annual holy days. Why, because these days reflect the plan of God for the redemption of all mankind and points us toward this day of rapture! Therefore, the object of this book is not to titillate you about Jesus' secret coming as others have done, nor to scare you if you were to be left behind! No, the purpose of this book is to teach you the truth of what really happens when this day finally arrives! In addition, it is important to understand what exactly is salvation, and this rapture theory definitely pertains to your salvation! Therefore, you deserve to know the truth because everything else takes you away from God, and it is the truth that will set you free! --Peter


Revelation

Revelation

Author:

Publisher: Canongate Books

Published: 1999-01-01

Total Pages: 60

ISBN-13: 0857861018

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The final book of the Bible, Revelation prophesies the ultimate judgement of mankind in a series of allegorical visions, grisly images and numerological predictions. According to these, empires will fall, the "Beast" will be destroyed and Christ will rule a new Jerusalem. With an introduction by Will Self.


The Last Days According to Jesus

The Last Days According to Jesus

Author: R. C. Sproul

Publisher: Baker Book House Company

Published: 2000-10

Total Pages: 260

ISBN-13: 9780801063404

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Analyzes what Jesus said about when he would return and the last days would arrive (as in Matthew 24:34). Defends the trustworthiness of Jesus' teachings.


Three Views on the Rapture

Three Views on the Rapture

Author: Craig A. Blaising

Publisher: Zondervan Academic

Published: 2018-06-26

Total Pages: 304

ISBN-13: 0310528828

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The rapture--or the belief that Jesus' living followers will, at some point, join him forever while others do not--is an important but contested doctrine among evangelicals. Scholars generally hold one of three perspectives on the timing and circumstances of the rapture, all of which are presented in this important volume of the Counterpoints series, Three Views on the Rapture: Alan D. Hultberg (PhD, Trinity International University and professor of New Testament at Talbot School of Theology) explains the Pre-Wrath view. Craig Blaising (PhD, Dallas Theological Seminary and president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) defends the Pre-Tribulation view. Douglas Moo (PhD, University of St. Andrews and professor of New Testament at Wheaton College) sets forth the Post-Tribulation view. Each author provides a substantive explanation of his position, which is critiqued by the other two authors. A thorough introduction gives a historical overview of the doctrine of the rapture and its effects on the church. The interactive and fair-minded format of the Counterpoints series allows readers to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each view and draw informed, personal conclusions.


The Pretribulation Rapture Theory and Dispensationalism Revisited

The Pretribulation Rapture Theory and Dispensationalism Revisited

Author: J. Mike Byrd

Publisher: WestBow Press

Published: 2014-08-15

Total Pages: 199

ISBN-13: 149083446X

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The Pretribulation Rapture Theory and Dispensationalism Revisited reviews and critiques a confusing array of popular theories that address the return of Jesus Christ and the churchs rapture. It proposes that a clarifying approach rests in letting Scripture interpret Scripture, which yields a simpler, more natural, and consistent explanation of the pretribulation rapture and dispensationalism. Drawing upon thousands of hours of Bible study, J. Mike Byrd presents an analysis and a related proposal that avoid both unthinking conformity to popular notions and oversimplification for the sake of palatability. The Pretribulation Rapture Theory and Dispensationalism Revisited addresses methods of interpretation, defines dispensationalism and the Dispensational Principle, examines the scriptural testimony surrounding the day of the Lord and the day of Gods wrath, surveys the issues regarding imminence, and discusses the rapture, the resurrection, and Christs second coming. If you wonder what Scripture clearly teaches about the this worlds demise, the end of human existence, and the onset of Gods sure and certain work to establish his reign, then The Pretribulation Rapture Theory and Dispensationalism Revisited should offer you the scripturally grounded review, analysis, and explanation you need to understand the Scriptures teachings on these ultimate issues.


The Partial Rapture "Theory" E X P L A I N E D

The Partial Rapture

Author: Jr. White

Publisher: Xulon Press

Published: 2008-02

Total Pages: 314

ISBN-13: 1604776846

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The Rapture of the Bride of Christ is the next event scheduled inside the plan of God which was spoken into existence complete from beginning to end in a "moment" before time. With its occurrence the Church Age will come to its conclusion and the final chapter of the history of the world will begin with The Great Tribulation. All who have failed to heed the warnings clearly stated by the Word of God that would have pointed each to an escape of this gruesome period of history, will be engulfed by the horrors it will bring. Deceit, betrayal and perversion will be the norm. No one will be safe or can be trusted. Once entered, the only available exit will be through the passageway of physical death which will be so common as to not be a second thought on the mind of a twisted and bloodthirsty world. "Bro. Chip", during his adolescence, became fascinated by the intricate detail emerging and revealing itself from the scripture. He became captivated by the depth of which God's message existed just beneath the surface text within the Word of God written to his mirror image creation, man. Already addicted to the study of God's Word in regards to the Return of Jesus Christ (Rapture/Second Coming) he was enveloped by the merger of these multiple studies into a single work and recognized a pattern which presented itself within the structure of those teachings. Spurred by a love for sharing what was perceived by him as the knowledge of the truth as presented by the writers of God's Word while under direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God, this publication documents those findings. The conclusions presented here are the results of his thirty-three year study and stand in declaration of these truths.


The Apocalypse Code

The Apocalypse Code

Author: Hank Hanegraaff

Publisher: HarperChristian + ORM

Published: 2010-09-20

Total Pages: 331

ISBN-13: 1418567175

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Hank Hanegraaff reveals the code to Revelation. Breaking the code of the book of Revelation has become an international obsession. The result, according to Hank Hanegraaff, has been rampant misreading of Scripture, bad theology, and even bad politics and foreign policy. Hanegraaff argues that the key to understanding the last book of the Bible is the other sixty-five books of the Bible — not current events or recent history and certainly not any complicated charts. The Apocalypse Code offers sane answers to some very controversial questions: What does it mean to take the book of Revelation (and the rest of the Bible) literally? Who are the “Antichrist” and the “Great Whore of Babylon,” and what is the real meaning of “666”? How does our view of the end times change the way we think about the crisis in the Middle East? Are two-thirds of all Jews really headed for an apocalyptic holocaust? The Apocalypse Code is a call to understand what the Bible really says about the end times and why how we understand it matters so much in today’s world. “Provocative and passionate, this fascinating book is a must-read for everyone who’s interested in end-times controversies.” — Lee Strobel, Author, The Case for the Real Jesus “ This book is a withering and unrelenting critique of the positions of apocalyptic enthusiasts — Tim LaHaye. Every fan of the Left Behind series should read this book. The fog will clear, and common sense will return to our reading of the Bible.” — Gary M. Burge, Professor of New Testament, Wheaton College and Graduate School.


Echoing Hope

Echoing Hope

Author: Kurt Willems

Publisher: WaterBrook

Published: 2021-03-16

Total Pages: 256

ISBN-13: 0593193512

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Where is Jesus when we need him most? An influential pastor shares how despair can lead us to discover true hope and a deeper relationship with God, helping us emerge stronger and more joyful from times of crisis. “May this careful look at pain in the context of Jesus’s life open up avenues of discovery and healing.”—Mindy Caliguire, cofounder and president of Soul Care We all experience difficulties and hardships. But how can we learn to live richly in the midst of them? And even grow spiritually because of them? The answer is found in the hopeful humanity of Jesus. As the Son of God, Jesus wasn’t exempt from suffering, disappointment, or injustice. He lived in the real world as a real person. He wept for those he loved. He felt hunger and thirst. He endured temptation, betrayal, and ridicule. He died after being unjustly tortured. And somehow through it all, he embodied hope—by defeating death and opening a new world of life for us. In Echoing Hope, influential pastor and blogger Kurt Willems reveals how understanding the humanity of Jesus can radically transform our identity and empower us to step into our pain-filled world in a new way. Combining rich theological insight with personal stories and practices for response, he shows how we can overcome despair and encounter the beautiful potential of our lives.


The Rapture

The Rapture

Author: Chuck Missler

Publisher: Koinonia House

Published: 2023-01-25

Total Pages: 135

ISBN-13: 1578215951

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Encyclopaedia Britannica

Encyclopaedia Britannica

Author: Hugh Chisholm

Publisher:

Published: 1910

Total Pages: 1090

ISBN-13:

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This eleventh edition was developed during the encyclopaedia's transition from a British to an American publication. Some of its articles were written by the best-known scholars of the time and it is considered to be a landmark encyclopaedia for scholarship and literary style.