What are the strengths and weaknesses of the posttribulational view of the rapture (posttribulationism)?
When considering any question involving eschatology (the study of end times), it is important to remember that almost all Christians agree on these three things: 1) There is coming a time of great tribulation such as the world has never seen, 2) After the Tribulation, Christ will return to establish His kingdom on earth, 3)…
How can I be sure I won’t be left behind in the rapture?
The series of Left Behind novels and movies has prompted a lot of questions from a lot of people: is the rapture for real? (Answer: yes.) Will the rapture be followed by a time of divine judgment on earth? (Answer: yes.) Will I be left behind in the rapture? (Answer: that depends.) The rapture is…
Could an EMP attack be a part of the end times?
Without delving too deeply into the actual science, an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack would essentially fry electric circuits and knock out electricity in the affected area. Depending on how wide and for how long an area loses electricity, the effects of an EMP attack could be devastating. So much of the world relies upon electricity.…
What is the rapture of the church?
The word rapture does not occur in English translations of the Bible. The term comes from a Latin word meaning “a carrying off, a transport, or a snatching away.” While the word rapture is not in the Bible, the concept of the “carrying off” is clearly taught in Scripture. The rapture of the church is…
Will David reign with Jesus in the Millennial Kingdom?
After the Tribulation and the Battle of Armageddon, Jesus will establish His 1,000-year Kingdom on earth. In Jeremiah 30, God promises Israel that the yoke of foreign oppression would be cast off forever, and “instead, they will serve the Lord their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them” (verse 9).…
Will babies and young children be taken in the Rapture?
The Bible does not specifically say what will happen to babies, infants, and children when the rapture occurs. This causes many Christians to worry that they will be taken in the rapture, and their young children will be left behind to face the terrible tribulation. Is this possible? No, we do not believe it is.…
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the pre-wrath view of the rapture?
There are many opinions regarding eschatology (the doctrine of future things). However, almost all Christians agree on three things: 1) there will be a future time of tribulation, 2) after that time of trouble, Jesus will return to establish His kingdom, and, 3) believers will be translated from their mortal state to an immortal one—in…
Will the Holy Spirit be present during the tribulation?
Sometimes, when people read 2 Thessalonians 2:7, they question whether the Holy Spirit will be present during the tribulation. That verse says, “For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way” (2 Thessalonians…
Does the Old Testament truly predict a second advent of the Messiah?
The Old Testament does prophesy the second coming of Christ, also referred to as the second advent of the Messiah. Some Old Testament prophecies concern the first advent, when Christ was born as a human being. Others concern the second advent, which is the ultimate triumph of this Messiah. It’s important to remember that prophecy…
What is the marriage supper of the Lamb?
In his vision in Revelation 19:7–10, John saw and heard the heavenly multitudes praising God because the wedding feast of the Lamb—literally, the “marriage supper”—was about to begin. The concept of the marriage supper is better understood in light of the wedding customs in the time of Christ. These wedding customs had three major parts.…