Why Belief in the Rapture is Misguided!

[Pax]

In April of 2001 I converted to Catholicism. This is my response to the end times fever called "The Rapture."

I'm afraid that statement invalidated whatever else you wrote. While I can respect anybody's right to practice the religion or cult of their choice, you need to spend less time studying debatable matters like the rapture (which I believe will occur) and more time studying the heresies of the Romanist Church.

I will most certainly be praying that the Lord will open you eyes to this evil.

Hi Marnie,

I think it is sad that you have already labeled me because I am Catholic. I have spent much time studying Catholicism and would of never converted if I didn't have 100% faith in what the Catholic Church teaches. The unfortunant thing that I see with people who judge me souly on the fact that I'm Catholic, is that they don't have a clue what the Catholic Church truely teaches. They have read a chick tract, or talked to disgruntled x-Catholic who left the Church because they didn't agree with what the Church teaches, or they have heard a minister stand in front of them and spew lies about the Church etc.

As far as the Rapture goes, it has absolutely no foundation of truth. Any person can pull a few verses out of the Bible and teach a new sensational theory. This is exactly what the Rapture theory is.

[Guest LDStudent]

Jesus prayed that we be protected; not that we be removed from this Earth. John 17:15, I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. There is no "Left Behind" rapture. But, I have to say, it is a fantastic marketting scheme.

[Marnie]

In April of 2001 I converted to Catholicism. This is my response to the end times fever called "The Rapture."

I'm afraid that statement invalidated whatever else you wrote. While I can respect anybody's right to practice the religion or cult of their choice, you need to spend less time studying debatable matters like the rapture (which I believe will occur) and more time studying the heresies of the Romanist Church.

I will most certainly be praying that the Lord will open you eyes to this evil.

Hi Marnie,

I think it is sad that you have already labeled me because I am Catholic. I have spent much time studying Catholicism and would of never converted if I didn't have 100% faith in what the Catholic Church teaches. The unfortunant thing that I see with people who judge me souly on the fact that I'm Catholic, is that they don't have a clue what the Catholic Church truely teaches. They have read a chick tract, or talked to disgruntled x-Catholic who left the Church because they didn't agree with what the Church teaches, or they have heard a minister stand in front of them and spew lies about the Church etc.

As far as the Rapture goes, it has absolutely no foundation of truth. Any person can pull a few verses out of the Bible and teach a new sensational theory. This is exactly what the Rapture theory is.

Not sure who this Chick is (is it a chick or a Chick?) and I don't know any priests or even Roman Catholics. What I know of the RC church I have learned from studying church history and denominationalism in seminary. I sure don't claim to be an expert but given what you believe about Mary, the Pope, Communion, the Mass, etc. I'd say in light of plain Biblical teachings, RC doctrine is way off base. Even the Jesus the RC church talks about bears little resemblance to the the Jesus of the Bible. Just an observation from a young believer. In any case, if you are a Christian I'll meet you in the air despite yourself.

[jeffnevins]

I'm up to book 12 on Left Behind.

Thanks for all the insight. Guess there's a few books out there on this topic.

Wish it was less confusing for everyone.

Bottom line is I'm sick of the world and can't wait for the end.

Jeff, I would encourage you to try and do your part to change the world into a better place. Not hope that God will "Rapture" you away. Does that sound very Christian to be "Raptured" away, instead of being here to help non-believers. Not at all.

I'm not sold on being raptured away. I'm just waiting to die or see Christ on earth after the Trib.

In the meantime, I've done some stuff w/church, on my own, and worked with some Christians to make animation on the web for kids (click on the robot): http://holywoodmedia.com/

[Pax]

I'm up to book 12 on Left Behind.

Thanks for all the insight. Guess there's a few books out there on this topic.

Wish it was less confusing for everyone.

Bottom line is I'm sick of the world and can't wait for the end.

Jeff, I would encourage you to try and do your part to change the world into a better place. Not hope that God will "Rapture" you away. Does that sound very Christian to be "Raptured" away, instead of being here to help non-believers. Not at all.

I'm not sold on being raptured away. I'm just waiting to die or see Christ on earth after the Trib.

In the meantime, I've done some stuff w/church, on my own, and worked with some Christians to make animation on the web for kids (click on the robot): http://holywoodmedia.com/

Good job Jeff. You are making this world a better place. Continue to grow in your faith!

[Pax]

In April of 2001 I converted to Catholicism. This is my response to the end times fever called "The Rapture."

I'm afraid that statement invalidated whatever else you wrote. While I can respect anybody's right to practice the religion or cult of their choice, you need to spend less time studying debatable matters like the rapture (which I believe will occur) and more time studying the heresies of the Romanist Church.

I will most certainly be praying that the Lord will open you eyes to this evil.

Hi Marnie,

I think it is sad that you have already labeled me because I am Catholic. I have spent much time studying Catholicism and would of never converted if I didn't have 100% faith in what the Catholic Church teaches. The unfortunant thing that I see with people who judge me souly on the fact that I'm Catholic, is that they don't have a clue what the Catholic Church truely teaches. They have read a chick tract, or talked to disgruntled x-Catholic who left the Church because they didn't agree with what the Church teaches, or they have heard a minister stand in front of them and spew lies about the Church etc.

As far as the Rapture goes, it has absolutely no foundation of truth. Any person can pull a few verses out of the Bible and teach a new sensational theory. This is exactly what the Rapture theory is.

Not sure who this Chick is (is it a chick or a Chick?) and I don't know any priests or even Roman Catholics. What I know of the RC church I have learned from studying church history and denominationalism in seminary. I sure don't claim to be an expert but given what you believe about Mary, the Pope, Communion, the Mass, etc. I'd say in light of plain Biblical teachings, RC doctrine is way off base. Even the Jesus the RC church talks about bears little resemblance to the the Jesus of the Bible. Just an observation from a young believer. In any case, if you are a Christian I'll meet you in the air despite yourself.

So let me get this right. You don't know any priest, or even any Roman Catholics, only what you learned at a Protestant (I am assuming) seminary. So you base your complete judgement of individual Catholics on that? At least now Marnie you can say you have met a Roman Catholic. I was born and raised Baptist, but converted to Catholicism 5 years ago after much study. I still have respect for my Protestant friends and family, but don't agree with their theology. Why do you think I am on this website? I am one of two Catholics on this site, but consider many on here friends. Although there are differences between Protestants and Catholics, we do have many things in common. I can tell you that the Catholic Church will never support homosexuality, abortion, same sex marriage, or contraception. Many of these views are also held in by evangelicals and other protestants. I can also tell you that Catholics believe in the Trinity, believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross to save us from our sins. See you around.

[Guest Museed]

When I think of rapture, I see myself as one of those 3 sheppards (Faith, Obedience, Sacrifice), that Nebuchanezzar (A type of Antichrist), had thrown into the furnace of fire for not worshipping The Image of Gold (The Image of The Beast = Mammon = Wealth), in the Land of Babylon (The End Time Nation that worships everthing but The Real God). The Son of Man (Jesus), came down into The Fire (Tribulation), and walked among them, and with them, and they were not harmed (He protects us from deception, even in the face of death, and in the midst of living fire (His Refinement). But the ones that snared the 3 Sheppards by making laws against them, and the ones who threw them in (Modern Persecution, Martydom, Deception), were instantly burned before reaching the bottom of The Fire (The Word of God, The Lake of Fire, The Refiners Fire, The Moment of Truth). Now if you notice some figures in this Story, which happened for real, it is not only a useful parable, but a witness of God's power that even in the midst of overwhelming fire, and false witnesses, we are redeemed, and his power is so awsome that nothing can grasp us from his tender hands. As a Side note, look at the measurements of The Golden Nebuchanezzar had made, take a look at 1Kings 10:14, in both of these the essence is gold or money, which brings me to believe that part of the antichrist syatem is already here, the worship of money, or wealth. Sorry for going off topic in the last few lines, I just had to throw that in. If my logic seems confusing, sorry, but I'm not big in explaining, but I di try my best.

Now you noticed that I didn't say anything about the belief in a rapture, it is very simple, I belief we will be spared temptation, and deception, but not The Refiners Fire, a chance to prove to the World that we are for God no matter what!. The line in the sand will be drawn for all to see, and the wicked will be the spectacle in The Lord's Day. If there's any rapture at all it will be a post-trib. Of course this is my position on it. I came to this position after reading scripture for myself, after being too lazy for not wanting to read them on my own.

Look at the following verses;

John 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

Now this and the sheppards story proved to me at least, that i will have to show my stripes, before i get promoted. Faith is a test in itself, we don't need works, but faith shows the stripes, whether burnable or not. God Bless!

[RGR]

If there's any rapture at all it will be a post-trib. Of course this is my position on it.

Position respected, Brother! However, I would ask you a question, something I've asked of a few other post-trib folks and never got a clear cut answer. I'm going to cite a Scripture and then ask the question:

Mt 24:36 But no one knows of that day and hour, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

Mt 24:37 As the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Mt 24:38 For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark,

Mt 24:39 and they didn`t know until the flood came, and took them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Mt 24:40 Then will two men be in the field: one is taken, and one is left;

Mt 24:41 two women grinding at the mill, one is taken, and one is left.

Mt 24:42 Watch therefore, for you don`t know in what hour your Lord comes.

If you believe in a post-trib rapture, you believe that those who remain that the Antichrist didn't kill will be raptured. How can this line up w/ Scripture? All one has to do is count down 7 years from the time the Antichrist takes over and you know almost down to the day that Christ will return!

What would be the point of a post-trib rapture anyway? You go to Heaven and then come right back to earth!

Mt 24:43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.

[Guest Museed]

If there's any rapture at all it will be a post-trib. Of course this is my position on it.

Position respected, Brother! However, I would ask you a question, something I've asked of a few other post-trib folks and never got a clear cut answer. I'm going to cite a Scripture and then ask the question:

Mt 24:36 But no one knows of that day and hour, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

Mt 24:37 As the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Mt 24:38 For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark,

Mt 24:39 and they didn`t know until the flood came, and took them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Mt 24:40 Then will two men be in the field: one is taken, and one is left;

Mt 24:41 two women grinding at the mill, one is taken, and one is left.

Mt 24:42 Watch therefore, for you don`t know in what hour your Lord comes.

If you believe in a post-trib rapture, you believe that those who remain that the Antichrist didn't kill will be raptured. How can this line up w/ Scripture? All one has to do is count down 7 years from the time the Antichrist takes over and you know almost down to the day that Christ will return!

What would be the point of a post-trib rapture anyway? You go to Heaven and then come right back to earth!

Mt 24:43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.

Now as you noticed Bro! I did say that is my position. But to answer your question with respect, and regards. I will tell you that in both the case of Noah, and Lot, they were protected here on earth, they were not taken to heaven. Lot was taken out of the city, Noah went inside the ark, in both cases punishment came down, and the faithful were saved the grieve. In the case of the 3 sheppards, they were right smack inside a burning furnace, and they were spared even the scent of smoke, which clearly tells me that no matter what the Lord will save me, even in the midst of the storm. About the day or the hour, i don't know, because i don't set dates, or read God's mind, I try to go from what the Bible says. The Bible says that The first resurrection is after The Tribulation,

"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection - Revelation 20:4-5

Now you notice that this verse says this is the First Resurrection, how can there be another resurrection 7 years before, when this is the first? That is adding to scripture.

And Paul said that the dead in christ are raised first,

(15) For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

Now you notice here that the dead in christ will be raised first. Where in the bible does it says that the living will go before the dead. That is adding to Scripture.

Noe you will notice in the verse below that 2 things must happen before the event,

2Th 2:1-12 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, (2) That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. (3) Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

And paul warned us about being deceived. That the antichrist must be revealed, and that there must be a falling away, before that day.

Now this is Jesus preaching not me, just check out when the resurrection takes place,

Joh 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

Joh 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Joh 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Joh 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

Joh 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

Now that pretty well sums it up at least for me. Anything else will be adding to scripture.

As to your Question, What would be the point of a post-trib rapture anyway? You go to Heaven and then come right back to earth!

I will post scripture, that God uses the simple things of the world to confuse the wise.

1Corinthians 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

Job 2:10 But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

The fact is my dear brother, I get asked this question, when preaching to unbelievers too. They ask that the sacrifice of Jesus, the creation, the atonement, the rapture, and almost everything in the bible, they find foolish. Of course i don't force my beliefs into nobody's throat, this are my findings. When i was young i used to go to a Catholic Church, I used to see the priest vowing down to statues they had in their chapel, and praying. I asked the priest why he was doing that, when the Bible clearly states that as a sin, in the ten commandments. He replied that that is not what the scriptures mean. That was enough for me to stop going. My Mother, and Oldest brother were Jehovah witnesses, when my mother died of leukemia, I was still young, I started crying at her coffin, my brother rebuked me in front of everybody, that i'm not allowed to mourn for my mother. I replied that I do not follow his religion, or his philosophy, and where in the bible does it say that i cannot mourn for my mother? I was not surprised to a no answer response. In short words, i take everyword in the Bilble as it comes, and do not try to apply my philosophy to it, but try to use it for my growth in my faith in Christ. If the Bible says last day, first resurrection, the servant is not greater than his master, and in the world you will have tribulation, and jesus prayed for us not to be taken out of the world, but be kept from evil, I just take the Bible at it's word.

John 17:15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

In Christ and Love, God bless!

[abbershay]

There is a rapture and by the looks of it is going to be happening very soon. Many dont understand scripture and whole concept of the purpose of Israel and the church .

This is very sad since they seek to scoff at the poeple who faith and hope in their Lord and savior.

Their option gives them little hope and much confusion and fear. Dont believe them . Yeshua has made a place for you and he wants you to see his glory, He will come and he will take his own from the hour of tribualtion that will come upon the whole earth.

He has a plan and purpose for you and it greater than you can ever imagine. A huge part of the rapture is the tranfiguration , this is what brings the chruch to unity and singleness of the mind of christ.

I could agrue the rapture with many who dotn believe it but that would be futiile because no matter how much proof i give them it will never be enough for them for you do have to listen to spirit and have to at least try to understand the whole concept of the chruch and the purpose for it.

The church was not here during the first 69 weeks of daniel and it will not be here for the 70th week.