Background Information
The rapture is a term used to refer to a Christian belief in the return of Jesus Christ at the end of time. According to this belief, prior to the end times leading up to Christ’s return, the faithful will be taken to safety, while the non-believers will be left behind. This belief is not officially sanctioned by the Church and is one of many eschatological beliefs, meaning it deals with the end of the world. The rapture is derived from the Latin raptus, meaning “to be taken in haste”.
Biblical Basis
The belief in the rapture is based on a specific interpretation of the New Testament, mainly the books of the Apocalypse, Matthew, 1 Thessalonians and Revelations. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, the apostle Paul speaks of a time when Jesus Christ will descend from Heaven with a loud command, summoning His followers to meet Him in the air. Those who have died in Christ will resurrect first, followed by the living believers. We are then told in 1 Corinthians 15:52 that the resurrected body of believers will be changed in the blink of an eye, making them impervious to death. The rapture is not explicitly spoken of in these passages, nor are the specifics of who will be taken and who will be left behind.
Interpretation
Many Christians believe the rapture will occur before the second coming of Christ. In particular, a popular interpretation of the rapture is known as “Pre-Tribulation Rapture”. This interpretation holds that the faithful will be taken away prior to a seven-year period of great suffering and upheaval on earth, known as the Tribulation. During this period, all non-believers, as well as the remaining believers who were not taken in the rapture (known as the Tribulation Saints) will endure the 7-year period before Jesus returns.
Other Christians, known as Post-Tribulationists, hold a different view, believing that the faithful will go through the Tribulation alongside the remaining believers and non-believers. They believe that the rapture will occur at the same time as the second coming, at the end of the Tribulation. This interpretation is based on the understanding that believers and non-believers will be judged at the same time.
Rapture Timing
The timing of the rapture is a matter of debate. Many interpretations of scripture disagree on when the rapture may occur, while others point to specific events or signs that may point to its nearness. Generally, most Christians agree that the rapture will occur before the second coming of Christ, but the exact timing remains unknown.
Other Rapture Beliefs
Although rapture is a commonly accepted Christian belief, there are other beliefs about what will happen at the end of time. The doctrine of Annihilationism, for example, holds that non-believers will not experience the wrath of God, but will be destroyed upon death, their souls ceasing to exist forever. This is in contrast to the common Christian belief in eternal damnation for non-believers.
Rapture Beliefs and the Church
The Church has been cautious to embrace the belief in the rapture, as it is seen as a potentially divisive doctrine within the larger faith. Many view the rapture as an addition to scripture, that is not explicitly taken from the Bible. The Church has, however, allowed the belief of the rapture among members, while stressing the importance of focusing on a life devoted to following Christ, rather than an obsession on the timing of His return.
Rapture and Global Events
In the past, historic events such as wars, natural disasters and pandemics have been seen by some as signs of the rapture. They believe that these events may be signs of the end of time, or warnings from God that the rapture is near. Despite this, the Church continues to stress that we are unable to know when the End Times will arrive, and to focus on living a life of faith and devotion to Christ.
Rapture and Atheists
Many atheists express a great deal of ridicule and condescension towards the belief of the rapture, believing it to be an archaic and superstitious fantasy. They view the belief in the rapture as the Church’s attempt to control people by inducing fear and forcing them to believe in its doctrine. However, some atheists have expressed respect for the faith and devotion that many religious people have for their beliefs, regardless of their views on the rapture.
Rapture Symbolism
The rapture has been used as a symbol in various forms of literature and media. In particular, it has been used to capture the idea of being taken away to a better place in times of crisis. It can also be seen as a metaphor for the sense of hope and faith that many people have in the midst of adversity. The rapture is also used to highlight the difficult choices that people may face in times of difficulty, such as whether to remain in the world or abandon it.
Political Implications
The belief in the rapture has had a major influence on certain political movements. In particular, it has been embraced by certain evangelical groups that embrace the concept of salvation through Jesus Christ and view the end of times as arriving shortly. This has led to a rise in Christian nationalism in certain areas, with religious leaders often championing socially conservative policies.
The Rapture and the Media
The rapture has been both praised and condemned by the media. While some argue that it leads to a sense of unity and hope among the faithful, others believe it fosters an unhealthy obsession with the end of times that can lead to superstitious thinking. Furthermore, some have argued that it is used as a powerful tool to control people by inducing fear of divine wrath.
Conclusion
The rapture is a fundamental belief of Christianity, although its timing and details are a matter of debate. Many view it as a metaphor for the hope and faith that can be found in times of difficulty, while others argue it leads to superstitious thinking. It has had a major influence on certain political movements and has been both praised and criticised by the media. Ultimately, the belief in the rapture will remain a significant part of Christianity, regardless of its controversial details.
