Todd Clippard

Topic(s): Denominationalism, Eternity & Judgment

Many religious groups and people believe in what is called "the rapture."  By the rapture, it is generally meant that all faithful Christians will be secretly carried away into heaven prior to a period of intense world persecution and domination by the "anti-Christ."   After a 7-year period referred to as the "tribulation," Jesus will be revealed from heaven with the raptured saints and make war against the anti-Christ.  They will overcome him and set up an earthly kingdom in Jerusalem where Jesus will reign over the earth for 1000 years, after which the final Judgment will take place.

These ideas are central to the false doctrine of premillennialism.  For a more detailed explanation of basic premillennial doctrine and a biblical refutation, please see my sermon, "In Case of Rapture, The Bible Will Be Wrong."  This sermon outline can be seen online at http://burlesonchurchofchrist.com/incaseofrapture.htm.

The word "rapture" cannot be found within the pages of the Holy Scriptures.  Not only does the word nowhere appear, neither does the concept of a rapture.  Some cite 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 as proof of the rapture, "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed" KJV.

However, one can see that the verse itself refutes the notion of a rapture.  Note how this changing in the twinkling of an eye takes place "at the last trump," not 1007 years before the last trump as is taught by premillennial doctrine.

John 5:28-29 says all men, both good and evil, will be raised from the dead at the same hour.

Because premillennial doctrine, including the rapture, in inconsistent with and contradictory to Scripture, I do not believe it and neither should you.  I strongly recommend the afore-mentioned sermon outline for your personal study.