I assure you that this post is for everyone: Whether you believe in the rapture, or not. Whether you believe we’re currently living in the end times, or not. This post is for everyone.
Feel free to grab coffee in between sections, because clearly I had time today!
- Intro: Context, about me
- The Tribulation
- The Rapture
- Don’t Take the Mark
- More Context, about me
- Dangers of Rapture Talk
- Importance of Rapture Talk
- Point to Jesus
- A Balanced Life
i. Context, about me:
First, some context about myself: Though I’d always considered myself a Christian… the truth is that last year, I finally learned the Gospel and was saved. In 2024, God led me out from under manipulative preaching and into the hands of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Shortly after being saved, I learned a bit of eschatology. Christian Eschatology is the study of end times, as laid forth in the Book of Revelation (as well as throughout Scripture).
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Let me just stop here. I know that people hesitate to talk about Revelation for a few reasons. One of those reasons is that these events sound so unbelievably outlandish to most of us.
But, if you’re a true Believer, you subscribe to a faith which says that at one point, God covered the whole entire world with water, sparing only Noah and his immediate family. If this is the faith that you say you believe in, it should not be weird to talk about the forthcoming events of Revelation; whether they are set to happen in our lifetime, or not. It shouldn’t be something that we’re scared to sound crazy talking about because it ultimately is a major part of our faith. Believers may differ in the interpretation of its timeline, but the Book is in our Bible for a reason.
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As I was saying: I learned about the events in Revelation last year. I had it explained to me, I had two very personal experiences, I watched a movie on it, I researched the different viewpoints, and then finally, I read it straight through for myself. My goal is to keep this digestible!
ii. The Tribulation:
During the end times, there will be a seven year tribulation. The tribulation period includes the rise of the anti-christ and the implementation of the mark of the beast. This mark will be pushed on the entire world and, if you accept it, you’ll be able to continue life as normal for some time. But, if you don’t, there will come a point where you won’t be able to buy or sell or do anything.
The Bible both tells us about the mark of the beast and forbids us from taking it. That mark will eventually be used to worship satan, and taking it means that you are rejecting Christ.
It will be really hard for Christians during the Tribulation because, so long as you worship Jesus, you’ll be persecuted and you may have to become a martyr for your faith (just as many of the apostles did in the New Testament). Being a martyr means that – if given the choice between denying Jesus or being put to death – you’ll choose death. You’d literally die for Jesus’ name. Those Christians who survive the Tribulation, or are martyred for their faith, will be known as the Tribulation Saints.
Tribulation is also when all of the other events listed in Revelation will unfold. Essentially, God’s righteous judgment will be poured out over the world. Think Noah’s Ark, but instead of a flood it’s fire, plagues, destruction. Revelation continues on to discuss the Millennial reign, judgments and the Final Kingdom.
Our Bible… these Scriptures… it all ends on such a beautiful note. But in this post, I’m going to solely focus on the conversation surrounding rapture theology.
iii. The Rapture:
When it comes to the rapture, there are various schools of thought. Though you won’t find the word “rapture” in the Bible, it derives from the Greek word “harpazo” which means to seize or snatch away. The Latin word is “rapturo” which, similarly, means “caught up.” That is the word that is used in Thessalonians. The rapture is an event where Jesus calls all Believers home to be with Him. Those still living on earth, will get raptured up – literally ascending – into the sky. (This type of ascension appears in Scripture at other points. Think, Elijah being taken up in a whirlwind.)
Some people believe in a pre-tribulation rapture, which means that Jesus will return and take all Believers to Heaven before the Tribulation; saving us from having to live through those horrifying events, entirely. The dead in Christ would rise first. Then those who are alive in Christ would rise. Believers would ultimately be spared God’s wrath. (This type of sparing appears in Scripture at other points. Think, Noah’s Ark or Lot being saved from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.)
Others believe in a mid-tribulation rapture. They propose that Believers would have to experience some of the hardship, but that we’d ultimately be raptured midway through.
Some believe in no rapture and think that Believers will have to live through the entirety of the Tribulation. They believe that the Bible charges us to persevere and endure to the very end.
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Reminder: I got saved before knowing any of this. But I was eventually taught the pre-tribulation rapture perspective and it blew my mind. I then looked into the other viewpoints and each view has an adequate amount of Scripture to defend their position. Still, I fully, fully believe in a pre-tribulation rapture.
iv. Don’t Take the Mark:
So if we’re going to subscribe to a pre-tribulation rapture… and if we’re totally spared from the events of the Tribulation… then what’s the point of discussing the mark of the beast?
Well. There are going to be plenty of people who don’t get raptured. Some of these will be unbelievers who may, at some point, grow to accept the truth of Jesus. Also left behind will be plenty of people who thought they were truly Christian. Maybe they are stuck in a church where they’ve been learning false gospel – just like I was. Maybe they have no idea who Jesus really is. Maybe they haven’t thought much about His identity. Maybe they’re confused as to whether or not He’s truly God. Maybe they don’t even really know who God is. There are going to be plenty of people who think they’re Christian, but they are not truly saved. They would be left behind to endure the events of the tribulation. And so, the message to them would be: Do not take the mark of the beast, and do not deny Jesus. You can still be saved and spend eternity with Him, if you make it through this time.
v. More Context, about me:
This will tie in well. I promise.
I think it’s important to say that, beginning in 2008, I became a conspiracy theorist. By “conspiracy theorist,” I just mean that I spent a lot of time researching factual things that were not making it to mainstream news. (I drew the line at anything supernatural.)
So, for instance, I would read White House press releases or pay attention to the World Health Organization and World Economic Forum. I learned about the New World Order and its many agendas. I learned about the plans for a digital system which would grant unprecedented control to an eventual global government. (You don’t have to be Christian or a hardcore conspiracy theorist to suppose that those plans might eventually lead to the creation of the mark of the beast.)
When you research things that are considered “conspiracy theory,” you start to see how an evil agenda is playing out right before us.
And so, guess what? Christians are not the only ones talking about end times. So are conspiracy theorists. So are scientists. Whether right or wrong, at this very moment, all of these groups are talking about something.
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Most conspiracy theorists have been in preparation mode for a while now, making sure they have what they need to sustain themselves in the event of war or disaster. Preparation is never bad. Your home should always be well-stocked for an emergency.
But, learning about the rapture last year gave me a different viewpoint. When you’re a conspiracy theorist, you hope that certain nefarious plans fail to pass. When you’re a Christian who (even, somewhat) understands the end time events of Revelation, you know that it was already written.
Conspiracy Theory can be very doomsday-ish. But a pre-tribulation rapture asserts that: Even if all of this were to happen in our lifetime, we won’t be here for the thick of it. And that’s an amazing hope for a Believer to have.
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God has used my interest in conspiracy theory to reveal and convict me of a lot. Before I was saved, He allowed me to remain alert thanks, in part, to all the information I learned through research.
But, shortly before being saved, God started shedding my ego. And, after learning the Gospel, I learned that Christians are called to be humble. We’re supposed to turn away from our self-righteousness and cloak ourselves in Jesus’ righteousness. I learned that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of God.
Although I’ll always question things as a conspiracy theorist would, God has called me to stop identifying as one. That’s because inherently, conspiracy theorists want to be right.
But Christians are called to fear God. This means that the Holy Spirit gives us major discernment; but we don’t know everything. God Almighty is the highest and He knows it all. We know the Gospel and have a truth inside of us that many can’t comprehend. We may get certain other topics wrong sometimes. But, true Believers should never be ashamed to admit when they’re in error. Because the only thing a child of God needs to be is: right with Jesus.
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I believe in a pre-tribulation rapture. I believe that it could be right around the corner, but I’m not tied to the idea.
If I’m wrong about either event, that is OK. Because I know that no matter what happens or doesn’t happen, I’m never going to deny my faith. I thank God every day for my salvation. I know that Jesus will not let me slip out of His hands.
vi. Dangers of Rapture Talk
One reason why people don’t like to talk about rapture theology is because it usually involves conversation about date-setting. There have been several points in history where people have predicted the end, and it did not come to pass. Some of these events caused mass disillusionment or a falling away from the faith. At least one event saw thousands of people sell their homes and possessions in anticipation of Jesus’ return. Other predictions have simply caused tension within the body of Christ.
I was looking at the comment section of a video recently and there was an older man who said that he became rapture obsessed a few decades ago. He was trying to live a certain way thinking that Jesus was returning at any minute and, when Jesus never came, it caused him to live in rebellion for many years.
I’ve also come across a lot of people teaching a false works-based salvation doctrine, while also saying that Jesus is returning “any day now.” It’s alarming because you can absolutely get people to absorb a distorted gospel when there’s a perceived, imminent “end date” attached.
vii. Importance of Rapture Talk
Dangers aside, you have no idea what learning about the rapture has done for me. It’s spurred so many important questions.
Learning about end times theology helped me to realize that we have to make a decision for Jesus while we are alive. If you were to pass tomorrow without having accepted Jesus, there would be no second chance. That was a big revelation for me because I thought that the Final Judgment served as a last chance to choose Christ. This is simply not true.
But when you don’t have an understanding of eschatology, you devise your own end times scenario. You have no idea what happens to a person’s soul when they die, so you make it up! You don’t know what makes the belief systems of other religions so blasphemous, so you accidentally mix theories! You don’t know why it’s important to spread the Gospel during your lifetime, so you don’t!
Like I mentioned previously: Learning about eschatology has given me a different type of hope. I don’t even pay attention to conspiracy theory stuff as much as I used to! Instead, I’m currently doing two Bible studies: one in the Old Testament and one in the New Testament, and I am absolutely riveted.
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And: I also have such a huge peace in my life. I really love my life and I’m living in a praise report that I’ve only ever dreamed of. God has brought me and my little family through so much. So I really do love my life. Not more than I love Jesus. If He were to come back tomorrow, then: let’s goooo. But I really am just so grateful that He is holding my hand and guiding my life.
Without Him, everything would be meaningless. (Read Ecclesiastes.) Jesus gives you a fullness that you cannot explain.
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Not everyone is in this position, though. Some people are burdened or are in a season of depression. They are in a season of true, true hardship and are looking toward a potential rapture to escape said hardship.
Some people are indifferent or fatigued. Maybe they’ve been talking about this for decades. There are people who feel that rapture talk is pointless: Jesus will just come when He comes.
Even still, there are others who will say that we need to be prepared and that the whole point is to look out for His coming.
I want to share what I believe is a balanced perspective.
viii. Point to Jesus
Everything should point to Jesus.
Jesus is our hope. If you are currently in the midst of hardship, your hope shouldn’t be in the rapture. Your hope should be in Jesus Christ. Be careful not to make an idol of the rapture.
Jesus is our joy. If you love your life to the point that you hope Jesus delays His coming… Well, your joy shouldn’t be in this world. Your joy should be in Jesus Christ. Don’t make an idol out of your life.
Jesus is our confidence. If you don’t want to discuss the possibility of end times events and/or a rapture because you don’t want to be wrong or mislead people, just remain humble when sharing. But don’t fail to dig into the Bible because you don’t want to be wrong or sound crazy. Your trust isn’t in your intellect or your pride, it’s in the word of God. The Book of Revelation may very well remain a mystery for a long time to come. But it is still vital to share its contents with new Believers.
ix. A Balanced Life
How can we simultaneously live rapture-ready and content?
1. Remember who Jesus is/Share who Jesus is: There is always more to learn about Jesus. If we spend our time getting to know Him, we will never feel a void. This knowledge includes the truth about who He is and what He taught. Are you confused about anything? Do you truly believe that He is God? Do you trust that you are saved and that your sins have been forgiven? Do you know how to share that truth with others?
Knowing Him is time well spent. Sharing the truth about Him is time well spent.
2. Remember His promise: God has given Believers His presence and His peace right now, today. And one day, we will be with Him in Heaven. This hope is powerful no matter how the story ends for us individually. He is with us now and we will be with Him then.
3. Remember Your purpose: We were put on this earth to give God glory and to share the Gospel. Whether you’re in a rough season or a blissful season, are you living to give God glory? Are you worshiping Him daily? Are you in prayer? Are you sharing the truth about Jesus with others? Are you studying the word?
4. Recognize false teachings: One good thing about all this rapture talk is that you can see false preachers coming out of the woodwork. There are people telling you that in order to be rapture-ready, you need to make sure that you’re preparing your garment and doing good work. Please know that works will not save you. If you’re living out your purpose of spreading the Gospel, with a correct heart posture, while leaning on the Holy Spirit: you will have good works. But…
You were saved the moment you recognized the need for a savior and gave your life to Jesus.
Another false teaching has to do with money. There are a lot of people preaching that you can’t take your money with you to Heaven. No, you can’t. But, guess what? God also called you to be prudent here on earth. You need to make sure you are stewarding your home. If you can give to a ministry, a cause, or to a Believer who is in need, absolutely do it. We should be helping to build up the Kingdom in that way. But, again: Good works and giving won’t ensure or rob you of your salvation.
5. Remain transparent with God: It is easy to want to behave extra perfect when you think the Lord may be returning at any moment. But what happens if that rapture-date you’ve been eyeing passes by?
You should be repenting from your sins. But remember: God knows your heart. He knows if you’ve truly repented from something or if you’ve only turned away from it temporarily because you think He’s coming back. You cannot fool God. Take your struggles and your truth and your reality to Jesus. Ask for Him to deliver you from any sinful behavior. And ask Him to remain with you in the midst of your struggle until you are delivered. Remember that you will continue to be sanctified until the day you’re called home. If it were possible to live a completely sinless life, then you would not need Jesus. Your walk with Jesus should be the cake. Rapture-excitement can be the frosting on said cake.
6. Remain excited for your life: Keep planning your future. Find things that excite you on all levels: Plan trips, plan outings, get togethers, think about something new that you want to learn or try. Life can be amazing. So plan for the future.
7. Show your rapture excitement in a way that lasts: What if we’re still here seven years from now? Is there something you can do every day for seven years to honor the fact that Jesus could return tomorrow?
Honestly, the most important thing about the rapture is not the date. (I don’t even know if I fully understand what people mean by “be ready for the rapture.” Because if God does the calling and pulls us up – and if we are already saved – then, we won’t be left behind.)
I somewhat understand the charge to not fall away from the faith. I definitely understand the charge to spread the Gospel. (But those should be things we concern ourselves with regardless of whether or not it’s a “high watch time” for a rapture.)
I think the most meaningful thing you can do is think about those who may be left behind. The Lord put it on my heart recently to: Keep my house clean and leave a note on the table. It’s a short note which tells people about Jesus and it includes some Bible verses.
And to be honest, this is something that I should have been doing even when there wasn’t any end time event to discuss. Any time someone walks into my home, they should be able to feel the presence of Jesus and learn about Him, whether that’s through conversation or through a little note on my dining room table.
The best thing we can do is have a true heart for God’s people; the ones who know Him now, and the ones who will in the future.
Not a smug heart. Not an offended heart. Not a scared heart. But a true servant’s heart.
Let’s not let anything deter us from our hope and our excitement for things to come (whatever we think that may look like). And let us also not get distracted from our mission: To worship God and spread the Gospel.
Lexzie in Christ 