Debunking The Rapture

A Biblical Perspective

The concept of the "Rapture"—the belief that believers will be taken up to heaven before a period of tribulation—has become a popular teaching in many Christian circles. However, this doctrine is a relatively recent development in Christian theology, gaining prominence only in the 19th century. It was popularized by John Nelson Darby, a leader in the Plymouth Brethren movement, and later spread widely through the Scofield Reference Bible and dispensationalist theology. Despite its modern popularity, the rapture doctrine is absent from early Christian writings and lacks solid biblical support. A closer examination of Scripture reveals a different narrative: the righteous will endure tribulation, while the wicked will be removed and face judgment. Let’s explore this through key biblical passages, grouped logically into three sections:

1) The Removal of the Wicked, Not the Righteous,

2) The Timing of Yashua’s Return

3) The Purpose of Tribulation and Protection of the Faithful

Finally, we’ll conclude with the sobering reality that the rapture doctrine is a dangerous deception that could lead many to fall away from faith when their expectations are not met.

1. The Removal of the Wicked, Not the Righteous

The Bible consistently teaches that the wicked are removed, not the righteous. This directly contradicts the idea of a pre-tribulation rapture where the righteous are taken and the wicked are left behind.

The Days of Noah:

Yashua compares the end times to the days of Noah, where the wicked were "swept away" by the flood, while Noah and his family (the righteous) were preserved.

"And they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man." - Matthew 24:39

In this account, the wicked were removed through the flood, while Noah and his family remained safe in the ark. This imagery is significant because it shows that the righteous were not taken away from the earth; rather, they were protected through the judgment that removed the wicked. This pattern aligns with the broader biblical narrative that the righteous are not removed but are preserved through times of judgment.

able of the Wheat and Tares:

In Matthew 13, Yashua shares the Parable of the Wheat and Tares, which further illustrates this principle. In the parable, the wheat represents the righteous, and the tares (weeds) symbolize the wicked. The master instructs his servants to let both grow together until the harvest. At the time of harvest, the tares are gathered first and burned, while the wheat is collected and brought into the barn.

"First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn." - Matthew 13:30

The order here is crucial: the wicked are removed first, while the righteous remain to be gathered into God’s kingdom. This parable clearly demonstrates that the righteous are not taken away before the judgment of the wicked; instead, they are preserved and ultimately rewarded.

Sifting Israel:

YHWH promises to sift Israel, removing the wicked but preserving the righteous.

"All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword." - Amos 9:10

This verse speaks of a refining process where the wicked among God’s people are removed, while the righteous are spared.

This idea of sifting is consistent with the broader biblical message that God’s judgment targets the wicked, not the righteous. The righteous are not removed from the earth but are instead protected and preserved through the process of judgment. This principle is echoed in other prophetic passages, such as Malachi 3:18, where God promises to distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, ensuring that the righteous are not swept away with the wicked.

2. The Timing of Yashua’s Return

The Bible is explicit about the timing of Yashua’s return: it will occur after the tribulation, not before. This leaves no room for a pre-tribulation rapture. Scripture clearly teaches that Yashua’s return is tied to the events of the tribulation, and His coming will be a visible, triumphant event that follows a period of great suffering and upheaval.

Yashua’s Return After Tribulation:

Yashua Himself provides the clearest explanation of the timing of His return in Matthew 24. In this chapter, He describes the signs of the end times, including wars, famines, earthquakes, and persecution. He then states unequivocally that His return will happen "immediately after the tribulation."

"Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." - Matthew 24:30

This passage makes it clear that Yashua’s return is not a secret event that happens before the tribulation. Instead, it is a glorious, visible event that occurs after the tribulation has taken place. The phrase "immediately after the tribulation" leaves no ambiguity about the timing of His coming.

The Man of Sin Revealed First:

The apostle Paul also addresses the timing of Yashua’s return in his letters, particularly in 2 Thessalonians 2. Here, Paul warns that the Antichrist (referred to as the "man of sin" or "man of lawlessness") must be revealed before Yashua’s return. He writes:

"Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction." – 2 Thessalonians 2:3

Paul’s message is clear: the Antichrist must first be revealed, and the rebellion (or apostasy) must take place before Yashua returns.

This sequence of events directly contradicts the idea of a pre-tribulation rapture, which suggests that believers will be taken away before the rise of the Antichrist and the tribulation.

Instead, Paul’s teaching aligns with Yashua’s words in Matthew 24, emphasizing that the tribulation and the revelation of the Antichrist precede the return of Christ.

Meeting Yashua in the Air:

The passage in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 describes believers being "caught up" to meet Yashua in the air:

"For Adonai himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Messiah will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet Adonai in the air, and so we will always be with Adonai." - 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

This event is not about believers being taken to heaven but about meeting Yashua as He descends to earth. In ancient times, when a king visited a city, the people would go out to meet him and then escort him back to the city. Similarly, believers will meet Yashua in the air and then return with Him to earth for judgment and the establishment of His kingdom (Revelation 19:11-16).

This event occurs after the tribulation, as Yashua Himself stated in Matthew 24:29-31.

3. The Purpose of Tribulation and Protection of the Faithful

The tribulation is not merely a time of chaos and judgment; it also serves as a period of purification and correction, particularly for Israel. Throughout Scripture, we see that the tribulation has a refining purpose, and the faithful are promised protection—not removal—during this time. This theme is consistent with God’s character, as He often uses trials to purify His people and bring them closer to Himself.

Tribulation as Correction for Israel

The tribulation is described in the Bible as a time of judgment and correction, especially for Israel. The prophets often speak of the "Day of YHWH," a time when God will intervene to judge sin and refine His people. For example, in Joel 2:1, the prophet declares:

"Blow a trumpet in Zion; sound an alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of YHWH is coming; it is near." – Joel 2:1

This "Day of the YHWH" is characterized by both judgment and restoration. While it is a time of great distress, it is also a time when God works to purify His people and bring them back to Himself. The tribulation serves as a refining fire, separating the righteous from the wicked and preparing Israel for the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Protection During Tribulation

Yashua Himself promises to protect the faithful during the tribulation, not to remove them from it. In Revelation 3:10, He says to the church in Philadelphia:

"Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth." – Revelation 3:10

The phrase "keep you from" can be understood as protection through the trial, rather than removal from it. This aligns with the biblical pattern of God shielding His people during times of judgment, as seen in the story of Noah, the Passover in Egypt, and the preservation of the Israelites in the wilderness.

Yashua’s promise is not that believers will escape the tribulation entirely, but that they will be guarded and sustained through it.

Hiding During Indignation

The prophet Isaiah also speaks of God’s protection during a time of judgment. In Isaiah 26:20, YHWH calls His people to take refuge while His wrath is poured out:

"Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until the fury has passed by." – Isaiah 26:20

This imagery of hiding in chambers reflects God’s care for His people during times of judgment. It is not a promise of removal from the earth, but of divine protection while the storm of God’s indignation rages outside. This theme is echoed in other Scriptures, such as Psalm 91, which describes God as a refuge and fortress for those who trust in Him.

The Rapture Doctrine is a Dangerous Deception

The doctrine of the rapture, particularly the idea of a pre-tribulation rapture, is a modern invention that lacks biblical support. It is natural for people to desire an escape from suffering, and this desire has been exploited to create a false hope that believers will be removed before tribulation. However, this teaching is not only unbiblical but also dangerous. When the expected rapture does not occur, many may lose faith, falling into confusion and disillusionment. This is precisely what the enemy intends—a great end-times deception to lead people away from the truth.

The Bible is clear: the righteous will endure tribulation, but they will be protected by YHWH. Yashua’s return will occur after the tribulation, and He will establish His kingdom on earth. Let us reject the false doctrine of the rapture and instead focus on preparing for the trials ahead, standing firm in faith, and looking forward to Yashua’s glorious return.

"But the one who endures to the end will be saved." - Matthew 24:13

Let us not be deceived by man-made doctrines but hold fast to the truth of Scripture, trusting in YHWH’s protection and His ultimate victory over evil.

All Praise to the Most High!

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