A conversation about the Rapture (part 1)

Many Christians hold views very firmly for many years without realizing where such views come from.  For example, the belief that the Bible teaches Jesus coming back invisibly to "rapture" the church out of the world 7 years before He returns visibly (as made popular in the "Left Behind" novels by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins) is one that hundreds of thousands of Christians hold to fervently and preach passionately. But does the Bible actually teach this? 

In previous articles, we've discussed why this view is not in line with the actual teaching of Scripture.  In this series, however, we will take a conversational approach.  A few years ago, while still working as a Discipleship Pastor, our church did a series of messages on the book of Revelation.  One of those messages talked about the fact that the rapture is not found in the Bible, at least not as it's popularly understood.  This prompted a number of email exchanges between myself and members of the church who disagreed with the message or had questions about it. 

Below is an adaptation of one of these exchanges (with names being witheld for privacy's sake).   It provides a good example of how disputes over doctrine can take place in a spirit of charity, love, and mutual respect among believers.  Be assured, the person who wrote to me is a wonderful follower of Jesus whose dedication to loving God and loving others sacrificially is second to none.  I considered it a joy to have this discussion and I share it in hopes of encouraging more discussion among believers over this and many other issues where there is disagreement:

From: ______
James Michael,
Previously, I sent to you some considerations regarding the message and the viewpoints being represented as 'that of the church' on the topic of Rapture. As more convictions directed me, I added more considerations to this - mostly for my own purposes I thought. However, since then I read your blog on this subject and feel compelled to addresse more fully some of the points you present there. I have some questions:

-What is the source that validates the broad claim that 'the vast majority of Christians throughout the world and for the entire history of the church' prior to the 1800s reject(ed) the concept of Rapture??

-What is the source that validates the claim that the Rapture is not taught elsewhere in the world??

-is the anti-Rapture stand a Methodist thing at large or a new thing at our church? I've known many individuals throughout my lifetime who grew up in the Methodist church; I attended the Wesley Foundation with my Methodist roommate throughout college, and have never heard any of these folks speak against the concept. Many in fact have communicated their belief in it. My family has attended our church for over 15 years and only within the past several years there have we begun to pick up on the 'no rapture' point-of-view.

I uphold the Rapture doctrine firmly (and increasingly more so) because of my findings from many years of diligently searching the Scriptures, and the affirmation of the Holy Spirit through them. Whatever I read or study in the Word is done so in context of the surrounding information and revelation, and of comparisons and contrasts wherever else in the Bible they may be.

Most Sincerely, _____

From: James-Michael Smith
Hi _____,
Thanks for submitting this to me! I always encourage vigorous debate over issues that are controversial so that iron can sharpen iron. This is a foundational concept in our classes, particularly in the Biblical Studies courses. As for the questions you've asked below (which are very good and valid questions in such a discussion), I'll answer each one as best I can briefly and then you can follow up with any others you may have or if anything needs clarification.

For historical summaries as well as evaluations of rapture theology's origin and history, see:

Ben Witherington III, "The Problem with Evangelical Theology" 2007. (specifically pp.93-168)
J.M. Canfield, "The Incredible Scofield and His Book" 1988
Barbara Rossing "The Rapture Exposed: The Message of Hope in the Book of Revelation" 2004
Roger Olson "Questions to All Your Answers" 2007 (specifically pp.123-138)
Dave MacPherson "The Rapture Plot" 2000
Gary DeMar "End Times Fiction: A Biblical Consideration of the Left Behind Theology" 2001
Kim Riddellbarger "The Case for Amillennialism" 2003 (specifically pp.141-145)

I have never come across a history of the rise of rapture theology by actual rapture proponents. But if you have any, please let me know. I know Tim LaHaye has responded to Dave MacPherson's presentation, but I believe it was over whether or not Margaret MacDonald's dream (which is where Darby got the notion of a 2-stage return of Christ and the rapture) was of a pre-trib or post-trib rapture. Dwight Pentacost presents it in his famous "Things to Come" textbook, but doesn't say anything about its origins. But like I said, please let me know if you have anything by rapture proponents about Darby and the rise of Dispensationalism, particularly regarding the rapture.

-What is the source that validates the broad claim that 'the vast majority of Christians throughout the world and for the entire history of the church' prior to the 1800s reject(ed) the concept of Rapture??

The primary source would be the theological stances and creeds of the Christian denominations and branches themselves. The eschatalogical (End Times) views taught by those denominations that make up the bulk of the Body of Christ throughout the world--Roman Catholic, Eastern Rite Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopal, etc., as well as the foundational creeds of the early ecumenical councils. None of them teach the doctrine of the rapture.

[note: Some have attempted to find rapture teaching in various quotes from a sermon by Ephraem the Syrian in the 4th century, but the passage in question does not mention a rapture, and the work itself is pseudopigraphic. Ephraem's known works do not contain anything about the rapture.]

Simply on a numbers basis, the majority of professing Christians have not believed in the rapture. Of course, majority does not equal truth; and lots of people believing something is not validation one way or another. But it is an historical fact that must play into any discussion of something that the Bible apparently teaches.

-What is the source that validates the claim that the Rapture is not taught elsewhere in the world??

I touched on this in the response attached, but I will clarify here again. The doctrine of the Rapture was invented in Scotland, exported to North America and developed fully here in the early 1900s. With the founding of such places as Dallas Theological Seminary and Moody Bible College as well as with the rise of Christian Satellite TV, it has spread to other countries. But it has not taken hold among global Christianity as it has here in North America. This is in contrast to such doctrines as Justification by Faith or Millennialism (both Pre-mill and A-mill), which arose at multiple times in multiple places throughout church history.

-is the anti-Rapture stand a Methodist thing at large or a new thing at our church? I've known many individuals throughout my lifetime who grew up in the Methodist church; I attended the Wesley Foundation with my Methodist roommate throughout college, and have never heard any of these folks speak against the concept. Many in fact have communicated their belief in it.

The United Methodist Church as a whole does not endorse a particular eschatology, leaving that up to individual Bishops, Pastors and Teachers. However, all UM seminaries, theologians and scholars who have written or taught on eschatology are pretty much unanimous in their rejection of rapture theology; not just the mainline or liberal ones, but the Evangelical ones as well. The current District Superintendent of our district has always been open about the rapture not being a Biblical doctrine.

But honestly, _____, I have to admit that when it comes to issues of theology, particularly specialized issues like the rapture, many Methodists simply do not spend much time or energy in studying them in-depth. This is one of the reasons why we hold the teaching ministries at the church in such high regard. It is important that Christians think through these issues themselves and carefully weigh what they're being taught (especially by their own pastors and teachers) in light of sound Biblical teaching.

I'm not sure if the previous pastor ever taught on eschatology or not. Since I've been here our senior pastor has preached on it 3 times. It is not something that dominates our teaching or sets our agenda. But when the subject does get addressed, we are open in our rejection of it--though always striving to make clear that it is not a salvific issue and one's spiritual depth or relationship with God is not determined by their view of the rapture.

In fact we have numerous people here at the church, many of whom I've had the opportunity to discuss this with, who still remain convinced of the rapture. They are no less part of the Body because of this, but we will continue teaching what God leads us to teach on and when the subject arises, we will be honest about where we stand as a church on it. Anything less would be patronizing at best and dishonest at worst, in my opinion.

I do want to thank you again for sending your thoughts and your critique. I'm not kidding when I say it is vital that Christians learn how to disagree and argue passionately, yet in a spirit of love, about what Scripture teaches. That's the purpose of my blog as well. Only when we truly listen to what those on the other side of an issue have to say and honestly re-examine what we've come to believe thus far can we ever truly say we have studied Scripture responsibly. I firmly believe this is an ongoing process and a key part of walking together as the Body of Christ.

And on that note, if there is any particular source or sources that you feel give the strongest, clearest evidence in favor of the rapture in Scripture, please don't hesitate to recommend them to me. I try to stay up on it, as far as what's in print--there's simply too much questionable material on both sides floating around online to review it all. I'm always looking to expand my understanding of it, as well as other issues of theological importance.

Have a great rest of the week!

Your fellow disciple,
James-Michael Smith

To be continued...