Rethinking The Rapture

Rethinking The Rapture: Introduction

Rick TryonLeave a comment

There are three major views on the so-called ‘Rapture’ and its biblical legitimacy; pre-tribulation, post-tribulation, and non-rapture.

Bible Rebel will be spending some time rethinking the traditional, evangelical Rapture doctrine and weighing it against the other views.

The first installment in this series is the following summary and introduction to the Rapture doctrine and it’s variations and alternatives.

1. Pre-Tribulation Rapture (Dispensational View)

Summary:
This view holds that the Rapture will occur before a seven-year period of tribulation (Daniel 9:27; Revelation 6–19), removing true believers from the earth to be with Christ. It is most commonly associated with Dispensational Premillennialism.

Key Verses Used:

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 — “…the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive… will be caught up together with them…”
  • John 14:2–3 — “I will come back and take you to be with me…”
  • Revelation 3:10 — “I will keep you from the hour of trial…”

Arguments For:

  • Emphasizes a literal interpretation of prophecy.
  • Sees a clear distinction between Israel and the Church.
  • Argues that believers are promised deliverance from God’s wrath.

Notable Proponents:

  • John Walvoord
  • Tim LaHaye (co-author of Left Behind)
  • Dallas Theological Seminary

Sources:

  • John F. Walvoord, The Rapture Question
  • Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, Left Behind series (fictional but influential)

2. Post-Tribulation Rapture

Summary:
This view asserts that the Rapture and Second Coming of Christ are a single event that occurs after the tribulation. Believers will endure the tribulation and be raptured when Christ returns to establish His kingdom.

Key Verses Used:

  • Matthew 24:29–31 — “Immediately after the distress… he will send his angels… and they will gather his elect…”
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:1–4 — The day of the Lord will not come until the “man of lawlessness” is revealed.
  • Revelation 20:4–6 — Martyrs from the tribulation are raised to reign with Christ.

Arguments For:

  • Emphasizes the unity of Christ’s return and the Rapture.
  • Sees no Scriptural evidence of a secret or separate coming.
  • Suggests that the Church has always faced tribulation and will continue to do so.

Notable Proponents:

  • George E. Ladd
  • Craig S. Keener
  • Historic Premillennialists

Sources:

  • George Eldon Ladd, The Blessed Hope
  • Craig Keener, Revelation (NIVAC Commentary)

3. Amillennial/Non-Rapture View

Summary:
This view does not see the Rapture as a separate event at all. Instead, it interprets related texts symbolically or metaphorically. Christ’s Second Coming will be a single, visible event at the end of history, followed by the final judgment.

Key Verses Used:

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 — Interpreted as a metaphor for a royal welcome of Christ by His people.
  • 2 Peter 3:10 — Emphasizes a sudden final judgment, not two stages of return.
  • John 6:39–40 — Resurrection occurs “on the last day,” not before.

Arguments For:

  • Sees “rapture” texts as apocalyptic language, not literal.
  • Rejects a secret or pre-tribulational event.
  • Claims that church history lacks early support for the pre-tribulational Rapture.

Notable Proponents:

  • Augustine (early influence)
  • R.C. Sproul (Partial Preterism/Amillennialism)
  • Kim Riddlebarger

Sources:

  • R.C. Sproul, The Last Days According to Jesus
  • Kim Riddlebarger, A Case for Amillennialism