MarcATL
Diamond Member
- Aug 12, 2009
- 41,324
- 20,679
- 2,605
PREEACH Jeremiah!Thank you, Michael. I am basing my reply off of Matthew 24. I believe Jesus warned us about five times in that one chapter not to be deceived. The rapture teaching has got to be one of the most deceptive teachings inside the church today. While Christians are looking up and believing their redemption draweth nigh - via rapture before the persecution comes - the enemy is emboldening himself for the day he is unleashed to do his worst.
That hour is swiftly approaching and while I hear many Christians say Jesus must be coming anytime now I must disagree. In the book of Acts no one was raptured out of their situation. In China, North Korea, Pakistan & elsewhere Christians are not being raptured out of their tribulations but are being kept in the midst of them. Why are American Christians "special"? Persecution has a purifying effect and God knows American Christians need to be preparing to endure rather than preparing to claim the next cadillac or house. Jesus had no place to lay his head. Has anyone gotten ahold of that one yet? There is no preaching of holiness, repentance or obedience from the pulpits because the messengers have all been compromised along the way.
Jesus is coming back for a spotless bride - not one who has been cavorting with the world and believing mans words over Gods Word. I do not believe there is going to be a rapture. I do not find that teaching in the bible.
The reason why the rapture belief is so popular and prominent in Christiandom today is because it's so comforting. It's comforting to think that as a Christian, you will never have anything to worry about ever again, because God will take all your problems away and save you from this crazy world by removing you safely to heaven whilst leaving the rest of the sinners and heathens behind to face some serious toublous times.
It's a massive DISTORTION of Scripture, which teaches that as Christians, it's quite the opposite. As Christians we choose a life of servitude. Scripture states that we must each take up our cross and walk, just as Jesus did. Who is our Example.
Yet, many have this comforting view of Christianity, it's based on worldly comfort.
This is no different to the false belief that when we die we go directly to heaven. It's comforting for a person to believe that distortion.
However, like you rightly said, it's not biblical.
Good post.