The Doctrine of the Rapture

Perhaps nothing is more hopeful for the Christian than the promise of the Rapture, which for many is indeed the blessed hope. The church, because of its acceptance of differing theological teachings from the early church fathers to our day, has inherited increasing disagreements in eschatology, such as amillennialism, postmillennialism and premillennialism, that render completely different views of the Rapture. This work showcases the facts from history that show how pagan philosophy integrated with some early church fathers’ writings that were influential in the establishment of schools of theology; in them we find a steady departure from an earlier predominant view of biblical literalism, to a more progressive view of allegorical interpretation.

This book is the result of years of prayerful study, historical research and conviction, and a desire to inform the church of how our differences in interpretation have impaired what should be a biblically harmonious understanding among our members. The primary thrust of this work is in the biblical proof that Scripture harmoniously reveals when we maintain a distinction between Israel and the Church—a premillennial, pre-tribulation Rapture. It also shows the result and high cost of a non-harmonious interpretation.

From Philo of Alexandria to modern day theologians, the historical record reveals how humanistic, philosophical, institutionalized theology has affected the church’s ability to correctly interpret and convey what the holy Scriptures have to say regarding this beautiful doctrine. God is not the author of confusion, and Scripture gives one interpretation only.

The apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:12,13: “Now we have received the Spirit of God, not the spirit of the world, so we can know the things freely given to us by God. That these things are not in words taught by human wisdom—the wisdom of this world, but by the Holy Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.” Knowing this, then, this work reveals what happens when schools of theological thought insist on an incongruent standard of hermeneutic principles, compared to what results from a harmonious one. To God be the glory.