Mustard Seed June 2008 "There Is No Rapture"

In the past few years, much excitement has been generated within the Evangelical movement; including a few years ago, a movie entitled "Left Behind;” which purports to show that there will be a ‘Rapture' of the Saints to Heaven; before the Tribulation occurs, is this true?

First of all—it is just that) 'A Theory'. There is no scriptural proof to back up this theory; otherwise, I would list the scriptures to back up what they say. Rather - I will give you absolute proofs from the Bible; that there is no rapture of the saints.

Isaiah chapter 11: Read through this chapter as it describes the 1000 years millennial rule of Jesus Christ on the Earth; that He will rule all nations with the Saints and that ultimately---all the nations of the earth will know God and His word. It also describes the second exodus of the 12 Tribes of Israel from modern slavery at the hands of the coming 'Beast' Power back to their former land (Palestine). If the saints are raptured up to Heaven, why was this written? In Isaiah 37:11 & Matt 5:5 Christ states "That the meek will inherit the Earth (Not Heaven)".

Notice Matt. 25:31-46 which states that 'When Christ returns in Glory, and all the Holy Angels with Him; then shall He (Christ) sit upon the Throne of His Glory (Read the rest of the chapter)." Christ will sit upon a throne that exists today on this Earth---the Throne of David, prophesied in Luke 1:32-33, “…..and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David….” And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever”

Matt. 19:28 states that "Christ will sit upon the throne of His Glory and that the original twelve(12) Apostles will also sit upon 12 thrones judging the 12 Tribes of Israel, (Physical unconverted yet descendants." This will be done on the Earth-- not in Heaven!

For an absolute proof-- read Rev. 20:1-15 which describes the First Resurrection of the Saints and that they will reign with Christ For a thousand years. This chapter also describes the second resurrection and the second death of the wicked. How can one get a 'Rapture' theory out of these plain scriptures?

Another absolute proof is the following chapter of Rev. 21:1-27 [describing a New Heaven & Earth and describes the “New Jerusalem" coming down from God out of Heaven! Almighty God is actually coming down from Heaven to the New Earth to make all things new (read the whole chapter). If the reward of the Saints is heaven—then why did God allow this proof to be written?

Want more proof--see I Cor. 15:42-58 'The Resurrection Chapter' which describes th first resurrection of the Saints (only); not those who are unconverted and still in their graves and those still alive and unconverted--living on the Earth when Christ returns. Would a merciful God destroy those who have never been converted or had the opportunity to learn about God and His word?

Also notice carefully I Thes. 4:13-18 (especially verse 17) where The Apostle Paul says that the Saints- those dead in their graves and those who are alive when Christ returns--will be caught up together to meet the returning Christ in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the 'Air'--this is not describing Heaven, but the Earth's atmosphere! They will then descend back down to the Earth and descend upon the Mount of Olives: in Jerusalem (Read Zech. 14th chapter).

FURTHER PROOFS: Rev. 1:7, I Thes. 1:6-10, Rev. 11:15-19, Isa. 27, I Cor.15:25, Rev.19:14-16, Luke 21:20-24 & Rev. 3:1-12.

Those who expounds the 'Rapture' theory are deceived by two (2) things. FIRST--that the Saints of God are not to suffer persecution and even death for the Word of God, but God's word says otherwise (John 15:20, II Cor. 4:9, II Tim. 3:12, Gal. 5:12, Rev. 12:13) and the false Evangelical view that one will inherit 'Heaven' by just 'Believing on His Name' only, and that keeping the 10-Commandments are no longer required for Salvation and that Christ nailed them to the stake (cross) when He died, but Christ plainly says in Matt. 19:17 "... but if you will enter into Life, keep the Commandments."

In Colossians 2:13-14 (read the whole context of the chapter clearly)- it tells us what Christ nailed to His Cross was a 'NOTE OF DEBT THAT WE OWED TO GOD FOR BREAKING HIS LAW. THAT NOTE WAS AGAINST US—JESUS’ SACRIFICE FOR OUR SINS PAID THAT NOTE.

In conclusion, there is no scriptural proof to support the 'Rapture' theory. Brethren, let us search the scriptures daily like the Bereans did to be sure that what we understand about God's Word is accurate, and can be relied upon to open up one's mind to spiritual understanding about God's plan for Mankind!

~ George A. Bratcher