Rapture Under Attack

by Tim LaHaye

La controversia sobre el tiempo en que ocurrira el arrebatamiento de la iglesia se torna mas intensa cada dia. Hay quienes dicen que los cristianos seran llevados al cielo antes de la Tribulacion. Otros afirman que tendran que pasar por toda, o al menos por parte de ella. ¿Quienes tienen la razon? Examinando cada pasaje bíblico que habla del regreso de Cristo a la tierra, y embarcandose en lo que el llama --el mas grande proyecto investigativo de mi vida-- Tim LaHaye ofrece en este libro una respuesta completa y apremiante sobre este tema.

Genres: Christian

Paperback

First published September 1, 1998

About the author

Timothy "Tim" F. LaHaye was an American evangelical Christian minister, author, and speaker, best known for the Left Behind series of apocalyptic fiction, which he co-wrote with Jerry B. Jenkins.

He has written over 50 books, both fiction and non-fiction.

Reviews

[Joseph · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lahaye makes no-bones about the fact that his interpretation is based upon 2 key assumptions, which he explicitly says are key to proper biblical interpretation. These assumptions are the complete distinction between Israel and the church, and that scripture is to be taken as literally as possible, only allowing for it to be figurative when it has to be. Anyone who doesn't hold to both assumptions (i.e. any of the millions of other Christians who hold to the inerrancy of scripture but not this super-literal dispensationalist system of interpretation) is not going to be convinced by his arguments.

That said, the scriptural backing for his case is sparse. A few passages like Titus 2:13, which speak of things like the "blessed hope" are taken to be referring to the rapture. His reasoning is that if the rapture doesn't mean believers escape the great tribulation, it is not a blessed hope. Of course, orthodox believers of all eschatological schema believe that that rapture is a blessed hope. Those who are not pre-trib (e.g. post-trib, partial preterists) would say that the rapture occurs at Christ's physical return, when the saints are resurrected and the living believers go to the Lord with them. It is not the start of 7 years in God's house (which he considers to be Christ's great promise)(John 14:1-4), but rather, eternity in God's house! Other positions see it as a blessed hope just the same, expect that it is one that would be relevant to Paul's audience and Christians throughout time (since all go to eternal life), and not something that only affects those alive at the end of time.

Likewise, a lot of emphasis is made about how believers are said to escape the "wrath to come" (1 Thessalonians 1:10). This wrath to come is assumed to be the tribulation (which would only affect one group who are around thousands of years after Paul's original readers would have died), as opposed to, ya know, God's eternal condemnation (which all people throughout time would need to escape from, under the blood of Jesus Christ)

Lahaye does make some decent arguments against the mid-tribulation and post-tribulation rapture positions, which might be of use to a partial-preterist like myself (he doesn't even address my view, as it requires one to think that sometimes context warrants seeing certain language as figurative, an idea that apparently shouldn't even be entertained).

THE WORST THING
The worst thing about this book, however, is the attitude that it takes to suffering and tribulation in the life of a Christian. It makes no end of emotional appeals about why, if the pre-tribulation rapture is not true, how what Christians have is a "blasted hope" and not a "bessed hope." If Christians at the end of time go through this "great tribulation," why should they look forward to Christ's coming? No loving bridegroom (Christ) would allow His bride (the church) go through the tribulation! But this ignores the fact that some of God's children have been suffering horrifically throughout time. Maybe the body as a whole has never gone through something as horrible as this so-called great tribulation, but according to Lahaye's reasoning, no believer in 1st century Rome who spent years in exile should have endured years of increasingly severe persecution, culminating in being crucified or burned alive. For them, it couldn't have gotten any worse. Did Jesus not love them?! Does Jesus not love the members of his church, His bride, who are suffering and being tortured and murdered around the world even today? And what about the people who repent during the tribulation and then must suffer the wrath of the beast for turning to Jesus (according to Lahaye's theory). Why would God let them suffer as well, if a loving God wouldn't let His people go through the tribulation? Was there hope blasted, or, did they have their hope in Jesus Christ and the eternal life He gives those who overcome?

Frankly, the attitude taken in this book ignores eternity (and if I'm gonna say something that heated, you know I'm pretty put off by what was written). Our hope is mainly the 7 years where we can be in heaven with Jesus while the rest of the world suffers, not the eternal celebration with God in His kingdom.

It is important to note that I'm not saying that all pre-trib believers do this. That fact that Lahaye is so short-sighted in his attitude towards the suffering of Christians doesn't mean it is indicative of the pre-trib position. If the view is biblical, then it is biblical (it's not, but that's because it's not, not because of a bad argument made in a book). That said, this view of suffering and tribulation is the worst quality of this book.

[Steven H · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE ‘LEFT BEHIND’ AUTHOR CRITIQUES MID- AND POST-TRIB VIEWPOINTS

[NOTE: This book was originally published under the title, ‘No Fear of the Storm.’]

Timothy F. "Tim" LaHaye (1926-2016) was a minister and (with wife Beverly) conservative activist, who founded Christian Heritage College (now San Diego Christian College), and helped establish the Institute for Creation Research; but he was best known in his latter days for being the coauthor (and "idea man," if not the one who actually pens the books) of the 'Left Behind' Series, as well as other books such as: The End Times Controversy, No Fear of the Storm, Charting the End Times Prophecy Study Guide, Spirit-Controlled Temperament, etc.

He wrote in the Introduction to this 1998 book about the Premill, Pre-Trib perspective, “This concept… was clearly taught … as early as A.D. 376 and in America as early as 1784, long before John [Nelson] Darby was born. Mr. Darby may rightly be accused of popularizing the concept … but he certainly did not invent it. Yet for some reason, this concept … has been under savage attack during the last sixty years by those who refuse to take prophecy literally… Unfortunately, they have been amazingly successful in causing many innocent victims to abandon their expectation of rapture in their lifetime… in 1992, I invited a number of the leading prophecy scholars, writers and teachers of the pre-Trib view … to meet me for three days in Dallas, Texas, for in-depth discussions on prophecy… We all agreed that a permanent group was needed, so we formed the PreTrib Research Center (PTRC)… For six years this group has met faithfully for three days annually to consider all the attacks on our position, to study its scriptural basis, and to provide biblical answers to the questions against it…” (Pg 11-14) Later, he adds, “After carefully studying … both sides of the issue, I am convinced there is no reason to abandon this comforting view. The new attacks … are simply unconvincing.” (Pg. 22)

He notes, “God’s prophetic clock is beginning to move again and people… show a renewed interest in Bible prophecy. And that doesn’t include the ‘millennial fever’ that many foresee … as we approach the twenty-first century…” (Pg. 25)

He acknowledges, “The apostles and the church of the first three centuries whole-heartedly expected that Christ would return for His church during their lifetime… Second-century churches were under such severe persecution that they considered themselves already in the Tribulation…” (Pg. 31)

He states, “when Christ calls his living saints to be with Him, millions of people will suddenly vanish from the earth… The world will somehow have to come to terms with MILLIONS of missing Christians. The ensuing outcry of sorrow, loss, and confusion will make the rapture a well-publicized event, dominating the media for weeks and weeks. If I am right that all babies under the age of accountability are innocent of personal sin… then youngsters … to the age of personal accountability (only God knows the date) will vanish with the Christians… The absence of millions of people will occupy the minds of those left behind until the events of the Tribulation begin and the revelation of the Antichrist… will crowd thoughts of Rapture out of their minds.” (Pg. 40-41)

He recounts, “a popular argument against the pre-Tribulation theory … is that it was invented by John Darby in the last century (1828) and was never seen or mentioned… for almost nineteen centuries of church history. That argument is simply not true!... it was discovered that the Reverend Morgan Edwards saw it back in 1742… in his book ‘Millennium, Last Days Novelties,’ written in 1788. Although he saw only a three and a half year tribulation, he definitely saw the rapture occur BEFORE the tribulation… he claimed he had written the same thing as early as 1742.” (Pg. 42-43)

He argues, “Those who believe that Christ will appear in the middle or at the end of the Tribulation must account for the missing church in Revelation chapters 6-18… How else can we explain that the church, the major player in … chapters 1 through 3… is mentioned specifically seventeen times but does not appear once chapters 6 through 18, which describe in detail the events of the seven-year Tribulation period? That stunning silence can easily be explained by those who believe in rapture before Tribulation.” (Pg. 53)

He states, “It is a sad commentary on the church that in its twenty-century history, only five centuries have featured imminency. But those have been the most consecrated, soul-winning, missionary-minded, and spiritually productive days of the church. Frankly, one of my objections to the mid- and post-Trib theories is their destruction of imminency. For if Christ cannot come at any moment, these views cannot instruct us to look for His return.” (Pg. 71)

He notes, “One objection to the pre-Tribulation rapture is that no one passage of Scripture teaches the two aspects of His Second Coming separated by the Tribulation. This is true. But then, no one passage teaches a post-Tribulation of mid-Tribulation rapture, either. (And no passage teaches against it.) Our task is to carefully study all the second-coming passages to see if they are talking about the same event.” (Pg. 75)

Of Marvin Rosenthal’s book ‘The Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church,’ he comments, “He seems to have the happy ability to interpret Scripture texts as he wishes, then claim dogmatically and with certitude that they prove his point.” (Pg. 114)

Of Dave MacPherson’s books, he states, “I read MacPherson’s books when they first came out and was impressed with his gifted writing style. Since then I have read much on both sides and have concluded that Mr. MacPherson’s theories are both unproven and unconvincing and cannot be substantiated by the facts.” (Pg. 119) He adds, “As I have read the documentation, studied Margaret’s vision, and validated for myself that it does not say what MacPherson claims it does, I have had to ask myself, Why does he do it? Why would an obviously intelligent person waste twenty or more years of his life trying to tear down a concept that has been such a blessing to millions of believers? He certainly has nothing better to offer in its place! Post-Tribulationism is a doomsday concept.” (Pg. 134)

Of Robert L. Pierce, author of ‘The Rapture Cult,’ he says, “Pierce, an activist in the John Birch Society and a student of the conspiracy theory… Using the venom-inspired distortions of history the MacPherson presented as truth, Pierce… appl[ied] them to the ‘great conspiracy,’ all without one scintilla of fact. I think I am well qualified to answer Pierce’s attack. I myself have been a forty-five year student of the satanically-inspired, centuries-old conspiracy… to destroy every vestige of Christianity within our society and establish a new world order. Having read at least fifty books on the Illuminati, I am convinced that it exists… To suggest, however, that the conspiracy used the biblical concept of a pre-Tribulation rapture is ridiculous… I would hope that the John birch Society would dissociate itself from a book that has so little fact to support it…” (Pg. 138) He also recounts, “I often spoke at [John Birch] society training seminars, knew Mr. [Robert] Welch and shared Christ personally with him … before he died…” (Pg. 147)

He says, “It may come as a surprise to most pre-Trib students that the post-Trib position (in its most primitive form) is the oldest point of view. Naturally, post-Trib believers insist that their system should be believed… because it is a part of ‘historic Christianity.’ But … while history is important, it does not provide an absolute basis on which to formulate doctrine… Pre-Millennialism… is not believed today because it was the predominant view of the church for three centuries. It is accepted by the evangelical church because it best fits the teachings of Scripture…” (Pg. 197)

In an Appendix, he states, “I doubt a person would arrive at an a-Millennial or post-Millennial position simply by reading the Bible literally. Instead, a system of interpretation or theology must first be applied to explain away the many promises of the future kingdom age… Both a-Millennialism and post-Millennialism require that systems of belief be imposed on the text of Scripture in order to reach certain conclusions about end-time events. In that respect they are like Christian Science… The same can be said for Jehovah’s Witnesses… and most of the cults.” (Pg. 223)

This is actually an effective defense of LaHaye’s position, and a critique of opposing views.

[Christina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ew. Ew ew ew.

Yes, I read an entire book by Tim LaHaye, of Left Behind fame, though this book just says his thoughts on rapture straight out and dispenses with any pretense of plot.

I have been unsure of how to respond to this book. It doesn't seem necessary to write the polite "Wow, I vehemently disagree with every single thing LaHaye says," or less polite "blabbering idiot with some serious delusions of his own importance in the universe" sort of review. That goes without saying, and LaHaye probably doesn't consider someone like me as savable, anyway, so admittedly I am not his target audience. Instead I will relay just two thoughts of the many this book provoked:

a. I didn't realize that there were different and hotly-contested versions of the rapture - the issue of contention seems to be WHEN saved people get to go up in a cloud. Before the wrath of tribulation? during? after? LaHaye is a Pre-Tribber, if you're wondering, mostly because he can't WAIT to sit in the clouds and watch the unsaved die writhing. (His multiple-page gleeful description of what will happen to the rest of us during the tribulation reads like porn for sadists.)

b. To believe so strongly and spend ALL one's time thinking about something later, this one event post-"life on earth," is to trample carelessly on the glorious, miraculous god-infused right NOW. I can't help but think that LaHaye has completely wasted his one wild and precious life writing literally SCORES of books on the same thing (and never even growing intellectually in the process, because all other viewpoints are null in his mind). Sucks for him.

Again, ew. I am disgusted by this arrogant, self-important, sadistic man. At any rate I will be a healthier, happier and holier person by never picking up another book by him, so I did learn THAT.

[Rod Horncastle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. I doubt it will change anyone's mind. People are generally pretty stubborn about their biases.

Having said that; if the Bible disagrees with a pre-tribulational rapture then i will always go with the clearest understanding of the Bible (as a whole). But i'm very convinced the Bible is pre-trib; otherwise why bother with a rapture at all? Why have a verse or two from the Bible discuss 2 people being somewhere and then one disappears?

But the rapture sure makes alot of sense out of the Tribulation and God's wraith on the world. For the same reason God saved Noah and his family from the flood. The biggest issue seems to be the separation of Israel and the Christian Church. Lahaye stresses the importance of this throughout the book. I can easily see how scholars were confused for centuries based on the lack of an Israel. But Israel is back: Now that is interesting and necessary.

Tim did a great job in the book. He even looks carefully at his opponents views (is that friendly or what?). But at the end of the day - It's all in God's hands.

[Weng · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book's title is ironic in view of its apologistic stance defending a basic concept of rapture that the author concedes is shared in common by Pre/mid/post-rapture tribulationists, identifying the principal difference between these approaches in the timing of the rapture, not its occurrence. Therefore, the "imminency of rapture" held by the early church is applicable to all three strands of belief, despite the author professing otherwise.
Inconvenient contradicting sections of passages in scripture that point to the post-trib approach are cited without analysis e.g (page 90), preceding signs in heavens described in Matthew 24:27-31, "...after the tribulation of those days.... they will gather together His elect from the four winds". That gathering is the rapture, yet the author argues there no no signs preceding it (pp72-73).
Another inconvenient passage for the author's pre-trib position is Matthew 24:15- 25 describing end times, a period of great distress that is unequalled. Significantly, verse 22 states "If those days had not been cut short, no on would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened". Thus, the elect are saved by virtue of the shortening of those days "of great distress" ie tribulation- implying they go through it.
The author's view that post-tribs are masochists for not wanting to be raptured before the tribulation is untenable and unrealistic. No one wants to to be subjected to persecution but that has been the historical reality for many Christians, which Jesus warned about. He also promised to never leave of forsake believers. The sense of imminency of Christ's return is no less acute for post-tribs in such circumstances.
About half the book is devoted to critiquing the opposing views of the pre-tribb position - and in places, reproaching the behaviour of opponents in a rather peevish manner. Hardly relevant to the discussion at hand.
Finally, there is an idiosyncratic inclusion of the alleged "revelation" of Margaret McDonald included in Appendix 3 the book, which supposedly supports the pre-trib position. The author is at pains to dispel any accusation of her having occultist connections. He publishes the transcript of McDonald's "vision" as recorded in Norton's Book 'The Restoration of Apostle and Prophets: in the Catholic Apostolic Church" (1861). He need not have bothered as MacDonald's writings are nothing more than opaque, rambling and incoherent. An embarrassment, really.

If this book was an undergraduate assignment I'd acknowledge its effort. But its is awkwardly written and in need of editing, not only of text but of chapter order. There is some dubious analysis of biblical text with inaccurate interpolations. The incorporated Time Charts make no reference at all to the final White Throne Judgement - a glaring omission of the most prophesied significant event in history- in spite of the author's reference to some concepts of the Book of Revelation in which that event is given pre-eminence"- but ignored by him in his discussions.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book that made me think about my own beliefs about the rapture. I found that for the most part I didn't have much thought about the how's, when's and philosophy surrounding it. I just knew it would happen someday. That is still my basic belief, however now I understand more about how it and other ideas have shaped the thinking of the church and my own choices and way of living. Very informative.

[Daniela and Cassidy Parlane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful

[Geoff Steele · Rating 2 out of 5]

ok, but written for freshman. Arguments do not go deep. Too much time responding to the ad hominem arguments.

[Aaron Hand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent explanation and defense of the Pre-Trib rapture. I heartily recommend this book to every Christian.

[Nina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Der Autor erklärt die zu erwartenden Endzeitereignisse anhand von Bibelstellen, teilweise ganz nützlich. Er stellt dem Leser die verschiedenen Lehren vor, die es zur Entrückung gibt: Vorentrückung, Zwischenentrückung, Nachentrückung und Teilentrückung. Der Autor glaubt an die Vorentrückung und belegt seine Ansicht mit Bibelstellen. Außerdem legt er auch die Argumente für und gegen die anderen Entrückungslehren dar.
Ich hatte mir das Buch gekauft, weil ich etwas über die Entrückung wissen wollte, habe aber nicht damit gerechnet, war aber nicht sonderlich interessiert daran, zu erfahren, warum nun die eine Entrückungslehre wahrscheinlicher ist als die andere.
Ein sehr trockenes Buch!

[Shauna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was filled with good information on the case for a pre-rapture tribulation, and I found myself convinced. But this book was way too long. I feel the same information could have been convayed in half the pages. After page 100 I felt like he was just saying the same thing over and over just in a different way and it became very tedious.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a comprehensive and systematic defense of the rapture and tribulation period. This has been used in adult Sunday School classes, for its charts and scripture references. I enjoyed it for the amount of scripture, reference, hebraic customs, and easy to understand charts. Great reference.

[Alice June]

Very eye-opening on Prophecy and the Rapture.. loved it and will read it again. Five stars...

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite authors touching on one of my favorite subjects.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good defense of the pre-tribulation position.