Why Christianity? discussion

The Rapture? Well, is it a biblical prophecy?

Here's a clue: "like a thief in the night"

The tribulation and second coming will be anything BUT a thief in the night.

Rod - I like a Rapture because, as a person already of Faith, I see no reason to endure Trials and Tribulations specifically aimed at driving nonbelievers to the Lord. Besides, I want an armchair vista in the clouds when all those demons go around stinging the apostates. Great Fun - better than Monday Night football!

Nobody else interested in exploring Rapture issues? Not yet? Okay.

I remember seeing the "Thief In The Night" Movie at a church drive-in back in the 80's. Now I've had to study it from a few different perspectives. I'm glad John MacArthur embraces the Pre-millennial/Post-Trib rapture... I'd hate to have to argue with him.

One interesting comment he made is:
There's no advice for the Church during the Tribulation. Which means it most likely isn't there. But Israel will be -- they must deal.

Rod wrote: "Nobody else interested in exploring Rapture issues? Not yet? Okay.

I remember seeing the "Thief In The Night" Movie at a church drive-in back in the 80's. Now I've had to study it from a few diffe..."
wait, I'm confused. he embraces post-trib theology but also points out the absence of advice directed towards the church? Sounds like he is arguing against his own position.

Whoops!!!

My bad. I meant pre-trib. Glad you caught that.

Rod wrote: "Whoops!!!

My bad. I meant pre-trib. Glad you caught that."

I have, out of necessity due to an inner-church turmoil, immersed myself in this issue for the last few years. Is it fair to say I'm just about sick of it?

What did you learn?

I learned that prophecy is sneaky and seldom obvious. Yet many hold that the rapture theory should be brutally clear. Very little is. God gives us lots of strange riddles. Even parables are used by Jesus to obscure the truth.

Rod wrote: "The Rapture? Well, is it a biblical prophecy?"

I haven't researched in-depth on the issue (it's not a priority at this point) but I think N.T. Wright's view is quite interesting; he thinks that the language used to describe the Rapture is not us literally going to heaven to be with God but going up in the skies to meet him and then, in a way, "escorting" him back to the earth and setting up a heavenly kingdom here (and that this ties into the millennial kingdom).

That sounds like N.T.'s understanding. I don't think he believes in the Tribulation or judgement or endtimes scenario.