Posts Tagged ‘rapture’

Overcoming Objections to the Rapture: The Olivet Discourse

March 24, 2026

(The following material comes directly from chapter 5 of my book, “The Rapture: Reasons to Believe”)

In dealing with objections, the Olivet Discourse provides some of the greatest interpretive challenges.  The Olivet Discourse is named due to the location it took place on: the Mount of Olives (Matt. 24:3). A parallel appears in Mark 13, and some would say Luke 21 (though that is disputed because of some differences in specific details). We will focus on the discourse as it appears in Matthew. Matthew’s Gospel is the most “Jewish” of the four. Not surprisingly, it opens with a genealogy that begins with Abraham (Matt. 1:1-2). Matthew’s gospel consistently presents Jesus as “The King” and contains five major discourses.

The question for the average Jew would be this: If Jesus is the King, where is the Kingdom? In his gospel, Matthew demonstrates that Jesus Christ was rejected by the leaders of Israel. When that happened, the Kingdom was postponed. From Matthew 13 onward, Jesus speaks to the crowds only in parables (Matt. 13:34). Earlier in that chapter, Christ explained that this was actually a judgment because of their rejection. The theologians refer to this as a “judicial hardening” of the heart. By the time we get to Matthew 24, the Lord Jesus is only a few days away from being crucified.

The Olivet Discourse is prompted by a series of questions from the disciples. Christ predicted that the Temple would be destroyed (that would happen nearly forty years later in 70 A.D.) In response to those words, they ask this:

Matt. 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 

The first question concerns the destruction of the temple. Matthew does not record the answer to this question. (Luke does in Luke 21:20-24.) The next two questions deal with His coming and the end of the age. Here is where we must be very careful in our interpretations. The modern reader comes to the text and sees “when will the rapture of the Church occur”? But this is not what the disciples are asking. As a matter of fact, the only mentions of the “church” in Matthew are in Matthew 16:18 and 18:17.

Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 

Here, Christ predicts the church as a future entity. The church had yet to be built (contrary to what covenant theologians teach).

Mat 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Here, Christ outlines the procedure for church discipline of sinning members. Again, this speaks of future action because the church did not begin until Acts chapter two on the Day of Pentecost.

Remember I said earlier that the concept of the church was a mystery in the Old Testament. If the concept of the church was a mystery, how much more the concept of the rapture of the church? These disciples weren’t looking for a trip to the clouds; they were expecting the Messianic Kingdom! This was the expectation of all the Old Testament prophets. As a matter of fact, even after the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, this was still foremost in their minds.

Act 1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 

So, if you come to the Olivet Discourse looking for information about the rapture, you might as well search in the ocean for largemouth bass! Many people are already confused, because they’re looking in the wrong place for church-related eschatology!!!

The signs that Jesus predicts in Matthew 24 are consistent with what the Old Testament prophets predicted. The major “sign” that Jesus mentions is the Abomination of Desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet (Dan 9:27). Joel and Isaiah all speak of catastrophic events that coincide with the “Day of the Lord.” The point I’m making is that there is no new revelation in the Olivet Discourse. Jesus Christ is pointing them to Old Testament prophecy to answer their inquiry!

Furthermore, it must be stated that the Jews are the people of signs (see I Cor. 1:22). It is not surprising, then, that the disciples would ask Jesus about signs preceding the Kingdom. The rapture, on the other hand, is an imminent event. That means there are no signs preceding it. The Israelites have a long history of signs and wonders that hearken back to their Exodus from Egypt. The judgments and signs of the Tribulation are very similar to what they experienced in their distant past. Notice also the Israel-centric references in the Discourse:

Matt. 24:16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 

The geography here is very specific. What about all the people who don’t live in Judaea?

Matt. 24:20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: 

Why not in the winter or on the sabbath day? Israel has basically two seasons (long/dry summer and cool/wet winter). Rainy weather would pose a challenge to those attempting to flee for safety. I have read also that the wadis in Israel are prone to overflow during these times, causing dangerous flash floods. A person living in Hawaii would have little concern about whether it was summer or winter.

The Bible teaches that the Sabbath was a sign between God and Israel (please read Exo 31:17 and Eze 20:12). Additionally, Christians are under no obligation to keep the Sabbath, so that wouldn’t be a concern (see Rom 14:5-6, Col 2:16-17). Secular Israel, however, still observes the Sabbath and public transportation is paused on those days.

What about the verses that speak of “one being taken, and the other left behind”? Isn’t that talking about the rapture? Doubtless, there have been many songs and sermons that have conveyed that idea, but let’s see what the text actually teaches.

Matt. 24:40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 

Matt. 24:41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 

That sure sounds like the rapture, doesn’t it? Context will help us to sort it all out. Let’s look at the preceding verses:

Matt. 24:37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 

Matt. 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, 

Matt. 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 

The key to understanding this is to determine the meaning of the word “taken” or “took.” In this example, Noah and his family are the righteous ones, and the remainder were wicked. Who were the ones that were “taken”? It wasn’t Noah and his family; it was the world of unbelievers! Those who are taken are taken for judgment! Luke’s record makes this even more clear:

Luke 17:36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 

Luke 17:37 And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.

The KJV translates the birds as “eagles,” but most others translate as “vultures” (birds that feed on carrion). You will see this same imagery in Revelation 19.

Rev. 19:17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 

Rev. 19:18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. 

The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) are not dealing with the issue of the rapture of the Church. As mentioned in section one of this book, the first reference to the rapture is in John’s Gospel in the Upper Room Discourse.

The Upper Room Discourse takes place after the Olivet Discourse in the Passion Week. This is why it’s so important to rightly divide the Word of Truth. Instinctively, we know this. Most of us haven’t confused God’s commands to Noah as applying to us. We aren’t out looking for gopher wood, so that we can build an ark (Gen. 6:14). We also understand that God’s instructions to Abraham don’t necessarily apply to us. Do we need to leave our country and kin and go to a place that God will later reveal to us (Gen. 12:1)? But in the realm of eschatology, we frequently apply things that are for Israel to the Church. The result is chaos, confusion, and contradictions.

We will explore Paul’s eschatology further in subsequent chapters. But Paul’s teaching on the end times is quite a contrast from the Olivet Discourse. The reason is that they are dealing with two different issues. Jesus Christ is dealing with Israel and the Second Coming (hence, the inquiry about signs from the apostles). Paul gives no signs for the rapture but speaks of it as an imminent event. That’s because he’s addressing the Church, not national Israel!

We looked at this scripture earlier, but just to show the beautiful symmetry of the Old and New Testament, let’s do so one more time.

Zech. 14:4 And in that day His feet will stand on the mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the mount of Olives shall be split in two, from east to west, making a very large valley; half of the mountain shall move toward the north, and half of it toward the south. 

The language of this passage describes a physical coming to the earth in a specific location. At the rapture, the Lord descends only as far as the clouds so that we may rise up to Him in the air (I Thess. 4:17). Isn’t it fitting then that our Lord would give a discourse about the Second Coming on the very place that He will return to Earth bodily?

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“It’s Not in the Bible…or Is It?”

January 19, 2026

(Here is another excerpt from my latest book, “The Rapture: Reasons to Believe.”)

One of the great objections to the doctrine of the rapture is that the word “rapture” does not appear in our English translations of the Bible. Those who oppose the doctrine of the Trinity do so on a similar basis. My response is the same to both objections. Though the actual word may not be explicitly used, the concept of the doctrine of the rapture (or the Trinity) is clearly there.

The word “rapture” is derived from the Latin Vulgate translation of I Thessalonians 4:17. Here is how Jerome’s Latin Vulgate translation renders the verse:

I Thess 4:17 Deinde nos, qui vivimus, qui relinquimur, simul rapiemur cum illis in nubibus obviam Christo in aëra, et sic semper cum Domino erimus. (emphasis mine)

Admittedly, I don’t speak Latin. But a simple Google search will reveal that the above word, “rapiemur” in Latin is equivalent to the English word “rapture.” The New Testament was originally written in koine Greek. The Greek word in question is harpazo. Here is how the KJV translates the verse:

1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 

The KJV opted for the phrase “shall be caught up” as the translation of harpazo. The fact that four English words were used to translate one Greek word should highlight the nuances and challenges of Bible translation. Nevertheless, the Greek word harpazo is synonymous with a “catching away.”  The Strong’s Concordance defines the word in this way:

“to seize (in various applications), catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force).”

The word is used thirteen times in the KJV. The references are as follows: Matt 11:12, 13:19; John 6:15, 10:12, 28, 29; Acts 8:39, 23:10; 2 Cor 12:2, 4; I Thess 4:17; Jude 1:23; and Rev 12:5.

The verses in 2 Corinthians are of particular interest, because they describe the Apostle Paul being “caught up” to the third heaven/paradise. With that being said, we already have one example where a believer was “raptured” to Heaven.

If someone takes great issue with the usage of the word “rapture,” then one could simply call it the “catching away” of the saints. Virtually all modern translations of the Bible are consistent with this verbiage. There is an event in Scripture where a large number of people are caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.

If the rapture is a biblical doctrine, we would expect to find it in several places. We would never base an entire doctrine on one single passage. The best interpreter of scripture is scripture itself! The principle of two or more witnesses is a theme throughout the scriptures (Deut. 19:15, Matt 18:16, 2 Cor 13:1, I Tim 5:19).

In the next three chapters, we will explore three places where the doctrine of the rapture is described. They are all found in the New Testament.

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Excerpt from “The Rapture: Reasons to Believe”

January 7, 2026

I’m going to share an excerpt from the introduction to my latest book. Before I do that, I want to make some introductory remarks. Much confusion exists about eschatology (the study of last things) because of a failure to rightly divide the Word.

2 Ti 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (NKJV)

My book is written from a dispensational point of view. Replacement (sometimes called “covenant”) theology conflates the promises of God to the nation of Israel with the church. The end result is confusion. I believe that the Rapture is an event that is exclusive to the church. I think it’s imperative that we understand when the church began and what it’s comprised of. So, before I post the introduction to my book, let’s take a moment to look at ecclesiology (the study of the church).

What is the church? We can find the answer in Paul’s letter to the Colossians.

Col 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. (NKJV)

The church is the body of Christ, with Him (Jesus Christ) being the Head of the body. The next question is, who or what comprises the church? The answer can be found in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.

Eph 2:11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— 
Eph 2:12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 
Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 
Eph 2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 
Eph 2:15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 
Eph 2:16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. (NKJV)

First, we see that initially there were just two groups: Jews and Gentiles. Prior to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, the Gentiles were strangers from the covenants of God. There are four unconditional covenants God made with Israel. They are: The Abrahamic Covenant (Gen 12:1-3, 13:14-17, 15:1-21, 17:1-21, and 22:15-18), the Land Covenant (Deut 29:1-30:20), the Davidic covenant (2 Sam 7:11-16), and the New Covenant (Jer 31:31-34). The only way a Gentile could receive any benefit was to become a proselyte to Judaism. The Mosaic covenant (the Law) was a conditional covenant, and as such, is no longer in force.

Paul goes on to say that the Law functioned as a “wall of separation” between Jews and Gentiles. The dietary restrictions alone made social interaction between Jews and Gentiles almost impossible. Those who attempt to force Christians to keep the Law are trying to rebuild the very thing God broke down…the wall of separation! The Cross of Jesus “abolished” the law of commandments and ordinances and subsequently brought about a third entity. There are not only Jews and Gentiles, (see I Cor 10:32) but now there is a third entity…the “one new man” which is the church (comprised of believing Jews and Gentiles). Note that all of that took place after the death of Christ!

So how does one become a part of the “one new man” (the body of Christ, the church)? Paul answers this in his first letter to the Corinthians.

1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. (NKJV)

The means by which one becomes a part of the church is Spirit baptism. If we can determine when that first took place, we can find a starting point for the church age. Matthew’s gospel is the only one of the four that mentions the church.

Mat 16:18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. (NKJV)

I want you to notice that Jesus Christ speaks of the church as a future entity. He states, “I will build my church.” This is crucial because many believe that the church started with Adam or Abraham. (Christ did not say “I will continue to build my church.”) Immediately after this statement, He explains His future crucifixion which would accomplish this agenda. I believe the church began on the Day of Pentecost. After His resurrection, Jesus demonstrated His resurrected body for a period of 40 days (Acts 1:3). At one point, He appeared to over 500 people (see I Cor 15:6) in His resurrected body. That would stand as convincing evidence in any court of law! Just prior to His ascension and the Day of Pentecost, He stated these words:

Act 1:5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (NKJV)

Remember earlier that we discovered that Spirit baptism was the means by which one became a part of the body (I Cor 12:13)? And remember that the church is the body (Col 1:18)? Acts chapter 2 records the first incidence of Spirit baptism in the scriptures. Acts 2 does not explicitly state that these believers were baptized with the Spirit. However, later in the book of Acts, Peter makes it clear that this is what they experienced. Perhaps 7-10 years later, Peter is given a heavenly vision and instructed to visit the household of a Gentile named Cornelius. This is described in Acts chapter 10. In Acts chapter 11, Peter is confronted by the Jewish leadership because he had gone in to eat with the Gentiles (11:1-3). Remember earlier when I said that the Law served as a “middle wall of partition” between Jews and Gentiles? This is further proof of said division.

When Peter gives his defense to the men from Judea in Acts 11, he gives us the proof that we need to determine when Spirit baptism first took place. Notice what Peter says:

Act 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. 
Act 11:16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ (NKJV)

Peter states that what happened in Cornelius’ home was identical to his own experience in Acts chapter 2. And with that being the case, this proves that Peter was baptized with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. This is when the Church age began! Now, I will post the introductory chapter from my book, “The Rapture: Reasons to Believe.” I hope you will enjoy!

Introduction

Act 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 

Act 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 

Act 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 

Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (KJV)

You thought this was a book about the end times, didn’t you? Don’t worry, it is! This book is a defense of the pre-trib rapture of the church. I thought it would be appropriate to start with the birth of the church. Dispensational scholars agree that the church was born on the day of Pentecost in Acts Chapter two. What this author will attempt to do is prove that just as the church was born in a miracle, so will the church age end with a miracle…the rapture of the church!

A great deal of humility is in order here. Admittedly, there are many things we cannot state dogmatically regarding how every detail of prophecy will work out. Thankfully, eschatology is not a matter where true believers must agree on every point. One’s position on eschatology should not be a litmus test for fellowship. There are non-negotiable issues concerning the faith, but this is not one of them. A German Lutheran theologian from the early seventeenth century named Rupertus Meldenius coined a profound saying:

“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”

Unfortunately, when the topic of eschatology (particularly, the doctrine of the rapture) comes up, emotions tend to run high. This has caused many to abandon the discussion altogether. Many pastors refuse to teach or preach on the subject for fear of controversy. When it comes to terms like “pre-trib” or “mid-trib”, they opt for a position of “pan-trib” …it will all “pan out” in the end! I don’t believe this is the correct approach, either. Just because there are varying opinions on a doctrine, doesn’t mean that they are all correct or that we should avoid it altogether. In Acts 17:11, the Bereans were commended, because they searched the scriptures daily to test Paul’s teaching. I invite you to do the same with what I will share with you in this book. To get the most out of this study, please consult with the Bible as we proceed. Take time to look up the references; it will be well worth your effort!

Since the church age was a mystery in the Old Testament (Eph. 3:4-6), we won’t be looking there for a defense of the rapture. I do believe there are types and shadows of the rapture in the Old Testament, and we will look at those as secondary evidence but not primary. We will look at relevant passages in the New Testament as our primary evidence. While it’s impossible to answer every objection, we will also attempt to deal with those we most commonly encounter.

This book is not about doing “newspaper exegesis” or attempting to set dates for the rapture or other prophetic events. All such endeavors are doomed to failure (Matt 24:36). Instead, this book will focus on the doctrine of the rapture and the sequence of events leading up to the Millennial Kingdom of Jesus Christ. It is this author’s conviction that the rapture will take place prior to the seven-year Tribulation (also called Daniel’s 70th week and the “time of Jacob’s trouble”). The exegesis (a fancy theological word that just means explaining or interpreting a biblical text) in this work will attempt to prove this beyond any reasonable doubt.

Having stated that, whenever I use the word “rapture” in this book, it is understood that the phrase “pre-trib” (meaning before the seven-year Tribulation) is implied. I always like to begin any Bible study with a word of prayer. The greatest Teacher of all is the Holy Spirit. Would you agree with me now?

Father, thank you for your Word! As we read and study the Scriptures together, would you open our understanding and give us clarity? Above all, grant us a heart to be doers of the Word and not simply hearers. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen!

(You can order a copy of the book here: https://a.co/d/bxGmjSW )

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New Book Available on Amazon! “The Rapture: Reasons to Believe”

December 31, 2025

This has been such an extremely busy season in my life, so I have had little time to devote to this site. I am, however, thrilled to announce that my latest book is now available on Amazon. It is titled, “The Rapture: Reasons to Believe.” The doctrine of the Rapture is under fire these days. There are those that deny the doctrine altogether. Still, others love to debate and argue about the timing of the Rapture. My book is an apologetic defense of the pre-trib Rapture of the church. Thankfully, eschatology is an area where we can “agree to disagree” if need be. This does not need to be a litmus test for fellowship among true believers.

I’ve divided this book into three sections. The first section deals with the relevant New Testament texts that describe the Rapture. The second section deals with the most commonly held objections to the doctrine. In particular, I go into a deep dive concerning the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24 and Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians. These tend to be the key proof-texts of those who deny the pre-trib position. I also deal with the issue of suffering. There are many who accuse pre-tribbers as “escapists” who are unwilling to suffer for the cause of Christ. I will show that this is simply hyperbole and not based on fact. Additionally, I will attempt to show that the pre-trib view is the only one that preserves the doctrine of imminence.

The final section deals with the book of Revelation. The church is mentioned 19 times in the first three chapters of Revelation. Then there is a conspicuous omission of the church until the very end of the book (Rev 22:16, which basically serves as a benediction). We will look at the letters to the 7 churches, the twenty-four elders, the two witnesses, the 144,000, the woman and the dragon, the beast, and finally the Second Coming of Christ (as contrasted with the Rapture of the church). At the end of the book there is an appendix which shows types and shadows of the Rapture in the Old Testament. Admittedly, this may not convince the diehard skeptic. But to those open to listen, they may find compelling reasons to believe in the doctrine of the pre-trib Rapture of the church.

You can order a copy of the book here: https://a.co/d/2tWlSck

Maranatha!

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