Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Rupturing the Rapture

Intro.

1. Warned not to be deceived by those who predict the end of the age. cf. Predictions re. Jerusalem, Matt. 24:3-8, 11 (14)

2. Rapture is part of the larger Premillennial doctrine.

I. WHAT IS THE RAPTURE? (doctrine formulated by John Darby, 1830)

A. Definition (acc. to Premillennial doctrine): “A secret catching away of the church, both resurrected and living saints, who are caught up to meet the Lord in the air.”

1. Sign of the “end times.”

2. A time of increasing world chaos.

3. Silent, secret, invisible resurrection / changing of the saints

4. Pre-tribulation (7-10 yrs.)

5. Followed by Armageddon and 1,000 yr. reign of Christ.

II. RUPTURING THE RAPTURE DOCTRINE.

A. Rapture Errors Include:

1. Wrong time, Matt. 24:34 (37-42) – “this generation.”

2. Wrong place, Lk. 17:34-37 (Matt. 24:28) – Roman army at Jerusalem.

3. Wrong events, 1 Thess. 4:13-18.

a. Not silent, secret or invisible, 4:16; 1 Cor. 15:52.

b. Not only 7 years ("always"), 4:17.

c. Not 2 personal comings of Christ, 2 Thess. 1:7.

4. Coming (parŏusia) both “with” saints and “for” saints, 1 Thess. 3:13; 2 Thess. 2:1 (1 Thess. 4:17).

III. THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.

A. Prophesied, Dan. 2:44.

B. Nature, Jno. 18:36 (Lk. 17:20-21).

C. Established, Mk. 1:15; 9:1; Acts 1:6-8; 2:1-4, 33-36; Col. 1:13 (the church).

D. Delivered Up to the Father When Christ Returns, 1 Cor. 15:23-26.

-You need to be in the kingdom (church) now to be in the kingdom delivered up to the Father when Jesus returns, Heb. 12:22-23.

IV. WHEN CHRIST RETURNS.

A. Personal, Visible Return of Jesus, Acts 1:11; 1 Thess. 4:16.

B. Resurrection of All Dead, Jno. 5:28-29; Acts 24:15; 1 Cor. 15:23-26.

C. Living Changed Instantly, 1 Cor. 15:51-53.

D. Physical World Will be Destroyed, 2 Pet. 3:10-12.

E. Judgment Will Immediately Occur, Matt. 25:31-32; Rev. 20:11-13.

F. Kingdom Will be Delivered Up to the Father, 1 Cor. 15:23-24.

G. Punishment Will be Executed, 2 Thess. 1:7-10.

H. God Forever Reigns Over His Eternal Kingdom, 1 Cor. 15:28.

Conclusion

1. Premillennialism is a false system of doctrine built on errors about Israel and the Messianic kingdom. The rapture is a part this error that gives people false hope.
2. Do not be afraid of the future or doubt the truth of God’s word.
3. Christ can come at any time. When He does it will be the end of the world, a time of judgment, and a time of eternal punishment and reward.
4. Christians are comforted by anticipating Christ’s return, as we are prompted to live diligent, holy lives, 1 Thess. 4:18; 2 Pet. 3:11, 14.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted March 29, 2019