Photo by David Henry
Thomas Fitzhugh Sheets explains the ills of the world through the lens of Biblical truth in on That Day: A Trilogy, accurately pointing out the signs present.
When we think about the Rapture, we think of ominous events, the likes of which we’ve never seen before. Now, the word “rapture” comes from a Latin word that basically means to say “being caught up” or “being snatched away.” This is essentially what the Rapture is: the idea that when the end of days comes, Jesus Christ will descend again to Earth and take all of us, his faithful followers, both the living and the dead, to heaven and be with him forever and ever.
The Inevitability of the Rapture
The idea of the Rapture is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, nor can it be found in any related text, but it is based on specific passages of scripture that refer to when the second coming of Christ and the resurrection of the dead occurs.
Much of the rapture idea comes from 1 Thess 4:15-17, which tells that those who’ve yet to open up themselves to the light and grace of Christ will be left behind and that when the Lord Himself comes down from heaven, His voice will call out to the souls of the dead believers and they will be entered into heaven first with the living followers following soon after.
The idea of the Rapture has been hotly debated among Christians since it was first conceptualized, and while the idea is anchored on a few lines in scripture, this has not stopped the many interpretations that Christians have had over the years. Regardless, there have been a few key concepts that have been generally agreed upon:
- The Rapture will happen around a calamitous event, either after or before.
- All believers, living or dead, will ascend into heaven.
- The world as we know it will become no more.
What happens after is one of the many contentions of debate that we sadly can’t run over in this article. Another point of dispute is whether the Rapture is a physical event or one that will happen spiritually.
End of Days on the Mind
Despite the theological differences that the Rapture invites and creates, the idea is very much lodged in the minds of believers and non-believers alike, so much so that there has been plenty of popular media that is based on the ideas and concepts portrayed in the Rapture (the most famous, perhaps, is the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins.
While the exact timing and nature of the Rapture remain uncertain, we Christians believe it is an important event that will ultimately fulfill God’s plan and promise for us and the world. As such, the concept will be discussed and debated within our communities and beyond.
Is the End Neigh?
While it is uncertain when the Rapture will come, the Bible foretells that there will be an increase in natural disasters and calamities. Wars, famines, earthquakes, and other natural disasters will become more frequent and intense. This is mentioned in the book of Matthew, where Jesus says that these events herald a dark time. Thus, we can expect to see an increase in natural disasters as a sign of the Rapture.
The Bible also speaks of a great apostasy or falling away from the faith when many people will turn away from God and reject Him. Therefore, falling away from the faith will be another sign of the Rapture.
There is also mention of an increase in rampant crime and lawlessness. In the last days, people will become increasingly immoral and wicked. The rise of a one-world government is also an indication. This is described in the book of Revelation, where a beast with ten horns represents a group of nations that will come together to form a single government. This is another sign of the Rapture.
on That Day: A Trilogy
Thomas Fitzhugh Sheets offers a glimpse of the world through the lens of the Biblical in his seminal work, on That Day: A Trilogy, which is available in all major online bookstores.
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