Those who believe in a pretribulation rapture think that when times really get hard, Jesus will spirit away Christians, saving them from the suffering of the end of the age.
But Jesus never suggested Christians would be spared suffering; indeed he described events like these in Luke 21:16-18: "You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. All men will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life." Jesus said to take up the cross--the instrument of cruel execution--and follow him.
For the history of the theological invention of the rapture, see http://www.askelm.com/doctrine/d760201.htm
2007-12-04 01:37:04 · 13 answers · asked by Bruce 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
That is the thing. Fundamentalists/Evangelicals have twisted the Gospel into being a feel-good, new age philosophy where the Lord serves us as if He were a genie that grants us three wishes. This is part of the reason why these same Christian-types do not like to look at Jesus Crucified, and are critical of Catholics for displaying crucifixes.
For Catholics, Christ's suffering and crucifixion is central to the Pascal Mystery and our salvation.
Paul writes that he gives thanks to God for his suffering, and he makes up through his own suffering what is lacking in Christ's suffering, implying a unity with the Christ Crucified.
2007-12-04 11:38:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
From examining of the arriving activities interior the Bible i've got self assurance that's going to ensue interior the order as you state on your question. some human beings have self assurance that there will be merely the only experience whilst Jesus comes. even regardless of the undeniable fact that, the bible tells us that Jesus will return 'for His very own' and the 'ineffective in Christ will upward thrust first' and then others will 'meet Him interior the air'. a million Thessalonians 4:sixteen and 17 that's what we communicate over with because of the fact the rapture. the 2d Coming is defined in a distinctive way whilst Jesus would be considered by using anybody all over the realm. Revelation a million:17 there will be no secret in that experience. After that experience the tribulation will initiate. till you examine those bible money owed for your self that's going to be confusing which you will sort your very own ideals on how this might ensue. you additionally can look at those verses. Matthew 24:27, 30 and 31. a million Corinthians 15:fifty one-fifty two Revelation 19:11-sixteen. the main severe situation to bear in mind is that Christians have self assurance that it is the sacrifice of Jesus (His demise in our place to take our punishment) which will save us. The order is of much less significance than the undeniable fact that he will return (some human beings would be superb in this situation, others incorrect) and people who've prevalent Him as Saviour would be stored.
2016-10-19 03:03:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, there will not be a rapture before the tribulation. I have to disagree with that based on scriptures also. Just look at how it is going to effect the world in the book of daniel 12:1, "At that time shall Micheal stand up..." "And there shall be a time of trouble..." "At that time thy people shall be delivered..." This time of deliverance will not come before this time of trouble but during this time of trouble. Our Lord Jesus spoke of key signs that will come before he comes in the gosples. Matthew 24:7 & luke 21:25 - 26 " Signs in the heavens and hearts failing men for things coming on the earth...." Anyone can see that mother nature seems to be going crazy it is difficult for even the whether stations to call things now a days. History already proved the Lord prophecies to be like" a hammer hitting dead on the nail". If Israel was kept during the time Egypt recieved the plagues then I firmly believe God will keep those that are his during this time.
2007-12-04 02:11:14 · answer #3 · answered by princecurtis7 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
When you attain to Christ, the Spirit of the Divine flows through the whole body throwing it into a rapturous bliss.
The Kingdom of Heaven is within us, not somewhere we go.
If a 'christian' wholeheartedly believes that the rapture is going to whisk them away, ask them to deposit everything they own into an account for use for the poor when they leave.
I set up this challenge in 1998 in the 'Globe' which was at that time an extremely popular forum like Yahoo answers - and the 'christians' flamed me - very, very, very loving of them.
The fact is that this doctrine is a lie - and you will realise this when the Spirit flows through you providing the bliss here and now that 'christians' think is waiting for them somehwere else!
Like all lies weaved by the selfish ego, they are too afraid to leave its 'comfort' - because it removes all responsibility from them - which is the lie of the ego!!!
2007-12-04 02:13:02 · answer #4 · answered by the_metaphysician2001 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It also states time and time again to endure til the end. Why would we need to endure if we are to be raptured before tribulation? Read Revelation again and see if you read this as well. I believe we are close to the tribulation by what is going on, but they have believed that since Jesus was raised from the dead.
2007-12-04 02:26:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
When Jesus tells us to take up our cross and follow Him, He's not talking about the Tribulation, but about everyday life. Like you've (the asker) said, Jesus never promised that life was going to be trouble-free for Christians - quite the opposite, actually.
But as for the actual bit about denying ourselves and taking up the cross, that's referring to us "crucifying" our selfish egos and following Him instead of following what we ourselves want. It's not related to the Rapture or Tribulation at all.
And, come to think of it, suffering does come to many Christians today around the world - and it's still before the Rapture, which by the way, I totally believe in.
2007-12-04 02:48:10 · answer #6 · answered by Kitak Law 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Easier way to think about it. If we are just whisked away... why all the details on what to do and what comes after?
We are gone, who are the details for?
They are for us... for we are not blinked away like most believe due to a fable. Hmmm... I've seen that word before...
2 Timothy 4:3-4
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2007-12-04 01:41:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I saved the link to my favorites for reading later, thank you.
The taking up of the cross was meant to be and was, an expression of a truth put in a graphic way.
It is self denial, killing your human nature. Everyone that heard Jesus say this knew how gruesome a crucifixion was because they'd seen them done.
A strong picture to show how seriously we are to put to death ourselves, our natures.
This is lost on modern minds, since we've never seen a crucifixion. Basically, daily, we should crucify ourselves, and what it points to is this, it means you don't come back.
2007-12-04 01:47:59 · answer #8 · answered by Jed 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
While The Bible talks about the tribulation, it doesn't talk about a rapture. Taking up the cross is to bear the weight of our convictions. And, yes, I do bear my own cross and I do follow Him.
2007-12-04 01:49:36 · answer #9 · answered by RT 66 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Jesus Was talking in metaphor, people are not litterally taking up crosses, but they are dying to themself so they can live for jesus, its a hard way but the bible said narrow is the road and few will take it. people cant get past themself and their life to think about Jesus what he did for us on the cross.
qoute; Teacher Phil Sanders=
The good news is that everyday we live we have an opportunity to turn our lives around and live
for the Lord. Jesus helps us understand that we can save or lose our souls (lives). He said, “If
anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow
Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is
the one who will save it” (Luke 9:23-24). What does he mean, “lose his life for My sake”? Jesus
means that we give up our self-willed ways and follow His ways. We give up selfishness, greed,
and sinful ways to live a life of purity and service like He did. We love others and teach others
the truth as He did. We keep our souls pure.
Taking up a cross here does not mean that we will literally be crucified. What it does mean is that
we leave the old man of sin behind and live our lives for the Lord. Paul said in Galatians 2:20, “I
have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I
now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” If I
want to save my soul, I will lose myself for the Lord’s sake in His service. I live and walk by faith
and not by sight. I keep God’s will in my heart when I make decisions. I stay close to Him by
studying my Bible and prayer. I attend church and get involved in its ministries. I speak to others
about the Lord, because I love them.
2007-12-04 15:01:40 · answer #10 · answered by Spread The News Acts 238 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋