Rapture or Resurrection? - The Rock of Offence

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ occurs on the Last Day. At this time, there is a General Resurrection of all people who ever existed. God’s people will be resurrected into eternal life, while all others will receive the resurrection of damnation (John 5:28-29, 1 Cor 15:5054, etc.). The order of events in prophecy is: 1) the Church Age, the Great Tribulation, the Last Day and Eternity. However, the false prophecy of Premillennialism embraces the term ‘Rapture’ to describe a secret Second Coming of Jesus Christ prior to the ‘Millennium’. They believe that the ‘Millennium’ (which is actually a symbol for the Church Age) is a future literal 1000 year time period when God once again turns His attention solely to national Israel to save them (which is a false gospel). The use of the word ‘Rapture’ is dubiously based on one particular passage in the New Testament (1 Th 4:16-17), which actually describes events of the Last Day (i.e., the General Resurrection). The Greek word for ‘caught up’ in 1 Th 4:17 is the Greek word harpazo, which means to pluck / snatch up. Harpazo is used only once in the Bible as referring to the raising of God’s people to be with Christ (which occurs at the General Resurrection). However, the words ‘resurrect and raise’ are used more than 50 times to describe the Last Day resurrection. Therefore, the use of the word ‘Rapture’ is dubious. For more details, please click below to view a You Tube video or continue with this study below:

Word Origin of Rapture

Bases for Using the Word ‘Rapture’

Why do Premillennialists Emphasize the use of ‘Rapture’?

Verses on ‘Resurrection’ from the Dead

Verses on being Awakened (‘Raised’) from the Dead

Word Origin of Rapture

The ‘Rapture’ is an English word that originated in 17^th century. The word literally means to have a feeling of intense pleasure or joy. It has its roots from the Latin word ‘rapere’, which means to ‘seize by force’. Other English words that are derived from rapere include rape, rapid, raptor, rapacious (i.e., greedy) and others. The word ‘rapture’ is most commonly used by most of evangelical Christianity (primarily dispensational premillenialists) to describe Christians being caught up to be with Christ. This large segment of Christianity includes Baptists, Bible churches, Brethren churches and the most Pentecostals. Most ‘mainline’ Christian denominations (Catholics, Presbyterians, Methodists, Lutherans, etc.) do not use this term.

The term ‘Rapture’ was popularized in the 19^th and 20^th centuries to a large extent and is closely tied to the teaching of a ‘Secret Rapture’, which was mainstreamed in many books, movies and other media. Dispensational, premillennialism is a false gospel as well as false prophecy (see discussion below).

Sources:

Google Dictionary / Oxford Languages
Dictionary of Word Origins, Ayto, Arcade Publishing, 2011.
Wikipedia – Rapture
Things to Come, J. Dwight Pentecost, Zondervan Publishing House, 1964

Bases for Using the Word ‘Rapture’

The bases for using the word ‘Rapture’ is based on 1 Th 4:17:

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout … and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air … (1Th 4:16-17)

In this passage, the phrase ‘caught up’ is actually the Greek word harpazo. This Greek word literally means to be caught up, plucked up, or taken away. Harpazo occurs 13 times in the Bible, but only once (i.e, 1 Th 4:17) does it refer to the raising of God’s people at the Last Day. Notably, in 1 Th 4:16, the word ‘rise’ is used in describe this ‘catching up’. The word ‘rise’ is the Greek word anistemi. Anistemi is verb corresponding to the noun anastasis, which is translated as resurrection numerous times in the New Testament. These Greek words literally mean ‘to stand again’. These words are used about 35 times in the New Testament in referring to the raising / resurrection of God’s people at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. In addition, the Greek word egeiro (literally, to awaken, often translated as rise) is used about 20 times to describe the raising of God’s people at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Therefore, when we compare the words in the New Testament referring to the gathering of God’s people to Christ at the Second Coming, we the following:

Resurrection / Stand again / Stand (Greek: anastasis / anistemi / histemi)
- Sometimes translated as ‘rise’
- ~ 35 occurrences
Awakened (Greek: egeiro)
- Sometimes translates as rise / raised
- ~ 20 occurrences
Caught up (harpazo)
- 1 occurrence
- Colloquially called a ‘Rapture’

It should also be noted that the Bible teaches that every word should be established by 2 or 3 witnesses:

This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. (2Co 13:1)
But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. (Mat 18:16)
He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses (Heb 10:28)

Because the colloquial word ‘rapture’ is only based on one verse in the New Testament, it is dubious to give this term much weight when describing the glorious event of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ on the Last Day to resurrect His people to eternal life. Words such as ‘resurrection’ or ‘raising’ would be much more in line with Bible interpretation.

Why do Premillennialists Emphasize the use of ‘Rapture’?

First, it is important to understand that premillennialism in a false gospel and it is false prophecy. It was not the historic prominent position of the church during the last 2000 years. Please consider visiting the Premillennialism – False Gospel / Prophecy page on this website. As stated above, a large segment of ‘evangelical Christians’ adhere closely to this false gospel / prophecy. The following is a summary of this false gospel / false prophecy:

Most Evangelicals incorrectly believe in a Future Millennial Reign
- Future millennium based on 1 passage in Rev 20
  - Millennium is really a symbol for the church age
- Jesus Reigns (with King David as His vice-regent) on earth
- Primarily for National Israel / Jerusalem will be the world capital
  - Salvation of National Israel (works based gospel)
  - Heb 11:1 – Faith is…the evidence of things not seen
- Premillennialism – many books and movies

While the Bible teaches that there is one General Resurrection on the Last Day, Premillennialism falsely teaches that there are 5 resurrections:

‘Secret’ rapture (Living / Dead church age Christians resurrected)
After 7-year Great Tribulation – Second Coming
Tribulation saints (Rev 20:4-6) resurrected – after literal 7-year Great Tribulation
The Old Testament Saints (Eze 37:12-14, Dan 12:1-3) – after 7-year Great Tribulation
Resurrection of the wicked dead (Rev 20;15) – after presumed Millennium (literal 1000 years)

Sources:

The Prophecy Knowledge Handbook, John F. Walvoord, 1990, p. 468.
Things to Come, J. Dwight Pentecost, 1964.

The above 5 resurrections are contrary to the truth that the General Resurrection occurs at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ (which occurs after the church age and Great Tribulation):

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. (Joh 5:28-29)

Summary of false gospel / prophecy of premillennialists:

False Gospel
- Different Salvation Plan for National Israel
- Church and Israel are different entities with different plans of salvation (a.k.a., dispensationalism)
False Teaching
- Makes a lot of the Bible not applicable to the church
  - Book of Revelation
  - Olivet Discourse (Mat 24, Mk 13, Lk 21)
  - Major and Minor Prophets
- Wrong Method of Interpretation
  - Over-literalizes, does not compare Scripture with Scripture

Verses on ‘Resurrection’ from the Dead

The word for resurrection is the Greek word anastasis (G386), which is a noun that literally means ‘a standing up’. The associated verb for this (G450, anistemi) is usually translated as ‘rise’ or ‘stand up’. The related Greek word for ‘stand is histemi (G2476). All three words can refer to the resurrection of either Jesus Christ or of His people (Christians). The following verses reference the resurrection / raising of God’s people on the Last Day:

G386 – anastasis

The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him (Mat 22:23)
Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying (Mark 12:18)
Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him (Luke 20:27)
But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. (Acts 23:6)
For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. (Acts 23:8)
Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. (Mat 22:28)
For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. (Mat 22:30)
But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying (Mat 22:31)
In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife. (Mark 12:23)
And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. (Luke 14:14)
Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife. (Luke 20:33)
But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage (Luke 20:35)
Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. (Luke 20:36)
And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. (John 5:29)
Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. (John 11:24)
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live (John 11:25)
And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. (Acts 17:32)
Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day. (Acts 24:21)
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection (Rom 6:5) – see Romans 6:13, Ro 6:4 context
Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? (1 Cor 15:12)
But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen (1 Cor 15:13)
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. (1 Cor 15:21)
So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption (1 Cor 15:42)
If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. (Phil 3:11)
Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. (2 Tim 2:18)
Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (Heb 6:2)
Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection (Heb 11:35)
And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. (Acts 24:15)

G450 – anistemi

And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:39-40)
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:44)
Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:54)
Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? (John 11:23-26)
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

G2476 – histemi

And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. (Rev 11:11)
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. (Luke 21:36)
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy (Jude 1:24)

Verses on being Awakened (‘Raised’) from the Dead

The Greek word for raise, rise, arose is egeiro (G1453, G1454), which literally means to ‘awaken’. This word occurs approximately 140 times in the New Testament. Twenty of these occurrences involve Christians being awakened (resurrected) on the Last Day:

Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. (1 Cor 15:15)
For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised (1 Cor 15:16)
Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? (1 Cor 15:29)
If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die. (1 Cor 15:32)
But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? (1 Cor 15:35)
So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption (1 Cor 15:42)
It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power (1 Cor 15:43)
It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. (1 Cor 15:44)
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (1 Cor 15:52)
Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. (2 Cor 4:14)
The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. (Mat 12:42)
The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. (Luke 11:31)
But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen (1 Cor 15:13)
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. (1 Cor 15:20)
Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. (Mat 25:7)
And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose (Mat 27:52)
Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? (Acts 26:8)
Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. (Heb 11:19)
Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? (1 Cor 15:12)
But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raises the dead (2 Cor1:9)