"Rapture Theology," the Modern Nation-State of Israel And The Current Conflict

Full disclosure here: For decades, I have been convinced that "Rapture Theology" - proper term: Pre-Millenial-Rapture Dispensationalism - did not faithfully express the teaching of the Scriptures.  I don't care to fight much about it or make it central to my preaching - "Keep the main thing the main thing!" - but it is fair to say that I am not a fan for many, many reasons.

Tied in with that theological system is a view of the modern nation-state of Israel that I also think is defective and distracting, a problem that only confuses the current state of war between that Israel and Hamas.

To be clear (and succinct): I think Israel is a valued ally that deserves our support.  It is a representative and constitutional democracy in a difficult part of the world for those values and views.  Hamas is an evil player on the world stage committed to the destruction of both Israel and the Rotary Club (This was a surprise to me!  CLICK HERE).  The October 7 attack was a horrific act of war.  I have a real sympathy for the people displaced at the founding of Israel in 1948.  I weep to see children pulled from the rubble of Gaza.

Now back to our original programming:  I think "Rapture Theology" only confuses the already sad and confusing situation in the Middle East currently playing out.  Here is some helpful background on why I hold that conviction.  And as always, I'd be happy to talk more and more deeply on these topics.  Just contact me or the Harderwyk Ministries office and let's find a time to listen and talk.

Where Did Rapture Theology Come From? CLICK HERE - In this six-minute YouTube, Ben Witherington III, professor at Asbury Seminary, gives a helpful and clear history that I would spend 20 minutes or more on presenting.  This is worth seeing and he does better than I would myself!

NT Wright on Christian Zionism - 8 min - NT Wright is a believer, scholar and pastor of real stature that I find helpful here because he brings perspective from outside our American context.  He carefully, and rightly in my mind, explains the theology of dispensationalism which has led many in the Church, especially in the United States, to adopt a theology of "Christian Zionism."  And with that Oxford British accent he sounds so much more congenial than I do saying the same thing!  CLICK HERE

I could write more - and have! CLICK HERE for my response to the movie Left Behind  originally posted September 13, 2014  - but these two brief videos can start the discussion.  Make contact and let's find a way to do this on this important topic.

The Secret Capture of the Church: Why I Hope We Move On From Left Behind

Originally posted: September 13, 2023

For the record: I do believe that Jesus will return one day to planet Earth – publicly, gloriously, victoriously, and savingly – just as He promised.  Those who are alive at His returning will meet Him in the air.  He will judge the world – both those who are alive and those who have died - and He will establish His Kingdom with justice, peace and life as it was created to be.  All of this has been believed by believers across cultures and across centuries and is part of the “faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3)

Here is what I don’t believe:  I do not believe that Jesus will return half-way and silently in order to secretly remove the church and the Holy Spirit from the planet for the seven year Great Tribulation and then “come again-again,” this time to judge and reign for 1,000 years.  These ideas are the product of a particular perspective called Dispensationalism that was unknown among Christians until late in the 19th century.

Why bring it up at all?  Because the peculiar idea of a “pre-trib rapture” followed by a 7-year period of Great Tribulation will be served up for a fourth time by Hollywood on October 3 in the movie Left Behind starring Nicolas Cage (!?!).  And like leftover food, microwaved and served for a fourth time, I recommend that you just throw it in the garbage once and for all.