Many Christians falsely belief in a pre-tribulation rapture which actually is not found anywhere in scripture. This misinterpretation is dangerous, and it sets a profoundly false sense of security during the End Times- as many believe they will not face the imminent threat of the anti-Christ, or the persecution that follows. Many may lose their faith if trying to set dates or use suppositions which only lead to disappointment or a mistrust in church leadership.

What does the Bible actually say? According to 1 Thessalonians 4.15-17:

“According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.  For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”

Nowhere does it say we will be “raptured” out before the Lord returns. This notion of rapture came popular in the 1830s and was later referenced in the Schofield Bible (1909). Its a twist on the original Thessalonians verse. This was originally intended to answer a question placed by the Thessalonian Christians in regards to what would happen to loved ones who had died before the return of Christ. In short, it was based on individual destiny, not a “rapture” of throngs of Christians. Wishful thinking took the scripture upside down in its intention. When people speak of the “rapture” they are preaching a false teaching that was never intended to claim a mighty departure of the brethren . Sadly, many will continue to teach this false concept and it will lead many people astray instead of following the truth.