Expert: Dr. Billy Kryger - 8/25/2008

Question
What is your reasoning in Rev.Ch4 about the rapture? Who invented this rapture theory,because I have always found it too be contrary to the teachings of Christ.

Answer
Glen:
    While the word "rapture" never appears in the Bible, it means "transport" or "catch away".  That is a Scriptural event that is prophesied in passages like 1 Thes. 4:13-18: "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  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: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." and fulfilled in Rev. 4:1: "After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither,".

    As to the rapture being contrary to the teachings of Christ, in John 14:2, 3 Jesus Himself told His Disciples:  "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."?