Deep Dive In Faith
Journey with us as we explore the multifaceted world of Christianity through engaging discussions on contemporary news, powerful sermon insights, and compelling stories of faith. From breaking down biblical teachings to examining how Christianity intersects with modern life, Deep Dive in Faith offers thoughtful conversations that both challenge and inspire believers seeking a deeper understanding of their spiritual walk. We are proud supporters of destiny rescue, A organisation saving children lives from sex trafficking. Donate and help rescue more children > https://www.destinyrescue.org.au/donate/
Deep Dive In Faith
Understanding the Rapture: Diverse Views and Impact on Christian Living
Curious about the mysteries of the rapture and its impact on Christian faith? Discover the varied interpretations and theological debates surrounding this intriguing concept as we unravel its origins from the Latin word "rapturo," meaning "caught up." We'll navigate through different perspectives like pre-tribulation, pre-wrath, and post-tribulation, shedding light on how these views influence believers' lives and expectations. As we tread through this exploration, we'll also highlight the significance of living in service to Christ, delving into events like the Bema Seat of Christ and the millennial reign.
This episode isn't just about theological musings; it's about the transformative power of faith in everyday life. We emphasise how the anticipation of Christ's return can shape our priorities, encouraging us to live with purpose and active compassion. Beware of the pitfalls of disengagement from societal issues, as our discussions push for love and service in action. Our journey also introduces the noble mission of Destiny Rescue, an organisation fighting to save children from sex trafficking, illustrating how faith can drive profound, meaningful change in the world. Join us for a conversation that promises to inspire and challenge your spiritual journey.
Destiny Rescue 👉🏽❤️//www.destinyrescue.org.au/donate/
Destiny Rescue 👉🏽❤️//www.destinyrescue.org.au/donate/
Hey everyone, and welcome to the Deep Dive in Faith. We are diving into a really fascinating topic today. It can be a little mysterious too, and that is the rapture.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah.
Speaker 1:We've got some really great sources to help us unpack this.
Speaker 2:I'm excited.
Speaker 1:Yeah, me too. We've got excerpts from what does the Bible really say about the rapture?
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:What is the rapture? Ethnos 360 Bible Institute.
Speaker 2:All right.
Speaker 1:What is the rapture? Ethnos 360 bible institute.
Speaker 2:All right, what is the rapture of the church? Cot questions dot org.
Speaker 1:Those are some great sources, yeah, and you know you may already have some thoughts on the rapture, yeah, but we're going to break down these different perspectives, dig into what these different sources say, the biblical passages, and hopefully give you a clearer picture of what the rapture is all about it's a concept that spurts a lot of debate, even within Christian circles, right? Yes, for sure.
Speaker 2:So that's what makes it so intriguing, to me at least.
Speaker 1:Absolutely All right. So first things first. What exactly is the rapture, you know, that idea of believers suddenly disappearing from earth to be with Jesus?
Speaker 2:Oh yeah, Sounds pretty wild, right it?
Speaker 1:does. But here's the thing, the word rapture itself. It doesn't actually appear on the Bible. Oh yeah, it comes from the Latin rapturo.
Speaker 2:Okay, which?
Speaker 1:means caught up.
Speaker 2:Gotcha.
Speaker 1:And it refers to the belief that believers will be swiftly taken, that's intense, yeah, pretty dramatic.
Speaker 2:It definitely paints a vivid picture.
Speaker 1:For sure, all right. So we've got the basics, okay, but here's where things get even more interesting the timing of the rapture.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah, that's the big question.
Speaker 1:Right, there are actually a few different schools of thought on when the rapture occurs Makes sense, and that's what we're going to unpack next. Okay, our sources dive into some of the most popular views, with the most prominent being the pre-tribulation view.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Which a lot of dispensationalists believe. Okay, just so you know, dispensationalists are Christians who believe history unfolds in distinct periods or dispensations, with different ways that God interacts with humanity.
Speaker 2:Gotcha.
Speaker 1:Okay, so the pre-tribulation view basically says the rapture happens before the seven-year tribulation period.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Described in the book of Revelation.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's all about God sparing believers from the hardships and judgments that are supposed to occur during that period.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that makes sense. And the Christianitycom article even mentions 1 Thessalonians 5.9.10, where Paul talks about how God didn't destine us for wrath but for salvation.
Speaker 2:I see.
Speaker 1:So, in this view, believers are whisked away to safety before things get really rough down here.
Speaker 2:Makes sense, but you know it's not the only perspective out there. Right Two of our sources, the articles from Christianitycom and GotQuestionsorg introduced some alternative interpretations.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Pre-wrath and post-tribulation. Okay, let's start with pre-wrath. This veer places the rapture before the second half of the tribulation Okay, a period considered to be filled with intense judgment.
Speaker 1:So they're spared from the worst of it.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It gets a little tricky though.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Because this view makes a distinction between God's wrath and Satan's wrath.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:It suggests that believers might experience some of the initial tribulation, but are spared from God's direct wrath.
Speaker 1:Interesting.
Speaker 2:This distinction, however, is debated. As the Christianitycom article claims, the entire tribulation period is solely God's wrath.
Speaker 1:So there's some room for interpretation there.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:But what about post-tribulation? What's their take?
Speaker 2:Well, as the name suggests, they believe that the rapture happens at the very end of the tribulation. Many who hold this view see the rapture and the second coming of Christ as the same event.
Speaker 1:So, in their view, believers go through the entire tribulation period.
Speaker 2:They do and they believe that God protects believers throughout the tribulation.
Speaker 1:That's a stark contrast to pre-tribulation. It is Wow.
Speaker 2:And what's fascinating is that each of these views has its own set of interpretations and supporting arguments.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It really just depends on how they understand biblical prophecy and God's plan.
Speaker 1:That's what makes exploring this topic so fascinating.
Speaker 2:Yeah, right.
Speaker 1:There are so many different perspectives to consider.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:So let's assume for a moment that we're looking at this from the pre-tribulation view. What happens after the rapture? What do our sources say about that?
Speaker 2:Well, according to the Christianitycom article, there's this event called the Bimana Seat of Christ, which is described in Romans 14.0 to 12.12. Now, it's not a judgment for salvation that's already secured for believers Good but it is a sort of assessment of how we lived our lives in service to Christ.
Speaker 1:So like a review of our good deeds.
Speaker 2:In a way, yes.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:You could think of it as a kind of reward ceremony where believers are acknowledged for their faithfulness and service to Christ.
Speaker 1:Wait, if our salvation is already guaranteed, why does this bema seat matter?
Speaker 2:That's a really interesting point. Yeah, and already guaranteed. Why does this be mesit matter? That's a really interesting point. Yeah, and it gets to the heart of why we choose to live a certain way, okay. It suggests that, while our eternal destiny is secure, how we live our lives still matters to god. It encourages us to live a life that reflects our faith and commitment to christ I see, not just passively wait for the rapture.
Speaker 1:It's not just about getting to heaven right but about how we live our lives while we're here.
Speaker 2:Exactly and speaking of what happens after the tribulation.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:The Christianitycom article also mentions the millennial reign of Christ. It's this thousand year period where Jesus rules on earth, bringing peace and righteousness.
Speaker 1:So a time when God's will is finally fulfilled on earth.
Speaker 2:Precisely and following that, okay, the article points to the establishment of the new heaven and new earth wow. As described in revelation 21.4 okay this is the ultimate goal a perfect and eternal existence with god yeah, free from all suffering and death that sounds incredible it is, and the article emphasizes that the rapture is the key event that sets all these other future events in motion.
Speaker 1:Oh, wow.
Speaker 2:It's like a dominant effect leading us towards this glorious future.
Speaker 1:So the rapture isn't just about escaping hardship, it's about kicking off a whole new chapter in God's plan. Absolutely, that's pretty profound it is.
Speaker 2:And one more thing that our source from the Ethnos 360 Bible Institute highlights is the imminence of the rapture.
Speaker 1:OK.
Speaker 2:They emphasize that it could happen at any time, making it the next event on God's timeline.
Speaker 1:OK, that raises an interesting question then If we don't know when it's happening, how does that impact how we live our lives today? That's something I'm sure we'll want to delve into further.
Speaker 2:Definitely, there are so many aspects to consider and we've only just scratched the surface. But before we move on, let's just take a moment to reflect.
Speaker 1:OK.
Speaker 2:What's resonating with you most about this concept of the rapture?
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:What questions are popping up in your mind? Hold on to those thoughts as we continue our deep dive in the next part.
Speaker 1:Sounds good.
Speaker 2:Welcome back to the Deep Dive in Faith. Last time we were unpacking this intricate concept of the rapture and examining the various viewpoints surrounding it.
Speaker 1:It really got me thinking about the human need for hope, especially during times of uncertainty.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah, for sure.
Speaker 1:You know, and speaking of hope, one of our sources, the Ethnos 360 Bible Institute article, actually highlights how the rapture serves as a source of comfort for believers.
Speaker 2:You know, it's a great point.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:They emphasize that, while the second coming of Christ often brings to mind images of judgment, the rapture is more about God rescuing his church. They even refer to it as God's rescue plan.
Speaker 1:God's rescue plan. That's powerful imagery. It really paints a picture of believers being lifted out of harm's way.
Speaker 2:Right, and it's interesting to consider the historical context as well. Think about those early Christians who were facing persecution. Yeah, the Apostle Paul, when writing to the Thessalonians, actually used the rapture as a way to encourage and comfort these new believers who were undergoing such hardship.
Speaker 1:So it seems like right from the beginning the rapture was presented as a beacon of hope in the midst of difficulty.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and I think that resonates with many believers today, especially in a world that can often feel unpredictable and even chaotic.
Speaker 1:You know.
Speaker 2:It's like having this reassurance that, no matter what happens around us, we have this ultimate hope of being united with Christ.
Speaker 1:That makes a lot of sense. The Ethno 360 article also breaks down the rapture into three key aspects Right Reunion, resurrection and imminence. Ok, they're highlighting the main things that believers can look forward to.
Speaker 2:Right. Reunion, of course, refers to the joyous gathering of believers, those who have passed away and those still living. It speaks to the idea of the church, the body of Christ, being brought together in its entirety.
Speaker 1:And then there's the concept of resurrection, a core tenet of Christian faith, but it takes on a special significance in the context of the rapture.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. The article reminds us that our current bodies are imperfect, susceptible to decay and limitations, but at the rapture believers will receive glorified bodies, transformed and perfect for eternal life with God.
Speaker 1:Wow, it's like a complete upgrade. Right A brand new version of ourselves that's capable of experiencing the fullness of God's presence. It's hard to even wrap your mind around that.
Speaker 2:It really is. And that brings us to the third aspect. Okay, imminence, okay, remember, this means the rapture could happen at any moment.
Speaker 1:It's the next big event on God's timeline. The Ethno 360 article definitely drives this point home, encouraging us to live in a state of readiness, as if the rapture could happen today.
Speaker 2:It's that maybe, today, feeling that keeps us on our toes and living in anticipation.
Speaker 1:For sure. It's a powerful motivator, isn't it?
Speaker 2:Oh yeah.
Speaker 1:Knowing that our ultimate destination is secure, regardless of what we may be going through in this life.
Speaker 2:Now let's revisit the gotquestionsorg article for a moment.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:They offer some intriguing insights as well. Right, they start by addressing the fact that the word rapture isn't actually in the Bible.
Speaker 1:Right, we touched on that earlier.
Speaker 2:Yes, they explain that the concept is rooted in the Latin word.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Meaning a carrying off, a transport or a snatching away Gotcha, and while the term itself may not be there, they argue that the idea is clearly presented in scripture, particularly in those key passages we've already discussed.
Speaker 1:Right, and they also highlight that instantaneous transformation of our bodies during the rapture.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah.
Speaker 1:Even quoting 1 John 3.2, which says we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
Speaker 2:It's that image of becoming like Christ, not just in our character but also in our very being, that's so central to the rapture Right, but also in our very being that's so central to the rapture. It's like we get a glimpse of the incredible glory that awaits us, the unimaginable transformation of both body and soul.
Speaker 1:OK let's dive back into the debate about the timing of the rapture. Ok, godquestionsorg acknowledges the different perspectives that exist, including pre-tribulationism, mid-tribulationism, pre-wrath and post-tribulationism. It can feel overwhelming with all these differing viewpoints.
Speaker 2:It can be, but I appreciate how they emphasize that this shouldn't be a point of division among believers. Right, they point out that the Bible itself doesn't provide a definitive answer on the timing and encourages to focus on the core message of the rapture instead.
Speaker 1:What I really liked about their take is that they say the rapture of the church, though, is not supposed to be a divisive issue. Rather, the rapture is a glorious event that, according to scripture, we should all be longing for.
Speaker 2:I love that.
Speaker 1:Me too. It brings us back to the essence of hope and anticipation that we were talking about. Yes, Exactly.
Speaker 2:Regardless of when it happens, the rapture is something we should all be looking forward to. It's a source of comfort and encouragement in our faith journey.
Speaker 1:And ultimately it's about being united with Christ, which is the heart of the Christian faith. Gotquestionsorg really emphasizes that point that we'll finally be free from sin and in God's presence forever.
Speaker 2:And that's a truth that transcends all the debates and different interpretations. It's the foundation of our faith, the anchor of our hope.
Speaker 1:So, as we continue exploring the rapture, let's not get lost in the finer points or arguments, but stay focused on that central message the glorious hope of being united with Christ.
Speaker 2:That's a great reminder. You know it's easy to get caught up in the theological discussions, but I want to bring it back to a personal level. Sure, what does the rapture mean to you personally? How does this concept impact your understanding of faith? Your outlook on life or even your daily choices.
Speaker 1:Think about that for a moment. How does the rapture fit into your personal faith journey?
Speaker 2:We'd love to hear your thoughts. And, as we wrap up this part of our deep dive, let's take a moment to reflect on the incredible hope the rapture represents.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Let's allow that hope to resonate within us and carry it forward as we navigate this world.
Speaker 1:For sure We'll be back soon for the final part of our deep dive into the rapture.
Speaker 2:Looking forward to it.
Speaker 1:Yeah, me too. We'll delve even deeper into the practical implications of this concept Absolutely and explore how it can shape our lives today. See you then. Welcome back to the Deep Dive in Faith. We've explored so many facets of the rapture, from its biblical roots to the varying interpretations of its timing.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's been a fascinating journey so far.
Speaker 1:For sure, and in this final part we're going to shift gears a bit and explore some of the practical implications of the rapture. You know, they've talked about the different viewpoints, the events, the theology behind it all, but what does it all mean for us in our everyday lives?
Speaker 2:That's the question we're tackling today, right? How does the belief in the rapture influence our lives, our priorities, our actions, even how we see the world around us?
Speaker 1:Yeah, and one of the recurring themes we see when discussing the rapture is this idea of readiness.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah.
Speaker 1:Several of our sources touch on this, emphasizing the importance of living in a state of preparedness, as if the rapture could happen at any moment.
Speaker 2:It reminds me of that saying oh yeah. Be prepared, for you know not the day nor the hour.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and this kind of readiness. It goes beyond, you know, packing a bag or having an escape plan. It's about something much deeper, something more spiritual and fundamental.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:The Ethnos 360 article really dives into this. They talk about the rapture as a motivation for pursuing holiness and living a life that's pleasing to God.
Speaker 2:It's a compelling argument.
Speaker 1:Yeah, argument.
Speaker 2:If we truly believe in the rapture, if we're genuinely anticipating that moment of being united with Christ, then it should have a direct impact on how we live our lives right now.
Speaker 1:It's like we're constantly being reminded to check our hearts to make sure our actions align with our beliefs and to strive to live in a way that honors God.
Speaker 2:Right. It all ties back to the idea of the Bancit of Christ that we discussed earlier. Knowing that our lives will be assessed, that we'll be accountable for our choices, that should motivate us to live in a way that reflects our faith.
Speaker 1:You know, it's not about earning salvation that's a gift through grace but it's about showing our gratitude and love for Christ through how we live.
Speaker 2:Another practical implication of believing in the rapture is how it shapes our perspective on the world. If we truly believe this world isn't our ultimate home, that we have a much greater destiny awaiting us, it should change how we view the things of this world.
Speaker 1:It doesn't mean that we completely withdraw from the world or neglect our responsibilities, but it does shift our priorities.
Speaker 2:Yeah, the things that might seem all-consuming or incredibly important in a purely earthly context might lose their grip on us when we consider the eternal perspective.
Speaker 1:Our ambitions, our possessions, our pursuit of status or recognition. All of these things might fade in significance when compared to the eternal glory that awaits us.
Speaker 2:It's like having this cosmic lens, this awareness that there's a much bigger picture unfolding, a grand story of which we are a part.
Speaker 1:That can be incredibly freeing. It can release us from the anxieties and pressures that often weigh us down in this life.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. It can help us live with a sense of detachment from the things of this world, knowing that our true treasure lies elsewhere.
Speaker 1:Now it's important to acknowledge that the belief in the rapture can also raise some challenging questions.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:For example, some people argue that it can lead to apathy or disengagement from social or political issues.
Speaker 2:That's a valid point. Some might think well, if this world is going to end soon anyway, why bother trying to fix it?
Speaker 1:Right, and that's a concern that needs to be addressed head on.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:The belief in the rapture, when properly understood, should not lead to complacency or inaction. In fact, it should motivate us to live lives of love and service, to be a positive influence in the world, even as we anticipate Christ's return.
Speaker 2:Think about the early Christians. They faced persecution and uncertainty, yet they were known for their kindness, their compassion and their generosity. Our belief in the rapture should inspire us to make a positive difference, just as they did.
Speaker 1:It's a powerful reminder that our actions, our words, our choices should all reflect the love and hope we have in Christ, even as we wait for his return.
Speaker 2:And that brings us back to Destiny Rescue.
Speaker 1:Oh yeah.
Speaker 2:The organization we mentioned earlier that's dedicated to rescuing children from sex trafficking.
Speaker 1:Their work is a remarkable example of how faith can be put into action. It shows how the belief in a future hope can inspire tangible change in the present.
Speaker 2:They're not waiting for the world to be perfect or for all problems to be solved. They're actively working to bring light into some of the darkest corners of the world, to offer hope and healing to those who are most vulnerable.
Speaker 1:Their efforts remind us that we can all make a difference, regardless of our beliefs about the future. We can choose to act with love, compassion and justice, even as we anticipate the fulfillment of God's plan.
Speaker 2:So, as we conclude our deep dive into the rapture, I want to leave you with this thought Let the hope of Christ's return, the anticipation of that glorious reunion, inspire you to live each day to the fullest.
Speaker 1:Yeah, let it shape your priorities, your actions, your interactions with others. Let it be a source of strength, comfort and motivation in a world that can often feel uncertain and challenging.
Speaker 2:And remember even though we've reached the end of this deep dive, the journey of faith continues.
Speaker 1:It does.
Speaker 2:There's always more to learn, more to explore and more to experience.
Speaker 1:Keep seeking, keep questioning, keep growing and keep diving deep into the mysteries and wonders of faith. And if you'd like to join us in making a tangible difference in the lives of others, we encourage you to consider supporting Destiny Rescue. We encourage you to consider supporting Destiny Rescue. Their mission to rescue children from sex trafficking is a cause that resonates deeply with us, and we believe it's a powerful way to put our faith into action. You can find more information about Destiny Rescue and how to support their work on our podcast website. Thank you for joining us on this deep dive into the rapture and we'll see you next time.