Rapture, Fact or Fiction? by Fr. Evan Armatas
In case you haven’t heard, the rapture has quickly become a popular belief of Christians from nearly every denomination. This phenomenon has been assisted by the incredibly popular Left Behind series, which many bookstores have had difficulty keeping in stock. In fact, it is not uncommon to see the following bumper sticker from time to time around town, “In case of rapture, this vehicle will be unmanned.”
The most basic definition of the rapture is: that sometime in the near future, the Lord Jesus will come in the air, “catch up/rapture” the church from the Earth, and then return to Heaven with the church and her members. Those caught up with the Lord in the air will be the elect, the righteous who have believed in the name of Jesus, confessed Him as their Lord and Savior with their lips, and received baptism. According to this belief, only the “unsaved” and unrighteous will be left on Earth to suffer through the tribulations of the end times under the rule of the Anti-Christ. The basis for this idea is found in the 1st Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians 4.13-18, and it is safe to say that many supporters of the rapture concept have come to view belief in it as a means of testing whether one’s Christianity is orthodox.
In opposition to such a view, the Orthodox Church has never promoted the rapture as it is presently stated. In fact, the 2000-year history of the unbroken Church does not contain any reference to such an event. Although, the dating of the rapture is argued by its supporters to predate the 1800’s, they have been extremely hard pressed to prove their case. Nevertheless, it is important that Orthodox Christians clearly understand their own faith so that they might not be carried away by such myths as the rapture.
Looking at the context for the rapture myth, we must recognize the desire of many earnest Christians to validate Christianity’s teachings concerning the end times. Specifically those surrounding the belief in the second coming of Christ, the final consummation of this age, and the last judgment of both the living and the dead by Christ (Matthew 25). The Church, however, has always been careful when it comes to speaking about the last days and the second coming (the parousia) of Christ. Most importantly, the Church has strayed from saying too much; rather, she has passed over in silence what has been left unclear in the Scriptures.
Therefore, it is imperative that we are clear about what we do know about the last days, and what the testimony of Holy Scripture is. First, we know and affirm that Christ will return physically in glory, Acts 1.11, Matthew 25.31, and Luke 18.8. Second, we know that the day and hour of His return is unknown, Mark 13.32. Third, we know that when the Lord returns, He will judge every human being according to their works, Matthew 25.31-46, and Romans 2.6-10. Finally, we confess that Christ’s kingdom will have no end, Luke 1.33, and the Nicene Creed. We also know that prior to the Last Day, two events will occur: first, there will be a general falling away, or apostasy; second, the Anti-Christ will be revealed, 2 Thessalonians 2.3-4.
In Holy Scripture, it is also clear that tribulations will precede the Second Coming. These events will be endured by both the righteous and the unsaved. We read in Matthew 24.21-22, “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been shortened, no human being would be saved; but for the sake of the elect, those days will be shortened.” In Mark 13.19-23, we read, “For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will be. And if the Lord had not shortened the days, no human being would be saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. And then if any one says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. False Christs and false prophets will arise and show signs and wonders in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But take heed; I have told you all things beforehand.” Scripture tells us in plain language that the elect, the righteous, will not be “raptured or caught up” with the Lord before the general tribulation. In direct contradiction to the teaching of the rapture, Scripture tells us that the period of tribulation will be shortened precisely for the elect so that they might endure until the end.
Our faith encourages us using the words of our Lord to be clear-minded and sober about the Second Coming. Speculation about the day and hour of Christ’s return, investigation into myths like the “rapture,” or fanciful ideas about Christ’s rule on Earth do nothing to truly prepare us for our Lord’s return. Rather, we should remind ourselves of the parable of the five wise and the five foolish maidens. We should overflow with love for our neighbor and hasten to outdo one another in good works, showing our faith and love for Jesus Christ. Behold, The Bridegroom, Christ, comes in the middle of the night, “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”