The concept of a secret rapture refers to the belief among some Christians that at some point in the future, Jesus Christ will return to earth secretly and suddenly to “rapture” or catch up to heaven true believers in Christ who are still alive, as well as resurrect and rapture to heaven Christians who have died. This is believed to occur before (pre-tribulation) or in the middle (mid-tribulation) of a period of global tribulation on earth. The key aspects of this view are the suddenness, secrecy, and idea of Jesus taking believers to heaven before a time of intense persecution on earth.
This belief is based primarily on 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 which says “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.”
Some key points from this passage:
- Jesus himself will descend from heaven
- There will be an archangel’s voice and a trumpet from God
- Christians who have died will rise first
- Then Christians alive on earth will be “caught up” in the clouds to meet Jesus in the air
- This is to enable believers to be with Jesus forever
So this passage teaches Jesus returning and believers being gathered to him, but the ideas of this being a secret, sudden event, or it happening before a tribulation period are mainly derived from inference and putting together various scriptures.
Understanding the Concept of a Secret Rapture
There are differing views within Christianity on the secret rapture concept. Here are some key aspects that help explain this view:
Sudden, Unexpected Event
A key part of the secret rapture view is that Jesus’ return will happen suddenly and unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. Verses used to support this include:
- “You yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2)
- “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night…” (2 Peter 3:10)
- “Behold, I am coming as a thief.” (Revelation 16:15)
The imagery of a thief was used because they come suddenly and unexpectedly. So these verses are interpreted to teach Jesus will return suddenly when people least expect it.
Only Some Will Be Taken
The secret rapture view believes that when Jesus returns secretly, only faithful Christians will be taken up to heaven. Unbelievers will be left behind. This is inferred from verses like:
- “I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed: the one will be taken and the other will be left.” (Luke 17:34)
And the description of Christ gathering his faithful elect from heaven’s ends in Mark 13:27. Also the parable of the ten virgins where only those ready go to the wedding feast with the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-13).
Before a Tribulation Period on Earth
Many secret rapture views believe the rapture will occur before a 7 year period of intense evil and suffering on earth known as the tribulation. This is inferred from the contrast of scriptures portraying faithful believers being removed from earth while judgment happens.
Key verses used to show a tribulation period include Daniel 9:24-27 which mentions a 70 week period, which is thought to refer to 7 years of tribulation. The book of Revelation chapters 6-19 also detail a period of intense judgment and suffering, including: war, famine, natural disasters, persecution of believers, and more supernatural/apocalyptic events.
The secret rapture is thought to remove believers before this tribulation occurs. Verses used to support this include:
- “Wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” (1 Thessalonians 1:10)
- “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36)
- “Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.” (Revelation 3:10)
These verses speak of Jesus delivering from wrath, praying to escape coming events, and being kept from the trial or tribulation. This supports the idea Jesus will rapture believers to heaven so they escape the tribulation period on earth.
Non-Essential Secondary Doctrine
It should be noted that the doctrine of a secret rapture before the tribulation is considered a non-essential secondary doctrine that faithful biblical Christians disagree on. There are other end times interpretations that do not hold to a pre-tribulation secret rapture while still affirming Christ’s second coming.
This doctrine should not be a test of biblical faithfulness or fellowship among Christians. The core belief in Christ returning bodiliy in power and glory to resurrect the dead and fully establish his kingdom on earth is the essential doctrine affirmed across Christianity.
Critiques and Responses to the Secret Rapture View
While many Christians hold to versions of a secret rapture teaching, there are critiques and alternative views offered in response to some aspects of this doctrine:
Suddenness and Secrecy Critiqued
Some point out Bible passages that indicate Christ’s return will be very visible, rather than secret. Such as Matthew 24:27 saying “For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” And Revelation 1:7 “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him.”
Also, rather than happening suddenly, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 mentions certain events happening first, like a falling away and the man of lawlessness being revealed. Some see passages noting signs preceding Christ’s return as evidence it will not be with no warning at all.
Passages on Being “Left Behind” Refer to Judgment
Some note verses about the wicked being “left behind” at Christ’s return refer to judgment, not being left to experience a tribulation period. Such as Luke 17:35-37 where the bodies of those “left” are pictured as slain prey for vultures. And the analogy of Noah’s flood washing the wicked away, leaving only righteous Noah’s family to enter the ark (Matthew 24:37-41).
Tribulation Period Timing and Purpose Questioned
There are disagreements over the tribulation timing and purpose. Some see it as purifying the church rather than pouring out judgment after the church is removed. And some hold to a post-tribulation rapture, seeing the gathering happening after this tribulation.
Some also see the tribulation passages as metaphorical for various events throughout this age, rather than predicting a short literal future tribulation. Differences like these lead to questioning a definite pre-tribulation secret rapture timing.
Focus Shifted from Christ’s Reign to Escape
Some caution that focusing too much on escaping tribulation via a secret rapture shifts emphasis away from vital teachings on Christ’s reign and establishing his kingdom on earth. Escapism notions should not override solid hope in Christ’s triumph and reign.
Key Passages on the Rapture and Christ’s Return
Below are some other key rapture and second coming passages to understand this topic fully:
1 Corinthians 15:50-58
This famous resurrection chapter concludes with revealing not all believers will die – but those alive at Christ’s return will be transformed, changed in the ‘twinkling of an eye’ at the last trumpet blast. As vs 54-55 declare, “When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.'”
Philippians 3:20-21
Paul writes that Christian citizenship is in heaven, from which Savior Jesus will return to “transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body.” This glorification of believer’s bodies matches the rapture teaching of bodies adopted for heavenly life.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
As mentioned above, this is a crucial rapture passage mentioning Christ descending from heaven, a shout and trumpet, the resurrection of the dead, and believers caught up to meet Christ in the air.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Paul reassures anxious Thessalonians concerned they were in the tribulation, so he outlines certain events that must precede Christ’s return. This passage is important for studying the sequence of end times events.
1 John 2:28-3:3
John motivates holiness by saying Christ’s return is coming and “when he appears we shall be like him.” He encourages hope in this change and transformation, which ties to rapture teaching.
Differing Perspectives Within Christianity
There are several common perspectives on the rapture and tribulation among Christians:
Pretribulation Rapture
This view believes the rapture happens suddenly before the tribulation period starts. Most who hold this view also think the tribulation will be a literal 7 year period of intense hardship on earth as judgment is poured out.
Midtribulation Rapture
This stance also sees a literal tribulation period coming, but believes the rapture will occur halfway through it, protecting believers from the worst of God’s wrath in the second half.
Postribulation Rapture
Those who hold this view believe the rapture will take place after the tribulation or difficult times on earth, and will usher people immediately into Christ’s kingdom reign.
Partial Rapture
This view believes the rapture happens in stages or waves, taking some believers before the tribulation to spare them and others later. Proponents attempt to reconcile both types of passages noted above.
Pantelism
This stance does not separate the rapture and Christ’s return as separate events, but sees them as one event happening simultaneously at the end of the tribulation period.
Amillennialism
This view does not predict a literal future period of tribulation at all. The tribulation is symbolic for either historical events or difficulties believers face at all times until Christ returns.
Preterism
Preterists believe prophecies on tribulation, judgment, the rapture and Christ’s coming were fulfilled spiritually in the 1st century destruction of Jerusalem. So they do not predict any future literal fulfillment.
Putting Differences in Perspective
While these viewpoints differ, it is helpful to keep the following context and perspective:
- Most positions still affirm a literal second coming of Jesus Christ
- They agree resurrection of the dead and transformation of living believers will occur
- Views mostly differ on the exact sequence and timing of events
- No one fully understands all the details, so humility is wise when discussing
- Focus should remain on biblical principles more than specific predictions
As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:9, “For we know in part and we prophesy in part.” So differences should enhance perspective, not create division.
Practical Implications of the Rapture Teaching
While the exact timing may be debated, passages on the rapture call Christians to:
- Live vigilantly knowing Christ could return at any time
- Long for Christ’s appearing and the fullness of our salvation
- Purify ourselves as we wait for Him and know we shall be like Him
- Focus on heavenly citizenship rather than earthly comforts
- Tell others of Christ’s coming judgment and salvation
- Persevere through hardship knowing trials are temporary
- Have hope no matter how chaotic world events become
Conclusion
The concept of a secret rapture is an area of debate among Christians seeking biblical wisdom on end times prophecy. Key aspects of this view are Christ secretly returning to remove true believers from earth before (or midway through) a literal tribulation period. While specifics may be unclear, passages on the rapture inspire hope, purity, and perseverance until Christ is seen face to face at his return in glory to establish his eternal kingdom.