Will We See the Rapture?

The movie Left Behind (2014) with Nicolas Cage provides a dramatic portrayal of how the Rapture and Great Tribulation, described in Biblical prophecy, might happen. But, the truth is no one knows, certainly, not me. Regarding this topic, I find the more I learn, the less I know. 

C.S. Lewis

Matthew contains a stunning prophesy by Jesus, “this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened” (Matthew 24:34). This statement has bothered me for a long time. Could Jesus have been wrong? C.S. Lewis, Christian author who wrote the Chronicles of Narnia, said the following:

“The apocalyptic beliefs of the first Christians have been proved to be false. It is clear from the New Testament that they all expected the Second Coming in their own lifetime. And worse still, they had a reason, and one which you will find very embarrassing. Their Master had told them so. . . He clearly knew no more about the end of the world than anyone else.” — C.S. Lewis, “The World’s Last Night” (1960)

To Whom Was He Speaking

Truly “all these things” are not done, yet the generation to whom Jesus spoke is gone. Jesus gave this claim while sitting on the Mount of Olives, looking out over the Temple. But, to who was Jesus really directing his claim, those listening to him, first-century Christians, or a later generation, maybe even us? 

Rapture Prophecies

Church history has many examples of modern-day “prophets” who have attracted public attention with the claim of knowing the exact time of the Lord’s return. Some examples include: 

• William Miller, founder of the Adventist movement, predicted that Christ would come in 1843. When that prediction failed, he revised the prediction in 1844. 
• Joseph Smith of Mormon fame taught that Christ would come no later than 1891. 
• C. T. Russell, founder of the Watchtower organization, predicted that the Second Coming would occur in 1914. 
• Hal Lindsey, author of the popular book The Late Great Planet Earth, argued that the “signs” of Matthew 24 indicated that Jesus would return to earth by about 1988. Lindsey arrived at this conclusion by suggesting that the “generation” which witnessed the rebirth of Israel (1948) would also experience the Lord’s visible return. Since a generation is supposed to be about forty years, Lindsey surmised that Christ would return to effect the “rapture” within that generation. (Wayne Jackson, “This Generation Shall Not Pass Away”)

Rapture Viewpoints

All of these claims proved to be wrong. However, there are three viewpoints explaining Matthew 24:34 that we need to explore. Our exploration starts with this question — what is the meaning of the phrase “this generation?” First, dispensationalists believe that “generation” is a reference to “race.” For example, the period of Gentile dominance, a time period in which the Jewish people are outcasts and God is focusing his grace on the Gentile race. This time period is often referred to as the “Church Age.” The dispensation of the Gentiles shall not pass away until all these things have happened.

A second viewpoint is that Jesus’ prophecy has already been fulfilled. Those holding this viewpoint believe that most Bible prophecy, including everything within Matthew 24, Daniel, and Revelation up to chapters 19 or 20, has already been fulfilled with the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans. 

Thirdly, there is Futurism, which holds that all major Biblical prophecies will be fulfilled during a global time of catastrophe known as the Great Tribulation. During this time that most end-time prophecies will be fulfilled. Many futurists see the return of the Jews to Israel as required for fulfillment of end-time prophecy. Within evangelical Christianity, futurism has become the dominant viewpoint. 

Futurists anticipate many coming events that will fulfill Biblical prophecy: the seven-year period of tribulation, the Antichrist’s global government, the Battle of Armageddon, the Second Coming of Jesus, and the Millennial Reign of Christ. 

Two Audiences

Wow, I just covered a lot of ground. Now, back to the question to who was Jesus speaking? My belief is that Jesus was talking to two audiences at one time. The one sitting in front of him and an audience that would be alive during the Great Tribulation, a generation that would also see his second coming…maybe that is us, maybe not. Actually, earlier in Matthew 24, Jesus’ disciples ask two questions: 1) When will this happen (the destruction of the Temple)? 2) What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? So, Jesus answered both questions at one time. Of course, the Temple was destroyed in 70 AD.

For the second question, Jesus gave no exact signs by which the end of time could be calculated. He affirmed the foolishness of trying to calculate the exact time saying, “But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not even the angels of heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only” (Matthew 24:36). So, I warn you to be cautious of modern “prophets” that predict the day and hour of the end of the world.

Since we don’t know the exact time of the Rapture, wherever God places you… be faithful! Be the King’s ambassador for his message of love and peace in whatever part of the world you find yourself. Finally, I point you to the last words of Paul to the Hebrews.

“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21).

Copyright © 2020 Chuck Locklear

Also, see What Is Your Legacy?