Where Did Rapture Theology Come From? Ben Witherington III

Where did Rapture theology come from? In this Seven Minute Seminary, Ben Witherington III explains that Rapture theology and its parent, Dispensationalism, are new ideas that were birthed in 19th century. He continues to work through the history of the belief and explains how it became a popular movement in the United States.

[Seedbed]

Study the book of Romans with Dr. Ben Witherington - get the Bible study from our store here:

Get our best-selling Bible study on the Old Testament - Epic of Eden - from our store here:

[BT]

Ask yourself this question; Did you first learn about the pre-tribulation rapture through reading the Bible, or through some preacher or book author? Any NORMAL person simply left alone to read the Bible would never come away from it seeing any pre-tribulation rapture theology.

[markschneider]

You stated that “only a minority of Protestants have embraced this theology”. Wow, my experience is that many in America embrace it.

[kokobware]

Often, people keep their focus on this theology instead of actually living the Gospel teachings, which is supposed to be our main purpose of this life !!

[jueneturner]

I so agree that the "Left behind Theology needs to be left behind". Please Lord, open your people's hearts and minds to your Truth!

[marksantostefano]

I was brought up in this theology in the late 60s when I became a Christian through the Jesus movement. Everyone I knew seemed to carry a Schofield Bible and all the discussions about eschatology came from the Schofield notes. But I began to wonder about this teaching, as I simply read the Bible and saw that what was being taught, wasn’t necessarily what the Bible actually said. It wasn’t till I went to seminary, Gorden – Conwell, And learned hermeneutics and exegesis, that I was able to simply let the text speak for its self, without coming to it, and forcing presuppositions on it. Unfortunately, I see this false theology, becoming more and more popular with Christians today as the times get more evil. I think Christians love the idea of not having to suffer and not having to go through tribulation. But this has never been God’s pattern throughout the history of his people.

[DavidNoach]

I’ve struggled with Rapture, having gone back and forth. What I do know, which upsets most people solidly into Rapture, is at some point we will have to go through some sort of persecution or other distress even if we are caught up. I live in the US. People are soft. Forgetting the discussion for a moment, I believe many believe in Rapture as a promise to escape the hard times ahead. If we go up, great. If not, we will have some degree of protection from our God and the strength to endure.

[paulbaxter]

I belong to a couple of Facebook groups about the rapture (just to see what's going on and to provide some challenging ideas) and I have to say it's horrendous what people are putting themselves through and the hope they have for the rapture. I constantly read people actually saying" Things are so bad, I can't take it anymore, get me out of here, I want the rapture to happen now" It's like a doomsday cult at times, and also another thing that really upsets me is that, while they don't like to call it date setting (high watch days instead) they constantly search and search for the day that the rapture is likely to happen, it's like an addiction where someone says it will be this day, and they all agree and they look for the signs and wait excitedly for that day. Then, when it doesn't happen, they immediately search for the next date. It's frankly awful and very worrying behaviour.

[jessimms]

The only thing that grinds my gears about the pre-trib belief is that becoming a form of escapism for its adherents.

[strongbada.]

I remember at a previous church questioning pre-trib rapture and my pastor was like “you’re just confused”. I was like, I’m not confused, I’m just reading the Bible and saying I’m not so sure it says what you say it says. He didn’t want to hear it. Needless to say, years later I left over something way more serious than differences in eschatology.

[halfulford]

Exactly the left behind theology needs to be left behind.

[DarkPaladin]

People just LOVE to complicate things.

Just keep focus on Jesus. What happens, happens. I dont know if we are in the end times or not, Im right now just trying to live to Jesus teachings and hopefully when I die, Jesus has mercy on me.

[maxxomega]

Ah yes....the Rapture argument again. When I got saved, I was 22 years old. I was taught about the Rapture. I was terrified I would miss it due to my shortcomings and was also terrified I wouldn't live up to expectations of living in the Tribulation. was then, now I am almost 70 years old. Time is passing me by, and it is getting late. What does it matter to me at all if there be any rapture? How much longer will I live anyway? 10 years? 20 years? 2 weeks? If I die tomorrow, praise Jesus, I will be with him and won't worry about anything anymore anyway...

[pathumus]

I totally agree. No where in the Bible states that Christ returns twice after the resurrection.

[Habanero]

Ultimately is believing in the rapture or not a necessary element for salvation? I say no. Then let's agree to disagree but remain loving each other and caring for each other. And stay studying and worshiping our God! Much love to all.

[frankgordon]

I found Christ in the early 70s in California when I was in the military. I had no car, so I was at the mercy of other Christians who did. So, I visited the Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa & embraced the rapture theology. The more mature in the Lord I became & the more I read scripture I questioned a lot of what I was taught. Against the tide of what was popular, I changed my direction into a more realistic, grounded in scripture Eschatology.

[nflgirl]

The Greek word from this term “rapture” is derived appears in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, translated “caught up.” The Latin translation of this verse used the word rapturo. The Greek word it translates is harpazo, which means to snatch or take away.

[PeterGarofalo]

Hallelujah, more need to hear this. Corrie Ten Boom found the chinese church suffering unprepared because american evangelists had told them they would escape tribulation. She spent her years helping churches prepare for tribulation & Praise God the Chinese church are growing, suffering & ready.
Thank God for this brother explaining..

[leefury]

For those who argue that pretrib rapturism is a bane on the church because its natural child is inactivity, (2 Thes 3:10), you need to take a closer look at the teachings and life of Paul (and Peter). Because of the disciples living with the expectancy of the imminent return of Christ, (even Peter believed this though he also clearly understood he was going to die first) it encouraged them on to greater works so as not be made ashamed at His sudden coming. "Work while it is yet called day."

All of this debate can be traced back to Origen and Augustine's implementing his hermeneutic. An immeasurable injustice has taken place all down through history to the Jews because of it both in the RC as well as many Reformational churches. Is it any wonder so many dispatch dispensationalism off hand when they believe the Church has replaced Israel in the economy of God? The first 69 wks of Daniel's prophecy were oriented toward and fulfilled entirely by national Israel. Why then should we dismiss the 70th week or even include in the Church Age? (saying it occurred in 70AD. SMH) Like the first 69 wks, the 70th week exclusively involves God's purification of national Israel to where they accept Jesus as the long promised Messiah who come to setup His sovereign rule in Jerusalem for 1000 yrs. We, the Church, are not appointed unto wrath. (Rom 8:1) Rev 6-19 is the outplaying of the wrath of God on the ungodly, even Israel when 2/3rd of Israel is killed. Eschatological doctrine is gleaned from ALL scripture, not a verse here or a verse there. And it is understood in context. Therefore Mt 25 does NOT include the Church. Christ is answering the specific question of the disciples in regards to God's promises made to Israel being fulfilled. i.e. establishment of the Davidic Kingdom rule

[housemorgan]

I first learned of pre trib rapture from other believers/preachers. I never saw it in scripture. Read scripture and let scripture teach you…not some man. I believe we go thru the tribulation. Just read the 7 letters to the 7 churches….repeating them in the letters says to endure…endure….endure. So we must endure thru suffering. Stay prayed up.