Introduction

The subject of a mysterious disappearance of Christian believers seems to be heightened in our day. While there are those who are amused at the subject for entertainment, others who have studied Church history say this is nothing more than a sine wave peak that has happened in the past and will happen again. Any time there is an escalation of tension in the Middle East, we tend to pay close attention. Some attribute this added interest to the overwhelmingly popular Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins and the onslaught of books that have precipitated to either support or refute the subject. Others believe more mystically that it is a movement of God in the Spirit to cause people to wake up and prepare themselves for the second coming of Jesus Christ.

When we add the recent catastrophic natural disasters, earthquakes, famines, global warming scenarios, and the looming epidemics of various sorts around the world, there is a disturbing undercurrent that has caused a few Christians to become more serious and attentive. The culmination of all these things, combined with the intensifying events in the Middle East, has contributed all the more to this uneasiness. We are indeed living in a precarious time frame on many different levels.

For many people, sprinkled here and there around the earth, there is before you a book that will challenge your former thinking and may bring you to a new place of understanding. I hope this book will generate new discussion among students of the Bible. I know it will be difficult for some who have deeply held convictions and teachings to think outside the box and consider a different approach. So, I need to ask of you, “Are we able to stretch the old wineskins of former thinking and consider something different?” 

We should never be so frustrated that we give up our thirst for clarity and understanding. All I can say is that I couldn’t settle for the confusion and unanswered questions lingering in my own heart. Some have coached over the years, “If there is confusion amid a situation, it cannot be God. God is not a God of confusion!” Even of greater consequence, we should never let our various interpretations cause division in the body of Christ. Our love for one another should not be compromised. Our fellowship with one another should never be broken. Though this book did not come about as an effort to bring about unity, the possibilities are encouraging.

There is no doubt that many believers struggle to accept the idea of a literal rapture event. What a perplexing event it would be to have thousands or perhaps millions of people suddenly disappear from the face of the planet. In fact, many find it over the edge to believe the Red Sea actually parted or that Jesus literally turned water into wine. It is a sad commentary of our day that some brilliantly minded, educated people find it necessary to explain supernatural intervention with scientific theory. Does such a thing diminish God or promote themselves? For others, the thought of an active, powerful God in our midst is a bit archaic. These things are perplexing and discomforting; the implications, far too penetrating for the soul. So, for the sophisticated intellectual who is causally challenged, when we speak of a mass abduction of Jesus freaks from the planet it is laughable. Well, laugh they might until they learn that rapture doctrine is solidly biblical, relevant to our daily life, and fits perfectly within the plan of God.

So, you are a pre- or mid-tribber, or a pre-wrather. What if it could be explained another way? With your permission, let’s venture into the absurd for a moment and risk the consideration there could be more than one rapture, possibly three. Though the idea of multiple raptures is not new, I have not seen any serious study on the subject. Let us explore the possibility and see how things begin to develop both scripturally and theologically. Then, perhaps most importantly, let us ponder the implications. Might we find better harmony of scripture if we could identify more than one rapture event? In this book you will see that it is not only credible, it is . . . well let’s just say for now . . . it is within the Lord’s privilege to do so.

Some might argue to suggest multiple rapture events would weaken the call for readiness and preparation on the part of the believer. You will see from this position you are about to read, it is quite the contrary. Hopefully, you will be disturbed beyond leisure reading and the Spirit of God will draw you to seek Him more passionately. It is time to dust off your Bible so you know what you believe with certainty. When chaos erupts around the world you need to understand what is happening on the earth. You will need to take your stand with confidence.

The Church has been used to preaching to their congregants that if you miss the rapture you’re too late and all hope is lost. We often think of the door of Noah’s ark being slammed shut once and for all. Though it is a convincing argument, what if we discover that God has a broader objective in mind during the last days? What might this theory reveal about our Lord; that has been previously overlooked or misunderstood?

Note to the Reader

As you read this book please resist the temptation to flip through to the quick answer. You will see this book is loaded with scripture directly from the Bible. For emphasis, I have made some of the text in bold type. I have utilized different versions for added clarity and diversity; The New International Version for its readability, The English Standard Version for its literal and syntax qualities of translation, and the New American Standard for its reputation among scholars. You will be able to receive the message from this book without a Bible in hand; however, I recommend that you refer to your Bible and follow along. To my best knowledge, care was taken to ensure the scriptures used are in context of the subject matter. As you read you will see from chapter to chapter the redundant use of some key passages of Scripture. Each chapter stands alone but may overlap at various points with subject matter already discussed. This book was not intended to be a textbook presentation, but a journey of exploration, projecting reasonable implications as well as exposing possible areas of our own spiritual deficiency.

Be forewarned as we explore this theory some of the implications suggested are hard hitting, forceful, and convicting. I speak frankly and boldly about the present condition observed among many who believe they are in good standing with the Lord and are probably not. I also speak openly and honestly about trends seen in many churches that are culturally acceptable yet may not be hitting the mark biblically.

You are encouraged to pause and pray each time you pick up this book to read it. This book was not written for the simple sake of sharing information. I pray this book will cause you to stretch as I have been stretched. Even if you are not prepared to accept a new concept, there is much to gain through reading this study. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart and mind so you can understand the Bible better and how this book might impact your life. Ask Him to help you learn and grow in your faith. Even more, ask Him for help to prepare you to meet God face to face.

A Word About Biblical Prophecy

As you might know, Bible students and scholars differ in their views regarding biblical prophecy. For some, the differences are substantial. This accounts for the wide and diverse interpretations of scripture concerning eschatology or last days doctrine. So the reader understands the views of this author and this book, let us examine a couple of the primary delineations.

First, some believe the prophetic word that is in our Bible was spoken solely and completely to the people of its day and that it remains today in our Bibles as a relic of what God said and did in the past. Scholars believe with close study you can identify events which were clearly fulfilled at or near the time they were written and can be correlated with other historical writings and archaeological evidence. On this basis, these words are available for us to reflect on what God did and they help us understand who God is and what is expected of us today. Some in this group believe there are very few prophetic events yet to take place. This group also believes most of the book of Revelation has already been fulfilled and we are awaiting final judgment.

Secondly, there are those who believe that prophetic words in the Bible are meant primarily for warning the people to turn from their wickedness and return to obedience, righteousness, and faith. The requirement of literal fulfillment is dismissed. Such as in the book of Jonah, the people of the city of Nineveh repented and thus averted the looming consequences. While studying this view, I came across an enjoyable book. The Rapture Exposed, by Barbara Rossing, is an example of this particular view. She suggests that, “Prophecy is a timely warning, not a prediction.”1 She spends considerable time debunking the eschatology of Hal Lindsay, Tim LaHaye, John Hagee, and others.
Now, for the view prescribed in this book. Similar to those we just spoke of, I believe the prophetic words of the past are invaluable for learning who God is and how He operates and what He expects—but they are far more than that. In fact, I believe many of the Old Testament and New Testament words of prophecy are still speaking to us today. I believe there are some remaining elements of several prophecies that may not have been completely satisfied, even in the Old Testament. In this case, there may have been a near fulfillment in part, yet there beckons another time frame in the future where similar circumstances may develop and a more complete or total fulfillment will take place.
I also maintain this additional point of view:

I know Yahweh (God) to be in sovereign control of our individual lives while having a firm grasp on the intricacies of the entire universe. Within His nature it is His divine prerogative to veil and reveal, harden and soften, open and close. He does this sort of work to bring about His perfect purposes in creation that many times we do not understand. After all, we must not be overly confident that we have discovered all there is to be found locked within His perfect Word.

Proverbs 25 (ESV) 2 It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out. 3 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable.

Matthew 13 (NASB)  52 And Jesus said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old.”

We have to remember the Bible is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). God’s desire is that we pour over the scriptures; grapple and wrestle with His truths; and we earnestly pray and engage Him in relationship and depth as if we are mining for veins of gold, riches the minds of the world cannot comprehend, yet deep mysteries and secrets of the kingdom of God revealed to us because we have been seeking knowledge and understanding about Him. Our God loves it when we delve deep in Him, not for the sake of knowledge, but with a heart’s desire to fellowship with Him in His timeless Word. He rewards those who seek His face and His kingdom. The Bible is filled with hidden treasures yet to be mined and discovered. Hidden manna is that spiritual nourishment for the late night and early rising lovers of God.

1 Corinthians 2 (NIV) 6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”— 10 but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

One Last Thing Before We Get Started
No matter what doctrine you are considering for adoption into your own faith constitution, there are a few very important questions to ask:

• How will this doctrine affect my faith and devotion?
• Does this doctrine rationalize and justify sin and/or mediocrity in my spiritual life?
• Heart test: Am I looking for loopholes or escape clauses to try to justify my lifestyle choices and actions?
• Do I have an assorted, eclectic shopping cart theology that is drawn from a wide variety of religious sources? Is this sound practice as a Christian? Not!
• Does this doctrine systematically relate with biblical theology? Can it be well demonstrated in Scripture?
• Do I have an argumentative attitude that is often above correction?
• Am I closed within the confines of traditional beliefs and doctrines?
• Will this motivate me and encourage me to walk closer with Jesus?
• Will I be more watchful and vigilant in my faith?
• Will I be more confident in my salvation?
• Will I be more zealous to share my faith with others?
• Will this doctrine help me to be less deceived by others?
• Will this prepare me to better understand end times events?
• Will I be able to stand before Jesus Christ unashamed?

Endnotes on the Introduction
(1) Rossing, Barbara R., The Rapture Exposed. Westview Press, Boulder, CO., 2004.