Tag: Bible

Jan Markell: Have Dispensational Theology And Christian Zionism ‘Corrupted Christianity’?

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

ByJan Markell

June 29, 2026

Excellent article by Jan Markell below. I agree 100% with her understanding of the final days. Please read entire article it has some very profound insights. One quick point, if this is the millennial kingdom now, forget about it. I see chaos and destruction and apostasy not perfection of Kingdom rule. We need to protect the truths of the Word of God. Doctrine is important. It is our foundation. Rh

Since I was old enough to understand it, I’ve believed, taught, and written about Dispensational Theology. I just call it “Left Behind Theology.” Critics say it is a modern invention that came along in the 1800s. Please, read the Bible. The prophetic angle of Dispensationalism represents one-third of the Bible.

Simple Definitions

Dispensationalism teaches a literal Antichrist, a literal “Time of Jacob’s Trouble” or Tribulation, a literal Rapture, a literal Second Coming, a literal thousand-year Millennium, and distinct roles for Israel and the church. Israel has a glorious future. God has made promises to her and will fulfill them, and the church has not replaced her.

A dispensation is the divine administration of a period of time–seven dispensations in God’s plan for humanity. God works in different ways with different people during different periods of time. Things were different pre-flood and post-flood. One could say there were different rules for different periods of time.

Since the 1970s, Hal Lindsey’s Late Great Planet Earth and the Left Behind book and film series by Tim LaHaye have been the face of Dispensationalism. Millions of people read and viewed these products and finally put a name to what they already believed just by reading the Bible.

The other option—Covenant Theology—does not see the promises to Israel as literal, but fulfilled in the church. It teaches Amillenialism, or we are in the Millennium now and have been since the cross.

Leave It To Tucker Carlson

But now this theology—since it represents the truth—is under brutal attack. And wouldn’t you know, Tucker Carlson has provided the platform to trash it. His guest, J.D. Hall, should be careful throwing stones.

According to “Ministry Watch,” Hall embezzled thousands of dollars from his church in Montana, was convicted of DUI, domestic abuse, and more. But he is Carlson’s spokesman to trash the truth for nearly two hours.

You can watch the painful ordeal here, but buckle up. Sadly, it has almost one million views on YouTube. Only conspiracies and lies can attain those numbers.

Christian Zionism Has Corrupted Christianity?

Hall denigrates Christian Zionism, as does Tucker Carlson, who insists “a lot of people have died because of Christian Zionism.” The program is titled, “Origins of Christian Zionism, How it Corrupted American Christianity and Why It Is Finally Collapsing.”

But think about the accusation: Christian Zionism has corrupted Christianity. That suggests standing by Israel has a cancerous effect.

Ray Fava, an under 30 online host and writer who loves to attack Dispensationalism, states, “J.D. Hall’s appearance on Tucker Carlson has shifted the conversation on Christian Zionism and Dispensationalism, as Hall has emerged as one of the best at articulating how Scripture disproves the premise of God’s chosen people not being the universal church.” He represents Covenant Theology as does J.D. Hall. The church is the new Israel.

Fava suggests that J.D. Hall and Carlson, “destroyed Dispensationalism.” It would take much more than these fools to accomplish that. It is wounded as I acknowledge below.

Blame it All on Darby and the Scofield Bible!

It is no surprise that The Gospel Coalition writes an article titled “The Rise & Fall of Dispensationalism: How the Evangelical Battle Over the End Times Shaped a Nation.”

John Nelson Darby gets all the blame by them, as well as the Scofield Bible. Darby would be shocked to hear what he is being credited for today! But even Al Mohler takes a swing at Darby as he further describes Dispensationalism’s rise and fall.

The early church was Dispensational and premillennial. Sadly, the Reformers held on to the eschatology of Rome and few got these issues right, thus millions of church attendees are being misled in thousands of churches.

The Firewall

But it is true that Dispensationalism is bruised. That should be expected since it provides a theological firewall against the raging antisemitism exploding around the world.

Thankfully, God has raised up some modern spokesmen, theologians, authors, and more, who are pushing back. Some include the above-mentioned Hal Lindsey and Tim LaHaye, along with Dr. Mark Hitchcock, Dr. Ron Rhodes, Dr. Jeff Kinley, Gary Hamrick, Jack Hibbs, Amir Tsarfati, Terry James, Barry Stagner, Dr. Ed Hindson, Dr. Dave Reagan, Dr. Erwin Lutzer, Todd Hampson, Brandon Holthaus, Tom Hughes, and many more. The list is long and I am leaving out many who should be included.

God knew we needed good theologians to share the truth today as we hurdle pell-mell into the very last days.

Replacing the Truth with Unsound Doctrine

Sadly, the 45 and under evangelical has pretty much abandoned Israel and Dispensationalism. They more readily embrace Covenant Theology and even Anglicanism. Many embrace the Palestinian cause and have no clue Yasser Arafat invented the people and Palestinianism.

They suggest writers like me represent “doom and gloom” and have misplaced loyalties that actually put Israel before Jesus! They say I am putting a damper on their future by suggesting the Rapture is imminent.

Leading to the Ultimate Abandonment

All of this is leading to the ultimate Israel abandonment spoken of in Zechariah 12:3, when Israel simply becomes the world’s “burdensome stone” and not the end-time marker and signal that time is running out andJesus is coming soon.

Israel is the clock; Jerusalem is the minute hand; the Temple Mount is the second hand.

Jan Markell is an author, speaker, Founder of Understanding the Times radio heard on over 1,000 stations across America, the Founder and President of Olive Tree Ministries, and a Contributor to Harbinger’s Daily.

Scientific Shift Toward God

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

For centuries, people have been told that science and belief in God are on opposite sides of a growing divide — that as science uncovers more about the universe, faith becomes less necessary.

But something surprising is happening. Instead of pushing God out of the picture, some modern discoveries in physics, cosmology, and biology are prompting scientists to ask questions that sound remarkably theological — questions about beginnings, purpose, and design.

A striking example of this is the recently released book God, the Science, the Evidence: The Dawn of a Revolution by French researchers Michel‑Yves Bolloré and Olivier Bonnassies. Drawing on contributions from more than twenty scientists, including a Nobel laureate, the book argues that science today — from the Big Bang to the astonishing complexity of life — increasingly points toward a Creator rather than blind chance.

One example the authors highlight is DNA, the molecule carrying the instructions for all life. Its intricate structure and immense information content appear far more like a coded design than something that could easily arise by accident. 

This, they argue, challenges the idea that life could have emerged purely through random processes. The book has already sparked conversations worldwide, showing that questions of faith and science are far from mutually exclusive.

https://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=9678

IMO It is nonsensical to believe this intricate design of our human body could be by chance. DNA and other bodily creations such as how does an eye see or how does the human brain work, defies the possibility of evolution. Just think of the vastness of our universe. The perfect place of earth as it circles the Sun. God is the only answer. That isn’t even a statement of faith, it’s a statement of intelligent thinking. Common sense lets me know there is a creator. But faith is belief in Jesus Christ as my savior, that He died for me and rose from the grave. Faith is, I believe the Word of God to be true and a roadmap for humanity. Faith lets me know God has it all under control, even when it looks like the world is falling apart, when it’s only falling into place. Prophecy foretold, prophecy fulfilled! Rh

Calvary Chapel Pastors Go To The Grand Canyon Defending The Genesis Account of Creation – Harbinger’s Daily

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Though secular geologists insist the Grand Canyon was carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, a group of Calvary Chapel pastors recently visited the canyon, examining firsthand evidence of a young earth and a global flood—as described in the Bible.
— Read on harbingersdaily.com/calvary-chapel-pastors-go-to-the-grand-canyon-defending-the-genesis-account-of-creation/

My wife and I love the western part of America. We have had the privilege of two different trips, one was from Denver north to Teton and Yellowstone then west through Utah and down into Arizona and the Grand Canyon. Maybe the ruggedness of God’s handiwork makes me feel more in tune to the Almighty, but what ever it is, it makes me happy. The creation of God is wonderful, and the evidence of a catastrophic flood, as least in my mind is undeniable. Rh

Exceeding Greatness of His Power

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(Live In His Word, Walk In His Spirit)

J.B. Phillips’ translation tells us in Ephesians 1:19, “How tremendous is the power available to us who believe in God.” When we make firm our connection with Holy Spirit, His life and power can flow through us. Don’t waste this amazing help.

Second Corinthians 13:14 says, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.” The term “fellowship” is from koinonia and is rich with meaning, revealing some of what the Holy Spirit wants to be in our lives. The following English words are all translations of koinonia:

  • Fellowship – Holy Spirit wants to visit with us.
  • Communion – Holy Spirit wants to commune with us.
  • Sharing together – Holy Spirit wants to share His insights and power with us.
  • Participation in or with – Holy Spirit wants to participate in our efforts and activities.
  • Distribution – Holy Spirit wants to distribute revelation, gifts, anointings, and blessings to us.
  • Impart – Holy Spirit wants to impart God’s nature and benefits to us.
  • Partaking – Holy Spirit wants us to partake of His anointing and life.
  • Partnership – Holy Spirit wants to partner with us.
  • Companionship – Holy Spirit wants the pleasure of your company.

“May the koinonia of the Holy Spirit be with you.” What a loaded statement. Get better acquainted with Holy Spirit!

As I see it, when Jesus left this earth after the resurrection, He told His disciples that He was sending another comforter, (Gk. Of the same essence, of the same kind) the Holy Spirit. He will be with us and in us. Be filled with the Spirit, the greatest power on earth is a Spirit filled faith believing warrior of Jehovah God. Live in His Word, walk in His Spirit! Rh

Free From In Dwelling Sin

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 Romans 8:1-11

Romans Chapter 8 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible, I have even called it the most perfect chapter in the Bible.  😁But then again I declare that of lots of other chapters.  Paul has just dealt with people who strive against sin in chapters 6 & 7.  Now he turns the page.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/114/rom.8.1.NKJV

It begins with the idea of freedom from sin.  Once sin is confessed and put under the blood of Jesus, there is no condemnation for the believer.  Many Christians suffer from condemnation, but in Christ we are free.  Christ came as the righteous requirement of the law.  He paid the price for our disobedience.  

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/114/rom.8.5.NKJV

Paul warns us in v.5 to set our minds not on the fleshy sinful things, but on the things of the Spirit.  I call it “stinking thinking,” focus on the Word and Jesus Christ.  Being carnal mined brings death, but spiritual minedness brings life and peace. Read the Word, consume the Word and do the Word!  The Bible must be your foundation.

We must realize that once saved, we have moved from death to life.  We have a new thought process centered on Jesus.  We don’t walk in fleshy or lustful desire, but we walk in the Spirit to please God.  

Many struggle with ongoing sin or disobedience.  We make mistakes, say the wrong thing, get angry or hurt someone with our words or actions. Pray, ask forgiveness and go on.  Remember no condemnation.  We have the power through the Holy Spirit to live above our old life.  New life fresh and powerful in Christ.  Don’t be too hard on yourself, but keep the faith and keep striving to please God.  He loves you and knows your heart.

“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/114/rom.8.11.NKJV

Let the Holy Spirit be your best friend.  Rh

The Unsettled Middle East

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

As always it seems the chaos of the Middle East leads my concerns for the upcoming weeks. Israel is still trying to consolidate their victories, U.S. still seems to be reaching toward the Arabs, Muslim etc. for deals and investments. Not sure I would want to get in bed with radicals. Trump seems not to notice their bad behavior. Deals made, but no money yet? All eyes will continue to be on Jerusalem that, as Bible prophecy indicates, is a stone of stumbling for the nations. Iran’s still a threat, Hezbollah still not disarmed, and Hamas still playing the same old games. Will we never learn? No, I don’t think so. Deals with deceit will never work. Time to unleash the firepower and finish the job. We are almost back where we started. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Content below taken from http://www.billkoenig.com

Trump, Netanyahu, the UN, and Iran: A High-Risk Week for Israel

This was one of the most geopolitically consequential weeks of the year for Israel, marked by unusual U.S. messaging, UN momentum against Israeli sovereignty, and large-scale military posturing by Iran. As the region reconfigures itself politically and militarily, Israel faces a tightening strategic environment that will require clarity, resolve, and decisive policy judgment.

Trump Pushes for Netanyahu Pardon — While Warning Israel on Syria

Former U.S. President Donald Trump continued publicly calling for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be pardoned of all charges related to his ongoing corruption trials in Israel. Trump framed the cases as politically motivated, urging closure for the sake of Israeli stability and unity.

However, the tonal contrast of the week was unmistakable.

Even as Trump advocated for Netanyahu’s legal relief, he personally warned Israel not to intervene militarily inside Syria, signaling that Washington does not want Israeli action disrupting sensitive regional balances — particularly where Russian, Iranian, and Syrian forces intersect.

This dual posture — unconditional rhetorical support for Netanyahu as an individual, paired with caution toward Israeli military activity — reflects Trump’s realpolitik approach: transactional, flexible, and often unscripted. For Israel, it presents both opportunity and risk.

Strong backing for Netanyahu is politically valuable, but a U.S. administration urging operational restraint in Syria could create strategic handcuffs precisely when Iran is embedding itself deeper across the northern theater.

UN Empowered Through Gaza Deal — and Moves Against Golan Heights

Trump’s Gaza stabilization plan has effectively re-elevated the United Nations into a central role in Gaza administration and long-term conflict architecture. The UN, after years of diminished influence, is suddenly positioned again as a gatekeeper for post-conflict arrangements.

The consequences were immediate.

This week, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution calling for Israel’s withdrawal from the Golan Heights — one of the most strategically vital security buffers Israel possesses. The timing could not be more significant:

• A UN empowered by the Gaza framework

• A UN resolution targeting sovereignty over the Golan

• An international system once again conditioned to pressure Israel

For decades, the Golan Heights has been Israel’s northern shield — the high ground preventing Syrian and Iranian forces from threatening Galilee. A UN-backed withdrawal demand signals that international campaigns to erode Israel’s territorial legitimacy are escalating again.

Trump’s deal may have been designed for stabilization, but its practical outcome is that the UN now possesses renewed authority to define territorial questions, which historically has not favored Israel.

The Strategic Danger of Non-Ideological Foreign Policy

Unlike administrations with clearly defined pro-Israel ideological foundations, Trump’s foreign policy operates on pragmatic deal-flow, not doctrinal alignment. That flexibility can generate agreements — Abraham Accords proved that — but it also risks exposing Israel to rapid shifts in U.S. posture.

Non-ideological diplomacy means alliances are fluid, conditional, and transactional.

This week demonstrated that fluidity. Support for Netanyahu’s pardon suggests closeness. Warnings on Syria and a UN-empowering Gaza framework signal distance. Together, these create uncertainty — and uncertainty is a battlefield advantage for Iran, Hezbollah, and the UN diplomatic bloc.

Israel is entering a moment where the greatest threat may not be military — but diplomatic isolation combined with strategic ambiguity from its closest ally.

Iran Simulates War — and Threatens 2,000-Missile Barrage

Iran, sensing the moment, staged large-scale military exercises in the Gulf of Oman, firing ballistic and cruise missiles at simulated targets designed to reflect wartime conditions.

Just weeks ago, Iranian officials warned that if war with Israel erupts, Tehran would unleash 2,000 missiles at the same time — a saturation attack intended to overwhelm Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow, and the multilayer missile defense grid.

The 12-day war already demonstrated what smaller barrages can achieve. Two thousand simultaneous launches would represent a magnitude beyond anything Israel has ever faced.

Iran is signaling capability, intent, and confidence.

Northern Front — Israel vs. Hezbollah

In the shadow of Iran’s drills, Israel continued striking Hezbollah infrastructure inside Lebanon, targeting launch sites, weapons depots, and command channels. Hezbollah is relentlessly working to reconstitute its arsenal and precision-missile capacity, seeking parity or superiority in a future war.

Israel, fully aware of this trajectory, is racing to degrade Hezbollah faster than Hezbollah can rebuild.

This is a detention-attrition cycle — but one inch away from a regional ignition point.

Prophetic News Updates

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

Below are a few articles of interest. I hope you enjoy and have a wonderful blessed day in the Lord. Remember you were born for such a time as this. Maranatha!

White House

Fox News Host Laura Ingraham Clashes With Trump in Fiery Interview

November 11, 2025

Source: Daily Beast

Host Laura Ingraham repeatedly butted heads with President Donald Trump in a fiery interview on Fox News.

Trump, 79, appeared on Fox’s The Ingraham Angle on Monday, but did not get the usual easy ride he might expect on the conservative network. Before the interview had even aired, it wasn’t looking good for the president.

Ingraham previewed the episode with a video posted on her Facebook page at 5 p.m. Monday, filmed with Trump in the Oval Office. Referring to his beloved gold embellishments, the host asked, “So these aren’t from Home Depot?”

For full article: Daily Beast

Turkey issues ‘genocide’ arrest warrants against Netanyahu and other Israeli officials

November 7, 2025

Source: CNN

Turkey on Friday issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and dozens of other Israeli officials on “genocide” charges.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said it has issued warrants against 37 people. Besides Netanyahu, warrants target Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and military chief Eyal Zamir, among others.

The warrants charge the Israeli officials with “crimes against humanity” and “genocide” committed in Gaza and against the flotilla carrying aid to the enclave, according to the prosecutor’s office. That flotilla was intercepted by Israeli authorities last month.

For full article: CNN

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Ukraine

Major corruption scandal engulfs top Zelensky allies

November 12, 2025

Source: BBC

Ukraine’s energy and justice ministers have resigned in the wake of a major investigation into corruption in the country’s energy sector.

President Volodymyr Zelensky called for Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk and Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko’s removal on Wednesday.

On Monday anti-corruption bodies accused several people of orchestrating a embezzlement scheme in the energy sector worth about $100m (£76m), including at the national nuclear operator Enerhoatom.

Some of those implicated in the scandal are – or have been – close associates of Zelensky’s.

For full article: BBC

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Random Thoughts 9/24/25

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy: The true spirit of prophecy always shows itself in bearing witness to Jesus. “Any teaching of prophecy that takes our minds and hearts away from Him is not being properly communicated.” (Hocking)

i. “This means that prophecy at its very heart is designed to unfold the beauty and loveliness of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (Valvoord). Never receive a word or believe a word without it being based on the Word of God. Too many wannabe’s out there. Be careful, and be not deceived. Rh

Revelation 19:15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword: The idea isn’t that Jesus holds a sword in his mouth like a buccaneer, or that He is “spitting swords.” This is a dramatic way of referring to the power of His Word. “Christ conquers by the power of His Word” (Johnson). Five times in the Book Revelation, John emphasizes that Jesus’ sword comes out of His mouth. Once against it’s all about the Word, Psa. 138:2, John 1:1 Rh

Revelation 16:6-9 And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” I long for that day to sit in a Heavenly feast with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Rh

Moral Values

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Righteousness exalts a nation, 

But sin is a disgrace to any people. Proverbs 14:3

The founding of America was based on Judeo-Christian values.  Morality, acknowledgment of an Almighty God.  Our founders thought morally, with a Biblical worldview.  Edmund Burke (1729-1797) put the matter well in his famous statement: ”All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”  Most Christians understand that America is in a serious state of moral, social, cultural, and especially political decline.  This implies that America has fallen from a better situation to a worse situation.  As Christians we recognize a connection between a country’s religious faith and its adherence to the Word of God.  We have fallen because we have turned our back as a nation from Almighty God to a god of our own making. Let me share a warning before I go further, “The wicked will return to Sheol; Even all the nations who forget God” (Psalms 9:17).

Previously I stated we have made our own gods, (small g) which are not gods at all but we place them just as Israel did, before our worship and recognition of the Lord.  We have chosen the god of self.  We do as we please, following “our heart”, except the Bible says our “heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9.  We worship the god of prosperity and pride.  We worship the god of pleasure, if it feels good we do it.  Morality is not an absolute, but just merely a suggestion on how to live.  Today we aren’t even sure if the Bible is true, or If it even matters since many don’t believe in the Lord, except the one that gives them freedom to live as they wish.

Climate change is also a religion that puts the creation above the creator.  Mankind destroying the environment is not settled fact, however we must tax and buy carbon credits (penance) to escape our doom.  I could go on forever.  Let’s not forget evolution, a baby is a fetus etc.  

We can look back on our history and realize that we have been greatly influenced by our Christian faith.  We have never officially been a Christian Republic, but those roots run deep in our past prosperity.  Unfortunately, our national situation is much different today.  Barack Obama (while Senator and later as President) has repeatedly sought to distance America from its Christian heritage.  In 2006, he stated that “whatever we once were, we are no longer a Christian nation.”  In 2007 in Turkey of all places, he stated ”we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation.”  This might be the only statement BHO ever said that I could agree with, sadly.

We are in trouble until we accept the truth that we have sinned and turned our back on Jesus Christ.  Repentance and a turning away from sin is mandatory to renew morality in America.  God be merciful to us.

Laugh All You Want, The Rapture Is Not Escapism Or Fantasy… It’s Biblical

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ByGreg Laurie

August 21, 2025

Let’s start with the obvious: the Rapture sounds crazy. Jesus descends from Heaven, dead people rise from their graves, and living believers are suddenly caught up into the sky—like the world’s strangest episode of “Stranger Things.” Sounds like the stuff your uncle mutters about after three cups of church coffee. Except—it’s right there in Scripture. Paul says it. John says it. Jesus says it. The only ones who don’t are usually the skeptics writing editorials dismissing the very faith that gives us hope.

Opposing Views on the Rapture

Now, critics like to pounce: “But the word Rapture isn’t even in the Bible!” Congratulations, Sherlock. Neither are the words Trinity or even Bible. And yet, here we are, still believing in all three. The word comes from the Latin rapturus, which translates the Greek word harpazo—meaning “to snatch up, grab by force.” Imagine a parent reaching out and pulling their child away from danger just in time. That’s the picture Scripture gives us of the Rapture.

Some say, “Oh, the Rapture is just a modern invention, some 19th-century gimmick.” Nonsense. Yes, J.N. Darby helped popularize it in more recent times, but long before him, the early Church Fathers like Irenaeus and Cyprian wrote about believers being “snatched up” before judgment. It’s not new—it’s biblical. We also hear about the Rapture straight from Paul, Peter, James, and most importantly, Jesus Himself: “I will come again and receive you to myself.”

The most familiar passage on the Rapture is 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18: “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together (Greek word: harpazo, meaning ‘snatched up’) with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

And if that sounds far-fetched, remember Enoch—who literally walked off the face of the earth into God’s presence—and Elijah, who rode to Heaven in a fiery chariot. The prototypes are already in the Old Testament.

Why This Matters

Here’s why this isn’t just a fun theological parlor game: the Rapture gives hope. Paul calls it the “blessed hope.” When you’ve buried a loved one, you don’t need vague talk about them being “in a better place.” You need the solid promise that in one split second, you’ll be with them again. Parents reunited with children. Husbands with wives. Brothers and sisters together again. And at the center of it all—Jesus Christ Himself.

And it does more than comfort grief. It motivates godliness. If you really believe Jesus could return at any moment, maybe don’t binge sin like it’s Netflix. You wouldn’t invite your best friend into a house piled with dirty laundry and Taco Bell wrappers. Don’t greet your Savior that way either. You want to be ready—walking with Him, keeping your spiritual house in order.

Of course, there’s always the circus clowns with their calendars: “88 Reasons Jesus Will Return in 1988!” They were wrong, just like every other date-setter before or since. Jesus made it pretty clear: “No one knows the day or the hour.” Which, funnily enough, includes you, me, and that guy on YouTube with the chart and the whiteboard. The Rapture isn’t about prediction—it’s about preparation.

The Takeaway

So, what do we do with all this? We wake up. We stay alert. We stop living like the world is a Vegas buffet that never closes. Paul said: “The night is almost gone, the day of salvation is soon here.” Translation: time is short. Knock it off. If you’re a believer, live clean, live holy, live hopeful. If you’re not—well, get right or get left.

Because one day, maybe in our lifetime, maybe tonight—in a blink, in the twinkling of an eye—everything changes. Loved ones raised. The Church caught up. Judgment delayed until after the Bride has been rescued.

It’s not escapism. It’s not fantasy. As C.S. Lewis reminded us, looking forward to the eternal world is one of the things a Christian is meant to do.

So, laugh if you want. Roll your eyes. Write your snarky post. But when it happens—when the shout comes, when the trumpet blows—mockery won’t matter. Only hope will.