Do Christians Fear the Rapture?

 On September 27th, 2022 CNN published an article concerning "rapture anxiety". (https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/27/us/rapture-anxiety-evangelical-exvangelical-christianity-cec/index.html) The main premise states that there are a substantial group of Christians that have been traumatized by this doctrine, and thus it is a danger to mental health.

The article opens with the story of a young teenager who finds her family is not at home and is terrified that they have missed the rapture of the church. How many of us could have similar stories? I have heard them from my father and had them myself. All of us who were raised in the church have had these experiences, especially as children and young people who were not yet saved. Truly, the thought of being left behind is indeed a terror, but it is a terror to the unconverted and the careless carnal "Christian", who is sinning but unwilling to forsake their sin and follow Christ with the dedication commanded. (Matthew 15:1-15, 1John 2:1-6)

From the moment they are old enough to understand, millions of people raised in certain Christian communities are taught that the rapture is something that can happen at any time. Though there are different schools of thought as to how such an event would go, the basic idea is the same: Righteous Christians ascend into heaven, while the rest are left behind to suffer.

We are repeatedly warned in Scripture to be prepared for the soon return of Christ, which this quotation has accurately stated, but they are in error by saying that "righteous Christians" will be the only ones taken. The error is in the implication that there is such a thing as Christian that is unrighteous! Such a thing does not, and indeed has not ever existed. Firstly, no Christian can claim any independent righteousness except through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ shed by His sacrifice upon the Cross. Further, Paul states that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (I Corinthians 6:9-10, Galations 5:19-21) Thus it is only the adjective 'righteous" implies the idea that only "good Christians go to Heaven." That is not true. Only those that are Christians as God considers them will be taken in the Rapture.

"However it happens, it is something to be both feared and welcomed, to be prayed about and prepared for every moment of a believer’s life." Why would not the coming of our King be an awesome and fearful thing? He will be returning to judge the world, and we will be receiving either the rewards of rebellion or the rewards of obedience at His hand! The Scripture states that we are to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12) The article correctly states that the Christian is to spend his life preparing for the day that he will be called out of this world.

The main sources for this article are people who have apostatized from the faith that they knew. Darren Slade, the president and CEO of the Global Center for Religious Research, was a former Baptist preacher and the person referenced at the beginning of the article is an "exvangelical". There is not a single voice from those of us who believe and anticipate the Rapture of the church to lend this article balance.These are like the man referenced in Pilgrim's Progress, who, having journeyed a long time in the path of Truth, have turned their back on the hope of the Christian and now seeks to discourage all others by his advice.

We Christians are not told the time of the end, but whether the Rapture occurs sooner or later, the truth is that we will all die, and after this we will enter into judgment to be rewarded with either a blissful awaiting of Christ's return, or we shall be caused to suffer until such time as we are condemned in the final judgment before His great white throne. (Hebrews 9:27, Luke 16:22-25, Revelation 20:11-15)

We as Christians who have been called by His name, washed in His blood, filled with His Spirit, and living in obedience to His commands have any need to fear the Rapture. This fear is for those that have either heard the call and rejected Him, those that once served Jesus and have since departed, or for the sinner who is will perish in their ways far from salvation. Truly the Gospel has gone out into the whole world, and there is no longer an excuse for men to say that it was not available to them. The internet alone, with all of the Scripture, commentaries, and instruction has placed the Gospel into every corner of the world for those who are willing to search. Further, the Bible has been translated into a sufficient number of languages that most people could read it or have it read to them.

For the Christian, the Rapture is our hope when the days of our lives grow long, and the evil of this world waxes greater. This is because we are citizens of a kingdom whose reach is longer, broader, and greater than we can possibly conceive, and our King is the King of kings, Lord of lords, who lived, died, and is alive forever more. (Revelation 1:18) The soon return of our Lord Jesus Christ is our greatest consolation during times of hardship, grief, and persecution. Our lives here on earth is not the sum and total of our existence, and we have the hope of again seeing those that have died in the faith having been faithful unto their very deaths.

For those of us who have repented of our sins, seen them remitted when we were baptized in Jesus' name, and been filled with the Holy Ghost, there should not be a fear of the Rapture, but rather an eager expectation and preparation. Revelation states that the Bride will be made ready for the marriage supper of the Lamb. The Bride has no cause to fear her loving Bridegroom, but will spend all the energy possible to prepare against that great day so that she will be ready without spot, wrinkle or blemish. (Ephesians 5:25-27

My goals for 2017

I have never been a participant in the annual tradition of setting New Year's resolutions. However, I have a few goals that I wish to see accomplished this year. I have numbered them, but they are not listed in any particular order of importance.

1) I want to fast 48 days this year.

2) I plan on reading three versions of the Bible this year.

3) I intend to lose 50 pounds.

4) I intend to eat much better, and thanks to a blender, I should be able to.

5) I intend to read approximately 400 books by the end of the year.

6) I will be striving to update this blog at least twice a week.

7) This blog has 200 views for last month. My goal is to see this blog at 1000 viewers a month by the  
    end of the year.

8) I have a number of drafts here on my blog that I have been struggling to finish. I want to move get  
    them out and on the site.

I have more goals, but as they are more amorphous and ill defined, I will leave things with these eight. I hope that everyone is having a safe and happy New Year.

God bless! :D

A Christmas Thought

It is now very late on the night of Christmas, and I have decided to get a start on my blogging. My intention is to cover a number of topics over the next week, wrapping up the year with 366 things that I am thankful for, and then starting off the New Year with a list of goals that I intend to meet in the next  12 months. So let us begin.

Every year starting at the beginning of November and running through the end of December, there are copious amounts of Christmas music, advertisements, and discussions of holiday planning. This is followed by work, church and school parties. Finally, families and friends gather together for a celebration on the 25th of December bringing the event to a conclusion for another year.

Many people will hear of the birth of Jesus during this time, mixed with Santas, reindeer, snowmen, elves, trees, and gifts. But how many actually pay attention to the meaning of the beautiful sentiments expressed on the cards, in the ancient hymns, and nativity scenes with wise men and shepherds? How many others actually understand the greater purposes that grant this day its singular meaning.

Obviously, Christians should be the ones to recognize the themes expressed during this season, but the birth of Jesus Christ in meaningless without His death upon the cross. The wishes for peace on earth and goodwill to men has no purpose without the corresponding suffering. The cradle would remain empty if it were not for the grave. The angels singing would be hollow except for the resurrection.

Often Christmas and Easter are separated from one another in both thoughts and emotions. Everyone sees in Christmas the hope of life and birth. But Easter is often more focused upon His suffering and death. Yet, it is for this very reason that Jesus was born and came to be born in a stable. This was addressed by Jesus Himself when He stated, "Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour': but for this cause came I unto this hour." (John 12:27)

The cross and His death is mentioned far more often than the circumstances of His birth. The Gospels refer to his birth and early life twice, but His suffering and death are recorded in all four, plus referenced in nearly every epistle at least once.

During these last few days as we complete our celebrations of the birth of Christ, in that little stable in a tiny community named Bethlehem, let us also remember the suffering and death that bought for all men the potential for redemption according to the plan of God from the foundation of the world. (Luke 24:25-27; Revelation 13:8)


God bless you, and I hope you had a merry Christmas and will have a happy New Year!

Reviving the Blog!

Having been away from this blog for quite some time, I was uncertain about leaving it up or closing shop entirely. I recently decided to return and start posting again. I would like to give a wide variety of updates on things that have happened since I walked away, but that would take far too long. Suffice it to say that after a period of at least two years, I have decided to commence my blogging again. This is especially true when I saw that my blog has continued to be seen around the world, though at a much slower rate than when I post regularly.

I have some thoughts, and may post them today but I might also get them tomorrow. Much will depend on how fast my research and typing progresses. Thank you again for reading, and I apologize for my very extended absence.

Why I am Jesus Only (Only the Title is Controvercial) :D

I hope that you enjoy this non-exhaustive list that I thought of this morning.


 1) Jesus is the only way to God.


 2) Jesus is the only true God.


 3) Only Jesus was God manifest in human flesh.


 4) Only Jesus had a host of angels announcing His birth.


 5) Only Jesus died on a cross for the sins of all the world.


 6) Only Jesus rose from a tomb after three days.


 7) Only Jesus ascended into Heaven and sits enthroned in power, glory, and majesty.


 8) Jesus is the only Savior.


 9) Jesus is the only Healer.


10) Jesus is the only Redeemer.


11) Jesus is the only Provider.


12) Jesus is my only Protector.


13) Jesus is the only Comforter.


14) Jesus alone forgave my sins.


15) Jesus alone washed my sins away.


16) Jesus alone filled me with the Holy Ghost.


17) Jesus alone will be calling His church home to be with Him.


18) Jesus alone is the coming King and Judge of the world.


19) Jesus alone will be the focus of those who dwell with Him throughout all eternity.




I am thankful that I was baptized in the only Name under heaven given among men that can save. Jesus is the only God who is worth serving, for there is no other deity that has ever done what He has done for us!