*Pastor’s Note: We will continue, in no particular order questions posed from the excellent book by Mark Hitchcock entitled, The Complete Book of Bible Prophecy. My hope and prayer is that it will give some insight into much of the end-times prophecy the Bible speaks of and hopefully alleviates some of the fears and confusion people have about studying prophecy. The following is the next in a line of questions I present to you from his book:
How Will People Who Are Left Behind Explain The Rapture?
When you think about it, the Rapture will be an amazing event. In a split second of time, millions of people will disappear from this earth without a trace (except maybe a pile of clothes). One has to wonder, How in the world will the people who are left behind explain this unparalleled event? The world will be left in total chaos as cars become driverless, planes become pilotless, classrooms become teacherless, and factories, workerless. Missing-persons reports will flood police stations. How will people explain the Rapture?
There will undoubtedly be two main explanations: a natural explanation and a supernatural explanation. The natural explanation will be the most popular. The pundits will flood the airwaves with their theories. Geraldo Rivera Live will have numerous guests debating their theories. Conspiracy theories will abound. Nightline will have a two-week special to investigate the possible explanations. Who knows what kind of bizarre ideas will surface: a massive UFO abduction, a time warp, a new weapon of mass destruction created by the Russians. People will be at a loss to explain the Rapture, but rest assured, humanity will not be at a loss to try to figure it all out.
The other explanation for the Rapture will be the supernatural one. Many people who have been left behind will suddenly remember what they had been told by a believer about the Rapture. Unsaved church members will remember a sermon on the Rapture. The Rapture may be one of the greatest evangelistic events of all time as millions of people who have heard about this event but never received Christ suddenly realize they have been left behind. While the so-called experts are concocting their theories, thousands of people will realize what has happened and will humbly bow their knee to Christ. These “Tribulation saints” will be persecuted and even martyred for their faith (Revelation 6:9; 7:13–14; 20:4). But when they leave this earth, they will join the mighty company of the redeemed around the throne to worship the Lamb.
Mr. Hitchcock’s teachings are informative and enlightening as well as inspirational and any book you can get for yourself from his writings will most definitely be well-worth it. I hope you are blessed AND informed and some of these questions and answers will give you a greater strength to walk in confidence and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Bible prophecy ALWAYS points to God and His plans for this world that He created through Christ Jesus. Therefore, for true Christians, it is meant to be a comfort that God continues as always to have everything under control despite what it might appear to the average person.
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 