Will there be a Rapture followed by an earthly reign of Jesus?

Followers of this doctrine believe that there will be an earthly millennial reign of Jesus on earth following an event where Jesus Christ will “snatch away” his saints to heaven. This event is called the "Rapture". Following this event, Jesus will supposedly reign on Earth for a thousand years. The doctrine of millennialism and the rapture contradict some very compelling Biblical scripture.

First, if the Rapture is true, there will have to be more than one resurrection in the future separated by a significant time period. The Bible clearly states that the resurrection of the just and the unjust will happen in the same hour.

John 5:28-29
28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
KJV

If "all that are in the graves" are resurrected to their final reward in the same hour then there can be no time span of centuries between resurrections.

Second, if the Rapture is true, Jesus Christ will have to return to earth more than once. The Bible clearly states that Jesus is coming back to earth once and when He does, the earth will be removed.

Hebrews 12:26-27
26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
KJV

Thirdly, if the Rapture is true, Jesus will return to earth, establish an earthly kingdom and rule it from Jerusalem. If Jesus were to rule from Jerusalem, He would violate a vow given by God to Coniah or Jeconiah, King of Judah.

Jeremiah 22:30
30 Thus saith the LORD, Write ye this man childless, a man that shall not prosper in his days: for no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah.
KJV

The key words in this passage are "in Judah" No descendant of Jeconiah will ever sit on the throne of David and rule from Jerusalem which was in Judah. Jesus was a descendant of Jeconiah from both the lineage of Joseph and Mary. The lineages of Joseph and Mary crossed paths through Zorobabel, who was the great grandson of Jeconiah. Matthew traced the lineage of Jesus through Joseph.

Matthew 1:11-13
11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:
12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;
KJV

Luke traced the lineage of Jesus through His mother Mary and the lineage crossed paths with Joseph's.

Luke 3:27
Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel , which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri,

Jesus was therefore descended from Jeconiah through both the lineage of His mother and His earthly father. God left absolutely no doubt in anybody's mind on this, nothing was left to speculation. Jesus was the descendant of Jeconiah 22 generations through Mary and 14 generations through Joseph.

God emphatically stated that "no man of his [Jeconiah's] seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah"

We know that Jesus reigns from Heaven setting on the right hand side of God, (1 Peter 3:22). This is not in Judah. God said never again "in Judah", which eliminates the possibility of Jesus ruling an earthly kingdom from Jerusalem.

In the next chapter of Jeremiah, the inspired writer prophecies the coming of Jesus and proclaims that a king will descend from David and will reign and will execute judgment and justice in the earth and he will be called Our Lord our righteousness, (Jeremiah 23:5-6) But Jesus can never rule from within Judah without violating the Word of God, written by the inspired writer, Jeremiah, only 6 verses earlier. Both Joseph and Mary were related to David too. Mary was a descendant of David through Nathan, (Luke 3:31). Joseph was a descendant of David through Solomon, (Matthew 1:6).

Many people who teach millennialism believe that Jesus tried to set up an earthly Kingdom at the time of His life on earth but was rejected by the Jews and crucified. The truth is that one time the Jews tried to force Jesus to be an earthly king and He refused to.

John 6:14-15
(14) Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.
(15) When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king , he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

Those who saw Jesus feed 5000 wanted to take Him by force and make him a king. If Jesus had come to set up an earthly reign, certainly this would have been possible at that time. Yet the Bible says Jesus departed from them and went into a mountain alone.

In summary.

The rapture and the millennial reign of Christ cannot be true if it is not 100 percent Biblically supported and it is not. This is by no means an exhaustive look at what scripture teaches about the kingdom of God. But it is enough when God says it won't happen in Jerusalem, that honest Biblical students will seek further for the truth.

Very well explained, David. The premillenial doctrine of the "rapture" is not the second coming of Christ, as it is discussed by any of the New Testament writers. It is a notion created by men, not by God.

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"that in all things he might have the preeminence." Colossians 1:18

Outstanding David; there are so many contridictions to the millennial doctrine that it is hard to believe that it is still surviving. Some people never study the Bible just take what the "preacher" tells them!

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For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. 1 Tim 2:5 (U-NASB)

I find that people cling to this doctrine because it provides them with a second chance after Jesus returns. People are uncomfortable with the finality of judgment. People want to live their lives as they see fit without making the total committment.

Unfortunately for them. Following Christ is a total committment. The half hearted Christian is no better off than the unbelievers.

Jesus Christ did not half heartedly give His life for us. We can not half heartedly give ours back and expect Him to be satisfied. Consider Romans 12:1.

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"My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him." 1 John 3:18-19

The church of Christ at Granby

Revelation 3:16 (NKJV)

So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

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--Laura

O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.
Jeremiah 10:23 (NKJV)

David makes a good point about the "second chance" idea some have. It's almost like they believe they'll stand before a judge in General Sessions Court and talk their way out of a ticket for running a stop sign. It won't be like that (Matt 25:31ff).

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"that in all things he might have the preeminence." Colossians 1:18

When Jesus sent out the seventy, two and two, they came back rejoicing saying, “Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.” And Jesus said, “…Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:17,20) Now one of these seventy was Judas, the one who betrayed Jesus. I am not judging Judas, for I am not the “judge or lawgiver” as James says but I have no doubt that Judas is in the place of torment and will be cast into hell come judgment day. The reason I can say that is because the scriptures say, “…woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he HAD NEVER BEEN BORN” (Mark 14:21).

The doctrine of a second chance is a comforting doctrine. The problem is, it is an untruth! Judas’ name was written in the book of life, he failed Christ, and his name was blotted out of the book of life (Rev. 3:5). It would have been better for Judas if he had never been born! If our Lord grants second chances, why did he not grant Judas a second chance? This lesson also shoots down the OSAS theory, too. (Along with many other scriptures.)

David, I am not sure. But I “think” the doctrine of second chances originated in the Catholic church. It’s certainly a man-made, very dangerous, doctrine.

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BVidlar

“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him” (Psalm 8:4)?

Could be the origin of "Purgatory" that the Catholics are so fond of. This idea is a "second chance" to work themselves out of "the lake of fire".

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For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. 1 Tim 2:5 (U-NASB)

Odd thing is, the word “Purgatory” is not found in the Bible.

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BVidlar

“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him” (Psalm 8:4)?

neither is the teaching.

Hebrews 9:27
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

There is some sort of judgment that happens right after death. The story of the rich man and Lazarus attests to that. No part of any teaching of Jesus can be or alude to a lie. If the words came out of His mouth, they are the truth. Period.. There is a rich man in Hades who knew Lazarus and is suffering this very minute and would give all he ever had to come back right now for a second chance. And this poor soul will still be there when Jesus returns and he already knows what His eternal fate is going to be.

I believe from the account of Lazarus and the rich man, we get an image of what to expect upon our mortal deaths. I know every soul shall stand before the judgment seat. I don't know if this will happen upon our deaths or if it will happen on the last day. But it will happen. Many people I respect greatly teach that we will be judged at death and the final day will be more of sentencing process where the lost will see the saved in their glory before the throne of God before being forever cast into the outer darkness described as the lake of fire and I tend to agree with that assessment.

As for purgatory....

2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done , whether it be good or bad.

Paying particular attention to the two words "his body". Now......

Hebrews 4:9-10
9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works , as God did from his.

There are no more works after death. Those who die saved and are at rest are not working any works of righteousness. Those who die lost aren't either.

and finally,

John 5:28-29
28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

Putting what we learn from each of these scriptures together,

We are going to be judged for the things done in our bodies.
Those who have died do not have the opportunity to work anymore.
And all will be resurrected to their respective destinies based on what they have done.

Now I just don't see how anyone can stick a purgatory in there where people can be absolved of sin in any way prior to the final day. It just won't fit.

I think we better get this right the first time. Ain't no second chances after the lights go out on this life. Eternity is too long to get it wrong. Let's do it all (Ephesians 6:13) and let's do it right (Matthew 15:9).

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"My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him." 1 John 3:18-19

The church of Christ at Granby

My point exactly. This is what happens when men's tradition enters into the scripture's teaching. This throws everything off into left field with nothing in scripture to support the theories of man.

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For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. 1 Tim 2:5 (U-NASB)

A "pre-mil" or "post-mil" rapture and 1000 year earthly reign would have to be squeezed into the space between verse 23 and verse 24 in 1 Corinthians. In such a detailed discussion of the "end", I wonder why Paul omitted this doctrine?

Hi BVidlar!
Lk 10:1 in the KJV and NIV both include the word "others," so Christ appears to be speaking not to the Twelve, but to a separate batch of disciples on this mission.

These, very excited about this new power they were given (by Christ) are reminded of the real reason for our joy (Lk 10:18 "...rejoice that your names are written in heaven" to spend eternity with, and glorify, Him).

Point being, Judas is not included in this group, and his name is not identified as being written in the Lamb's book of life so the he cannot be an example either for or against the 2nd chance argument.. Not that I believe this teaching, as Hebrews 9:27 makes clear.

Sorry, I'm taking us off the rapture discussion.

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wretched

I agree with you brother Butch. Well said.

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Don Gelles,
Preacher, Church of Christ in Hyde Park
Austin, Texas
www.hydeparkcoc.org

The word “other” does indicate somebody else besides the twelve. The Greek word for “other” is “heteros” which means “not of the same kind, different.” So you are correct and thanks for pointing that out. From the prior chapter of Luke we know for certain that the “twelve” went forth with “power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases…preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere (Luke 9:1-6).
I suppose the question is this, did Jesus commission the “twelve” for only one mission trip as recorded in (Luke 9:1-6), OR, did they work with the “seventy” as recorded in (Luke 10:1) going from city to city. I may stand corrected, but I tend to think the “twelve” were sent on two mission trips. AND the reason I think this is because of the use of the word "also" in (Luke 10:1).
Either way, it really makes no difference to reference Judas as such because there was a time in his discipleship career that he was in good standing; being able to cast out demons and to heal all diseases, preaching the gospel.

In Him,

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BVidlar

“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him” (Psalm 8:4)?

Who goes into the millennial kingdom? Is it mortals or immortals?

what is this "millennial kingdom"? Can you please give some scriptural support for this "Millennial Kingdom"?

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John 6:67-68: "Jesus said therefore unto the twelve, 'Would ye also go away?' Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.'"

Hello Dizzy,

There is no physical millenial kingdom on earth. We are in Christ's kingdom right now (Colossians 1:13), and are His subjects (Ephesians 6:6). He is reigning at the right hand of God the Father in Heaven (1 Peter 3:22) and will continue to do so until He returns. When this happens, all who are in the graves will hear his voice and will be resurrected (John 5:28). All who are alive on earth will be changed in the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:52) and all will be judged and sent to their final rewards at that time. The earth and the heavens will be burned up (2 Peter 3:10), and we who inherit eternal life will go to live with God in Heaven for eternity. Those who will not inherit eternal life will go to everlasting punishment forever and ever (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).

Jesus Christ is never coming back to reign as a king on this earth. He is reigning right now from Heaven.

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"My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him." 1 John 3:18-19

The church of Christ at Granby

I heard an interesting lesson on this subject at the lectures at the Hill Top Church in Boone county last week. It was rather far out in some instances, but I was amused at his pointing out that in order for the theory to be correct there would have to be three second comings of Christ! He gave a detailed explanation as to why that was the case.

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If we live in Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Gal. 5.25 NJKV

"Jesus was a descendant of Jeconiah from both the lineage of Joseph and Mary."

Hi Brother David,

My hobby for the last 15 years is genealogy. As such, I have paid particular attention to Bible Genealogy and find it offers many clues to understanding scripture.

Joseph and Mary were distant cousins. Their common ancestor was King David, as you have pointed out. After King David it is not possible for their paternal lines to cross since it is a straight paternal father to son lineage.

The paternal lineages of Joseph and Mary crossing paths through Zerubbabel is a physical impossibility.

In Luke, Shealtiel, the father of Zerubbabel, is the son of Neri. In Matthew, Shealtiel is the son of Jeconiah. The Zerubbabel and Shealtiel of Luke are different individuals from the Zerubbabel and Shealtiel of Matthew. It is not possible to have two paternal grandfathers.

Therefore, Jesus cannot be a descendant of the same Jeconiah thru Mary’s paternal line to King David.

I hope this is not too confusing!

Yours in Christ,

Jim

I found that people who believe in the Rapture is very confused about this biblical issue.

I agree with ya'll Rapture isn't biblical, but the reason for this doctrine is that those who follow confuse the Tribulation with the Wrath of God. I found this out when having a bible study on the subject with people who believe in the Rapture. they didn't admit to it but its whats going on.

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Your Brother in Christ Will