A common claim from some Protestant groups is that Catholics do not believe in the Rapture. That is correct—Catholics do not subscribe to the Rapture doctrine. In fact, no one should believe in it. But why?
What is the Evidence for the Rapture? (14:22)
The primary scriptural evidence cited for the Rapture comes from the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—where Jesus states that “one will be taken and one will be left.” Paul also mentions that believers will be caught up in the twinkling of an eye. However, these passages do not explicitly support the idea that believers will be taken away before the tribulation.
Will Christians Escape Tribulation? (15:04)
Nowhere in Scripture does Jesus promise that His followers will be spared from suffering. In fact, He explicitly warns of great tribulations, advising believers to pray that it does not happen in winter or while they are pregnant. This implies that the faithful will endure hardship, not escape it. The Our Father prayer itself contains the plea, “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,” reinforcing the idea that suffering is part of the Christian journey.
What Does Revelation Say About the End Times? (16:35)
In the Book of Revelation, martyrs are continuously killed by the Beast and his followers. If the Rapture were true, why do these believers suffer and die? The biblical evidence suggests that Christians will endure the trials of the end times rather than be removed from them.
Why the Rapture Teaching is Dangerous (17:56)
The Rapture doctrine creates a false sense of security, leading believers to think they will be spared from suffering. This is problematic because Jesus teaches that faith will be tested. He asks, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on Earth?”—a question that implies believers will still be present during tribulation.
The Rapture is a Modern Invention (19:08)
Historically, the Rapture was never a part of Christian belief. It was introduced in the mid-1800s. For over 1,800 years, Christians—whether Catholic, Protestant, or Orthodox—did not believe in a pre-tribulation Rapture. To accept it now would mean assuming that all previous Christians were mistaken.
A Challenge to Rapture Believers (19:35)
For those who hold to the Rapture doctrine, I encourage you to compare your belief with what Jesus actually teaches about the end times. Where is the biblical evidence for a pre-tribulation escape? How does this align with the suffering that Jesus and His apostles endured?
Engage in the Conversation (19:53)
If you have questions or thoughts on this topic, feel free to share them in the comments. This discussion is important, and I look forward to hearing your perspectives!
