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The Rapture
Christians who follow traditional doctrine believe in a series of supernatural events foretold by prophecy. To start, our faith affirms that Yeshua existed eternally in Heaven before His earthly life. We accept Yeshua’s miraculous conception, His mission on Earth, His sacrificial death, resurrection, and ascension (His physical return to the Heavens). Christians also strongly believe in a “Rapture” that will occur when Yeshua returns to Earth. This Rapture can happen as early as today. The event, known as the Rapture, is depicted as happening suddenly, like a thief in the night. The word “Rapture” comes from the Latin “rapturo,” meaning to be “swiftly transported.” Christians will join Yahweh and Yeshua, just before a chaotic period of tribulation and judgment occurs.
That period will include not only great hardship but also the abrupt departure of said traditional Christians. Such a sudden change will lead to disasters and catastrophic events. Here, we also notice a need for death and destruction in the scriptural fight to reclaim the world. It’s just like the days of Noah or King David. Paul describes the Rapture as occurring within the blink of an eye. He states, “For the Lord Himself will come down from Heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.”
If there are any Judeo-Christians who do not look forward to this incredible moment, I am eager to hear about them. Remember, Yahweh is an incorporeal being, and the Heavens are a non-physical realm. As a result, a series of transformations will occur at the Rapture. Yeshua will become visible in the sky. The moment will mark a grand resurrection, reviving those who died in faith. These resurrected people will ascend, joining Yeshua and the celestial hosts. Soon after, the living Christians will also ascend into the clouds, uniting with the assembly. At that point, a transformation will occur. The people will shift from physical to spiritual existence as they head to Heaven. Only those who have sinned and acted wickedly on Earth will stay behind. Most people want this.
This vision is echoed in Yeshua’s words in Matthew 24:30-31, where He predicts His return: “all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of Heaven, with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds.” During the prophesied Rapture, faithful followers of Christ will be divinely called up to join Him in Heaven. The Earth will be void of Christians. This sudden disappearance will reportedly cause chaos and confusion, as planes drop from the sky with no pilots. Cars will crash as their drivers vanish instantly. The rapture will tear families apart.
The society will grapple with the emptiness left behind, resulting in widespread fear and insecurity. To put this in perspective, it’s like the catastrophic event in the Marvel film “Infinity Stones.” Thanos’s snap wiped out half of all life. When Christians disappear, many scholars argue that the shock may lead to various interpretations and speculations about these mysterious disappearances. Some might speculate about natural disasters, while others could revisit forgotten prophetic scriptures they previously ignored. In this societal chaos, sacred texts suggest that paths to redemption remain open for those who stay devoted to Yahweh. It gets confusing.
If I could give my commentary without judgment, I would ask why. Throughout the scripture, we see Yahweh creating and destroying his creation only to provide a path to redemption. I am not questioning God, but it raises the question of why Yahweh appears to fight against Himself. During such difficult times, divine messengers—such as the 144,000 Israeli heralds and two powerful witnesses—will deliver the sacred message from Yahweh. The Book of Revelation predicts that some people will come to faith in the period after the Rapture, although many will suffer greatly for their beliefs. Throughout our scripture, we see this retribution.
Yahweh and Yeshua’s Love
Having recalled the inception of our journey toward liberation, we’ve also considered the divine selection of Israel and the import of both the earthly and heavenly realms of God’s dominion. My aim in this blog series has been to remind us of the combative dimension of the Christian narrative. After all, we are speaking of a Kingdom, are we not? A Kingdom with a formidable leader and military. Indeed, Judeo-Christians recognize themselves as both spiritual combatants and earthly champions for Christ. Upon joining our fellowship, you’ll witness our spirited rendition of a battle hymn, a powerful anthem known as “Onward Christian Soldiers.”
Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus, going on before!
Christ, the royal Master, Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle, see his banner go!
Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus, going on before!
What happens when we speak of the death and destruction of the wars past, present, and those to come? Some scholars may argue that this is not the case, as they are more acquainted with the benevolent side of Christianity. And that is true. Yeshua said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the Earth.” The “love of God” is a central theme in many religious traditions, especially within Christianity. It generally refers to the unconditional love that God has for humanity and all of His creation. I must also state that Islam is also a branch of the Abrahamic faith. They are one of the three main branches, along with Judaism and Christianity.
The enemies of Israel and Yahweh are those who declare themselves as such. They claim to seek the destruction of all who belong to our persuasion. Nevertheless, I must emphasize that God’s love is unconditional and limitless. He does not base it on human actions or worthiness. His love persists regardless of a person’s flaws or sins. In Christianity, we commonly use the Greek term “agape” to describe Yahweh’s love. This love is selfless, sacrificial, and seeks the well-being of others. We know the love of God is most fully revealed through Yeshua, the Christ. It’s particularly evident in His renowned sacrificial death, resurrection, and salvation.
These acts are seen as the expression of God’s love for humanity. The Bible has many verses that speak about God’s love, such as John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” 1 John 4:8: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Many religious traditions emphasize that experiencing this love compels believers to love others. In Christianity, Yeshua commands His followers to love one another as a reflection of Yahweh’s love.
The love of Yahweh is often described as a source of comfort and strength for Judeo-Christians, providing reassurance during difficult times and motivating acts of kindness and service to others. In the context of the Hebrew Bible, Yahweh’s love is also demonstrated through covenants made with the people of Israel, showing a committed relationship characterized by loyalty and faithfulness. Many of the retributions that the Israelites faced stemmed from their breaching those pacts with God. Overall, the love of Yahweh is a multifaceted concept that plays a significant role in Christian thought, moral values, and personal relationships.
