While I live each day with expectant hope of Jesus’ second coming, I also live with the sober awareness that odds are He will not return before next Friday. So, I feel obligated to prepare myself and others for the “Left Behind” movie.
I have found that reference to “dispensationalism” tends to promote confusion instead of clarity. I remember a conversation (very much one-sided) in which I was asked if I was a pre or post-trib, pre, post or a-millennialist? I furrowed my brow and the seminary educated inquisitioner rolled his eyes, said something under his breath and stomped off. The after-taste of that encounter continues to inform how I speak with non-believers, less mature Christians, and brothers and sisters in the faith who espouse a wide variety of eschatological beliefs. (Yes, I know “eschatalogical” is a 75 cent word so we’re going to turn now to a brief set of working definitions for this post.)
- Eschatology: Literally the study of last things, the end of the world as we know it, and the ultimate destiny of humankind. Every religious system has a theology of the eschaton. Christians rely upon the Bible, the Word of God, to inform their understanding of what will happen “in the end.” According to God’s Word, Jesus will return, ushering in a new era, a new heaven and a new earth will replace the existing heaven and the existing earth, death will be no more. In fact, the dead in Christ will rise (resurrection) and Christ will reign for 1,000 years (aka “the millennial reign of Christ”).
- Rapture: The taking up of the elect (both those who have died in the faith and those Christians alive at the time the rapture occurs) into heaven to be with the Lord.
- Tribulation: The tumultuous and wrathful period of history foretold of in the Bible leading up to the end times. There are differing views of what will happen to Christians before, during and after the tribulation. Some believe that Christians will be raptured pre-tribulation, and therefore, not have to suffer through it. Others believe that Christians will be raptured post-pretrib but pre-wrath, mid-trib or post-trib.
What the “Left Behind” series promotes is a theology of a pre-tribulation rapture (or at least pre-wrath rapture). That means that the Church — all Christians — are “evacuated” from the scene of history before the bad stuff described in the book of Revelation starts to happen. Spoiler alert: That’s what the sequels to this first movie are going to unpack. Ultimately the movie series will culminate in the Glorious Appearing of Jesus Christ at His second coming. The problem is, that’s not how the Bible says its going to happen.
What the Bible actually says on the matter can be found in:
The book of Revelation, I Thessalonians 4, I Corinthians 15, Hebrews 9, and Matthew 24-25. I would give you the specific verses but I would prefer you read the verses in their chapter context so as to avoid the accusation of proof-texting.
What is clear from reading these passages is that the rapture will take place after the second coming of Christ. So, no “escape” from the tribulation is promised for those who follow Christ. That truth lines up with the reality we are witnessing around the world today as Christians flee ahead of murderous jihadists who torture, rape, sell into slavery, behead and/or crucify those they capture.
The theology espoused in the “Left Behind” series is derived from prophecies written in the early 1800’s by The Plymouth Brethren. That means that for more than 1,800 years this variety of theology did not exist (or, at least, it was not written down in a systematic formulation and passed along generationally) — it was not espoused by nor embraced by the early church, the Church in the Middle Ages, the Reformation nor the Counter-Reformation. This theology is late to the proverbial party. And yet, it is embraced by many believers around the world today. Oh, and yes, it makes for a good story …. and therefore, movie fodder.
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Very informative! What is important is that our salvation is totally dependent on our relationship with Christ! If you truly profess that he is your Lord and Savior then you are saved, because you could not profess such unless the Holy Spirit was alive in you!
rather astonishing that Presbyterians are talking about a Hollywood movie, trying to analyze it as if it’s worthy of academic discussion, yet completely ignore oh about 200 years of modern day prophets, both Catholic and Protestant. shame on you layman for not covering the end times as it should be covered at this critical time. according to recent locutions we may have only three months left before major events.
Please check back in 3 months to tell us what they were.
“rather astonishing that Presbyterians are talking about a Hollywood movie,.”
End time prophecy is always interesting, yet, Presbyterians of all brands seemed to have avoided the subject due to the Dispensation/Premill view in my opinion which has been argued for decades. There is a mega church that has grown in the thousands in the last 20 years by expository preaching, believing the Bible is the Word of God, marriage is between 1 man and 1 woman for a lifetime. The church believes abortion is wrong believing in the 5 fundamentals of the faith, and to be a member, a 9 month course is taught so a potential members are aware of church beliefs. Modern music with little or no traditional music is the order of the day.
These are the churches that grow while others struggle because of what is not taught in the above.
“The theology espoused in the “Left Behind” series is derived from prophecies written in the early 1800′s by The Plymouth Brethren. That means that for more than 1,800 years this variety of theology did not exist (or, at least, it was not written down in a systematic formulation and passed along generationally) — it was not espoused by nor embraced by the early church, the Church in the Middle Ages, the Reformation nor the Counter-Reformation. This theology is late to the proverbial party. And yet, it is embraced by many believers around the world today. Oh, and yes, it makes for a good story …. and therefore, movie fodder.”
Why are churches growing by believing what has been written in the above article, “Left Behind?’ Why has the PCUSA been losing member since 1967?? Biblical Exposition, is that the key to great church growth rather than philosophy???
While it can be debated whether Christians will avoid the tribulation described in Revelation, Matthew 24:37-39 clearly points to Christ’s second coming as a sudden cataclysmic event on a worldwide scale like the Genesis flood. While 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 indicates that at Christ’s second coming, that “the dead in Christ shall rise first” and “we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
I am a former PCA ruling elder who loves the PLC. As to Left Behind……I agree that the dispensational eschatology on which it is based is artificial, unbiblical, and a pernicious influence within the Christian community that also damages the witness of the Church to the world.
However, after decades of careful study, I have confidently embraced a covenantal and preterist eschatology that I am persuaded is fully faithful to the Scriptures. I would heartily suggest that anyone who is interested in knowing why would profit from going to Amazon.com and purchasing Christian Hope Through Fulfilled Prophecy by Charles S. Meek. You can read my own review of Mr. Meek’s book, which is the first review that appears.
There are a lot of goofy preterists out there who carry all sorts of theological baggage, but there are also many like us who are thoroughly reformed, evangelical, orthodox and willing to humbly go where the scriptures lead.
Grace and Peace to all who love the Lord Jesus Christ and the truth. May our tribe increase.
As I reflect on this article, I must admit to disappointment. This was not Carmen’s finest piece of writing. She seems to do to ‘them’ what ‘ they’ did to her in the past. “I am right and you are wrong. The Bible tells me so.”
As a long reader of The Layman, I am disappointed to see such unsupported attack on the historic premil view. It is true that this eschatogical viewpoint is relatively new, but that is not a valid argument against it. I wonder if those who would attack premil (and dispensationalism as well) would have been joining the chorus of Catholic heretics who attacked Calvin, Luther, and the other courageous reformers who after at least a thousand years, finally called out the works based corruption of the religion of the day. I am glad that Calvin’s Institutes has stood the test of time, even though it was ‘late to the proverbial party’ when it came in all it’s glory in 1559!!!!!
I am also offended by Bruce’s comment above, which is nothing more than an ad hominem attack on dispensationalism. I will not attempt to fully explicate the firm biblical foundations of that view, but to call those of us who have studied scripture and come to espouse dispensationalism heretics is arrogant and wrong. Many dispensational churches, pastors and lay people have made tremendous contributions to the Kingdom of God. One may disagree with the doctrine, but to call it ‘pernicious’ and damaging to the Church, and it’s witness is demonstrably false. I suppose all of those who have come to call Jesus and Lord and Savior thru the witness of dispensational churches are ‘pernicous’ little creatures as well. I suppose those giants of the faith like D.L. Moody are heretical beasts that need to be stopped. Bruce, please think before you write. Also, please tell your preterist friends to stop the scourge of replacement theology, which very easily morphs into anti-Semitism. Ever wonder why the PCUSA is a hotbed of anti-Semitism? Something to ponder.
J.P. II am not offended by your ad hominem attack on me, just mystified by your overheated reactions. I labeled no one as heretical, but stand by my conclusion that dispensationalism is both unbiblical, and at a practical level, is a pernicious influence. I grant to its adherents the presumption of sincerity, but conclude that they are sincerely wrong.
As to your drive-by allusion to “replacement theology” in connection with preterists, it is true that some Christians, Luther included, morphed into anti-Semitism. Your seem to imply that any eschatology other than your own carries that danger, and on that basis must be rejected. That would, among other things, put the Letter to the Hebrews off the reading list, I suppose., and also place Augustine, Barth, and many others under suspicion for seeing Christ and the gospel as the fulfillment and perfection of the Old Covenant. My view of the modern state of Israel is that it deserves the support of civilized nations on moral and geopolitical grounds, but not as a matter of O.T. prophecy. There is, after all, an Israel of God, that transcends ethnicity and is the true Israel. Please consider my friendly challenge to read Charles Meek’s book.
Hi Turk,
Sources are now saying it might not be that long, they’re now talking by end of October.
I’d be happy to check back in, give an update. We already had one false alarm, Comet Ison, which it’s my understanding was a wake up call, preliminary warning. Since I already have egg all over my face from everyone here locally who now doesn’t believe a word i say, including the local priest, i have nothing to lose from being wrong again, but i sincerely think it’s time now.
guest
Historic premillennialism is not the same as dispensational premillennialism, as I understand it. At least, as it was defined in the old book edited by Robert G. Clouse.
I understand even in Presbyterian circles that dispensational eschatology is popular. However, dispensational theology is inconsistent with the reformed understanding of scripture, and thus inconsistent with traditional Presbyterian theology. I know there are some notable pastors in Presbyterian history that held to a dispensational theology, but it really isn’t Reformed. While I don’t think it is the correct understanding of Scripture, I would not call it heresy.
I am not a preterist, as I understand preterism. I don’t propose to debate that particular issue. However, the question of what is true Israel is a legitimate question of the scripture. To say the church is spiritual Israel is not necessary replacement theology. The Apostle Paul addressed this issue in a few passages. There is also no good reason to believe that God would honor a new Jewish (Hebrew worship) temple in Jerusalem. No Temple sacrifice would be acceptable to God.
I haven’t seen this particular movie, but most “Christian” reviews say this isn’t a “Christian” movie. I may wait for the DVD or some other way to see the movie unless there is another pressing reason to see it. If it actually stimulates a positive discussion about Jesus, his saving work, and the Gospel, then even if it is a bad movie it has done a good thing.
Bruce, I am pleased that you responded to my comment. My comments were admittedly quite spirited due to your assertion that dispensational eschatology is ‘pernicious.’ Pernicious, according to Webster means, “highly injurious or destructive.” I certainly hope you don’t actually feel that way about those embracing the historic premil view.
In addition, I hope you will reconsider your view on the modern state of Israel. You say it should be supported on moral and geopolitical grounds (I agree), but not as a matter of OT prophesy. I would contend with you there. As you know, when the modern state of Israel was formed in 1948, Jews gathered to their homeland from the four winds. This is something that never happened to Jews before, and it was not just another event of secular history, it had been foretold by God himself, for he told His people, “Since you are precious and honored in my sight and because I love you . . . Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, ‘Give them up! and to the south ‘do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth” (Isa. 43:4a, 5-6). So we see that the modern state of Israel’s very existence is the fulfillment of yes, OT prophesy!
I realize neither of will yield sincerely held views, but I would challenge you with few more passages. Just before our Lord left this earth, his Jewish disciple’s asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the Kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). Jesus’ answer was not, “Guys, I have a new program, Israel is going to be replaced by the Church I am going to build…..” Instead, he told them, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.” (Acts 1:7) In other words, the Kingdom will be restored to Israel, at the perfect time.
Also, I think we should have the same attitude towards our Jewish brothers and sisters that the Apostle Paul did, “For I could wish that I myself were cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.” (Rom. 9:3-5).
In closing, in spite of our starkly contrasting eschatology, I am confident that as brothers in Christ, we agree on much more then we disagree on, and I certainly do appreciate the PCA as bulwark of orthodoxy, which stands in sharp contrast to the morally decaying and dare I say pernicious pseudo church, aka the PCUSA.
Thanks, JP. You may be assured that we are in unity on the essentials of the faith, and I pray God’s continued blessings upon you and yours as you bear witness to His excellencies in a darkened world. As you will surmise, I do not share your view of the eschatological significance of the creation of modern Israel in 1948, but I welcome the prospect of the advancement of the body of Christ through the calling of many more, Jews and Gentiles, into a saving union with our Head. Grace and Peace.
I was glad to read that the discussion between JP and Bruce sort of resolved into a warm ending. At this point in history, I think we should try and stay away from certain areas of potential contention or disagreement. When we agree on the essentials of our faith, that should keep us together. Adding any other reasons to disagree is clearly not helping. And I love Carmen and the Layman, but even this article is something I might now have chosen to write. The bottom line about this book series and movie is that it clearly teaches faith in Jesus Christ, causing millions to ask questions, or seek more information. I know at least 5 individuals who have asked the Lord Jesus to be their Savior as a result of reading the very first book. And two more who were saved after the second book! They live for Jesus now, and witness for Him every day. If we really all treated this time in history as though we believe it is truly the end times–we would all prepare a video or manual for those who are “left behind” and swarm to the churches after the rapture. If it turns out that it doesn’t happen pre-trib/mil then we have lost nothing by making preparations. If, however, the opposite is true, we will have sadly let many folks down.