Jesus and the Rapture Part 1: Matthew 24:40–41 Reconsidered

Abstract

Is the doctrine of the pre-tribulation rapture authentically biblical? Many seek to answer this question by turning to the ultimate authority in all doctrinal matters, Jesus Christ. Did Jesus believe in and teach about the rapture? This two-part series maintains that He did. Unfortunately, many seek to discover Christ’s rapture teaching in the wrong place, which is Matthew 24:40–41. The first article in this two-part series contends that the rapture cannot be found here, given Matthew’s overall argument, the exegetical details of Matthew 24:40–41, and the inadequacy of the pro-rapture arguments concerning the passage. However, the second article will contend that John 14:1–4 represents far more fruitful ground for understanding Christ’s rapture teaching. This will be demonstrated through an examination of the position of the upper room discourse in John’s Gospel, the exegetical details of John 14:1–4, and by answering the anti-rapture arguments concerning the interpretation of the passage.