In Rapture Timing Part 4, the subject of imminency is refuted.
Imminency: is it biblical? Or, was it created in order to fit nicely into the pre-tribulation doctrine?
The video below is the third in an ongoing series. In rapture timing part 4, Joel Richardson discusses another common point of view within rapture theology.
Imminency: is it biblical?
Joel addresses that question directly in the following video. He is an excellent spokesperson for this challenging and often contentious topic. As noted before, he and other teachers in the FAI Ministries are working hard to present a clear picture of correct biblical interpretation. Especially so, on the subject of end-times prophecy.
Acts 1:11 Was Imminency true even after this event?
Joel Richardson teaching on Imminency. Rapture Timing Part 4
See the following reason many Christians believe the rapture could happen at any moment.
DEFINITION OF IMMINENCY from the rapture-ready forum
What is the biblical definition of imminency? Four important elements contribute to a pretribulation understanding of imminency.
First:
Imminency means that the rapture could take place at any moment. While other events may take place before the rapture, no event must precede it. If prior events are required before the rapture, then the rapture could not be described as imminent. Thus, if any event were required to occur before the rapture, then the concept of imminency would be destroyed.
Second:
Since the rapture is imminent and could happen at any moment, then it follows that one must be prepared for it to occur at any time, without sign or warning.
Third:
Imminency eliminates any attempt at date setting. Date setting is impossible since the rapture is signless (i.e., providing no basis for date setting) and if imminency is really true, the moment a date was fixed then Christ could not come at any moment, destroying imminency.
Fourth:
Renold Showers says, “A person cannot legitimately say that an imminent event will happen soon. The term ‘soon’ implies that an event must take place ‘within a short time (after a particular point of time specified or implied).’ By contrast, an imminent event may take place within a short time, but it does not have to do so in order to be imminent. As I hope you can see by now, “imminent” is not equal to ‘soon.’ ” 1 A. T. Pierson has noted that “Imminence is the combination of two conditions, viz., certainty and uncertainty.
By an imminent event, we mean one which is certain to occur at some time, uncertain at what time.” 2
John 21:23
IMMINENCY IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
The fact that Christ could return, but may not soon, at any moment, yet without the necessity of signs preceding His return, requires the kind of imminence taught by pretribulationism.
What New Testament passages teach this truth? Those verses stating that Christ could return at any moment, without warning, and those instructing believers to wait and look for the Lord’s coming, teach the doctrine of imminence.
Note the following New Testament passages:
1 Corinthians 1:7-
“awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,”
1 Corinthians 16:22-
“Maranatha.”
Philippians 3:20-
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;”
Philippians 4:5-
“The Lord is near.”
1 Thessalonians 1:10-
“to wait for His Son from heaven,”
1 Thessalonians 4:13
1 Thessalonians 4:16
For those new to this site or in need of a reminder
I am a retired children’s pastor with over 40 years of service to local churches. As a born-again believer, birthed from the Jesus Movement of the 1970s, I matured in my faith under the teaching and guidance of Calvary Chapel and Chuck Smith. And I am very grateful for so much of those early years. A truly wonderful experience for many reasons.
The pre-tribulation rapture was and is a staple and foundational doctrine in the Calvary Chapel denomination. Though officially, those churches are considered non-denominational. And as a volunteer and then a pastor/leader in those ministries, it was required of me to adhere to this teaching. It may be surprising to some, but Calvary Chapel Pastors are not allowed to teach Bible prophecy that does not reflect strict adherence to the doctrines espoused by Hal Lindsey and similar ministers.
Read, study & think
But eventually, as a dedicated student of the Bible, I grew increasingly uncomfortable with glaring inconsistencies in the prophetic verse-twisting and errors I found. So, to use a modern catchphrase, I transitioned out of Calvary Chapel. It was a slow process but in time, it became clear to leadership that I wasn’t a ‘team player.’ I had the audacity to read, study and think differently from every cookie-cutter pastor and leader. As you might guess, it became a choice between a regular paycheck with an honorable position, or “shut the door on your way out.” I chose the door. 🙂
But in my early years, I was properly trained and equipped to teach Bible prophecy according to the accepted model. I was a faithful parrot of the pre-tribulation rapture model until I could no longer allow myself to preach and teach what I knew was wrong.
I say this to point out that I fully understand why proponents of this doctrine support it so strongly. Since I studied under their best teachers and taught it effectively for years.
related content for Rapture & Imminency Articles
The End-of-days doctrines of the early Church fathers
Irenaeus, a Church Father, gave early Christians a warning
Parable of the Tares & Churches in the Kingdom Parables
White Stone Watcher
Hello readers,
I’ve served as a children and youth pastor for over three decades. It was a great honor and pleasure to serve the Lord in that way. It’s been my prayer, that many of them will learn of Jesus’ love and decide to commit their lives to follow Him.
I wrote the fiction story, ‘White Stone Watcher’ for them and their parents. In the story, we see a young man, and his best friend, Amanda. They face the normal challenges that today’s kids face at school. But with one huge difference.
Their challenge is twelve feet tall to be exact with an enormous set of six wings. Just like the prophet Isaiah saw in the throne room of God. He’s a Watcher, an angelic being who is still invisible to Amanda. The messenger from God is about to lead both of them on a spiritual journey. They find they can’t escape the unseen war that rages all around them. They will become key players that God will use in the battle between the Sons of Darkness and the Children of Light.
I invite you to pray about a youth that might enjoy and benefit from this story. As the world grows darker, our youth must become aware that the Lord is calling them to join the Children of Light in the fight for what is righteous. We’re all involved, whether we realize it or not. If they won’t go to church, maybe they’ll read a book about someone just like them facing challenges at school.
God is calling them.
Praying for the youth, and spiritual awakening.
Let me know what you think.