With more than 60 million copies sold, Left Behind is one of the best-selling book series in history. Kirk Cameron’s efforts notwithstanding, it’s now set to hit the big screen with droves of supporters who are undoubtedly excited to see the series reach a wider audience. Many of these supporters are my friends and loved ones, so please understand that this post is not an attack on Tim Lahaye, the Left Behind series, its fans, or even Nick Cage, who stars in the new film.
Go see the movie. Be entertained. I personally enjoy clever writing, good acting, and cool special effects. And even if none of that happens, you’re bound to at least get a few good laughs. So chill out – we can still be friends. My point, as you will soon see, is that this wildly-popular phenomenon offers a portrayal of the end times that isn’t quite in line with what the Bible says about the same events. And since the series is based on, ya know, the Bible, I think it’s important to point out some relevant discrepancies.
It’s also important to note that the Left Behind series is fiction, so this post has nothing to do with me “being right.” I could care less about that because there won’t be a multiple choice test at the pearly gates. However, we should probably strive to avoid being blatantly wrong – especially when it comes to matters of the Bible. And since this series is based on the widespread pre-tribulational, premillennial, dispensational school of eschatology, it’s certainly worth examining. But first… what the heck did I just say?
Here’s the skinny: simply put, eschatology is the study of end times. Pretty much anyone who believes that Christ is returning believes there are certain events that relate to his return. These events (among others) are the Tribulation, the Millennium, the Second Coming, some kind of rapture, and the Final Judgment. What one believes about these events (their order, quantity, and form) determines where they fall on the eschatological spectrum. The Left Behind school of thought says these events take place in the following order: the (first) Second Coming for the church (aka the “secret rapture”) > the Tribulation > the (second) Second Coming with the church > the Millennium > the Final Judgment.
In the spirit of trying to write short(er) blogs without too many big words, let’s just stick with the rapture, which is what the movie in question is about anyhow. To put it another way: this post is not intended to debate the Millennium, Tribulation, or Final Judgment. For now, we’re just going to get our rapture on.
Without further ado, here are 5ish reasons why Left Behind isn’t going to happen:
1. It might be hard to get our rapture on because the word “rapture” isn’t in the Bible. To be fair, neither is the word “trinity,” but that’s a reliable doctrine based on various scriptures (see 2 Corinthians 13:14, among many others). Speaking of scripture, the whole rapture thing comes from 1 Thessalonians 4:17, which says that when Christ returns, his followers will be caught up in the clouds to meet him in the air. In short, the Latin word/translation for “caught up” is where we get “rapture” from. Fair enough, Left Behinders. We won’t count this one.
- The trouble is, according to the Bible, there are actually two raptures, or whatever you want to call them (I prefer “gatherings”), that accompany the return of Christ. You see, in 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul was only addressing what happens to the righteous (aka “good guys”) when Christ returns. So what about the unrighteous (aka “bad guys”)? Oh, they get their rapture on too. According to Matthew 24:37-41, the return of Christ will be “as it was in the days of Noah.” Ask yourself a simple question: in the story of Noah, who gets taken away? Yep, it’s the bad guys. Even Russell Crowe knows that! So, since the bad guys get taken…
- It’s actually the Christians that get Left Behind. Check out Matthew 13:30, which not only says the bad guys get gathered, but that the bad guys go first! Crazy, I know. If you don’t believe me, read Jesus’ own explanation of this parable in verses 36-43, and notice the word “then” in verse 43. (Side note: The good guys getting left behind is sort of a technicality, but still true. There’s no reason to think the gathering of the weeds and the gathering of the wheat are events that take place far apart from each other. Regardless, the bad guys go first when Christ returns.)
- Speaking of which, the return of Christ will not be a secret. A “secret rapture” is basically the premise of the entire Left Behind movie/book/belief system, and it is a complete unbiblical farce. Read anywhere in the Bible about Christ’s return (like here, here, here, here, here, and here) and you can see that it’s anything but a secret. That’s kind of important. The date of his return? Definitely a secret. The onset of his return? Not a secret.
- Albeit super obvious, loud, and unmistakable to all mankind, the Second Coming of Christ is only happening once. Be my guest: comb the scriptures and share any verse that states Jesus is coming back a third time – or even a second second time. In fact, Left Behinders would argue that Jesus is actually coming back a third second (or would that be a 4th?) time for the Final Judgment. Sorry, but according to the Bible, Jesus is coming back once, and that’s it (see Matthew 25:31-46, especially verses 31 and 46). This brings us to our final and most important point.
- The main reason I wrote this blog is because when Christ returns there won’t be any second chances. Left Behind teaches that those who remain after the “secret rapture” will have a chance to repent and turn to Christ before he returns the second second time. As we’ve already shown in scripture, there isn’t a secret rapture and there aren’t any subsequent returns. For this point I suggest reading all of 2 Peter chapter 3, but at the very least check out verse 10. There’s only one “day of the Lord,” in which he will return and administer our eternal judgments – that’s all, folks. And yes, we really do get judged.
In conclusion, I’m not trying to besmirch your “youth pastor” or anyone else who pitched this series with good intentions. Again, go see the movie. Enjoy, have fun, laugh. There is nothing wrong with seeing this flick. In fact, for the saved, eschatological views have no impact on our salvation whatsoever. I have no doubt that Lahaye’s ultimate purpose for this fictional series is to bring people to repentance because the return of Christ is going to happen. To that end, I couldn’t agree more. But when Christ returns, it’s probably not going to look like the Left Behind series. And most importantly, when it does happen there will be nothing to follow but eternity. So please, make sure you’re ready.
What's the Fuss about? 
Dude you must have received some sweet info on this…
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I have excellent sources!
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Fun article.
I’ve always struggled with these “bible” movies. I get it, it’s cool to see a biblical account on screen (the old school Ten Commandments was good times), but I can’t help but wrestle with the fact that even the slightest “creative freedom” when it comes to scripture can cause more confusion than good. How many people think Jesus had an actual confrontation/encounter with Satan prior to his crucifixion due to “The Passion”? Someone may say the account getting into the mass audience has far greater benefit than a little bit of creative entertainment, but I hesitate to add my own creativity to Gods Word.
My commenting wasn’t actually to debate the good or bad of “bible” movies though. I actually wanted to counter one of your comments. You said, “In fact, for the saved, eschatological views have no impact on our salvation whatsoever”. I would argue however that it could impact your salvation.
First, at the start of Paul’s thought you referred to he expressed, “But we do not want you to be ignorant , brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.” Paul thought Xians knowing correct eschatological views were important enough he made it a point to express to them the facts in his letter. Could someone argue he was talking about it just to comfort them? Sure. But Paul seemed to think it was important for them to understand the doctrinal truth about Christs return.
Secondly, in your fifth point you accurately, and very importantly pointed out we won’t have a second chance to repent. We could go through all the scripture to point out the accuracy of this statement, but I agree. If this is in fact true, couldn’t it be dangerous for a Christian, or anyone for that matter, to have the belief there might be a second chance? If there’s a rapture, and I have a chance to get it right, I can flake now, right? Maybe, just maybe, I can wait on the rapture, and IF it happens, not only will I know Christ is real and coming back, but I’ll have a chance to repent! I know I’m going into left, but it’s plausible.
My point is I think what a Xians viewpoint is about the ends times can effect their salvation and their current life. I’m of the school that maybe we should just take what Jesus and Paul and Peter said as literal, and accept it. Not adding a lot of “creative liberty” to it.
I’ve no doubt I’ve vialoted your rules. So I’ll stop here, and reply if needed.
Nothing but love.
Tscarps out.
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Good point Tscarps. I did a poor job of expounding on a rather strong statement so I’ll try to clarify here. Notice the caveat “for the saved” in my original post. My point is that a mistaken/misled/misunderstood view of every detail of the end times cannot eradicate the gift of salvation for those who have already obeyed the gospel and are in a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
To answer your question, yes, it could be dangerous for Christians to think there will be a second chance. But “dangerous” and “losing your salvation” are a long way apart. For the unsaved, I hope my 5th point and concluding paragraph make it very clear that a misguided view of the end times can most definitely affect their potential salvation, which is why I wrote this post to begin with. Hope that helps!
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Wise words Nephew. I’m very proud of you. I have no intention to see this movie. Just not my cup of tea.
Love you,
Auntie
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Thanks Aunt Tracy! Love you too.
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The non-fiction version of the rapture can be found within the sixth seal in the book of Revelation. Surly no Christians will be left behind! But I suppose there is not to much profit to be made from simply preaching the Word of God.
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youngearth,
Thanks for reading – and commenting! I agree that the 6th seal depicts the Return of Christ, which includes the Raptures. But Christians most certainly do get “left behind,” so to say. It’s only a figure of speech, but according to scripture, there’s no question that the unrighteous are taken first, thus leaving the righteous behind (albeit brief). See points 1 and 2 in my post. If you really think this is mistaken, please share how you interpret Jesus’ teaching on his return in both Matthew 13 (weeds go first) and Matthew 24 (like in the days of Noah).
There’s nothing to fear about being “left behind” because, as I said in point 5 of my post, Christ’s Return is the end. There’s nothing to follow his return but our eternal destinations and the events that lead there.
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After the church has been taken away (6th seal) the unbelieving world will face the fierce wraith of God (7th seal). The LORD has never forgotten Israel and many Jews will be redeemed before Jesus returns to Jerusalem.
http://truthlife.wordpress.com/2014/09/12/the-seven-seals/
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youngearth,
I’m no doubt violating my own ‘rules’ by leaving a lengthy response. But this issue is important, so please feel free to do the same. We’re probably the only 2 reading anyway!
Your position above represents serious theological issues. How is it that ‘some’ of the Jews allegedly remaining after the church is allegedly raptured get a second chance at salvation, yet no other person in human history has been given such a chance? It’s just not consistent, and certainly not found anywhere in the Bible.
Speaking of inconsistency, in your first reply to my post you said “Surly no Christians will be left behind,” yet in your own blog (linked above) you say “Christians who remain on the earth after the rapture will be the 144,000 blameless Jews”. So which is it – do Christians get left behind or not? You’ve said both.
I agree that the 144k (symbolic, not literal) are Christians – but they’re certainly not Jews! How can someone be a Christian without accepting Christ? That is simply not consistent. And nowhere in Revelation does it say the 144k are converted. In fact, it’s pretty clear they already believe (Rev 7:3). The reader might also notice that at no point are the 144k called Jews.
There is nothing in Revelation to suggest some kind of special treatment for ‘some’ Jews (but not all – again inconsistent). In fact, Jesus has very harsh words for Jews in Rev 2:9 and 3:9. Either one accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior or they don’t. There is no third option, and there certainly isn’t anyone who is “blameless,” except by the blood of Christ.
We must let the Bible shape our conclusions, as opposed to letting our conclusions shape the Bible. If you wish to rebut any of these inconsistencies, please do so with scripture. As you said, our goal should be “simply preaching the Word of God.” I couldn’t agree more, brother (or sister)!
Grace and peace,
Aaron
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1. “Your position above represents serious theological issues. How is it that ‘some’ of the Jews allegedly remaining after the church is allegedly raptured get a second chance at salvation, yet no other person in human history has been given such a chance?”
Firstly there will need to be some Jews in Jerusalem when Jesus returns. Let’s say 1-5% of the Jewish population believes in Christ today. However before Jesus returns about 33% of the Jewish population will turn their hearts fully to Christ. This could very well happen after the rapture of the gentile church.
Zec 12:3 On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves
Zec 12:10 “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.
Zec 12:11 On that day the weeping in Jerusalem will be great, like the weeping of Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo.
Zec 13:1 “On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.
Zec 13:8 In the whole land,” declares the LORD, “two-thirds will be struck down and perish; yet one-third will be left in it.
Zec 13:9 This third I will bring into the fire;I will refine them like silver and test them like gold.They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’
2. So which is it – do Christians get left behind or not?
The church was founded by Christian Jews on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem. The New Testament writers were all Jewish Christians. My view is that these 144,000 will be Jews by lineage and tribe who have turned to Christ as Messiah and Lord. This small contingent of Jews will remain on the earth even after the gentile church numbering perhaps 100 million up to a few billion souls have been taken up to heaven (this is only a wild guess).
Rev 7:4 Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.
Rev 7:5 From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed,from the tribe of Reuben 12,000,from the tribe of Gad 12,000
Rev 7:6,from the tribe of Asher 12,000,from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000,from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000 Rev 7:7,from the tribe of Simeon 12,000,from the tribe of Levi 12,000,from the tribe of Issachar 12,000
Rev 7:8,from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000,from the tribe of Joseph 12,000,from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000
3. ” Either one accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior or they don’t.”
I agree!
The synagogue of Satan. Ouch! Meaning also that there can be no salvation under the Law apart from Christ!
The Apostle Paul affirms the idea that Israel being the first to reject Christ will also be the last to return back to Christ. I think Israel’s hardness today will disappear the day after the rapture when Israel is left alone in the wilderness and surrounded only by enemies.
Ro 11:25 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.
Ro 11:26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
Ro 11:27 And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”
Please go back and read the above passage in Zechariah again. Several million Jews finally find salvation in Christ!
Zec 14:2 I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it; the city will be captured, the houses ransacked, and the women raped. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be taken from the city.
Zec 14:3 Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights in the day of battle.
The above passage look exactly like when the sixth and seventh bowl of God’s wrath is poured out. (Rev 16:15-19).
Your brother in Christ,
Dwight
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Dwight,
Sorry this has taken so long. It’s been a busy few days not being a theologian. That said, thank you for replying! Your perspective on the end times is appreciated. It’s good when Christians can discuss peacefully and respectfully in an “iron sharpens iron” sort of way.
I think we both correctly agree on the general principle that God will protect the faithful from his wrath and/or spiritual destruction. Where we separate is how he goes about doing that. The question in this discussion seems to be whether all of God’s faithful get delivered at once (my take), or do most get delivered and then 144k come later (your take). I didn’t really want this post to be about the 144k or Zechariah or Romans, but your excellent post certainly deserves a response.
I’m fine to read Zechariah 12-14 from an eschatological angle, but if we do it in the context you mention, I’m worried. The message here seems pretty clear that Israel is victorious and everyone else is destroyed. There isn’t any mention of the first wave of believers being taken away. Are we to believe that only 144k Jews are delivered and no one else? Of course not. I think we have to see “Israel” here as the totality of the people of God, just like we should see the 144k. A spiritual Israel, if you will. This type of imagery is consistent with apocalyptic literature, in which numbers are best weighed, not measured. Just look at the biblical significance of the numbers 12 and 1000, then do the math (12 X 12 X 1000 = 144000).
The message from Zech 12-14 (that the people of God are protected from his wrath and emerge victorious “on that day”) is the same as that of the 144k who, as I’ve said before, represent all the people of God. The key here is the final verse of the 6th seal (Rev 6:17): “for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” His people! Represented by the 144k. John clearly uses an interlude between the 6th and 7th seals to answer the question posed in 6:17. This is consistent (operative word here) with the interludes between the 6th and 7th trumpet and 6th and 7th bowl, and thus we have another reliable hermeneutic that agrees with all of scripture. Speaking of which…
Back to your original point, which is that the church is taken away while the unrighteous and 144k Jews remain. How do you reconcile Jesus’ own words in Matthew 13:30 and Matthew 24:37, where he clearly says that when he returns the unrighteous are gathered first? I didn’t catch this in your last reply, so if you only answer one question, please make it this one.
Another good hermeneutical principle is that Revelation is a series of successive visions, not successive events. As far as I can tell, the position you hold also represents an anachronistic problem. In the 6th seal (especially Rev 6:12-14), the earth seems to be getting destroyed. Yet Rev 7:1 makes it abundantly clear that the 144k are on earth. So how are the 144k left behind in spite of the earth being destroyed beforehand? It seems clear to me that John has a new vision starting in 7:1 (“after this”) and that vision is looking backward to answer the question of 6:17.
In support of your position you said, “The New Testament writers were all Jewish Christians.” The trouble is, you forgot the guy who wrote more words of the NT than anyone else: Luke, who was a gentile. See Col 4 where he’s listed with Gentile believers (especially verses 11 and 14). For more evidence, see Luke’s reference to “the Jews” in Luke 7:3 (among others) and “their language” in Acts 1:19. Also, one of the greatest – and earliest – church historians, Eusebius, states that Luke was from Antioch, a gentile land. Not the biggest deal, but a sweeping statement like yours should be unquestionably true – and it’s not.
You didn’t really answer if Christians get left behind or not (though you said both), so I’ll ask this a different way. Exactly when do the 144k become Christians? The Bible, of course, says nothing about their conversion. Do you agree that Rev 7:3 makes it pretty clear the 144k already believe? So if they were Christians before the alleged rapture of the church, why weren’t they raptured with the other Christians? Or, if they’re converted after the alleged rapture of the church, then can you point out where in the new covenant that someone’s salvation is based in any way on their genealogy and/or geography? You said the only people who get a second chance are Jews in Jerusalem, and this poses a major theological issue because we’re not living under two covenants. I encourage you to read Galatians 4:21-31, where Paul (an ethnic Jew) is writing to the churches in Galatia about how being a Jew physically means nothing when it comes to salvation under the new covenant. It also sheds plenty of light on the presence of a spiritual Jerusalem and the figurative meanings we can pull from scripture.
Next, you said “this could very well happen after the rapture of the gentile church,” but there is no gentile church (Gal 3:23-29) or any other kind of church. The church is one in Christ and united! Where in scripture does it say that Jesus is coming back for the ‘gentile’ church? This, again, is extremely dangerous theology with no biblical base. The church is never segregated. Jesus has only one bride.
As far as Romans goes, you quote verse 11:26, which says “And so all Israel will be saved,” yet earlier you say only 33% will be. So which is it: 33% or 100%? If you, like me, define “all Israel” in vs 26 as ethnic Jews who believe, then I actually agree with your take on these passages. The issue I have at that point is this: what leads you to believe that Paul is talking about an eschatological event in Romans 11? That is completely out of context. Paul is talking about believing right now – which is always the implication of the gospel.
Finally, I’ll say it again: at no point are the 144k called Jews. In fact, most of those tribes aren’t Jews at all (another anachronism). If your assertion is correct that the twelve tribes in Rev 7 literally represent the 12 tribes of Israel, then there is a major hurdle to clear: where are Ephraim and Dan? The 12 tribes listed in Rev 7 are far from exact, and that’s no accident – because they’re symbolic! It’s also very important to mention that at no point in the entire Bible does it say that the 144k are left behind or are they at any point separate from the church.
Sorry this is so long, but I’ve asked exactly 12 questions here (more symbolism – yes!). Will you answer them all? I look forward to hearing your thoughts. And please, send some questions my way if something I’ve said isn’t biblical.
-Aaron
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1. Are we to believe that only 144k Jews are delivered and no one else?
The way I see it, at the moment of the sixth seal rapture of the Christian church, all gentile unbelievers will have already caved in to intense satanic pressure and by this time they will all be wearing the mark of the beast on their forehead or hand. These unbelievers have no future chance of salvation. Therefore only unmarked Jews in Israel will have a chance for salvation after the “hardening” has been removed. (Romans 11:25-26).
2. How do you reconcile Jesus’ own words in Matthew 13:30 and Matthew 24:37, where he clearly says that when he returns the unrighteous are gathered first?
These are parables speaking of the separation of the righteous from the wicked similar to the parable of the sheep and the goats (Mathew 25:33).
3. So how are the 144k left behind in spite of the earth being destroyed beforehand?
These 144K Jews are left on the earth, possibly with indestructible bodies, after being “sealed” in some way. The first four seals judgments indicate that the earth catastrophe is limited to one-fourth of the earth.
4. Exactly when do the 144k become Christians?
I don’t know when. Perhaps Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Jeremiah will be raised up among their number, at the time of rapture, because they too were servants of the living God who believed (Rev 7:3,9; 1 Cor 15:51-52).
5. Do you agree that Rev 7:3 makes it pretty clear the 144k already believe?
Surely the 144K Christian Jews have or had the faith of Abraham depending on whether they were looking forward or backward to salvation that can only be found in Christ.
6. So if they were Christians before the alleged rapture of the church, why weren’t they raptured with the other Christians?
After the church is lifted up to heaven a remnant of Israel remains on the earth to fulfill the Word of God.
7. Or, if they’re converted after the alleged rapture of the church, then can you point out where in the new covenant that someone’s salvation is based in any way on their genealogy and/or geography?
God’s plan requires Jews living in the land of Israel until Christ returns (Rev 12:14). The final point of contention on this earth between God and Satan is for whom will reign on David’s throne (Isaiah 9:6-7; Revelation 20:2-4).
8. Where in scripture does it say that Jesus is coming back for the ‘gentile’ church? I was emphasizing that the majority of the church today is made up of gentiles. However I wholeheartedly agree with you, “The church is never segregated. Jesus has only one bride.” I also agree with Eph 3:6; 4:4-6
9. So which is it: 33% or 100%?
I was referring to Zech 13:8-9.
10. Where are Ephraim and Dan?
They were removed from the lineage of Israel after being rejected and blotted out of the book of life because of their stubborn idolatry and replaced by Levi and Joseph.
Re: “Luke, who was a gentile.”
http://www.levitt.com/essays/luke
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