The Rapture was taught in 4th century!
Some of you may know this already but it surprises me how many have not heard so I decided to tell this again.
No, the Pretrib Rapture is not a new idea that was introduced in 1830. A common argument that experienced watchers hear is that it was first taught by theologian J.N. Darby, circa 1830, and that he got it from a young Scottish girl named Margaret MacDonald who received it in a vision.
Actually, the Rapture was taught up to the fourth century AD or later. Possibly the best example is from St. Ephraem the Syrian on the Last Times, the Antichrist, and the End of the World written about 373 AD. Here is the central quote that speaks volumes to our Blessed Hope:
"Because all saints and the Elect of the Lord are gathered together before the tribulation which is about to come and are taken to the Lord, in order that they may not see at any time the confusion which overwhelms the world because of our sins."
This should be told any time one hears this "new Rapture theory" from post tribbers.
The rest of the writing is too long to show here but I have a large, seven paragraph snippet that includes the above quote, on a page in my web book at:
http://www.binarybees.biz/Miracle.htm
Other concepts that he taught about were:
- antimessiah
- rebuilding the temple in Yerushalem
- abomination of desolation
- 42 months reign after the desolation
- "the serpentine sign on the forehead or the hand"
Note that he thought that the end of the age was back then. Even he missed the prophecy that had to come true first - the rebirth of Israel!
For anyone wanting to read of the full text, it can be found at:
http://www.pc-freak.net/faith/orthodox_prophecies/www.geocities.com/kitezhgrad/prophets/efrem.html
Tom
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Thanks for the reminder that the pre-trib position has been taught for so long. As John says we need to be aware of that when confronted.