How terrible are the times; how anxious Americans have become! Christians everywhere feel pressured. Countless analysts, preachers and prophecy experts have been (and continue to) spread fearsome worries about the future. Their shrill warnings can border on the hysterical. If it is not the false alarms of “blood moons,” it is about geopolitics or the economic outlook.

Some even claim that they have had “divine inspiration” for their prophecies. Speculations are wide-ranging: The U.S. dollar will crash; surely the world economy will collapse; and others warn about “tribulational” events being just around the corner, for which one should be prepared.

Whom to listen to? What should one do in response? Perhaps, consider advance preparation?

There indeed are plenty of worrisome developments around the world. God-fearing people will discern the long-term trends of moral decay. Wickedness and humanism are increasing in influence, and therefore mankind’s economic systems, societies and civil institutions are deteriorating and being corrupted. Instability is the new norm. Mankind’s modern idols are teetering and tottering.

However, we again ask, how should one respond?

In answering this question, we encounter two diametrically opposed perspectives. One is Biblically supported, the other is not. And, it is the latter that leads to most of the fear-mongering, false prophecies and profit-making deliverance. We will investigate.

Bogus Watchmen on the Wall

The Lord told Jeremiah “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them” (Jeremiah 15:19).

As it may be, some do appoint themselves as spokesman; however, they do not speak worthy words. Often, their words bend toward popular demand and itching ears.

It follows that “worthy, and not worthless words” could only be those that align with biblical knowledge and truth. Unworthy words lead to error and confusion and therefore cannot be inspired of God. Why?

“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints (1 Corinthians 14:33, KJV).

There is no shortage of people and ministries who like to see themselves as “watchmen on the wall” (Isaiah 62:6). To be called as a watchman can be honorable and edifying, provided of course, that one is speaking worthy words and admonitions. The outcome should be peace “in the churches of the saints.”

A worthy watchmen would remind people (and the world) that the Lord’s return is near; that the time for repentance is short; and to look up, “[…] for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28, KJV). After all, on many occasions Jesus urged the disciples to watch. Therefore, watchmen that follow these directions from Christ will prove to be effective and reliable servants.

For example, these honorable forecasters would implore and call out with warnings of the following nature: “Watch out for false prophets [as] they come to you in sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:15); “Watch out that no one deceives you” (Matthew 24:4); “[…] keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (Matthew 24:42); “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (Matthew 26:41); “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed” (Luke 12:15).

Note that none of these urgings from the Bible requires a physical preparation; they are only spiritual ones affecting the heart. None concerns itself with worldly goods or material possessions. For again, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15). A key distinction found here is that the concerns of these “worthy” watchmen are not about the “abundance of possessions.”

As such, these messages will contrast with the types of announcements that will come from more earthly-minded prognosticators, who may even masquerade as Spirit-led forecasters or prophets speaking for God. They focus more exclusively upon temporal and materialistic affairs. Moreover, followers of such spokesmen are likely to encounter wild speculations and suffer angst and confusion.

These so-called watchmen might prognosticate that the world’s monetary system is about to collapse. Or, frighteningly, that the stock markets will crash and that the U.S. dollar is sure to plunge. Apocalyptic scenarios are envisioned in which banks will be shuttered and depositors will be unable to access their money. Possibly, grocery store shelves will be emptied and electrical and municipal water systems will no longer function.

What to do? How to preserve your wealth should these frightful scenarios actually occur? How to protect your own family?

As might be guessed, a lot of confusing answers are on offer. Indeed, terrible things have happened in virtually every country over past centuries. However, that fact does not add any real validity to a forecast. The problem lies in the fact that no one has a sure solution or reliable prediction for something that might apply to the near-term future.

That is to say, there are lots of predictions and offered solutions, but none are sure or likely to be correct. Out of thousands of false prophets, which one is likely to be correct? One cannot know in advance. Dire prophecies that have a very low probability of being correct are therefore useless. Even worse, as mentioned, such prophecies lead to much anxiety and confusion.

None of these perspectives here denies the veracity of Bible prophecy. All Bible prophecy has and will be fulfilled. But even with the inviolable foreknowledge of prophecy, we are admonished, “[…] Do not go beyond what is written” (1 Corinthians 4:6). While prophecy provides a light in a dark place (2 Peter 1:19), it provides no guidance as to short-term events.

Sadly, though teachers and preachers may be well-meaning in their warnings and prophecies about predicted financial events and economic trends, they are misguided. They discredit the pulpit. Secular professionals who may specialize in geopolitics or currency market trends, for example, are also often wrong in their predictions (if not almost always). Then, what advantage does a pastor or ministry leader have with his predictions?

This writer has been active in the global financial industry for nearly four decades. During this time I have witnessed many irresponsible financial predictions from the pulpits of North America. These may have induced their congregations to buy gold, buy the Iraqi dinar, sell the U.S. dollar, and a host of other possible investment schemes. The damage has been great both in monetary terms as well as reputational. Not only are such types of prophecies likely to be unreliable, but they also betray an ignorance of Bible-rooted perspectives.

Battling Confusion

Over the years, I have also received countless inquiries from readers asking me to legitimize the “doom and gloom” (and also profit-making) forecasts of various economists or Bible teachers. These respondents were anguished and concerned. They were in fear. Were they and their households vulnerable to economic calamity? What should they do? They would ask me to read or research the opinions of these commentators.

My response has generally been the same. Indeed, there will be troubles and crisis. In fact, the history of the world is marked by crisis, greater and lesser. There have been crises beyond count. One researcher, Moritz Schularick, alone counts 71 banking crises having occurred between 1870 and 2009. There have been many other types of crisis. Human strife and crises of various types are a normal occurrence.

Furthermore, no one can reliably predict the near-future. The Bible confirms this in no uncertain terms. Said James: “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow” (James 4:13-14). The Proverbs writer counsels, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring” (Proverbs 27:1).

If we cannot reliably see the future, then what to do about our current worries and anxieties? Jesus directly answers this question. He tells us, “[…] do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).

We indeed are required to be good stewards with the skills and opportunities that God has given us. We have a responsibility to plan rather than to predict. Christ mentions the situation of the tower builder: “Suppose he starts building and is not able to finish. Then everyone who sees what he has done will laugh at him. They will say, ‘This fellow started to build. But he wasn’t able to finish’” (Luke 14:29-30).

However, we are also told that we should rely upon God to lead us through crises and concerns. For if “God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:30).

Jesus cares for us: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Deliverance for Profit

Understandably, we may well empathize with pulpit forecasters in part. Who has not been chastened when it comes to predicting future trends, as they may impact our household or investment decisions? However, there is an even more reprehensible type of opportunist in such matters.

If you have some money, there are plenty of vendors willing to provide their advice and to sell to you their solutions. To no surprise, the business fortunes of these advisors and suppliers are benefited by fear-mongering and exaggeration. Sadly, some otherwise godly ministries may rely on such sales in order to cover their budgets. The greater the fear that can be generated, the more nitrogen-packed food, bomb shelters, and crisis-proof investments that can be sold.

Even more appalling is that Bible prophecy may be used to drive survival supply sales. These vendors (some claiming to be ministries) are outfitting people specifically to be able to survive the coming Tribulation period. Even ministries that take a pre-Tribulation view (i.e. the rapture of the Church occurring before the start of the Tribulation period) can appear nearly indistinguishable from the Tribulation preppers. They also offer to sell survival supplies; perhaps promote the purchase of gold bullion, and may even urge the purchase of personal weapons.

Thoughts to Ponder

Jesus said that “In this world you [Christians] will have trouble” (John 16:33). We can then confirm that we will not be able to avoid some worldly troubles. Yet, none of Christ’s urgings to be on “watch” are concerned with this type of trouble. He is most concerned about our salvation and faith and preserving us from spiritual deceptions.

Would Christ allow that salvation and deliverance from crisis and trouble for the members of his body, the Church, would be dependent upon affordability? In other words, can only those Spirit-filled Christians that can afford a large portfolio of gold bullion or a 7-year supply of nitrogen-packed food, be protected from last-day crisis and wickedness? Could it be that poor Christians will have no access to such deliverance?

This could never be true. Christ offers salvation and deliverance to all who would come. As the Spirit of Christ said through Isaiah, “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare” (Isaiah 55:1-2).

In the same way, Christ’s deliverance does not (should not) have any monetary cost. We may indeed suffer monetary loss in a world that is increasingly inhospitable to Christians. However, salvation and deliverance from a wicked world is available to all without a monetary price. While hucksters peddle survival supplies for the future Tribulation period—to only those that can afford them—God has a much more equitable plan, not that we should deserve it. It is the great “snatching away” (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18) … the Rapture.

Whenever I mention that my ministry is pre-Millennial, pre-Tribulational, and absurdities of all absurdities—believe in the doctrine of the Rapture, I receive responses. For several reasons, my ministry generally has not entangled ourselves in this issue. But, apparently, according to the responses we receive, to believe that a Rapture will occur brands one as “low brow,” “gullible” and “escapist.”

If anything, it seems that a spirit of derisiveness as well as smugness is becoming more prevalent. Nevertheless, over the years we have observed that the “No-Rapture” proponents apparently feel unsettled with Rapture-believers. We receive letters from supposedly well-meaning people who would like to convert us; some even want to “deliver” us to a post- or mid-tribulation perspective.

Interestingly, most of these respondents will agree that any differences in our perspectives are nothing over which to lose fellowship, as long as both parties are pre-millennial. Yet, for some reason, they still want to disprove the Rapture view, though it is not a “salvation issue.”

Conversely, those who hold the Rapture view do not feel it an imperative to expunge the world of Rapture naysayers. As mentioned, it is not a salvation issue. The Rapture believer knows that the non-Rapture-believing Christian is given salvation through grace as anyone else, and moreover, will be taken up in the Rapture even while they remain doubters.

So why “proselytize” them to the Rapture view, other than to gain the blessing of a full biblical alignment of one’s views?

While not every variant of doctrine threatens one’s salvation, every deviation from Biblical truth does have its price.

We wonder why there is such an opposition to the Rapture view. Just what spirit — or irritation — is behind these attacks? The range of counter arguments and viewpoints range from the thoughtful to pure vitriol.

It would be fine to debate the Rapture doctrine based upon Biblical exegesis. However, increasingly it seems that Rapture-deniers resort to mostly unfounded and unbalanced allegations. They have not come to their opinion by way of “scholarly” study, but rather shallow anti-Rapture propaganda.

Recently, a friend (with an evangelical background and who was raised with the Rapture expectation) rather suddenly changed his mind, announcing to me that he no longer believes in the Rapture. I was curious what was behind this “conversion.”

Apparently, he had swallowed the argument that it was a “new” doctrine, supposedly popularized by a delusional young woman named Margaret MacDonald in the 1800s. This couldn’t be further from the truth in many respects. To fall for such a shallow falsehood is to ignore Scripture and the full history of the Christian church.

This writer may be amongst the least credible apologists to present a case for the Rapture; however, I have certainly consulted and read many solid “dispensationalist” books and arguments supporting this view. As such, we supplement our brief response here by borrowing from pedigreed scholars. Anyone expounding on the Rapture, pro or con, should decide for themselves on the following four points.

1. Back to the Source – First, we must begin with the document that is claimed to be all sufficient for teaching, rebuking and admonishing (2 Timothy 3:16). Its truth towers far above that of all other documents in the world. The Rapture doctrine finds its source in Scripture. Nowhere else. Not only is it spoken of specifically, it is also foreshadowed and deductive, based on the character of God himself.

The doctrine of the Rapture must stand on the Bible “full stop.” The view of any church father, Pope, or entranced young girl cannot add any credence nor pedigree to what Scripture has said. As it is, a so-called church father can be found and quoted to support almost any theological view. We may have our favourites, but quoting them adds nothing proof-worthy to this main point — the Rapture is a scriptural doctrine.

2. Context: The History of the Church – Rapture doubters often claim that a teaching cannot be true because it is alleged to be “new” … i.e. perhaps something popularized over the last several centuries. This argument is not valid for a number of reasons. For one, it ignores church history; and second, it ignores the very warnings of the Bible. Early on—more than 2,000 years ago—Christians were already warned about false doctrines and that deceivers would creep in unawares. This was clearly an issue already during the time of the apostles. (See 2 Timothy 3:8, 4:3; 2 Peter 2:1-3.)

Once the Apostles had passed on, the dilution of the gospel happened rapidly. Over the course of a few centuries, many false doctrines (driven by an “anti-christ spirit”) became embedded in various teachings. The pagan-infused empire of the Holy Roman Church eventually became a full-fledged apostate religious system. As the 1,000 pound religious and state-sponsored gorilla, it oppressed any and all that would differ with its doctrines or disrespect its authority.

Once Constantine (the 4th century Roman emperor) adopted Christianity as the state religion, the Roman Catholic Church eventually became a regal earthly power, abrogating to itself even sovereignty and the role of the vicarious presence of Christ upon earth. Fallaciously claiming that Apostle Peter was its founder, it nevertheless chose to not heed even one statement of Peter’s found in the Bible.

Throughout the centuries of Roman Catholic dominance (the Dark Ages) no contrary opinion upon any matter was allowed other than that of the ostensibly infallible Popes (no matter how despicable and ungodly some of them may have been.) Those believers and preachers who stood up for Biblical truth were jailed, tortured and murdered.

The Roman Church’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith was feared. Those with biblical views that were contrary to the “revelations” and pronouncements of the Roman Catholic Magisterium had to flee for their lives, living in obscurity or hiding. To be branded a heretic was a dangerous thing, punishable by incarceration or torture even in Protestant circles.

Is it any wonder that so little of the biblical doctrines and views of the New Testament Church survived through the Middle Ages? Instead, many biblical doctrines were obliterated and suppressed. Those who attempted to revive or restore them (often viewing the “Holy Roman Church” as the whore of Revelation 17) were persecuted. Relatively few writings or records survive of the Church outside of the Holy Roman church anywhere from the period of the 6th to 16th centuries.

History records that millions of Ana-Baptists and other groups (Protestants of various sects — Waldensians, Huguenots, claimed heretics such as the Albigenses, etc.) were slaughtered under the edict of the Popes (and countless Jews were annihilated as well). These are documentable facts.

Only later, as the Middle Ages ended, England repudiated the rule of the Popes, the Reformation occurred, and Luther, Wycliffe and Tyndale opened the Bible to the public did Biblical teachings again see the light of day and could be recorded and published.

However, crucially, these were not “new” teachings. Rather they were largely restored teachings that were based on Scripture. Amongst these was the doctrine of the Rapture.

3. Solid Scholarship and Proofs – Today, we have the benefit of much scholarship on the origins of Christian doctrines. Amongst this record are the teachings of various preachers and theologians of the 16th to 19thcenturies (outside of the Roman Catholic church) which have been found and uncovered. Plain to see in these records is the dominance of pre-millennial interpretations of the Bible.

Moreover, there is much proof of the Rapture being taught once the systematic oppression of Christians (or those with merely opposing scriptural views) starting being gradually lifted. The Rapture view was held by some clergy centuries before the alleged “trance revelations” of Margaret MacDonald. The promotion of this “trance” allegation is a “hatchet job” as far as scholarly evidence is concerned.

Today, we can say with confidence that the trance allegations of the “anti-Rapture” crowd have been thoroughly debunked and invalidated based on scholarship. We can recommend sound scholarly works proving the views expressed here. A recent “light bearer” work is the book titledDispensationalism Before Darby by Dr. William C. Watson (published by Lampion Press). This book is full of quotes of the dispensationalist perspectives of many pastors, theologians and churchmen from the 16th to 19th centuries.

4. Logic and Apologetics – There are many excellent books available on the doctrine of the Rapture. As such, as already mentioned, we can hardly do credit to this body of work … especially so in such a short article. Students of the entire Bible (Old and New Testaments) can sense in their spirit God’s divine plan behind the Rapture.

It is in alignment with the entirety of the Bible. God always called out and preserved the believing remnant before he unleashed His wrath (the family of Noah, Lot). Why then, would the Church (what He calls His Bride) be allowed to be utterly slaughtered under the justice of his wrath.

Indeed, God disciplines and reproves those whom He loves. As Peter says, “For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household” (1 Peter 4:17). But, he also says in this same passage: “[…] if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”. The treatment of the Church and those who “do not obey” are not one and the same.

We have recently completed a 5-part series called Anxiety Merchants and False Prophets [the first part of which will be published in the February issue of the Midnight Call. You can read it at this link when it is published.] In these articles, we present the point that ALL Christians will be killed in the Tribulation Period.

None who refuse to take the mark and worship the beast (Revelation 20:4) will survive. Contrary to the Bible, if one presumes that Christians will not be “[…] caught up together […] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air […]” (1 Thessalonians 4:17) then what “blessed hope” is there (Titus 2:13)?

To the contrary, says Jesus Christ to the Philadelphian church, “I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth” (Revelation 3:10).

This writer sometimes struggles with the concept of grace. As such, the Partial Rapture Theory can appear logical. Why? It naturally just doesn’t seem just that Jesus Christ would rapture all Christians though hardly any of them could be as worthy as perhaps Elijah and Enoch of the Old Testament who were also raptured. But, if the Lord saves us “while we are yet in sin” (Romans 5:8) through grace, then the Rapture is equally likely and equally undeserved for last-day Christians.

In conclusion, today, the attacks against the Rapture (excepting on the basis of scriptural evidence) can be ignored. Most arguments are fallacious … and sometimes mendacious. ALL last-day Christians are both saved and raptured by grace!