No Escape

By R Stout

No Escape is a brief explanation of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ from a Historical Pre-Millinneial view. It also explains why the currently popular "rapture" view, also known as Pre-tribulation Pre-millennialism is not Biblical. Pastor Stout has been studying and teaching on this subject for more than 20 years. 

As you read throu

• Language: English
• Publisher: City of God Church
• Release date: Jun 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781953041012

Book preview

1

Introduction

The movie Left Behind is probably one of the most popular Christian movies depicting the Rapture of the Church. In the opening scenes of the movie, the characters are going about their daily lives, flying on airline jets, shopping in malls, and driving here and there. As they introduce of few of the characters, you learn that some of them are Christians, and some are not. Then suddenly, without any warning, many of the people disappear, leaving their clothes and jewelry behind. A woman is hugging her son in a shopping mall, then, suddenly, he vanishes as her arms close around his empty clothes. An airplane is flying at 30,000 feet when dozens of passengers vanish without a trace or sound. Their empty clothing are left in their seats, as the rest of the passengers and crew begin to panic. Pilots are taken and many planes crash. Back on the ground, cars without drivers are crashing as the chaos unfolds.

As the movie progresses, the audience learns that this is the Rapture prophesied of in the Bible. It could happen any second now. At some point, unknown to anyone, even the angels, God will call His Church out of the world. They will go to be with Jesus to await the end of the tribulation and the return of Jesus. The rest of the people on earth will be left scrambling to explain what happened, and then will enter into a time of great tribulation. The movie does not make much effort to portray the tribulation, or the events the bible says will happen during it, since most of the focus is on this rapture event, and what you need to do to be ready for it.

Millions of Christians here in the United States and elsewhere are looking forward to this event. This theology has been taught in churches across the country, and multiple denominations for over a hundred years. At the same time, there are many atheists and people of other faiths, as well as some Christians, who think this idea is a silly fairy tale. To them, believing in a rapture, an event which will suddenly cause everyone to disappear without a trace, is like believing in Santa Claus, or the tooth fairy. Some Christians are even embarrassed that so many of their fellow Christians believe this doctrine. They think it makes Christians look naïve and silly. So, who is right?

Is the teaching of the Rapture sound doctrine? Are the millions of Christians believing that they could at any moment be taken to paradise, hoping in vain? Is there any evidence to support one view or another? Or is it just up to each person to believe what they prefer? I hope to answer some of these questions as we try to unpack The Rapture teaching, and understand what it is, and what the bible teaches.

In order to get the most out of this, I would like to ask you to step back from any doctrinal or preconceived conclusions that you may have just long enough to consider what I have written here for yourselves. My hope here is that I will give you enough information not only to understand what I intend to teach, but to arrive at an informed decision as to what you believe. I think that we all should know what we believe. And we should know why we believe what we believe. I trust that I have given you enough information here to form your own belief, and understand why.

With the rise of the mega-church, many people choose their churches like we choose a restaurant to eat at, or a theatre to attend. Which one makes us the happiest, which is most fun, which is more entertaining, and which has the best atmosphere? In this environment, doctrine that makes people feel good is very good for church growth. Doctrine that makes people uncomfortable is not. The result is that the churches that are the most pleasing will grow and multiply, while others shrink and close. That’s great if what feels good is also what is true, and based in sound doctrine. It’s terrible if it’s not.

Most people, when they go to church, want to have a positive experience. One hundred years ago church attendance was much more common, even expected. Many people went to church because it was expected, even if they were not believers. In those days, preachers could preach on more topics that challenge people, or brought them to repentance. If you have never read some of the sermons of people like Dwight Moody, Charles Finney, Jonathan Edwards, and other historical preachers, I recommend you do so, and compare their topics and teachings to what is popular today.

The same factors that have affected the rest of church doctrine could also be affecting eschatology (the study of end times) teachings. If churches are growing and multiplying based on what people want to hear, or what makes people feel good, then the doctrine being taught could be skewed.

The Bible teaches that there will be an anti-Christ, a tribulation, a falling away, and a second coming of Jesus Christ, as well as the establishment of a Millennial Kingdom. Most Christians here in America believe that these events will be preceded by an event known as The Rapture. The idea of