Search The Scriptures: February 11, 2001
LEFT BEHIND AND THE BIBLE
INTRODUCTION:
A. Good morning ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of the Danville church of Christ, which
meets at 2849 East Main Street in Danville, I am delighted to welcome you to this morning’s
Search the Scriptures broadcast. Have you heard all the hype about a movie called “Left
Behind?” “Left Behind” is about millions of people suddenly vanishing from the earth, and
those who are left behind are trying to figure out what happened and why. The plot is something
like this. Buck Williams is a young TV reporter who's interviewing a scientist / researcher in
Jerusalem about a breakthrough he’s made in feeding the world's population. A sudden military
attack on Israel interrupts them, but all of a sudden day turns into night and the attacking planes
begin exploding and falling from the sky without ever being fired upon. Then, while all this is
occurring in Jerusalem back in Chicago, airline pilot Rayford Steele has just received a call that
he has to head out early for a flight to London. Rayford sets out for his transatlantic flight, soon,
however, panic strikes the airliner when various people suddenly vanish in mid-flight, leaving
only a pile of their clothing behind. Rayford learns that millions of people have disappeared
around the world, including his wife and son, and mass panic has broken out. Rayford and others
find religion with the aid of Pastor Bruce Barnes who briefly loses but then regains his own faith
after all the disappearances. Buck, the reporter, sets out to figure out what's going on, eventually
leading him to an encounter with the Antichrist who's determined to rule the world.
I. The movie’s theme is that sometime in the near future Christians are going to be swept up into
heaven in the rapture leaving millions behind to deal with the Antichrist. “Left Behind” is based
upon the Left Behind series of novels about events following the rapture. This series of books
[I believe there are eight] has been an incredible commercial success. More than 15 million
copies have already been sold. Twelve volumes are proposed. The books are released with great
fanfare, including multi-city tours featuring personal appearances by the authors and
Contemporary so-called Christian Musicians. The authors are Jerry Jenkins, a writer-at-large
for the Moody Bible Institute, and Tim LaHaye, a fairly well-known religious author. Ladies
and gentlemen, I might be in a minority of one, but I believe these books and the movie “Left
Behind” are intolerable. I believe preachers ought to be speaking out against them instead of
encouraging young people to read the books or to view the movie. I know that denominational
pastors will be encouraging their membership [especially the young] to see the movie. Perhaps,
when it is finally released on tape, some churches will even schedule a screening of it - in place
of a worship service. This is because most of the denominational world is in sympathy with the
theme. A theme that says at the end of the world Jesus will snatch away the faithful in an end
time rapture leaving the sinners on earth to cope with the evil unleashed by the Antichrist; during
which time they will be given a second chance at salvation before the final return of Christ.
While this might be something we could expect from denominationalism, gospel preachers,
however, must recognize this phenomenon for what it is. A tool of Satan to poison the minds of
people to the truth. At best [and this might be a stretch], but at best the books and the movie
fictionalize bible topics. By the very definition of fiction we know we are looking at what is not
truth. If it’s fiction, then it cannot be truth. One cannot fictionalize truth and maintain the purity
of truth. Fictionalized truth becomes a lie. While there may be references to bible topics and
even grains of truth sprinkled throughout, the average movie goer will not be able to discern
between the grains of truth and the flood of error being presented as truth. However, my friends,
let’s set aside the issue of fictionalizing scripture [which is serious enough] and let’s discuss the
blatant untruths contained in the move and in the Left Behind series. First there is not going to
be some end-time man known as Antichrist. The doctrine of an end-time Antichrist is the
product of fertile and false speculations. The bible does use the term antichrist four times. Four
times in the bible the word antichrist is mentioned but never, and I want to reemphasize never,
never does the bible use the term antichrist to refer to an end-time world leader. Antichrist is
mentioned four time by the apostle John. Three times in the book of 1 John, and once in the
book of 2 John. Antichrist is not mentioned in Ezekiel, Daniel or Revelation, books often
misused to promote false doctrine. Antichrist is mentioned by only the apostle John and
antichrist is identified by John. Therefore, we are not left to speculate as to whom antichrist
might be. Furthermore there is more than one antichrist. There are many. Let’s observe the only
times the word antichrist are mentioned in scripture. In 1 Jn. 2:18 the bible says, little children,
it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many
antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. In the first century while this
apostle lived there were many antichrists around. This is not a prophetic passage; it is a passage
stating how things were while John lived. He said many antichrists have come. Additionally
John explains to his readers who the antichrist is. In verse 22 of this same chapter he writes, who
is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and
the Son. Note, my friends, John says anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is
antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whether in the first century or the twenty-first
century whoever denies that Jesus is the Messiah of God is antichrist. Also, this helps us to
understand something John said earlier. In verse 18 he mentioned the last hour, which many
interpret to mean the end-time. Yet, the context shows that John had in mind, not the end of time
but the hour [or time] that God would send the Christ into the world. Throughout the Old
Testament, God promised to send the Messiah [or the Christ] into the world. This was fulfilled
when Jesus was born of a virgin in a Bethlehem manger. Paul and others emphasized again and
again that Jesus was - and is - the Christ whom the Father had promised to send. Acts 17:2-3
says this about Paul’s teaching in Thessalonica. Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them,
and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating
that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, this Jesus whom I
preach to you is the Christ. In spite of all the evidence many in the first century and even in our
present century deny that Jesus is the Christ. These are antichrists! Twice more John mentions
antichrist. In 1 Jn. 4:3 he writes, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has
come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard
was coming, and is now already in the world. Do you see this my friends? John said - sometime
near the close of the first century - that antichrist was already in the world. This is very similar to
what he says in the final verse where antichrist is mentioned, which is 2 Jn. 7. For many
deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh.
This is a deceiver and an antichrist. This inspired man of God said that antichrist was in the
world at the close of the first century. Therefore, the premise of the movie “Left Behind” along
with the entire Left Behind series of an end-time antichrist is false. It is not true according to the
word of God. This movie, like the Exorcist that has recently been re-released, might mention
God but that is not necessarily a good thing. Neither movie gets people to thinking about the
biblical God, but both get people to thinking about a perversion of God. Truth is perverted and
twisted - lies are taught as truth. “Left Behind” directs people away from God not to him. “Left
Behind” preaches another gospel, about which Paul said this in Gal. 1:8. But even if we, or an
angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let
him be accursed. And since there is not going to be some end-time antichrist there cannot be a
so-called “Tribulation Force” to resist the antichrist. Ladies and gentlemen, there is nothing like
this even hinted at in the bible. It’s all made up and it does not direct one soul toward knowing
the truth. It’s fiction, false, blasphemous and condemning.
II. My friends, this movie and its basic assumption of a rapture with millions “Left Behind” is
part of an overall doctrine known as Premillenialism. Vital to premillenialism is the rapture and a
subsequent great tribulation? This doctrine has become a staple in most denominations -
especially among the fundamentalists. This is the doctrine that says Jesus is going to return twice
- once for his saints, and then again with his saints. When he comes for his saints, this will be the
rapture featured in the movie “Left Behind.” Also, this doctrine says that between his two
returns there will be a seven-year-period of tribulation upon the earth. One television evangelist
described the rapture in this way. He said: “One morning men will awaken to find wives and
children missing. Highways will be filled with massive car wrecks because some drivers will be
suddenly caught up in the clouds while driving leaving the cars without a driver. Sinful mates
and sinful co-workers will be left behind to face some horrible seven-years of tribulation.” This
is the cornerstone of the movie “Left Behind,” as well as the foundation of many sermons theme
in churches across the country. It doesn't matter that the bible never mentions the rapture, the
doctrine is confusing and sensational enough that people are going to believe it. Also, if people
are able to see it fictionalized on the big screen they will conclude it must be true. My friends,
let’s respect the scriptures and denounce together this false doctrine known as premillenialism
along with the rapture. As a matter of fact, did you know the word rapture does not appear in
the bible? You heard me correctly. The word rapture is not found so much as once in all the
bible. If the doctrine is as believable as we are being told, and if it is as dramatic as the movie
“Left Behind” portrays then you would think the word rapture surely must be in the bible. Yet it
is not! The word rapture is nowhere to be found within the pages of the word of God. That fact
alone ought to trouble us just a little. If I had been told by my preacher or pastor that there was
going to be an end-time rapture of the church even though the word is not once mentioned in the
bible. I would not feel comfortable believing anything else he told me. Don't take my word for it
- consult a good bible concordance to see for yourself. If you will do this, then you will see that
the word rapture is simply not in the bible. Not only does the word rapture not appear in the
bible, but the doctrine it is suppose to convey is completely disproved by the bible. In the books
of 1 and 2 Thess. Paul discusses in detail what will happen when the Lord comes again. There
are only eight chapters combined in these two books, and none of the eight teach anything
remotely related to the doctrine of the rapture. As a matter of fact, these two books make it clear
that Christ is going to return once and not twice. Let’s read what is said in 1 Thess. 4: 13-17.
There Paul writes, but I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have
fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died
and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to
you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord
will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from
heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the
dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together
with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
In clear and specific language, the apostle discusses the coming of the Lord. Nothing is said
about a secret rapture followed by a great tribulation. Paul is writing to comfort these Christians
who were concerned about the well being of believers who had died. What would happen to
them when Jesus made his return? First Paul said these who had died (that is, those who are
asleep in Christ - sleeping being a euphemism for death in this passage) would accompany the
Lord in his return. He said: God will bring with him those who sleep in Jesus. The text also tells
us when Jesus returns with those believers who had died, the living Christians would be caught
up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Notice, my friends, this passage
says when Jesus returns he will accomplish in one return what the rapture and great tribulation
doctrine says will take two. That is, he will bring the dead believers with him and the living will
be caught up into the clouds to be with the Lord and with those who came with Jesus. Now you
might be wondering, “Doesn't the words caught up refer to a rapture?” Some say they do!
Some say, the words caught up is the rapture of the church. Those who teach that the church
will be raptured tell you that the basic meaning of rapture is a catching away - but what they
don't tell you is that they have twisted a whole series of false teachings around this catching
away. For example, I acknowledge Paul says that believers will be caught up together with
them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, but this is a far cry from what the rapture is
suppose to be. As the movie “Left Behind” pictures, the rapture is the sudden and secret coming
of Christ in the air to catch away from the earth the resurrected bodies of those who have died in
the faith and with them the living saints. Now, I ask you ladies and gentlemen, is this what Paul
said in the text? No! He said that when Jesus returned - it would not be secret. He said the Lord
himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the
trumpet of God. This tells us the return of Christ cannot be a secret catching away of the church.
When Jesus comes it will be with (1) a shout, and (2) the voice of the archangel Michael, and (3)
with the sounding of the trumpet of God. I can assure you, my friends, when these three things
occur, all mankind will know the Lord has descended from on high. There will be nothing secret
about an event that will be seen and heard by every human being on the face of the earth. Also,
by considering something written by the apostle Peter we learn that when Jesus returns the earth
will be burned up and destroyed. Planes will not drop out of the sky, but they will be burned and
dissolved along with the sky. The bible says in 2 Pet. 3:10 but the day of the Lord will come as
a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements
will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. This
verse says that there will be a great noise followed by intense heat and fire - totally destroying
the earth, the atmosphere and all living creatures. My friends, there is nothing secretive about
that. So, while believers will be caught up to be with the Lord when he returns, this will not be
some secret rapture of the church. But, someone might ask, what about 1 Thess. 3:13 that says,
so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and father at the
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. Is there a difference between Jesus coming
for his saints, as 1 Thess. 4:17 says and coming with his saints as 1 Thess. 3:13 says? No! Both
refer to the same coming. It is only after a lot of twisting of the scriptures can one conclude
these passages refer to two separate comings of Christ. You see, my friends, if it can be proven
that there is just going to be one return of Jesus, at which time the dead will be raised and the
earth destroyed. Then the entire doctrine of Premillenialism along with the supposed rapture is
proven to be false. To understand these passages and to perfectly harmonize them, let’s
remember what the bible says about death. Scripture tells us that death is a separation of the
spirit from the body. James writes in Jas. 2:26 the body without the spirit is dead. Also, in
describing death, Solomon tells us in Eccl. 12:7 then the dust will return to the earth as it was,
and the spirit will return to God who gave it. It is the body and not the soul (or spirit) of man
that sleeps. The body sleeps in the ground while it undergoes decay. The spirit, on the other
hand, returns to the divine realm of God to await judgment. Now, how does this help us to
understand and to harmonize the coming of Jesus with his saints and for his saints? It’s really
very easy, my friends, once we understand death. At the return of Jesus the departed souls who
are in the divine realm of God will accompany Jesus and be reunited with their resurrected
bodies. Furthermore, they will be joined by the living saints who will be caught up to be with the
Lord, after undergoing a change according to 1 Cor. 15:52. There Paul writes, in a moment, in
the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be
raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. Now, stay with me on this, my friends. When
Jesus returns he will be returning with his saints and for his saints at the same time. With those
who have died, and for those who are still alive. There is nothing complicated nor confusing
about this unless you have an agenda to defend - such as Premillenialism, which demands a
rapturing of the church from the earth for a period of seven-years. But, now let me ask you,
“How long will those who are caught up be with Jesus?” The answer to this question is clearly
revealed in verse 17, which says and thus we shall always be with the Lord. How long will
those caught up be with Christ? And thus we shall always be with the Lord! This verse does not
say it will be for seven-years, after which Jesus will come again bringing all these with him. The
bible says and thus we shall always be with the Lord. This means forever. We will forever be
with the Lord, and those not caught up will not receive some second chance, they will forever be
away from the Lord.
III. The text also says and the dead in Christ will rise first. This is 1 Thess. 4:16. Does this
suggest that at some later time there will be a second resurrection? Does this mean there will be
two resurrections? No! Ladies and gentlemen, the scriptures teach only one resurrection will
occur when Jesus returns. There is only going to be one general resurrection from the dead when
the Lord returns a second time. Now, before I make a brief comment on the phrase the dead in
Christ will rise first, let me clear up what the bible actually says about this general resurrection
from the dead. Now, what I mean by a general resurrection is that all the dead, both the just and
the unjust - both believers and unbelievers - will be raised at the same time. Jesus in Jn. 5:28-29
said do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear
his voice and come forth; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who
have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. Jesus said there was an hour coming when
ALL the dead would be raised. Every dead person will come forth from the grave when the
voice of the Lord is heard, and that voice will be heard at the same time by all the dead. There
will not be two or more resurrections. There is only going to be one resurrection from the dead.
The evil and the good will all be raised at the same time. Also, at this time there will be an
assigning of rewards and punishments upon all mankind, both good and evil. Those who have
done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of
condemnation. Paul said the same thing in Acts 24:15, I have hope in God, which they
themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the
unjust. This verse says there will be a resurrection [one], and this one resurrection will be of
both the just and the unjust. Now, having clearly shown the bible teaches only one resurrection,
let's revisit 1 Thess. 4:16 that says, and the dead in Christ will rise first. If there is going to be
only one resurrection, what does Paul mean, then, when he says the dead in Christ will rise
first? My friends, don’t think in terms of multiple resurrections, think context. Paul tells us what
is first, and then he tells us what is second. He does not say there will be resurrection one, and
then leaves us to guess about any other resurrections. He tells us there will be something
happening first, and then he tells us what will happen next (or second). Let’s read verse 16-17 as
a unit and we can clearly see what is first and then what is next (or second). And the dead in
Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them
in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Focus on the words first and then, because in so doing
you find the order of events being described by Paul. He says the dead in Christ will rise first,
and then [or next, or second] the living will be caught up to join the Lord and the resurrected
believers in the air. Remember this text is not addressing the dead unbelievers, instead it is
discussing only the Christians who had died. This is why Paul concludes in verse 18 with
therefore comfort one another with these words. After all, he started his discourse in verse 13
with but I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep,
lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. There is not going to be a secret rapture of the
church leaving millions behind to endure seven-years of tribulation. Such a notion might be the
making of an action movie, but it is not taught in scriptures. The movie, “Left Behind” and the
series of Left Behind books by Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, are not scriptural. What this
series and the movie is doing is glamorizing an old and tired false doctrine known as
premillenialism. Premillenialism is not biblical and adapting it to the big screen will not make it
truth. It is not something we can either teach, endorse or believe. The bible teaches in Eph. 4:4
that there is one hope, and this one hope is not the hope of premillenialism. We may as well
advocate another God or another Lord as we are to advance the theory of another hope.
Premillenialism along with its doctrine of the rapture presents another hope. A hope of living
with Jesus on planet earth for 1000 years. This is not taught in scripture. Therefore, it is a false
hope built upon lies. When Jesus returns it will be to destroy the earth with fire and bring all
mankind into judgment. You and I must be ready at that time, because we will not get a second
chance to get it right.
CONCLUSION:
A. That’s going to have to be the final word for today. Thanks for being with us this morning.
Please stay tuned for some important closing announcements. And be sure to be with us next
Sunday morning at 7:00 A.M. when we once again Search the Scriptures. Until then, this is
J.R. Bronger saying goodbye for now.