In the context of the rapture of the Church and the Holy Scriptures, Cognitive biases represent the ability to rationalize illogical interpretations and doctrines.
Spiritual discernment and logical thought processes based on factual evidence must not be replaced by a subjective reality governed by unfounded beliefs or fabrications.
Without a doubt, judgment and reason will become compromised, when new beliefs are formed based solely on wishful thinking.
An example would be believing in a secret rapture because the reality of living through the Great Tribulation is just too dreadful to consider.
The false teachers who promoted this escape clause were well aware of its potential to be easily embraced by many. “God loves you, right? So why would he allow you to suffer through tribulations?”
- The feeling of unease that arises when strongly held but false beliefs conflict with scriptural truths is an example of cognitive dissonance.
- Coping mechanisms adopted to avoid this discomfort include reinterpreting any evidence that contradicts a perceived reality, without really questioning the validity of the doctrines that are embraced.
- When faith and hope are not grounded in the truth, they exist only as illusions. However, biased and flawed interpretations of the Bible are often accepted as the new normal, especially when reinforced within a groupthink setting.
- Under pressure from a community of believers or a charismatic leader, the need to conform often overrides logic and reason. This self-censorship, influenced by the fear of criticism, prevents people from voicing their doubts or concerns with others in the group.
This is the stuff that cults are made of
In John 8:32, it is written, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
To overcome cognitive biases, we need to pray that Yahweh’s Spirit may dwell within us. When His Spirit transforms our minds, fears fade, and we gain spiritual discernment.
Unlocking the hidden mysteries within Yahweh’s Scriptures changes everything. This transformation is what happens when we are ‘Born-again’ and are no longer held captive by the limitations of a purely physical mindset or a group-think mentality.
Romans 8:6 says, “To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
What Does it mean to be raptured?
The rapture of the church is often taught as the event when God snatches away true believers from the earth so that they are not subject to His coming judgment.
One of the misconceptions regarding Yahweh’s judgments is also used as a primary selling feature to promote the idea of the Church being raptured.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:9, we read that God has not appointed us to wrath, which is very true.
However, the Great Tribulation is not Yahweh’s wrath. For out of great tribulations, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, kindreds, people, and tongues will come forth (Revelation 7:9, 14, 16, 16:9).
- The children who walk in the light are considered righteous (Pro 13:9, 2 Cor 6:14, 1 Thes 5:5).
- We must embrace the light of Yahweh that illuminates the path we are to follow (Psalm 27:1, Isaiah 60:19, John 12:36, Luke 11:35, Eph 5:8, Rom 13:12).
- The wrath of Yahweh is reserved for those who stumble in the darkness and will be forever separated from Him. Furthermore, as outlined in Nahum 1:2 and Revelation 14:9-11, Yahweh will take vengeance on his adversaries when He returns to judge them, and His wrath will also be poured out upon those who worship the Beast (Rev 19:20-21, Dan 7:25-27).
The Greek verb “harpazo” (Strongs G 726) means to seize, claim for oneself, or take away.
The word “rapture” is not found in the Holy Scriptures; it is an invented word used to support this doctrine.
An example of being caught up or taken with force is found in John 6:15, wherein the Messiah perceived that the people would attempt to take Him by force to make Him their King.
Many hear the word but do not understand it. Then comes the wicked one who takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved (Mat 13:19, Luke 8:12, Pro 3:13-14).
In Acts 8:39, it is written, “And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of Yahweh caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.”
The phrase “caught away” used in Acts 8:39 and “shall be caught up” in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 are translations from the Greek word “harpazo” (G 726).
- The pre-tribulation rapture of the Church is argued based upon what the scriptures do not affirm, such as the word “Church” not being mentioned after Revelation chapter three. Yahweh’s elect represents His assembly of believers (the Church).
There is not a single Bible verse to support the claim that ‘Yahweh’s Elect’ do not exist during the ‘Great Tribulation.’ In fact, the exact opposite is true (Dan 7:19-22, 25; Mark 13:22; Rev 20:4).
- Also, using that same distorted logic, the name of Yahweh has been completely removed from ‘His Holy Scriptures’ and yet He is still present in the hearts and minds of many. Yahweh says, “I will rescue those who love me, and I will protect those who trust in my name” (Psalm 91:14).
The post-tribulation ‘Gathering of Yahweh’s Elect’ is clearly taught throughout the Old and New Testament scriptures (Dan 12: 1-12, Isaiah 2:1-4, Revelation 6:9-11, 14:13, 12:11-17). If the elect are taken away, what do we make of these martyrs and fellow servants who are left behind?
After the tribulation, Yahweh will return with great power and glory. The elect, including those who are left behind on earth, will be gathered together, and the sinners will be taken away. These facts are supported by what is written in Mark 13:24-27, Acts 2:16-21, Rev 6:12-17, Joel 2:30-32, and Isaiah 13:9-11.
- As it was in Noah’s day, so too will it be when our Savior returns—those taken away were destroyed (Matthew 24:37-39, 2 Peter 2:5-9).
- Those left behind were regarded as righteous in Yahweh’s eyes and spared the sudden destruction (Gen 7:1).
Does a raptured Church escape Judgment?
In Romans 5:9, we read, “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” This verse is often misinterpreted as a rapture escape clause by those who do not understand Biblical prophecy.
Yahweh’s wrath is manifested through two judgments: Hell, and the Lake of Fire.
The Great Tribulation will be a period of separating the righteous from the unrighteous. Those who walk the crooked path will inherit destruction (Matthew 3:12, 7:13-15, Rev 20:7, 13-14, Malachi 4:1).
Satan, and the Beast who is referred to as the little horn and the man of sin will demand to be worshipped as god (Dan 7:21-25, Rev 6:9-11, 12:11).
Many who remain faithful, will be Slain for Yahweh’s namesake (Mat 5:10, 10:22, 10:39, Rom 8:36, Rev 14:13, Psalm 44:22, 79:9).
- The crown of righteousness is the reward given to the Elect who are Saved when Yahweh returns after the 3 ½ year great tribulation (James 1:12, 2 Tim 4:8, Rev 2:10, Dan 7:25).
- Contrary to the pre-tribulation rapture doctrine, the Church is not rewarded with eternal life before the tribulation.
The rapture of the Church necessitates a third coming of the Messiah, and an assembly of believers who are not judged, both of which are implausible (2 Tim 4:1, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Psalm 50:3-6, 62:12, 96:10-13, 98:9, Zechariah 14:5).
Bible verses about the rapture
The pretribulation rapture is a false doctrine that is not supported by scripture. The truth is that we are not taken up to heaven; rather, Yahweh brings the heavenly host with Him. This will fulfill the prophetic answer to our prayers, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Luke 11:2).
The (righteous ones) who are alive when Yahweh returns are left behind. These shall be caught up together with those who come in the clouds with Yahweh and will remain with Him on earth (1 Corinthians 15:52, 1 Thes 4:16-17, Matthew 6:10, 24:31, Isaiah 11:6, 11, 27:13, 25:8-9, Rev 10:7, 11:15).
The second death, representing the final judgment, will have no power over those who are counted as worthy to partake in the first resurrection, and they will reign with Yahweh for a thousand years (Revelation 2:11, 20:6, 12-15).
While 1 Thessalonians 4:17 is often cited as proof of the rapture of the Church, the opposite is true, as is evident just a few verses earlier in the chapter.
Yahweh will bring all of the saints with Him. There are members of His Church who will be alive at His second advent, having gone through the great tribulation (Hebrews 9:28, 1 Thessalonians 4:14-15, Revelation 7:14).
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16 certainly exposes the rapture deception. For Yahweh shall descend from Heaven, at the last trumpet.
- The last trump (or trumpet) occurs at the end of the Great Tribulation, not at the beginning.
- To summarize what is written in Matthew 24:29-31, ‘Immediately after the tribulation of those days, Yahweh shall gather together His Elect when the last trumpet sounds.’
Another so-called key passage the rapture enthusiasts often present, also disproves the pre-tribulation rapture theory.
1 Corinthians 15:52 reads, “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”
The passages in Revelation 10:7 and 11:15 refer to the seventh trumpet, which is also alluded to as the last trumpet in 1 Cor 15:52 and 1 Thes 4:16.
The last trumpet sounds at the end of the Great Tribulation, and at that time those who have been sealed will be changed, putting on incorruption and immortality.
The belief in the rapture of the Church deceives believers and hinders their spiritual preparation for the upcoming time of deception and tribulations.
The rapture of the Church Is Not Biblical
- According to this AI Overview, regarding the question, “Is there a rapture of the church.” Here is the answer that was given.
- ‘The idea of the rapture of the Church is a doctrine that some Christians believe in, but it is not taught in the Bible.’
2 Timothy 4:3 warns us, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.”
- Many people who have been misled by the rapture deception will fall away from the faith they thought they had, when they find themselves earthbound and confronted with the tyrannical rule of the Beast and his prophet of deception (2 Thessalonians 2:3).
- It is imperative to understand what is written in Luke 8:18, “Take heed therefore how ye hear, for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; likewise, whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he thinks he has.”
The Children of Yahweh have historically endured persecution for their faith. However, the fear of what the wicked ones may do to our flesh is nothing compared to the fear that will overwhelm those who have lived for the flesh.
In the words of our Messiah, “Take heed that no man deceive you” (Matthew 24:4-14).
The Apostle Paul also warns of a ‘strong delusion’ that will blind those who do not hold onto ‘the love of the truth’ (2 Thessalonians 2:10-11).
Spiritual discernment is crucial for all who seek to truly follow the path laid out in Yahweh’s teachings and endure faithfully until the end.
There is no secret rapture of the Church, and ‘Yahweh’s Power and Glory’ will be demonstrated when He gathers His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven unto the other, after the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:27-31).
Don’t fall for the illusion; equip yourself with the full armor of Yahweh so that you can fight the good fight (1 Tim 6:7-12, 2 Tim 4:7-8, Eph 6:10-18).