Our goal in this episode is to build on the previous two installments, exploring the degree to which the so-called ‘rapture’ is an appropriate or helpful category for understanding the book of Revelation. Trevor and Jon examine a number of passages in the book that are sometimes understood to be references to this type of experience, but turn out not to be when read with attention to genre and context. Ultimately, we conclude not only that ‘rapture theology’ is based on significant misunderstandings of key texts but also that the book of Revelation (along with the wider New Testament) in fact speaks of something that has been more accurately described as a ‘rapture in reverse’ - in other words, the consistent vision of New Testament theology involves God’s movement toward creation, as the kingdom of God brings about redemption and restoration, which will culminate not in any kind of disembodied escape but rather the hope of bodily resurrection and a renewed creation.
** Please note that we would like to invite questions from our congregation (and any other listeners) about the book of Revelation and the discussions we’ve had so far. Please follow this link https://tinyurl.com/y4ulj3et in order to submit your question(s). Our plan is to accept questions throughout the month of December and then publish one or two Q&A episodes on the podcast early on in January, in which we will seek to respond to and discuss as many questions as possible!
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