*This is the final part of this 3 part series about the truth of the supposed “rapture”.
A Belief Without Biblical Roots
In churches across the world, believers are told they will one day vanish into the clouds — suddenly, mysteriously, and without warning. This belief, known as the “rapture,” has become one of the most widespread Christian doctrines in modern times. But few realize this teaching is neither ancient nor biblical. Instead, it is a product of pagan philosophy, Jesuit counter-reformation theology, and Western escapist psychology — not of the Word of YAH.
As Hebrew Israelites returning to the truth of the Scriptures, we must examine the roots of every doctrine we were taught in captivity. If it cannot be found in the Torah, Prophets, or the words of the Messiah Himself, we must reject it — no matter how popular or comfortable it may be.
The Jesuit Birth of the Rapture Theory
The doctrine of the rapture did not originate with the apostles or early believers. Instead, it was invented in the 16th century by a Jesuit priest named Francisco Ribera. At the time, the Protestant Reformation was sweeping across Europe, and many were identifying the Roman Catholic Church as the Beast of Revelation. To combat this, the Jesuits created what is now called Futurism — the idea that end-time events like the tribulation, Antichrist, and second coming would occur far in the future, not during their present time.
Ribera’s writings suggested that the Antichrist would come at the end of time and rule for 3.5 years, and that faithful believers would be removed from the earth before the tribulation began — a theory that later evolved into the pre-tribulation rapture.
This doctrine was later popularized in the 1800s by John Nelson Darby, an English theologian and founding figure of Dispensationalism. Through Darby’s influence — and the publication of the Scofield Reference Bible — the rapture idea became mainstream in Protestant churches, especially in America.
*But this theory was never part of early biblical teaching. It was Catholic counter-propaganda, dressed up in Protestant language.
Pagan Parallels: Escapism and Afterlife in Ancient Religions
The rapture theory’s appeal lies in the promise of escape — that before any suffering or judgment, the “church” will be removed from the earth. This mindset of spiritual escapism has pagan parallels in many ancient religions:
Greek mythology taught that the righteous dead ascend to Elysium, a blissful paradise far from the troubles of the world.
Hinduism and Buddhism promote the idea of ascension to higher realms or liberation from suffering through spiritual elevation.
Even in ancient Babylonian and Egyptian religion, initiated souls were said to be removed from judgment by secret knowledge or divine favor.
These beliefs parallel the rapture doctrine’s central idea: a secret departure of the “elect” while the rest of the world faces destruction.
Yet the Scriptures say:
“The meek shall inherit the earth…” — Psalm 37:11
“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth…” — Matthew 6:10
The reward of the righteous is not to escape the earth, but to reign with YAH on it when it is cleansed and renewed (Revelation 5:10).
(To get a better understanding of what the bible says about YAHUAH’s reign please see our book, The 8th Day Shemini Atzeret: The Last Great Day)
How Rapture Doctrine Distorts Biblical Prophecy
The rapture doctrine causes confusion because it teaches a two-stage return of Messiah: one secret return (the rapture), and one public return (the second coming). This concept does not exist in the Bible.
Here’s what Scripture actually says:
“Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him…”
— Revelation 1:7
“For the Master himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of Elohim: and the dead in Christ shall rise first…”
— 1 Thessalonians 4:16
There is no secret return. When Yahushua returns, it will be loud, visible, and world-shaking. It will be one event, not two.
Rapture believers often quote 1 Thessalonians 4:17:
“Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds…”
But they ignore where this takes place — in the air, during Messiah’s descent, not a removal to heaven. The Greek word used is apantesis — a meeting with a king coming into the city. It implies welcoming Yahushua back to rule, not escaping with Him to another dimension.
The Danger of Distraction: What the Rapture Teaching Steals
The doctrine of the rapture lulls believers into false security. If you think you’ll be taken before tribulation begins, why prepare? Why seek holiness, endurance, or knowledge of prophecy?
But the Messiah warned:
“He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” — Matthew 24:13
Endure what? Persecution. Tribulation. Deception.
Those who believe in a secret rapture often ignore the commandments, neglect prophecy, and remain spiritually asleep. Many won’t recognize the signs of the times because they were taught they won’t be here to see them.
This belief also undermines YAH’s holy feast days, especially the Fall Feasts, which teach us to prepare, repent, fast, gather, and blow the trumpet in warning. The rapture doctrine does the opposite — it says, “Don’t worry, you’ll be gone.”
(For a more indepth review of the prophetic nature of the Fall Feast please see our books, The Feast of Trumpets, Yom Teruah: An intimate understanding of its true meaning, The Holiest Day of the Year Yom Kippur: Preparing for the King’s Return, Yom Kippur The Day of Atonement: A Goat Named Azazel, Millennium & Kingdom Reign SUKKOT: Feast of Booths/Feast of Tabernacles, The 8th Day Shemini Atzeret: The Last Great Day)
What the Bible Really Says About the Return of Messiah
Let’s be clear: Messiah will return — but only once, and with judgment and reward.
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days… shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven… and He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect…” — Matthew 24:29–31
This happens after tribulation, not before. The elect are gathered, not raptured to heaven, but assembled for the Kingdom.
“And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them… and they lived and reigned with Messiah a thousand years.” — Revelation 20:4
No Scripture says we are raptured before tribulation. All say we are to overcome, watch, and endure.
(To better know the relationship between YAHUAH and His people the Israelites please see our book, Knowing the Father and the Son: Those who seek the truth will find it.)
Return to the Truth of YAH’s Prophetic Calendar
The rapture is a false hope rooted in Jesuit deception and pagan escapism. It is not found in Torah, not taught by Yahushua, and not consistent with the prophetic calendar of YAH.
Instead of hoping to vanish, we must prepare to stand. The Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Feast of Tabernacles are not vague symbols — they are appointed rehearsals of YAH’s final plan: judgment, repentance, and gathering of the righteous.
Let us not be swept away by fables, but stand rooted in truth:
“Thy word is truth.” — John 17:17
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Shalom,
