Rapture
In the Bible, the Rapture refers to "being caught up" (Thess 4:17) where the devout and the innocent rise up in the air to meet Jesus Christ. They are then taken to heaven. This is generally seen as an indication that the end times are upon us.
The timing of the Rapture is subject to debate. Some people have tried to predict it and have failed, largely due to the fact that no human can predict such an occurrence: "about that day or hour no one knows".
Recently, Harold Camping predicted that the Rapture would occur on May 21st, 2011. He has recently changed this prediction to October 21st, 2011.
In terms of the actual order of events, that is also a matter of debate.
The tribulation is a period of seven years of suffering for those on Earth.
There is the pretribulation view, where the Rapture will occur first, followed by the tribulation with Christ returning at the end of that seven-year period. This is the view taken by the novel, Rapture.
There are other views; predominantly, Midtribulation, prewrath, partial, and post tribulation.
The impending Rapture is purportedly heralded by an increase in volcanic activity and natural disasters.
Click here for further readings.
The timing of the Rapture is subject to debate. Some people have tried to predict it and have failed, largely due to the fact that no human can predict such an occurrence: "about that day or hour no one knows".
Recently, Harold Camping predicted that the Rapture would occur on May 21st, 2011. He has recently changed this prediction to October 21st, 2011.
In terms of the actual order of events, that is also a matter of debate.
The tribulation is a period of seven years of suffering for those on Earth.
There is the pretribulation view, where the Rapture will occur first, followed by the tribulation with Christ returning at the end of that seven-year period. This is the view taken by the novel, Rapture.
There are other views; predominantly, Midtribulation, prewrath, partial, and post tribulation.
The impending Rapture is purportedly heralded by an increase in volcanic activity and natural disasters.
Click here for further readings.