By Dwight Swanson

Is it Spring in Manchester if you see a Robin?

By Dwight Swanson

PART 3

The purpose of this series looking at the idea of the Rapture has been to show, in simple terms, that the Scriptural proof-texts used to justify the concept do not bear the weight of inspection. To the extent that these texts are key to the Dispensationalist approach, either for the rules of interpretation of Scripture, or for speculation concerning the last days, they undercut the theory. To this extent, at least, Dispensationalism does not offer a credible hermeneutic for biblical interpretation.

It has not been the purpose of this series to examine the whole framework of Dispensationalism. That is not the purpose of the Daily Gazelle, nor an area of interest for the Editor.

In this final part we present an alternative ending to the story. The view of the end of the world described by Dispensationalism focuses exclusively on the scenario of an apocalyptic conclusion to history, with the ‘mother of all wars’. The apocalyptic picture is, to be sure, a prominent one in the Bible.

But, there are numerous hints, and more than hints, that fiery judgement is not God’s option of first choice. The first option, so to speak is that portrayed so beautifully in the Book of Isaiah, which paints a picture of a peace so profound that weapons of warfare are re-tooled into agricultural implements (Isa 2); and, it ends with a vision, which cannot be detached from the first one, of a renewed creation in which all the nations come to the worship of the Lord.

This is the gospel. (more)

By Dwight Swanson

January in Manchester

The Roving Editor goes in search of snow for the next three weeks. Reports should be received during that time.

By Dwight Swanson

Part 2

Continuing to look at the ‘end-times’ biblical texts that are used by Dispensationalists to argue for a ‘Rapture’ of Christians, which leaves non-Christians ‘behind’ to face the final period of violent destruction. These texts have been provided not only by the Trotter, but by others who have written to the Editor off-line.

Firstly, we return to 1Thess 4:13-18, which—as we have seen—is the passage which contains, via the Latin, the term ‘rapture’.

A basic principle in interpreting a text is to consider its context. We are not attempting to write a commentary here, so will simply make pertinent observations. Firstly, in this letter Paul, the writer, is encouraging the young Christians in Thessaloniki in the face of persecution. He does not write at random, but addresses issues specific to their situation. One of the primary issues appears to be their concerns about the ‘coming’ (literally, ‘presence’; see Part 1) of the Lord. The first Christians, Paul included, expected Jesus to return within their lifetime. But, some had died, and there was concern that these would therefore miss out on everything they had hoped for. Paul responds with teaching concerning the resurrection. Those who died will be resurrected when Christ returns. Those who are alive, and those who have died, will all meet Christ at that point, and ‘be with the Lord forever’. So, this passage is about resurrection. There is no mention of what happens to those ‘left behind’ at this point. (more)