Many evangelical Christians believe in something called “the rapture” where the dead Christians will be resurrected and the Christians alive at that time will all be whisked away to heaven when Jesus returns for them and then Jesus and “his saints” will hide out in heaven for 7 years or so while God pours out His wrath on Earth to those who rejected Jesus. Then, according to this doctrine taught throughout some evangelical protestant denominations, Jesus will come back to Earth for technically a third time and bring all his peeps with him to rule and reign.
Now, imagine being up high up in the sky as if parasailing and getting to see the big picture. It would certainly change your perspective. Using a plethora of Scriptures, this article lifts you above the doctrinal distractions to help you see the big picture.
As a foundational reminder, Amos 3:7 tells us God does nothing without revealing it to His prophets first.
THE THREE R’S
The prophets of the Hebrew Bible say nothing about people who must believe in a Messiah to be saved, forgiven, or to have eternal life. Nor do they say anything about a rapture of believers in a Messiah. The prophets do, however, predict people will be resurrected, rescued, and restored.
RESURRECTED
Let’s take a look at some Scriptures within the prophetic books that speak to a resurrection. The text we are reviewing can be found in Daniel 12:1-2, Isaiah 26:18-19, Ezekiel 37:12.
The prophetic book of Daniel was penned during the time that the exiled Jews were living in Babylon. So when this angel relayed these words to Daniel, the angel was referring to Jews as “your people” way in the future. Specifically, this prophecy is believed by Orthodox rabbis to be referring to the Battle led by Gog of Magog. Clearly, the angel is telling Daniel with the intention he will write it down for future generations to know and be encouraged that during that awful time Jews will be rescued if they are not blotted out of the book of life, meaning if they are still alive at this time. Zechariah 14 and Ezekiel 38 also describe this horrific battle of Gog and Magog (note: many Orthodox rabbis believe we are in the end times battle of Gog and Magog now since October 7, 2023, the day Israel’s enemies succeeded in a surprise attack similar to the one described in Ezekiel 38).
In regards to the expression, inscribed in the book, meaning the Book of Life, other passages within the Hebrew Bible equate that expression to mean an Israelite, now known as Jews, are literally alive because they haven’t transgressed the Torah, God’s instructions. In other words, to intentionally violate God’s boundaries means one will be removed or blotted out from the Book of Life. This is why on Yom Kippur, Jews strive to be inscribed in the Book of Life for another year by carefully examining their lifestyle and repenting to God and others when necessary.
Daniel 12, verses 1 and 2, indicate that those Jews (not Christians) who are alive during this devestating time will be rescued, whereas many of those that are dead, will be resurrected. Some sects of Orthodox Judaism teach there will be two resurrections – one will be for the Jews (Israelites) wherever Jews are located globally, with the Jews buried in Jerusalem resurrected first, and a separate resurrection for Gentiles (non-Jews) later. However, there are very few references of a resurrection in the Hebrew Bible; thus, how many resurrections there are, what that will look like, and the timing, are all speculated, but the general consensus among sects of Orthodox Judaism is everyone is resurrected at some point in the future. Generally speaking, Reform Judaism, a more liberal denomination of Judaism, does not focus on mystical and mysterious prophecies or the World-To-Come; rather, bringing heaven to earth here and now is the focus. Nevertheless, hints of resurrection are found within the prayers, songs, and poems of the Reform Judaism siddur (prayer book used at each worship service).
RESCUED
We touched on Jews being rescued, but let’s take a closer look at these passages found in Jeremiah 16:14-16, Ezekiel 34:27-29, and Zechariah 8 and 12.
This particular text in Jeremiah 16 is interesting because it reveals this rescue operation of the Jews will make the original Exodus story look like nothing compared to this greater exodus to come. I didn’t type out the entire text, but I also wanted to point out how God says through the prophet Jeremiah that it will be as if God is sending fishermen to haul out Jews. What exactly that looks like is yet to be determined, but you get the idea God loves Jews very much and promises to rescue Jews at that terrible moment. It’s going to be epic!
God is all about making His Name known or His Presence and authority known. He’s all about taking people from a culture of worshiping many false gods to a culture of worshipping Him the One True God. God desires direct, personal relationship with everyone. Just as He made Himself known to both the Israelites and Egyptians in the Book of Exodus, God will do so again when He rescues Jews in the future. At that time, all of the Jewish and non-Jewish populations worldwide will know who the One True God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is!
Here we have yet again (see above), God saying through a different prophet that He will rescue Jews from wherever they are in the globe, and notice the text says they will be brought to Jerusalem to permanently dwell. It says nothing about saving Jews to live in heaven, nor rapturing anyone, but rather this Scripture and others emphasize bringing heaven to earth as God’s presence dwells on Earth in Jerusalem among God’s people: Jews.
This verse I included because it speaks to how much God loves Jerusalem inferring Jews living in that holy city. It also validates what God told Abraham when He said in Genesis 12:3, I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. Note: If you want to survive all that’s to come, don’t say or do anything against Israel/Jews (see Zechariah 14). Because to do so, is to harm those in the apple of God’s eye (Zechariah 2:8). I feel like most evangelical Christians are aware of this important truth, thankfully.
Although Isaiah 56 doesn’t specifically refer to Jews being rescued, I’m including it within this teaching, because it does state that anyone who chooses to keep God’s covenant, meaning live by the instructions He gave Israel at Mt. Sinai, will also be brought to Israel. It infers these Jews-By-Choice (converts) will also be rescued. This chapter of Isaiah 56 later says these individuals will be considered even better than sons and daughters, meaning naturally born Jews (because they volunteered for this lifestyle on their own when they could have chosen an easier path).
TORAH: The Sacred Highway to God’s presence, Jerusalem, Heaven on Earth
Although the prophets don’t directly state how the rescued Jews will travel to Jerusalem, there are hints particularly in the Book of Isaiah that Jews may travel by foot on a sacred highway or road of sorts. In other passages, it describes a worldwide earthquake, mountains crumbling, and land moving. Perhaps continents reconnect or the seas part so Jews (and non-Jews) will be able to get to Jerusalem by road similar to how God paved an unexpected path through the Reed Sea when the Israelites fled Egypt. Of course, airfare seems like a more realistic option currently!
In Zechariah 14:16-21, even non-Jews must come to Jerusalem to celebrate and worship God for the holy holiday of Sukkot, also known as Feast of Tabernacles or Feast of Booths. Presumably, both the Jew and non-Jew could travel to Jerusalem using the new and improved Interstate known as the “Sacred Highway.” Ha-ha!
RESTORED
In addition to the prophets revealing a resurrection and rescue of Jews, the prophets also reveal that the physical wealth of Jews will be restored in Israel. “Double for your trouble” you could say. I have listed only a few passages that refer to this concept, but there are many more.
Isaiah repeatedly speaks to the fact that leaders of other nations, kings, will fall in line as they will be subservient to the kingdom of Israel (see above). With that said, you may want to study Isaiah 52 and 53 to understand how kings or leaders of other nations will be shocked to see Israel, the once suffering servant will be elevated. That’s right, Isaiah 53 isn’t describing Jesus, but rather Isaiah clearly identifies several times leading up to that infamous and misunderstood passage that Israel is the servant.
In Jeremiah 30:18-19, we once again see yet a different prophet refers to Israel as “outcast” whereas Isaiah chose “suffering servant,” but Jews are not despised forever. For here, as in many other passages, God encourages Jews documenting that God has a plan to restore, rebuild, and replant. Moreover, to elevate Jews and the nation of Israel.
CONCLUSION
As highlighted earlier, God reveals His plans through His prophets (Amos 3:7). Isn’t it strange that there are no texts in the entire Jewish Bible, or “Old Testament,” about non-Jews or Jews being raptured to heaven or anything pertaining to such doctrine? Interestingly, the prophet Jeremiah says that at that time the Gentiles (non-Jews) will be shocked and realize they were taught lies. Notice it doesn’t say Jews will be shocked, but specifically, the prophets declare the Gentiles will be surprised. I know I sure was upon realizing all of this.
In conclusion, the prophets of the Hebrew Bible make no mention of people being raptured to heaven but do frequently refer to Jews being resurrected, rescued, and restored to Israel.
SOUL-WORK
To study this topic more, I invite you to review the following passages in addition to the ones already presented:
- Deuteronomy 30:3-4;
- 1 Chronicles 16:35;
- Nehemiah 1:9;
- Psalms 2:6; 48:1-2; 74:2; 78:68; 87:1-7; 102:16; 106:47; 107:2-3; 125:1; 132:13-14; 147:2;
- Isaiah 2:3; 11:11-12; 43:5; 56:8; 59:20;
- Jeremiah 3:14-18; 29:14; 31:8,10; 32:37;
- Ezekiel 11:17; 20:34-41; 28:25; 34:13; 37:21; 39:27-28;
- Hosea 11:10;
- Micah 2:12; 4:2;
- Zephaniah 3:20;
- Zechariah 10:10.
To investigate passages referring to being ‘inscribed in the book’ or being ‘blotted out’ meaning those living or dead, see these Scriptures:
- Daniel 12:1-2;
- Exodus 17:14; 32:32-33;
- Deuteronomy 25:6,19;
- Psalm 9:5-6; 56:8; 69:27-28; 139:16;
- Malachi 3:16.