Controversies and theories surrounding eschatology and the last days have sparked intense and insightful discussions between theologians, with many focusing on the timing of the rapture.
Lee Brainard recently shared groundbreaking insights into this topic with Bishop Alan DiDio on Encounter Today, drawing from extensive research on the writings of early church fathers. Brainard addresses much of these misconceptions in his newest book, Recent Pre-Trib Findings in the Early Church Fathers.
Challenging Misconceptions
The two faith leaders began by acknowledging the prevailing misconceptions regarding the pre-tribulation rapture. Brainard aims to dispel the notion that this belief is a relatively new teaching within Christianity. Through his book, he brings forth compelling evidence from early church fathers, challenging the narrative that the pre-tribulation rapture is a modern innovation.
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Exploring Early Church Teachings
Lee Brainard’s research focuses on uncovering the views of early church fathers, particularly Ephraim the Syrian. According to Brainard, Ephraim believed in a rapture occurring before the tribulation. This revelation challenges contemporary perspectives and highlights the need to revisit historical Christian teachings on this matter.
“I looked at 283 instances in the original Greek read the context got the feel for the context. [I] categorize them, all of those references are in the appendices to my book on apostasia. Well, in the middle of this research I discovered a rapture passage in Ephraim the Syrian that I was not familiar with and I thought, you got to be kidding,” Brainard reveals.
“So, I set my apostasia project aside and I started going through the 150 plus Greek works of Ephraim the Syrian that are not translated into English and probably, there’s maybe 20 now that are translated to English, but none of his prophetic works are except the one that I translated. and I started finding pre-tribulation rapture passages. I found over 330 rapture passages, and 10 of them were absolute crystal clear pre-trib rapture passages.”
Embracing Joy and Hope
Contrary to the often perceived doom-and-gloom nature of eschatology, Brainard emphasizes the joy and excitement associated with the imminent return of Jesus Christ. Drawing inspiration from Scriptural passages, he encourages believers to find hope in the anticipation of Christ’s return, fostering a positive outlook amid the uncertainties of the times.
Addressing Theological Objections
The discussion also delves into objections raised against the pre-tribulation rapture, such as the idea of two second comings of Jesus. Brainard responds to these objections by providing Scriptural support stressing the importance of understanding the distinction between the rapture and the second coming.
“When we talk about two comings we’re talking pragmatically, this is not theological accuracy. It’s just pragmatic, we want to be theologically precise there’s one Second Coming, there’s one perusia, that is the day the Lord descends from Heaven to take control of this Earth. To carry the trash out, [and] set up His kingdom,” says Brainard.
Dispensationalism and the Mystery Unveiled
Brainard introduces the concept of dispensationalism, a theological framework that distinguishes God’s dealings with Israel and the church. He argues that the pre-tribulation rapture is part of a mystery revealed in the New Testament. This mystery, he contends, is essential for correctly interpreting the Scriptures and understanding the unique nature of the church age.
DiDio encourages believers to reconsider their understanding of the pre-tribulation rapture by examining the insights shared by Lee Brainard. By rediscovering the historical roots of this doctrine through the writings of early church fathers, we as Christians are urged to approach eschatology with renewed faith and anticipation.
These revelations on the rapture showcase the positive and hopeful aspects of this end times event, fostering a sense of joy in the anticipation of Christ’s imminent return.{eoa}
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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.
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