The Former Adventists Philippines (FAP) perspective on the rapture is shaped by Reformed theology, New Covenant theology, and a partial preterist eschatology, which altogether emphasize a biblically grounded and historically contextual view of end-times. Here's how FAP would typically respond:
What Does FAP Believe About the “Rapture”?
1. The Word “Rapture” Isn’t in the Bible — But the Concept Comes from 1 Thessalonians 4
The idea of a rapture—where believers are "caught up" to meet Christ—comes from 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17:
"For the Lord himself will descend from heaven... and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive... will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air..."
FAP affirms this literal return of Christ and the gathering of His people—but we do not teach the popular pre-tribulational secret rapture promoted by dispensationalist groups like Left Behind.
2. We Reject the “Secret Rapture” Theory of Dispensationalism
The “pre-tribulation rapture” theory—where Christians are secretly taken away before a seven-year tribulation—is not found in the Bible. It’s a relatively new doctrine, made popular in the 1800s by John Nelson Darby and the Scofield Bible.
FAP believes:
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Christ’s return will be public, glorious, and final (Matthew 24:27–31).
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The “rapture” and the “resurrection” of the dead are part of the same event—the Second Coming.
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There is no biblical basis for a split between the rapture and Christ’s final return.
3. Christ’s Second Coming Is One Event—Not Two Phases
Scripture does not separate the “rapture” and the Second Coming into two different events. Instead, they happen at the same time:
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Christ returns visibly (Revelation 1:7).
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The dead in Christ are raised (1 Thess. 4:16).
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Living believers are transformed (1 Cor. 15:51–52).
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All meet the Lord “in the air” (1 Thess. 4:17)—a welcoming party, not a disappearing act.
This is similar to how citizens would go out to meet a victorious king and escort Him back into the city—a first-century image of public triumph, not secret escape.
4. We Focus on Being Ready, Not Escaping Tribulation
Instead of teaching escape from suffering, FAP teaches faithfulness in tribulation. Jesus said:
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
We are not promised escape—we are promised victory through suffering, not from it.
5. Partial Preterist Eschatology Grounds Our View
FAP leans toward partial preterism—the view that many prophecies in Matthew 24, Revelation, and Daniel were already fulfilled in the first century, especially in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.
This means:
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The “great tribulation” already happened (Matthew 24:21, 34).
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We are now living in the gospel age, awaiting the final return of Christ.
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When Jesus returns, it will be the end of history—not the beginning of a 1,000-year earthly kingdom.
In Summary: FAP’s Position on the Rapture
| Aspect | FAP Belief |
|---|---|
| Rapture | Yes, believers will be caught up to meet Christ—at His final return. |
| Secret rapture | Rejected as unbiblical and recent. |
| Tribulation | Believers go through tribulation, not escape it. |
| Second Coming | One public, glorious return of Christ. |
| Eschatology | Partial Preterist; many prophecies fulfilled in A.D. 70. |
| Hope | Not in escaping, but in Christ’s victory and return. |
For more inquiries, contact us:
Email: formeradventist.ph@gmail.com
Website: formeradventistph.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/formeradventistph
Phone: 09695143944
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