Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills is broadcasting a “fake” live broadcast that the Rapture has just happened, and millions of people who did not believe in Jesus have been “left behind”.

>> Link to “The Rapture Just Happened” podcast: https://youtu.be/rcJ4OCWZHTI?si=PGvArxo-3FWdKt3v

Let me say first that I love Jack Hibbs for being the man of God that he is. He has stood faithful during the so-called pandemic, and is a strong supporter of liberty and this country we call America. But in my humble opinion, this podcast is putting too much emphasis on a particular interpretation of WHEN the “Rapture” will occur, as though its a foregone conclusion.

This is the same message as the “Left Behind” movies that were put out not too long ago. Its a message based on the assumption that the “Rapture” (or “catching up” of believers to meet the Lord in the air) will occur prior to (“Pre”) the Tribulation period ( the last 7 year period of earth’s history), The assumption of this view of End Times is that the Christians who were watching and waiting for a Pre-Tribulation Rapture would be raptured and caught up to meet the Lord in the air, while those who were NOT watching and believing in a Pre-Tribulation Rapture would be “left behind“ to go through the Tribulation period, suffering persecution and torment for their faith.

For one thing, believing in a pre-tribulation Rapture, and believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior, are NOT the same thing. There are millions – in fact, probably the majority of Christians worldwide – who believe in Jesus, but do not believe in or place their faith in a pre-Tribulation rapture. Salvation does NOT depend on what you believe about a pre-tribulation rapture, the timing of the rapture, or even IF you believe in rapture. Salvation depends on what you believe about Jesus of Nazareth – the Son of God, who came, died for you and I to pay for our sins, and make a way for us back to our Father in Heaven (see John 3:16, Eph 2:8-9, and other passages).

The truth of the matter is that NO ONE knows for sure whether the Rapture will occur before the Tribulation, during the Tribulation, or at the conclusion of the Tribulation – ie., when Jesus Christ returns in His second coming as King and judge of all creation. Strong arguments can and have been made for a Post-Tribulation Rapture – that is, believers being “caught up’ to meet the Lord in the air as He is descending to the earth to reclaim it, vanquish all of His enemies, and pass judgement, ushering His Kingdom on earth.

Again, I love and respect Jack Hibbs. But this is placing way too much emphasis on a Pre-Tribulation Rapture view, as if its going to happen for certain. Fact is, it may not. If the Post-Tribulation Rapture interpretation is correct, believers will be here during the great apostasy, and will see the appearance of the “Anti-Christ” (see 2 Thess 2). And we all may be entering that terrible time of persecution and Tribulation.

What Christians should be focused on is “keeping the main thing the main thing”, especially if we are in the End Times and time is short. Be sharing the gospel with others, and leading a Christ-like life as an example. Doing the work that God has called you to do. And if we are raptured before the Tribulation, great. And if not, that too will be God’s will. For He will be our refuge and strength, no matter what befalls us.

For my analysis of the Rapture, and when might is occur, please see https://evidencetobelieve.com/the-rapture-what-is-it-and-when-might-it-occur/