By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Real Life With Jack Hibbs.

The doctrine of the Rapture, also known as the harpazo, has long been a topic of debate among Christians. At its core, the Rapture refers to the idea that believers will be ‘caught up’ or transported to heaven, either before or after a period of tribulation on earth. But what does the Bible really say about this event, and how should we interpret its teachings? For Jack Hibbs, host of Real Life With Jack Hibbs, this question has been a personal and spiritual journey, one that has taken him from a pre-tribulational view to a post-tribulational perspective, and back again.

The Early Years: A Pre-Tribulational View

As a young believer, Jack Hibbs was introduced to the pre-tribulational view of the Rapture, which holds that Christians will be taken up to heaven before the start of the tribulation period. This view was taught to him by his mentors at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, including the renowned pastor Chuck Smith. However, as Jack delved deeper into the Bible, he began to question this interpretation, particularly after being influenced by the teachings of Keith Green, a Christian musician and minister who advocated for a post-tribulational view.

A Shift in Perspective: The Post-Tribulational View

As Jack listened to Keith Green’s teachings, he began to adopt a post-tribulational view, which posits that Christians will go through the tribulation period alongside non-believers. This shift in perspective was not without its challenges, as Jack struggled to reconcile his new views with the teachings of his mentors and the Bible itself. He recalls Keith Green saying, ‘If you hold a pre-rapture view, you’re probably not willing to die for Jesus.’ This statement had a profound impact on Jack, who felt that he needed to ‘man up’ and embrace a more ‘masculine’ interpretation of the Bible.

A Return to the Pre-Tribulational View

However, as Jack continued to study the Bible, he began to experience a sense of discomfort with the post-tribulational view. He found that it led to a twisting of scripture, particularly in regards to the role of Israel in God’s plan. Jack realized that he had been trying to force the Bible to fit his newfound views, rather than allowing the scripture to speak for itself. Ultimately, he returned to a pre-tribulational view, finding comfort in the words of Jesus, ‘Let not your heart be troubled… I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am, there you may be also.’

Conclusion: The Importance of Seeking Truth

Jack Hibbs’ journey is a testament to the importance of seeking truth and being open to re-examining our beliefs. As Christians, we are called to study the Bible and seek to understand God’s plan for humanity. While the doctrine of the Rapture may be complex and contentious, it is through this process of seeking and questioning that we can deepen our faith and come to a greater understanding of God’s love and plan for us. The full episode of Real Life With Jack Hibbs is available on OBBM Network TV.

Watch Real Life With Jack Hibbs on OBBM Network TV: https://www.obbmnetwork.tv/series/real-life-with-jack-hibbs-207916