Can Someone Be Saved after the Rapture? | Episode 78

Summary

In this episode of *Apostolic Life in the 21st Century*, Dr. David K. Bernard explores the question of whether salvation is possible after the Rapture. Drawing on his pre-tribulation Rapture belief, he explains that while some people may be saved during the tribulation, it will primarily be Jews who come to faith. Dr. Bernard cautions that those who have heard and rejected the Gospel before the Rapture will not suddenly repent, referencing *2 Thessalonians* to highlight the strong delusion that will lead people to follow the Antichrist. He emphasizes God's sovereignty but advises against offering false hope to backsliders.

Takeaways

• 😀 The question of salvation after the Rapture is a frequently asked one, influenced by the popularity of the 'Left Behind' book series.
• 😀 Dr. David K. Bernard discusses the concept of salvation after the Rapture, noting that it depends on the interpretation of Rapture timing.
• 😀 The 'Left Behind' series depicts people coming to faith after the Rapture, but Dr. Bernard suggests this is more speculative than biblically grounded.
• 😀 Dr. Bernard holds a pre-tribulation Rapture view, where Christ returns for His Church before the tribulation period begins.
• 😀 If a pre-tribulation Rapture occurs, the question of salvation after the Rapture becomes significant, especially during the seven-year tribulation.
• 😀 In Revelation, it is suggested that some individuals, primarily Jewish believers, could be saved during the tribulation period.
• 😀 The salvation of these individuals seems to be God's last opportunity for the Jewish people to recognize Jesus as their Messiah.
• 😀 Dr. Bernard emphasizes that there is no biblical support for the idea that people who have already heard or experienced the Gospel but rejected it would be saved after the Rapture.
• 😀 He references 2 Thessalonians to argue that those who reject the truth will be deceived and will not wake up to salvation after the Rapture.
• 😀 Dr. Bernard concludes that while God is merciful and sovereign, people who fall away from the Gospel before the Rapture are unlikely to be saved afterward.

Q & A

Can a person be saved after the Rapture?

According to Dr. David K. Bernard, there may be people saved during the tribulation period after the Rapture, but this is primarily believed to apply to Jews who had minimal knowledge of Jesus Christ prior to the event. For those who have heard or experienced the gospel before the Rapture, salvation after the event is less likely.

What is the primary reason for the increase in questions about salvation after the Rapture?

Dr. Bernard suggests that the popularity of the 'Left Behind' book series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins may have contributed to the frequency of questions regarding salvation after the Rapture, as the novels feature people coming to faith after the Rapture.

How does the timing of the Rapture affect the possibility of salvation after the event?

The view of the Rapture's timing plays a role. Dr. Bernard holds a pre-tribulation Rapture view, where Jesus comes first for the Church, followed by seven years of tribulation. For those with a post-tribulation view, the question may not arise as prominently.

According to Revelation, are there people saved during the tribulation period after the Rapture?

Yes, Dr. Bernard mentions that Revelation describes some Jewish believers being sealed and preserved from wrath, and some martyrs being saved because they refuse to accept the mark of the beast. However, these are primarily or exclusively Jews.

Does Dr. Bernard believe that people who have heard or experienced the gospel but rejected it can be saved after the Rapture?

No, Dr. Bernard argues that individuals who have heard or experienced the gospel but rejected it are unlikely to be saved after the Rapture. He points to scriptures like 2 Thessalonians, which speak of people being deceived by strong delusions after the Antichrist's arrival.

What role does Israel play in salvation after the Rapture?

Dr. Bernard believes that the tribulation period is part of God's final outreach to Israel. Romans 11 mentions a time when Israel, as a nation, will recognize Jesus as their Messiah, marking their salvation at the end of the battle of Armageddon.

Why does Dr. Bernard believe that backsliders may not have a chance for salvation after the Rapture?

Dr. Bernard cites the scripture in 2 Thessalonians, where people who have received the gospel but turned away will be deceived by the Antichrist and not repent. He suggests that those who don't love the truth before the Rapture won't wake up afterward to seek salvation.

What is the strong delusion mentioned in 2 Thessalonians?

In 2 Thessalonians, it is mentioned that people who did not receive the love of the truth would fall under a strong delusion after the Antichrist's arrival. These individuals will believe false narratives about the Antichrist rather than recognizing the truth of their situation.

Is there any hope for those who have rejected the gospel but survived the Rapture?

Dr. Bernard suggests there is no hope for people who have rejected the gospel before the Rapture, as they are likely to be deceived by the Antichrist's false promises. He emphasizes that once someone has knowingly rejected the truth, it is unlikely they will be saved afterward.

What does Dr. Bernard suggest about the possibility of salvation for those who didn't hear the gospel?

Dr. Bernard indicates that while some people might have a chance for salvation if they had minimal knowledge of Jesus, the main focus in the tribulation period is on Jewish people who had not previously known Jesus, as part of God's last outreach to Israel.