Will there be a partial rapture?

Answer

There are some believers who believe that only faithful Christians will be taken in the rapture, while unfaithful Christians will be left on earth to endure the tribulation. The issue is that the Bible does not support such a notion. The passages that discuss the rapture (1 Corinthians 15:50-57;1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) appear to apply universally to all Christians, whether mature or immature, faithful or disobedient. Verses like Romans 8:1 and 1 Thessalonians 5:9 assure us that God does not unleash His wrath on Christians. There is no biblical evidence at all for a partial rapture. Every believer will be caught up to heaven in the rapture.

The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 has been used by some as evidence of a partial rapture. However, the five virgins without oil in their lamps do not symbolize believers being left behind; instead, it signifies unbelievers being left behind. The crucial point is in verse 12 where Jesus tells those left behind, “Truly I say to you, I do not know you.” Those whom Jesus recognizes are believers in Him, whether watchful or not. The crucial aspect in the parable is the oil in the lamps, with oil symbolizing the Holy Spirit. Those who have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them will be taken in the rapture because they are genuine Christians. Those who claim faith in Christ but lack His Spirit will be left behind.

The lesson for us is to be prepared because Christ will return for His own, but He will come like a “thief in the night” «But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. », (1 Thessalonians 5:4)—suddenly, unexpectedly, and without warning. Only those whose lamps (hearts) are filled with the oil (tThe Holy Spirit) will be taken. The rest, regardless of their professions, will be left behind. Jesus knows His own, and when He calls us, we will respond. To the rest He will say, “I never knew you.” Today is the day of salvation «(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, And in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) », (2 Corinthians 6:2), and if there are any who do not know the Savior, they dare not delay another moment.