The following document outlining the proposed change to Section XIX, Rapture and Subsequent Events, in the Articles of Faith held by the GARBC was presented during the business meeting of the 2008 GARBC Annual Conference:
Articles of Faith
Section XIX. Rapture and Subsequent Events
Recommended Changes
There is a progressive change on the theological landscape that affects the clarity of our statement of Faith regarding eschatology. In a desire to accurately reflect our historic eschatological position as a Fellowship, the Council of Eighteen recommends the following changes to the Articles of Faith to be read during the 2008 GARBC Annual Conference and to be voted on by messengers at the 2009 GARBC Annual Conference.
Section XIX. Rapture and Subsequent Events
Current:
We believe in the premillennial return of Christ, an event which can occur at any moment, and that at that moment the dead in Christ shall be raised in glorified bodies, and the living in Christ shall be given glorified bodies without tasting death, and all shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air before the seven years of the Tribulation.
1Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 51-54; Philippians 3:20, 21; Revelation 3:10
Proposed change: We believe in the pretribulational rapture of the church, an event that can occur at any moment, and that at that moment the dead in Christ shall be raised in glorified bodies, and the living in Christ shall be given glorified bodies without tasting death, and all shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air before the seven years of the Tribulation.
1Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 51-54; Philippians 3:20, 21; Revelation 3:10
Current: We believe that the Tribulation, which follows the Rapture of the Church, will be culminated by the revelation of Christ in power and great glory to sit upon the throne of David and to establish the millennial kingdom.
Daniel 9:25-27; Matthew 24:29-31; Luke 1:30-33; Isaiah 9:6, 7; 11:1-9; Acts 2:29, 30; Revelation 20:1-4, 6
Proposed change: We believe that the Tribulation, which follows the Rapture of the Church, will be culminated by the premillennial return of Christ in power and great glory to sit upon the throne of David and to establish His kingdom upon this earth.
Daniel 9:25-27; Matthew 24:29-31; Luke 1:30-33; Isaiah 9:6, 7; 11:1-9; Acts 2:29, 30; Revelation 20:1-4, 6
