In the Olivet Prophecy, Jesus Christ says "one will be taken and the other left." What does this mean? Is this end-time prophecy talking about a secret rapture and some being "left behind"?
Answer:
Matthew 24:41 says, "Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left." This verse links with a similar illustration in verse 40. A key to understanding the Bible is to examine a verse in its context. The full context begins in verse 36 with, "But of that day and hour [of Jesus Christ's second coming] no one knows." It ends in verse 44 with, "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." Clearly, the topic is preparedness for Christ's second coming.
In the immediate context, Christ makes plain the fact that no one knows the timing of His coming, not of His "near approach," as the rapture theory would suggest. His advice to Christians, in light of this fact, is that we need to be constantly alert, always in a state of spiritual preparedness—"Watch therefore" (verse 42).
Now the understanding of verses 40-41 becomes clear. The suddenness of His coming will catch people who are not prepared off guard. His return will surprise some living or working side-by-side with Christians who are ready. Some will be "left"—not "left behind" after a secret rapture, but left out because they were unaware.
See the related resources below for a more detailed look at what the Bible says about Jesus Christ's second coming and the rapture theory.
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