The Rapture
...the belief that there will be a future event, biblically prophesied, wherein God will take all Christians to be with Him in heaven.
  Click here to buy now from Amazon online for just £4.95 each Copies can also be bought by sending your address details and a cheque for £4.95 payable to 'The Salvation Army' to: The Editor-in-Chief, The Salvation Army International HeadQuarters, 101 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4EH, United Kingdom With foreword by Commissioner William W. Francis, Chairman of the International Doctrine Council, this book offers within 180 pages a basic introduction to eschatology and an indepth study of the biblical premise for a future Rapture. It does this through.... An Introduction i) identifying the need to ask the crucial question of whether the Rapture concept has a solid biblical premise Setting the Eschatological Scene ii) providing definitions, interpretations and considerations for embarking on this study into eschatology iii) asking the question 'What is the next event?' according to Bible prophecy iv) defining what we mean when we talk about the Rapture and what we can, and cannot know about its timing What does the Bible say? v) a New Testament rationale is put forward in support of the Rapture vi) an Old Testament rationale is put forward in support of the Rapture vii) many other biblical texts are brought together in support of the Rapture, along with various objections being answered The Rapture's Relevance Now! viii) the relevance of the Rapture is identified through the need for faith in Jesus Christ ix) the relevance of the Rapture is identified through the urgency of salvation x) the relevance of the Rapture is identified through the need for holiness Conclusion xi) the crucial question as to the Rapture's biblical basis and relvance is answered as the arguments and rationale are brought together Click here to buy now from Amazon online for just £4.95 each Copies can also be bought by sending your address details and a cheque for £4.95 payable to 'The Salvation Army' to: The Editor-in-Chief, The Salvation Army International HeadQuarters, 101 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4EH, United Kingdom |
This book asks and answers the crucial question:
'Does the concept of a future Rapture have a solid, Bible-based premise, and if so, what is its relevance to us today?' 'My
esteemed colleague and friend, Captain Phil Layton, has grappled with
the differing views concerning the events surrounding the long
anticipated return of Jesus to rapture his people. A valued
corresponding member of the International Doctrine Council, Phil Layton
has presented a clear and compelling study, approaching the topic with
understanding and respectful consideration for all points of view. May
the readers of this commendable book rejoice in the central fact of the
Lord's imminent return.'
'The next major international event on the prophetic calendar of God is the rapture of His church from this world to heaven. All those who believe in the sacrificial death for their sins on the Cross of Calvary, His bodily resurrection, and their personal commitment to Him by faith will respond to His resurrection call when He comes again. The Bible is very clear on that. The Rapture is an able defense of that time honored teaching and will bring much assurance and "hope" to those concerned about the otherwise frightening events prophecies for the end times. I share Capt. Layton's concern that everyone read this book and be spiritually prepared for the rapture event so they will not be left behind. God bless you and keep up the good work!' Dr. Tim LaHaye A fellow student of Bible Prophecy One can only admire Captain Phil Layton for his ambitious tackling of a biblical subject that has been both a mystery and a cause of great division in the Church for many years - the eschatological event known as the Rapture. This is Phil's second book and one that singles him out as a biblical scholar and teacher. Layton, in holding to the Army's stance, takes the three primary views of the event and clearly explains each, without prejudice, backed by biblical references and clear diagrams. He explains: 'To begin with, we set the eschatological scene, aware that such concepts can be rather confusing, unfamiliar and even intimidating due to their apocalyptic nature.' There is no need to be fearful of this subject as Layton helps the reader understand step by step what the main positions are: Amillennialism (the position held by Roman Catholics and others), Postmillennialism (Presbyterians and others) and Premillennialism (Baptists and others). The book is divided into three main areas of study: the eschatological scene, which includes a section on the rapture concept; the Rapture and the biblical evidence in both Old and New Testaments; and the relevance of the Rapture. This book is made even more significant for the Salvationist as the author emphasises that studying the Rapture leads on to considering the urgency of salvation. He calls upon the reader to recognise their responsibility and, furthermore, to accept the obligation of holiness. Layton reaffirms the Salvationist belief that holiness is not an option but a by-product of our salvation. This book is not a bedtime read but one that requires some application and time. It is well worth reading and, if the reader has not considered the Rapture previously, it is a solid introduction to the topic. Captain Paul Holifield Editorial Unit, Territorial Headquarters The Salvation Army, United Kingdom (A review written for Salvationist magazine) |
About the author:
Captain Phil Layton BA MTh, is a Salvation Army officer and a biblical scholar.
In this book he explores the scriptural evidence for the Rapture - the belief that living Christians will be taken to be with Jesus in Heaven at a time of God's choosing.
He shares his personal convictions about the nature, the ordering and the unknown imminence of this miraculous event.
Throughout the years his eschatological studies have increased his love of God, the Bible and The Salvation Army.
Since becoming a Salvation Army officer he has written two books which rely on the authority of Scripture texts alone and which highlight the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
The first was The Sacraments and the Bible.
Phil serves with his wife, Karen, as corps officers (church pastors) in Hythe, Kent, UK, as well as being an occasional speaker in New Testament Studies at William Booth College, London.
In addition, Phil has been a corresponding member of The Salvation Army's International Doctrine Council, and a member of its Moral and Social Issues Council in the UK.
He loves taking time out to be with his wife and two children, and is very keen on playing football and organising the East Kent Church League.
Prior to becoming a Salvation Army officer he was a computuer presentations designer.
He has vocational qualifications in Management (NVQ4) and Information technology (NVQ3), a BA degree (Religious Studies) from the University of Kent and a Master of Theology degree from Heythrop College, University of London.
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