Let me first say that I am a fan of David Jeremiah. He’s a great preacher and a faithful, courageous follower of Jesus.
Secondly, when it comes to theological discussion, I orient myself around the famous phrase, “unity in the essentials, freedom in the non-essentials, and love and charity in all things!” (we don’t know where the quote came from). This phrase means that Christians agree in the essentials of Christian faith and practice (the main point of reference for which his the Nicene Creed), yet there is freedom for Christians to disagree over doctrine that is not essential to the faith (yes, I know, not everyone agrees on what is essential and what is not essential, sigh).
My point here is that the Christian doctrine of the Rapture, in my strong opinion, is a non-essential (read my post here on the essentials of eschatology). We are free to disagree! So, my disagreement with Dr. Jeremiah on eschatology, does not imply that I doubt his salvation! Far from it! I look up to Dr. Jeremiah in many ways and have benefited from his ministry!
Now onto Dr. Jeremiah’s book. The Great Disappearance: 31 Ways to Be Rapture Ready has gained significant attention for its popular treatment of rapture theology and end-times prophecy. As one of the most well-known proponents of dispensational eschatology (which is no surprise, as Jeremiah was educated at Dallas Theological Seminary, a dispensationalist school), Jeremiah offers a detailed exploration of the pre-tribulation rapture, outlining what he sees as a biblical, imminent, and unavoidable event in the near future. While the book is written in an engaging and accessible style, it warrants a critical review for its theological, historical, and interpretive claims.
Strengths of the Book
1. Accessibility and Popular Appeal
Jeremiah’s writing is clear, pastoral, and focused on providing practical advice for Christians who hold to a pre-tribulation rapture perspective. He has a gift for communicating complex ideas in ways that are understandable to a broad audience.
2. Call to Spiritual Readiness
One of the book’s strengths is its emphasis on spiritual preparedness. Jeremiah challenges readers to live faithfully in light of Christ’s return, a timeless and biblical principle (e.g., Matthew 24:42-44).
3. Engagement with Contemporary Issues
Jeremiah connects current global events—wars, pandemics, political unrest—to his eschatological framework. While this can be problematic (as discussed below), it resonates with readers who see the chaos of the world as evidence of the end times.
Critical Concerns
Despite these strengths, The Great Disappearance has significant weaknesses that undermine its theological and interpretive credibility.
1. Misuse of Scripture
A recurring issue in the book is its use of Scripture to support a pre-tribulation rapture. Jeremiah draws heavily on passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Matthew 24:40-41, and Revelation 3:10. However, these verses, when read in context, do not explicitly teach a secret, pre-tribulation removal of the Church.
For example, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 describes believers being caught up to meet Christ in the air. This is better understood as part of Christ’s visible, climactic second coming rather than a secret event preceding tribulation. Similarly, Matthew 24:40-41’s reference to “one being taken and the other left” occurs within a context of judgment, not rapture. By isolating these texts from their broader contexts, Jeremiah constructs a theological framework that is not supported by the whole of Scripture.
2. Overreliance on Dispensationalism
Jeremiah’s interpretation of end-times events is deeply rooted in dispensational theology, a system popularized in the 19th century by John Nelson Darby and later through the Scofield Reference Bible. Dispensationalism divides history into distinct eras and views God’s dealings with Israel and the Church as entirely separate.
While dispensationalism has been influential, it is not representative of historic Christian eschatology. For nearly 1,800 years, the Church understood passages about Christ’s return, tribulation, and judgment as part of a unified event, not as separate stages. Jeremiah’s framework depends heavily on this relatively new theological system, which many scholars view as speculative and lacking biblical support.
3. Prophecy and Speculation
A key feature of The Great Disappearance is Jeremiah’s tendency to link current events to biblical prophecy. This includes references to global instability, technological advances, and cultural decline. While it is natural to see patterns and connections in the world around us, such interpretations can be dangerously speculative.
Historically, many attempts to tie specific events to biblical prophecy have been proven wrong. Predictions about the end of the world tied to the Cold War, Y2K, and other crises have failed to materialize. Jeremiah’s approach risks falling into the same trap of overconfidence in speculative interpretations of prophecy.
4. Escapism and Disengagement
One troubling implication of rapture theology, as presented in Jeremiah’s book, is its potential to encourage a mindset of escapism. By focusing on an imminent removal of the Church, the book downplays the biblical call to perseverance, engagement, and stewardship in the world.
Scripture emphasizes enduring trials (Romans 5:3-5), bearing witness in the face of suffering (1 Peter 3:15), and working for justice and the flourishing of creation (Micah 6:8; Romans 8:19-22). A theology that places too much emphasis on escaping tribulation can unintentionally diminish these biblical mandates.
Theological Alternatives
It’s important to note that The Great Disappearance represents only one perspective on eschatology. Historically, Christians have held diverse views on the end times:
- Amillennialism: Views the millennium as symbolic of Christ’s reign through His Church.
- Postmillennialism: Believes the gospel will gradually bring about a period of peace and righteousness before Christ’s return.
- Historic Premillennialism: Maintains a future, visible reign of Christ on earth but does not include a pre-tribulation rapture.
These views emphasize the unity of God’s people, perseverance through trials, and the ultimate renewal of creation rather than a secret removal of believers.
The Rapture Is Possible!
I want to make something clear: I’m not anti-Rapture! I believe that the Rapture is one possible way to interpret the New Testament witness to Jesus’s teaching on eschatology. Dr. Jeremiah could be correct. At the same time, I do have my doubts, the biggest of which is this simple fact: this interpretation has only been believed and promoted in the past 120 years.
I’m Not Anti-Rapture, but I am Against Making It Essential!
I mentioned in my opening comments that I orient myself around the phrase “unity in the essentials, freedom in the non-essentials, and love and charity in all things!” I have no problem disagreeing with Dr. Jeremiah on his dispensationalist eschatological view. What I do have a problem with, however, is when people make believing in the Rapture an essential.
I spoke on this topic on the radio once and a pastor called me and told me I was going to Hell because I didn’t believe in the Rapture and I was leading people astray by doubting it.
This is heresy. Belief in the Rapture doesn’t save, Jesus saves. To suggest that someone must align themselves with a particular interpretation that has never been declared an essential for salvation by the Scriptures themselves nor the church, is to add to Scriptures and therefore deny the sufficiency of Scripture. Ironic isn’t it. That the mane accusing me of being a heretic is himself the heretic.
Jesus had harsh words for people who added man’s particular interpretation of certain scriptures to the list of things require to get into heaven.
Conclusion
David Jeremiah’s The Great Disappearance reflects a popular but narrow interpretation of eschatology. While the book is accessible and calls for spiritual readiness, its reliance on dispensational theology, speculative prophecy, and problematic scriptural interpretations raises significant concerns.
For readers seeking a more balanced and historically grounded perspective on the end times, it may be worth exploring alternative views that highlight God’s redemptive work in and through the Church amid tribulation. Rather than focusing on escape, Christians are called to hope, faithfulness, and active engagement in a broken world as we await the glorious return of Christ.
