Will there be a second chance for salvation after the Rapture?
[This question assumes the pre-trib rapture in it's premise. For related topics, see: https://ebible.com/questions/3953-is-the-word-rapture-in-the-bible https://ebible.com/questions/634-what-is-the-rapture-of-the-church https://ebible.com/questions/3495-will-there-be-a-second-chance-for-salvation-after-death]
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Asked July 01 2013
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Anonymous (via GotQuestions)
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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
Some Bible interpreters believe that there will be absolutely no chance for salvation after the Rapture. However, there is no place in the Bible which says this or even hints to it. There will be m...
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James Kraft
Supporter
The bible is clear that there will be many saved during the tribulation period. But they are not the same as those saved by grace during the church age. From the cross to the rapture. It is the tribulation saints that will have to endure to the end and not take the mark of the beast to be saved. Where as under grace we are saved by what we believe not by what we do. So many do not understand the different dispensations. First Thessalonians 4:13-18 tells us how when Jesus comes for the church, the body of believers, He comes in the clouds and we meet Him in the air. When He comes back at the end of the tribulation He comes back to the earth and we will come with Him. First Corinthians 15:51-53 tells more about the rapture. Those of us who have trusted Jesus as our savior during the church age of grace, have the Holy Spirit in us and will go at the rapture. John 3:36 All believers have eternal life, and all unbelievers are under the wrath of God. Believers can no longer be condemned. John 3:18 John 5:24 We have already passed from death unto life. There will be 12,000 from each tribe of Israel saved during the tribulation. They will preach the way of salvation during that time. It will be different than the church age. In the old testament the Holy Spirit could come and go. Under grace, the church age, the Holy Spirit never leaves one who has trusted Jesus as their savior. Hebrews 13:5 I do not know how it will be during the tribulation. I have no clear scripture as to whether or how the Holy Spirit will be involved in salvation of the tribulation saints. It does seem clear that they will have to endure to the end and not take the mark of the beast to be saved. Some get that mixed up with the church age which is not true. We do not endure to the end to be saved. We are saved the minute we trust Jesus as the only way to be saved and sealed by the Holy Spirit at the time we believed. Ephesians 1:13 and 4:30 The Holy Spirit never leaves us.
Jeff Hammond
Supporter
There is no 2nd chance after the Rapture and the 2nd Coming as the Rapture and the 2nd Coming both occur at the "coming" or the "parousia" of the Lord Jesus. They are only separated by a twinkling of the eye. 1Thes.4:14-18; 2Thes.2:1-14; 1Cor.15:50-57. There is only one chance given to man for salvation, i.e. in this lifetime, and then comes the judgement - Heb.9:27; Rev.20:11-15. Today is the Day of salvation, so make your decisions wisely, 2Cor.6:2. Nowhere in Scripture are we told we get a second chance.
Singapore Moses
Supporter
After death there will be a judgment, not a second chance to live on earth and be saved (Heb 9:27). Death ends all probation for the one who dies. If he is righteous at death, his soul and spirit go to heaven awaiting the resurrection of the body (2 Cor 5:8; hp. 1:21-24 Heb 12:23; Rev 6:9-11). If he is wicked at death his soul and spirit go to hell to await the resurrection of his body (Lk 16:19-31 Isa 14:9; Rev 20:11-15). There is no such thing as purgatory or a second chance to be on probation in the Millennium or any other time. Neither is there a reincarnation or a transmigration from body to body. This account of the rich man and Lazarus is of very great importance to every one of us. In recent years, there have been many who have died and then been revived, reporting their “after-life” experiences. I do wish to say, however, that none of these experiences are Biblical, inspired, inerrant, and authoritative. This story of the rich man and Lazarus is, I believe, a parable, but its description of the fate of men after death is both true and unchanging. The rich man's last thought flashes to concern for the fate of his five brothers. He utters a final cry to Abraham, begging him to send Lazarus to plead with his brothers to heed his warning testimony. Abraham replies that they had the writings of Moses and the prophets. The rich man, however, thinks his brothers would listen to one from the dead, indicating that he realizes that Lazarus had been resurrected. Abraham replies that, if they would not follow the Scriptures, they would certainly not be persuaded even by one raised from the dead. These final verses show that Jesus' purpose in giving the parable was to reveal the truth of the resurrection. No saints in Heaven or wicked in Hell cannot see what is going on in the human world until the day of resurrection (RAPTURE)
Anthony Clinton
Supporter
The Rapture happens on the “last day”. It is a literal last day and both the wicked and the righteous are dealt with on that “last day”. John 6:40… John 6:54, John 11:24, John 12:48, Are all Scriptures talking about the “last day resurrection”. There is no such thing as a pre-tribulation rapture because the Rapture if you wish to call it that is going to happen on the “Last Day”. Jesus said “heaven and earth will pass away but my words shall not pass away.” The Last day is the end of the Universe and there cannot be a 1000 year reign nor can there be anything happening on the earth after the resurrection Rapture because that last day is the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and after that feast begins, the door of Salvation is shut forever and on that same day according to John 12:48, The wicked will be judged which is the same day that Martha the sister of Lazarus will be raised. This among many other scriptures cancels out any so called “pre-tribulation rapture” as well as proving there will be no event on planet earth after that day. See 2Peter 3 and 1Cor 15.
Kevin Reynolds
Supporter
The bible tells us that the dead in Christ will rise first and then who are alive will be caught up to meet Jesus in the air to be with him forever. There will be no rapture or 1000 year reign afterwards.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Yes, there will be a second chance for salvation after the Rapture! Many will be saved during the tribulation. For example, there will be 144,000 witnesses (Revelation 7:1-8) and THE two witnesses (Revelation 11:1-10). In response to their witness, many will believe in Jesus Christ. For example, Revelation 6:9-11 (Revelation 6:9–11 — GOD’S WORD Translation (GW) 9 "When the lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slaughtered because of God’s word and the testimony they had given about him. 10 They cried out in a loud voice, 'Holy and true Master, how long before you judge and take revenge on those living on earth who shed our blood?' 11 Each of the souls was given a white robe. They were told to rest a little longer until all their coworkers, the other Christians, would be killed as they had been killed," as Michael mentioned, this refers to believers in Christ who died during the tribulation. https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-qa/qa-archives/question/will-there-be-a-second-chance-to-become-a-christian-after-the-rapture/
Gregory Tomlinson
Supporter
The answer would be found in the view you might take of; either pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, post tribulation or the Catholic view of no rapture or millennial reign. I have learned to let the scripture explain the scripture. In Matthew 24: 29-30 Jesus said immediately following the tribulation of that day. That being said, there are no parable's depicting a second chance, and the scripture actually promotes not waiting and, the bad consequences of waiting on a definite sign. Yet a remnant of all peoples must remain, to repopulate, (this could be considered a second chance) for the millennial reign and subsequent end after Satan is loosed at the end of that reign. Perhaps age and degree of worldliness will be the deciding factor. If I had a choice I would choose pre-trib, as opposed to post. It would be the easiest and that appeals to my carnal man. The 144 thousand in Revelation might suggest a first fruit gathering mid-tribulation. I think the reason God has allowed the difference in opinion is to promote not waiting or taking a chance. As for the church as a whole remember: none of the apostles and earlier believers escaped and suffering for Christ and persecution are promised, as well as it does seem to align with spiritual maturity, that see's dying for Christ and the gospel as a privilege and honor, remember death is temporary for the believer. But know this, as these things happen, the power of God will be poured out and miracles, healing, deliverance and provision will be abundant so don't be afraid, all the promises in Him are yeah, He will provide strength, grace and comfort to those who call on Him. It will be the greatest outpouring of the power of God this world will ever see. It is a last-ditch plea to man to flee from the wrath that is coming upon His arrival. So to this specific question I would say, "No" don't wait for a second chance make your stand for God now, and follow Him with your whole heart. The doctrine of a pre-tribulation rapture is where this idea in most cases originates, as in the science fiction serious novels of Jenkins and LaHaye “Left behind” one of the largest problems is that it does not really align with the words of Jesus in as “a thief in the night” as the rapture is portrayed as a warning and a second chance event in these novels.
Nils Jansma
Supporter
It is obvious that there are various interpretations regarding whether one gets a second “chance” for salvation after death. The term “chance” can be understood to indicate a game of chance. Many would say that “chance” has nothing to do with salvation. We know that God is fair as indicated by His conversation with Abraham at Genesis 18:23-33 regarding the destruction with Sodom and Gomorrah. So the question of whether one gets a second opportunity after death brings into question God’s character and grace. In Matthew 12:32, Jesus speaks of the Sin Against the Holy Spirit as “not [being] forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” Why would he say that if there were no forgiveness in the “age to come” after death? There is no doubt that billions of people have died without ever having had an opportunity for salvation at all. Among these would be young children, mentally deficient, and just plain personal isolation. Since God does not use one’s works as a determining factor for salvation, then, as Abraham would ask, will God punish both the righteous and wicked equally? I pray that God will give me, along with everyone else, an EQUAL opportunity to choose to serve Him or the Devil either in this life or the life to come. “Chance” is not even a factor to consider, in my opinion.
Enoch Ilisia
Supporter
People will be saved during the Tribulation but this happens prior to the second coming of Christ, not some kind of a second chance period. See 1 Thess. 2.
Leslie Coutinho
Supporter
Zechariah 12:10: And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. The second chance for salvation after the rapture is when the two witnesses shall be sent by our Lord Jesus before His coming and standing on the Mount of Olives. (Zec 14:4) These two candlesticks, being the witnesses, shall testify about our Lord Jesus for witnessing Him on earth and then being given the power shall prophesy. (Mat 17:3/Rev 11:6) During their testimony of witnessing the Lord and hearkening to the Father’s voice, the house of David shall be given the spirit of grace of supplications to repent. (Zec 13:9) During the first half when they witness these two candlesticks, who testify to the coming of the Lord for the judgment day, there will be some who repent. The ones who repent for salvation will be during the second half of the period where the antichrist will enforce the mark of the beast. And those who shall not worship him and the image of the beast nor receive the mark of the beast in their right hand or foreheads shall be killed. (Rev 13:15-16) For the Lord shall make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about when they shall be in the siege against Judah and Jerusalem. (Zec 12:2) The dead in salvation with Christ and those who are alive for salvation to be raptured before the tribulation period (1 Thess 4:16-17) shall be the ones who washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb to stand before the throne of the Lamb for the day of the “Great White Throne Judgment Day” to come during the end times of the seven-year tribulation period. (Rev 7:9,14/20:12) Zechariah 13:9: And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, "It is my people": and they shall say, "The Lord is my God."
Daniel Veler
Supporter
You asked the question. Will people get a second chance after the rapture. The better question would have been, will a person left behind after the rapture be saved? Another resurrection takes place after the rapture. It is called the Harvest. This is the last resurrection to take place just before Christ returns. The Harvest was explained to us by Christ. He tells us it occurs at the end of this world just before his return. He will send his angels to gather those who have been saved after the rapture has taken place. These are those who will have to go through what is referred to as the time of the beast. It is during this time you will be offered to worship the beast or be killed for your refusal to do so. There are those who associate themselves with the church but are not saved. Not everyone who attends church are saved. If you examine some of the parables you will see the unrighteous have mixed with the righteous. Just because you say you believe does not mean you’re a child of God. When the rapture occurs these people will go through the mark of the beast. But they can be saved. Look at all the groups mentioned in Revelation who are with Christ when he returns: Revelation 20: 4: And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. Hope this answers your question. But I would not wait to go through this time but turn to Christ today and make him your Lord and Saviour.
Albert Ogier
Supporter
Why spend so much time arguing about scripture that is not even written down? Revelation has been described as the best whodunnit. You have all seen the murder mysteries where the hero gets all the baddies in the same room, and then exposes all their evil motives and intentions, but having exposed them, they can no longer carry them out. Life returns to normal. “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth,” Rev 21:1 If all believers go to heaven and unbelievers go to hell, then why a new earth? “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be WITH THEM, and be their God.’” (Rev 21:3) Whatever has gone before, that is the end of the story. Before you change the story, read Revelation 22:18-19.
Anthony-Wayne McCabe
Supporter
In a quick and simple answer: No! Many believers think there are years in-between the believers being taken up (Raptured) and the actual "touch down" of Yeshua Messiah (Jesus Christ), but nowhere in Scripture does it actually mention this, even though many preachers teach on this. The only ones who get a second chance, when Yeshua actually places His feet on earthly ground for the second time, would be the Jewish people, as it's clearly stated in God's Word. If you really want to know the truth of God's TRUE Word, then the best thing to do is read the Scriptures for yourself without anybody else's "ideological influences", and every time before reading the Bible always pray to our LORD for the Holy Spirit's guidance, wisdom and discernment. I'd advise starting in the New Testament first, though; when you come across a parallel text in the New Testament linking you to the Old Testament, you should always read the parallel passages. As the old saying goes: “Old Testament concealed, New Testament revealed.” Enjoy! Shalom and much blessings to you in Yeshua Messiah.
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