The Truth About Death and the Rapture: A Biblical Examination
In our spiritual journey, we often reach crossroads where we must choose between comfort and truth, between tradition and deeper understanding. This path of spiritual growth requires courage, humility, and a willingness to challenge our own beliefs. The following exploration delves into the transformative process of learning, unlearning, and relearning biblical truth—a journey that many believers find themselves on as they seek a more authentic relationship with God and His Word.
The Illiteracy of the 21st Century Believer
A profound statement has been making its way through Christian circles: “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” This powerful observation strikes at the heart of a significant challenge facing modern Christendom. When we first encounter these words, we’re compelled to reflect on their implications for our spiritual lives.
This concept of learning, unlearning, and relearning represents perhaps the greatest challenge facing believers today. Many Christians find themselves trapped in a cycle of inherited beliefs without ever examining whether those beliefs align with Scripture. The ability to acknowledge that we might be wrong—that we may have received incorrect information and passed it on to others—is essential for spiritual growth. Yet, this remains one of the most difficult things for believers to do, particularly for those in teaching or leadership positions.
The greatest hindrance to truth is the conviction that we already possess it. When we believe we have the truth, we become resistant to any information that challenges our understanding. This mindset creates a spiritual stagnation that prevents growth and deeper revelation of God’s Word. The journey of faith requires us to remain teachable, to recognize that our understanding is always developing, and to be willing to adjust our beliefs as we gain new insights from Scripture.
The Beginning of the Spiritual Journey
Every believer’s journey begins somewhere. For most of us, we can recall that first time we entered a church different from those we grew up in. The experience was often transformative—the songs were new, the teachings were fresh, and the concepts were things we had never contemplated before. In that moment, something moved us to acknowledge the truth being presented, believe it, and embrace it.
This initial awakening brings an incredible joy. Every morning becomes an opportunity to experience the excitement of newfound faith. At this stage, we are spiritual sponges, eagerly absorbing everything we hear without question. After all, these people know what they’re talking about, and we are just beginning our journey as believers.
At this point in our spiritual development, we typically fall into one of two categories. The first is the person who grabs their Bible from the table next to the door on Sunday morning, wipes some dust off it, goes to church, has a good time, and then returns home to place the Bible in the same spot until the following week. Unfortunately, this describes more people than we might care to admit.
The second type of believer is the one who goes home after their eyes are opened and begins to dig into God’s Word. They read voraciously, study diligently, memorize Scripture, and strive to obey as much as humanly possible. This hunger for God’s Word marks the beginning of a deeper spiritual journey.
The Personal Journey of Questioning
For those who choose the path of questioning, the journey is rarely easy. One believer described his experience: “I questioned everything. If they didn’t provide answers, that’s when I made my departure. I was looking for the truth ever since the day I believed and my eyes were opened. I was willing to learn, unlearn, and relearn if necessary.”
This willingness to seek truth and change one’s mind when wrong is essential for spiritual growth. As this believer explained, “That’s what I have been willing to do my entire life as a believer—to seek out the truth of the word of God. Relearning was part of my journey. It’s just my nature to seek out the truth and to change my mind if I was wrong and relearn so that the truth that I thought I had could be replaced with the truth that I was now seeing clearer.”
Throughout this journey, many believers encounter numerous people and various church environments. As they become known for their biblical knowledge, they’re invited into homes and fellowship. However, when the time comes to say to the pastor, “You’re teaching something that’s not quite right,” the consequences can be difficult. Either they’re asked to leave, or they choose to walk away, leaving behind friendships they’ve developed.
None of this is easy. No one wishes to go through such painful separations. However, the decision becomes: “Am I going to stay and be unhappy because I’m hearing doctrine that I know is not correct, or am I going to move on until I find what’s right?”
The Journey Through Various Traditions
Many who embark on this path of questioning find themselves moving through different Christian traditions and denominations. One believer described his journey through Pentecostal, Plymouth Brethren, Nazarene, independent fundamental Baptist, mid-Acts dispensational groups, and various other theological perspectives.
Through this exploration, a profound realization emerges: every theological box is controlled and manipulated. Each tradition allows a certain amount of doctrine into its box, but when someone reaches outside that box and asks, “But what about this?” the door is often shut firmly.
This experience reveals a troubling reality about much of modern Christianity—the tendency to create theological boxes that limit our understanding of Scripture and discourage genuine exploration of biblical truth. When we confine God and His Word to our preconceived theological frameworks, we risk missing the fullness of what He wants to reveal to us.
The Biblical Foundation for Learning, Unlearning, and Relearning
This concept of learning, unlearning, and relearning is not merely a modern idea but has biblical foundations. The book of Ecclesiastes chapter 3 reminds us that there is a time for every purpose under heaven, including “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7). There are moments when we need to humbly receive teaching and other times when we need to question and seek deeper understanding.
Similarly, First Corinthians chapter 15 emphasizes the importance of holding fast to the truth of the Gospel while also growing in our understanding. The apostle Paul writes, “Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:1-2). This passage encourages us to hold firmly to the essential truths of the faith while remaining open to deeper revelation and understanding.
The Bible itself provides numerous examples of individuals who had to unlearn traditional beliefs and relearn according to God’s truth. The apostle Peter’s experience in Acts 10, where he had to unlearn Jewish dietary laws and accept that God shows no partiality, serves as a powerful example. Jesus frequently challenged the religious leaders of His day, telling them, “You have heard that it was said… But I say to you…” (Matthew 5:21-22), demonstrating the need to move beyond traditional interpretations to a deeper understanding of God’s intentions.
The Process of Unlearning
Unlearning is perhaps the most challenging aspect of spiritual growth. It requires us to admit that beliefs we’ve held dearly, perhaps for years, may be incorrect or incomplete. This process involves several key steps:
First, we must cultivate humility. The book of Proverbs tells us, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). Humility allows us to acknowledge that we don’t have all the answers and that our understanding may be limited.
Second, we need to develop a Berean mindset. The Bereans were commended in Acts 17:11 because “they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” Rather than blindly accepting teaching, they examined the Scriptures for themselves.
Third, we must be willing to let go of traditions that contradict Scripture. Jesus confronted the Pharisees about this very issue, saying, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition” (Mark 7:9). Our allegiance must be to God’s Word above human traditions.
Finally, we need courage to stand alone if necessary. Sometimes unlearning means separating ourselves from familiar communities and relationships that refuse to grow beyond traditional understandings. This separation is painful but sometimes necessary for continued spiritual growth.
The Joy of Relearning
While unlearning can be painful, relearning brings a renewed joy and excitement to our spiritual journey. When we discover biblical truths that were previously hidden from us, it’s like finding hidden treasure. Jesus spoke of this joy when He said, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” (Matthew 13:44).
Relearning involves several joyful aspects:
First, there’s the excitement of discovery. When we see biblical truths with fresh eyes, it revitalizes our faith and deepens our love for God’s Word. The psalmist wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105), and this light becomes brighter as we gain deeper understanding.
Second, relearning brings freedom. Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). As we unlearn erroneous teachings and relearn according to Scripture, we experience greater freedom in Christ.
Third, relearning deepens our relationship with God. As we understand His character and purposes more clearly, our worship becomes more authentic, and our prayer life becomes more meaningful. The apostle Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians reflects this desire for deeper understanding: “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him” (Ephesians 1:17).
The Challenges of the Journey
The journey of learning, unlearning, and relearning is not without its challenges. One of the greatest difficulties is the resistance we encounter from others. When we begin to question long-held beliefs and traditions, we often face opposition from those who are comfortable with the status quo.
Jesus experienced this resistance throughout His ministry. The religious leaders of His day were so entrenched in their traditions and interpretations that they couldn’t recognize the truth standing right before them. They questioned His authority, challenged His teachings, and ultimately conspired to have Him killed because He threatened their theological comfort zones.
Another challenge is the fear of uncertainty. When we begin to unlearn beliefs we’ve held for years, we enter a period of uncertainty that can be uncomfortable. We may wonder, “If what I believed about this isn’t completely accurate, what else might I be wrong about?” This uncertainty can be unsettling, but it’s a necessary part of the journey toward deeper truth.
The cost of relationships is another significant challenge. As we grow and change spiritually, we may find that some relationships become strained or even broken. This reality is reflected in Jesus’ teaching that following Him might require leaving behind family and friends who don’t understand or support our spiritual journey (Matthew 10:34-37).
The Rewards of Perseverance
Despite these challenges, the rewards of persevering in the journey of learning, unlearning, and relearning are immeasurable. One of the greatest rewards is a more authentic and personal faith. When we move beyond inherited beliefs to a faith that has been tested, questioned, and verified through Scripture, we develop a conviction that can withstand trials and doubts.
Another reward is a deeper understanding of God’s character. As we unlearn distorted views of God and relearn according to Scripture, we discover a God who is more loving, gracious, and majestic than we previously imagined. The apostle Paul’s prayer reflects this desire for deeper understanding: “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:17-19).
The journey also brings greater freedom and liberty in Christ. As we unlearn legalistic requirements and relearn the grace and liberty found in the Gospel, we experience the freedom that Christ promised: “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).
Finally, this journey equips us to help others who are struggling with similar questions. Our own experiences of learning, unlearning, and relearning give us insight and compassion to guide others who are on the same path. As Paul wrote to the Romans, “Now we who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves” (Romans 15:1).
Practical Steps for the Journey
For those embarking on or continuing this journey of learning, unlearning, and relearning, several practical steps can help navigate the process:
First, cultivate a humble and teachable spirit. Recognize that none of us has arrived at complete understanding. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “For we know in part and we prophesy in part” (1 Corinthians 13:9). This humility keeps us open to new insights and deeper understanding.
Second, make Scripture your ultimate authority. While teachers, commentaries, and traditions can be helpful, they must always be subservient to the Word of God. Like the Bereans, we should examine the Scriptures daily to verify what we’re being taught.
Third, develop a regular habit of personal Bible study. This doesn’t mean simply reading through the Bible in a year, but engaging in deep, thoughtful study of Scripture. Ask questions, look for connections between passages, and seek to understand the original context and meaning.
Fourth, be part of a community that values truth over tradition. While no church or community is perfect, finding others who are also committed to learning, unlearning, and relearning can provide encouragement and support along the journey.
Fifth, be patient with yourself and others. Spiritual growth is a lifelong process, and none of us has all the answers. Extend grace to yourself as you work through difficult questions, and extend grace to others who may be at different points in their journey.
Finally, stay focused on the essentials of the faith. While there are many secondary issues that believers may disagree on, the core truths of the Gospel must remain central. Paul emphasized this when he wrote, “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).
The Ultimate Goal of the Journey
As we engage in this process of learning, unlearning, and relearning, it’s important to remember the ultimate goal. The purpose is not simply to accumulate knowledge or to be right in our theological positions. The goal is to know God more deeply and to reflect His character more accurately.
Jesus defined eternal life in terms of relationship: “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3). Our journey of learning, unlearning, and relearning should ultimately lead us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God.
The apostle Paul expressed this ultimate goal beautifully when he wrote, “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10-11). This knowing goes beyond intellectual assent to a deep, personal, transformative relationship with God.
As we continue on this journey of learning, unlearning, and relearning, may we always keep this ultimate goal in view. May our desire for truth be motivated by love for God and love for others. And may our journey lead us ever deeper into the heart of God, where true wisdom and understanding are found
The Truth About Death and the Rapture: A Biblical Examination
In our journey of faith, few topics generate as much discussion and debate as the doctrine of the Rapture. Many believers have been taught that Christians will be caught up to meet Christ in the air, escaping physical death. However, a careful examination of Scripture reveals a different perspective—one that challenges us to unlearn traditional teachings and relearn what the Bible actually says about death and God’s plan for humanity.
The Dilemma of Ever Learning Without Coming to Truth
The apostle Paul provides a profound insight in his first letter to Timothy: “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:7). This verse speaks directly to a spiritual condition that affects many believers today. The reason people remain in this state of perpetual learning without arriving at truth is because they are unwilling to unlearn something they were taught and relearn the truth as presented in Scripture.
This resistance to unlearning and relearning stems from a common misconception that the first things we learn in our spiritual journey should never be challenged or changed. This position, however, is contrary to the very nature of spiritual growth. As we mature in our faith, we must remain open to deeper revelations of truth, even when they challenge our long-held beliefs.
The journey of faith requires humility—the willingness to acknowledge that we may have misunderstood or been taught incorrectly. This humility allows us to reexamine our beliefs in light of Scripture, even when doing so means letting go of cherished doctrines.
The Rapture: A Personal Journey of Reexamination
The doctrine of the Rapture serves as a prime example of a teaching that many believers accept without question, yet which warrants careful biblical examination.
The Biblical Testimony About Death
The doctrine of the Rapture, as commonly taught, contradicts numerous clear statements in Scripture about the universality of death. Let’s examine what the Bible actually says about death and see how it challenges the notion that believers will escape physical death.
Paul writes in Romans 5:12: “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” This verse establishes a fundamental truth: death entered the world through Adam’s sin, and this death has passed upon all humanity. There are no exceptions mentioned—death is the universal human experience.
Paul reinforces this truth in 1 Corinthians 15:22: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” The first part of this verse is unequivocal: “in Adam all die.” Every human being born into this world is “in Adam” and therefore subject to death. This is the universal human condition.
The author of Hebrews confirms this truth: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). This verse states clearly that it is appointed for human beings to die once. There are no exceptions provided for believers who will be raptured.
These three verses—Romans 5:12, 1 Corinthians 15:22, and Hebrews 9:27—all say the same thing: you are going to die. This is the consistent testimony of Scripture. Yet those who believe in the Rapture are essentially saying, “Ye shall not surely die”—directly contradicting what God has clearly stated in His Word.
The First Lie in the Bible
When we examine the origins of the statement “ye shall not surely die,” we discover something profound. This was precisely what the serpent told Eve in the Garden of Eden, directly contradicting what God had said. God told Adam, “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:17).
In the original language, as seen in Young’s Literal Translation, this phrase carries even more weight: “dying thou shalt die.” This indicates a process that begins on the day of eating and continues until physical death occurs. Adam didn’t die immediately, but death began working in him on that very day, and he died approximately 900 years later.
Right after God tells Adam, “thou shalt surely die,” the serpent comes along and tells Eve, “Ye shall not surely die” (Genesis 3:4). This was the first lie recorded in Scripture—a direct contradiction of God’s clear statement.
Today, everyone who says they’re going to leave this planet without dying is believing the devil who lied to Eve, rather than believing God who is the author and finisher of our faith and the author and finisher of all mankind. God knows what plan He has for mankind, and I can tell you, it’s a beautiful plan.
God’s Plan Revealed in Nature
