|
The Rapture-- The Baha'i writings not only provide an explanation of 'clouds' but also address the issue of the Rapture. Many conservative Christians believe that when Christ returns 'in the clouds' as prophesied in Matthew, the believers will be raised up to meet Him in the air. This concept is known as the 'Rapture'. Christians who regard the resurrection of Jesus as a literal event believe that it constitutes proof that Jesus can and will also raise His followers from the dead when He returns. The verses cited most often to support the belief in the Rapture are found in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. Paul writes: (124:1) For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. (124:2) Christians have traditionally interpreted this passage literally, but the Baha'i writings clearly indicate that its terminology is symbolic and its meaning spiritual. Baha'u'llah writes: The shout hath been raised, and the people have come forth from their graves, and arising, are gazing around them. Some have made haste to attain the court of the God of Mercy, others have fallen down on their faces in the fire of Hell, while still others are lost in bewilderment. The verses of God have been revealed, and yet they have turned away from them. His proof hath been manifested, and yet they are unaware of it. And when they behold the face of the All-Merciful, their own faces are saddened, while they are disporting themselves. They hasten forward to Hell Fire, and mistake it for light. Far from God be what they fondly imagine! Say: Whether ye rejoice or whether ye burst for fury, the heavens are cleft asunder, and God hath come down, invested with radiant sovereignty. All created things are heard exclaiming: 'The Kingdom is God's, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise'. (Gleanings 41-2)
(124:3)
|