The Secret Rapture: Is It Scriptural?

Explains why men like Oswald J. Smith would say: "There is not a single verse in the Bible that upholds the pre-tribulation theory." Based on part one of GREAT PROPHECIES OF THE BIBLE, by Ralph Woodrow, this 64-page book (available in this form for wider distribution), shows that the now-popular "secret" rapture was not taught in the early centuries of the church, but developed within the last two centuries.

All Christians generally believe that Christ will come again and believers will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. But as to the TIME of this event (in relation to other events), there is not this general agreement. De Haan says that believers will be caught "up into heaven" before the tribulation period and that this "is the teaching of Revelation and of the entire Bible." On the other hand, many believe the same as Oswald J. Smith, who said there is no Scripture for the secret rapture theory.

In addition to authoring over a dozen books, Ralph Woodrow has had the opportunity to speak for many Churches and groups of various denominations during 40 years of ministry-including camp meetings, conventions and conferences. Through a unique set of circumstances he was put into the ministry at age 18 (and has never had any other occupation). His ministry began in Canada, where he went as a pianist for an evangelist-but soon several Churches and groups opened their doors for Ralph to preach extended revival meetings. When he returned home after a few months of ministry in Canada, God continued to open doors for him to preach the Gospel- preaching for many Churches and denominational rallies. As a single man of 21 he felt led to hold tent revivals and also to preach on the radio, with good results from both. From these early beginnings sprang an inter-denominational ministry, through which many effective doors of ministry open to this day.

In his early teens, he began to search the Scriptures-becoming intrigued to discover things in the Bible that he hadn't been taught. Similarly, he began to discover that some of the things he had been taught were not in the Bible. Ralph memorized hundreds of Scriptures as a teenager-his whole life revolved around studying God's Word and seeking God's will for his life. He preached his first sermon when he was 15 in their local Church. He spent much time at the Church, doing anything he could to serve the Lord-mowing the lawns, cleaning the Church, praying, and attending the meetings where he grew in the Spirit-filled life.

Throughout his ministry, in addition to preaching the Gospel at large, he has shared neglected biblical truths. AS AN AUTHOR, he is known for his scholarly research, along with his emphasis on the importance of love and unity. He emphasizes that if Christians disagree on some points of doctrine-they should disagree agreeably-knowing that all Christians agree on more than they disagree. Books he has authored total over a half million in print. Also, he has shared printed sermons with a select list-since 1961. Woodrow was born in San Jacinto, California and grew up in nearby Riverside. He and his wife, Arlene who is also a minister and writer, minister in various capacities locally in addition to periodically ministering throughout the U.S., and sometimes in Canada.

FREE-learn more about Woodrow's ministry. Send a legal size SASE and request "Celebrating 40 Years Ministry" ('97) and the January '98 "Palm Springs Letter."