Title: The Rapture – Great Escape or Great Deception?
Author: Calvin Burton
Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
ISBN: 978-1643505138
Genre: Religion
Pages: 546
Reviewed by: Barbara Bamberger Scott

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A highly detailed look at scripture reveals fault lines in a belief shared by many evangelical Christians – the idea of the Rapture.

Quoting extensively from both the New Testament and the Old, author Burton seeks to absolutely disprove the Rapture, which arose as an eschatological (end times) tenet in some sects of Christianity in the 1800s, and has been carried as doctrine among many fundamentalists. The end times, according to what Burton calls the “pre-trib” promoters, will begin with all believers from the time of Christ onward — both living and dead — going to heaven to join Jesus, while, on earth, there follow a period of “tribulation” (wars, plagues, natural disasters) before the second coming of Jesus. Burton picks away at this scenario by examining scripture in deep detail. For example, Matthew speaks of the wheat and tares growing together un-interrupted before the harvest, or end of the world. But if both good and bad are together at the end, this implies that the good were not swept up to heaven.  Another example is Matthew’s statement that “as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Burton sagely notes that there is no record of “a great multitude swarming to the Lord prior to the flood…” indicating that no rapture preceded the flood.

Burton writes on this subject with perspicacity and zeal. On the cover of his book he names a number of current prominent evangelists, challenging them to discredit his evidence. In this lengthy treatise he stresses his belief that “the Bible does not contradict itself” and that a rational reading of the passages he cites will prove the falsehood of the Rapture. Like a teacher, he continually poses questions that challenge Rapture believers to think carefully about what he is propounding. Such well-constructed questions, along with his thorough research into Biblical sources, give his arguments great weight and credibility.

This is not just “another read” on the Rapture. It is intensively detailed, making it readily understandable for anyone in this subject matter. Each area of contention is directly confronted by Burton with seemingly completely irrefutable answers using the following methodology: the opposing point of view is first given, followed by an explanation as to why he believes these viewpoints to be absolutely impossible according to scripture. There seems to be numerous points in this book that have not been previously brought to the forefront. It is a lengthy read, offering both persuasion and depth, so the reader will feel secure that no question on a particular area has been left out or given a half-hearted response. The importance to the author of writing of this book appears to be found in the numerous warnings throughout scripture for persons “not to be deceived.” Burton also sincerely expresses that it would not be wise to offer the unsaved a second chance if they are not ready at the one and only ”gathering together of the Saints onto the Lord.”

Anyone seriously interested in Christian doctrine, especially regarding the end times and Second Coming, could undeniably learn a great deal by reading The Rapture, which would make an appropriate focus for Bible study groups.  The Rapture Great Escape or Great Deception? is an exceptionally well written and researched book.  A must read for the person who truly seeks to know the Bible better.