Olivier Melnick: Clarity on the Rapture from Bible Scholar Don Perkins.

In this episode of Shalom in Messiah Ministries, Olivier Melnick sits down with Bible prophecy teacher Don Perkins (According to Prophecy Ministries) to demystify the Rapture. What does Scripture actually say about the Rapture (harpazō, “caught up,” Latin rapturo)? Is it different from the Second Coming? Why do some Christians hold a pre-tribulation view—and how does Daniel’s 70 Weeks (Dan. 9:24–27) clarify the timeline?

Don and Olivier walk through the major timing views (post-trib, mid-trib, pre-wrath, pre-trib), explain why the Tribulation is the time of Jacob’s trouble (focused on Israel), and show the biblical distinction between Israel and the Church. They also tackle the “partial rapture” idea, who will be left behind, and why the Rapture is meant to be a blessed hope that comforts believers.

Clarity on the Rapture from Bible Scholar Don Perkins.

Olivier Melnick:
Hello everybody, this is Olivier Melnick with Shalom in Messiah Ministries. Today I’m thrilled to be back with a very good friend—he’s hard to catch because he’s always traveling somewhere—but we’ve got him! My good friend Don Perkins is with us. Don, thanks for being on the show.

Don Perkins:
Brother, it’s always an honor and a privilege to be with you. I love when our paths cross during the year. You’re a dear friend, and I’m honored to be on your program.

The Topic: The Rapture

Olivier:
When I think of the topic of the Rapture, you’re one of the first people who comes to mind among the shrinking number of Bible teachers who handle Scripture seriously. A lot of people misunderstand—or strongly disagree with—the Rapture, so let’s demystify it.

What also troubles me is how uncharitable the debate can get. Those who oppose the Rapture view often push buttons and show animosity. There’s no need for that. This isn’t a “heaven-or-hell” doctrine like the virgin birth, where denial would be a dealbreaker. We can disagree and remain brothers and sisters in Christ.

Don:
Exactly. The Rapture is a biblical message and a blessed hope. Paul said, “Comfort one another with these words.” It’s meant to comfort, not divide. Whether people try to dismiss it or not, the Rapture is in Scripture and will happen.

How to Reach Don

Olivier:
Before we go further—how can people get a hold of you?

Don:
Our ministry is According to Prophecy Ministries: www.according2prophecy.org (that’s “according,” the number 2, “prophecy,” dot org). We’re on the major social platforms, we have a weekly TV program on His Channel called Your Future in Bible Prophecy, and we also have a free app—search “According To Prophecy Ministries” in your app store.

“The Word ‘Rapture’ Isn’t in the Bible” — Is That True?

Olivier:
Let me play devil’s advocate. People say, “The word ‘Rapture’ isn’t in the Bible.”

Don:
Here’s the simple answer: in English translations you’ll see “caught up” (1 Thess. 4). In Greek, that word is harpazō (“to seize, snatch, take away”). In the Latin Vulgate, it’s rapturo, from which we get the English term Rapture. So when you read “caught up,” you’re describing the Rapture.

And by the way, the word “Trinity” isn’t in the Bible either, yet the doctrine is unmistakably taught. So the objection is superficial.

Olivier:
Exactly. And the event of the Rapture is defined in multiple passages. The label is less important than the reality Scripture teaches.

Is the Rapture a “Recent Invention”?

Olivier:
Some say the Rapture is a modern invention.

Don:
I like to go back to the Apostle Paul—that’s the first time it’s written in Scripture (by inspiration of the Holy Spirit). That’s the origin that matters. Historically, many earlier scholars leaned pre-trib, and there’s research documenting this. But ultimately, Paul is enough.

What We Mean by “Pre-Tribulational”

Olivier:
For clarity: our view is pre-tribulational. We believe the Rapture happens before a seven-year period of judgment known as the Tribulation (the time of Jacob’s trouble). After those seven years, Jesus returns physically when Israel calls for Him, defeats His enemies at Armageddon, and establishes the Millennial Kingdom—1,000 years, just as Scripture says—followed by the eternal state.

Some accuse us of choosing pre-trib because we want to escape hardship.

Don:
That’s not the reason. Christians have faced tribulation for 2,000 years (John 16:33). The question is whether the Church is appointed to God’s wrath in Daniel’s 70th Week. We believe Scripture teaches no (1 Thess. 1:10; 5:9). The pre-trib view best fits dispensational accuracy and the purpose of the Tribulation.

The Main Timing Views (Briefly)

Don:
Here are the common positions:

• Post-Trib: Rapture at the end of the Tribulation. Problems: glorified saints don’t marry or procreate, so who populates the Millennial Kingdom? Also, if you can count seven years from the covenant with Antichrist, the Rapture would be dateable, contradicting imminence.

• Pre-Wrath: Rapture three-quarters into the Tribulation, claiming God’s wrath starts late. Yet wrath appears early (e.g., the sixth seal—“the wrath of the Lamb,” Rev. 6). The whole period is God’s wrath.

• Mid-Trib: Rapture at the midpoint (3.5 years). This view often confuses the trumpet judgments of wrath with the trump of God at the Rapture. Different contexts, different purposes.

• Pre-Trib (Our View): Rapture before the seven-year Tribulation. Understand the purpose of the Tribulation and the distinction between Israel and the Church, and the timing becomes clear.

Olivier:
A quick clue I love: in Revelation, the Church is mentioned 19 times in chapters 1–3, and then not at all from chapters 4–18, which cover the Tribulation.

Don:
Exactly.

The Rapture vs. The Second Coming — Not the Same Event

Don:
Two distinct events:

• Rapture: Christ meets us in the air (1 Thess. 4). We’re caught up.

• Second Coming: Christ returns to earth, specifically to the Mount of Olives (Zech. 14), which splits. It’s a geographic return to Jerusalem.

Olivier:
Great point. The Rapture is a global catching away; the Second Coming is a local return to Israel.

Daniel’s 70 Weeks (Dan. 9:24–27) — A Key to the Timeline

Olivier:
Let me read Daniel 9:24–27 (summary): 70 “weeks” (weeks of years) are decreed for your people and your holy city to accomplish six things. From the decree to rebuild Jerusalem to Messiah the Prince is 7 + 62 weeks (69). After the 62, Messiah is cut off. The people of the coming prince (Rome) destroy the city and sanctuary. He (the coming prince) makes a covenant for one week (the 70th), breaks it midweek, and brings abominations until the decreed end.

Don:
This prophecy is for Israel (“your people,” “your city”)—not the Church. The clock started with the decree to rebuild Jerusalem, stopped at the 69th week (when Messiah was cut off), and there remains one week—seven years—unfulfilled. Between week 69 and 70, God inserted a mystery: the Church Age. The Rapture ends that mystery and restarts the clock for Israel.

During the Tribulation, God saves a remnant of Israel. The 144,000 (12,000 from each tribe) are the firstfruits (Rev. 7; 14). The Tribulation is predominantly Jewish in character—Temple, sacrifices, Sabbath, Jerusalem—though it affects the whole world.

Olivier:
And Jesus said Israel won’t see Him again until they say, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” Israel’s national repentance at the end of the Tribulation triggers the Second Coming (Zech. 12:10; Matt. 23:37–39). Satan fuels antisemitism to prevent that moment—because it ends his career.

Who Is Included in the Rapture?

Olivier:
Who gets raptured?

Don:
Everyone who is born again—blood-bought, washed in the blood of Christ. That’s the qualification. Not perfect performance, not “crossing all the T’s and dotting all the I’s.” Salvation is by grace through faith, not by works.

What About a “Partial Rapture” Theory?

Olivier:
Some teach only especially faithful Christians are taken.

Don:
That view introduces works into the basis of the Rapture. Scripture is clear: we’re saved—and therefore included—by grace through faith. At the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Cor. 3), believers’ works are evaluated for rewards (gold/silver/precious stones vs. wood/hay/stubble). Some will suffer loss of reward—but are still saved. The Rapture includes all who are Christ’s.

Who Will Be Left Behind?

Don:
Those who are not born again. But I also believe there will be a great revival right after the Rapture. Many who heard the gospel from loved ones and friends will finally connect the dots and come to Christ—even at great cost.

Olivier:
I tell my Jewish family and friends exactly that. If you see we’ve suddenly vanished, remember what I told you about Yeshua—and believe.

Olivier’s Testimony: The Rapture Led Me to Jesus

Olivier:
A book on prophecy—and especially the Rapture—is what shook me. I panicked: “Will I be left behind?” My wife (a believer) couldn’t marry me unless I believed. Over 40 years ago I put my trust in Yeshua—His death and resurrection—and received eternal life. I could never be righteous by works; only His sacrifice is enough.

Don:
Amen. Scripture says, “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” It’s simple: believe on the Lord Jesus (Yeshua) and you will be saved. After salvation, yes—let your faith produce good works. But works don’t save you; Christ does. Live now with the Judgment Seat in view so your works stand the fire and you receive reward.

Final Thoughts & Next Time

Olivier:
We’ll have to do another program—next time on the Antichrist. People need to know what Scripture says so they decide for Christ now.

Don:
Absolutely. The Bible gives a lot of detail about him—Daniel included. I look forward to it.

Connect with Don Perkins

Don:
Find us at www.according2prophecy.org. Watch our weekly TV program Your Future in Bible Prophecy on His Channel (hischannel.com, 70+ million viewers). Download our free app (“According To Prophecy Ministries”). Our bookstore has resources to help you grow in prophetic understanding.