The rescue doctrine

Many Christians in America were raised on "Prosperity gospel," an idea that Christ will endow them with wordly wealth and goods for simply being a Christian, even though this contradicts Christ's own words, "Do not store up for yourselves [material] treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart [your wishes, your desires; that on which your life centers] will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21), and "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." (John 15:19).Parallel to the prosperity gospel which promises mansions and networks, is a doctrine called the "Rescue doctrine." The rescue doctrine is an assumption from believers that they shall either not face persecution and tribulation, or be rescued swiftly from it. Apparently those in 21st and 20th Centuries believed themselves greater than the Apostles, all of whom were imprisoned, tortured, and killed for their faith. This "rescue me" attitude makes many brothers and sisters in Christ feel convinced that Christ will bail them out of bad times and set them free from ordeals. There is an expectation that they simply need to find a phone, like in Matrix movies, and they can be unplugged from any horror of persecution.

The Rescue Me raft is perhaps the  most dangerous ideology in the church today. People who believe this thinking and false doctrine will not endure persecution, torture, and martyrdom. They are too convinced that Christ will set them free from such horrors, struggles, persecution, but Scripture says otherwise, "And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved," (Matthew 10:22), "Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also," (John 15:20), "All these are the beginning of birth pains, "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." (Matthew 24:8-13). The Apostles concur with Alpha and Omega's claims of what will happen to Christians, "So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin," (1 Peter 4:1), "Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus," (2 Timothy 2:3), "So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God," (2 Timothy 1:8), "And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood.Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.
Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God." (Hebrews 13:12-16), "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps," (1 Peter 2:21), "Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution," (2 Timothy 3:12), "persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed," (2 Corinthians 4:9), "Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory," (Romans 8:17), "I want to know Christ--yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death," (Philippians 3:10), and, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test you [that is, to test the quality of your faith], as though something strange or unusual were happening to you. But insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, keep on rejoicing, so that when His glory [filled with His radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may rejoice with great joy. If you are insulted and reviled for [bearing] the name of Christ, you are blessed [happy, with life-joy and comfort in God’s salvation regardless of your circumstances], because the Spirit of glory and of God is resting on you [and indwelling you—He whom they curse, you glorify]. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or a thief, or any sort of criminal [in response to persecution], or as a troublesome meddler interfering in the affairs of others; but if anyone suffers [ill-treatment] as a Christian [because of his belief], he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God [because he is considered worthy to suffer] in this name. For it is the time [destined] for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not respect or believe or obey the gospel of God? And if it is difficult for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the godless and the sinner? Therefore, those who are ill-treated and suffer in accordance with the will of God must [continue to] do right and commit their souls [for safe-keeping] to the faithful Creator." (1 Peter 4:12-19 AMP).


As for those who believe in rapture, let me point out that it is after The Tribulation that we are rescued!, "I answered, "Sir, you know." And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb," (Revelation 7:14), and, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken (cross ref. End of Days, Revelation 8:12). Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory (cross ref. Revelation 1:7)." (Matthew 24:29-40). It is evident that the rescue comes after great tribulation, and trials for the saints. Why else would Jesus keep saying, "endure to the end," (Matthew 24:13)? If He wasn't talking about getting through the last days and end times?

The Truth is Jesus did not promise to rescue us from this world's prisons, tortures, or death, but instead He rescued us from our sin prison, temptation, and the second death (Revelation 20:10, 21:9). Jesus Christ purchased us eternal life through His sacrifice on cross (Romans 4:25, 1 Peter 3:18, John 3:16), closeness with God (Ephesians 3:10-15), and new body (2 Corinthians 5:1-10, Phillippians 3:21). In Kingdom of God it is all opposite, we don't seek riches on earth but in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20), the first will be last and servant of all will be greatest (Matthew 20:26, Matthew 23:11), the meek will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5), the pure in heart see God (Matthew 5:8), and etc. Jesus has rescued us eternally, and shall give us a new body at His Second Coming, but until then we are subject to suffering on this earth as He suffered. He was an example for us, in His first body He suffered (1 Peter 4:1), in His New Body of Resurrection He didn't suffer anymore, but ascended to Heaven (Acts 1:1-8). You see there is no promise we shall escape persecution or suffering in this life, but rather we are promised persecution! Our rescue comes in next life or when Jesus Christ appears (Revelation 1:7).

I fear for believers caught up in this false doctrine of Christ rescuing them from every discomfort, pain, and hardship in this world will not endure to end. Yesterday on The MESSAGE Serious XM Christian Radio Station I hard a young lady say the music always rescues her when she is about to give up, but there will come a time when we may have no radio, music, or even technology (see the whole book of Revelation)! I worry about such believers who like Millennials think everything will be easy and God will perpetually comfort and rescue them, but the truth is He gives us the strength to forbear it, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it," (1 Corinthians 10:13), "Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us," (Romans 8:34), and, , "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, the One comforting us in all our tribulation, for us to be able to comfort those in every tribulation through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God, For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ" (2 Corinthians 1:3-5), and "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." (1 Peter 5:10). In fact, most of 2 Corinthians, particularly the first seven chapters, talks about enduring for Jesus Christ, and how he sends comfort to bear being crushed, and persecuted.

The Rescue Doctrine is a real danger to all Christians who think they will get to escape real difficulties. Do not fall for this deception or the Prosperity Gospel which both are false (2 Corinthians 11:4). But instead be overjoyed you have been rescued from darkness and brought into God's glorious light (), and that you have been rescued from sin and the second death! Our rescue is eternal and for our spirit and soul, and body when we receive the new one, but as long as we are on this earth we suffer for Christ until He Comes Again or we die to go be with Him.