Christ in Prophecy: Did the Apostle John Experience the Rapture?

Podcast Summary – April 12, 2026

Overview

In this episode of Christ in Prophecy with Tim Moore and Nathan Jones, the hosts delve into Revelation 4 to examine whether the Apostle John experienced a “rapture” – being “caught up” to heaven – and what his experience reveals about the biblical doctrine of the Rapture for all Christians. The episode explores the intersection between prophecy, hope, and the believer’s anticipation of Christ’s return, contrasting John’s vision with Old Testament experiences, tackling common objections to rapture teaching, and drawing encouragement from the promises of Scripture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene – John’s Heavenly Journey

• John, the last surviving apostle at age 96, is exiled to Patmos after surviving martydom attempts (03:00).
• While on Patmos, John hears a powerful voice “like a trumpet” saying, “Come up here,” ushering him into a vision of heaven (03:32).
• John’s “trip” is described as one of “business, not pleasure” – God’s purpose is to deliver a crucial message (00:41).

“God didn't send John to heaven for a vacation...He sent him up to receive and deliver a message to the church. And that's us.”
— Nathan Jones [00:41]

2. Rapture Defined and Explored

• The episode draws from 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 and the Latin word “rapio” (caught up) to define the Rapture (04:52).
• John’s experience is paralleled with the promised Rapture, highlighting the swift, transformative nature of being “caught up.”
• Discussion clarifies that while John’s experience isn’t the rapture of the Church, it is a “type” or preview of what believers may anticipate (19:08).

“The Rapture is just a word. It’s actually a transliteration of the word in the Latin Vulgate that means snatched away...That’s what will happen at the Rapture.”
— Tim Moore [04:52]

3. Old Testament Parallels and New Covenant Distinctions

• Comparison made between John’s vision and those of Old Testament prophets like Isaiah (Isaiah 6) and Paul’s third-heaven experience (2 Corinthians 12) (06:07).
  • Isaiah: Terrified by God’s holiness, confesses sinfulness; needs purification via a burning coal.
  • John: Stands without fear, covered by Christ’s atonement—reflecting the post-cross reality of “no condemnation” (06:48).

“On this side of the cross...John’s sins were covered. And so there is now no condemnation, as Paul writes. Not a little bit, folks. Not just a wee bit. No condemnation...”
— Tim Moore [06:48]

4. Anticipation of Heaven & Worship in God’s Presence

• John’s vision reveals the throne room: God’s throne enshrouded in a cloud, surrounded by four seraphim/living creatures, and twenty-four elders (15:37).
• The worship of God is central—unceasing adoration by living creatures and elders (16:32).
• The presence of the 24 elders (not found in Isaiah’s vision) signals the Church’s presence in heaven post-rapture.

"I believe that this is revolving thrones. There is a good chance, folks, that you, if you know Jesus Christ as your Savior, might be sitting on one of those thrones one day for a period of time."
— Nathan Jones [17:22]

5. Current Debates: Is the Rapture in Scripture?

• Addressing objections: Some claim rapture teaching is a “modern invention,” tracing it to Margaret MacDonald in 1830 (11:01).
• Hosts debunk this myth, showing the doctrine’s deep scriptural roots, referencing Paul, early church fathers, and various Old and New Testament passages (11:59).

“That, folks, is a complete urban legend. Her writings...have nothing to do with the Rapture. And Darby was teaching a concept that goes all the way back to the New Testament. ...The Rapture is very much an established doctrine found throughout the Bible.”
— Nathan Jones [11:59–13:26]

6. The Hope of the Church: Rescue from Wrath

• Emphasis on the rapture as a source of encouragement and hope: believers are not destined for wrath but for rescue (14:14).
• The church is not mentioned on earth after Revelation 4, signaling its removal (18:07).
• Readiness and anticipation are encouraged; believers should be eager for Christ’s imminent return (19:08, 20:08).

“We are meant to comfort each other with these words. ...The Lord is not going to leave believers...to suffer his wrath on this earth during the tribulation.”
— Nathan Jones [14:14]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• John’s Immediate Response to Heaven:
  "And immediately I was in the Spirit and behold, a throne was standing in heaven and one sitting on the throne."
  — Tim Moore (quoting Revelation, [03:32])

• Difference Between Isaiah and John:
  "There is now no condemnation...John’s response to being there before the very almighty God seems to reflect that point exactly. He has no fear. Instead he only worships the Lord God."
  — Tim Moore [06:48]

• On Worship in Heaven:
  "It will be inherent with our joy of being in the presence of the Lord that we will overflow in worship at all times."
  — Tim Moore [16:32]

• Encouragement for Readiness:
  "There’s been times where I’ve heard a trumpet blast and I stop and like, is this it? ...The Lord told us to be ready."
  — Nathan Jones [19:08]

• Summary of the Blessed Hope:
  "That is the promise that we will not endure wrath, but will be rescued before it is poured out."
  — Tim Moore [21:23]

Important Timestamps

• John’s Exile and Call to Heaven — [02:55–03:32]
• Scriptural Basis for the Rapture — [04:52–06:07]
• Comparison: Isaiah, Paul, and John’s Heavenly Visions — [06:07–08:19]
• Addressing Rapture Skeptics — [11:01–14:14]
• Revelation 4: The Throne Room Scene — [15:37–17:22]
• Promise of Rescue – Rapture as Hope — [14:14–14:51], [20:08–21:23]
• Concluding Encouragement and Application — [22:44]

Conclusion & Final Encouragement

Tim Moore closes with a summary of hope:

"John's experience in Revelation 4 is more than just a fascinating vision. It's a prophetic preview of the Rapture that awaits every believer in Jesus Christ. ...We do not know the day or the hour, but we do know that when the trumpet sounds and the archangel cries out, those who are in Christ, both the dead and the living, will rise to meet him in the air." [22:44]

Believers are urged to live with anticipation, sharing the Gospel, and watching for their King, knowing the “blessed hope” is not just a doctrine, but a living promise.

For more information, resources, or to share your testimony:

christinprophecy.org | Phone: 972-736-3567