Missed the Rapture?: How to Overcome during the Great Tribulation

by James B de Young Th D, John F Balch M DIV

The Rapture is the snatching away to heaven of all living believers in Christ. It will occur at the beginning of seven years of global cataclysm and rule of the Antichrist known as the Great Tribulation, a period that will conclude human history as it's been known. But it will also be a period where untold millions will turn to Christ as Savior. Will you be one of them - affording yourself of a last opportunity for heaven? What will it be like for new believers in this time of unprecedented tumult and persecution? How will they grow in their faith? What will they see in the events and personalities that dominate the last seven years before Christ returns in power and great glory? A return that will see him conquer the forces of evil and establish a reign of righteousness that will last a thousand years. John Balch served as a pastor in Southern Oregon and has taught the Bible in churches in the Portland area for the last 36 years. He is a graduate of Western Seminary in Portland (M.Div., Pastoral Studies), where he lives with his wife, Hedda. He is retired from over 30 years with the Department of Veterans Affairs (National Cemetery Administration). James De Young has been Professor of NT at Western Seminary, Portland, OR for 40 years; now retired as Senior Professor he continues to teach distance learning classes. He has taught the book of Revelation for over 50 years from both the English and Greek texts. He published (2000) The Antichrist Is The Rise of the Antichrist, the Restrainer Removed, and Jesus Christ Victorious at Armageddon. His work in this book draws upon this larger work. John and James have a podcast, Apocalypse Is Coming, at www.anchor.fm/james-de-young

378 pages, Paperback

Published September 12, 2022

Reviews

[Conny Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Here’s the bottom line: you’ve been left behind. Left behind because, whatever you may have thought about Jesus Christ before, you haven’t yet placed your faith in him,” John F. Balach and James B. De Young write in their book, Missed the Rapture? How to Overcome during the Great Tribulation.

~ What ~
This three-hundred-and-seventy-eight-page paperback targets those who want to learn more about end times and how to survive the upcoming Great Tribulation. Using mainly the English Standard Version, other Bible versions referenced are the NASB and NIV. After a preface, the book is divided into two parts: the first eleven chapters are written by Balch, and the second five chapters are by De Young. A conclusion and the authors’ biographies complete the read.

This book is designed as a spiritual manual if the Biblical Rapture has occurred and the reader is left behind to sort out his or her stance on eternity. It is formatted uniquely as most chapters begin with an ongoing short fictional episode, followed by bullet points involving topics in the story, and ending with detailed discussions with Bible verses. Besides including what happens the second after the Rapture, Balch explains the eternal plan of salvation, seven principles of divine promise, several disciplines in one’s Christian walk, and the armor of the believer, while De Young describes the antichrist and past types mentioned in the Bible, the seven years of the Tribulation, and the outcome of God’s wrath.

~ Why ~
If you are a new Christian or are unsure about the timeline of the Rapture and Great Tribulation, this is a learning tool, as it focuses on end times. I appreciate the authors’ firm stance in the pre-Tribulation Rapture, enjoyed how the writers wrote to the reader directly, creatively added Bill’s fictional path to accepting Christ, and included written-out Bible verses. Correlating prophecies of the Old and New Testaments prove the validity of the upcoming world-altering events that those who remain will have to handle.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not be interested in this read, but it could change their stance on eternity. Some may disagree on the timing of end times, yet the book aligns with Scripture. The fictional account is not as detailed as some may want, but it does draw the reader in to learn more.

~ Wish ~
I wish the book was edited as there are many punctuation and grammar errors so have marked it down a half point. I prefer all pronouns of God capitalized for reverence.

~ Want ~
If you, too, are looking up for our Savior to return, this is the perfect book for having in case the Rapture suddenly occurs, so it can be read by those loved ones left behind. It would be ideal for a new believer or someone on the fence about their salvation so they can understand how to avoid going through the Great Tribulation.

Thanks to one of the authors for this book that I am under no obligation to review.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh, how I wanted this book to be great! It is good but not great. I love the concept. The Rapture of believers will happen, and what a great idea to leave behind a book that will explain it all and lead those left behind to Christ. Certainly, the Bible should be the primary book to turn to. I'm afraid this book may not be the best resource. Here's my take: this book tells a story of how the authors believe the rapture will go down (er, up). But the people who they hope will pick up this book do not need a story about the rapture. They've just experienced the real thing. Would they have time to read a fiction novel? My guess is no. They would be hungry for an explanation from the Bible with a clear and concise warning about what will happen next. I wound up skimming the book to the end. There is much good information, but I think a pamphlet with references to the Bible verses (with a crash course on Bible structure and layout) they will need would be more helpful.