WHAT IS THE AME CHURCH'S OFFICIAL DOCTRINE ON THE RAPTURE? ARE WE PRE-TRIBULATIONISTS? iF NO OFFICIAL DOCTRINE, HAVE ANY OF OUR THEOLOGIAN DISCUSSED THIS TOPIC?

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2001

Answers

Dear Hartford Lee,

I am not a theologian and I don't know what the AME church's position is on the rapture or the tribulation. I believe that the rapture could happen at any moment. As I understand it, those bodies of those christians who died will rise and be transformed into a body like Jesus had after the resurrection. One that has flesh and bones and is able to eat but yet is not limited by space or time. Those of us alive will transformed quickly into similar glorified bodies. After the rapture, the seven year tribulation period comes. I don't believe that members of the church will see the 7 year tribulation period. Following the 7 year tribulation period, King Jesus will return again to reign on earth for a thousand years. King Jesus will show us all how things should have been done on earth. Things are such are miserable failure now because man is too hard headed and proud to humble himself to God almighty. After the 1000 year period of peace and prosperity under King Jesus, then the final battle between good and evil. Following that battle, the New Jerusalem, a city with walls 200 feet thick, 1400 miles long, and 1400 miles wide comes down and we christians live with the Holy Spirit, King Jesus, and God for ever. I am looking forward to that day.

JazzMan

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2001