Left Behind | Movie Trailer

Left Behind is a movie based on the book of the same name by Time LaHaye and Jerry B Jenkins. The original movie was made in 2000. The 2014 release has been given a complete Hollywood makeover and now stars Nicolas Cage. I have read that the remake does not hold true to the original and that there is a lot of artistic license given. The books and films are based around the coming Tribulation times as described in the Bible. The movie focuses on a time when those who are saved are taken up out of earth as earth continues to fall into chaos and desolation.

So what does the Bible say about the great Tribulation and will there be a Rapture as showcased in the movie Left Behind?

For contextual purposes it is worth reading Daniel 9:20-27 The 70 weeks prohpecy.

In Matthew 24:21-22 it states:

21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.

The movie and the book seem centred around what some describe as a pre-tribulation rapture. Though in the Bible it explains that when the Son of Man is to return amongst the many signs given such as the red blood moons, earthquakes in divers places etc, the rapture seems to come under the umbrella of signs. So during the tribulation times the saints who are sleeping and those on earth are to be gathered up in the clouds as described in 1 Thessalonans 4:17. Not everyone is to endure the chaos that is to ensue during the end times.

In Matthew 24:37-44 Jesus explains and warns us about the end times and that we must prepare:

37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left.41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. 42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour[f] your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Revelations 7:9-13 discusses the multitude from the Great Tribulation. Further on in the chapter verses 14 and 15 says:

.....“These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.

I do not believe you will get the full context from the movie. As the movie is based on a book whose storyline is based on events from the Bible. I have seen the 2000 movie and it does include many Biblical references including the anti-christ and the two witnesses at the wall. It may just prove a powerful tool and a gateway that allows for discussion with others. I do encourage you to read the BIBLE itself and look up the verses that discuss end time prophecy. Speak to your pastor or Bible study group or someone you know who is a Christian and well versed on this topic. Do your own research too!

I have shared verses to show what the movie is based around. Also to show that the great tribulation which is to come is not a Hollywood scenario but a real life one that will take place and the signs are already in place and already showing. Let us prepare for the King's return.