Left Behind Series VS Reality

[ag_man]

I recently have finished reading the Left Behind series and I am surprisingly dissapointed. I think Left Behind teaches heresy and a false gospel. The problem I have with the series is that Tim Lahayes almost romanticizes being left behind. As if people will smile, laugh, talk, and love the same way it was before. And I do not believe it whatsoever. Once the holy spirit leaves the Earth, it all goes downhill from there. The love of many shall grow cold! Heck, many have grown cold already! I am sure that it only gets worse. The only ones who will be the same way will be the ones who find Christ. Everybody else will grow evil. Also, I have something ELSE that is REALLY bothering me. Chang, the asian boy in the series was forced to get the mark of the beast. He will not be saved!! The bible clearly says anyone who receives the mark is doomed!! For Tim Lahayes to try to overstep the authority and law of God written in the bible, it's pure heresy!! Anyone care to elaborate the differences you have noticed between the Left Behind series and what it will REALLY be like?

[WarriorX]

Yeah I thought it was rather odd, going off of the movies, that Cloe would even have one iota of a desire to start up something with Buck. I'm thinking, yeah this is "all hell breaks loose" time period and someone is going to want to start a relationship with someone? Call me old fashioned, but my mind goes straight for survival mode and strategy in doing so. And starting a relationship with a woman at that time seems rather... what's the word - distracting. Obviously being human would cause you to want to do such a thing but you could never have it how you wanted it to be because, well, duh, it's the Tribulation period. Too many extra emotions to pile on top of what is going to be the worst time in human history...

[SaintTexas]

I cannot disagree with you. I read all 16 books about three years ago.

They are what started me studying prophecy. For that, I am grateful. What a blessing to have begun that part of my walk with the Lord. It competely changed my life, my husband's and all of my children who are all saved now, and it put a fire under my Bible study.

I never looked at them as a substitute for God's Word. They are fiction. I have to say about Chang that they must have decided to speculate about a what if scenario--maybe they received some feedback or a question in the writing of the books and that was the reason behind it. Have you considered writing to them and asking about it?

We have been watching the series that has a character called Helen Hannah--I cannot think of what the movie titles are at the moment--and I feel like that is far worse in making light of many things and also doesn't take into account things like:

How do they have electricity if they are outlawed without the mark?
How does ONE not find them when they log onto the computer?

Common sense things. And the world looks just the same in them as well.

God's Word is the best place to get our information and to ask questions and get sound answers, but I am not sorry that I read them because of the result in my walk with the Lord, which was to grow in the grace and knowledge of Him as my Savior.

[Gideon300]

I recently have finished reading the Left Behind series and I am surprisingly dissapointed. I think Left Behind teaches heresy and a false gospel. The problem I have with the series is that Tim Lahayes almost romanticizes being left behind. As if people will smile, laugh, talk, and love the same way it was before. And I do not believe it whatsoever. Once the holy spirit leaves the Earth, it all goes downhill from there. The love of many shall grow cold! Heck, many have grown cold already! I am sure that it only gets worse. The only ones who will be the same way will be the ones who find Christ. Everybody else will grow evil. Also, I have something ELSE that is REALLY bothering me. Chang, the asian boy in the series was forced to get the mark of the beast. He will not be saved!! The bible clearly says anyone who receives the mark is doomed!! For Tim Lahayes to try to overstep the authority and law of God written in the bible, it's pure heresy!! Anyone care to elaborate the differences you have noticed between the Left Behind series and what it will REALLY be like?

A lot of people on this forum I have read have come to know Jesus after reading the Left Behind Series. I haven't read all of the books, I left off on book 10, but I didn't find the description of the Tribulation to be romanticized at all...

Also, Chang, as you said was forced to take the mark. In the story, if I'm not mistaken, he was drugged & knocked out, then given the mark. He didn't accept the mark on his own accord. Those that follow the beast will willingly accept the mark, and worship the AC. It is a choice they make to choose Satan over Jesus Christ, and they will make it willingly and gladly. Chang is saved in the storyline, so what you are saying is his salvation has been lost, but those that are truly saved cannot lose their salvation. Revelation does not elaborate on Christians that are knocked out, and given the mark while they are unconscious, but never wanted it, and never worship the beast. This was just a plot device for the story, and you very well might be correct, but I just couldn't imagine a Christian losing their salvation due to the mark being put on them unwillingly while they were knocked out.

[Robert]

I liked the Christ Clone Trilogy better, to be honest.

[billiefan2000]

I have said that also.

it turns being left behind into a romance story. almost everyone who is a believer in LB books finds a companion or wife or husband during the tribulation.

I dont think believers who will come to know JESUS as their savior after the rapture will be busy with relationships.

they will be busy preaching and proclaiming the gospel to anyone who will listen.


and also avoiding getting killed by the AC and his minions in the process.

[ag_man]

A lot of people on this forum I have read have come to know Jesus after reading the Left Behind Series. I haven't read all of the books, I left off on book 10, but I didn't find the description of the Tribulation to be romanticized at all...

Also, Chang, as you said was forced to take the mark. In the story, if I'm not mistaken, he was drugged & knocked out, then given the mark. He didn't accept the mark on his own accord. Those that follow the beast will willingly accept the mark, and worship the AC. It is a choice they make to choose Satan over Jesus Christ, and they will make it willingly and gladly. Chang is saved in the storyline, so what you are saying is his salvation has been lost, but those that are truly saved cannot lose their salvation. Revelation does not elaborate on Christians that are knocked out, and given the mark while they are unconscious, but never wanted it, and never worship the beast. This was just a plot device for the story, and you very well might be correct, but I just couldn't imagine a Christian losing their salvation due to the mark being put on them unwillingly while they were knocked out.

But the bible clearly says that an angel will be there loud and clear to shout to the masses to not receive the mark. I don't belive anyone would be physically forced to take the mark because the angel will be there to protect them from it. In those days, If God sends flames to engulf whoever tries to kill the two witnesses, what makes you think he wouldn't send an angel to protect the ones that believe in him?

"A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: 'If ANYONE worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, he, too, will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name. This calls for patient endurance on the part of THE SAINTS who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus' " (Rev. 14:9-12)

[ag_man]

I have said that also.

it turns being left behind into a romance story. almost everyone who is a believer in LB books finds a companion or wife or husband during the tribulation.

I dont think believers who will come to know JESUS as their savior after the rapture will be busy with relationships.

they will be busy preaching and proclaiming the gospel to anyone who will listen.


and also avoiding getting killed by the AC and his minions in the process.

My sentiments exactly!! I couldn't take it when Chloe and Buzz or whoever decided they were going to have a baby?! And when her father wifed up someone else just a few months after the rapture. I was like are you kidding me? Who will REALLY be focused on having a relationship nonetheless a child during the worst period in human history?! I believe after the holy spirit leaves the Earth, relationships as we know it, will end! There will be no true relationships except one with the Lord.

[Robert]

"It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him." (Revelation 13:7, NASB)

THAT doesn't sound like protection to me...

[Musician in His house]

I liked the Left Behind series, but I had some of the same questions as you, SaintTexas, like the part about electricity. I can see someone being smart enough to devise a firewall (or more than one) against detection online, but I was curious as to how the Trib Force managed to get TV and other "comforts" like electricity. I wondered the same thing about how Chloe built up a store of black market items. The books don't really go into detail. I guess one might use a barter system or donation system, such as company owners who become Christians giving part of their stores. I guess, also, that electricity might be generator, well, generated, but it seems to me that a generator is a short-term solution. Maybe David and Chang, who were the computer whizzes at Babylon that ran things worldwide for the TF, routed electricity surreptitiously and hid the wattage output somehow. According to the books, those guys could do just about anything with technology.

As for Chloe and Buck, maybe I'm wrong, but I seem to recall their debating on bringing a child into the world during the Trib. I think, though, that two other characters (can't recall their names right now), did debate on whether or not to start a relationship then. It's possible that it just came naturally to Chloe and Buck through their common relationship with Rayford (Chloe's dad), and instead of being a distraction, their union made them stronger because they could encourage each other.

Romanticized? Maybe a bit.

[Karamazov]

I have said that also.

it turns being left behind into a romance story. almost everyone who is a believer in LB books finds a companion or wife or husband during the tribulation.

I dont think believers who will come to know JESUS as their savior after the rapture will be busy with relationships.

they will be busy preaching and proclaiming the gospel to anyone who will listen.


and also avoiding getting killed by the AC and his minions in the process.

Aren't these mutually exclusive? During the tribulation any Christians found will be put to death. I was always of the opinion that any Christian, during the tribulation, would likely be in hiding somewhere rather than revealing themselves.

[ag_man]

"It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him." (Revelation 13:7, NASB)

THAT doesn't sound like protection to me...

Well first of all, its not like God is the one who gave him the authority! Humans who rejected the gospel and salvation did. They were under the delusion and gave him the power!! Like I said, I don't believe anyone will be physically forced to take the mark because the bible says he forced everyone to take it to buy or sell and worship his image. The bible never says anyone was physically moved and forced to sit and receive the mark. If not an angel sent to protect the ones who believe in Christ and refuse to worship the beast, then an event. God could very well make flames engulf whoever tries to force his children to take it just like he would for the two witnesses. Don't underestimate the power of God.

[ag_man]

Aren't these mutually exclusive? During the tribulation any Christians found will be put to death. I was always of the opinion that any Christian, during the tribulation, would likely be in hiding somewhere rather than revealing themselves.

Another heresy! Thanks for the heads up. I just remembered why would ANY Christians be revealing themselves to the anti-christ and ALSO WORK for him?!! The bible says do not underestimate your enemy. Satan would know they were believers instantly at first glance!!

[Robert]

Well first of all, its not like God is the one who gave him the authority! Humans who rejected the gospel and salvation did. They were under the delusion and gave him the power!! Like I said, I don't believe anyone will be physically forced to take the mark because the bible says he forced everyone to take it to buy or sell and worship his image. The bible never says anyone was physically moved and forced to sit and receive the mark. If not an angel sent to protect the ones who believe in Christ and refuse to worship the beast, then an event. God could very well make flames engulf whoever tries to force his children to take it just like he will for the two witnesses. Don't underestimate the power of God.

So I'm underestimating God's power by quoting scripture?

Hardly.

We need to be careful that we don't say something that is NOT in scripture. Keep in mind also that martyrdom will be the price for holding on to your faith and survivors will most likely be the exception, NOT the rule. Those at Petra will be on exception, as they are specifically mentioned in scripture; but believers in that time will be killed by the gross:

"When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also." (Revelation 6:9-11, NASB)

The Tribulation is not going to be a time where believers will be shielded from the Trib, but will give testimony before a hostile world. I don't underestimate God's power, but I also don't read things into scripture that aren't there either. Nowhere does the Bible say that the mark will be forced against one's will, i.e: holding them down screaming while it is applied.

[ag_man]

The Tribulation is not going to be a time where believers will be shielded from the Trib, but will give testimony before a hostile world. I don't underestimate God's power, but I also don't read things into scripture that aren't there either. Nowhere does the Bible say that the mark will be forced against one's will, i.e: holding them down screaming while it is applied.

Bro, that's what I was saying!! But you said

"It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him." (Revelation 13:7, NASB)

THAT doesn't sound like protection to me...

I thought you were underestimating God's power. But I interpreted your message wrong. what I was trying to say was that I don't think anyone will be physically forced as well. Its a choice. And an angel WILL be there to shout the message to the masses that they cannot and should not take the mark. So all that scripture makes Tim Lahayes a liar. I was arguing that Chang cannot be forced. If he WAS forced, he would have divine intervention. And not by some heavenly mark. Because the bible says anyone who receives the mark of the beast regardless is doomed to an eternity in hell. Anyone in that time, if they are truly physically forced to take the mark, I believe God will intervene to take control either by the same angel to protect them from receiving the mark, a different angel to do it, or a flame will engulf the body of whoever tries to force them just like the two witnesses. That's what I think!

[OnceWasLost]

Now seems like a good time to say that from the replies and statements, some here are getting a bit heated. Lets remember who we are discussing things with here.

One thing to mention. The HS is removed as a restrainer, but quite active here in earth as that is necessary for the salvation of un tolled numbers of people.

[ag_man]

Now seems like a good time to say that from the replies and statements, some here are getting a bit heated. Lets remember who we are discussing things with here.

One thing to mention. The HS is removed as a restrainer, but quite active here in earth as that is necessary for the salvation of un tolled numbers of people.

No haha. Not heated. Just a little chill. lol. and

Yes. For people who believed in Christ BEFORE he came back. Not for the ones AFTER.

[Everlasting Peace]

I really enjoyed the series, and read them back-to-back after they were all released. I don’t like reading a book and having to wait years to read the conclusion of a story, so I make it a habit of waiting until all books in a series are completed before starting them.

I think the “Left Behind” series is very factual when it comes to Biblical doctrines. Having said that, it is fiction and with that comes fictional scenarios having to do with everyday life and relationships of the characters. Because of the hundreds of millions of people who inhabit the earth, I would even go as far as to say that some of the character's actions, as depicted in the books, would not be too far off from at least a few who will be left behind.

Because I was enthralled by the series, it is possible that I overlooked something that others see as contradicting the Bible. If so, I’d love to hear about it and discuss it. I think it goes to show that two people can read the same book, but have two different opinions about the message. I also enjoyed reading the book, “Raptured” by Ernest Angley long ago. It too had a fictional element mixed in with Biblical facts regarding the end times.

Just a quick note to express how I feel about the questions that were raised…

It is my belief that the first 3 ½ years of the tribulation will be fairly peaceful. I think LaHaye and Jenkins did a great job of demonstrating the order of events that will take place and how they will unfold.

For the first part of the tribulation, unsaved people will be smiling, laughing, and carrying on as if things will get better, much like they do today. They will be deceived and believe that aliens, or what have you, took people away. Even today, people who aren’t saved and who are not filled with the Holy Spirit, go about their every day lives laughing and celebrating life.

I think the series accurately depicts the feelings of those who are saved after the rapture. They know what’s in store for them, and while they have happy moments, they are constantly preparing for the last 3 ½ years when they know things will get worse. The saved characters are always in hiding, risking their lives in an effort to lead others to salvation, and when found, persecuted. I didn’t get the sense that they were living wonderful, carefree lives.

As far as Chang, it was an interesting and rather brave topic to address in the book. I think it’s something that many have asked or wondered about. You know, if a person is marked with “666” while sleeping or tied down and has no choice but to receive the mark of the beast, despite their pleas not to take the mark, then I agree with LaHaye and Jenkins that they will be saved and I don’t see any heresy in that at all. I think the authors did a good job of driving home the point that it’s all about choice and free will, and that may be why they introduced that topic into the book. To say that a person could lose their salvation at the hands of another person would be heresy. I think it was a good scenario to write about since it’s feasible that something like that could possibly happen during the tribulation. I would agree that it was heresy if Chang willingly took the mark of the beast, and was saved, but that was not the case.

As far as introducing a pregnancy and child into the story, I think that was a good way to answer questions that people may have about tribulation saints, and expand on that topic.

Overall, I think the authors did a fantastic job, and if just one person was saved after reading the series, then it was well worth their labor of love.

[Saved By Jesus]

I read all 16 books about three years ago.

SaintTexas, where do you get 16 books being in the "Left Behind" series?!

I am currently reading through the "Left Behind" series; (I am in Book #7, which is titled, "The Indwelling.")

As far as I can see, the "Left Behind" series ends with Book #12, which is titled, "Glorious Appearing."

Once again, SaintTexas, where do you get 16 books being in this series??


Saved By Jesus

[Betty]

26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.

I like the books "Left Behind" The Bible says that when the two wittnesses are killed the world will give each other gifts so yes even with all the tribulation there will still be smiles and happy people.
People who are saved during the tribulation will have moments of joy in spite of the terrible times.
Human beings even in the worst times look for special moments to help keep them sane.
betty