Yesterday, social media was flooded with memes about yet another prediction for the rapture. Years ago, this would have sent me spiraling into fear. I grew up with rapture anxiety, a constant dread that at any moment Jesus might return and I would be left behind. Movies like A Thief in the Night etched terrifying images into my mind, convincing me that the only way to be safe was to be as perfect as I could without question and never fall short of what was expected of me. That kind of fear doesn’t fade easily; it lingers in the body and the mind, causing anxiety long after belief has shifted.

The yearly prophecy conferences at my church were especially difficult. While others around me seemed enthralled, scribbling notes, nodding along, and eagerly discussing timelines of Christ’s return, I sat in silent dread. I knew I was saved and firmly believed I couldn’t lose my salvation, yet the images painted from the pulpit, wars, destruction, demonic forces, and the terror of being left behind, left me petrified.

The fear wasn’t just about the end times themselves; it was about the way I had been taught to absorb everything preached without question. In that environment, blind belief was equated with faithfulness, and doubt was seen as rebellion. So even when the messages triggered panic, I told myself the problem was with me, not with the teaching. Everyone else seemed captivated, excited even, about what was coming, while I carried the unbearable weight of anxiety and dread.

Looking back, I see how those prophecy conferences weren’t really about preparing people spiritually, they were about control. By keeping us terrified of what might come, leaders ensured our compliance in the present. The constant reminder that “Jesus could come back at any moment” kept members in line. It wasn’t about living with hope or peace but about living with fear. A stray doubt, a rebellious choice, or even just a moment of questioning authority could be framed as evidence that you weren’t “ready.” And the threat of “maybe you aren’t really saved” menat being “left behind” was the ultimate punishment.

This obsession with the rapture also gave leaders and members alike a convenient way to shirk responsibility for the world around them. Why worry about climate change if Christ is returning soon? Why address poverty, systemic injustice, or even church abuse if the world is just a temporary holding place about to be destroyed? The doctrine was twisted into a shield against accountability, both spiritual and social. It excused inaction and gave cover for negligence.

But here’s the irony: the Bible never presents the return of Christ as a reason to withdraw from responsibility. Instead, it calls believers to watchfulness expressed through justice, compassion, and care for creation. Yet in fundamentalist spaces, rapture teaching was less about preparing hearts for love and service, and more about controlling behavior through fear.

Looking back, I see that my rapture anxiety wasn’t really about God at all! It was about the human systems that benefited from keeping me afraid. Fearful people are easier to control. Fearful people don’t ask hard questions. Fearful people keep obeying, hoping they won’t be the ones left behind.

Now, when I see rapture predictions making the rounds online, I don’t feel the same panic. Instead, I feel sadness for those still trapped in that cycle of fear. I feel frustration at the way leaders continue to wield this doctrine as a weapon rather than a source of hope. Breaking free from that fear is breaking free from control. And once the fear is gone, the manipulation no longer works.

PS: What I have learned from studying and reading the Bible for myself:

The Bible describes the gathering of believers to Christ, but it doesn’t clearly support the popular evangelical notion of a pre-tribulation rapture where Christians vanish before catastrophic events. (Matthew 24:29-31, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52)

Historically, the idea of a sudden “secret rapture” is relatively modern and not rooted in early Christian teaching. The modern, popular version of the rapture is not an ancient belief. It was systematically developed in the early 19th century, spread widely in the early 20th century through a single influential Bible, and then became a dominant cultural narrative through books and films in the late 20th century. Most of these verses are taken out of historical and literary context, combined across books, or interpreted through a modern dispensationalist lens. The pre-tribulation rapture is not explicitly taught in Scripture, yet it has been presented as a controlling fear tactic in some fundamentalist settings.

Verses often cited for the rapture are sometimes taken out of context or combined in ways the original texts did not intend. Check out these rapture verses for yourself:

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Matthew 24:29-31

1 Corinthians 15:51-52

John 14:1-3

Revelation 3:10

Revelation 4:1

Luke 17:34-36

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3

Edited to add: You can read more about my childhood experience with the Thief in the Night Movies by clicking HERE or here: Happy Halloween: The Scariest Movies I Have Ever Seen

Disclaimer: The personal experiences shared in this post are based on my personal perspective. While I chose to leave the IFB to find a more gracious and loving faith, it is important to acknowledge that individuals may have different experiences and find happiness within the IFB or any other religious institution. The decision to leave the IFB does not imply a loss of faith, as faith is a deeply personal and subjective matter. It is essential to respect and recognize the diversity of experiences and perspectives within religious communities. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice, guidance, or a universal representation of the IFB or any religious organization. It is recommended to seek guidance, conduct research, and consider multiple perspectives when making personal decisions or exploring matters of faith.