Question:

Does your church believe in the premillenial rapture of the church, etc.?

Answer:

Our church is predominantly amillennial. There are, however, some who are Postmillennial. In the formative years of our denomination, there were many who were premillennial. However, though there may be some current members who are premillennial, they are few and far between. This should suffice to answer the question of whether we believe in the premillennial rapture.

One reason for the diversity in the OPC is the Westminster Confession of Faith. While some would argue that postmillennialism informs the Confession, and others may argue that amillennialism informs the Confession, the Confession itself does not state a position. Chapter 33, Of the Last Judgment, begins in section 1 with the words, "God hath appointed a day, wherein he will judge the world, in righteousness, by Jesus Christ." The chapter ends with these words in section 3: "so will he have that day unknown to men, that they may shake off all carnal security, and be always watchful, because they know not at what hour the Lord will come; and may be ever prepared to say, Come Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen."

This is what our church believes. It may not say everything, but allows for diversity regarding the question of the millennium. However, it says all that needs to be said to establish the people of Christ in faith that he will return and all men will stand before his judgment seat. To that, all, whether premillennial, postmillennial, or amillennial may respond with the Confession: Amen.