Have you ever stopped to think about the implications to America and the world at the moment of the Rapture (and it doesn't matter which Rapture theory you subscribe to as you contemplate this)? Many of us undoubtedly have seen movies and read novels speculating about the effects of the most catastrophic biblical phenomenon predicted since the flood of Noah, but the worldwide implications, honestly, go far beyond those limited portrayals.

Did many people disappear?

I've just finished reading Joel Rosenberg's latest non-fiction book, Implosion, and one of the chapters gets down to brass tacks about what America and the entire world is in for at the moment this event takes place.

I learned a lot and appreciated so many things Joel shared in this book, from two plans that exist to stanch America's financial collapse, to the story behind America's recognition of the State of Israel in 1948, to the optimistic and pessimistic views of where our country sits today, from the standpoint of total implosion. (There are two distinct opinions on this and it's very intriguing to read about why the optimists are so confident.) But for my money -- and because I, as a pre-tribulation adherent, wait daily to hear the trumpet -- the most dynamic part of Joel's book was this fascinating look at the ramifications of the Rapture on America (and the world).

The chapter is part of a four-chapter set outlining possible scenarios for America's implosion:   

• The Financial Implosion Scenario
• The War and Terrorism Scenarios
• The Natural Disaster Scenarios
• The Rapture Scenario

In "The Rapture Scenario," Joel asks, "What will happen to America after the Rapture?" He recollects all the changes that have taken place in our lives since 9/11, when three thousand Americans lost their lives. There was the devastating emotional impact -- not just to the families and friends of those lost, but to our country at large. But there were also changes in travel, foreign policy, economics and our government institutions.

"Now," Joel says, "Try to imagine the U.S. losing a million people in the blink of an eye. Or 5 million people. Or 25 million people. Or more.

There's the mental picture we're all used to: "If you're riding in a car driven by a believer who suddenly disappears, that car very well could crash. If you're on a plane flown by believers who suddenly disappear, that plane also could crash." But then there are some mental pictures less prolific: "Highly valuable and experienced military commanders and business leaders and medical professionals will disappear, perhaps in the middle of critical projects or medical procedures. The impact will be catastrophic."

Think about the emotional ramifications for those left behind who have suddenly lost loved ones. There's no closure; they're just gone. And what about so many people who have long considered themselves to be Christian but are left behind to their utter dismay?

But here are some of the larger ramifications that I, personally, have never considered:

"If you think U.S. banks have a foreclosure problem now as millions of Americans cannot afford to pay their mortgages, imagine what will happen when millions of American homeowners suddenly disappear, never to make another mortgage payment again.

"What will happen when millions of business owners are suddenly no longer around to pay their bills? Or pay their employees? Or continue delivering vital goods and services?

"What will happen to the federal government when millions of taxpayers are no longer providing Washington much-needed revenues?

"What will happen to state governments?"

Implosion by New York Times Best-selling author Joel C. Rosenberg - Tyndale House Publishers

And then Joel explains, "The foreign-policy implications for the U.S. must also be considered. With such an immediate, enormous, and unprecedented shock to American society and economy from the loss of millions of people, it is difficult to imagine how the U.S. could remain a super-power. How could we quickly replace all our Christian intelligence and foreign-policy officials who would suddenly be gone? How could we quickly replace all the officers and NCOs throughout the ranks of the military who are born-again believers? With all the resulting chaos and dislocation caused by the Rapture, how could the U.S. move rapidly and effectively to defend a threatened or invaded ally or defend our vital interests around the world? How could we defend our own homeland?"  

I've never thought of all these consequences. Have you?  

Jack Kinsella, one of my favorite writers on Bible prophecy through his daily Omega Letter Digest newsletter, considers that America will likely be the hardest hit by the Rapture, because -- with all of her faults -- America can still be considered the world's most "Christian" nation.  Ergo, when the Rapture takes place, our country will probably be the hardest hit of any on the planet. He's not alone in thinking this.  

Todd Strandberg of Rapture Ready says, "I believe the Rapture will devastate the American economy so badly that no one will be able to ignore the consequences."

Jack Kelley of Grace Thru Faith, says, "The effects of this on US world leadership, our military strength, and our economy are difficult to calculate, but suffice it to say that it would cause those left behind to be more concerned with putting the nation back together than with external matters."  

There are many Bible scholars who have stated this in one way or another. These are just examples.

As Joel outlines in his book, there are a number of scenarios for America's implosion. Could America implode before the Rapture? It could. But to date you will notice that against all odds, our economy is hanging together, when by rights it shouldn't. "Against all odds" could be another way of saying, "God is holding it together." Why? Only He knows.

No matter which scenario eventually causes the collapse of America as a super-state, we know she eventually must fall, because she isn't mentioned by name in Scripture as an integral part of end-time events. I think, personally, that regardless of when the Rapture happens -- before or after implosion -- the Rapture will indeed be a death blow to our nation.  

This country has been home to many of us and so that is, indeed, a grievous thought. But be encouraged, because there's a much better world coming and I, for one, am looking forward to it!

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