How about the Bride of Christ and the marriage supper of the Lamb??? You believe in that???
Of course, I do.
As to Dispensationalism, I won't belabor the point, but I would suggest, if you are interested, that you study how it came to be prevalent in the Evangelical community.
First, start with Darby and work back. Then take a look at the Niagara conferences which spawned the primary expositor of Dispensationalism, Scofield.
I will be the first to admit that the Rapture and Dispensationalism are so ingrained in Evangelicals it almost appears to be "Biblical".
My position regarding the Rapture is agnostic, not, however re the Second Coming.
Just out of curiosity, I may do that...I've read references to Scofield but haven't delved into his history...I can't say whether his ideas have indirectly influenced my view of the scripture...
I've heard it said that Scofield 'invented' the rapture since it was unknown up until his time...I take the view that God will reveal certain 'biblical' things to people as the time approaches for them to be fulfilled...
I know there's a great deal of stuff in Ezekiel, Zachariah and other places that I'll never get...I'm guessing those things will be revealed to the right people at the right time...
And then there's the disbelief factor...How many people will get into a discussion about that gigantic body of water above the stars??? The one that NASA hasn't found yet...I believe that God opening the Red Sea is a 'type' of the Rapture showing us that He will open that great body of water during the Rapture...
I realize a person has to reach to get that, but it's in THAT book...There is SO much stuff in THAT book...
You said: "My position regarding the Rapture is agnostic, not, however re the Second Coming"
Actually I think that is probably a good philosophy. I have trouble with the rapture theory. It seems IMHO that the whole pupose of the tribulation is to make Christians take a stand. Some of the "fence stradling" Christians (those who are pro-abortion, pro-gay etc,) will have to choose whether they support their secular beliefs or their Christian beliefs. To show this support they will have to recieve the "mark of the beast."
Will there be a "rapture?" Yes, it was promised that Jesus would return to collect his bride, that all the dead in Christ shall rise, and that after the resurrection of the dead then those living Christians shall be changed and go with Christ. That is clearly taught buy Jesus himself.
Will it happen before the great tribulation? I don't know. But my opinion is no.