This is the new Left Behind Movie, 2014. It stars Nicolas Cage, as Rayford Steele. It came out to theaters October 3, 2014. I got to go see it October 4. Below is the story line taken from Left Behind’s Web site.
Left Behind is an apocalyptic Action-Thriller movie starring Nicolas Cage based on the New York Times bestselling novel that brings biblical prophecy to life in modern times.
The most important event in the history of mankind is happening right now. In the blink of an eye, the biblical Rapture strikes the world. Millions of people disappear without a trace. All that remains are their clothes and belongings, and in an instant, terror and chaos spread around the world. The vanishings cause unmanned vehicles to crash and burn. Planes fall from the sky. Emergency forces everywhere are devastated. Gridlock, riots and looting overrun the cities. There is no one to help or provide answers. In a moment, the entire planet is plunged into darkness.
The Steele family is caught on the razor’s edge of that darkness. RAY STEELE, an airline pilot, struggles to calm, and ultimately to save the lives of the passengers that remain on his flight, as the world below loses its ability to help his plane, and any other to safety. Running out of fuel, his equipment failing, his crew escalating into panic, Ray must guide the plane with the help of GWN reporter, CAMERON “BUCK” WILLIAMS who takes over the role of co-pilot in the face of the crisis. For Buck Williams, being trapped at 30,000 feet with a plane full of terrified passengers means a struggle to understand the incomprehensible.
On the ground, Ray’s daughter CHLOE STEELE struggles to find her young brother and mother, both of whom may have disappeared in the Biblical event. Forcing herself through the chaos, Chloe must navigate a world filled with terror and despair.1
I actually enjoyed this movie. It is nothing like the original with Kirk Cameron.I had moments of tears while watching this movie as well.
I have not fully studied eschatology, the study of the end of times. It is however, one of my classes for my theology degree. There are several stances on how the end of times occur and it depends if you believe in Postmillennial, Ammillennial, Premillennial, or Dispensational. Since I can work on my classes in any order, I may start my eschatology class soon, and share some stuff that I learn while taking the class.
One thing I noticed, the Bible does say he will call the dead first, then the living by the sound of a trumpet. I never heard the trumpet sound. Left Behind make it seems it will be done in secret and at night time. See 1 Thessalonians 4:16 in the pullquote. As you can see it says, Loud. As in everyone will hear and know. It won’t be done in secret like in the movie.
[pullquote]For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.2[/pullquote]
Some say the secret part is where he will come like a thief at night. See 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10 and Revelation 16:15. Honestly I do not believe it will be at night when he comes, it was using a metaphor, night meaning darkness, those who are in sin and not saved, He will come like a thief to them. But those who are truly saved will be waiting.
Regardless how Jesus may come back, the point is are you ready? I think the movie does help raise awareness of the rapture and the second coming of Jesus. Maybe it will help those saved to research more into the end of times so they will be ready. We are never promised tomorrow. Who knows for the lost, maybe it will shed some light on them what possibly could happen.
I also think the movie leaves you to know there will be a Left Behind II. I think it will be in a 3 part series as well like the original. Maybe in the second Left Behind, we may get a clearer stance on the point of view of the rapture this movie is trying to portray.
The movie ends by showing Mark 13:32. It doesn’t show the full verse. Below is the full verse from the King James Version:
But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
If you saw this movie, please feel free to share your comments.
So the overall question I have for you is …
Are you ready?
Another movie to watch is In the Blink of an Eye.
1. leftbehindmovie.com
2. 1 Thessalonians 4:16
About the Author
I have dug hard into eschatology in the last few years (cause it fascinates me). Having read Revelations and then venturing into Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah…there are so many indications that we are at the End of Days. I finally decided not to go to the the new release this weekend and instead watched Part II of the original KC version. I saw it the first time years ago and now realize how good it was.
I think we may have to wait for part two of new series to find out more of their stance.
I was wondering if the gospel is presented in the movie? Also, as for the eschatological position of the movie I would be surprised if it didn’t represent the position of the authors of the book which is pretribulation, dispensational, premillennialism.