The Left Behind series, written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, is a captivating and thought-provoking collection of novels centered on the Biblical prophecies of the end times. This bestselling series takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster as it follows the lives of those left behind after the Rapture.
With over 60 million copies sold, the Left Behind series has become a cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences with its engaging storyline, dynamic characters, and suspenseful plot twists. In this blog post, we will explore the chronological order of the Left Behind series to help you fully immerse yourself in this thrilling apocalyptic adventure.
List of the Left Behind Series in Order of Publication:
- Left Behind (1995)
- Tribulation Force (1996)
- Nicolae (1997)
- Soul Harvest (1998)
- Apollyon (1999)
- Assassins (1999)
- The Indwelling (2000)
- The Mark (2000)
- Desecration (2001)
- The Remnant (2002)
- Armageddon (2003)
- Glorious Appearing (2004)
- Kingdom Come (2007)
List of the Left Behind Series in Chronological Order:
- The Rising: Antichrist is Born (2005) – Prequel
- The Regime: Evil Advances (2005) – Prequel
- The Rapture: In the Twinkling of an Eye (2006) – Prequel
- Left Behind (1995)
- Tribulation Force (1996)
- Nicolae (1997)
- Soul Harvest (1998)
- Apollyon (1999)
- Assassins (1999)
- The Indwelling (2000)
- The Mark (2000)
- Desecration (2001)
- The Remnant (2002)
- Armageddon (2003)
- Glorious Appearing (2004)
- Kingdom Come (2007) – Sequel
Summary of the Left Behind Books in Order
1. Left Behind (1995)
In the first book of the series, the world is suddenly rocked by the mysterious disappearance of millions of people. As chaos ensues, pilot Rayford Steele, his journalist daughter Chloe, and pastor Bruce Barnes must navigate the aftermath of the Rapture, discovering the truth behind the vanishing.
As they grapple with their newfound faith, they form a group called the Tribulation Force to fight against the Antichrist and his reign.
2. Tribulation Force (1996)
The second book follows the Tribulation Force as they face the rise of the Antichrist, Nicolae Carpathia, who takes control of the United Nations. The protagonists work to spread the Gospel and resist Carpathia’s growing power. Meanwhile, they must deal with personal challenges and the increasingly difficult circumstances of the Tribulation period.
3. Nicolae (1997)
As the world descends further into chaos, Nicolae Carpathia continues to consolidate his power, manipulating global politics and creating a one-world government. The Tribulation Force must navigate the treacherous waters of the Great Tribulation, witnessing events like the rise of the False Prophet and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.
4. Soul Harvest (1998)
In this installment, Earth is ravaged by devastating natural disasters, and the Tribulation Force faces significant losses. Rayford and his team search for their missing loved ones while attempting to survive the cataclysmic events. As they continue their fight against the Antichrist’s regime, their faith is put to the ultimate test.
5. Apollyon (1999)
With the fifth Trumpet Judgment unleashed, demonic locusts torment the earth’s inhabitants. The Tribulation Force members must confront the growing darkness while continuing their mission to spread the Gospel. As they witness the fulfillment of prophecy, they must hold onto hope and faith in the face of overwhelming adversity.
6. Assassins (1999)
The Tribulation Force faces its most significant challenge yet as they attempt to thwart an assassination plot against the Antichrist. The drama intensifies as personal sacrifices, betrayals, and shocking events unfold. The battle between good and evil escalates, and the stakes have never been higher.
7. The Indwelling (2000)
After the assassination attempt, the Antichrist, Nicolae Carpathia, is miraculously resurrected, gaining even more power and influence. The Tribulation Force must work harder than ever to thwart his plans and bring hope to a world plunged into darkness. As the midpoint of the Tribulation approaches, the stakes continue to rise.
8. The Mark (2000)
The Antichrist enforces the mark of the beast, forcing the world to pledge allegiance to him or face death. The Tribulation Force must navigate this new world order while spreading the Gospel and avoiding capture. Their faith is tested as they face the most challenging decisions of their lives.
9. Desecration (2001)
The desecration of the newly built Temple in Jerusalem marks a turning point in the series. The Tribulation Force must confront the abomination of desolation while trying to evade the Antichrist’s forces. As tensions escalate, the characters face immense trials, testing their faith and resilience.
10. The Remnant (2002)
The Tribulation Force must endure a series of judgments, including the Bowl Judgments, as the world teeters on the brink of destruction. They continue their mission to save souls and resist the forces of evil, even as the final battle between good and evil draws near.
11. Armageddon (2003)
As the Battle of Armageddon looms, the Tribulation Force prepares for the ultimate confrontation between good and evil. They must gather their strength, courage, and faith to face the apocalyptic events that will determine the fate of humanity.
As they witness the fulfillment of prophecy, the characters experience immense challenges, sacrifices, and heartache on their journey towards the climactic battle.
12. Glorious Appearing (2004)
In the penultimate installment of the series, Jesus Christ returns to Earth to defeat the Antichrist and his forces. The Tribulation Force rejoices as they witness the Second Coming, but they must also face the final battles and the loss of loved ones. As the Millennium reign of Christ begins, the characters find solace in the promise of a new world order.
13. Kingdom Come (2007)
The final book in the Left Behind series transports readers into the Millennial Kingdom, a thousand-year period of peace and prosperity under Jesus Christ’s rule. The Tribulation Force members experience the joys of this new era, while also confronting the challenges of a world still grappling with the remnants of evil.
As the Millennium comes to an end, they must prepare for the ultimate battle between good and evil, culminating in the final judgment and the promise of eternal life.
Who Wrote Left Behind?
The Left Behind series was co-authored by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. Tim LaHaye was an American evangelical Christian minister, speaker, and author, best known for his work on prophecy and end-time events.
He provided the theological framework and concepts for the series. Jerry B. Jenkins is an American novelist and biographer, who has authored more than 190 books in various genres. Jenkins wrote the narrative for the Left Behind series, turning LaHaye’s ideas into engaging stories that captured the attention of millions of readers.
What is the Left Behind series?
The Left Behind series is a collection of Christian fiction novels that focus on the end times, as described in the Bible, particularly the Book of Revelation. The series explores the events surrounding the Rapture, the Tribulation, and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
It follows a group of characters who form the Tribulation Force, a group that resists the Antichrist’s rule and works to spread the Gospel during the end times. The series is a combination of suspense, action, and drama, addressing themes of faith, redemption, and the battle between good and evil.
How many books are in the Left Behind series?
There are a total of 16 books in the Left Behind series. The main series consists of 12 books, starting with “Left Behind” (1995) and concluding with “Glorious Appearing” (2004).
In addition to the main series, there are three prequel novels “The Rising: Antichrist is Born” (2005), “The Regime: Evil Advances” (2005), and “The Rapture: In the Twinkling of an Eye” (2006) which provide background on the events leading up to the Rapture and the rise of the Antichrist.
Finally, there is one sequel novel, “Kingdom Come” (2007), which takes place during the Millennial Kingdom and wraps up the storylines of the main characters.
What makes the Left Behind series unique in the realm of Christian fiction?
The Left Behind series stands out in the Christian fiction genre due to its focus on eschatology, the study of the end times as described in the Bible. By combining elements of action, suspense, and drama, the series offers a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged while exploring complex theological concepts.
Expert Tip: Furthermore, the books strike a balance between exploring deep spiritual themes and presenting relatable characters, making them accessible to readers from various backgrounds. The series has resonated with both religious and secular audiences, sparking conversations about faith, morality, and the potential implications of biblical prophecy.
How has the Left Behind series impacted popular culture?
The Left Behind series has had a significant impact on popular culture, selling over 60 million copies and spawning a multimedia franchise that includes films, graphic novels, and video games. The series has been credited with popularizing Christian fiction and bringing the concept of the Rapture and end-times prophecy into mainstream consciousness.
It has inspired numerous other works of fiction and nonfiction that deal with eschatology and related topics. Moreover, the series has generated discussion and debate about the interpretation of biblical prophecy and the role of religion in contemporary society.
Are there any spin-offs or adaptations of the Left Behind series?
Yes, the Left Behind series has inspired several spin-offs and adaptations. There is a young adult series called “Left Behind: The Kids,” which consists of 40 books and follows a group of teens navigating the end times.
The main series has also been adapted into four feature films, starting with “Left Behind: The Movie” (2000) and concluding with “Left Behind: World at War” (2005). A reboot of the film series, simply titled “Left Behind” (2014), stars Nicolas Cage as Rayford Steele.
Additionally, there are graphic novels, an audio drama series, and video games based on the Left Behind universe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Left Behind series, co-authored by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, offers readers an engaging and thought-provoking journey through the end times as depicted in biblical prophecy.
With a total of 16 books in the series, readers can explore the captivating world of the Tribulation Force as they resist the Antichrist and strive to maintain their faith in the face of adversity.
The series has had a profound impact on both Christian fiction and popular culture, inspiring numerous adaptations and spin-offs while generating discussion about faith, morality, and the interpretation of biblical prophecy.