PART #1: “WHY I BELIEVE THAT THE CHURCH WILL BE RAPTURED AT THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST, AND NOT BEFORE THE GREAT TRIBULATION”
This is the first of several articles/posts that I have committed to write about why I, as a biblically conservative evangelical Christian, believe that the Rapture of the Church takes place at the Second Coming of Christ and not before the Tribulation period, seven years prior to Christ’s return. Before we get into the reasons that I believe the Bible teaches this, my first post will present to you some preliminary thoughts:
1. Tackling this topic is risky, I realize, as our unity as Christians is enormously important, especially in these days. This is certainly not an issue that should divide Christians in terms of our evangelistic mission, love for one another, or our fellowship in Christ. There seems to be a lot of interest in this topic, and I’m sure that has a lot to do with current developments in our country and the world. I’m certain also that it represents a stirring of the Spirit among God’s people to seek His heart and mind, and to prepare for whatever comes.
2. I am not writing these posts to create controversy or start futile debates over peripheral issues. My primary reason for addressing this subject is my belief in the possibility that we are approaching those times; there are many indicators, more each day it seems. If, as I believe, there is not a Rapture seven years prior to Christ’s return, that would be important information, at least for those alive in those days. And that may possibly include us. Understanding this would be help us to become better prepared spiritually and mentally for the serious tribulations Jesus described in Matthew 24. Obviously, there is a huge difference between preparing to escape and preparing to endure. If we are to endure the Tribulation, we will need a clear mindset of faith, courage, and resolve.
3. If this is true, it may also matter in terms of our faithful perseverance in Christ, and also with respect to our witness for Christ to others. Most all of the Pre-trib Rapture Christians I know personally are deeply grounded in Christ, and if they find themselves some day in the Tribulation period dealing with the antichrist, locked out of the economy, etc – I am sure that almost all would stay true to Christ. They would no doubt experience deep shock and disappointment and would need to adjust their thinking; however, I have every confidence that they would adjust. On the other hand, for some whose Christian faith is inextricably bound to the Pre-trib Rapture position, if that is proved wrong, they may be so disillusioned that they turn their backs on Christ Himself. (I realize that believing as I do is no guarantee that professing believers will persevere and not turn from their faith.) In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, Jesus taught the importance of having oil in our lamps sufficient for the wait until the return of the Groom for his Bride. Those without enough oil were left out of the wedding party. In Matthew 24:13, Jesus said that “the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Pertaining to our witness for others, if we have presented the Pre-trib Rapture as central to the Christian faith itself, and if that proves to be incorrect, the seeds of witness might never bear fruit. They could reason, “If this didn’t happen, why should I believe any of it?”
4. I don’t claim to be an expert on all the various end times scenarios, nor have I read every book on the subject. I do have some academic degrees, including BA from college, Master of Divinity and the Doctor of Ministry seminary degrees. Much more importantly, however, I have read the Bible cover to cover many times over. And after all, the Bible is our authority for what we believe and how we are to live our lives. I don’t intend to quote a lot of end times authors, but using the Bible, as I expect you really desire, I intend to prove to you that the Bible does clearly teach that the Rapture takes place at the Second Coming of Christ, and not before it.
5. Could I be wrong? Of course. But I would say with 95% certainty that, on this one thing, I believe I am right. (I know, that doesn’t prove anything.) Would it bother me if I am proved wrong? No, not at all! In fact, I would LOVE to be wrong on this – after all, nobody in their right mind would want to go through the Tribulation period. Not I, for sure! I’d be very happy to be wrong, and I will shout Hallelujah and be the first to apologize to my Pre-trib Rapture friends on the way up!! But who wants to know the truth about this? Certainly, I do, and I’m sure that you do, also.
6. Let’s treat each other respectfully, even if we have major differences on these things. One person has already called my viewpoint – even prior to reading anything I have to say – not comforting, dangerously misleading. Others have said that such a view as mine is heretical, false teaching, etc. On the other side, some insult sincere Pre-trib believers as pre-trippers and cowards. There is no excuse for that kind of name-calling and disrespect. Truth does matter, for sure. But when it comes to eschatology (end times), there are so many wonderful Christians who differ in their understanding and interpretation of the Bible, that while pursuing and articulating what we perceive to be the truth, we need to remain humble, loving, and believe the best about one another. We realize, of course, in the final analysis that only God holds all the pieces and has perfect understanding
7. I am not looking for a debate platform where everyone uses this opportunity to present their own end times scenarios – you can do that on your own pages. I am presenting biblical reasons why I believe what I do, with an opportunity for you to prayerfully evaluate and search the Scriptures for yourself, as did the Bereans in the Book of Acts, to see if what I am saying is true. I think that a forum of different perspectives is a good idea but not in this format. Over 230 people have requested to receive these posts, and as you can imagine, trying to debate back and forth could get very chaotic. So please refrain from debating or presenting your own end times viewpoints. You can message me if you like, if you have particular questions you hope I will address or brief thoughts to share with me. But I don’t have time for debate or lengthy discussion with you at this point; perhaps down the road.
TOMORROW: PART 2 – We will get into some of the nitty-gritty biblical reasons why I believe that the Rapture of the Church will take place at the Second Coming of Christ. Stay tuned!