Bible Question:
In Matthew 24:29 NASB it says: "But immediately after the tribulation" (then it goes on to say what will happen after the tribulation. Here is a list of what according to scripture will happen according to Matthew 24:29-31 NASB 1) The sun will be darkened 2) The moon will not give its light 3) The Stars will fall from the sky 4) the powers of heaven will be shaken 5) the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky 6) all the tribes of the earth will mourn 7) they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory 8) He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet 9) they will gather together His elect from the four winds. All Scripture from NASB Question: I hear so much talk about a pre-tribulation rapture. But if this scripture is correct as I must believe it is, then isn't the rapture in this text placed after the tribulation? In Christ zach† |
Bible Answer: Greetings! Remember that Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 Tribulation is another word for trouble. So many of the signs that Jesus mentioned that would precede His coming have or are taking place. We Americans have no concept of famine or true martyrdom, yet many Christians live under persecution and in famine stricken conditions. Certainly there are wars and "rumors of wars" and nations have risen against nation;kingdoms have risen again kingdoms. We have seen "earthquakes in various places" in recent days. Matthew 24:6-7 While these are all "speculative," and by far not all that we could look at as we compare these to the "days of Noah": When Krakatoa erupted, not only was the explosion heard about 2,000 miles away, as the ash circum-navigated the globe, it caused the sun to be darkened and created other atmopsheric abnormalities. An atomic blast conceivably looks like the sky being rolled up like a scroll - and could be described as a shaking of the heavens. What did "scud missles" look like? "Stars falling from the sky?" Or might this also describe the increase of meteor showers and falling space debris we have witnessed? The Gospel was preached to all nations in the fall of 2001. Although we have had the technology to do so, there has never been an opportunity or reason for this until 9/11. If you will recall, Billy Graham presented the Gospel from the National Cathedral which was simultaneously translated and broadcast LIVE throughout the world. As for nations or kingdoms, too often we make these political entities, when in fact, they may be spiritually defined. We have overlooked the possibility of Islam as a conquering "nation." Could this be the rider on the white horse described in Rev 6:2? However, in light of all our suffering in this present life, the Lord comforts us with these words:(v.6) " . . . see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come." The "trouble" of these days will be insignificant when compared to the great outpouring of God's wrath upon the earth during what the Bible calls the "Great Tribulation." (Rev 7:14; 16:1) "For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thess 5:9 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!" Romans 5:8-9 In between the "tribulation" that Jesus says believers will have, and the "great tribulation," as described in Revelation, is the "rapture of the church." "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.Therefore encourage each other with these words." 1 Thess 4:16-18 God's Word assures us that we will be saved from His wrath! Our redemption will take place PRE-WRATH. How should we be be living in these days? Do we really believe that Jesus is coming SOON? He has given us His Signs - keep looking up! Mommapbs |