Bible Question: Is there anyone else out there who feels that all the rapture chronology positions (pre-trib, mid-trib, pre-wrath, post-trib, ex-trib [O.K., I made that one up]) leave some loose ends scripturally? After studying pre-wrath I was sure I had the answer, but there are a few passages that still don't seem to fit. Sometimes I wonder if we're missing the point with all the rapture chronology emphasis (which I suppose I am perpetuating). |
Bible Answer: The Book of Revelation "Eschatology. If we take into account the [book of Revelation's] intricate literary structure, and extract from its apocalyptic antitypes the information they yield about John's assumed scheme of strict eschatology, we can, with guidance from more systematic New Testament statements of eschatology, tease a simple pattern of events from Revelation. After an increase in natural calamities, there will be a short period when the antichrist will hold sway and trouble God's people; the term "antichrist, " however, does not occur in Revelation. Signs of God's wrath (trumpets; bowls) will precede the return of Christ to dispose of God's enemies, followed by a general resurrection and judgment , and the eternal kingdom of God and Christ. Most of these elements are found in sequence in the futuristic passage (20:7-21:8). "Other points, such as the length of the tribulation period, the time at which Christ will return relative to that period, and the nature of the millennial reign of the martyrs, are still debated in some schools of thought." Paul Andrew Rainbow For complete scripture references or to read the rest of the article, "Theology of Revelation," see: (http://bible.crosswalk.com/Dictionaries/BakersEvangelicalDictionary/) (Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. (/Information/BakersEvangelicalDictionary.html). Edited by Walter A. Elwell, Published by Baker Books, a division of Baker Book House Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan.) |