Bible Question: One of the first doctrines I was taught after my salvation was the pre-trib rapture, I accepted it without question. I had no reason to doubt that position, but in the past few years, I have begun to question the pre-trib rapture. In studying Matthew 24 and Revelation 7, specifically in order to bolster my waivering position, I have become even more unsure that the rapture will come before the tribulation. Obviously, it is a much more attractive belief than the alternatives, and I'd like to be long gone when all the unbridled sin is in full sway, but I'm not convinced. I feel that the scriptures always offered as proof are tempered by conflicting scriptures. I would like to have some feedback about this. Thank you for any scriptures, etc. you might have to offer. |
Bible Answer: I believe in a Pre-Trib rapture based upon I Thessalonians 5:2. As I read it, Jesus will not come as a, "theif in the night" at the second coming. He will come as the dominating ruling of the universe and everyone will see Him, and those who oppose Him will fear! The rapture doctrine is based upon a 'gap' in the Biblical information. Why do so many of the apostles and the Lord, himself, emphasize the idea of Jesus' immenint return as a theif in the night, if at the second coming all the world will see Him? (Mat. 24:30) What about the parable of the ten virgins? Notice, the bridegroom took in the PRUDENT virgins (believers) and left the foolish outside! (Mat. 25:1-10) And, lastly if we were to look for the anti-christ the apostles would tell us to look for him, not our Lord! |