Bible Question:
I would like some opinions on whether Christians will be raptured before the tribulation, in the middle of the tribulation, after the tribulation. I am studying Revelation and do not have an opinion at this time, and am interested in what others who have studied the subject extensively have to say. I am specifically interested in answers supported by scripture so please provide the verses that substantiate your opinion. Thanks, Chusarcik |
Bible Answer: Chusarcik While I don't claim to be an authority on this topic, I will provide you with some of my thoughts on the matter. First Scripture says: But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Matthew 24:37 So, how was it in the days of Noah? From what I see in my Bible few were saved. Only 8 souls did not perish. So I personally believe that when the Lord returns, there again will be few souls waiting, watching, ready and prepared for His coming. I believe the church will have fallen away from the faith by the time the Lord returns. (see 2 Thess. 2:1-3) Also in Matthew 24:29-31 it tells us "immediately AFTER the tribulation" the order of the events of His second coming. But notice- it says AFTER the tribulation, not before it. Matthew 24:30 says " they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds" some will tell you this coming in the clouds is not His actual coming. I personally don't buy into that thinking. Whether he comes in the clouds or otherwise, that is still His coming, and I don't see mention of a third or fourth coming, or anywhere where my Bible mentions that His coming will be in stages as some believe. If His second coming was in stages then to me that would contradict the following verses. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 1 Cor. 15:52 "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump" all sounds pretty quick to me. My Present Conclusion - I don't see the pre-tribulation rapture as being scriptural. I am not firm in my position concerning the timing of the rapture, however I would be more inclined and open to mid to post trib theories. Finally Matthew 24:44 says: Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. the command in the verse above; "be ye also ready" I believe is directed towards all believers in Christ Jesus We are to be ready, watching, waiting, expecting, and prepared at all times. One preacher once told me - "Hope for pre-trib, but be prepared for post-trib, that way you won't get caught off guard, and "Left Behind" Blessings New Creature |
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Questions and/or Subjects for Bible general Archive 1 | Author | ||
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ladyappleman | ||
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singnangel | ||
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G White | ||
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sweet | ||
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Carlynn | ||
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Ezejean | ||
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Chusarcik | ||
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Hank | ||
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New Creature | ||
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lchen | ||
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Confucious | ||
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justme |