Bible Question: I am a long-time Believer in the rapture. Recently, I have been challenged with the idea that believers would endure some if not all of the tribulation. I have researched this extensively and am looking for comprehensive understanding not the usual 'pat' answers. (My own arguments: 1. The last trumpet is toward the end of the trib. 2. Noah was protected from destruction. 3. God is cyclical so where in the Word does it show that God's people escaped from past cataclysmic world destruction other than Noah. 4. Christ's second coming is to pour out His wrath on the world. 5. We are not appointed to wrath.) Any input? |
Bible Answer: Prewrath vs. Pretrib Pretribulationalism 'Pretribulationists teach that the return of Christ has been imminent since the days of the early church and that the church will be raptured sometime before the seventieth week begins. Although they have no Scripture that in so many words teaches it, they teach that there are no signs and the rapture could take place at any moment. The seventieth week of Daniel is therefore considered to be a seven-year period of God's judgmental "tribulation" (hence the term pretribulation). This position generally views the seventieth week as the day of the Lord's wrath from which the church is excluded.' Prewrath 'The Prewrath position teaches that the true church will be raptured when the great tribulation by Antichrist, inspired by Satan, is cut short by God's day-of-the-Lord wrath, which will occur between the sixth and seventh seals of Revelation, sometime during the second half of the seventieth week. The persecution associated with the great tribulation of Antichrist is viewed as the wrath of Satan, whereas the events that follow, beginning with the seventh seal, are considered the wrath of God.' (For much more information go to the source of the above quote: www.solagroup.org. ) While I neither desire nor intend to debate the Prewrath Rapture position, I will nevertheless be happy to provide further information upon request. After all, the pre-tribbers have been having their say since the "secret" or "any moment rapture" view was picked up by Plymouth Brethren pastor John Nelson Darby, who first preached on it in 1843. It came to America in the late 1800's. Grace to you, Kalos |