The Pre-Tribulation Rapture is a widely taught belief in churches and popularized through Christian literature and media. It promises that believers will be raptured before the onset of the seven-year tribulation, often identified as Daniel's Seventieth Week (Daniel 9:24-27), thereby sparing them from the trials of the last days. This belief has been incorporated into many church creeds and doctrinal statements.

Movies like 'Left Behind' and 'A Thief in the Night' have further cemented the Pre-Tribulation perspective. However, if this view is incorrect, it could leave believers unprepared for the challenges ahead, potentially leading them to fall away from the faith when unexpected tribulation arises. The consequences of this misunderstanding are grave, and we must address them with urgency and concern for our fellow believers.

In the following pages, we comprehensively examine the Pre-Tribulation View, drawing on scriptural analysis and historical context. We encourage believers to re-examine this doctrine and its implications critically. We sincerely urge readers to consider this information thoughtfully and prayerfully, as it significantly impacts our Christian community's unity and underscores our shared responsibility for each other's spiritual preparedness.

Historical Context and Early Church Beliefs

The early church fathers largely believed that Christians would endure the tribulation before Jesus' return. Figures like Irenaeus, Tertullian, Hippolytus, Victorinus, and Cyprian expected the Church to face persecution under the Antichrist before being delivered by Christ.

In Against Heresies, Irenaeus explicitly stated that the Antichrist would come, and the Church would suffer during the Great Tribulation. In On the Resurrection of the Flesh and Against Marcion, Tertullian also believed in enduring tribulation. Hippolytus detailed this in his Treatise on Christ and Antichrist, and Victorinus and Cyprian echoed these views, showing that enduring tribulation was a widespread expectation in the early church.

This perspective is rooted in their interpretation of Scripture and the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, who prepared believers to face persecution rather than promising an escape from tribulation. This contrasts sharply with the relatively new Pre-Tribulation doctrine.

Misinterpretation of Key Scriptures

Advocates of the Pre-Tribulation view often cite passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and Revelation 3:10 as support. However, a closer look reveals that these verses don't necessarily imply a pre-tribulation rapture.

For example, in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Paul describes the rapture but doesn't specify its timing relative to the tribulation: "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord." This passage outlines the event but leaves the timing open.

Similarly, Revelation 3:10 speaks of keeping believers "from the hour of testing," which is often interpreted as a promise of a pre-tribulation rapture. However, when examined in context, this protection refers to the "Day of the Lord"—a period of God's wrath—rather than the tribulation itself.

It's important to distinguish between "tribulation" and the "Day of the Lord." The term tribulation, from the Greek thlipsis, means "pressure" and refers to the hardships that test believers' faith. On the other hand, the "Day of the Lord" is a time of God's wrath and judgment on the earth, as described in Isaiah 13:9 and Joel 2:31-32, which occurs after cosmic signs seen at the sixth seal.

Jesus Himself, in the Olivet Discourse, clarifies the sequence of events, stating that the Great Tribulation follows the Abomination of Desolation (Matthew 24:15-22), aligning with Daniel 9:24-27, where only a portion of the seven-year period is the tribulation, specifically after the Abomination.

Further solidifying this perspective is 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, where Paul warns that the return of Christ and "the gathering of the saints" will not happen until two events occur first: the Apostasy and the revelation of the Man of Sin, which takes place in the middle of Daniel's 70th week.

While some use 1 Thessalonians 4-5 to argue for a Pre-Tribulation Rapture, the passage doesn't specify a timeframe, which is why Paul clarifies in his second letter to the Thessalonians.

The Church in Revelation

Proponents of the Pre-Tribulation view argue that the word "church" is not mentioned after Revelation chapters 2 and 3, suggesting the church is absent during the Great Tribulation. However, this argument overlooks key points.

First, as some suggest, if the church of Philadelphia is raptured before the tribulation, how can the church of Laodicea be addressed immediately afterward? If Laodicea is left behind, being called a church contradicts the pre-tribulation rapture argument.

Moreover, the church is referred to by other terms throughout the New Testament, such as "the elect," "saints," and "brethren." These terms are used extensively in Revelation to describe believers enduring the tribulation. For example:

"It was given power to wage war against the saints and to conquer them." (Revelation 13:7)

"This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus." (Revelation 14:12)

"They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen, and faithful followers." (Revelation 17:14)

If "ekklesia" refers to the body of Christ, then these references to saints, the elect, and brethren clearly indicate the church's presence throughout Revelation, enduring the trials of the Great Tribulation, often at the cost of martyrdom.

Even proponents of a pre-tribulation rapture admit there will be a church in those final days, likely an "underground" church trying to protect its identity. The real question remains: "When does the rapture take place?"

God's Wrath vs. Great Tribulation

Proponents of the Pre-Tribulation View often argue that believers are promised to be spared from God's wrath. While Scripture does assure that believers will be protected from God's wrath, it's crucial to distinguish this from the Great Tribulation.

The Bible clearly states that believers are not destined to suffer God's wrath: "And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath" (1 Thessalonians 1:10) and "For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 5:9). These verses emphasize that God's wrath is not intended for believers.

However, this promise of protection from divine wrath does not imply that believers will be removed from the tribulation period. The Great Tribulation, as described in Revelation and Daniel, is a time of intense suffering and persecution inflicted by the Antichrist and worldly forces, not directly by God's hand. Jesus prepared His followers for this reality: "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

John, too, affirms the presence of tribulation in believers' lives: "I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus" (Revelation 1:9).

Therefore, while believers are assured of deliverance from God's wrath, they are not exempt from experiencing the tribulation. The distinction is critical: God's wrath is His judgment upon the wicked, whereas tribulation is the suffering believers endure in a fallen world, often at the hands of evil forces. This understanding aligns with the biblical narrative that calls for endurance and faithfulness in trials.

The Imminent Return of Christ

A common argument for the Pre-Tribulation View is the belief in Christ's imminent return, meaning He could come at any moment. However, a closer examination of Scripture reveals that certain events must occur before Christ’s return.

For instance, in Matthew 24, Jesus Himself outlines specific signs that will precede His return:

·        "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many." (Matthew 24:4-5)

·        "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars... Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains." (Matthew 24:6-8)

·        "So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand." (Matthew 24:15)

These verses indicate that deception, wars, famines, earthquakes, and the Abomination of Desolation must occur before Christ’s return. Additionally, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 reinforces that the rebellion and the revelation of the man of lawlessness (the Antichrist) must happen before the Day of the Lord:

·        "Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him... that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed... He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God." (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4)

The scriptural evidence points to a sequence of significant events—global deception, geopolitical turmoil, natural disasters, the desecration of the holy place, and the rise of the Antichrist—that must occur before Christ's return. Therefore, a thorough examination of the Scriptures supports the belief that Christ's return, while imminent, will only occur after these preceding signs. The Bible presents a clear sequence of events, emphasizing the need for enduring faithfulness amidst adversity as believers await Christ's dramatic and singular return.

The Day of the Lord and Cosmic Disturbances

The Day of the Lord is a recurring theme in both the Old and New Testaments, often linked to cosmic disturbances like the sun turning dark and the moon turning blood red, signaling Christ's return and final judgment. Key scriptures highlight this:

·        "The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord." (Joel 2:31)

·        "Immediately after the distress of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light... Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven." (Matthew 24:29-30)

·        "I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black... the whole moon turned blood red." (Revelation 6:12-17)

These passages show that the Day of the Lord is preceded by significant cosmic events, marking the start of God's final judgment. The opening of the sixth seal in Revelation aligns with these descriptions, emphasizing a singular return of Christ rather than multiple comings. Immediately after the sixth seal, multitudes from the Great Tribulation appear in heaven, fitting perfectly with biblical descriptions.

Following this, the seventh seal brings a half-hour of silence in heaven, as Zephaniah prophesied: "Be silent before the Lord GOD! For the day of the LORD is near." (Zephaniah 1:7)

In the end, all the pieces fit together, harmonizing the Bible's teachings on the timing of the rapture and the Day of the Lord.

The Relatively New Doctrine of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture

The Pre-Tribulation Rapture doctrine is a relatively recent theological development, emerging in the 19th century through John Nelson Darby’s teachings. Darby, a key figure in the Plymouth Brethren movement, introduced this idea within his dispensational theology, which gained further popularity through the Scofield Reference Bible in 1909. This marked a significant shift from the historic church view, which taught that believers would endure the tribulation before Christ’s return.

While some claim that earlier hints of a Pre-Tribulation Rapture exist, such as in the writings of Ephraem the Syrian, these references are minimal and undeveloped. The rapid adoption of Darby’s view has shaped modern eschatology, often focusing on an assured escape from tribulation rather than preparation for potential persecution.

This shift prompts concern about whether the Pre-Tribulation Rapture aligns with Scripture's teachings. As 2 Timothy 4:3-4 warns, "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching... but will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths." This caution encourages careful examination of newer doctrines to ensure they are rooted in the full counsel of God’s Word.

Theological and Practical Implications

Believing in a pre-tribulation rapture can lead to complacency and unpreparedness for facing trials. If believers expect to be taken away before significant tribulation, they may not develop the resilience and faith needed to endure hardships. Conversely, understanding that we may face persecution and trials before Christ's return fosters a more robust and prepared faith.

Furthermore, the notion of a pre-tribulation rapture can inadvertently promote an escapist mentality. It can lead believers to focus on being taken away rather than engaging in the present world with the hope and perseverance that Christ calls for. Embracing the reality that Christians will go through the Great Tribulation encourages believers to be salt and light in the world, actively participating in God's redemptive work amidst suffering and trials. This perspective fosters resilience and readiness, preparing believers to endure hardship with steadfast faith.

Conclusion

After thorough study and reflection, the Pre-Tribulation View lacks scriptural and historical support. The consistent biblical portrayal of the early church's expectation of enduring tribulation and the practical implications of being prepared for trials all point towards the understanding that believers will experience the Great Tribulation. This view aligns with the broader narrative of scripture, which calls believers to persevere through suffering with the hope of Christ's ultimate victory and return.

So, for now, we follow in the footsteps of Paul, Silvanus, Timothy, and the church of the Thessalonians:

"...wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is, Jesus who rescues us from the wrath to come." (1 Thessalonians 1:10)

It is essential to approach this topic with humility and understanding, recognizing that eschatological beliefs can vary widely among sincere Christians. Our intention is not to discredit those who hold to a Pre-Tribulation View but to offer a perspective that we believe is more faithful to the scriptural and historical evidence and allows for harmonization of the various books of the Bible around this topic. As we continue to study and seek understanding, may we do so with a spirit of unity and love, always looking forward to the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We leave you with the words that Peter spoke (quoting Joel) on the day of Pentecost:

"But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: 'Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give heed to my words. For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour of the day; but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel:

'AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,' God says, 'THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS; EVEN ON MY BONDSLAVES, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, I WILL IN THOSE DAYS POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT AND THEY SHALL PROPHESY.

'AND I WILL GRANT WONDERS IN THE SKY ABOVE AND SIGNS ON THE EARTH BELOW, BLOOD, AND FIRE, AND VAPOR OF SMOKE. 'THE SUN WILL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD, BEFORE THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS DAY OF THE LORD SHALL COME.

'AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.'" (Acts 2:14-21)