Thread: Does the Bible teach a pre-tribulation rapture of the church? Michael Brown

As one who was a previous devoted pre-tribulationist (20 yrs), my strongest arguments rested on the Scriptures which indicate that God "hath not appointed us to wrath" (1 Thess 5:9) and that God would deliver "us from the wrath to come" (1 Thess 1:10). Why have I now currently rejected the pre-tribulation theory that I once held onto so dearly? Not because God's word has changed, but because of my true understanding of what these verses mean.

If we look at 1 Thessalonians 1:10, we find in the original language that Paul used (Greek), the words "delivered us" are spoken of in the "aortic" sense (a present continual), which suggests that it refers to "sin nature" of which "wrath to come" is eternal damnation and not the future tribulation. The original Greek words correctly translated means delivered (past tense) from our sinful nature and not a future time of testing here on earth.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 correctly indicates that we saints are not appointed to wrath, and, beginning at the 1st to 5th verses in context, portrays the world condition of the wicked just before the day of the Lord (battle of Armageddon). If you notice, the brethren are said to be right here on earth up until this battle occurs as a thief on the wicked. Notice in verse 4 that the brethren will not be overtaken by this day (not because they are not here on earth) because verse 9 says, they are "not appointed...to wrath" and because they are "children of light" (v.5).

That speaks of the resurrection, described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. This sheds light on the meaning of Revelation 3:10, which speaks of being kept from "the hour" temptation. The tribulation itself is never discussed in terms of hour but rather in terms of 1,260 days or 42 months as it becomes clear that a short specific time of God's wrath occurs in the one-day battle of Armageddon. Furthermore, the original language (Greek) expressly refers to "we the living, the ones surviving" (speaking of Jacobs trouble or great tribulation, 42 month period), who will be "caught up" when Christ (who must remain in heaven until the restoration of all things, Acts 3:20-21) comes at this appointed time with the "voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God."

This will fulfill 2 Thessalonians 2:1 ("the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together unto Him") and very specifically 1 Corinthians 15:23 and the 3rd part of that verse "they that are Christ's at His coming.

Originally Posted by Colonel

A "devoted pre-tribulationist". Wow. I can't tell you that I'm particularly devoted to any view on eschatology other than "Jesus will return".

1 John 2:28;

"And now little children abide in Him,
so when He appears, we may have
confidence and not shrink away from
Him in shame at His coming.

Every true believer is destined for eternal life regardless of what view they hold whether it be a pre, mid, or post tribulation theology. It's clearly not a salvation issue.
But I can't help but think that every true believer (me included) will likely experience some shame at His coming because no believer has lived as righteously as he should.
Those true believers, however, who have lived carelessly will shrink away from Him in shame, though they are saved. But I might add, walking in the truth of God's word and maintaining one's relationship with the Lord is living righteously.

Originally Posted by Colonel

Just for the sake of discussion, what do you think a believer misses out on by not holding to the correct end time scenario ?

Well, one thing I know, no believer is going to miss out on heaven because of believing the wrong scenario. We may see the seasons (as in the days of Noah) or the signs of the times (current prophetic events) but no one really knows the day or hour but God alone (Mk 13:32). Shoot Colonel, knowing me, I'll probably be the most shocked of all realizing how far off I was when the Lord finally does appear. After all, Jesus said He is coming at an hour when you do not think He will (Mt 24:44). Keep looking up, be alert, be ready! I just may switch to the
pan-tribulation view, it's all going to pan out at the end anyways.

Originally Posted by Colonel

What is it that I gain by embracing the correct view ?

I can't think of any benefit. None!

Originally Posted by Colonel

I kind of doubt that Jesus will focus on judging me for my end time views or lack of devotion to one, I think he will focus on a number of other issues before he bothers about that.

Good point! End time views? Might end up in the fire (sticks, hay, stubble).

I believe in the resurrection of the just, that at Christ's coming we shall be changed into the likeness of His glorious, resurrected body.
I believe that we shall receive eternal, physical bodies which shall not be subject to decay, and that in that glorified state we shall forever be with and serve the living God.
Because I believe this, I live life in hope of the resurrection, without fear of death and without bondage to the endless grievings of those who have no such hope.