“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. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
“The rapture” comes from this passage in 1 Thessalonians, derived from the Latin word for “caught up.” As I wrote last week, there has been debate on the timing of the rapture going back at least 200 years and arguably longer (see this brief history from a Liberty U. professor). As we study Revelation and other end times prophecies this should make us both humble in our own opinions and gracious toward those who disagree.
The Left Behind book series and movies made the idea of a pre-tribulation rapture much more visible, and many Christians came to assume it was the only view among evangelical believers. It is a prominent view based on Dispensational Theology, but it is not the only view. Historical Premillennialism teaches a post-tribulation rapture, and the A-millennial school teaches that we are already in the 1,000 year reign of Christ (Rev. 20), a figurative period of time that includes great tribulation.
Our goal for the next two Sundays (10/31 and 11/7) is to provide a broad Orientation to the End of the World, introducing the prominent interpretive options when it comes to the Millennium and the rapture, along with the implications of those views regarding the great tribulation, the antichrist, etc.
There will be a Q & A session after the worship service on November 7 where I will be happy to take any questions on these topics. Austin will share his background and perspective from a Dispensational (pre-trib) position. Jason was also trained in that school of thought though his thinking has shifted some.
As I noted last week, the primary basis for a pre-trib rapture is the Dispensational teaching that sees Israel and the Church as separate. In addition, here are three Biblical arguments for the pre-trib rapture, and then I’ll share three Biblical challenges to that view.
Arguments FOR a Pre-Trib Rapture
- Christians are not destined for wrath. “For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thes. 5:9). “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1). Since the Great Tribulation is primarily the final outpouring of God’s wrath in the 7 seals, trumpets and bowls, that seven year period is not for the church, but for a purification of Israel and the condemnation of sinners who have refused to follow Jesus. Revelation 3:10 seems particularly relevant: “Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.” And after Revelation 3 (and the letters to the seven churches) there is no more mention of the church in the book of Revelation until Jesus comes back (with the church) in chapter 19. In addition, the church plays a role in restraining evil on earth, serving as “salt and light.” That restraining influence will be removed in the rapture (2 Thes. 2:7), taking the Holy Spirit from the earth so that evil is exposed in the great tribulation for the self-destructive and cruel force it truly is.
- The Return of Christ is imminent. “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only…Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming… Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matt. 24:36,42,44). If Jesus could truly come at any moment, shocking both non-believers and believers with the suddenness of his appearing, it would have to be before the seven year tribulation and the rising of the antichrist, which will certainly be obvious to Christians. This coming of Jesus is “our blessed hope” (Titus 2:13), a gift to provide comfort to believers (1 Thes. 4:18), and something we are taught to pray and long for (Rev. 22:20).
- Jesus is coming for His bride. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (Jn. 14:3). The Jewish custom in ancient times was for the groom to build a home (usually an addition onto his parents’ house or his bride’s parents’ house) during the time of betrothal. During this engagement period the couple was already considered married even though they were not living together, as shown by Joseph’s need to divorce Mary before their actual wedding. When the home was finished, the groom would come for his bride, who was expected to be waiting and watching for him so the wedding party could hurry out to meet the groom and escort him in so the wedding celebration could begin. 1 Thes. 4:17 is when Jesus comes for the church. Rev. 19:11-12 is when Jesus comes with the church.
Challenges for the Pre-Trib Rapture
- The Return of Christ seems loud and visible. 1 Thes. 4, Matt. 24 and Rev. 19 include similar elements such as trumpet blasts, loud shouts, thunder and lightning. For a “Left Behind” type scenario 1 Thes. 4 would have to be a “secret” coming of the Lord Jesus, with the sounds and signs visible only to Christians.
- The calling of Christians is to endure through tribulation. Rev. 3:10 (“keep you from the hour of tribulation”) could be translated “preserve you through the hour of tribulation.” Resting a significant interpretation on a preposition (ek = usually from, but sometimes through) is not a good practice. The overwhelming expectation of the New Testament is that Christians should expect persecution and suffering and be prepared to endure it. If you remove the Dispensational assumption that the church is not involved in the book of Revelation, the messages to the churches all include a call to “overcome.” “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death” (Rev. 12:11).
- There are definitely believers in Revelation 4-18. Who are the martyrs in chapter 5 and 20? Whose blood are the enemies of God held accountable for shedding? If the 144,000 sealed by God are ethnic Jews who become Christians, they are still Christians who can only overcome “by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.” Why would God allow these believers to suffer through the Great Tribulation while exempting most of us from it?
My goal here is to present an honest balance in this discussion. The three arguments for the pre-trib view are strong and should not be easily dismissed. However, the three challenges are also significant. And obviously more arguments could be presented on both sides of this issue. Whenever it comes to “disputable matters” like this one it is important for believers to know the interpretive options, diligently study the relevant passages, and come to their own convictions. The biggest question beneath this discussion of the rapture is the nature of the church in relation to Israel. Read Isaiah and prayerfully consider what the prophet (and the Holy Spirit) intended in the prophecies of Israel’s judgment and renewal. Read Daniel and reflect on God’s sovereignty over all nations and the meaning of the kingdom. Read the gospels and study Jesus’ own teachings on the kingdom.
Whenever Biblical believers hold a view different from yours it is an opportunity to clarify and sharpen your own understanding and an invitation to dig more deeply into Scripture. It can also be an opening for the devil to create confusion and division – so be on guard.
But as we “major on the majors” and give freedom on secondary matters, let’s focus on the definite reality of the Return of Christ – for it will be glorious, it will be victorious – and regardless of how we have gotten to that point, we will be with the Lord forever. “Therefore encourage one another with these words” (1 Thes. 4:18).