The title of this post is a play on the word change of course, as every Bible believing Christian agrees [I hope] that when the Lord Jesus Christ returns to this earth, we will all be changed [living and dead believers] and have new bodies. We see a description of what will happen in 1 Cor 15:51-53 and 1 Thess 4:13-17, so the fact is established. The thing that divides however, is the timing of this event – whether it will happen before or after the prophesied great tribulation that is to come upon the earth. Referred to for convenience as pre-trib or post-trib.
The change in our bodies and our gathering together has come to be known as ‘The Rapture’ – a word not found in scripture, but like the word Trinity it is simply a convenient descriptive word for a Bible truth.
I am writing here more as a personal testimony to my change of view from pre-trib to post-trib belief, and I am not alone as I have discovered. It is not an in-depth study of the subject by any means, as others far more knowledgeable in the scriptures than I, have covered it so well and comprehensively. In particular there is an excellent free e-book by Steven Straub that can be downloaded at http://www.theposttribulationrapture.com
As a new Christian 50 years ago, I was taught the pre-trib rapture view, accepted it as fact and never took seriously any other viewpoint – it seemed so right, so why would I? Pre-trib theorists [for that is what it really is] are so convincing in presenting their case that it has become THE most predominant view among Christians. However, for me , there were always little things that made me wonder because they didn’t seem to fit the scenario, but I suppose I just shelved them.
The trigger that forced me into re-examining what I believed and what the Bible actually teaches on ‘the day of the Lord’ and the rapture, happened roughly three years ago when I attended a presentation given by a young woman at my then church. She was very much caught up in the misplaced excitement surrounding Elenin and blood moons at that time [too distracting for me to go into here]. She thought it her duty to warn us that these planetary happenings and related earthly disasters of one sort and another, were signs and indicators that the Rapture could happen at any time soon and come upon us like a thief in the night, so everyone better be ready, with oil in their lamps etc to avoid being left behind. I’m sure you’ve all heard sermons saying exactly the same thing [maybe not the Elenin bit].
What exactly constitutes being ‘ready’ is never quite quantified, so how can we ever be really certain of our ‘readiness’ in order to qualify? Well, of course, we qualify by being a Christian believer, with our righteousness’ in Him’ and not in ourselves ….. you are either born again or you aren’t – you can’t be half-way saved!
I can imagine it was something similar that was exercising the Thessalonians when Paul wrote to reassure them that two things MUST happen before the Rapture on the day of the Lord: a falling away [from the faith] and the revealing of the Man of Sin [Antichrist] 2 Thess 2:1-3 and in 1 Thess 5:1-11 Paul clearly tells them that they already know the times and seasons, so they are not in darkness and fear about it, but they are the children of light and that Day will not overtake them with shocked surprise, like a thief . They are not appointed to wrath, as the wicked are, but that day is to be their day of salvation instead. So meanwhile, they should live soberly, in faith and love, comforting one another with this knowledge.
Just to go back to the ‘falling away’ spoken of in 2 Thess 2:3 – as far as I’m concerned, it has always referred to the apostasy that is to befall the church, brought about by the deception of false teachers/prophets in the last days. So I nearly fell off my chair when I heard the young lady confidently say it means a ‘departure’ or catching away of the church [ therefore happening before the appearance of Antichrist] Wow – so we had it wrong all these years? I don’t think so!
We see then, if we take this verse as it stands, it clearly gives us a timeline for two events: the falling away followed by the revealing of that man of Sin, both to happen before the Day of the Lord. A short study of what will happen on the Day of the Lord/ Day of Christ shows that the rapture and gathering of the saints/church happens alongside the wrath/judgement of God . Good news for us, bad news for the wicked!
If we are unwilling to accept the implications of the plain statements of scripture, meanings have to be changed to fit what we want to believe and that is manipulation of God’s word. If Paul meant the physical removal/departure of the church I think he would have referred to it in the terms he used elsewhere. As it is – a huge ‘departure’ from the faith IS prophesied eg 1 Tim 4:1,2 and 2 Tim 4:3,4 so ‘falling away’ in that sense is in total harmony.
Pre-trib believers also seem to have trouble distinguishing ‘wrath’ from ‘tribulation’. But tribulation is not God’s wrath – in fact it is considered in scripture to be a great blessing and honour to suffer for Christ and be counted worthy to do so. Jas 1:2 & 5:10.11 God’s wrath is poured out on the wicked in judgement on that Day.
In John 17:14,15 after stating that the world will hate His disciples, the lord Jesus prays, not for them to be taken out of the world [Rapture escape route] , but that God would keep them from evil – which I believe to mean with their faith intact. Noah is often used as an illustration of the pre-trib rapture, but Noah and family were still on the earth while all the terror of God’s wrath on mankind was going on all around them. They were safe ‘in Him’ no matter what – the exact opposite of pre-trib teaching.
When the Lord Jesus Christ comes again it will be heralded with the sound of the last trumpet and everyone will see it. God, in His mercy and for the sake of believers ,will cut the Tribulation short by His coming, otherwise, we are told, nobody would be left. There will have been no prior secret removal of the Church, seven or three and a half before the Tribulation, because the resurrection and rapture of believers happens at the last Trump! this is called the first resurrection. The ‘changed’ saints will then rule with Christ in His millennial Kingdom over those who are left, Jew and Gentile, after the destruction of the wicked nations that came against Israel in the battle of Armageddon see Zech 14:16 A most poignant verse is Zech 12:10 ” And I will pour upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem , the spirit of grace and of supplications and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced and they shall mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn” This of course links with Matt 24:30
I believe the teaching of a pre-trib rescue for the Church ill – equips believers to be able to face the trials that are to come. We have had an easy time of it in the west when it comes to suffering for our faith in Jesus Christ – but we can see the changes that are beginning to happen even now where our stand on the word of God will bring persecution as our freedoms are being eroded by laws and restrictions. I don’t doubt that the Bible will once again become a banned book for it’s uncompromising truths. No – I do not look forward to persecution, trials and tribulations – in myself, I suspect like many others, I am just a coward. But the good news is that we have a wonderful God and Saviour who is with us in our trials and will show Himself strong on our behalf when we trust Him and believe His word.
During my own ‘sortie’ into the subject I have come across web sites and blogs by Christians who have taken a similar path to myself and I have been pleasantly surprised to discover their thoughts and misgivings have matched my own, which has given me confidence that I’m on the right track. Their own studies have helped me enormously in what could have been an overwhelming task in my old age! I’m sure I haven’t covered everything that may be in question, but I hope it may be something of a stimulation to begin your own ‘as is’ Bible study. May the Lord make us lovers of His truth for His glory. Please feel free to leave any comments or thoughts – they are most welcome. Maranatha!
I am at the point lately of questioning everything. I read quite a few religious blogs and sometimes find the “Christian way” a bit too forgiving or in the case of the Rapture, not very Christian in those chosen. It seems to hard to pick one and not another, especially those undeserving. Not that I even think there will be a Rapture. Too hard to understand.
Bless you for your honesty Donna [I hope it’s ok to use your name?].
By reading many different viewpoints, we can indeed get bogged down, [even exasperated ?] and end up not seeing the forest for the trees. I don’t know your ‘spiritual’ position per se, but may I start from basics as you say you are questioning everything – not just the Rapture I presume?
The only advice I would give to anyone seeking after truth is to stop looking to man and religion for the answers , but to go directly to the One who said ” I am the Way, the Truth and the Life”.
Jesus said in John ch.3 that everyone must be born again in order to see and be part of the Kingdom of God. This new birth is not something we can do for ourselves, but it is the gift of eternal life [The Life], given to us by God as a result of each individual’s belief in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross [The Truth]. It’s the only way [The Way] God can forgive our sins and make us new. Everything changes then as the Holy Spirit works in us.
In the end though – it isn’t what I write, but what is written in God’s word that matters. I would recommend reading John’s Gospel and to ask God to reveal His truth to you. I do hope I haven’t mis-read your comment and gone off point Donna and that it has been a help and not a hindrance!
You are very helpful. I do understand how you explained this. I think with what is happening in the world today, it makes one question. Not so much the belief but the “why” this way and direction. I am traveling shortly and even though it is not to countries where fighting is occurring, it is next door. It really makes one wonder why all this turmoil and why they destroy the beauty around them.
I agree – it’s far beyond our finite minds to understand why people would want to treat each other and the planet so horrifically, But that’s the awful reality. But, hopefully, in the midst of it, the gospel will be bringing hope even in the darkest places, for Christ has told us to love our enemies and to do good to those who hate us – the exact opposite to the world’s way. He also says the way is narrow and few will find it; and so this unrepentant world is headed for that inevitable judgement Day , when God’s justice will be seen by all. Nothing escapes His eyes.
Meanwhile, we need to trust Him, [He IS our loving Heavenly Father after all] that He is in sovereign control, no matter how bad things look to our human eyes. I believe that trust has to happen first within our own personal sufferings before we can relate to God’s dealings with this sin-sick world.
Thank you.
I do not believe that ” it has become THE most predominant view among Christians” not even among evangelicals. And more of us have done as you and re-thought things in light of Scripture. It is just that they make it seem that way.
“I believe the teaching of a pre-trib rescue for the Church ill – equips believers to be able to face the trials that are to come.” This is a key point that Corrie Ten Boom made years ago. http://endtimepilgrim.org/corrie.htm
So much bad teaching comes from reading into Scripture our own views (eisegesis) rather than diligentlyl studying it in context (exegesis). http://textsincontext.wordpress.com/2013/05/11/second-coming-rapture-vs-scripture-christian/
Well Michael, it has been the predominant view in my own Christian circles and most Christian ministry web sites that I’ve visited. But you are right in that there are now more and more of us who are re- examining our position on it.
Re- Corrie ten Boom – I’m in good company then! And I certainly agree with you about reading the Bible in context …. ‘reading into’ is just ear- tickling in the end isn’t it?
My sentiments exactly! Well written. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much truelove, it’s good to be in unity! I enjoyed your own blog too.
When it comes to end times, whatever the belief of the individual and whatever their interpretation of the scriptures with regard to rapture/tribulation/millennium, we need to make sure we are ready!
Hi Carolyn, yes, as long as we belong to the Lord, are living soberly, in faith and love and looking for His coming , whenever we belive that will be , then we are ready and that hope becomes our comfort and strength; it is not God wielding a big stick over us !
Interesting article Eileen. On a similar journey myself. Have read and followed some great pre-trib teachers who I respect but of late have the awareness that as far as I am concerned there seem to be ‘holes’ in the theory. Actually as far as the neo-pentecostalism and charismatics go I can go no further. At the present time I am about to read ‘A Case for Amillenialism’ byDr Kim Riddlebarger which has come to me strongly recommended. Your article provoke some thoughts I expect and thank you for it.
Ann
Good to get your comment Ann. Can’t say I’ve studied Amillenialism ….. but I did meet a young man many years ago who believed that the Devil is already bound and we are livng in the Millenium NOW! Just a cursory glance around us tells us that isn’t true – but he believed it.
Ann, (Eileen)i can seriously understand your frustration with the “new” in the pentecostal circles, throw out the bath water yes. but please save the baby. Not all of the churches have fallen off, God seems to be very patient with us. Eileen, I have had some experiences William Branham which God allowed me to have along with The manifested sons of God, back in early 70’s and reappeared in some of the churches in certain ways in 90’s and up to today. I also couldn’t reconcile scriptures with the pre-trib, back now 47-48 years ago and began looking for the truth on this and two other subjects. i was patient yet seeking. and have found a position that actually incorporates 3 positions into one. His return has 3 aspects to it just like His 1st coming did. He came as a baby and very few knew it. then 30 years later he showed himself openly for all to see and hear for 3 years. Then he also presented himself on a donkey as king, which he will do on his return to the earth to the mount of Olives at the time of the Armageddon to destroy His enemies. This position incorporates a small portion of what the pre=tribs speak, a large portion of the Pre-wrath movement which has become popular since 1989, I held much of their position since 1973. Then the third portion of truth is the Post-trib return of Christ to the earth to reign on the earth. This fits with Daniel’s conversation with God in wanting to know the full meaning of the visions he was receiving. God’s answer in 12:4, 9, 10 was that it wasn’t for him to know, but that it would become known by those seeking him, the wise at the very end of time. That is why we first had the post-trib viewpoint with the early church, 100-200’s. Then that truth was basically lost for many centuries until the late 1600’s and Joseph Mede, then Darby came along with pretrib in 1832 or 3. Partial rapture and midtrib followed that quickly. The Pre-wrath movement was brought forth by Marvin Rosenthal in 1989. This group is very scripturally and hermeneutically correct in their teachings for the most part. Just some thoughts and History. Blessings to both of you. Marlon
Yes and Jesus in Matthew said after the Sun is like sack cloth and then moom turns to blood immediately after these things, you will see the coming of the son of man. I have always wondered why Jesus calls himself the son of man instead of the son of God. Hummmm
thank you for your interest – I once heard a preacher say that the title Son of Man is used in relation to unbelievers, but Son of God in relation to believers. I’ve never studied that so don’t know how scriptural it is …..
I have tried and tried to find a scriptural evidence, but haven’t found it. Many preachers teach things that are not in the Bible. Like the pre-trib rapture. If people can’t back up their teaching by scriptures then it is heretical teachings to my way of looking at things
I agree whole-heartedly – the trouble is they think they ARE in the scriptures! They don’t seem to realise that they are ‘reading ‘ things into it.