Reasons for a Pre-Tribulation Rapture
Having studied the subject of end-times Bible prophecy for many years, I have seen the topic of the timing of the Rapture addressed many times. Indeed I had to go on my own journey of studying the scripture and the works of many other scholars before finally concluding that only the Pre-Tribulation Rapture Theory makes the most sense logically and, most importantly, scripturally. Not only does it make the most sense, but the other ones make the least sense when compared to what the Bible has to say about the Rapture. The topic can fill entire books, but I will limit to a simple, easy-to-understand summary for the purposes of this article.
One of the most exciting and resounding themes that support the Pre-Tribulation Rapture Theory is the concept that it is imminent (that it could occur at any time). Understanding that it is imminent inspires people to be sure they are living right and that their relationship with the Lord is where it should be. The concept also provides substantial strength to God's Word, wherein we come to a rich understanding that God wants us to turn to Him and that we should live righteous lives as we expect His return could be at any moment. In 2 Peter 3:9-10 we read, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare." In Titus 2:11-14 we read, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." One also is given a sense of urgency concerning evangelism. In essence, the Rapture could happen before you finish reading this sentence, complete this article, or it could happen the next time you are asleep. Imminence provides a sense of urgency that we are always prepared, and that those around us are too.
The early Church understood the Rapture could happen at any moment, which further supports that the Pre-Trib Rapture Theory is correct. In fact, one of the primary reasons 2 Thessalonians was written was because some false teachers had told the Church in Thessalonia that they missed the Rapture. Paul, the writer of 2 Thessalonians, explained they did not miss it, and then goes on to explain the Antichrist (a key figure in end times events) would not be revealed until first a great rebellion happens. Paul continues to explain that, "the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way." (2 Thessalonians 2:7) Many scholars believe that is referring to the Holy Spirit within the Church. Obviously that lends further support to a Pre-Trib Rapture.
Other verses that support the Rapture will be sudden and unexpected (imminent) include:
One of the verses I like best can be found in Like 21:36, where we are told by Jesus to "be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man". Notice that Jesus says that we are to pray and that He is saying, "Pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen", not just certain parts, and certainly not only the end.
As we contrast the Pre-Trib Rapture Theory with all the other theories (shown below), we learn that they do not support the idea that the Rapture is imminent. Rather, they would have Christians waiting until they saw the "abomination of desolation" before any expectation of the Rapture is thought or hoped for. The Post-Trib Theory, among other major fallacies, steals the imminency of the Rapture the most because the timing will be something that can be calculated. For example, Daniel 12:7 and Revelation 12:6 explain that the Great Tribulation (the period after the "abomination of desolation?) will last 3.5 years. Revelation 11:3 and Revelation 12:6 reinforce the 3.5 year period, citing it will be precisely 1,260 days.
Related to the idea of it being imminent, I believe some of the best passages that alert us to be ready for the Rapture are found in Luke 17:26-36:
"Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day no one who is on the roof of his house, with his goods inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything. Remember Lot's wife! Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left. Two men will be in a field; one taken, the other left."
The verses above describe people disappearing because of the Rapture. (Note: Some scholars believe that it is the Second Coming, rather than the Rapture, that is being described; but I think careful examination reveals those verses best describe the Rapture. (Visit http://www.LearnBibleProphecy.com/noah if you wish to explore that topic further.) As we consider the Rapture, Jesus explained to us that it will be just as in the days of Noah, when people were going about their everyday life (eating, drinking, marrying, working, and building), which is just as we are today. Again, we must note that the Bible explains The Rapture is an imminent event that will come when many do not expect it to.
We should appreciate that God will be merciful to the Christians who are living their lives according to His Word. The precedent is clear, for God mercifully spared Lot, Noah, and their respective families. Additionally, Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:9, "For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." We also read in Revelation 3:10, "Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth."
Related to the aforementioned concept that Christ will come back to save the Church (His bride), scripture also explains the event as our "blessed hope? (Titus 2:13). There would not be any "blessed hope? if we were first going to have to endure the tribulation events described in Revelation. Indeed we would be hoping that we were not the generation that lived during the end days if we thought that, rather than being raptured, we will have to endure hardship like has never been known before.
Support of a Pre-Trib Rapture can also be found within Jewish wedding customs. There are several places in scripture where the Church is likened to the Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27, 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:24; Revelation 19:7-9; 21:1-2), so as we examine that concept further we learn that analogy is rich with comparison. The Jewish wedding ceremony starts with the bridegroom paying a price for the bride (much like Jesus paid the price for the Church on the cross). The bride shows she approves of the covenant by drinking a glass of wine (similar to how Christians drink the symbolic wine at communion) and she has a ritual cleansing bath (much like Christians get baptized). The time between the betrothal and actual marriage can be quite some time, as the bridegroom must depart to build a place where they will live together, similar to what Jesus said in John 14:2-3, "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.?
After the bridegroom has finishes the task, he returns at an unexpected time for his bride: which is exactly what we read in scripture about Christ's unexpected return for the Church (e.g. the Rapture). We also learn about that unexpected return in the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), where we notice that both the faithful and unfaithful virgins were not expecting the bridegroom's return. Yet once the tribulation begins, particularly when the "abomination of desolation? is witnessed, there would otherwise be a great expectation that Christ is going to return. Once again, we see that an imminence is emphasized, and only the Pre-Trib Theory supports a completely unexpected, imminent rapture.
Also, in 2 Corinthians 5:20, we read that we are "Christ's ambassadors?. What is interesting about that is that before war breaks out, ambassadors are called home for their own safety. It is done quickly and in secret so as to not alert the enemy. Obviously that analogy can be applied to the Rapture of the Church.
Some people contend there is no rapture at all and blend the Rapture with the Second Coming. The following briefly contrasts those two distinct events:
Rapture: Christians will be taken from earth and will join the Lord in the clouds. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
Second Coming: Christians will return from heaven to the earth with the Lord. (Revelation 19:14)
Rapture: Occurs before the Tribulation. The specific timing of the Rapture is beyond the scope of this article, but is carefully described in the book, Pray That You May Escape.
Second Coming: Occurs at the very end of the entire tribulation period. (Revelation chapters 6-19)
Rapture: Will happen in an instant - in "the twinkling of an eye". (1 Corinthians 15:50-54)
Second Coming: Will be an event that is visible to everyone. (Revelation 1:7, Matthew 24:29-30)
Rapture: Is imminent (Titus 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:50-54; Luke 17:26-36)
Second Coming: Will not occur until after certain other end-times events take place. (2 Thessalonians 2:4; Matthew 24:15-30; Revelation chapters 6–18)
We can also note that while the church is talked about abundantly in chapters 1-4 of Revelation, it's not mentioned once the text turns to describing the tribulation. Moreover, John, the writer of Revelation, is taken up into heaven to describe the tribulation events at the beginning of chapter 4. To many people who study those passages, John's being taken up to heaven at that time strongly suggests a correlation to the Rapture also happening at the time the tribulation begins.
Finally, we must examine a very important concept concerning the tribulation, and that is: what is its purpose and for whom is it intended? Once you have a firm grasp on that fundamental concept, you begin to understand that the tribulation is not meant for the Church at all. Rather, as explained in what is known as "Daniel's 70th Week", the tribulation is a time God has specifically set aside to deal with the Jewish people. Understanding "Daniel's 70th Week" is so fundamental that I have devoted an entirely separate discussion about that very topic, which can be read about at this link.
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Imminence
One of the most exciting and resounding themes that support the Pre-Tribulation Rapture Theory is the concept that it is imminent (that it could occur at any time). Understanding that it is imminent inspires people to be sure they are living right and that their relationship with the Lord is where it should be. The concept also provides substantial strength to God's Word, wherein we come to a rich understanding that God wants us to turn to Him and that we should live righteous lives as we expect His return could be at any moment. In 2 Peter 3:9-10 we read, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare." In Titus 2:11-14 we read, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." One also is given a sense of urgency concerning evangelism. In essence, the Rapture could happen before you finish reading this sentence, complete this article, or it could happen the next time you are asleep. Imminence provides a sense of urgency that we are always prepared, and that those around us are too.The early Church understood the Rapture could happen at any moment, which further supports that the Pre-Trib Rapture Theory is correct. In fact, one of the primary reasons 2 Thessalonians was written was because some false teachers had told the Church in Thessalonia that they missed the Rapture. Paul, the writer of 2 Thessalonians, explained they did not miss it, and then goes on to explain the Antichrist (a key figure in end times events) would not be revealed until first a great rebellion happens. Paul continues to explain that, "the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way." (2 Thessalonians 2:7) Many scholars believe that is referring to the Holy Spirit within the Church. Obviously that lends further support to a Pre-Trib Rapture.
Other verses that support the Rapture will be sudden and unexpected (imminent) include:
- "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Matthew 24:36)
- "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." (Matthew 24:42)
- "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." (Matthew 24:44).
- "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." (Matthew 25:13).
One of the verses I like best can be found in Like 21:36, where we are told by Jesus to "be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man". Notice that Jesus says that we are to pray and that He is saying, "Pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen", not just certain parts, and certainly not only the end.
As we contrast the Pre-Trib Rapture Theory with all the other theories (shown below), we learn that they do not support the idea that the Rapture is imminent. Rather, they would have Christians waiting until they saw the "abomination of desolation" before any expectation of the Rapture is thought or hoped for. The Post-Trib Theory, among other major fallacies, steals the imminency of the Rapture the most because the timing will be something that can be calculated. For example, Daniel 12:7 and Revelation 12:6 explain that the Great Tribulation (the period after the "abomination of desolation?) will last 3.5 years. Revelation 11:3 and Revelation 12:6 reinforce the 3.5 year period, citing it will be precisely 1,260 days.
Just As It Was in the Days of Noah
Related to the idea of it being imminent, I believe some of the best passages that alert us to be ready for the Rapture are found in Luke 17:26-36:
"Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day no one who is on the roof of his house, with his goods inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything. Remember Lot's wife! Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left. Two men will be in a field; one taken, the other left."
The verses above describe people disappearing because of the Rapture. (Note: Some scholars believe that it is the Second Coming, rather than the Rapture, that is being described; but I think careful examination reveals those verses best describe the Rapture. (Visit http://www.LearnBibleProphecy.com/noah if you wish to explore that topic further.) As we consider the Rapture, Jesus explained to us that it will be just as in the days of Noah, when people were going about their everyday life (eating, drinking, marrying, working, and building), which is just as we are today. Again, we must note that the Bible explains The Rapture is an imminent event that will come when many do not expect it to.
God's Mercy for His Followers
We should appreciate that God will be merciful to the Christians who are living their lives according to His Word. The precedent is clear, for God mercifully spared Lot, Noah, and their respective families. Additionally, Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:9, "For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." We also read in Revelation 3:10, "Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth."
Christ's Love for His Bride, The Church
Related to the aforementioned concept that Christ will come back to save the Church (His bride), scripture also explains the event as our "blessed hope? (Titus 2:13). There would not be any "blessed hope? if we were first going to have to endure the tribulation events described in Revelation. Indeed we would be hoping that we were not the generation that lived during the end days if we thought that, rather than being raptured, we will have to endure hardship like has never been known before.
Support of a Pre-Trib Rapture can also be found within Jewish wedding customs. There are several places in scripture where the Church is likened to the Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27, 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:24; Revelation 19:7-9; 21:1-2), so as we examine that concept further we learn that analogy is rich with comparison. The Jewish wedding ceremony starts with the bridegroom paying a price for the bride (much like Jesus paid the price for the Church on the cross). The bride shows she approves of the covenant by drinking a glass of wine (similar to how Christians drink the symbolic wine at communion) and she has a ritual cleansing bath (much like Christians get baptized). The time between the betrothal and actual marriage can be quite some time, as the bridegroom must depart to build a place where they will live together, similar to what Jesus said in John 14:2-3, "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.?
After the bridegroom has finishes the task, he returns at an unexpected time for his bride: which is exactly what we read in scripture about Christ's unexpected return for the Church (e.g. the Rapture). We also learn about that unexpected return in the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), where we notice that both the faithful and unfaithful virgins were not expecting the bridegroom's return. Yet once the tribulation begins, particularly when the "abomination of desolation? is witnessed, there would otherwise be a great expectation that Christ is going to return. Once again, we see that an imminence is emphasized, and only the Pre-Trib Theory supports a completely unexpected, imminent rapture.
Other Inferences
Also, in 2 Corinthians 5:20, we read that we are "Christ's ambassadors?. What is interesting about that is that before war breaks out, ambassadors are called home for their own safety. It is done quickly and in secret so as to not alert the enemy. Obviously that analogy can be applied to the Rapture of the Church.
Some people contend there is no rapture at all and blend the Rapture with the Second Coming. The following briefly contrasts those two distinct events:
Rapture: Christians will be taken from earth and will join the Lord in the clouds. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
Second Coming: Christians will return from heaven to the earth with the Lord. (Revelation 19:14)
Rapture: Occurs before the Tribulation. The specific timing of the Rapture is beyond the scope of this article, but is carefully described in the book, Pray That You May Escape.
Second Coming: Occurs at the very end of the entire tribulation period. (Revelation chapters 6-19)
Rapture: Will happen in an instant - in "the twinkling of an eye". (1 Corinthians 15:50-54)
Second Coming: Will be an event that is visible to everyone. (Revelation 1:7, Matthew 24:29-30)
Rapture: Is imminent (Titus 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:50-54; Luke 17:26-36)
Second Coming: Will not occur until after certain other end-times events take place. (2 Thessalonians 2:4; Matthew 24:15-30; Revelation chapters 6–18)
We can also note that while the church is talked about abundantly in chapters 1-4 of Revelation, it's not mentioned once the text turns to describing the tribulation. Moreover, John, the writer of Revelation, is taken up into heaven to describe the tribulation events at the beginning of chapter 4. To many people who study those passages, John's being taken up to heaven at that time strongly suggests a correlation to the Rapture also happening at the time the tribulation begins.
Purpose
Finally, we must examine a very important concept concerning the tribulation, and that is: what is its purpose and for whom is it intended? Once you have a firm grasp on that fundamental concept, you begin to understand that the tribulation is not meant for the Church at all. Rather, as explained in what is known as "Daniel's 70th Week", the tribulation is a time God has specifically set aside to deal with the Jewish people. Understanding "Daniel's 70th Week" is so fundamental that I have devoted an entirely separate discussion about that very topic, which can be read about at this link.
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