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Pretribulation Rapture Position
The pretribulation rapture position often faces criticism, particularly regarding the doctrine of imminence, which is foundational to its belief system. Critics argue that the association of the rapture with the arrival of the Day of the Lord, as described in Revelation 6, undermines the idea of imminence. According to them, if certain events must precede the rapture, then the rapture cannot be imminent. This misconception, however, is based on a misunderstanding of scriptural teachings.
The Bible clearly states that no one knows the day or the hour of the Lord’s coming for the church (Matthew 24:36). This uncertainty emphasizes the need to be constantly prepared for the rapture, as it could happen at any moment. The critics’ error lies in viewing the Day of the Lord as a monolithic block of time, a sudden and immediate period of judgment. The Day of the Lord progresses like a typical day, starting with the Morning Star, moving through dawn, and culminating in full daylight, as illustrated in Malachi 4:1-3.
The Arrival of Elijah
The arrival of Elijah before the great and terrible Day of the Lord (Malachi 4:5) is often cited as a prerequisite event for the rapture. This interpretation, however, conflates the church’s rapture with Israel’s end-time events. Elijah’s coming is related to the second coming of Christ, not the rapture. He will prepare the way for the Messiah during the second coming, which pertains to Israel rather than the church.
The Doctrine of Imminence
The doctrine of imminence does not deny the possibility of signs occurring before the rapture; it merely states that no specific sign must precede it. This distinction is crucial. While we observe geopolitical changes and the strengthening of global governance structures, these developments are stage-setting for the tribulation rather than indicators of the rapture’s timing. Such stage-setting has been ongoing for decades, even centuries, and does not necessarily point to an immediate rapture.
In addressing 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, pre-wrath rapture proponents argue that the day of the Lord and the rapture are synonymous, suggesting that the rapture cannot occur until the Antichrist and the apostasy have appeared. This interpretation misreads the passage. The Apostle Paul’s message is a reassurance that believers have not missed the rapture, as evidenced by the absence of the Antichrist and the apostasy. If these events have not occurred, then the Day of the Lord has not begun, and believers can be confident that the rapture is still to come.
The Jewish Elect
Matthew 24 is often misinterpreted as well. Critics argue that the events described in this chapter, which precede the gathering of the elect, challenge the doctrine of imminence. However, a closer look at the context reveals that this gathering pertains to the Jewish elect during the tribulation, not the church. The references to the temple, the Sabbath, and the residents of Judea fleeing to the hills indicate a focus on Israel, not the church.
One of the significant objections to the pretribulation rapture is the presence of martyrs under the altar in Revelation 6:9-10, who cry out for judgment. Critics claim that this scene contradicts the pretribulation rapture because it depicts saints experiencing God’s wrath. This argument fails to differentiate between the church and Israel. The church, represented as a heavenly people, is raptured before the tribulation, while Israel, as an earthly people, will be preserved through the tribulation. The martyrs’ cry is not a request for the commencement of judgment but a plea for its completion.
The 70th Week
Furthermore, the pre-wrath rapture position asserts that God can work with Israel and the church simultaneously, as evidenced by historical events like 70 AD. This assertion overlooks the distinct economies through which God operates. The 70th week of Daniel, a future period of seven years, is specifically designated for Israel. After the rapture, God will resume His dealings with Israel, as outlined in Acts 15:14-18. The church age, characterized by the gathering of people from the Gentiles, will have concluded, allowing God to focus exclusively on Israel during the tribulation.
The Pretribulation Foundation
In support of the pretribulation rapture, several compelling arguments highlight its scriptural foundation. Daymond Duck provides a comprehensive list of reasons reinforcing the pretribulation rapture’s validity. Key points include:
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Biblical Silence on Church’s Tribulation: No passages in the Old or New Testaments explicitly state that the church will experience the tribulation period.
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Time of Jacob’s Trouble: The tribulation period is called the “Time of Jacob’s Trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7), indicating it is a time of trouble for Israel, not the church.
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Daniel’s Seventy Weeks: Gabriel’s prophecy to Daniel (Daniel 9:24) concerns the Jewish people and Jerusalem, with no mention of the church, indicating the church is not part of the 70th week.
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Absence of the Church in Revelation: The church is mentioned frequently in the first three chapters of Revelation but is absent in the tribulation passages (Revelation 4-19).
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Church’s Deliverance from Wrath: Scriptures affirm that the church is not appointed to wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9) and has been delivered from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
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Imminence and Comfort: The pretribulaton rapture is presented as a source of comfort (1 Thessalonians 4:18), which would be undermined if believers were destined to endure the tribulation.
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Protection of the Faithful: Revelation 3:10 promises the faithful church will be kept from the hour of testing that will come upon the whole world.
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Biblical Precedents: Just as Noah was preserved from the flood and Lot from Sodom, believers are expected to be preserved from the coming judgment.
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Marriage of the Lamb: The marriage of the Lamb occurs in heaven before Christ returns to earth at Armageddon (Revelation 19), indicating the church is in heaven during the tribulation.
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Two Phases of Christ’s Coming: At the rapture, Christ comes for His church (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17); at the second coming, He returns with His church (Revelation 19:14).
These points, among others, form a robust defense of the pretribulation rapture, demonstrating its consistency with biblical teachings and offering hope and assurance to believers.
Further Reading:
Pre-Trib Rapture Arguments: By Daymond Duck
