80. Would Christians pass through the tribulation? When will the rapture happen?
(2) Mid-tribulational rapture: rapture at the midpoint of the tribulation
(3) Post-tribulational rapture: rapture at the end of the tribulation
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| (1a) imminent
and sudden return:
The second coming is imminent and sudden (1Th 5:3), before any clear events such as tribulation. |
Imminent return is still possible as all signs may have been fulfilled, though not likely. |
| (1b) unpredictable
return:
The second coming is unpredictable because some of the signs will be fulfilled in tribulation. |
If rapture is 7 years before the visible second coming, then everyone would be able to predict exactly. |
| (1c) secret
return:
2Pe 3:10 describes Jesus’ return as "like a thief" so rapture is a secret event not known to unbelievers. |
Rapture, with the voice of the archangel and loud trumpet call, can never be a secret event (1Th 4:16). |
| (1d) two
returns:
Different words are used for 2 returns: first the rapture or parousia; the second a visible return or epiphaneia. |
The two Greek words are used interchangeably. Even pre-trib theologians admit this. |
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| (2a) nature
of the church:
Believers should not be under the wrath of God (Ro 5:9). Rev 3:10 says that saints will be "kept from the hour of trial". |
The Greek phrase is used in Jn 17:15, meaning kept from harm but "not take them out of the world" and saints can still be kept from God’s wrath (Rev 9:4). |
| (2b) object
of teaching on tribulation:
The tribulation is intended only for Israel, not for the church (Jer 30:6-7, "trouble for Jacob"). |
Jesus addressed His disciples and warned them of the persecution and suffering to come (Mt 24:1-4). |
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| (3a) resurrection:
Response: The resurrection in Rev 20:4-6 is for the Israelites during tribulation. |
The first resurrection (Rev 20:4-6) is just before the millenium but after the tribulation. |
| (3b) judgment:
In the parable (Mt 13:24-29,36-43), the weeds were separated to be burnt while the wheat is taken to safety. |
The parable describes the judgment "at the end of the age". The weeds are the one to be taken out first. |
| (3c) last
trumpet:
Response: The last trumpet in 1Co 15:52 is the trumpet for the end of the church era only. [poor argument] |
Rapture will occur at the last trumplet (1Co 15:52) but there are many trumpets during tribulation. |
| (3d) day
of the Lord:
Response: The "day of the Lord" is a period of time from the rapture to the beginning of millennium. |
The "day of the Lord" is the day of the second coming (Joel 1:15; Ac 2:16-21; 1Th 5:2; 2Th 2:1-2). |
| (3e) Antichrist:
Response: There is no good answer to this problematic verse. As a result, some put the beginning of the day of the Lord at the midpoint of the 7-year tribulation. |
The second coming will not occur until the rebellion of antichrist occurs (2Th 2:3). This will occur only after the midpoint of the 7 years. |
| (3f) necessity
of interval:
The 7-year interval is needed to accommodate the judgment of the saints (Ro 14:10, 2Co 5:10). |
If all saints are to be judged consecutively in 7 years, the average time per person will be less than 1 second. |
| (3g) immediate
return:
If the rapture happens after the tribulation, then what is the reason for a rapture if all saints will return immediately? |
The Gr. term for "meeting" is used in the coming of a king to visit a city. It was the custom to go out of the city to meet him and then escort him back immediately. |
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| (4a) absence
of the Church:
The word "church" can not be found in Rev 4-18 so it is obvious that rapture has happened. |
However, "saints" were mentioned during tribulation (Rev 13:7,10; 17:6). |
| (4b) twenty-four
elders:
The 24 elders in Rev 4:4 represent the church because of their crowns (Rev 2:10) and their white robes (Rev 19:8); also elders were appointed to represent church. |
The number 24 is equal to the number in the chorus of the Leviticus priesthood. The song they sing (Rev 5:9-10) uses the 3rd person "them" not "us". |
d. For the mid-tribulational position, the strongest support is that the last of the 7 trumpets occurs near the midpoint of the tribulation.
e. This is a non-essential doctrine. However, Christians need to be prepared to pass through the tribulation at end time with patient endurance and faithfulness (Rev 13:10).
b. There will only be one judgment for all beings. However, dispensationalists believe there will be 3 judgments: (1) judgment of the nations (Mt 25:31-46), (2) judgment of believers’ works (2Co 5:10), (3) Great White Throne judgment for unbelievers. This position cannot be derived clearly from the Bible.
c. Different types of beings to
be judged:
(2) Believers (Ro 14:10,12; 2Co 5:10; Ro 2:6-11; Rev 20:12,15): not one of condemnation (Ro 8:1; Rev 11:18) but a judgment to evaluate and bestow various degrees of reward (1Co 3:12-15; 2Co 5:10)
(3) Angels (rebellious ones) (2Pe 2:4; Jude 6; 1Co 6:3)
d. The Judge: Jesus (2Ti 4:1;
Ac 10:42), assisted by believers (1Co 6:2-3; Rev 20:4).
e. Effects of knowing the certainty
of judgment:
(2) It enables us to forgive others freely (Ro 12:19; 1Pe 2:22-23).
(3) It provides a motive for righteous living (Mt 6:20) and evangelism (Eze 33:11; 2Pe 3:9).