The Rapture Part VI
The fourth view of the rapture that we will be looking at is the Post-Tribulation Rapture Theory.
This view believes that the rapture will happen at the end of the tribulation. They believe that the rapture and the return of the Lord are one event and that the church will go through the tribulation rather than being raptured out before or in the middle of the tribulation; So, the belief is that the church is raptured up as Christ is returning to earth at His second coming. The amillenialist hold this view.
Revelation 20:4-6 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
They believe that all believers will be resurrected at this time at the end of the tribulation. This is actually the ones that became believers after the rapture and has nothing to do with the church, for the church is never mentioned in the book of Revelation after chapter 3.
Revelation 13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
They also believe that the word saints here refer to the church. Once again, these are believers who are saved after the rapture and are not the church.
Revelation 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
They say here that the church will go to the time of judgment, but believers will be kept from Satan’s wrath during the tribulation. Jesus did me that he would keep them through or in the and hour of temptation, but from it. The Greek word for “from” is ἐκ. In this context, it means out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote).
Those who hold to the Post-Tribulation view believe the church replaced Israel and that is why they believe the church is going to go through the tribulation. Most of the tribulation is focused on bringing Israel to God. Gentiles will also be saved but the main focus of God is bringing Israel back to Him.
Even though these verses can seem compelling when taking out of context and by itself, when you put the Bible together as a whole then you can see where the Scriptures are taken out of context, and this is what is problematic with the Post-Tribulation view.
Remember, the return of Christ is imminent and He will be returning one day. If you are not saved when He returns it will be too late for you. If you have not put your trust in Christ remember, you can call or email me, or Heritage Baptist Church and we can show you how to put your trust in Christ.
Christian, remember we must be pushing ahead fulfilling the great commission for it is commission that Christ gave the church. Remember, look up for our redemption draws nigh.
Stay tune for the rapture finale, part VII.