Serious question for Christians?

Question

Do you believe there will be a rapture? If you do, do you believe it will be pre-, mid-, or post-tribulation? Can you provide some scripture to back up your belief?

I'm asking the non-believers VERY nicely to please let the believers answer. I want to get their take on this.

I was going to reply to each of you individually, but Yahoo won't give me that many characters to work with. Thanks for all the great answers. I appreciate the help. I was taught that it would be pre-trib, but from what I have read, I have a lot of doubts about that. I kept hearing "pre-trib" but it didn't line up with what I was reading. It started to think that if everyone I talked to thought it was different, I must not be reading it right. But if anybody wants to email verses that say otherwise, feel free to.

There is no way I can choose one best answer since you all were so helpful. I hope you guys will help me out by voting. :)

Answer 1

The Rapture
1 Thess. 4:16-17 - Paul writes that "we will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air." Many Protestants call this experience the "rapture" (even though the word "rapture" is not found in the Bible, although is derived from the Latin vulgate of this verse – “rapiemur”). John 14:3; 1 Cor. 15:52 - these are other passages that Protestants use to support the rapture experience. The question Protestantism has raised is “when will the rapture occur?” They have developed three theories – (1) post-tribulation; (2) pre-tribulation; and, (3) mid-tribulation. We address these theories later on. But first, here is some more background.

Rev. 20:2-3; 7-8 – John sees the vision of an angel who seizes satan and binds him for a period of a thousand years. Protestants generally call this period of a thousand years the “millennium.” The “millennium” is a harbinger of the end of the world, and the theories of when the “rapture” will occur center around this period of time. We should also note that the “thousand years” language is part of apocalyptic literature and should not be interpreted literally. For example, in Psalm 50:10, we see the cattle on a "thousand hills." The word "thousand" here obviously means a lot of hills. In Dan. 7:10, a "thousand thousands" served him. Again, "thousand" means a lot. In 2 Peter 3:8, with God one day is a "thousand" years and a "thousand" years is one day. "Thousand" is symbolic for a long time. It is not to be taken literally.

There are three ways that Protestants interpret the meaning of the thousand year “millennium” (and the interpretation leads to answering when they think the rapture will occur).

(1) Post-millennialism – this view interprets the “thousand years” as a very long time. This view also holds that God’s kingdom is being advanced in the world by His grace and the world will eventually be Christianized. Then Christ will return at the close of this period during a time of righteousness and peace. The problem with this view is that the Scriptures do not teach that the world will be even relatively Christianized before the Second Coming. For example, in Matt. 13:24-30;36-43, Jesus says the wicked and the righteous will co-exist until the end of the world, when they will be judged, and either inherit eternal life, or be thrown into eternal fire.

(2) Pre-millenialism (also called “millenarianism”) – like post-millennialists, this view also interprets the “thousand years” as a golden age on earth when the world will be Christianized. But they believe that this period will occur after Christ’s second coming, during which time Christ will reign physically on earth. They believe the Final Judgment occurs when the millennium is over. But Scripture does not teach that there is a thousand year span between the Second Coming and Final Judgment. Instead, Jesus said that when He comes a second time in glory, He will immediately repay every man for what he has done. Matt. 16:27. When Jesus comes, He will separate the sheep from the goats and render judgment. Matt. 25:31-46. There is nothing about any period of time between His coming and final judgment.

(3) Amillennialism – this view also interprets the “thousand years” symbolically, but, ulike the pre and post views, not as a golden age on earth. This view believes the millennium is the period of Christ’s rule in heaven and on earth through His Church. This is because the saints who reign with Christ and to whom judgment has been committed are said to be on their thrones in heaven. Rev. 20:4; cf. 4:4; 11:16. During this time, satan is bound and cannot hinder the spread of the gospel. Rev. 20:3. This is why, they explain, Jesus teaches the necessity of binding the “strong man” (satan) in order to plunder his house and rescue people from his grip. Matt. 12:29. This is also why, after the disciples preached the gospel and rejoiced that the demons were even subject to them, Jesus declared, “I saw satan fall like lightening from heaven.” Luke 10:18. Nevertheless, during this period, the world will not be entirely Christianized because satan, though bound, is still in some sense able to prowl around and attack souls. cf. 1 Peter 5:8. Of the three, this position is most consistent with Catholic teaching (the pre and post-millennium views have been rejected by the Church).

2 Thess. 2:1-4 – concerning the Second Coming of Christ, Scripture teaches (and most Protestants believe) that Christ’s coming will be preceded by a time of rebellion, lawlessness and persecution. Protestants often refer to this period as the “tribulation” (although the word “tribulation” cannot be found in the Scripture passages Protestants use to support the “rapture”). So the question is, when will the 1 Thess. 4:16-17 “rapture” occur, in light of the tribulation and Christ’s Second Coming? Here are the three theories previously mentioned:

(1) Post-tribulational view – this view holds that the rapture will occur right after the tribulation and immediately before the Second Coming of Christ. This view can be consistent with Scripture and Catholic teaching to the extent it holds that the rapture and Christ’s Second Coming occur together, after the tribulation and the Church Militant on earth. See, for example, Matt. 24:29-31; Mark 13:24-27; 2 Thess. 1:1-12.

(2) Pre-tribulational view – this view holds that the rapture will occur before the tribulation. The problem with this view is that it requires three comings of Christ – first, when He was born in Bethlehem; second, when He returns for the rapture before the tribulation; third, when He returns at the end of the tribulation and establishes the millennium. Scripture rejects three comings of Christ. In Heb. 9:28, it is clear that Christ will appear a second and final time, when he comes in glory to save us. This view also is inconsistent with Matt. 24:24-31; Mark 13:24-27; and 2 Thess. 2:1-12 where the rapture and the Second Coming occur together.

(3) Mid-tribulational view – this view holds that the rapture will occur during the middle of the tribulation. The problem with this view is that it also requires three comings of Christ – first, when He was born in Bethlehem; second, when He returns for the rapture during the middle of the tribulation; third, when He returns at the end of the tribulation and establishes the millennium. As seen in Heb. 9:28, Scripture rejects three comings of Christ. The view is also inconsistent with Matt. 24:24-31; Mark. 13:24-27; and 2 Thess. 2:1-12.

2 Peter 3:8-15 – instead of worrying about when the rapture will occur, Christians should follow Peter’s instruction to repent of their sins, live lives of holiness and godliness, be zealous and at peace, and wait for the Lord’s coming with forbearance and joy!

Answer 2

The "rapture" is a doctrine/belief that has only been popularized in the last 200 years or so. It was simply never something Christians believed in until around 1830. Then, the concept became more popular with the writings of authors like Scofield, Darby, J. Dwight Pentecost, Hal Lindsey ("The Late Great Planet Earth"), etc.

Certainly the largest body of works that claims a rapture would be the fictional series called "Left Behind" by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins. The entire series is based on what happens when the Rapture takes place and millions of Christians disappear, leaving the unsaved to deal with the Antichrist.

Scripturally, there is little support for the rapture other than I Thessalonians 4:16. The verse seems clear enough on its own but it's worth mentioning that it was never taken literally until about 250 years ago.

As for whether or not the "rapture" would be pre-, mid- or post-tribulation, it's hard to say. If one chooses to believe that the Bible is teaching about a literal disappearance of millions of people, there are several verses that seem to indicate that would happen BEFORE the revealing of the Antichrist, the Tribulation, etc.

At the end of the day, it's going to simply boil down to a matter of belief.

I hope that assists!
Tony Rush

Answer 3

I know that a lot of Christians base their beliefs on the scriptures in Thessalonians which talk about the Lord descending with a shout and the dead in Christ will rise.

But, there is a scripture which talks about escaping the wrath to come. I myself dont' believe that the Bible really clarifies this very well. I think that just means that we will escape the final battle, which is Armageddon, but the times before that, I don't know for sure.

My personal opinion is that Christians need to be prepared that we may go through at least part of the Tribulation. Why? Because when you look at the book of Revelations, look at all the saints that were martryed during this time. Can we say for sure that no Christians will go through the rapture?

As a Christian, I think it's a mistake not to be prepared that we may have to suffer for his name's sake. All I know is that I won't accept any mark or chip.

I'm grateful that God provides me with a job and the ability to care for my family. But, I do know that at some point in the future, I need to be prepared that life may get very hard for Christians.

Answer 4

I do believe there will be a time when Christ returns and takes His followers to live with Him forever. I do believe there will be a new heaven and a new earth. I do not believe Christians will be removed before the Great Tribulation (and fully acknowledge I could be wrong because no man knows the day or the hour). Christians have never been removed from earth's tribulations to date, why would they be then? I can find scriptural evidence for mid and post tribulation, and exactly one scripture which seems to suggest pre-trib. I am, very honestly, too tired to look them up right now. I am very sure other people will list them for you. If they don't, e-mail me, and I'll get back to you with the actual scriptures.

Answer 5

okay. =D

i'm a Christian. Methodist. oh yah.
anywayzzz
i'm 12, so doubt me if you willl but i seriously wanna answer this. i mean me and the Lord, we're TIGHT yo <3

There will be a rapture, Jesus's second coming.
it says everywhere in the Bible. i don't have one on me rite now or else i would show you tho =)

he's said to come when there are enough Christians in the world. Currently i dont believe there are enough. but signs are slooowly coming that the rapture will be coming. not SOON maybe, but is coming. =)
read revalations. goood revalations. i like revalations. we're also tight. <3

i have no idea what "tribulation" is.. but i did my best answering =D
did i help? hope so xx

Answer 6

The Bible backs a post tribulation rapture.
The Persecution of the Saints (the fifth seal (Rev 6:9-11))
The Seventh Trumpet in Revelation (Revelation 11:15-19)
The Sixth Bowl (references his return as a thief in the night) (Rev 16:15)

How many times does Jesus come back?
Just once, so all of these must happen.

Answer 7

yes the rapture is coming... aside from paul, too many prophecies and visions and themes point to this being a literal near-future event.

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." (1 Thess, 4:16-18).

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality” (1 Cor. 15:51-53).

the Daniel chapter 9 prophecy given by gabriel the archangel totally outlines this countdown to the end of the world (you may have to do some prophetic hebrew research). this is one of the reasons paul knew so much of it, mainstream israel ignored the prophets. but anyway, it states that there is a time between the messiah being 'cut-off' and the final 7 years for israel to repent, that paul calls the fulness of the gentiles (Rom 11:25). it deduces that this church age is the time for the gentiles to come into the fold of God... for now israel is partly blind to it. once the determined number of gentile souls come to repentance, Father God will tell His son to claim His bride, and Jesus will call the church out, and the countdown will start again. up until the end of the last prophetic week (7 years) when Jesus and His bride will descend from heaven, and the millennial reign of King Jesus will begin.

the prophecy in daniel describes a pre-tribulation rapture. and think about this... all of the prophets who foretold of this day of the Lord call it a day that has never ever been, and there will never be one the like after it.... why in God's goodness would He allow His pearl of great price, His church to go through this terrible time? in every instance the bible has been about deliverance to the faithful... Lot was told to get out of soddom, God wouldn't bring harm to the city until His carnal-believer Lot got out of the there... He spared the entire city for ONE man and his family!

the best way to look at this tribulation is God declaring war on the earth, and before He does so, He is going to call His nationals home. that which is born from heaven will be bound to heaven.

Answer 8

I believe in the Pre, Mid, and Post tribulation Rapture.

It looks like I have a lot of 'splainin' to do. I tell you what, ask me again sometime and after I blog I can just show you the link. lol

Answer 9

There will have to be a rapture. Pre- Tribulational.

God has NEVER had His people go through His wrath and/or judgment with non believers.

Also after the rapture the Gospel changes. You can lose your salvation and you have to do works to stay saved.

Answer 10

According to the KJV, it's after the tribulation.

Matthew 24
29Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

30And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Answer 11

The point shouldn't be whether it's pre, mid, or post. Jesus told us we would know through the "birth pangs" and that no one will know. I think that by conjecturing one of the rapture beliefs, we will set our heart to that focal point. Our focus shouldn't be when he will return, but the knowledge that he will return.
It's not our responsibility to know when he will return, but to be ready when he does, and to guide as many people as possible to him.