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The Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church
Introduction
The rapture of the Church is a doctrine that is taught in almost every Christian Church in the world today. Although there are a few small groups that will deny that the Bible teaches that there is yet to come such a rapture, most all Christian Churches do believe it is something to look to in future events. Although the word "Rapture" does not appear anywhere in the Bible, the word itself means "carried away" or "caught up". The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 "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." Several scriptures lead the believer to believe that Christ will indeed return for His Church, while "catching up" all those who died as Christians, and all who are alive and remain into the clouds at His second coming. Any believer in Christ very seldom refutes this fact. The things that are refuted do not have to do as much with the fact that He will return, but rather with the time of His return. It is with this in mind that the Church is confronted with several different views concerning the rapture of the Church. Very few people will argue whether or not He will return, but the argument is concerning the time of His return in conjunction with the tribulation period. In this book it is my intention to give only a brief view of most views, while focusing mostly on the pre-wrath view. After many years under the teaching of the Pre-tribulation view, and as a person who loves to study the doctrines of the Bible, I felt one day (years ago) that I would go thru each view on this particular subject. It was my intent as a Pre-tribulationist to prove every view wrong, except the one that I had strongly stood for. But after reading one particular book that opposed the pre-tribulation views, to my amazement I found myself doubting what I had been taught for so many years, and even taught to many myself. Most Christians never consider the possibility of what they have been taught as being wrong. Because what we have been taught sounds good, we simply take it as truth without question. But because of many holes in the theories being taught today, many have changed to the Pre-wrath view. When I started my research into these doctrines, my first conclusion was that the pre-tribulation theory must be wrong. But I did not yet know what was right. After researching views, talking to different people, and reading the scriptures over and over, there was a point in my ministry that I was beginning to believe that no view was actually correct, and that we will just have to wait until it all happens to see what actually takes place. Because of scriptures that I knew that seemed to go against the arguments that many had for their views, I was not convinced of any one of them. The only thing I did feel confident about was that the pre-tribulation view had some of the biggest holes of all the views that where held. It was not until I heard about the pre-wrath view that much of my confusion began to be cleared up. Years of unanswered questions begin to receive their answers. I could finally say that all the scriptures fit perfectly together to form a view. When comparing scripture with scripture, rather than trying to take a view from only a few scriptures, all comes together perfectly in the pre-wrath view. Although I will be showing what had convinced me that this view is correct, I will only be covering the highlights of several points. For more in depths study on this view I have referred to books by others at the back of this book, of which have done very well jobs in explaining the scriptures.
Rapture Theories
The pre-tribulation rapture of the Church is by far the most widely held view by the Church today. This is well known as the belief that Christ will return for the Church before the tribulation period begins. Most Christians understand this view fairly well, since most books, videos, and Bible studies and teachings are based upon this theory. I was first convinced that the pre-tribulation view was inaccurate by reading a book that supported the Mid-tribulation view. The same facts used by the mid-tribulationists are the same facts in scripture used by the post-tribulationists and those of the pre-wrath view. It is my opinion that most people who are opposed to the pre-tribulation view are people who have seen that their view does not line up with scripture. So whether mid-tribulation, post-tribulation or pre-wrath view, the reason for changing views was based on the incorrect interpretation of scripture by the pre-tribulationists. But proving one view wrong does not make another view right. If we could prove one view wrong, then there still remains at least 3 other views that need to be proven by scripture. It was at this point that I was uncertain in my research, since neither Mid-tribulation nor post-tribulation views answered ever one of my questions clearly; leaving me with an uncertainty of truth, and an unwillingness to accept one of them as definite truth. It was until several years after my discovery of the pre-tribulation errors that I had been introduced to the pre-wrath view. Once I was shown the scriptures in light of this view, much to my amazement the scriptures began to make more sense to me than ever before, even after years of earnest research. So, to begin this book, my first approach will be to show a few of the most important errors that I have seen with the pre-tribulation theory. I will also explain some of the errors with the mid-tribulation and post-tribulation views, although they are fewer. Once these errors are established, then I will begin to explain the truth of pre-wrath view, comparing scripture with scripture.
The Tribulation Period
The tribulation period is the time that many have assumed is seven years of God's wrath being poured out on the earth, during the reign of anti-Christ, and before the Second Coming of Christ. Although it is true that there will be a seven-year period, it is important to see that all seven years is not what the Bible calls the tribulation. Many do not realize it, but there is no scripture in the New Testament that tells us of a seven-year period. This information is given in the prophetic book of Daniel in the Old Testament. Let's look at the scriptures that foretell this soon coming event. Daniel 9:24-27 "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate."
Daniel said that, "Seventy Weeks are determined upon thy people and thy holy city". It is well known and agreed upon by Bible scholars that a week in this scripture refers to seven years. Some translations write it as "sevens". The Hebrew word for week is shabuwa` (shaw-boo'-ah); or shabua` (shaw-boo'-ah); sevened, i.e. a week (specifically, of years):.) So this prophecy given by Daniel is saying that 490 years are determined upon his people.
Of these seventy weeks (490 years) that Daniel spoke of, sixty-nine of those weeks (483 years) have already been fulfilled. From the time that this prophecy was given it was seven weeks later (49 years) that that temple had been rebuilt under the leadership of Zerubbabel. It was then another 434 years later that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey being hailed as king and praised. This is a total of 490 years, with only seven to go. Daniel said that after 62 weeks (483 years) messiah would be cut off. We know that this happened when He died on the cross. When Christ died the clock had stopped. The seventieth week of Daniel is yet to be fulfilled. Once Anti-Christ "shall confirm the covenant with many for one week", the seventieth week will begin, and the clock will continue. This seventieth week is what the New Testament refers to as the Great Tribulation and the Wrath of God/the Day of the Lord. All four views mentioned concerning the tribulation period are in agreement that the coming period will consist of the seven years spoken of by the Prophet Daniel. Any argument put forth is not based upon this fact, but rather upon the timing of events that will take place within that seven-year period; in particular the rapture of the Church.
The Pre-tribulation Rapture
One of the very first scriptures that stood out in my mind, causing doubt of the pre-tribulation theory is what Paul had spoken to the Thessalonians. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God." From the subject at the beginning of this chapter it is clear to see that the Apostle Paul is speaking of the return of Jesus for the Church at the rapture, "by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him". But Paul said as he continues his discussion about the return of Christ, "for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition". Now the question that we must ask ourselves when reading these scriptures is, "when will there be such a `falling away', and `that man of sin be revealed', the son of perdition"? This is of great importance, since the Apostle said that the rapture of the Church cannot take place until after these two things take place. First, let's look at what scripture tells us about the falling away, when Paul said, "for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first". Matthew 24 is an important chapter of the Bible to understand when looking at end ties prophecy. Matthew 24:10 "And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." According to Jesus, there will be a falling away of many during the tribulation period, as the love of many for Christ will wax cold; after being deceived by false teachers and from fear of being killed for their faith. Although the pre-tribulation view would have us to believe that these are those who come to Christ after the rapture, we will come back to Matthew 24 in a later chapter to cover these views. One interpretation of the pre-tribulation view of 2 Thessalonians 2:3 is that the falling away that Paul refers to is the rapture itself. They will attempt to interpret the Greek word for falling away to mean "catching away" or "caught up". So in their interpretation the scripture should read, "for that day shall not come, except there come a catching away (of Christians at the rapture) first". But this is only an attempt to change scripture to fit their interpretation of scripture. The Greek word for "falling away" is apostasia (ap-os-tas-ee'-ah); defection from truth (properly, the state) ["apostasy"]: This in no way is interpreted as a catching away of saints, but only as a falling away through sin, rebellion, and apostasy of the faith. The Apostle Paul confirmed what was spoken by Jesus concerning the falling away of many. Whether by personal revelation from the Spirit, discussion with the other Apostles, and by reading the Olivet discourse written in Matthew 24, it seems apparent that Paul had received information in the same order as given by Jesus in Matthew 24. It was in Matthew 24:9 that Jesus spoke of those who would be offended (fall away), and then in Matthew 24:15, just a few scriptures later that Jesus said would be that Abomination of Desolation that was spoken of by the Prophet Daniel. The order of events in Matthew 24 and those spoken of by the Apostle Paul are written in identical order. We will soon see the same order later as we discuss Matthew 24 in relation to Revelation 6. Second is the revealing of the anti-Christ when Paul said, "and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition". It is clear that the scriptures tell us that the rapture of the Church cannot take place until there is a falling away. But anti-Christ must also be revealed at the Abomination of Desolation to persecute Christians, which is clearly at the midpoint of the seven-year period. So the rapture cannot take place until some time after the midpoint. Daniel 9:27 "And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate." This same individual was described in Daniel 7:8 "I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things." And then in Daniel 7:25 "And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time." Paul said this same man of perdition (sin) is one "Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God." Jesus had referred back to Daniels prophecy just stated, and then in the Book of Revelation we read of this same man again in Revelation 13:5-7 "And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 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." By the Prophesies and words spoken by Daniel, Jesus, Paul, and John in the book of Revelation, all four confirmed that this same man of sin would persecute the saints of God, and that the Anti-Christ would appear on the throne in the temple of God at the midpoint of the seventieth week. Comparing scripture with scripture, these truths stand out clearly. And if the rapture cannot take place until after the falling away, and anti-Christ is to be revealed during the Abomination of Desolation (in the midst of the week Dan. 9:27), then the rapture cannot happen until at least 3 « years into the seven year period. With this in mind, it is apparent that the pre-tribulation theory does not line up with these scriptures that show that the rapture cannot happen until after the first 3«-year point. But this is only the beginning of errors with the pre-tribulation theory, as we will soon see.
The Church in the Book of Revelation
The Book of Revelation is a powerful source for end time prophecy. It is prophecy that was given to the Church. Since the pre-tribulationists teach that the Church will be raptured before the tribulation begins, this book can hardly be an effective or useful tool for the Church in any way, when referring to future events. The book of Revelation was not written for the Jews, nor was it written for those that may be left behind in a pre-tribulation rapture. It was written for the true Church of Jesus Christ. The first few verses of the first chapter reveal whom the revelation was for. Revelation 1:1-3 "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." First, it is important to notice that the revelation was not the revelation of John, but of Jesus Christ. It contains the words of Christ, foretelling those things that are to come upon the earth, just as He did in His Olivet discourse in Matthew 24. Since it is Christ who spoke both prophetic truths, we would expect them to line up perfectly, as they do. We will soon see how this is so, but first I want to show a few misconceptions of the pre-tribulationists. One argument of the pre-tribulation theory concerning the time of the rapture is that the Church is not mentioned in the book of Revelation after the third chapter. It is said that Christ dealt with the seven Churches in the first few chapters, but then there is no mention of the Church from the fourth chapter on to the end of the book because the Church had been raptured at the beginning of the fourth chapter. They will then use the following verse in an attempt to prove that the Church is raptured at this point in this book of prophecy. Revelation 4:1 "After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter." It is the opinion of those who hold to the pre-tribulation view that when John was told, "come up hither" that this refers to the rapture, since the Church is no longer mentioned after this point. But I must ask, where do you see the rapture in this verse? This verse in no way indicates that the "Church" is being raptured! It clearly states in the following verse that only John was "caught up" in the spirit. This was not a resurrection as the rapture will be, but simply a translation of John's spirit only, and John only. Second, the fact the Church is not mentioned after the end of the third chapter does not prove that Christians will not still be on earth or that the rapture has occurred. In several places throughout the book of Revelation "saints" are mentioned. It is the saints whom anti-Christ will persecute until the Day of the Lord, some time after the midpoint. Since there will be a great falling away of many, only the true faithful believers will remain for anti-Christ to persecute. The "Church" will no longer exist once persecution comes upon believers. In the first few chapters of Revelation Jesus dealt with specific Churches; seven of which He spoke to on an individual basis. After this time in the book of Revelation the Church is not mentioned because the Church of Jesus Christ will not exist in a building, as a large gathering of believer's, organizations, or particular Churches that might be dealt with in such an individual lever. All that will exist from that time on is faithful believers or "saints". In the first verse of the book it is the "servants" of God who the book is addressed to. It is these servants who will be persecuted and put to death for their faith in Christ. Since the true Church will not be able to stand at this time with such persecution, Christians are dealt with on an individual basis as "saints" rather that the Church. Anyone who will read John's previous writings in his gospel or epistles, they will notice that he never addressed the "church". Nor did the Apostle Paul when he spoke of these things to come. The book of Revelation deals with seven Churches before the seventieth week (tribulation period) is to come. Just as all the Epistles are letters written to specific Churches in the New Testament, so also was the first few chapters of Revelation. After this point Churches are no longer dealt with because persecution is about to come. We then read of the "saints", which are those who will endure to the end. Sin is not an issue with a true saint at this time, as it was with some of the Churches spoken of among these seven. Any Christian that will or has "lost their first love" will not be a saint during the tribulation period. They will fall away! So those who remain will be true saints, which is much greater than being part of the Church as those in the first few chapters of Revelation. It is possible for the Church to be non-existent as an organized fellowship and gathering of believers, while faithful saints continue to exist throughout the world.
The Restrainer
2 Thessalonians 2:6-10 "And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved."
Having had a strong Pre-tribulation background, I had no reason to question the teaching that the restrainer spoken of by Paul was referring to the Holy Spirit, as most pre-tribulation teachers will claim. But there are some big problems with this theory. It seems to makes sense to some that the restrainer is the Holy Spirit because if the Pre-tribulation theory is to be true, then once Christians are taken from the earth the Holy Spirit is also "taken out of the Way". Since the Holy Spirit is no longer present, anti-Christ can now do what he wants to do as he fulfills Bible prophecy. One problem that I could not avoid when looking at this view was the fact that if the Holy Spirit is removed from the earth, then how can there be "tribulation saints" (people who get saved after the rapture), as the pre-tribulation theory teaches? Do you know of anybody who had been saved without the presence of the Holy Spirit? This is not possible! Some have attempted to say that the restrainer is the Church. Since the Church is to be raptured, it seems to make sense to them that it will be the Church that will be "taken out of the way" when they are caught up into the clouds. This is another attempt to play with the logic of men, but does not fit with scripture. Whenever the Bible speaks of the Church in gender it calls the Church a "she", not a "he" as mentioned in this scripture. And since this passage is talking about the rapture, it hardly makes sense to say that the Church must first be taken out of the way before the rapture of the Church can take place. This is another impossible interpretation. If we are going to compare scripture with scripture then we must ask ourselves whether or not there is any other passage of scripture in the Bible that refers to a "he" that is called a restrainer. The answer to that question in yes there is. Daniel 10:13 "But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia." Michael the Archangel is known as one who fights against fallen angels and Satan himself, in order to protect God's people. He restrains the evil ones from doing as they please. Daniel 10:21 "But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince." The phase "holdeth with me" means to stay with him in order to restrain evil. Without Michael there evil could not be restrained, and evil would prevail. Daniel 12:1 "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." Here in this scripture it is said that Michael "stands up" for God's people, until the tribulation period (time of trouble). This time of trouble will come first, and then God's people shall be delivered (raptured). "Those who are found written in the book" refers to the true saints of God that will endure through times of persecution, whether unto death or until the rapture occurs.
Jude 9 "Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee." Here again we see Michael fighting Satan. In several places we can see that Michaels main purpose was to restrain evil from harming God's people, the saints. Then once again in the book of Revelation: Revelation 12:7 "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels". This is a final battle between Michael and Satan, and their angels. As Satan is trying to attack the Jews who are hiding in the wilderness during the tribulation, Michael once again is restraining evil from harming God's people. God has sealed the Jews, but yet He uses Michael and his angels to get the job done. Although Michael is still doing his job as the restrainer, this does not indicate that he was never removed from his place as restrainer for the Church. At this time in the book of Revelation the rapture has already taken place. Now it is time for the wrath of God to be poured out on anti-Christ, his followers and the whole earth. Satan's desire here is to kill the Jews, not gentile Christians. It is the Jews who will be hiding in the wilderness, and it is for the Jews that Michael and his angels are fighting for. Of all the ideas I have heard concerning who the restrainer is, it makes the most sense to me to be Michael. And this thought carries a lot more scriptural support than any other does as well. Other views may sound good when explained by teachers, but have no support of scripture, and when examined closely raise unanswered questions. Comparing scripture with scripture, Michael is the most likely candidate fro being the restrainer.
The Second Coming of Christ
Another subject that has confused a lot of Christians is the teaching of the Second Coming of Christ. The pre-tribulation teachers have taught that the rapture will take place and then seven years later will be the Second Coming. In their doctrine they teach that the rapture is not part of the Second Coming of Christ at all, since Christ will not actually be coming to the earth, but will come in the clouds only, to receive his saints. It is said that only Christians will see His return at the rapture, while every person on earth sees His return at the Second Coming. But there are problems with these theories that are too many times avoided, overlooked, or explained away. Although it is agreed that Christ will come back to rapture the Church, and then at the very end of the seven years will appear at the battle of Armageddon; it is not agreed that these are two separate comings of Christ. The Greek word for coming is parousia (par-oo-see'-ah); a being near. This is the word that is always used when referring to the "coming" of Christ. The Greek word proserchomai (pros-er'-khom-ahee) meaning "to approach"; and the Greek word erchomai (er'-khom-ahee) meaning "to come or go"; these words are verbs that only refer to someone to come near, but not necessarily to stay. But parousia is a noun, and should not be interpreted in the same way. I think this explanation was put well by Robert Van Kampen in his book "The Rapture Question Answered: Plain and Simple". "This is a noun, which carries the sense of arrival or active presence, and should not be interpreted as a verb. Parousia, as an active presence, has a powerful meaning that can be lost in its translation into English. In Christ's time the word was often used of a king or a general, and the picture painted by the parousia of Christ in the Olivet Discourse is poignant. The citizens of God's kingdom, the kingdom of heaven, embattled by Satan through the hand of antichrist, anxiously await the coming (parousia) or arrival of their king, when He will rescue His subjects and destroy the enemy. Therefore, the Greek noun parousia refers to Christ's coming as an event, not as an activity. It is not a verb, referring to His movement from one place to another." Now, if this coming of Christ is referring to His coming as an event and not an activity, then that means that when Christ comes for the Church at the rapture that this is only the beginning of His second coming. The rapture is the beginning of one final end time event. Just as Jesus' first coming consisted of 3 « years from the beginning of His ministry until His death and resurrection, so also His Second Coming will begin at the rapture of the Church and continue on through the battle of Armageddon. This properly defines the Greek noun parousia. Although it has been the interpretation of the pre-tribulationists to teach the two separate comings of Christ, the problem arises when you look at the scriptures that refer to God's people being raptured or gathered by the Angels at His coming.
Look at the following scriptures and see what they all have in common: Matthew 24:30-31 "And 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. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 "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."
1 Corinthians 15:51-52 "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."
Most Christians see and understand all of these scriptures to refer to the rapture of the Church. If so, they are correct in their observations. But the pre-tribulation view does not accept Matthew 24:30-31 as rapture passage. Even though it fits with what the Apostle Paul explained to the Churches, it does not fit their theology. Therefore they will say that this actually refers to gathering of the Jews or tribulation saints before Armageddon. But this only adds confusion to the scriptures. And as we will soon see, Matthew 24 is not confusing as the pre-tribulationists have made it, but is very clear when comparing scripture with scripture. The Bible teaches only one return of Christ for His saints (the elect). Therefore these scriptures must all refer to the same return of Christ, with confusion or controversy. With the pre-tribulation theory there is a lot of confusion and unanswered questions. The pre-wrath view will show how clear and how perfectly all the scriptures fit together to tell us exactly what the Bible teaches us concerning the return of Jesus at His Second Coming. So hold on and we will get there soon.
I will Keep You From the Hour of Trial
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." This is a key verse used by the Pre-tribulationists to prove that Christians will not go through the tribulation period at all. But in light of some of the things we have already seen in scripture, we must considered that what appears to say as they teach must be saying something else, lest the scriptures contradict themselves. First, I think it is helpful to note that Jesus is speaking to the Church of Philadelphia, the Church that He referred to as Faithful through the keeping of the Word of His patience. Because these are faithful saints they will be kept from the hour of temptation. Notice that Jesus did not say this to the other six Churches, but only to this one Church. All except for this one Church, Jesus had told all the others that He had somewhat against them. Being a faithful servant of Christ was of key importance in this book. To assume that only the faithful would be kept from the hour of temptation, would naturally assume that those who not faithful would not be kept from this hour of temptation. When Jesus said here, "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience", this is the same as saying "because you have persevered through the keeping of My Word". The Greek word for patience is hupomone (hoop-om-on-ay'); cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy. It is evident that Jesus is speaking to a group of Christians who have been faithful servants, enduring through trials and temptations. It is through this kind of endurance that Jesus said in Matthew 10:22 "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." Since only the faithful servants will be kept from the hour of temptation, it is now necessary to understand exactly what this "hour of temptation" is. If it refers to the tribulation period, then it would make sense to say that the rapture should occur before tribulation comes upon the earth. But only if the words "keep" and "from" mean what most have assumed. The Greek word for keep is tereo (tay-reh'-o); meaning, "to guard". Jesus said the he would "Guard" the faithful servants from the hour of temptation. If I were to guard my children from temptation, this does not necessarily mean that I am taking them out and away from it. It only indicates that I will do all in my power to keep them from falling into temptation. Although I may all I can to keep them away from temptations and trials, the fact that they live in a world of sin assures that one way or another they will be tempted; whether it is in school, from television, friends, or any other means the enemy might use. Since Christ promised to keep the faithful servant from the hour of temptation, this only indicates that He will be with them, strengthening them as He promised in the gospels. Tereo
is translated "preserved" in Jude and 1 Thessalonians, and I believe
this word best explains the way it's used in Rev. 3:10. We are kept
or preserved in Christ because He is the One Who
holds our salvation.
The Greek word for temptation here is peirasmos (pi-ras-mos'); a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity: Although temptation has the sole purpose of putting our faith to a test, Christ promises that He will not allow the faithful to be deceived by the strong delusion that Paul said would be sent upon the earth (2 Thess. 2:11). This scripture does not say that Christ will rapture anyone before the tribulation period begins. This can only be read into the scriptures, not drawn from them. And as we will soon see, Jesus taught that Christians would indeed see persecution, never alluding to any after the rapture, but only to those who are still alive during these times of trouble, before the rapture occurs. This will be evident when we cover Matthew 24 and Revelation 6 in greater detail. The argument will usually be that Christ will keep up "from" the hour of temptation or testing. Since it uses the word from, this must indicate that Christians will be taken out, away from this time that will come upon the earth. To be taken out through the rapture seems to be the only solution for escaping this time of trial. The problem with this thought is that the Greek does not indicate that anyone will be "taken out" or "away from" this time of trial. The only thing that the pre-tribulationist has to hinge their belief on in this scripture is the word "from". The Greek word for the English word "From is "ek". Ek is translated as "a state or condition, out of which one comes". The state of condition that we see in this verse is "the hour of temptation or trial". When tereo and ek are put together, as they are in this verse, it then tells us that Christians will be "preserved out from within the midst of temptation and trial. It is much like when canning foods. When can foods in order to preserve them from being contaminated and destroy by the outside environment. Christ promised to "preserve" the faithful servant, while being in the midst of a horrible environment. "From" does not indicate being taken out of the environment, but rather being preserved through it. The question might come up, "if Christians are going to be preserved by Christ through this time, how then could they be persecuted by anti-Christ?" When Christ promised to preserve the faithful servant, He was not referring to their physical bodies. When know from what Jesus taught His disciples that Christians will indeed be persecuted, as well as many other scriptures that confirm this fact. What Christ was promising the faithful servant was protection from the evil that will deceive many into taking the mark of the beast, and worshipping his image. Faithful Christians are promised strength to endure to the end, even unto death. If the scriptures refer to being taken completely away from something before it takes place they would use the word airo (ah'-ee-ro); to lift up; by implication, to take up or away. But this is not what God had purposed for His people. A good example of the use of these Greek words is in the book of John. John 17:15 "I pray not that thou shouldest take (Airo) them out of (ek) the world, but that thou shouldest keep (tereo) them from (ek) the evil." Jesus said He is "not" praying that the Father would airo (lift up or take out) His people out of the world, but rather that He would tereo (guard or preserve) them ek (from within the midst) of evil. If God's people are "not" taken out of the world as Jesus prayed, then how can ek refer to being taken out away from tribulation before it begins? Jesus specifically asked the Father not to take them out, but to "keep" them from the evil, while yet remaining in the midst of it. In this same way, when Jesus promised the Church of Philadelphia that He would keep them "from" the hour of temptation, He was not saying that He would take them out before it began, but that He would "guard of preserve) them from within the midst of this time to come on the earth. Another example in scripture is John 1:29 "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away (airo) the sin of the world." When Jesus died for the sins of mankind and rose from the dead, He "took away" the sins of all who receive Him. In this scripture it is evident that sin is "taken away". It is not something that is dealt with in the midst of man, but taken out of the way. Although man is in the midst of sin (because he is in a world of sin), sin is not in the midst of man. It is this same type of deliverance that Jesus promised to the Church during the tribulation period. Although persecution will not be taken away during this time, all power of Satan to destroy the saints spiritually will be, as Christ will preserve them, guarding them from evil, until the time when He will rapture the Church "out from within the midst" of persecution. The Apostle Paul said in 2 Thessalonians 2:11 "And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie". The faithful servants of Christ will not fall into this strong delusion, since they will be guarded by the Holy Spirit, and kept spiritually until the rapture. Even through heavy persecution they will not be able to be deceived, as long as they endure till they end. Christ promised to protect them, as He said in 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." Those who do not keep the word of his patience (The unfaithful), will fall away as foretold by Jesus and the Apostle Paul. The cause and affect in this scripture is "because thou hast kept the word.I will keep thee." Jesus said in Matthew 24:22 "And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." Jesus said in Revelation 3:10, as covered, that he will "guard out of the midst of" tribulation the faithful servants. This means that even though He promised to be with Christians during this time of tribulation to preserve and protect them, He also promised to take them out. Not before tribulation, but out of the midst of tribulation. Under the rule and reign of Anti-Christ, every Christian and Jew would be killed if Christ did not somehow intervene. It is obvious that He did not choose to keep His people from persecution completely, but allowed this "time of testing" to come upon them. But He said in this scripture in Matthew that, "for the elect's sakes those days shall be shortened". How will those days be shortened? By the rapture of the Church! It is by the rapture that Christ will keep His promise to the faithful servants in Revelation 3:10 to guard them "out of the midst of" tribulation, cutting short the Anti-Christ's persecution of saints. The Greek word for Temptation is peirasmos, which means, "a putting of proof", in a good sense or a bad one. It is also translated as a time of trial, to test the faith of individuals. This same word is used in James 1:12 "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." This shows us that one of the purposes of temptations (peirasmos) is to approve us. We will be blessed if we persevere and "keep the word of [His] perseverance" as it says in Revelation 3:10, at His coming. We know that God does not tempt (James 1:13), but He does allow Satan to tempt us. He allows tempting as a test, to prove our hearts genuine or false. What God said to Satan in the first chapter of Job is a good example: "Have you considered My servant Job?" (Job 1:8). Satan was allowed by God to take away Job's children, wealth, and property. This was physical, and was only part of the test. The test was an inwardly spiritual test to prove Job's righteousness by his willingness or refusal to succumb to the temptation to deny God. Likewise, 1 Peter 4:17 tells us that judgment begins with the house of God. This "test" during Daniel's 70th Week is, in part, a purification process to divide the true followers from the false.
A Thief in the Night
Most every Christian has heard of the return of Christ being referred to as His coming like a Thief in the Night. But what most do not realize is that these passages that speak of a "thief in the night" do not line up with the pre-tribulation view of the rapture. If Matthew 24 cannot be understood as a time that Christians will be on earth, then His coming as a "thief in the night" cannot refer to the rapture at all. And if it does refer to the rapture, then it is very clear that the rapture cannot take place before the tribulation period begins, but must be some time after the midpoint. This is evident by the fact that all the events mentioned in Matthew 24 before the return of Christ as a thief is mentioned are without a doubt event a that occur during the tribulation period, and not before. Let's look at those scriptures that speak of His coming as a thief in the night to see what they might have in common.
Matthew 24:42-44 "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." Jesus just finished telling His disciples about many of the things that will take place before the tribulation, during the tribulation, and shortly after the midpoint. Although all of these things mentioned here are horrible things that will come upon the earth, none of these things are "the wrath of God". We will see soon that the wrath of God does not occur until the rapture occurs, but yet all these things Jesus mentioned must happen before the rapture occurs. Again, this puts the rapture some time after the midpoint of the seven-year period.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-4 "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief." It is really important to notice what Paul said would come as a "thief in the Night" in this scripture. Paul refers to "the Day of the Lord". The Day of the Lord is known from Old Testament times to be the time when God's wrath will be poured out upon the world and all ungodly men. Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 "For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him." It is true that Christians will not be present on earth when God begins to pour out His wrath, but will have been raptured. The pre-tribulation theory teaches that the whole seven-year period will be "the wrath of God". But we will soon see that this is not at all what scripture teaches, and show exactly what it does teach. In this scripture Paul said that "whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him". This refers to the fact that Christians will be resurrected before the wrath of God is poured out on the earth, since "God hath not appointed us to wrath". The "day of the Lord" will not overtake the faithful servant of God as a thief, because they are not in darkness.
2 Peter 3:10-12 "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?" Again, it is the Day of the Lord that will come as a thief, which begins immediately after the rapture. If Christians were not going to be present on earth at least until the same day that the Day of the Lord begins, then Paul and Peter's instructions concerning the coming of that day are pointless. Why should they tell the Churches about something that they are not going to be present for? Both Apostles were dealing with the coming Day of the Lord because of what immediately preceded it; the rapture. Paul had dealt with issues concerning the Day of the Lord because of the fact that Christians were going through heavy persecution, so they thought that the Day of the Lord had already begun. Some went as far as to teach that it had already passed. Therefore, it was necessary to bring correction as to when the Day of the Lord will occur. Paul made it clear that the Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, but it will not overtake the Christian as a thief. This does not indicate that Christians will know when this day begins, but rather that Christians will not be overtaken because they will be taken up in the first resurrection (rapture). But we will also soon see that the rapture and the Day of the Lord (God's Wrath) will occur on the same day.
Revelation 3:3 "Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee."
Revelation 16:15 "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." Jesus made it clear in Revelation that it will only be those who are not watchful, holy, and spiritually ready that will be overtaken as a thief, and left behind at the rapture. But again, this is speaking of the same day as the others spoke of, the Day of the Lord; which occurs after the midpoint of the seven years.
Mid-Tribulation & Post-Tribulation
The pre-tribulation theory receives a lot more confrontation from scripture than any other view, simply because it is the farthest away from most every other view, and because it is the most popular view held today. Both mid-tribulation and post-tribulation theories are much closer to the pre-wrath view, and therefore do not receive near as much confrontation. The Pre-wrath view is somewhere in between these two views. But even so, there are great differences that should be pointed out. Although we will not go into great detail, it is good to understand what others believe. When we get into the pre-wrath view the issues that these views stand for will then be confronted as scripture is compared with scripture.
The Mid-tribulation View
The Mid-tribulation view was the first view that I had come across that caused me to question seriously what I had been taught about a pre-tribulation rapture. Although I had trouble receiving their view completely, they were very convincing with their evidence against the pre-tribulation view. And a lot of what they said in an effort to prove their view made sense, which is actually what I discovered much later as the view of the pre-wrath position. In the mid-tribulation view, the first 3« years of the seven-year period is the tribulation period, while the second 3« years is the wrath of God. Although this seemed to make some sense to me when I first read about it, there were problems with this view that did not fit with what is told in Matthew 24 and Revelation 6. And if the rapture occurred at the midpoint, then Christians would not see persecution as Jesus said they would. Many other things did not fit with this view. Having made it this far in my studies, once I discovered the pre-wrath position, it was as if the light was turned on and all confusion was gone. Once we get to these truths in God's Word, I believe that many will see the same revelations. I have not intended to get deep into any explanations of these theories, but only to briefly cover the thought pattern of these theories. Once we get into our study of Matthew 24 and Revelation 6, and a few other subjects on the pre-wrath view, then it should be clear that these views cannot be accurate.
The Post-tribulation View
The post-tribulation view goes the opposite direction from these other views, teaching that Christians will go through the entire Tribulation period. It is their understanding that Christians will not be raptured until the last trumpet of the seven trumpet judgments in Revelation 11:15 is blown. They draw this belief from the scriptures in Matthew 24:31 "And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." 1 Corinthians 15:52 "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." The post-tribulationists assume that the trumpet spoken of by Jesus and Paul refer to the seven trumpet of Revelation, since it is the last trumpet Judgment, and Paul said "at the last trump". But it is very unlikely that Jesus and Paul were telling the Church about something that they have not yet heard about. The book of Revelation was written long after the books of Matthew and 1 Corinthians. Neither the disciples nor the Corinthians would have understood what was meant by a trumpet or the "last" trump without such "revelation". Therefore, Jesus and Paul must have been speaking about something that was already understood by those who live in the time they lived in. In order to be able to have the rapture take place at the seventh trumpet of Revelation, the post-tribulationists have to teach that the trumpet and vial judgments of Revelation chapters 8-11,15 &16 will take place at the same time, placing each in position as they feel they should be. Doing this not only causes great complications, but it also does not make sense to move scripture around as if it is some mystery puzzle. But the Bible is not as complicated as many make it. When we begin to go through these chapters we will see that they will come in the order they are given in scripture, and that the order they are given lines up perfectly when comparing scripture with scripture. The 7th trumpet is not the "last trumpet" spoken of by Paul. Paul's use of "last trumpet" refers to the call to assembly in the context of the Roman games; or even in a military context. Either of these would be Paul's frame of reference. In both of these cases there was a preliminary trumpet (sometimes 2) and then the last trumpet, which was a call to assembly. Paul's use of the phrase "last trump" is the call to assembly for the gathering of the saints at the rapture. He would have no knowledge of John's vision and the 7 trumpets. It is not advisable to interpret Paul's use in any other way than the cultural context of the day, which speaks of the "call to assembly." That is what will occur at the rapture. It is called the trumpet of God at 1 Thessalonians 4:16, because it is at this time that He will "call" for the gathering of his people to meet Him in the clouds of the sky. It doesn't require the actual occurrence of one or two trumpet blasts before it, for the image in Paul's mind is simply focusing on the final blast, which is the "call to assembly."
The Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church
I have taken the time read several arguments against the pre-wrath view since I have been researching this subject. What I have noticed from every single argument is the undeniable fact that those arguing against it do not understand it at all. They argue points that they think pre-wrath makes, but totally miss what is being presented. In this section of this book we will begin to explain exactly what the pre-wrath view sees in the scriptures. You will see that it does not require a great twist of scriptures as if the Bible is a big puzzle that only an elite few can interpret. When comparing scripture with scripture, and not allowing previous teachings to cloud our minds, we will begin to see how simple scripture really is to understand. Man has complicated God's Word, not God.
Not Appointed Unto Wrath
One of the biggest arguments of the Pre-tribulation view is God's people have been promised that they will not be the subjects of His wrath. Just as Noah and Lot were taken out before wrath came, so also will God's people be taken out before God's wrath comes during the seventieth week. Those of the Pre-wrath view completely agree with this statement! The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:9 "For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ." There is complete agreement with the fact here that Christians will not be on earth during God's wrath, but will have been taken out just before it is poured out. The disagreement is about when God's wrath actually begins. To the pretribulationist God's wrath begins at the opening of the first seal. If this first seal is God's wrath as they believe, then it would make sense to believe in a pre-tribulation rapture. But a close look at the seals shows no evidence of "God's" wrath. As a matter of fact, there is not even any evidence that God is directly involved here, other than opening the seals. So if God is not doing it, then who is? Revelation 12:12 "Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time." John told us about the spirit of antichrist in 1 John 4:3 "And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." This spirit is in the world today, and will certainly be stronger than ever at the opening of the first seal. It is with this seal that Antichrist will deceive many, and many false Christ's and false prophets will enter the world. Satan will begin his scheme to destroy mankind as he causes men to rise up against each other, nation against nation. The effect of world war will naturally cause famine world wide, in which many people will die. Without Antichrist even being possessed by Satan yet, and without the wrath of God yet being poured out, mankind will begin destruction of themselves, because they have not submitted themselves to God, but to the spirit of antichrist. If we remember the story of Job, then we will remember that God allowed Satan to destroy everything Job had, and cause great affliction upon him physically, mentally, and emotionally. The first three seals of Revelation 6 are what Jesus referred to as "the beginning of sorrows". It is during this time that man will bring destruction upon himself by giving himself to the spirit of antichrist. When the fourth seal is opened we see something different taking place. It is during this seal that we see the Abomination of Desolation taking place, when Antichrist will sit on the throne claiming to be God. It is also at this time when Satan will enter Antichrist. During this time we begin to see that Antichrist is persecuting Christians in What Jesus called "the Great Tribulation". This is not the wrath of God, but the wrath of Satan, "for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath". Just as God allowed Satan to attack Job, He at this time will allow Christians to be put to death for their faith in Christ, as they have been in centuries past. But now at a much greater level, such as the world has never seen. When reading the seven seals, it is important to note that nothing is being poured out on the earth, as they will be with the trumpet and vial judgments that will follow the seals. But instead, as John is being shown what will happen on the earth during the seals, he is told " come and see." He is being shown what is taking place on the earth, without any angels doing anything as they do at the commencement of the trumpets and vials. This is because God is not doing anything to the earth during these times. John is simply being shown what men will do to themselves, as they are living apart from God, and under the influence of the spirit of antichrist. The first three seals are only the beginning of sorrows. Things will get much worse! For Christians first, under the wrath of Satan, and then for the unrighteous, unsaved men of the earth, under the wrath of God. God's people who are still alive will be pulled out at the day of the Lord, just before His wrath is poured out on the earth.
The Days of Noah
The days of Noah and Lot have been used as an example in the scriptures to explain exactly when the rapture will occur. Look closely at these scriptures. Luke 17:26-30 "And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded. But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed." To the pre-tribulationist this means that just as God pulled out Noah and his family, and Lot and his family, God will also pull out His people before it all begins with the first seal. The problem with this idea is that God pulled out Noah and Lot before He poured out His wrath, and the seals are not God's wrath. We can see by these examples given by Jesus that Noah, Lot, and their families went through a lot of trials, temptations, ridicule, and other things before deliverance ever came. With Noah, it was right after the ark was prepared that God's wrath begin to be poured out, taking Noah and his family "out from within the midst of" trial and tribulation. Tribulation was present when Noah and Lot were in the midst of these circumstances, but they were taken out, and then wrath was poured out upon the unrighteous. This is exactly how Jesus said it will be during the seventieth week of Daniel. But what is even more revealing is the fact that Jesus said, "Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed." There is only one time in which the pre-tribulation view understands Jesus as being revealed, which is at the battle of Armageddon. If this is speaking of the battle of Armageddon, then the Post-tribulationists have a good point here. Since the context is clearly speaking of Jesus return to take out His people before judgment, if this is going to happen when He is "revealed", and if this revealing can only refer to the battle of Armageddon, then the rapture must be post-tibulational. This confusion only comes because the pre-tribulation view has confused the scriptures about coming of Christ at the rapture, attempted to make some refer to the rapture and others to a third coming of Christ at the battle of Armageddon. When Jesus came at His first coming, His ministry lasted 3 « years. His first coming consisted of many events during His ministry. In this same way His second coming will consist of many events, starting at the rapture of the Church, through the battle of Armageddon, and into His millennial reign. Separating these events into different comings only adds confusion to the scriptures. This was explained earlier by the definition of the "coming" of Christ, by the Greek word parousia. His coming for His people at the rapture will be the beginning of an event that will continue on until the millennial kingdom.
The Day of the Lord
The question about when exactly the rapture will take place is hinged to the question of when the Day of the Lord will take place. The Pre-tribulation view teaches these as separate events that take place at different times. Although the events themselves may be considered somewhat separate, they are also linked together in the scriptures, since they both take place on the same day, the Day of the Lord. Christ will give relief to the righteous from times of tribulation, and will bring judgment on the unrighteous on the same day. 2 Thessalonians 1:6-1 "Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day." 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand." In this scripture the Apostle Paul is speaking of "one" day that will come, but three events that will take place on the day. The "coming of the Lord" refers to His parousia, the Second Coming of Christ. Then, "our gathering together unto Him" refers to the rapture that will take place when He comes. And "the day of Christ" refers to His wrath that will be poured out upon the earth right after He takes His people out. Paul puts the rapture on the same day, which can only be after the seals have all been opened. The seventh seal opens the scroll, unleashing God's wrath upon the earth. We can see this fact in Revelation 6:17 "For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" It is after the seven seals that His wrath will come upon the earth. Then will be the day of the Lord: The coming (parousia) of the Lord, the rapture of the saints of God, and the wrath of God upon the earth.
The sign of His Coming
There may still be some who are not yet convinced of the pre-wrath view. Some may feel that it sounds good, but there still is not enough evidence to prove the point. Although it is not my purpose to go deep into every topic, since I am only highlighting the most important subjects, there are still a few subjects that I feel are very convincing. One of the most enlightening facts I have seen in the scriptures for the timing of the rapture is the sign in the sun, moon, and stars as foretold in the scriptures, and confirmed in the book of revelation. Lets look at these scriptures. Joel 2:31 "The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come." This refers to "the day of the Lord". Mark 13:24-27 "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven." Jesus is speaking of "after the tribulation" (not the wrath of God). Then He says will be the "Coming of the Son of man in the clouds with great power and glory". This is "the day of the Lord" that Joel spoke of. Revelation 6:12-13 "And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind." Then, after the sixth seal is opened, we see the same sign in the sun, moon, and stars that was prophesied by Joel and by Jesus as preceding events to the Second Coming of Christ, the rapture of the Church, and the Day of the Lord's wrath. This places the rapture some time after the midpoint of Daniel's 70th week, and immediately before wrath will be poured out upon the earth. This is the pre-wrath rapture of the Church.
Matthew 24 & Revelation
One of the most amazing things that I found in the scriptures to prove what the Bible teaches concerning the timing of the rapture is the comparison of Jesus' description of Daniel's 70th week, with the Revelation of Jesus Given to John in the sixth chapter of Revelation. All the years that I believed and taught the pre-tribulation rapture, I never saw how these two description of end time events were so well described and in the same order. The following Chart shows the comparison of these two chapters. With only a few other scriptures given to verify and confirm what Jesus is teaching, Matthew and Revelation line up almost perfectly, with the same order of the events listed. Since Jesus gave us the information written in both of these chapters, it makes sense that He would give them in the same order. The time of the rapture is no secret here in these scriptures.
The Great Tribulation
The Rapture Of the Church
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