The Rapture as a Separate Event from the Second Coming:
We know the rapture is a separate event from the second coming for several reasons. First, in Luke 21:9, Jesus told us the end does not come at once. Well, if it doesn’t happen at once, it must occur in parts; hence the rapture and the second coming.
Second, in Luke 17:22, Jesus stated there are dayS of the Son of Man, plural days. This means the end does not happen at one time in complete agreement with Luke 21:9. Part of the end occurs on one day of the Son of Man and another part occurs on another day of the Son of Man. These days must be either the rapture or the second coming for on what other days has mankind ever expected the arrival of Jesus? These days referenced by Jesus are specific days because they are the only two days of which the Bible speaks which are yet to be fulfilled.
Third, Matthew 24:4-34, Mark 13:5-30 and Luke 21:8-28: Jesus gave different descriptions of end time events to two different groups of people. The first description of a Day of the Son of Man is given in these verses. Here, the Disciples asked Jesus for the sign of His coming, and Jesus answered them with a list of signs which are included in the book of Revelation and comprise what is widely accepted as the Tribulation. Jesus ended each of these passages with a pictorial description of His second coming, that those on earth will watch Him arrive in the clouds with much power and glory. Revelation 19:11-21 and Zechariah 14:1-5 also describe the second coming. This coming of Christ to earth will be witnessed by everyone.
However, in Luke 17:20, the Pharisees asked Jesus about the coming of God’s kingdom. Jesus told them ‘the kingdom of God comes without observation’ (ocular evidence 3907). Kingdom is defined by the Greek as ‘royalty, rule or realm,’ (932). So, Jesus told the Pharisees that the royalty of God comes without visible signs. Jesus said, “nor will they say, Lo here, Lo there!” For behold the kingdom of God is in your midst.” Here, Jesus stated no one will see Him ahead of time, that He will appear suddenly in the midst of people.
So, Jesus just described one of the days of the Son of Man as having nothing but signs, and one day as having no signs at all. The day with signs is the second coming because it follows the tribulation. The remaining day, the one without signs, must be the rapture of the church.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 describes an event which offers none of the signs Jesus said would precede His second coming. The only thing which happens in this passage is the event itself; a shout and a trumpet call which raise the dead in Christ and those alive who belong to Jesus. Both groups leave the earth and are ‘caught up’ (harpazo) to meet Jesus in the clouds.
The rapture cannot be the same day as the second coming because it causes contradiction where Jesus stated one day would have no signs, and that two days are involved.
Fourth, Matthew 24:36, 42, 44, 50, Mark 13:32, and Luke 12:40 tell us that no one will know the day or hour of Christ’s appearance. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 is the perfect example of this sudden appearance as it gives no warnings or signs regarding the appearance of Jesus.
However, Matthew 24:29-31, Mark 13:26-27, and Luke 21:27 tell us that everyone will see Jesus coming in the clouds with power and much glory.
So, if people are watching the approach of Jesus, wailing at the sight of Him, how can the day and hour of His coming be unknown? Jesus cannot come in power and glory and simultaneously appear without any warning. For Him to do both, there must be two events in play.
Fifth, Zechariah 14:5 and Jude, verses 14-15 tell us that Jesus is accompanied by the saints at His second coming to earth. If those ‘in Christ’ are not raptured at an earlier time, how can they return with Him from heaven? There is no scripture in the entire Bible which states that it is only Old Testament saints who return with Jesus.
Also, Revelation 19:8 tells us that the bride (wife 1135) of Christ is dressed in fine white linens for the marriage of the Lamb. Revelation 19:14 tells us it is those in fine white linens who return with Jesus. Obviously, it is the raptured church who returns with Jesus at the second coming.
Without a separate, preceding rapture, there are no saints in heaven, those who are married to the Lamb, who can return to earth with Jesus.
Sixth, as discussed on the page titled ‘Jesus Taught the Rapture’ we learn Jesus’ Disciples asked Him about signs for two different events; that of His coming AND of the end of the Age. We know the age in question is the church age because the answer given by Jesus describes no other period of time. For instance, at what other period of time will there be both wicked and faithful servants of the Master? It can’t be a period of time prior to the church because no one prior to the church age knew Jesus as Master. It can’t be the tribulation because those left at the end of the tribulation will either have the mark of the beast or they won’t. At that time, those who belong to the Master will enter the Millennial Kingdom as the Redeemed; there will be no subset of redeemed people.
Seventh, while some people hold to the notion that Matthew 24 is written to ONLY Jews, we know this isn’t true for several reasons. Most of the reasons are discussed on the page titled “Is Matthew 24 for ONLY Jews?’ At this point in the discussion, though, it is important to note that Matt. 24 does not contain ALL the information of the Olivet Discourse. Chapter 25 is also part of it and must be included as it contains information given by Jesus which opposes that given by Him in chapter 24. That the descriptions given by Jesus are opposite each other is another reason the rapture is separate from the second coming. Also, the gospels of Mark and Luke contain nearly the same information as Matthew but were written to GENTILE Believers.
Eighth, John 6:39 says, “It is the will of My Father” that those He has given me will be raised on the last day. Who did God give to Jesus? The church, of course, as stated in John 10:27-29 and 17:2. The rapture is the ‘last’ day for the church and is separate from the last day of the tribulation as described in John 6:40.
Ninth, we can use what the entire Bible says about God's faithfulness to HIS people versus the end result for those who do not align themselves with Him. Malachi 3:16-18. Without doubt, it those ‘in Christ’ who will be raptured, leaving with Jesus when He comes to collect those who trust Him while those who reject Him are left on earth for the wrath of God.
Tenth, John 6:39 says, “It is the will of My Father” that those He has given me will be raised on the last day. Who did God give to Jesus? Those ‘in Christ,’ of course, as stated in John 10:27-29 and 17:2. The rapture is the ‘last’ day for the church. The church age ends at the rapture. The church, the ekklesia or ‘called out ones’ is not mentioned in Revelation after chapter three. The “saints, the wife, and the bride” are referred to, but the church as the ‘called out ones’ is not mentioned during the plagues of John’s vision. This scripture agrees with 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 in that the church ceases to exist when Jesus calls it to meet Him in the clouds because it is no longer on earth as the ‘called out ones.’
However, John 6:40 says, “It is the will of the One who sent Me” that EVERYONE seeing the Son and believing into Him should have everlasting life and will be raised up at the ‘last’ day. Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:29-30, Mark 13:26, and Luke 21:27-28, that everyone will see Him coming, so this verse clearly speaks to the second coming of Christ, for it is at the second coming that everyone can see Him and those who trust Him for salvation will be raised up at the last day of tribulation.
Clearly, two different events are in play. If not, why did Jesus separate them, describing them differently right down to differentiating between the will of ‘My Father’ and ‘the One who sent Me?,’ in complete agreement with the answers given to His disciples in Matthew 24-25 and the Pharisees in Luke 17: 20-21, contrasted to verses 22-37?
Eleventh, Revelation 14:14-16 agrees with Luke 17:34-36; 24:50-53/Acts 1:9 & 11, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 that Jesus comes quietly on a cloud by Himself to reap the believers from the earth, rapturing the church. It is a peaceful event where Jesus blesses the church by delivering it from what is to come, securing the salvation of those who participate.
However, Revelation 19:11-21, Zechariah 14, Matthew 24:29-31, Mark 13:24-27, and Luke 21:22-26 describe Jesus’ return to earth as public and violent, with the armies of heaven beside Him in a very bloody encounter. See also Revelation 14:17-20.
When you rightly divide end time scriptures it is obvious two different events are in place. The differences in the descriptions of the rapture and the second coming are simply impossible to ignore. The same day and event cannot be both peaceful and violent.
Twelfth, Revelation 14:14-16; Luke 17:34-36; 24:50-53/Acts 1:9 & 11, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 all teach that Jesus comes quietly in the clouds at the rapture. 1 Thessalonians 4 goes on to say that the dead in Christ, and we who remain alive, will be caught up into the air to meet Jesus in the clouds. These verses say nothing about Jesus ever setting foot on earth.
However, people who do not hold to a pre-tribulation rapture position love to say that scripture does not state that Jesus comes to earth at the second coming. However, this is what scripture says:
Zechariah 14:4 clearly tells us that, at the second coming, Jesus fights on the earth, ‘His feet shall stand in that day on the Mount of Olives.” He splits the Mount of Olives into two parts, forming a great valley in between them.
Ezekiel 38:21 says, “I shall call a sword against him on all my mountains.”
Ezekiel 39:2 says, “…I will bring you on the mountains of Israel.…”
Ezekiel 39:4 says, “You shall fall on the mountains of Israel…”
Zephaniah 1:18 tells us, ‘all the earth will be consumed….for He shall make a speedy end of the all the dwellers in the land.”
The second coming doesn’t really sound like a cloud thing, does it?
Additionally, after Jesus battles Satan, He establishes His millennial kingdom. Does He do that in the clouds? If so, where is it stated in scripture? Psalm 37:9, 11, 29, 34; Zechariah 14:9; Matthew 25:31-34; Revelation 5:9-10 all clearly teach that the millennial kingdom happens on earth, not in the clouds. The sum total of these scriptures clearly teach that Jesus comes to earth and battles Satan, then sets up His millennial kingdom on earth.
Thirteenth, 1Thessalonians 4:13-17; Rev.14:14-16; Luke 17:34-36; 24:50-53/Acts 1:9 & 11: At the rapture Jesus gathers Believers Himself.
However, Matthew 24:29-31 and Mark 13:24-27 tells us angels gather the elect at the second coming. Revelation 14:17-20 also tells us that an angel harvests the wicked from the earth.
As a result, the rapture and second coming are two separate events because Jesus can’t collect Believers Himself and simultaneously have angels collect them.
Fourteenth, Titus 2:12-13 instructs us to look for an event which has become known as the blessed hope, the “appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” The Greek defines ‘blessed hope’ as ‘fortunate expectation.’ (3107/1680, respectively). These two scriptures call us to live ‘discreetly, and righteously, and godly in the present age (‘now, immediate.’ 3568).
In Matthew 24:37-41 and Luke 17:26-30, Jesus taught the rapture will happen as in the days of Noah and Lot when people are busy going about their daily lives, doing normal everyday things. These normal everyday things occur in the ‘now, immediate’ present age. Titus 2:12-13 just told us, this blessed hope, the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, will happen in the present age.
In Matthew 24:7-31, Mark 13:8-27, and Luke 21:10-26, Jesus described his second coming as preceded by the events of the tribulation. Every person who has read the book of Revelation will honestly agree that the plagues described there are anything but normal everyday life. In fact, Jesus personally described the tribulation as “great affliction, such as has not happened from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever will be.” Matthew 24:21. We know that resources will all but nonexistent and saints will have gone underground. Hardly normal everyday life for the world at large.
So, if the blessed hope takes place in the ‘present age’ (immediate/now) it cannot occur during the time of greatest affliction the world has ever known, the tribulation. Two separate events are obviously in play because the ‘present age’ and the ‘time of greatest affliction’ are mutually exclusive.
I’ve listed numerous sets of scriptures which contrast the rapture and the second coming, clearly describing them as two separate events. If you do not understand this simple truth, proven with scripture, it is because you willfully refuse to see it. 2 Peter 3:5.
Old Testament Precedents for the Rapture:
We have in scripture two precedents for the rapture of human bodies from the earth. In Genesis 5:21-24 and Hebrews 11:5 we are told of Enoch who was transferred/transported to heaven without leaving a body behind. He was taken (carry away, fetch, seize 3947 in the Hebrew/ raptured: to catch away/up, to seize 726 in the Greek) from earth PRIOR to the flood of Genesis 6 simply because he pleased God. Does this dynamic sound like any contemporary bride with which you might be familiar? Doesn’t the church bear witness of God without ceasing? That we do so is the very reason those ‘in Christ’ will be raptured before God’s wrath of THE tribulation; simply because we pleased Him.
In 2 Kings 2:11-12, Elisha watched Elijah climb on board a fiery chariot and disappear in bodily form. Both of these men left this world in physical bodies. According to Hebrews 10:36-39/Luke 17:37/Revelation 6:9, and 1 Cor. 15:50/Philippians 3: 20-21, they are in heaven as the ‘spirit, the animal sentient principle only.’ What God did for Enoch and Elijah, He can and will do for those who are caught up to Jesus in the rapture. It is not false, heretical or incorrect, especially in light of Jesus’ personal teaching about the rapture, and the dozens of other compelling SCRIPTURAL references, to believe that God will transfer to heaven those who currently bear witness to Him, catching them up to Himself without seeing death!
2 Thessalonians 2:6-8:
Before I get into the meat of this paper, I want to quickly discuss this short passage which profoundly effects the understanding of anyone who believes in a rapture of any timing. It's important because Pre-tribbers use this passage as a linchpin for the timing of the rapture. Mid and Post-tribbers use this passage to declare pre-tribbers false teachers and heretics. I explain this passage to correct a misunderstanding of scripture and bridge the chasm between Believers which, hopefully will result in peace between the two and renewed hope for both. 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8 is nearly always understood to mean that the Holy Spirit is the Restrainer who keeps the man of lawlessness at bay. For such a long time I believed this myself because modern translations lead us to believe as much by inserting/implying another entity into the verse ('what is holding him back' as opposed to the 'thing holding back'). However, when I got an Interlinear Bible, which takes the original languages and puts them directly into English, nearly word for word, I discovered a truth which is hidden by modern translations.
Here is the Interlinear Bible wording for this scripture and it makes so obvious what I'm about to tell you. "And now you know the thing restraining (holding back 2722), for him (the idea of a baffling wind (backward); the reflexive pronoun, self)) to be revealed (to take the cover off 601) IN THE TIME OF HIM (reflexive pronoun, SELF 1438). For the mystery (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation of religious rites 3466) of lawlessness already is working, only he restraining (holding back 2722) now, until it comes out of the midst (middle 3319); and then the Lawless One will be revealed (to take the cover off 601) ...."
The word 'restraining' is NOT a noun. This scripture does NOT say the 'Restrainer.' This passage uses 'restraining' as a verb, an action word and as the definitions show, the restraining is done by 'self' the baffling backward wind (Is Satan not a spirit in opposition, backward, to God?). The only 'self' mentioned in this short passage of scripture is the mystery of lawlessness. He is restraining himself until the proper time is revealed, to come out of the middle of mankind and take the place of prominence which scripture describes.
Logically, it makes sense that the Lawless One will step out of the midst of mankind and take center stage after the rapture removes those ‘in Christ’ from the earth and his visible/identifiable opposition is removed. With the truly redeemed absent, this man will have no moral opposition to his plan. I simply want to make sure that anyone who hinges their belief in a pre-trib rapture on this passage has their thinking squared with scripture. The Lawless One comes to power because he deems the removal of the church as the proper time to be revealed. He does NOT reveal himself because the 'Restrainer,' the Holy Spirit, or the church, is no longer here.
The word 'Restrainer' is NOT used in the ENTIRE Bible. It is a concept passed down as tradition through the ages. This verse does NOT identify the Holy Spirit as a Restrainer who will be removed from the earth. The Holy Spirit is not mentioned in this verse. God's Spirit stays on the earth to work in the lives of those who will submit to His conviction even after the church is raptured!
If God's Spirit were completely removed from the earth, it would be impossible for mere people to overcome the influence of Satan and ever come to Christ. You and I know how difficult it is to resist sin and temptation with the Spirit's help in a time NOTHING like what the Tribulation will be. Do you think any mere person, as a result of their own strength is a match for Satan? If people can overcome Satan without God's help, why did Jesus need to die in the first place? If we could overcome Satan on our own, we could have kept the law!
So, this scripture does speak to a pre-tribulation rapture, but the truth of it needs to be understood as God intends. When those ‘in Christ’ are raptured, the time for the man of lawlessness to come forward and confirm a covenant with Israel will be right, but this passage of scripture has NOTHING to do with God's Spirit, OR the church, as the ‘restrainer.’
Rapture Preface:
Please note what Jesus says in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John was spoken to His disciples, so all of them were aware of everything He taught about the rapture AND the second coming. Also, please note that Jesus says in John 14:1-4 that we are to 'believe in God, believe also in Me" which agrees with what He spoke in Matthew 24:35, “The heavens and the earth will pass away, but My words will never ever pass away.” These short scriptures are warnings to heed what He teaches because Jesus teaches the bulk of rapture doctrine Himself. There is more about the warnings uttered by Jesus on the page titled “Is the Rapture a Salvation Issue?” (If the page does not appear at the top, it is under construction).
Also, I want to mention Paul's exhortation in 2 Timothy 2:15 "Earnestly study to show yourself approved to God, a workman unashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth." The words 'rightly divided' are defined by the Greek as 'to dissect correctly (the divine message) (3718 in Strongs). This dissection of scripture becomes very important because, as we read the second coming and rapture passages, we can divide all end time scriptures by the descriptions Jesus gave of the two events. In other words, we put the scriptures which describe the second coming in one category and those which describe rapture in another category. Jesus told us how to do this.
In Matthew 13:11-17, Jesus explained why He taught in parables. In summation of this passage, Jesus stated that the heart of people had grown fat, they heard sluggishly, and they'd closed their eyes so that they did not hear, see, or understand with their hearts that they could be converted and He could heal them. Then He told His disciples that blessed were their eyes because they saw and blessed were their ears because they heard; for there are many prophets and RIGHTEOUS ones who did NOT see or hear.
Surely, 2,000 years later, because we have God's infallible word, we can do a better job of hearing, seeing and understanding.
Why People Fail to Understand the Rapture as Separate from the Second Coming:
Some people absolutely refuse to heed the instruction given by Jesus regarding the rapture and second coming as separate events. Their belief is structured in one of three ways:
One, they choose an individual verse or two and build an ‘doctrine’ around it while excluding/ignoring all other scriptures which speak contrary to their belief. Two such favorite scriptures are Matthew 24:29 where the word ‘after’ is used by Jesus, AND 2 Thessalonians 2:3 where the words ‘that day will not come unless first comes the falling away and the man of sin’ are used. This is a dangerous practice because pulling verses at random removes them from their context. Pulling verses from context enables one to make the Bible say absolutely anything they wish. There is no truth to be gleaned when treating scripture in such a cavalier manner. Truth of the Bible is attained ONLY when all scriptures relevant to any subject matter are understood in a manner which produces NO contradiction in scripture. More on this later.
Two, people who dismiss the rapture doctrine taught by Jesus, that it will happen BEFORE the tribulation begins, get most of their ‘doctrine’ from extra Biblical sources, or from OUTSIDE the Bible. I must admit this method completely baffles me because it largely omits the Bible. That a person thinks they can attain Biblical truth without the Bible is nonsensical. They give far more credibility to those who state the pretrib rapture originated with the Jesuits in the 1500s, Margaret McDonald, or John Darby in the 1800s. In other words, the writings of such people hold far more value for these people than does any end time teaching of Jesus.
Three, people who dismiss the rapture doctrine taught by Jesus combine ALL end time scriptures, failing to rightly divide as 2 Timothy 2:15 instructs. This results in a muddled understanding of what will take place at any point in time on the eschatological calendar. This approach ALSO creates contradiction in scripture. For instance: Matthew 24:29 does indeed say Jesus will return AFTER the tribulation is over. However, in Luke 21:28 Jesus told us He will draw near to us, in the clouds as opposed to coming to earth (1 Thess. 4:13-17) when the birth pains BEGIN to happen. It is not possible for Jesus to come a single time, coming both BEFORE and AFTER the tribulation. Any non-pretrib position creates dozens of such contradictions in end time scriptures.
Debunking Other Rapture Timings:
Having established there is a rapture, and having used, and will use additional scriptures to support the rapture, I want to address how other rapture timings are actually disproven by the Bible. God eliminates, through scripture, days on which it cannot occur!
First, if the rapture were to happen at either the mid-point or end of the Tribulation it would be simple to calculate the day of its occurrence. A mid-tribulation rapture date could be calculated by taking the date on which the covenant is confirmed between the man of lawlessness and the nation of Israel (Daniel 9:27), and adding 1,260 days (3.5 years by Jewish calendar). That total would tell us the day AND the hour of the rapture. Jesus told us in Matthew 24:36, 42, 44, 50 and Luke 12:40 He is coming at an UNKNOWN day and hour. So, for the rapture to happen mid-trib or post-trib, the timing contradicts what Jesus taught.
A mid-trib rapture can also be eliminated in this way: In 1 Thessalonians 5:3 we learn that after 'destruction' comes, there is no escape (flee out 1628). Destruction on this earth begins when Jesus opens the Seal Judgments, so the rapture cannot occur after the Seal Judgments are opened, or 1 Thess. 5:3 is rendered irrelevant, and we know that is not the case.
A pre-wrath rapture can be eliminated as well. First, there is no scripture which states that God's wrath is limited to the second half of the tribulation. So, people who place God’s wrath mid-trib are withOUT scriptural support for doing so. Nowhere in the Bible is such a scripture found. There are several scriptures which state that God's wrath is the entire 7-year period: Luke 21:36, Revelation 3:10, 14:7. Here again, stating the rapture happens near mid-trib before God’s wrath begins makes null and void the scriptures I just listed.
Second, Jesus opens the Seal Judgments in response to the invasion of Israel by Gog as described in Ezekiel 38-39. Several tribulation plagues are described in those chapters. Seals 4 and 6 are among them. Seal 6 is described, literally as God’s wrath. Mind you, these seals are opened by Jesus before the tribulation begins, as Rev. 14:7 states (the angel will declare God’s judgment as having arrived BEFORE he begins to teach the gospel world-wide at the beginning of the tribulation). So, the only BIBLICAL way to understand pre-wrath rapture is to acknowledge it occurs before the tribulation begins, which is also pretrib. Just saying.
Third, the same reason which eliminates the mid-trib rapture.
A post-tribulation rapture can be eliminated in many ways. First, Revelation 19:14 (and verse 8), as well as, Zechariah 14:5 and Jude 14-15 tell us, the saints return to earth with Jesus when He comes to battle Satan. It is impossible for saints to return to earth with Jesus unless they have already exited the earth. There is NO scripture which states that the saints who return with Jesus are ONLY the Old Testament saints. This is merely an assumption which is read into these verses by those who wish to maintain credibility for their post-trib position. The saints, those ‘in Christ’ from both testaments, can't return with Jesus if they are still on the earth when He gets here.
Second, the date of a post-tribulation rapture could be calculated two ways; from the confirming of the covenant plus 2,520 days OR from the date of the abomination which occurs when the Antichrist sits on the throne in the Temple, plus 1,260 days (Daniel 12:11). Ten times, in Matthew 24:36,42,44,50 and 25:13, 1-12, and 14-30, and Mark 13:32,33, 35, scripture clearly teaches us that NO ONE knows the day OR hour of the rapture. Since we can calculate the dates of either a mid or post rapture, they are basically unworthy of consideration (Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32). Remember, contextually, Jesus' statement that "no one knows the day or hour' was stated in passages of scripture which speak of the rapture, NOT the second coming.
Third, Luke 17:22 says there are MULTIPLE dayS of the Son of Man. If the rapture happens at the second coming, then there will only be ONE day of the Son of Man.
Fourth, Luke 17:20-21 tells us the "Kingdom of God does not come with observation (defined by the Greek as 'ocular evidence' 3907 in Strongs); nor will they say, Lo, here! Or, Lo, there! For behold the kingdom of God is in your midst." Every single passage in scripture which speaks of the tribulation/second coming does so by describing nothing but ocular events. If the rapture happens post-trib, it will be preceded by all the ocular events described in scripture, voiding Luke 17:20.
Fifth, Luke 12:39-40 and Matthew 24:44 contain warnings from Jesus about being watchful and prepared for the return of the housemaster. In verse 40, He states that 'then, be ready; for in the hour you think not, the Son of man comes." For those of you who hold to mid or post-trib doctrines, this is a warning from Jesus intended for you! If you are convinced that Jesus will rapture the church at midpoint or at His second coming, He is telling you, right here, right now, that He will come at a time that 'you think not.' You will not be expecting Him, and you will NOT be prepared.
It is obvious that any position, other than pretrib can be eliminated in a number of ways which means they are not scriptural. Prophesy will be fulfilled in the exact manner Jesus spoke it; the rapture will come to pass at an unknown day and hour and it will occur without creating contradiction in scripture.
Scriptural References to the Pretrib Rapture Taught by Jesus:
1 Thessalonians 5:9: "God has NOT appointed (defined as ‘to place, purpose, set forth 5087) us to endure the wrath (defined as ‘violent passion (ire, or [justifiable] abhorrence; by implication punishment: vengeance 3709) of the Tribulation. He has appointed us for obtaining salvation through Jesus ." Because we are saved, we avoid punishment! This is the reason we are baptized; so that we can approach God as innocent; to come before Him acquitted, pardoned from our sins with a clean conscience; Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21.
There are 31 New Testament scriptures which declare Believers justified before God. Each of them defines ‘justified’ as ‘to render (show or regard as) just or innocent 1344 in Strong's).’ God will NOT punish His innocent children! Jesus has already received unto Himself the punishment due the redeemed of God. The punishment of the Tribulation is for those who do NOT belong to God (Jeremiah 30:4-7, 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12, Luke 21:35, and Revelation 3:10), those who are NOT covered by the blood of Jesus, not for those who are!
We know also Believers will be spared the horrors of the Tribulation because this statement about NOT being appointed to wrath is placed in the context of scripture which speaks about the rapture of the church. It does not speak to avoiding the wrath of the second coming of Christ because it isn’t placed in scriptures which speak to His second coming. Additionally, the wrath brought to earth after the second coming, as described in Zechariah 14 and Revelation 19:11-21, is specific to Jerusalem and is NOT global.
There are Christians who make a distinction between the wrath of God (God's anger at Israel and unbelievers) and the suffering of the Tribulation. They believe in a post-trib rapture, against ALL scriptural evidence to the contrary, during which they will be persecuted and hunted by Satan while protected from the wrath God has for Israel and unbelievers. They believe they will suffer at the hand of Satan while remaining exempt from the horrors God has for those who rebel against Him, even though both events occur simultaneously. Here’s the problem with their ‘doctrine:’ There is NO scripture which states the redeemed of the tribulation are spared the entirety of God’s wrath. The only plagues from which saints will be exempt are the evil grievous sores and the plague of locusts.
These Christians use 1 Thessalonians 5:9 as proof that they will be present for the tribulation, the opposite of what God intends. How do I know it's an opposite understanding? In 1 Thessalonians 1:10, we learn that Jesus is 'the ONE delivering (to rush or draw FOR oneself, i.e. to rescue 4506) us from the wrath (violent passion (ire, or [justifiable] abhorrence; by implication punishment: vengeance 3709) to come.' The language used in this verse perfectly agrees with the language used in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 where we will be 'caught up' (seize, pluck, take by force 726). If Jesus rescues us by drawing us unto Himself, won't He be seizing/plucking us from the earth, rescuing us from the wrath God has planned for this world? What's so great about 1 Thessalonians 1:10 is that the 'wrath' Jesus will deliver us from is the same 'wrath' that God pours out on Israel and unbelievers! The same word for 'wrath' is used in both verses as they are identically defined. How totally cool is that?! If Jesus draws or rushes us unto Himself, protecting us from God's wrath then the rapture must be placed before God's wrath begins! There are other scriptures which will prove this timing. Keep reading!
Also, these scriptures teach God’s wrath is intended for the wicked, those who disbelieve or reject God’s truth: Jer. 30:7, Ezekiel 7, John 3:36, Romans 1:18, 2:5, 2:8, 5:9, 13:4, Ephesians 2:3, 5:6, Colossians 3:6, 1 Thess. 2:16, 2 Thess. 2:12, Hebrews 4:2-3, 2 Pet. 2:9.
The church is, by definition, those who are NOT wicked in the sight of God because Jesus paid our sin wage, making us innocent in God’s eyes. So why would the church be present for the tribulation, the period of time during which God’s wrath is released onto the wicked? Pretrib is the only rapture doctrine which keeps the church, those who are innocent in God’s sight, ‘out of’ the tribulation. Luke 21:36, Revelation 3:10.
Finally, Romans 5:8-9: “God commends His love to us in that we yet being sinners, Christ died for us. Much more, then, being justified now by His blood, we will be saved (to save, deliver, or protect 4982) through Him from wrath (desire as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind, ie. violent passion (ire, or justifiable abhorrence); by implication punishment: anger, indignation vengeance. 3709).” See also John 3:36, 1 Thess. 1:10, 5:9, Revelation 6:16 & 17; the end time scriptures which state we are delivered from wrath with the same exact definition. As these scriptures clearly show, those who are justified by the blood of Jesus are protected by Jesus from wrath. Period. It makes no difference whose wrath it is.
Both 1 Thessalonians 4:18 and 5:11: Paul exhorts Believers to be comforted by the rapture and to use it to build up one another, keeping each other focused, watchful and prepared. If the passages relating to the rapture do not teach that Believers will be absent for God or Satan's wrath during the Tribulation, how could they possibly comfort anyone? How could the knowledge we are going into a war where we will be hunted, tortured and beheaded NOT be troubling? Jesus, Himself, said in John 14:1, "Do NOT be troubled" right before He told us to believe in Him, as well, as in God, right before He tells us that He has a 'room' (residence 3438) prepared for us and He will come to receive (to receive near, to associate with oneself in a familiar or intimate act 3880) us unto Himself so that we will be with Him as 1 Thessalonians 4:17 describes! This completely agrees with Isaiah 26:19-21, an Old Testament passage which speaks of the resurrection of the dead, and being hidden while God pours out His wrath
Because these scriptures mean that God’s faithful will not endure the Tribulation, those of us who BELIEVE/TRUST Jesus to receive us unto Himself can live calmly, with faith and hope, as Paul calls us to (1 Thessalonians 5:8), busy about the work of God’s kingdom (1 Thessalonians 4:11, Hebrews 10:24-25) so that more people will come to a saving knowledge of Jesus and also be spared the wrath of the Tribulation. We can comfort one another because Jesus is coming to get us of earth before God’s wrath begins!
Romans 5:9: "Much more, then, being justified now by His blood, we will be saved through Him from wrath." The definition of 'wrath' in this verse is the same definition as wrath in 1 Thessalonians 1:10 and 5:9 and is defined by the Greek as "violent passion (ire, or [justifiable] abhorrence; by implication PUNISHMENT; VENGEANCE 3709).
I spoke of this scripture earlier, but I want to make mention here that Revelation 16:1 refers to the bowls judgments as the 'bowls of the anger of God...' The word anger in 16:1 is NOT the same word as 'wrath’ used in the scriptures mentioned above. This word anger is defined by the Greek as "passion as if breathing hard, fierceness, indignation, or wrath. 2372." As a result, the bowl judgments of Revelation 16 are NOT proof that God's wrath is confined to the second half of the tribulation. To be saved from God's “wrath” is to be saved from all seven years of tribulation.
In Luke 21, Jesus described the events which will precede His SECOND COMING, but in verse 36 He tells His disciples to 'be watchful at every time, begging (as binding oneself, petition 1189) that they be counted worthy (to deem entirely deserving 2661) to escape (flee out 1628) ALL (any, every, the whole, all manner of, whatsoever 3956) these things which are about to happen, and to stand before the Son of Man."
If the rapture isn’t placed prior to the Tribulation, what possible escape could any person ever have? 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 tells us there is no escape once destruction begins. We know Jesus isn't referencing death as an escape because He tells us to be watchful and beg. Dead people don't watch. Dead people don't beg. The second coming cannot happen until day 2,520 of the tribulation, so where’s the logic behind being watchful for something which cannot happen for at least seven years? Being watchful references watchfulness for the sudden, unexpected, imminent return of Jesus to draw us up unto Himself; being ready to go in the rapture so that we might escape the Tribulation. In this verse, Jesus, HIMSELF, offers both warning and hope because if we are to escape ALL these things which are about to happen, we must be gone from earth before they begin!
2 Peter 2:9 tells us the Lord knows “how to deliver (draw for oneself 4506) the godly out of temptation (putting to proof or discipline 3986) and to keep (detain in custody 5083) the unjust (wicked, treacherous, heathen 94) for a day of judgment, being punished…” Contextually, this scripture is placed in a passage in which Peter differentiates between the unrighteousness of the angels, and their destruction, and the righteousness of Noah and his preservation. The Godly people of the church will not have to prove themselves to God, like the unrighteous because we’ve been living for Him since we were saved! Our trust in Jesus is our proof! Believers do not have to 'prove' themselves in battle for Jesus because this is Jesus' fight! Our part of the story is to trust Him to deliver us! If this verse isn’t talking about a pre-tribulation rapture, so that the redeemed will be delivered from the punishment coming for the unjust, then you aren’t paying attention. Additionally, the language used in this verse, ‘draw for oneself’ is extremely similar to the language used in 1 Thessalonians 4, being caught up (to seize, to pluck 726) and in Matthew/Luke being taken (to receive near 3880). Also note that the unjust being detained in this verse fits very well with those who are forsaken or set aside as Luke 17:35-36 describes.
Malachi 3:16-18, along the same lines as 2 Peter 2:9, is a short passage which speaks of deliverance. Here God makes a clear statement about His willingness to show pity (to spare 2250) those who serve Him, so that we will see, yet again, the difference between the righteous and the wicked. Yes, I know these verses are at the end of an Old Testament passage about giving, but in these verses, God is writing in a book of remembrance the names of those who serve Him, so these three scriptures transcend the limits of OT law because God will ALWAYS make a distinction between those who serve Him and those who don’t. Doesn’t the knowledge that God will spare those who serve Him apply in this instance? Isn’t a pre-tribulation rapture an occurrence of God sparing those who serve Him? Of course, it is!
Isaiah 2:12-17, Jeremiah 30:4-7, 30:11-15, Ezekiel 20:33-38, 22:21-22, 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12, and Revelation 3:10 clearly teach that the Tribulation is a time intended for the nation of Israel (Jacob’s trouble) and those who do NOT know God. The church today is NOT part of Israel, nor is the church, by definition the ‘called out ones,’ those who do not know God. If the Tribulation is set as an event to test and punish those who reject God, why would the church be present? God has given us the ability to think critically, to think rationally, to rightly divide scripture for a reason (2 Timothy 2:15). The teaching of a pre-tribulation rapture is only one of those reasons.
In Revelation 3:10 Jesus, Himself, teaches that He "will keep (to guard from loss or injury 5083) those who kept the word of My patience (endurance 5281. Romans 5/Hebrews 12:1-3, 10:36, James 5:10-11 are scriptures which call the church to endure), I also will keep you out of the hour (day, hour, instant, season, [even-] tide, (high) time 5610) of trial (a putting to proof by experiment of good, experience of evil, solicitation, discipline; by implication adversity;-temptation) which is going to come on all the habitable world in order to try those dwelling on the earth'.
Contextually, Jesus' statement of His protection is placed next to His statement about ‘the hour of trial (putting to proof of the experience of evil, discipline, adversity 3986), which is the event from which those who endured for Him will be guarded. This lone scripture also clearly states that those who fail to trust Jesus, those who fail to endure will be left on the earth after rapture. These people are the ones who will be 'tried.' Why would Jesus make the distinction of 'those dwelling on the EARTH if it was understood that everyone would be on the earth? He wouldn't.
The context of Hebrews 10:24-25 is that of Paul reminding us to ‘hold fast the confession of hope without yielding, for He who has promised is faithful (verse 23). Verses 24-25 tell us to “exhort (to invite, beseech, invoke (cite or appeal to someone in support of an argument) 3870) and incite (provoke unto 3948) each other to love, good works and to fellowshipping together as we see the Day approaching.” Per the definition of the original Greek, Paul is telling us that, as we see the Day of the rapture approaching, we are to appeal to each other in support of an argument. That’s exactly what I’m doing with this paper!
The capital ‘D’ in the word Day is from the original Greek. It is NOT an emphasis from me. We know from what Jesus taught about the rapture in the gospels, this Day is near because it happens at an unknown time (Matt. 24:36), and without any specific visible signs (Matt. 24:4-8/Luke 21:28) during normal everyday life (Matt. 24:37-41/Luke 17:26-30).
If the ‘Day’ references the second coming, when the heavens light up with lightning, and the final trumpet sounds for the gathering of the elect at the end of the tribulation, it will be too late to do good works. It will be too late to encourage one another in any regard. At that time, all chances at salvation and encouragement among ourselves will have been spent. Inversely, if the Day is the rapture, then it makes perfect sense to provoke and inspire each other into good works (sharing Jesus so that others might be saved), and fellowshipping together so that we comfort one another, building up each other, as 1 Thessalonians 4:18 and 5:11 tells us. Verse 23 does not remind us of Jesus’ faithfulness for no reason. His promise to protect the Redeemed will be kept.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 teaches we will be ‘caught up’ or raptured at the shout of the archangel AND God’s trumpet, but it does NOT designate it as any one of the trumpets described in Revelation 8-11. This makes sense because if it could be connected to any of those seven trumpets there would be a timing element involved which would negate Jesus' words of 'no one knows the day or hour." This trumpet stands alone, its only tether is the rapture of the church as is proven by the fact that it is God's trump because He is the ONLY One who does know the day and hour!
Titus 2:11-15 once again differentiates between the godly and ungodly. The godly, living discreetly and righteously in the present age, looking for the blessed hope (fortunate expectation 3107/1680 respectively) AND appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. We are to speak these things to exhort (to invite, beseech, invoke (cite or appeal to someone in support of an argument) 3870) and convict (admonish, rebuke 1651) with all authority. We are to let NO ONE despise (disparage, to make of little worth 4065) us. 1 John 3:2-3 and Galatians 5:5 speak of this same 'hope!' God's word is so cohesive!
What can this fortunate expectation be? As believers, we have many expectations; the presence of God’s Spirit within us, the power of prayer, eternity in heaven and the list goes on, but what about THIS expectation makes it so fortunate? Does it have anything to do with the differentiation God makes between the godly and ungodly in this short passage? Of course, it does. This expectation is fortunate because those who live Godly lives in this age will be spared the pain and suffering of the Tribulation. Paul even goes so far as to say that we are to call near other people and admonish and rebuke them with all authority.
Personally, I think this is intended in two ways. First, we are to continue to reach others with the gospel because of the ‘good works’ spoken of in verse 14. I think it ALSO means we are to comfort and encourage others with the news that we will be participants in the blessed hope/fortunate expectation as 1 Thessalonians 4:18 and 5:11 commands. Paul tells us to let no one despise (disparage, to make of little worth 4065) us. So, we are to soldier on and not give up so that the lost might be part of the blessed hope and the saved will be reminded of and comforted by it.
Titus 2:12-13, specifically, describes the rapture as the blessed hope (fortunate expectation 3107/1680 respectively) because it happens in the ‘present age.’ “Present” is defined by the Greek as ‘now, immediate.’ (3568).
Since the judgments of Revelation have not yet begun, and can’t until nation of Israel is invaded during the Ezekiel 38-39 war, those plagues are not part of the ‘present age.’ They can’t be and agree with the rest of scripture. Jesus teaches the rapture will happen as in the days of Noah and Lot when people are busy going about their daily lives. Will ‘normal daily life’ be in play once the Seal judgments are opened? Of course, not. So, how can the ‘blessed hope’ possibly be the second coming? The second coming does NOT take place in the ‘present age,’ it takes place AFTER the tribulation. Jesus, Himself, sets it apart as ‘great affliction, such as has not happened from the beginning of the world until now, nor, nor ever will be.” Matthew 24:21. That He made this statement means the second coming and the rapture cannot be the same event! The blessed hope cannot take place in the ‘present age’ (immediate/now) and also during the time of greatest affliction the world has ever known. They are mutually exclusive!
The RAPTURE does take place in the ‘present age’ because it happens while normal everyday life is in play. Matt. 24:37-41 and Luke 17:26-30. It has no signs which precede it. Matt. 24:36, 42 44, and 50. It has no warnings whatsoever. Matt. 24:36-25:30.
1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 is also relevant to the rapture of the church (Please also see Romans 5:9). "... and how you had turned to God from the idols, to serve the true and living God, and eagerly to await His Son from Heaven, whom He raised from the dead, Jesus, the One delivering ( to rush or draw for oneself i.e. rescue 4506) us from the wrath (a reaching forth or excitement of the mind, violent passion (ire, or justifiable abhorrence) by implication punishment: vengeance 3709) to come."
The wrath described in this verse is wrath. It does not matter whether it is of God, or Satan, or lawless people alive during the tribulation. Jesus is telling us that He will deliver us from all wrath by rushing or drawing us unto Himself. The 'rushing or drawing to oneself' here and in Luke 21:28, sound a great deal like the 'catching up' described in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, and the receiving of us unto Himself in John 14:3, doesn't it? Pre-trib rapture! If Jesus comes to earth at the second coming, Zech 14:1-5, He can’t draw us ‘up’ or catch us ‘up’ unto Himself, can He? What purpose would a giant U-turn in the sky serve? Besides, Matthew 24:31/Mark 13:27 tell us the angels do the gathering at the second coming, NOT Jesus.
Also, we know from Zech. 14:12-15 and Rev. 19:21, the final plague of wrath, which occurs after the battle at Jerusalem, is NOT global. It is only against those who fought attacked Jerusalem and those who hid within Jerusalem during the battle. So, to those who hold on to a post-trib position, why would Jesus need to protect Believers from God's wrath if it is directed at ONLY the surviving UNredeemed? Since His wrath will not be global, the saints, who are now possess incorruptible bodies, are in no danger. Something to think about.
Isaiah 26:19-21 (NIV for ease of understanding), says this: "But your dead will live; their bodies will rise. You who dwell in the dust, wake up and shout for joy. Your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead. Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you: hide yourselves for a little while until His wrath has passed by. See, the Lord is coming out of His dwelling to punish the people of the earth for their sins. The earth will disclose the blood shed upon her; she will conceal her slain no longer."
The context of this short passage is that of God delivering justice (26:1-7), a brief description of the righteous (26:8-9), and a lengthier description of the wicked (26:10-21). It is during this segment about the wickeds’ punishment that Isaiah inserts God's words of protection for those who are not wicked.
Verses 26:19-21 clearly agree with 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, that the dead in Christ will rise, then those who remain alive will join Jesus in the air. This verse adds a little more information, however. It tells us that we will hide in a room where we will wait for 'little moment (Greek defined as 'a very short space of time, instant 7281) until His wrath (fury in the Greek, defined as God's displeasure with sin 2195) passes by. This agrees with Jesus' statement in John 14:2 where He tells us that His Father's house has many rooms and He is coming to receive us to Him.
This passage makes an overt distinction between those who leave the earth and those who do NOT! It also clearly states that those who leave the earth do so PRIOR to God's wrath. I'll leave it at that.
Hebrews 10:36-39 and 1 John 2:28 are placed together under one reason for the simple fact that they both reference 'drawing back' or feeling 'shamed' at the coming of Jesus. 1 John 2:28 tells us that anyone who feels shame when Jesus reveals Himself will immediately understand they failed to live in righteousness. Those who have confidence at Jesus' appearance are those who have abided in Him and lived righteously, so they have no reason to feel shame at His coming (being near 3952, Jesus comes in the clouds and catches us up to Himself. He does not come to earth). Part of that 'abiding' and 'righteousness' is to trust Jesus' promise to deliver us from the tribulation Luke 21:36, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 4:13-17, 5:9, Rev. 3:10.
In Hebrews 10:36-39 we learn that God is NOT pleased with anyone who 'draws back' from Him at His coming. Why would anyone 'draw back' from God? Verse 38 tells us; the just (innocent 1342) live by faith (reliance upon Christ for salvation 4102). So, it stands to reason that the unjust are NOT relying upon Christ for salvation. Please hear me: either you believe/trust Jesus to keep His promises or you don't. Salvation can be had when the church is raptured IF you trust Jesus to save you. If you do not trust Jesus to save you, and you are caught unwatchful and unprepared for His return your lack of faith will be made very evident very quickly and you will 'draw back' in shame at His appearance.
One other very interesting thing about Hebrews 10:36-39 is this; people who trust Jesus to save them will NOT draw back to destruction (loss or ruin 684), but to the preservation of the soul (animal sentient principle only 5590). The Greek language has two words which are translated 'soul.' The 'animal sentient principle only' used in this verse is our 'body.' It is NOT the immortal soul which lives forever! This passage is saying that people who trust Jesus to save them will NOT suffer loss or ruin at the rapture, but their body will be preserved. This agrees with what Jesus says in Luke 17:37 where the word 'body' is defined as 'the body (as a sound whole 4983) is raptured. It also agrees with what we learn of the martyred souls in Revelation 6, Seal #5. The word 'souls' in this verse is the same word, with the same definition as the word 'soul' in Hebrews 10:36-39. This tells us that the 'souls' who have waited millennia for justice are still waiting in their 'animal sentient principles' NOT their 'immortal, eternal souls.'
1 Corinthians 15:51-53 tells us that our bodies will be changed from corruptible (perishable 5349) to incorruptible (unending existence/immortality 861) at the LAST (farthest/final 2078) trumpet. The seventh of seven trumpets (last trumpet) is described in Revelation 11:15 and it signals the second coming of Christ to earth to battle Satan and his armies. If we do NOT receive our new heavenly bodies until the second coming of Christ, and the preservation in this verse is for the animal sentient body, then this places the rapture pre-tribulation because our bodies have not yet been changed. We've already excluded the possibility of a mid and post-trib raptures in the First Reason at the top of this section. With mid and post-raptures eliminated, the only time remaining for the rapture is prior to the start of the tribulation.
1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 clearly states the thief comes in the night, THEN destruction comes, and the birth pains begin. In other words, the rapture takes place, destruction caused by it ensues, and the birth pains of the tribulation begin. Birth pains start out slow and easy, getting increasingly stronger and harder to ignore as time goes on. Birth pains is a metaphorical description of the plagues described in Revelation. The plagues start out mild and intensify as they progress. The great thing is, Jesus comes to get the church BEFORE the birth pains begin! Luke 21:28, 36, 1 Thess. 1:10, 5:9, Rev. 3:10.
Revelation 3:3 says, "...if, then, you do NOT watch, I will come upon you like a thief, and you will not at all know what hour I come upon you." Those of you who hold to mid or post-tribulation doctrines are NOT watching for an imminent, unexpected return of Jesus as He described in Matt. 24:36-25:30. Jesus told us He did NOT know the day or hour of His appearance, yet YOU are convinced you know when He's going to rapture the church. This verse, along with Matt. 24:36, 42, 44, 50 and Luke 12:39-40 tells you that you do NOT know! Jesus says to be watchful, but you are busy making excuses for NOT being watchful. Ignoring anything taught by Jesus will ONLY EVER work against you!
1 Peter 4:17-19 is one short passage which proves a pre-trib rapture even without the solidarity of numerous other scriptures. It clearly states that God's judgment of mankind begins with His house which is the church. In this passage, the church is separated, and the ungodly and sinners experience suffering according to God's will who is the author of salvation.
The Interlinear Bible presents this verse quite differently than modern translations, and when you sub in the definitions from the original Greek, you learn there is much more to this verse than is seen with a cursory glance. Here’s the breakdown from a word for word translation of the original Greek:
1 Peter 4:17-19. Because the time (set time 2540) has come to begin (commence 756) the judgment (a decision against crime 2917) from the house (dwelling 3624) of God; and if firstly (first of all 4412) from (away, separation, departure 575) us (our company 2257), what will be the end (conclusion of an act or state, limit, termination (literally or figuratively), result [ultimate or prophetic] 5056) of those disobeying (disbelieve, willfully and perversely 544) the gospel (the good message 2098) of God? 18. And if the righteous (innocent/holy 1342) is scarcely saved (deliver, protect 4982) where will the ungodly (irreverent [showing a lack of respect for something generally taken seriously (online dictionary)], impious {not showing respect or reverence, especially for a god online dictionary], wicked 765) and sinner appear (be seen 5316)? 19. So, as indeed (therefore, as follows, 5620) those suffering (to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful) 3958) according (down in place or time, according as to 2596) to God’s will (a determination, choice (specifically purpose or decree) 2307), as to a faithful (trustworthy 4103) Creator (founder, author of all things 2939), let them commit (to place alongside, by implication to deposit as a trust or for protection, commit (the keeping of) 3908) their souls (breath, spirit (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished from 4151 which is the rational, immortal soul and from 2222 which is mere vitality 5590) in well-doing (virtue 16).”
Now, let’s substitute the definitions of the original Greek and see how this verse breaks down:
v17. Because the set time has come to commence a decision against crime from the house of God; and if first of all our company is away/separated/departed, what will be the concluding result of those willfully and perversely disbelieving the good message of God? v18. And if the innocent/holy is scarcely delivered/protected where will the ungodly (irreverent/impious) AND sinner be seen? v19. As follows, those experiencing a painful impression in place and time with God’s determination/purpose/decree, as to a trustworthy founder/author of all things, let them deposit for trust or for protection, their breath/spirit in virtue (behavior showing high moral standards (online dictionary).
Verse 17. We know that the set time is the ‘nearing of the end of all things’ from verse 7. God has set this time to begin His decision against the crime of the church. Peter states that the church, our company, is away/separated/departed, so the church is separated from itself and departed. How does that happen? What event ‘near the end of all things’ separates the church from itself and involves a departure? The rapture, of course. Peter tells us that this separation of the church is the FIRST thing to happen, so where does that put the rapture in relation to the ‘appearance of the ungodly AND the sinner? It puts the rapture PRIOR to the appearance of the ungodly and sinner. So, the rapture happens first.
Verse 18. If the innocent/holy are scarcely delivered/protected where will the ungodly (irreverent/impious) AND sinner be seen? Notice that Peter differentiates between the ungodly, those who are irreverent toward God (the wicked servants and unwise virgins, spoken of in Matt. 24:36-25:30), AND the sinners. Why are these groups of people seen anywhere? Well, Jesus just raptured the church, and those who didn’t leave with Him aren’t dead, so they are seen here on earth. They will remain where they were because they didn’t leave in the rapture.
Verse 19. ‘As follows/therefore,” those seen here on earth, experience a painful impression in place and time with God’s decree/purpose, because He’s the trustworthy author of all things, that they can deposit their breath/spirit into Him for protection. This speaks of the tribulation and God’s call of salvation to those who enter it. During the tribulation, God will encourage the ungodly AND the sinners to trust Him for salvation because they refused to do so prior to the trib.
This very short passage, standing alone, is enough to prove the pre-trib rapture.
But there’s more: John 3:36 "The one believing (to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ 4100) into the Son has everlasting life; but the one disobeying (disbelieve (willfully and perversely) 544) the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on Him."
The definition of the word 'perverse' is a deliberate or obstinate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable or unacceptable, often despite of the consequences (online dictionary).
This scripture is from a larger passage which speaks of Jesus' supremacy over anything earthly because He comes from heaven, and that Jesus’ testimony is what God sent Him to speak. This scripture does not speak directly to the Rapture like the other scriptures, but to the authority with which Jesus speaks.
Notice how Jesus says either you believe OR you disobey? The bulk of the passages dealing with the rapture are spoken by Jesus. If you willfully disbelieve what Jesus says about this extremely important event, this scripture, John 3:36, tells you the wrath of God will remain on you because you are disobedient. The word 'wrath' used in this verse is the same word, with the same definition as the word 'wrath' in 1 Thessalonians 5:9 (defined as ‘violent passion (ire, or [justifiable] abhorrence; by implication PUNISHMENT: VENGEANCE 3709).
I am not saying that believing in a pre-trib rapture is necessary for salvation, nor am I saying that failure to believe in a pre-trib rapture means you go to hell. I AM saying, through the sum total of all rapture scriptures, plus this one, that WILLFULLY disbelieving Jesus' words regarding the rapture will leave you on earth to face God's wrath along with Israel. Jesus just said it Himself in this scripture! John 3:36 says the same thing as 1 Peter 4:17: “Because the set time has come to commence a decision against crime from the house of God; and if first of all our company is separated/departed, what will be the concluding result of those willfully and perversely disbelieving the good message of God?”
Is Jesus’ promise to deliver/rescue us from God’s wrath good news? Of course, it is. Is God’s wrath limited to hell? No, it isn’t. 1 Thessalonians 5:9, a passage of scripture which speaks of the rapture of the church, tells us that Believers are not appointed to God’s wrath (during the tribulation), but to obtaining salvation, which again echoes John 3:36. God’s word is so cohesive!
If you fail to trust Jesus’ promise to deliver you as HE states in scripture, then you are, according to this scripture, disobedient (willfully and perversely disbelieving!). If, however, you trust Jesus’ promise to deliver you, then your salvation is secured at the rapture and you are off to heaven, 1 Peter 1:4-9, escaping God’s wrath as Jesus describes in Luke 21:36 and Rev. 3:10.
Jesus reaffirms His own words in John 14:1 where He exhorts us to not only believe in God, but to ALSO believe in Him. These words were spoken in a short passage in which Jesus states that He will receive us unto Himself and take us to a dwelling place He has prepared for us. Jesus also exhorts us to trust EVERYTHING He says in Matthew 24:35.
Christians do NOT understand the importance of the rapture. They take it for granted they will leave whenever it happens, and it will all ‘pan’ out in the end. The truth is this: what you believe about the rapture has tremendous importance on whether you leave with Jesus or stay behind for the tribulation. The tribulation is a destination of your own choosing, just the same as each person decides for themselves whether they will live eternally in heaven or hell. Let me urgently encourage you to trust Jesus’ promise to deliver/rescue us from the events of God’s wrath as described in Revelation 6-22. If we miss the one-time rapture event, we are stuck on earth to endure the atrocities of that time. There are no mulligans where the rapture is concerned. 1 Thess. 5:3.
Luke 24:50-51: “And He led them out as far as to Bethany. And lifting up His hands, He blessed them. And it happened as He BLESSED them, He withdrew from them, and was carried into heaven.”
Then, Acts 1:9 “And saying these things, as they looked on, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him from their eyes.”
So, Jesus blessed His disciples and left peacefully into the clouds.
And, Acts 1:11 “...This Jesus, the One being taken from you into Heaven, will COME in the way you saw Him going into Heaven.”
So, the summary of these scriptures tell us Jesus will arrive PEACEFULLY in the clouds and there will be a BLESSING involved because that's what happened when He left at His ascension.
At Christ's second coming, when He comes to make war with Satan and establish His kingdom, He will arrive in battle mode with the armies of heaven behind Him. He comes to wage war and levy judgment against the wicked. There will be nothing peaceful about His arrival, nothing peaceful about a river of blood 200 miles long, and there will be NO blessing to be found for those outside His will.
Revelation 3:10 "Because you kept the word of My patience, I also will keep you OUT of the hour of TRIAL which is going to come on all the habitable world in order to try those dwelling on the earth. AND Luke 21:36, “Pray to be counted worthy to escape all these things which are about to happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.” If Jesus is going to keep us out of the hour of trial coming upon the earth, and allow us to escape ALL the events of the tribulation, we must be gone BEFORE it begins!
This is Jesus, saying, one more time, that He will protect us from the tribulation, but that He will come peacefully on the clouds with a blessing for us. What could be a bigger blessing than the rapture of the church PRIOR to the start of the tribulation? This is the reason the rapture is called the “Blessed Hope.” Titus 2:13
In the interest of full disclosure, I want to state that this insight into scripture is the only thing on this website which did not originate out of my own personal study time. I obtained this insight from a sermon I watched about the rapture. I wanted to post it, not only because it is contextually relevant, but because it’s a perfect example of ‘rightly dividing’ scripture, defined by the Greek as “correctly dissecting the message of truth” 3718. The sermon was given by Dr. Bennett. I found the video on YouTube.
John 6:39: “And this is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me, I shall not lose any of it, but shall raise it up in the last day.”
What has been given to Christ? It is the church! John 10:29 and 17:2 tell us that God has given the church to Christ. The LAST day for the church is the rapture and that it will be RAISED UP is the RAPTURE in complete agreement with John 14:2-3, Luke 21:28 and 1 Thess. 4:13-17! Jesus simply raises those in Christ up to Himself without any warning. AND....
John 6:40: “And this is the will of the One who sent Me, that everyone seeing the Son, and believing into Him should have everlasting life; and I will raise Him up at the last day.”
When will EVERYONE see the Son? Matt. 24:30/Mark 13:26/Luke 21:27: “And they will see the Son of Man coming on the cloud with power and much glory.” Those believing in Jesus will be RAISED UP on the last day when they see Him arriving in the clouds at the SECOND COMING!
When one studies the rapture Jesus taught in Matt. 24:36-25:30, comparing it to what He taught about the second coming in Matt. 24:9-34, it is easy to see these two scriptures completely agree with what Jesus taught there. Jesus taught the rapture happens withOUT any preceding visible signs, He simply appears at an unknown day/hour (Matt. 24:36, 42, 44, 50 and Luke 12:40), during normal everyday life (Matt. 24:37-41/Luke 17:26-30) which is not possible at the end of the tribulation, and He will separate the wicked servants from the faithful ones (Matt. 24:45-25:30). At the end of the trib. there will be no wicked servants. There will only be those who are redeemed through the fire of the tribulation OR those who belong to Satan.
In these two verses it is obvious that Jesus is referencing two different events, back-to- back, next to each other for clarity, one for the church and one for those left alive at the second coming. Each of these events has a last day. This agrees completely with Jesus’ statement the end does not come at once (two events, Luke 21:9), the two questions asked by the disciples about the sign of His coming AND of the end of the age (two events), and what Jesus said in Luke 21:28, when these things BEGIN to happen, in direct opposition to the word ‘after’ used in Matt. 24:29.
Rev. 14:14-16 describes Jesus' coming to earth as solitary, peaceful and on a cloud, like Luke 24:50-53/Acts 1:9 &11 and 1 Thess. 4:13-17 describe it. This stands in direct opposition to the description given of His second coming in Revelation 19:11-21, Zechariah 14, and Jude 4-5 where Jesus is accompanied by ALL the saints and the armies of heaven, with a giant sword swinging from His mouth with which to smite the nations. There are clearly two events in play. To dismiss either of them, or to bundle them into one event is to twist scripture, leading one away from the truth Jesus has for us.
Zephaniah 2:3: "Seek Jehovah, all the meek of the earth who have done His justice; seek righteousness; seek meekness. It may be you shall be hidden in the day of the anger of Jehovah." This Old Testament scripture meshes seamlessly with Jesus' warning in Luke 21:36 'begging that you be counted worthy to escape ALL these things which are about to happen," and it agrees with Jesus' statement in John 14:2 where He tells us that His Father's house has many rooms and He is coming to receive us to Him, that we will have a place in which to hide. It also agrees with Isaiah 26:19-20, another OT scripture which speaks to the rapture.
Book of Revelation: I want to mention here that the book of Revelation deals with the Rapture and the events of the Tribulation and Second Coming. The first three chapters of Revelation are the letters to the seven churches; some are letters of praise while others are not. All but one of the letters to the churches speaks about the rapture. You can read more about that on the page titled: The Churches of Revelation.
Chapters four and five are full of praise for God and Jesus. In chapter six, the description of the events comprising the tribulation begin. At no point from chapter six through chapter twenty-one is the church (the called-out ones, ekklesia 1577) mentioned.
Revelation 7 tells us there are 144,000 Jewish evangelists who are supernaturally protected from the plagues of the trib. as they preach. Revelation 11 tells us of the Two Witnesses who prophesy in Jerusalem for 42 months. They, too, are supernaturally protected from harm until the antichrist is given permission to kill them and ascend to the temple throne. Revelation 14:6-7, tells us there will be an angel who preaches the gospel message to the entire earth. As an angel, it is also supernaturally protected from harm. This begs the question: if the church is present for the tribulation why is it not mentioned and why is it not protected as it goes about its evangelistic duties? If God is going to offer divine protection to this three-pronged preaching force, why is the church not also protected until the mark of the beast takes effect? Why is the church not implemented as part of God’s preaching force during the first 3.5 years? In fact, Revelation tells us the saints are exempt from only two of the plagues sent to harm people; the plague of grievous sores and the plague of locusts, so why aren’t the saints protected from all of them as are the other evangelistic members of God’s tribulation team?
Here’s the answer: because the church, as we know it, will have ended. Those who leave in the rapture, those protected by their trust in Jesus to save them, the Bride of Christ, is at the wedding supper in Revelation 19:9. The church no longer exists on earth, and this is the reason it is NOT mentioned in any of the events which unfolds in Revelation 4 through 21.
Summary of this page: This is just a bit of common sense, but why do you suppose that Jesus tells us over and over to be watchful and prepared for an event of which no one knows the day or hour, when He could have just given us the date of rapture? A date given by Jesus would have solved so many problems. It would have spared much of the division which exists within the body over this very issue. Believers would have had one less thing to fight about. That makes sense for a Savior who said He wants His body unified, right?
This is one of neat things which ties the Old Testament with the New Testament. There are some 350 prophecies in the Old Testament which told the Israelites that their Messiah was coming, but they got caught up in the rules they had for everyday living, the Mosaic Law, and they missed their Messiah. They weren't watchful, nor were they prepared. They were complacent, busy, content, apathetic, lazy, rebellious, legalistic and negligent toward understanding the spirit of the law (2 Corinthians 3:1-18), understanding what God wanted from them. Here we are today, thousands of years later, and we are complacent, busy, content, apathetic, lazy, rebellious, legalistic and negligent toward understanding what it is that God wants from us. If we fail to do better than the Israelites, we too will miss the coming of our Messiah! With ALL these incredible warnings and reasons to trust Jesus, it is truly 'an awful thing' if we miss Him and remain on earth for the tribulation! BELIEVE EXPECTANTLY and get 'caught up' with Jesus when He comes for the church! Tell others about this blessed hope that we have so that they, too, can leave with Jesus and be spared the tribulation! The current political, social, and economic climates are ripe with witnessing opportunities! If we neglect the much we've been given, refusing to share it with others, it will cost them as well as ourselves!
Knowing when the rapture would take place would only add to our apathy and neglect. If we are aware of only the season of the rapture, then we know to be on our toes, watchful and working as Jesus exhorts in His end time teachings. The secrecy of the date does far more to protect our participation in the rapture than the knowledge of it ever could. Think about it, the mid and post-tribbers are not watchful. They've become convinced that they will enter the tribulation and there's nothing to be done about it. Enough said.
Some content taken from The Interlinear Bible by Jay P. Green, Sr. Copyright © 1985. Used by permission of Hendrickson Rose Publishing Group, represented by Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2021 on Commentary by Angie Williams All rights reserved.
All definitions taken from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance James Strong, LL.D., S.T.D. © 1990 by Thomas Nelson Publishers