Rapture Overview

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Rapture Overview
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A few considerations-2Pe 120 But know this
first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a
matter of one's own interpretationThis means
that the Bible will interpret any symbolism and
key phrases will be consistent (expositional
consistency).Interpret scripture with
scripture.Do not hold to tradition or theory
without Biblical support.

• Lets get into the Word and see what God has
  revealed about the Last Days and the Rapture of
  the Church

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First, What is the Rapture?
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What is the Rapture?

• The Rapture
• 1 Cor. 1550 I declare to you, brothers, that
  flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of
  God, nor does the perishable inherit the
  imperishable.
• 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery We will not all
  sleep, but we will all be changed--

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How will we be changed?

• 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at
  the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the
  dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be
  changed.
• 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with
  the imperishable, and the mortal with
  immortality.

6
How will we be changed?
Rom 823 And not only this, but also we
ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit,
even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting
eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption
of our body.

• 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at
  the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the
  dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be
  changed.
• 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with
  the imperishable, and the mortal with
  immortality.

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We will be changed in an instant, however the
whole event of the Rapture may take longer

• He will come in the clouds
• There will be an announcement of His coming and a
  trumpet call
• The dead in Christ will rise first
• Then we who are alive and remain will be caught
  up(changed in an instant)
• Then we will be gathered together to meet the
  Lord in the air!2Th 21 Now we request you,
  brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord
  Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him,
  Mat 2431 "And He will send forth His angels
  with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER
  TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one
  end of the sky to the other.
• Mat 2432 "Now learn the parable from the fig
  tree when its branch has already become tender
  and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer
  is near
• Mat 2433 so, you too, when you see all these
  things, recognize that He is near, right at the
  door.
• Mat 2434 "Truly I say to you, this generation
  will not pass away until all these things take
  place.

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The main support for the Rapture is this verse

• 1 Thess. 415 According to the Lord's own word,
  we tell you that we who are still alive, who are
  left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly
  not precede those who have fallen asleep.
• 16 For the Lord himself will come down from
  heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of
  the archangel and with the trumpet call of God,
  and the dead in Christ will rise first.

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• 17 After that, we who are still alive and are
  left will be caught up together (gathered
  together) with them in the clouds to meet the
  Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord
  forever.
• 18 Therefore encourage each other with these
  words.

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• 17 After that, we who are still alive and are
  left will be caught up together with them in the
  clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we
  will be with the Lord forever.
• 18 Therefore encourage each other with these
  words.

• Strong's 726. arpazw harpazoto seize--catch
  (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force),
  gathered.
• In Latin this is RAPIO. It is from rapio that we
  get the word Rapture.
• Thus, "Rapture" has the literal meaning of being
  caught up, gathered, or snatched away.

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The Rapture is the most glorious event that will
ever occur in history. It is when the Church
(both those who have died and those who are
alive, will be taken to be with Jesus Christ.
This is the first resurrection. This is the
glorious appearing of Jesus Christ to the world!

• When does this event occur?

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First, what do most Biblical scholars agree upon
2nd Coming of Christ

• Whether pre-trib, post-trib, or pre-wrath, most
  pre-millennial scholars agree on the following
  timeline of events

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Abomination
2nd Coming of Christ
7 s
Pact
s
Judgments
1
2
3
5
6
7
4
Seals 1-7 Wrath
Armageddon
The 70th week
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Seals one through five occur during the first
half of the 70th week of Daniel.The seven year
period is divided into two halves separated by
the abomination.The first half is anti-christ
rule over Israel and most of the world.
15
The second half is Gods judgment and wrath and
Israel protected in the wilderness.Rev 126
Then the woman fled into the wilderness where she
had a place prepared by God, so that there she
would be nourished for one thousand two hundred
and sixty days.Rev 1214 But the two wings of
the great eagle were given to the woman, so that
she could fly into the wilderness to her place,
where she was nourished for a time and times and
half a time, from the presence of the serpent.

• Note that the anti-christ has no power during the
  second half of the 70th week, and God does not
  deal with Israel until after the abomination.

16
The 1st 5 Seals are Broken, The Four Horsemen are
Released All of this takes place in the first
half of the 70th week of Daniel.
5th
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
White Horseman Red
Horseman Black Horseman
Pale Horseman
Martyrs
Mt. 245 Rev. 61-2 Ten
nations give Anti- Christ powers. Anti-Christ
makes his 7 year covenant with Israel. 70th week
begins. Rev. 13 Rev. 11 Israel Rebuilds
their temple Rev. 112-6 Two witnesses prophesy
for 3.5 years.Likely Enoch and Elijah. (Mal.
45) or Moses and Elijah, both of whom were
reported in Jewish tradition as having been taken
up to God without dying. The LORDs secret burial
of Moses (Deut 346) led to the tradition that he
had not died but ascended Elijahs being
taken up is described in 2 Kings 21-12. Matt.
1113-15171112 John 121 (John was not Elijah
re-incarnated!) The two witnesses prophecy this
entire time until the 6th seal is broken.
Mt. 247c-10 Rev. 67-8 Death by sword, hunger,
beasts of the earth. Rev. 1315 This will be
when those who refuse to receive the mark will
starve and be killed by the anti-christ. Rev.
137-10 Lk. 2116
Mt. 246-7a Rev. 63-4 3 of the 10 nations
refuse to give Anti-Christ power, he comes
against them with a sword and uproots
them. Anti-Christ conquers. Rev. 13
Mt. 247b Rev. 65-6 Famine - This may lead to
the implementation of the mark of the
beast. Rev. 1315-18
Matt. 249-13 Rev. 69-11 Martyrs asking when
the earth will be judged. II Peter 416-18 II
Thess.chpt. 12
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Antichrists Reign
Antichrists Runs
Looses power
Claims Godhood
10 Kings
Gathers nations for the last battle
Mark - 666
One Worldpeace treaty
2nd Coming of Christ
Wrath
3 uprooted
1 seal
7 seal
5 seal
1000 Year reign
Israel follows false messiah--------
Israel protected sealed--------
The 70th week
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The antichrist will only have power for 3 and ½
years! This is the first half of the 70th week
of Daniel!Then the sixth seal is
brokenRevelation Chapter 6.The last half of
the 70th week of Daniel Gods wrath will be
unleashed on this planet, and no one will have
control.Rev 615 Then the kings of the earth
and the great men and the commanders (this
includes the antichrist)and the rich and the
strong and every slave and free man hid
themselves in the caves and among the rocks of
the mountains Rev 616 and they said to the
mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us and hide
us from the presence of Him who sits on the
throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb Rev 617
for the great day of their wrath has come, and
who is able to stand?"
19
The antichrist will only have power for 3 and ½
years! This is the first half of the 70th week
of Daniel!Then the sixth seal is
brokenRevelation Chapter 6.The last half of
the 70th week of Daniel Gods wrath will be
unleashed on this planet, and no one will have
control.Rev 615 Then the kings of the earth
and the great men and the commanders (this
includes the antichrist)and the rich and the
strong and every slave and free man hid
themselves in the caves and among the rocks of
the mountains Rev 616 and they said to the
mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us and hide
us from the presence of Him who sits on the
throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb Rev 617
for the great day of their wrath has come, and
who is able to stand?"
Dan 724 'As for the ten horns, out of this
kingdom ten kings will arise and another will
arise after them, and he will be different from
the previous ones and will subdue three kings.
Daniel 725 'He will speak out against the Most
High and wear down the saints of the Highest One,
and he will intend to make alterations in times
and in law and they will be given into his hand
for a time, times, and half a time. (this must
be the first half of the 70th week!)
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The antichrist will only have power for 3 and ½
years! This is the first half of the 70th week
of Daniel!Then the sixth seal is
brokenRevelation Chapter 6.The last half of
the 70th week of Daniel Gods wrath will be
unleashed on this planet, and no one will have
control.Rev 615 Then the kings of the earth
and the great men and the commanders (this
includes the antichrist)and the rich and the
strong and every slave and free man hid
themselves in the caves and among the rocks of
the mountains Rev 616 and they said to the
mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us and hide
us from the presence of Him who sits on the
throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb Rev 617
for the great day of their wrath has come, and
who is able to stand?"
Rev. 135 There was given to him a mouth
speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and
authority to act for forty-two months was given
to him. He has authority the first half only!
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Gathers nations for the last battle
Antichrists timeline
Looses power
Claims Godhood
10 Kings
Mark - 666
One Worldpeace treaty
2nd Coming of Christ
Wrath
3 uprooted
1 seal
7 seal
5 seal
1000 Year reign
The 70th week
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The Fifth seal Christians killed
Revelation 69-11 When the Lamb broke the fifth
seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of
those who had been slain because of the word of
God, and because of the testimony which they had
maintained (10) and they cried out with a loud
voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true,
will You refrain from judging and avenging our
blood on those who dwell on the earth?" (11)
And there was given to each of them a white robe
and they were told that they should rest for a
little while longer, until the number of their
fellow servants and their brethren who were to be
killed even as they had been, would be completed
also. Matthew 24(9) "Then they will deliver you
to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will
be hated by all nations because of My name. (10)
"At that time many will fall away (The
Apostasy)and will betray one another and hate one
another. (11) "Many false prophets will arise
and will mislead many. (12) "Because
lawlessness is increased, most people's love will
grow cold. (13) "But the one who endures to the
end, he will be saved.
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The Fifth seal Christians killed
Revelation 69-11 When the Lamb broke the fifth
seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of
those who had been slain because of the word of
God, and because of the testimony which they had
maintained (10) and they cried out with a loud
voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true,
will You refrain from judging and avenging our
blood on those who dwell on the earth?" (11)
And there was given to each of them a white robe
and they were told that they should rest for a
little while longer, until the number of their
fellow servants and their brethren who were to be
killed even as they had been, would be completed
also. Matthew 24(9) "Then they will deliver you
to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will
be hated by all nations because of My name. (10)
"At that time many will fall away and will
betray one another and hate one another. (11)
"Many false prophets will arise and will mislead
many. (12) "Because lawlessness is increased,
most people's love will grow cold. (13) "But
the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.
Rev 137 It was also given to him to make war
with the saints and to overcome them, and
authority over every tribe and people and tongue
and nation was given to him. 8 All who dwell on
the earth will worship him, everyone whose name
has not been written from the foundation of the
world in the book of life of the Lamb who has
been slain. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him
hear. 10 If anyone is destined for captivity, to
captivity he goes if anyone kills with the
sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is
the perseverance and the faith of the saints.
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The Fifth seal Part II Not all Christians are
killed
Matthew 1017-33 "But beware of men, for they
will hand you over to the courts and scourge you
in their synagogues (18) and you will even be
brought before governors and kings for My sake,
as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. (19)
"But when they hand you over, do not worry about
how or what you are to say for it will be given
you in that hour what you are to say. (20) "For
it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of
your Father who speaks in you. (21) "Brother
will betray brother to death, and a father his
child and children will rise up against parents
and cause them to be put to death. (22) "You
will be hated by all because of My name, but it
is the one who has endured to the end who will be
saved. (23) "But whenever they persecute you in
one city, flee to the next for truly I say to
you, you will not finish going through the cities
of Israel until the Son of Man comes. (32)
"Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men,
I will also confess him before My Father who is
in heaven. (33) "But whoever denies Me before
men, I will also deny him before My Father who is
in heaven.
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Rev 210 'Do not fear what you are about to
suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some
of you into prison, so that you will be tested,
and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be
faithful until death, and I will give you the
crown of life. Rev 211 'He who has an ear, let
him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He
who overcomes will not be hurt by the second
death.'
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Mar 136 "Many will come in My name, saying, 'I
am He!' and will mislead many. Mar 137 "When
you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be
frightened those things must take place but
that is not yet the end. Mar 138 "For nation
will rise up against nation, and kingdom against
kingdom there will be earthquakes in various
places there will also be famines. These things
are merely the beginning of birth pangs. 9 "But
be on your guard for they will deliver you to
the courts, and you will be flogged in the
synagogues, and you will stand before governors
and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them.
10 "The gospel must first be preached to all
the nations. 11 "When they arrest you and hand
you over, do not worry beforehand about what you
are to say, but say whatever is given you in that
hour for it is not you who speak, but it is the
Holy Spirit. 12 "Brother will betray brother to
death, and a father his child and children will
rise up against parents and have them put to
death. 13 "You will be hated by all because of
My name, but the one who endures to the end, he
will be saved. 14 "But when you see the
ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION standing where it
should not be (let the reader understand), then
those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.
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This is telling us not all Christians will be
killed
Matthew 1017-33 "But beware of men, for they
will hand you over to the courts and scourge you
in their synagogues (18) and you will even be
brought before governors and kings for My sake,
as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. (19)
"But when they hand you over, do not worry about
how or what you are to say for it will be given
you in that hour what you are to say. (20) "For
it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of
your Father who speaks in you. (21) "Brother
will betray brother to death, and a father his
child and children will rise up against parents
and cause them to be put to death. (22) "You
will be hated by all because of My name, but it
is the one who has endured to the end who will be
saved. (23) "But whenever they persecute you in
one city, flee to the next for truly I say to
you, you will not finish going through the cities
of Israel until the Son of Man comes. (32)
"Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men,
I will also confess him before My Father who is
in heaven. (33) "But whoever denies Me before
men, I will also deny him before My Father who is
in heaven.
This is speaking to the Church, not Israel.
Notice Israel will persecute the Church during
this time with the antichrist they will think
he is their Messiah! They are protected!
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It is important to note that Israel will never be
persecuted by the antichrist. They will have a
treaty until he goes into the temple and
proclaims himself god. At that time Israel will
be taken to the wilderness and protected, and
144,000 Jews will be sealed and protected as they
go out and gather Israel to the wilderness
location!In fact, only the Church will be
persecuted!
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This is when the church will be refined.Joh
1633 "These things I have spoken to you, so
that in Me you may have peace. In the world you
have tribulation, but take courage I have
overcome the world." Rom 835 Who will separate
us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or
distress, or persecution, or famine, or
nakedness, or peril, or sword? (note how all
these things we will endure in the first 5
seals!)Jesus told us in the letters to the
churchesRev 210 'Do not fear what you are
about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to
cast some of you into prison, so that you will be
tested, and you will have tribulation for ten
days. Be faithful until death, and I will give
you the crown of life.
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This is when the church will be refined.Joh
1633 "These things I have spoken to you, so
that in Me you may have peace. In the world you
have tribulation, but take courage I have
overcome the world." Rom 835 Who will separate
us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or
distress, or persecution, or famine, or
nakedness, or peril, or sword? (note how all
these things we will endure in the first 5
seals!)Jesus told us in the letters to the
churchesRev 210 'Do not fear what you are
about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to
cast some of you into prison, so that you will be
tested, and you will have tribulation for ten
days. Be faithful until death, and I will give
you the crown of life.
Rom 53 And not only this, but we also exult in
our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings
about perseverance 4 and perseverance, proven
character and proven character, hope 5 and
hope does not disappoint, because the love of God
has been poured out within our hearts through the
Holy Spirit who was given to us.
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The Fifth seal Part 4
It is in the midst of the 5th seal that the
antichrist will go into the temple and proclaim
himself god! As he is persecuting the church, he
will feel like he is more powerful than
God. Matthew 24(15) "Therefore when you see the
ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of
through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy
place (let the reader understand), (16) then
those who are in Judea must flee to the
mountains. (17) "Whoever is on the housetop
must not go down to get the things out that are
in his house.
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The Fifth seal Part 3
Dan 927 "And he will make a firm covenant with
the many for one week, but in the middle of the
week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain
offering and on the wing of abominations will
come one who makes desolate, even until a
complete destruction, one that is decreed, is
poured out on the one who makes desolate." Dan
1136 "Then the king will do as he pleases, and
he will exalt and magnify himself above every god
and will speak monstrous things against the God
of gods and he will prosper until the
indignation is finished, for that which is
decreed will be done.
During the intense persecution of beleivers, the
gospel will be preached to the whole
earth! Matthew 2414-19 "This gospel of the
kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a
testimony to all the nations, and then the end
will come. It is in the midst of the 5th seal
that the antichrist will go into the temple and
proclaim himself god! Matthew 24(15) "Therefore
when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which
was spoken of through Daniel the prophet,
standing in the holy place (let the reader
understand), (16) then those who are in Judea
must flee to the mountains. (17) "Whoever is on
the housetop must not go down to get the things
out that are in his house.
The antichrist is now revealed!
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End time events in perspective
2nd Coming of Christ
The 70th week
34
2nd Coming of Christ
Pact
The 70th week
35
2nd Coming of Christ
Pact
Armageddon
The 70th week
36
Abomination
2nd Coming of Christ
Pact
Armageddon
The 70th week
37
There are many views of when the rapture takes
place
2nd Coming of Christ
Rapture?
Rapture?
Rapture?
Rapture?
The 70th week
38
These four are the most accepted
Pre-wrath
Post
Pre
Mid
2nd Coming of Christ
Rapture?
Rapture?
Rapture?
Rapture?
The 70th week
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What does the Bible say?Here is what we know
for sureJoh 336 "He who believes in the Son
has eternal life but he who does not obey the
Son will not see life, but the wrath of God
abides on him." 1Th 59 For God has not
destined us for wrath, but for obtaining
salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,1Th 110
and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He
raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues
us from the wrath to come. Rom 59 Much more
then, having now been justified by His blood, we
shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.

• The first point that three of the views agree
  upon we will not be here for the wrath of God.

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So, when does the wrath of God occur?Rom 25
But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant
heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in
the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous
judgment of God, (seventh seal trumpet
judgments)This comes at the end of the sixth
seal, when the wrath beginsRev 616 and they
said to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on
us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits
on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb
Rev 617 for the great day of their wrath has
come, and who is able to stand?"

• The wrath begins at the breaking of the seventh
  seal. This is the trumpet judgments, and the
  last trumpet starts the bowls of wrath.

41
Why does the wrath come?Rev 69 When the Lamb
broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar
the souls of those who had been slain because of
the word of God, and because of the testimony
which they had maintained Rev 610 and they
cried out with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O
Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from
judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell
on the earth?" Rev 611 And there was given to
each of them a white robe and they were told
that they should rest for a little while longer,
until the number of their fellow servants and
their brethren who were to be killed even as they
had been, would be completed also. It is not a
judgment that leads to repentance, it is penalty
for sin! The judgment already took place when
they missed the rapture!
42
Mat 2511 "Later the other virgins also came,
saying, 'Lord, lord, open up for us.' Mat 2512
"But he answered, 'Truly I say to you, I do not
know you.' Mat 722 "Many will say to Me on
that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in
Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and
in Your name perform many miracles?' Mat 723
"And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew
you DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE
LAWLESSNESSRom 25 But because of your
stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are
storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath
and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,
Rom 1219 Never take your own revenge,
beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for
it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,"
says the Lord.
43
Eph 55-6 For this you know with certainty, that
no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who
is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom
of Christ and God. (6) Let no one deceive you
with empty words, for because of these things the
wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
44
This will be a judgment on those who mistreated
the Church and refused to repent they took the
mark of the beast.  Rev 147 and he said with
a loud voice, "Fear God, and give Him glory,
because the hour of His judgment has come
worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and
sea and springs of waters."  This is the hour
we will escape Rev 310 'Because you have kept
the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you
from the hour of testing, that hour which is
about to come upon the whole world, to test those
who dwell on the earth. Rev 148 And another
angel, a second one, followed, saying, "Fallen,
fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all
the nations drink of the wine of the passion of
her immorality." Rev 149 Then another angel, a
third one, followed them, saying with a loud
voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his
image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on
his hand, Rev 1410 he also will drink of the
wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full
strength in the cup of His anger and he will be
tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence
of the holy angels and in the presence of the
Lamb.
45
So, we can now add the wrathTo our timeline
Pre-wrath
Post
Pre
Mid
2nd Coming of Christ
Rapture?
Rapture?
Rapture?
Rapture?
wrath
The 70th week
46
We can also remove Post because they believe we
will be here for the wrath, just protected.
Pre-wrath
Post
Pre
Mid
2nd Coming of Christ
Rapture?
Rapture?
Rapture?
Rapture?
wrath
The 70th week
47
This leaves three views to consider.
Pre-wrath
Pre-Trib
Mid
2nd Coming of Christ
Rapture?
Rapture?
Rapture?
wrath
The 70th week
48
First, lets address the arguments for
pre-trib.Tim Lahaye came up with several
reasons pre-trib is Biblical.Nowhere among
their reasons will you find an appeal to a Bible
verse which specifically states the Lord will
return before the Tribulation. Why? Because it
does not exist! LaHaye freely acknowledges the
absence of any explicit pre-Trib passages.1 (He
does, however, profess that all opposing
positions share the same weakness. This claim
will be considered fully in another chapter.) To
get an idea of how rare it is for a major Bible
doctrine to be established without an explicit
teaching in Scripture, consider the counsel of
premier pre-Trib scholar, John Walvoord. In his
writings he strongly condemns the promotion of
any doctrine not explicitly taught in the
Scriptures. He refers to such practices as
"desperate exegesis."2 Desperate or not, the
absence of a definitive text forces
pre-Tribulationists to engage in that very
practice.
49
How should the absence of an explicit pre-Trib
text affect our inquiry? For one thing, it should
raise the evidentiary standard for their
arguments. These arguments are not being offered
to confirm direct evidencethey are being offered
in place of direct evidence. This is a fact
that any honest Biblical scholar readily admits
to!
50
Reason 1 for being a Pre-Tribulationist"The
pre-Tribulation view is the most logical view of
Second Coming Scriptures when taken for their
plain, literal meaning whenever possible."3
Pre-Trib Argument The pre-Trib view provides
the most logical fit. Pre-Tribulationists
contend there is no single Bible passage
outlining the order of end time events. II
Thess. 2 does give us a clear order of events
(more on this later)Matt. 24 gives us the signs
of Christs coming to gather His elect for the
four winds (clear order of events)
51
Pre-Trib Argument The Pre-Trib view is based on
the literal approach of interpreting Scripture.
At least ten times in his book, LaHaye
intimates that those who oppose pre-
Tribulationalism do so because they have
abandoned the literal approach. Over and over,
pre- Tribbers charge spiritualization by
opponents. Walvoord even refers to the "fact that
spiritualization of Scripture goes hand in hand
with denial of the pretribulation rapture."7
This argument is easily disproved
52
we find it is the pre-Trib camp which
continuously engages in spiritualization. For
instance, consider the treatment of Revelation
41. This, of course, is the verse where
pre-Tribbers contend the rapture occurs. LaHaye
freely admits the plain reading of the passage
does not support a pre-Trib rapture teaching, yet
that does not dissuade him from declaring it just
the same. He writes, "The Rapture of the church
is not explicitly taught in Revelation 4 but
definitely appears here chronologically at the
end of the church age and before the Tribulation"
This is not taking the literal interpretation
of this text in any way!(more on this when we
get to Rev. 4 in class)
53
NotesTim LaHaye, No Fear of the Storm, p. 188.
John Walvoord, The Rapture Question, p. 72. Tim
LaHaye, No Fear of the Storm, p. 219. Hal
Lindsey, There's a New World Coming, p. 122. Tim
LaHaye, No Fear of the Storm, p. 240. Ibid., p.
220. John Walvoord, The Rapture Question, p. 72.
Tim LaHaye, Revelation, p. 76.
54
Number Two"The Rapture is described as
imminent."12 "No unfulfilled prophecy stands
between the church and the Rapture, while many
signs must be fulfilled before the Second
Coming."14 This is known as the any moment
theory of the Rapture. It could occur right now,
or it could have occurred in Paul lifetime, or
that of Martin Luther.First, we know that world
events were not in place for the Rapture to have
occurred prior to 1948. In fact, only in that
past 20 years has the world been in the position
to fulfill all the prophecies about the last days!
55
Note the following quote by Walvoord, as he seeks
to establish the doctrine of immanency. "The
prospect of being taken to heaven at the coming
of Christ is not qualified by description of any
signs or prerequisite events. Here referring to
John 14, as in other passages dealing with the
coming of Christ for the church, the hope is
presented as an imminent hope."13 Did you get
that? By pre-Trib logic, because rapture passages
contain nothing to preclude immanency, they
somehow "prove" immanency!

• Joh 1428 "You heard that I said to you, 'I go
  away, and I will come to you.' If you loved Me,
  you would have rejoiced because I go to the
  Father, for the Father is greater than I.
• Jesus clarified when He would come later at the
  Olivete Discourse

56
Scriptural basis for the any moment
raptureTherefore be on the alert, for you do
not know which day your Lord is coming. (Matt.
2442). Be on the alert then, for you do not
know the day or the hour. (Matt. 2513). For
this reason you be ready too for the Son of Man
is coming at an hour when you do not think He
will. (Matt. 2444). However, in context, all of
these passage have signs that precede the coming!!
57
Walvord admits that there are NO passages
teaching the concept of imminence - . Instead, he
offers passages which, in his words, "contribute
to the concept of imminence." Among these are,
John 141-3, I Thessalonians 4-5, and I John
31-3.
58
Joh 141 "Do not let your heart be troubled
believe in God, believe also in Me. Joh 142
"In My Father's house are many dwelling places
if it were not so, I would have told you for I
go to prepare a place for you. Joh 143 "If I
go and prepare a place for you, I will come again
and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there
you may be also.

• Jesus later gave them the signs of His return
  Matt. 24
• About 25 years after the Lord spoke the words
  recorded in John 14, the Apostle Paul wrote a
  letter to the church at Corinth. In that letter
  (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit), Paul
  revealed the mystery of the rapture of the
  church. "Behold, I tell you a mystery we shall
  not all sleep, but we shall be changed, in a
  moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last
  trumpet for the trumpet will sound, and the dead
  will be raised imperishable, and we shall be
  changed." (I Corinthians 1551-52). A mystery,
  according to Vine's Expository Dictionary of New
  Testament Words, is a truth previously withheld
  by God, but now made known by Divine revelation.

59
The second section of Scripture Walvoord offers
in defense of imminency is I Thessalonians,
Chapters 4 and 5. However, he makes reference to
just one verse "Therefore, comfort one another
with these words." (418). Walvoord does not say
how this passage contributes the concept of
imminency. He merely asserts the rapture had been
taught as an imminent hope. LaHaye, however, is
not so reticent. From this phrase, he develops a
"comfort" argument in favor of imminency. In his
words, "the hope and comfort aspect of the
Rapture demands that we escape the Tribulation,
being raptured out of this world before God's
wrath begins." 8
60
The second section of Scripture Walvoord offers
in defense of imminency is I Thessalonians,
Chapters 4 and 5. However, he makes reference to
just one verse "Therefore, comfort one another
with these words." (418). Walvoord does not say
how this passage contributes the concept of
imminency. He merely asserts the rapture had been
taught as an imminent hope. LaHaye, however, is
not so reticent. From this phrase, he develops a
"comfort" argument in favor of imminency. In his
words, "the hope and comfort aspect of the
Rapture demands that we escape the Tribulation,
being raptured out of this world before God's
wrath begins." 8

• In context, this was written to comfort them
  about those who died as believers! The comfort
  is that they will be raised! Its the
  resurrection of the dead that is comforting!!!!

61
The third passage which, we are told, contributes
to imminency is I John 31-3. "See how great a
love the Father has bestowed on us, that we
should be called the children of God and such we
are. For this reason the world does not know us,
because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are
children of God, and it has not appeared as yet
what we shall be. We know that, when He appears,
we shall be like Him, because we will see Him
just as He is. And everyone who has this hope
fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is
pure."

• This verse actually supports the appearing of
  Christ at the Rapture and helps disprove the
  secret rapture misconception!
• ? Obviously, it offers no indication that a
  Coming of the Lord is without reference to signs.
  Walvoord, however, suggests the presence of the
  word hope amounts to an argument for imminency.
  "The hope of seeing Christ as He is and being
  like Him is a purifying hope." And this hope, he
  claims, "is realistic in proportion to its
  imminency." 10

62
To grasp the futility of this logic, we need only
view the formal argument.First premise
Believers should be concerned about the Coming of
the Lord for the Church (the rapture). Second
premise If an event is imminent, believers will
be more concerned. Conclusion The coming of the
Lord for the church is always presented as an
imminent event. Believe it or not, the three
passages above, along with their corresponding
arguments, represent the strongest "Biblical"
arguments to be found in behalf of this doctrine.
Little wonder Walvoord could not bring himself to
say these passages actually teach imminency.
63
Scripture NEVER presents the rapture as a
signless (imminent) event. But the problems for
imminency do not stop there. Perhaps even more
threatening is the fact that a number of
Scriptures seem to contradict the doctrine.
These problem texts imply that either an
extended period of time or certain prophesied
events must transpire before the Lord's return.
Following are six such texts
64
. The Lord's promise to Peter that he would die
at an old age. (See John 2118-19). Herein is a
huge problem for imminency. If the rapture was
presented as imminent, as pre-Tribbers maintain,
that means it could have happened at any moment
from Pentecost until now. Yet, the Lord, Himself,
prophesied that Peter would die an old man. This
prophecy directly contradicts the pre- Trib
doctrine of imminency

• That the rapture could occur at any moment. A
  number of years would have to pass before Peter
  became old and died. That means, at least during
  those intervening years, the rapture could not
  have occurred. Otherwise, Peter would have been
  translated, which would have made the Lord a
  false prophet.
• That the rapture is without reference to signs.
  Based on the Lord's prophecy, it was impossible
  for the rapture to occur before at least one
  future eventthat being Peter's death. The
  obvious implication is that the Lord did not
  teach imminency.

65
The parables which imply a long interval of time
before the Lord returns. (See Matt. 2514-30, the
parable of the talents Luke 1911-27, parable of
the minas). These passages argue against the
concept of an any moment rapture.FirstMat
251 "Then the kingdom of heaven will be
comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps
and went out to meet the bridegroom.

• Notice, they went out from the brides house to
  meet the bridegroom, meaning they knew the day,
  they simply did not know the hour of His coming.
• Usually the bridegroom came right at Sundown, as
  the first star appeared in the sky.

66
Mat 252 "Five of them were foolish, and five
were prudent. Mat 253 "For when the foolish
took their lamps, they took no oil with them,
Mat 254 but the prudent took oil in flasks
along with their lamps. Mat 255 "Now while the
bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and
began to sleep. Mat 256 "But at midnight there
was a shout, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to
meet him.' Mat 2513 "Be on the alert then,
for you do not know the day nor the hour. 1Th
54 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that
the day would overtake you like a thief 1Th 55
for you are all sons of light and sons of day.
We are not of night nor of darkness 1Th 56 so
then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be
alert and sober. 1Th 57 For those who sleep do
their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk
get drunk at night. 1Th 58 But since we are of
the day, let us be sober, having put on the
breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet,
the hope of salvation. 1Th 59 For God has not
destined us for wrath, but for obtaining
salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

• The wise virgins were those who were ready to
  wait, to endure, to overcome the night. They were
  alert to the dangers of worldliness and
  complacency.

67
Walvord, although admitting there are texts which
raise difficulties for the doctrine of imminency,
he states, "most of the hindrances to the coming
of the Lord at any moment in the first century no
longer exist. A long period has elapsed Peter
and Paul have gone home to the Lord only the
specific signs of Matthew 24-25 remain to be
fulfilled." Matt. 24 25 are the Rapture, not
the second coming!Mat 2436 "But of that day
and hour no one knows, not even the angels of
heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. Mat
2437 "For the coming of the Son of Man will be
just like the days of Noah. Mat 2438 "For as
in those days before the flood they were eating
and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage,
until the day that Noah entered the ark, Mat
2439 and they did not understand until the
flood came and took them all away so will the
coming of the Son of Man be. Mat 2440 "Then
there will be two men in the field one will be
taken and one will be left. Mat 2441 "Two
women will be grinding at the mill one will be
taken and one will be left. Mat 2442
"Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know
which day your Lord is coming.
68
Ulimately, the doctrine of imminency rests on
fear of two things
69
Pastor Chuck Smith said that if the Rapture
isnt imminent, no one would be in Church. They
would know they had time to play until the
tribulation started, and then they would get
right with God.LaHaye also suggested that apart
from the anticipation that goes with an imminent
rapture, the church would become "carnal and
spiritually dead." In other words, he argues that
the Lord's return is imminent, simply because, in
his opinion, imminency is necessary for the
well-being of the church. Lahaye said that if
the Church had to go through hard times, she
would not survive.I categorically disagree with
both statements!This is escapism mentality and
denies the Power of God to preserve His Church
even if the gates of hell come against it!!!!!!!!

• Mat 1618 "I also say to you that you are Peter,
  and upon this rock I will build My church and
  the gates of Hades will not overpower it.

70
Tim LaHay writes, "It is impossible to understand
how a loving bridegroom, as the Lord presents
Himself, would permit His church (which Ephesians
5 designates as His bride) to suffer such a
terrifying time just prior to their wedding,
marriage supper, and one-thousand-year
honeymoon." 10, "...and others were tortured,
not accepting their release, in order that they
might obtain a better resurrection and others
experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also
chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they
were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were
put to death with the sword they went about in
goatskins, being destitute, afflicted,
ill-treated (men of whom the world was not
worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and
caves and holes in the ground." (Hebrews
1135-38). And how did Peter comfort the
believers of that day? It was through what could
be called another rendition of Paul's "blessed
hope" "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery
ordeal among you, as though some strange thing
were happening to you but to the degree that you
share the sufferings of Christ, keep on
rejoicing so that at the revelation of His
glory, you may rejoice with exaltation." (I Peter
412-13).
71
Today, Christians are being beheaded, tortured,
and killed for their faith all over the 10/40
window.We are told toJam 12 Consider it all
joy, my brethren, when you encounter various
trials, Jam 13 knowing that the testing of
your faith produces endurance. Jam 14 And let
endurance have its perfect result, so that you
may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
72
LaHaye's writings "Frankly, one of my principal
objections to the mid- and post-Trib theories is
their destruction of imminency. For if Christ
cannot come at any moment, these views cannot
instruct us to look for His return. Instead they
advise us to look for the inaugurating of the
Tribulation period, when Antichrist signs a
covenant with Israel for seven years for the
rebuilding of the Temple, the mark of the Beast,
the advent of Antichrist himself..." Yes, this
sounds like Gods Word!1Jo 218 Children, it is
the last hour and just as you heard that
antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists
have appeared from this we know that it is the
last hour.

• This does not preclude the longing to go home and
  be with the Lord! The waiting for and looking
  for the signs that would indicate Christs soon
  return!
• Paul said Phi 121 For to me, to live is Christ
  and to die is gain.

73
Next Argument by pretibbers"It explains why
there is no Bible instruction on preparation for
the Tribulation." 1LaHaye writes, "Doesn't it
seem strange that although the Bible advises
Christians how to face ordinary, everyday
troubles, it submits absolutely no instructions
related to the worst time the world will ever
face, a period filled with frightening events
that have never even come close to being
fulfilled? Pre-Tribs have a simple answer. We
won't be there!" Folks, the Bible is filled
with information on how to endure to the end!
And encouragement to the Church for the exact
events of the first 5 seals!
74
Rom 835 Who will separate us from the love of
Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or
persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril,
or sword? Rom 836 Just as it is written, "FOR
YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG
WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED."
Rom 837 But in all these things we
overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.
Rom 838 For I am convinced that neither death,
nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor
things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
Rom 839 nor height, nor depth, nor any other
created thing, will be able to separate us from
the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our
Lord.
75
Tribulation is to be expected in the life of a
Christian. "In the world you have tribulation,
but take courage I have overcome the world."
(John 1633). And again, "Through many
tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God."
(Acts 1422). In fact, afflictions are a
believer's destiny. "...for you yourselves know
we have been destined for this." (I Thessalonians
33). Persecution is also to be expected. "All
who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be
persecuted." (II Timothy 312). All periods of
calamity come from the hand of the Lord. "The One
forming light and creating darkness, causing
well-being and creating calamity I am the Lord
who does all these." (Isaiah 457). But, God is
faithful and will not allow us to be tempted
(tried) beyond what we are able to handle. (I
Corinthians 1013). Though sin is definitely in
view here, there is also an implication that God
will limit the amount of adversity that comes to
us.
76
We are not to be surprised at the presence of
affliction. "Beloved, do not be surprised at the
fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for
testing, as though some strange thing were
happening to you but to the degree that you
share the sufferings of Christ, keep on
rejoicing so that also at the revelation of His
glory, you may rejoice with exultation." (I Peter
412). We must never think the presence of
affliction suggests the Lord has abandoned us.
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution,
or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just
as it is written, 'For thy sake we are being put
to death all day long we were considered as
sheep to be slaughtered.' But in all these things
we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved
us." (Romans 835-37). We should keep a proper
perspective, weighing present trials against
eternal blessings. "For momentary, light
affliction is producing for us an eternal weight
of glory far beyond all comparison." (II
Corinthians 417). We should count it all joy
when we fall into diverse temptations (See James
12-4). And also, "But we also exult in our
tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings
about perseverance and perseverance, proven
character, and proven character, hope and hope
does not disappoint, because the love of God has
been poured out with in our hearts through the
Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 53-5).
77
We are not to fear death at the hands of our
persecutors. "And do not fear those who kill the
body, but are unable to kill the soul but rather
fear Him who is able to able to destroy both soul
and body in hell." (Matthew 1028). We must
entrust ourselves entirely to the Lord. "Let
those who suffer according to the will of God
entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in
doing what is right." (I Peter 419). We should
trust the Lord to see us through all our trials.
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous but
the Lord delivers him out of them all." (Psalms
3419). And also, the Lord is "my strength and my
stronghold, and my refuge in the day of
distress." (Jeremiah 1619). We must make prayer
and love toward the brethren our top priorities.
"The end of all things is at hand therefore be
of sound judgment and sober spirit for the
purpose of prayer. Above all keep fervent in your
love for one another." (I Peter 47-8). We must
persevere during times of tribulation. (See
Romans 1212). "For you have need of endurance,
so that when you have done the will of God, you
may receive what was promised. 'For yet in a
little while, He who is coming will come, and
will not delay. But My righteous one shall live
by faith and if he shrinks back, My soul has no
pleasure in Him.' But we are not of those who
shrink back to destruction, but of those who have
faith to the preserving of the soul." (Hebrews
1036-39). And again, "After you have suffered
for a little while, the God of all grace, who
called you to His eternal Glory in Christ, will
Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and
establish you." (I Peter 510).
78
General conditions during the TribulationExpect
deception. Antichrist will come in accordance
with the activity of Satan, with all power and
signs and false wonders. (II Thessalonians 29)
In addition, "many false prophets will arise, and
will mislead many." (Matthew 2411). God will
cause unbelievers to accept Satan's deceptions.
"And for this reason God will send upon them a
deluding influence so that they might believe
what is false." (II Thessalonians 211). Know
that believers will be hated among all peoples
because of the name of Jesus. (Matthew 249)
Many who call themselves Christians will fall
away when persecution starts. (II Thessalonians
23). And from the parable of the sower, "And the
one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places,
this is the man who hears the word, and
immediately receives it with joy yet he has no
firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and
when affliction or persecution arises because of
the word, immediately he falls away." (Matthew
1320-21). Even friends and family will betray
Christians to avoid persecution. (Matthew 2410,
Luke 2116) Some believers (but not all) will be
put to death. (Luke 2116). Matt.1033
79
Some pre-tribers quote the following for proof of
an early scholar who supported a
pre-tribEphraem, the Syrian, A.D. 373, "...all
saints and the elect of the Ruler are gathered
together before the tribulation which is to about
to come and are taken to the Ruler in order that
they may not see at any time the confusion which
overwhelms the world because of our sins."
 This is the only reference from antiquity that
appears to teach a pre-trib rapture, but when you
read it in context, we find that he is talking
about the rapture taking place after the
abomination of desolation!!But when the time of
the abomination of his desolation begins to
approach, having been made legal, he takes the
empire.... Therefore, when he receives the
kingdom, he orders the temple of God to be
rebuilt for himself, which is in Jerusalem who,
after coming into it, he shall sit as God and
order that he be adored by all nations ... then
all people from everywhere shall flock together
to him at the city of Jerusalem, and the holy
city shall be trampled on by the nations for
forty-two months just as the holy apostle says in
the Apocalypse, which become three and a half
years, 1,260 days. In these three years and a
half the heaven shall suspend its dew because
there will be no rain upon the earth ... and
there will be a great tribulation, as there has
not been, since people began to be upon the earth
... and no one is able to sell or to buy of the
grain of the fall harvest, unless he is one who
has the serpentine sign on the forehead or the
hand....
80
Further, this is not from Epraems works, but
from a writing called psuedo-Epraem. That means
it was not from Ephraem and cant be dated
accurately.  Jeffery, the pre-trib scholar who
quoted Epraem and said he supported the pre-trib
rapture also said the followingSome of the
early Church writers wrote about the persecution
of the tribulation as if the saints will be
present. However, a number of early Christian
commentaries suggested that the Church will be
delivered supernaturally before the Great
Tribulation. I agree with him! The rapture
will take place at the breaking of the sixth seal
the great tribulation!!
81
There are certain names, looking back through the
centuries, that stand out in Messianic history
such as John Wyclif, John Huss, Martin Luther,
Philipp Melanchthon, Hulreich Zwingli, William
Tyndale, Nicholas Ridley, Hugh Latimer, John
Foxe, Edwin Sandys, John Calvin, Armenias, John
Knox, King James, Isaac Newton, Thomas Newton,
John Wesley, and every writing prior to 1830 AD.
It is of clear knowledge, that none of these men
believed that the church would be taken out
before the appearance of Antichrist. In fact, to
the contrary, they understood that the church
would suffer at the hands of Antichrist and the
career of the man of sin, the Son of Perdition,
would be ended by the coming of Messiah at the
end of the age.
82
George Ladd, seminary professor, after making a
survey of Church history says "Every church
father who deals with this subject expects the
CHURCH to suffer at the hands of Antichrist
...we can find no trace of pre-tribulationism in
the early church and no modern
pre-tribulationist has successfully proved that
this particular doctrine was held by any of the
church fathers or students of the Word before the
nineteenth century." The Blessed Hope, pg. 31,
George Ladd.
83
"The Didache", written after the New Testament,
is considered to be one of the earliest pieces of
Messianic literature, stated that the Antichrist
would come, that many would be offended and be
lost, and that this time of woe would be followed
by the resurrection of the just. The Blessed
Hope, Pgs. 20,21, Ladd.
84
Irenaeus (Polycarps disciple, and Polycarp was
Johns disciple)(130-202 A.D.) spoke of "the
resurrection of the just, which takes place after
the coming of Antichrist." He spoke of kings who
"shall give their kingdom to the beast, and put
the church to flight. After that they shall be
destroyed by the coming of our Ruler." "In the
end the church shall be suddenly caught up" and
having overcome, will be "crowned with
incorruption." It is evident that Irenaeus did
not believe in a pre-tribulation. Against
Heresies, Chap. 351 304, 261 291, Irenaeus.
85
Tertullian (160-240 A.D.) believed that
Antichrist would rise to power and persecute the
church. He affirmed it was customary for
Christians to pray for a part in the resurrection
to meet Messiah at the end of the world. On The
Resurrection of the Flesh, Chap.22, Tertullian.
86
Walvoord, in The Rapture Question, pg. 148 says
that neither pre-tribulation nor post-tribulation
rapture is taught in scripture. I agree, and
that leaves us with the pre-wrath rapture
view! Dr. Richard Mayhue, who teaches at
Masters Seminary and believes in a pre-trib
rapture states this in his The Prophets
Watchword, the Day of the Lord, pg. 181-182,
perhaps the position of pre-tribulationism is
correct although its proof at times has been
logically invalid Again, I agree. So what is
the logical teaching of scripture? It looks to
be the pre-wrath view
87
Yes, the church will be here until the great
commission is completed.It is a command to the
Church and the final sign of Christs return
88
1Co 1519 If we have hoped in Christ in this
life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.
1Co 1520 But now Christ has been raised from
the dead, the first fruits of those who are
asleep. 1Co 1521 For since by a man came
death, by a man also came the resurrection of the
dead. 1Co 1522 For as in Adam all die, so also
in Christ all will be made alive. 1Co 1523 But
each in his own order Christ the first fruits,
after that those who are Christ's at His coming,
(Rapture)1Co 1524 then comes the end

• Mat 2414 "This gospel of the kingdom shall be
  preached in the whole world as a testimony to all
  the nations, and then the end will come.

89
1Co 1519 If we have hoped in Christ in this
life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.
1Co 1520 But now Christ has been raised from
the dead, the first fruits of those who are
asleep. 1Co 1521 For since by a man came
death, by a man also came the resurrection of the
dead. 1Co 1522 For as in Adam all die, so also
in Christ all will be made alive. 1Co 1523 But
each in his own order Christ the first fruits,
after that those who are Christ's at His coming,
1Co 1524 then comes the end
Note that the end is the end of the Church age.
This happens at the Rapture of the Church. The
fullness of the Gentiles have come in. The end
is when we have taken the Gospel to all nations.
Some may say this isnt the Churches job

• Mat 2414 "This gospel of the kingdom shall be
  preached i