RAPTURE II

In my earlier article on the Pre Tribulation Rapture, I presented thirty proofs (evidences) as well as a look into the Mid and Post Tribulation Rapture theories.  The article got such a good response that a person wanted to put the link for it on his website and another person book marked the page.  While I felt that it was a really good treatise on this subject, I felt that it was incomplete.  There were probably more proofs of a Pre Tribulation Rapture than the thirty that I presented.  Also I didn't cover the Partial and Pre Wrath Rapture theories in the first article.

This is where this second article comes in.  In this article, I will provide fifteen additional proofs of the Pre Tribulational Return of Christ.  I will also cover the other two rapture theories in this article - Partial and Pre Wrath.  It is my hope that the reader comes to an understanding that Jesus can come at any moment and that expectation of Christ's imminent return will cause Christians to lead holy lives in their walk with God.  The Pre Tribulation Rapture is not selfish nor is it intended to provide believers with a easy way out.  I also want to point out that though I believe that the rapture is before the Tribulation, I am not going to be dogmatic on this point.  There are other sincere and dedicated Christians that hold to the other rapture theories but we all share a unity in that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and that he rose again.  As Augustine put it: "In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; and in all things, charity."

EVIDENCE #31 - THE CHURCH WILL NOT BE PURGED

Proponents of other rapture theories believe that the Church has to endure the Tribulation in order to be purged and cleansed.  But Ephesians 5:25-27 proves to the contrary.  Paul says:

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.

We see that the Church is sanctified and cleansed by the washing of water with the Word not by enduring the Tribulation.  In God's sight the Church is blameless because she is washed and covered by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ.  The Church will not need to go into the Tribulation to be purged and cleansed.  During the Tribulation it will be Israel not the Church that will be purged and cleansed (Malachi 3:2-4).  I find it strange that Christ would place His beloved bride in the Tribulation and purge her for seven years before her marriage without no honeymoon afterwards.  It is important to note that according to Ephesians 2:4-7 that the Church is already sitting together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus with a standing before God as perfect as though the members of the Church never sinned.  This is because the blood of Christ makes us blameless and righteous before God in His infinite mercy and grace and love for those who belong to the Son, Jesus Christ!

EVIDENCE #32 - PRAYER IN THE TRIBULATION

But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44)

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors (Matthew 6:12).

Never pay back evil with evil to anyone.  Respect what is right in the sight of all men.  If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.  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.  "But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head."  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17-21)

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.  This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior (1 Timothy 2:1-3).

The Church is instructed to pray for her enemies and speak evil of no man.  We see this happening in the Early Church where Stephen was stoned.  Even when his enemies were stoning him, Stephen prayed to God saying, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60).  Such is the prayer that we as members of the Church should pray.  We should have an attitude that all men should be saved and that no man should go to Hell.  Even when people make fun of us, we turn the other cheek and instead of cursing at them (which is what the flesh would want us to do) be in the Spirit and say "Jesus Loves You."  Paul says that this will "heap burning coals on his head" (Romans 12:20).  This is the job of the Church.

When we look at the prayers offered in the Tribulation, it is clear that the Church is not there.  Revelation 6:10 says, "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?'"  These believers want God to carry forth His vengeance.  The Church prays for her enemies while these martyred believers want God to judge those who spilled their blood.  Which prayer will God listen to?  Since the Tribulation is a time of God's judgment, we need not put God in such a dilemma.  The Church will not be there in the Tribulation.

EVIDENCE #33 - ISRAEL & THE CHURCH TOGETHER = CONFUSION

For the sake of argument lets say that the Church will enter the Tribulation.  Will she add her witness to the 144,000 and redeemed Israel?  When did God ever have two separate witnessing bodies upon earth?  Now you would probably say if the Church is gone then there would still be two witnessing bodies - Jews and Gentiles.  This is true but I meant that God will not add a separate witnessing body to that of the Church.  In order for this to occur the Church has to be taken out before God uses the Jews and Gentiles together as a witnessing body in the Tribulation.

It is worthwhile to note that there is no distinction in the Church.  Galatians 3:28 says, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."  My question is if the Church is in the Tribulation and there are saved Jews during that time then to whom would they belong?  Will they belong to the 144,000 Jews or to the Church where there is no distinction?  God is not the author of confusion so the Church cannot be in the Tribulation.  God will terminate a former course of action before establishing a new course of action and dealings with a separate witnessing body.  God will rapture His Church and then focus on the redemption of His people - Israel and saving other Gentiles at the same time. 

EVIDENCE #34 - MATTHEW 24:31 IS NOT THE RAPTURE!

Matthew 24:31 says, "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."  People that say that the Church will endure the seven year Tribulation point that Matthew 24:31 is the rapture.  They point out that the word ELECT is always used of the Church and that Matthew 24:29-30 points that Jesus will come AFTER THE TRIBULATION.  Yes, I agree that Jesus will come after the Tribulation but that verse doesn't negate the fact that Jesus will rapture His Church before the Tribulation.  Matthew 24:29-30 refers to an event known as the REVELATION where Jesus descends from heaven on a white horse.  This is not the RAPTURE.  Both these events are two phases in the SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. 

My question is who are the ELECT in Matthew 24:31?  Does the word elect only refer to the Church?  This is not true when you look at scripture.  You will find that the Church, Israel, the Messiah (Jesus Christ), and the angels are all referred to as God's ELECT! 

• The term ELECT refers to the Messiah in Isaiah 42:1

• The term ELECT refers to the angels in 1 Timothy 5:21

• The term ELECT refers to the Church in 1 Peter 1:2

• The term ELECT refers to Israel in Isaiah 45:4 and 65:9, 22

To say that the ELECT in Matthew 24:31 refers to the Church is kind of stretching it for it can mean any one of those four groups or persons that are referred to as ELECT.  We can cross out the Messiah for He will send forth His angels to do the gathering.  We can cross out the angels for they are the ones doing the gathering.  The only two left where this verse can refer to is the Church and Israel.  Here are two scriptures that will put this matter to rest:

And He will lift up a standard for the nations and assemble the banished ones of Judah from the four corners of the earth (Isaiah 11:12).

In that day the Lord will start His threshing from the flowing stream of the Euphrates to the brook of Egypt, and you will be gathered up one by one, O sons of Israel.  It will come about also in that day that a great trumpet will be blown, and those who were perishing in the land of Assyria and who were scattered in the land of Egypt will come and worship the Lord in the holy mountain at Jerusalem (Isaiah 27:12-13).

The ELECT here in those two verses are identified as ISRAEL.  Those two verses resemble Matthew 24:31 in every way.  Look at this chart:

We see that Matthew 24:31 is not referring to the rapture of the Church but the gathering of the redeemed of Israel from the four corners of the earth.

EVIDENCE #35 - JOSEPH AND AZENETH

The Bible is filled with types of the rapture.  One of them is Joseph and his bride - Azeneth.  We know that Joseph was rejected by his brothers (Genesis 37:23-28).  In the same way Jesus the Messiah was rejected by His own brothers, His own people - Israel.  Joseph however endured and was given a great position that made him the most powerful man in Egypt with the exception of Pharaoh (Genesis 41:38-44).  In the same way Jesus endured that horrible death on the cross and rose again.  He ascended to heaven and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father.  It was at this time that Joseph received Azeneth as his bride (Genesis 41:25).  In the same way the Church was presented to Jesus as His spotless bride, cleansed by His blood on Calvary.  Before Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, he already had Azeneth in the intimacy of his presence (Genesis 41:50).  In the same way the Church will be raptured before the Tribulation and will be with Christ in heaven in the place where Jesus prepared a place for His Church to reside in (John 14:3). 

Robert Govett in The Saints' Rapture says, "In like manner, the Son of Man shall be in heaven with His bride before the sign of His appearing is given to those who had previously cast Him out.  The rapture is His thief-like approach  to the earth for His chosen (Azeneth).  And these chosen are in His presence before He unveils Himself to His brothers (The Jews)."  When Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, all others were bid out of his presence (Genesis 45:1).  This is a beautiful illustration of how the Church is with God before He reveals Himself to Israel at the REVELATION.  It also illustrates perfectly the role of which the Church as the bride of Christ is already in heaven (Revelation 19:7).

EVIDENCE #36 - JOASH

Another type of the rapture of Christ's Church is in the story of one of the kings of Judah - Joash.  The king of Judah was Ahaziah and when he died his mother Athaliah had all the royal offspring killed in order for her to keep her throne.  Joash a son of the deceased Ahaziah was hidden by the dead king's sister Jehosheba in her bedroom with his nurse.  He was then hidden in the House of the Lord with the High Priest Jehoisada for six years.  In the seventh year Jehoisada was presented with the High Priest Jehoisada.  In the same way the Church will be raptured before the Tribulation and will be hidden with the High Priest Jesus Christ for seven years until the Church is presented with the Messiah Jesus Christ.

EVIDENCE #37 - MATTHEW 24:20

Jesus says in Matthew 24:20, "But pray that your flight will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath."  Jesus in the preceding verses (Matthew 24:15) was talking about the Abomination of Desolation.  That is when the Antichrist goes into the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem and declares himself God.  Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:15-16 that when you see this event that those in Judea should flee to the mountains.  In Matthew 24:20 we see that men are instructed to pray that their flight will not be in the winter.  Lets focus on the Sabbath portion.  On the Sabbath, the Israelites were not supposed to do anything.  It was law that if you lit a fire (Exodus 35:3) or gathered sticks (Numbers 15:32-36) on the Sabbath then you were stoned to death.  If the Church, which is redeemed by grace, be bound under a law, which was a curse (Galatians 3:10).  Don't get me wrong the Law is not bad but the Law's purpose was to show that man was sinful for no one can follow and obey the Law fully (without breaking one) except Jesus Christ.  No this is not the Church.  Since Matthew 24 has strong Jewish overtones, the whole of it is talking about Israel.  They will be concerned about the Sabbath and are instructed to pray that their flight will not fall on that day.  They do this because by Mosaic Legislation restricts them from traveling over the length of a Sabbath day's journey (Acts 1:12).  Since this is not the Church and its under grace then the Church will not be in the Tribulation.

EVIDENCE #38 - THE 24 ELDERS

Since I wrote the first article, I found more evidence that the 24 elders are men including some objections.  Many see that the 24 elders are angels.  I believe that Revelation 7:11 rules against that position.  John says, "And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God."  If ALL the ANGELS were AROUND the ELDERS then the 24 elders cannot be angels because all the angels are around them.  Twice we see that the 24 elders interpret events to John and I believe that these interpretations will lead us to believe that they are redeemed men. 

• In Revelation 5:5 one of the 24 elders introduces Jesus Christ, the Lamb who is worthy of breaking the seals.
• In Revelation 7:13-17 one of the 24 elders talks about the white-robed multitude.

Why didn't an angel do this because the 24 elders are redeemed men.  Further proof that the 24 elders are men lies in the fact that twice John worshipped one of the angels (Revelation 19:10 & 22:8-9) while he never did this to the 24 elders.  Obviously John saw the 24 elders as men.  Finally the angels was carried John off in the spirit.  This is fitting because angels are spirits (Hebrews 1:7) but the 24 elders never carry John off because they are men. 

There are objections as to the new song sung by the 24 elders in Revelation 5:9-10.  John says:

And they sang a new song, saying, ‘Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased men for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.  You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.

In the King James Version it has the 24 elders singing in the first person while in the New American Standard Bible (the one I used) as well as other translations renders their song in the third person.  Opponents of the 24 elders representing the Church say that this song proves that they are not men because of the third person reference to men.  What they don't realize is that it is possible to sing a song about yourself in the third person and its in the Bible.  Exodus 15:13, 16-17 is an example of this.  That is the song that was sung by Moses and the Children of Israel after Pharaoh's army drowned in the Red Sea when God restored the waters from its division.  Both Paul (2 Corinthians 12:2) and John (John 21:20) referred to themselves in the third person.  The KJV's rendering of the 24 elder's song in the first person is supported by several New Testament manuscripts including Textus Receptus, Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Basilianus and others.  So it stands that the 24 elders are redeemed men and their presence in heaven before the Tribulation starts (Revelation 6) suggests that the rapture already occurred between Revelation 3 and 4.  A case for a Pre-Tribulation Rapture just got stronger.

EVIDENCE #39 - JOHN 14:2-3

John 14:2-3 says:

In My Father's house (IN HEAVEN) are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go (TO HEAVEN) prepare a place for you (IN HEAVEN).  If I go (TO HEAVEN) and prepare a place for you (IN HEAVEN), I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also (?). 

Where do we go?  When Christ comes, where do we go?  Pre-Tribs will say that He will take us to heaven while Post-Tribs say that verse doesn't actually say that.  Will Christ take us to earth or heaven?  If Christ is preparing a place for us and right now He is currently in heaven then it is pure logic that Jesus will take us to heaven.  This is in contrast to Matthew 24:40-41 where there are two men in a field and one is taken and the other left behind as well as two women grinding in a mill and one is taken while the other is left behind.  Is that the rapture?  No!  Luke 17:37 tells us that those taken are taken in judgment.  In Matthew 24 and Luke 17 it is a blessing to be left behind for those taken are taken in judgment at the Great Winepress and vultures will eat of their dead bodies.  Those taken in the rapture are taken to be with Jesus Christ in heaven while those taken in Matthew 24:40-41 are taken in judgment.  This shows that there is no rapture in Matthew 24 or Luke 17 suggesting that scripture shows two events - the rapture and the Harvest of the Tares and Wheat. 

EVIDENCE #40 - NO SIGNS PRECEDING RAPTURE

In Matthew 24 we see that there are signs preceding the biggest sign of all - THE SON OF MAN.  Here are some of the signs that are provided in Matthew 24:

• Abomination of Desolation (verse 15)
• False Christs and False Prophets (verse 24)
• The sun will be darkened (verse 29)
• The moon will not give its light (verse 29)
• The stars will fall (verse 29)

These signs precede the sign of the Son of Man (Jesus Christ) appearing in the sky.  When we turn to the rapture passage of 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 we see no signs.  There are no signs and marvels preceding the rapture.  We would expect to see signs in Matthew 24 for the Jews are a "sign" people (1 Corinthians 1:22).  When you look at the rapture of Enoch in Genesis 5:24 we see that his rapture was sudden and unexpected.  He was there but then he wasn't there.  Likewise the rapture will be sudden and unexpected IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE with no signs preceding it!

EVIDENCE #41 - UNLESS THOSE DAYS BE SHORTENED

Post Tribs say that we will not know the day nor the hour for the days will be shortened.  Matthew 24:22 says, "Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short."  We all know that from the Abomination of Desolation to Jesus Christ descending from heaven on a white horse is 1,260 days.  We know this because those in Judea who are supposed to flee to the mountains (Matthew 24:16) are protected for 1,260 days (Revelation 12:6) while the Antichrist has complete power for 42 months (Revelation 13:5), which is 1,260 days.  Jesus has to come back in 1,260 days for what if he tarried in His coming for 30 days then those being nourished for 1,260 days will be hungry and starving for 30 more days and the Antichrist will be completely weak for 30 days for the Antichrist's authority is for 42 months.  He has to come back in 1,260 days.  Besides Matthew 24:29 places it IMMEDIATELY after the Tribulation ends. 

Pre Tribs say that if the rapture is Post Trib then believers will know the day and the hour for they can just count 1,260 days from the Abomination of Desolation.  Post Tribs try to turn it around and say that the number of days will be shortened based on Matthew 24:22.  If the number of days are shortened then they can't know the exact day.  This however is wrong!  Scripture suggests that the days themselves (the hours during the day) will be shortened.  Amos 8:9 says, "'It will come about in that day,' declares the Lord God, 'That I will make the sun go down at noon and make the earth dark in broad daylight.'"  Revelation 8:12 says, "The fourth angel sounded, and a third of the sun and a third of the moon and a third of the stars were struck, so that a third of them would be darkened and the day would not shine for a third of it, and the night in the same way."  We see in both these verses that there will be shorter days and shorter nights.  There will still be 1,260 days but the hours will be shorter.  Believers will still be able to know the day of Christ's coming.  Remember NO ONE WILL KNOW THE DAY NOR THE HOUR.  This is the rapture for scripture presents a known day (REVELATION) and the unknown day (RAPTURE). 

EVIDENCE #42 - TWO DOORS

We see two doors in Revelation.  The first one is in Revelation 4:1, which says, "After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven..."  The second one is in Revelation 19:11, which says, "And I saw heaven opened..."  Both times we see heaven opening, one for John being caught up to heaven and the other for Jesus to descend from heaven on a white horse.  This makes it all the more proof that the rapture can be seen in Revelation 4:1, which would make the rapture before the Tribulation. 

EVIDENCE #43 - THE KEY AND THE DOOR

Revelation 3:7-8 speak of the key of David and an open door.  It says, "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this: 'I know your deeds.  Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied my name.'"  This verse is very significant in identifying where the rapture is in the book of Revelation.  We have a key of David and an open door.  From these two verses we can assume that the key of David has something to do with the open door.  Look at the similarities between the two:

The only one who can open and shut this door is Jesus Christ.  We know this because Jesus said in Revelation 3:8, "I have put before you an open door..."  In Revelation 3:7 we see that the one "who is holy, who is true" has the key of David, which also is Jesus Christ.  Let us see what does this have to do with the rapture.  Look at Revelation 3:10:

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.

It is very interesting that Revelation 3:8 complements Revelation 3:10.  You'll see it in this chart:

Both these verses are similar in that if the recipient keeps the word of Christ then they will be kept from the hour and have an open door.  This builds a strong case for a Pre-Tribulation Rapture for where is the next door in Revelation?  Revelation 4:1 says, "After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven..."  Here is another chart:

The hour of testing in Revelation 3:10 is the Tribulation period and if Jesus said that He will keep us from the hour if we do what - keep the word of His perseverance.  If we keep Jesus' word, then He will present us an open door.  The open door is in Revelation 4:1.  This is a strong case for the Pre-Tribulation Rapture for there is an open door (Revelation 4:1) before the Tribulation starts (Revelation 6).  The next open door is in Revelation 19:11 but that is not the same open door as Revelation 3:8 for we are kept from the hour of testing and Revelation 19:11 is at the end of the Tribulation and there is no testing for the testing is over when Christ descends to the Mount of Olives while the bride the Church is already in heaven (Revelation 19:7).  Revelation 3:7-8, 10 pinpoint the timing of the rapture and it all points to Revelation 4:1.

EVIDENCE #44 - OMISSION OF THE CHURCH

None of the Old Testament and New Testament passages on the Tribulation mention the Church.  Not at all!  Here is a chart showing you these passages:

These passages don't mention the Church in the Tribulation.  This omission is significant for the Tribulation is the "Time of Jacob's Trouble" (Jeremiah 30:7) meaning for Israel.  The Tribulation is also for the Gentile Nations (Revelation 3:10 says that the hour of testing comes "upon the whole world.").  The Church isn't mentioned at all.  Why?  Because the Church will be raptured before the Tribulation.

EVIDENCE #45 - DOUBLE REFERENCE IN MATTHEW 24

The Bible is abound with double references.  Matthew 24 is no exception.  Matthew 24:37 says, "For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah."  You can see here that Jesus uses the illustration of Noah in order to make a comparison to the events in the End Times.  Let us look at the story of Noah in Genesis 6:1 - 7:24.  Matthew 24 points to two classes of people - Noah and the flood victims.  Genesis 7:4 tells us that Noah knew the day of which the flood was coming but gives no indication that the flood victims knew the day.  Matthew 24:38 says that the flood victims were caught by surprise because they were "eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark."  Lets do a chart for clarification:

In what category does the disciples go in?  Are they flood victims or they like Noah?  Jesus is hesitant in putting the disciples in the category of Noah.  Matthew 24:42 says, "Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming."  They can't be Noah for he knew the day but they can't be flood victims for they are unbelievers.  The disciples are like Noah because they are safe but they don't know the day.  But Jesus seems to compare the disciples with the flood victims for they don't know the day and they will be surprised.  How can this be if the flood victims are unbelievers?  This can only be reconciled if the disciples form a third category.  Again lets do a chart for clarification:

You can see that the disciples have similarities and dissimilarities with Noah and the flood victims.  These dissimilarities causes the disciples to form a third category, Church Saints raptured before the Tribulation.  We see how it all fits into place.

Jesus gives us a second illustration.  Matthew 24:43-44 says:

But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.  For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.

Jesus shows us that the head of the house would have known the thief was coming if only he watched.  Here we have two categories again:

Jesus only mentions one head of the house who doesn't watch but Jesus also pointed out that if only he watched and known then the house would not have been broken into.  So we have two heads of the house.  The first head of the house represents the flood victims for they don't watch and they don't know the day.  The second head of the house represents Noah for he watches and he does in fact know the day.  Where do the disciples fit in?

The illustration of the head of the house fits exactly the same way as the first illustration of Noah.  The disciples do not seem to fit in either category of the flood victims or Noah despite some similarities.  The differences between the disciples and the other two groups are very significant.  The disciples do not know the day just like the first head of the house but the disciples watch.  The disciples watch just like the second head of the house but doesn't know the day.  These similarities and dissimilarities causes the disciples to form a third category.

Jesus also uses a third illustration.  Matthew 25:1-13 gives us the Parable of the Virgins.  There are once again two categories - the wise virgins and the foolish virgins.  These virgins attend the wedding and go out to meet the bridegroom.  There were five wise virgins and five foolish virgins:

The disciples cannot be the foolish virgins for they are unbelievers.  The disciples cannot be the wise virgins for they attend the wedding.  The disciples form a third category - the Church, which is the bride of Christ. 

We see that these three illustrations by Jesus shows us three categories and the disciples form the third, i.e. the Church that is raptured before the Tribulation.  If you are still not sure then read those three illustrations and draw out similarities and dissimilarities between the two groups and the disciples.  You will see that the disciples form a third category.

Now that I have laid before you fifteen more proofs of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture, I will now go into the two additional rapture theories that weren't covered in the first article - Partial and Pre Wrath.

PARTIAL RAPTURE THEORY

Partial Rapture contends that only those faithful in the Church will be raptured before the Tribulation.  The believers that are not raptured will go through all or part of the Tribulation in order to be purged.  As some believers are ready there will be a series of raptures.  Some of the scriptures that partial rapture proponents use are Luke 21:36, 1 Corinthians 9:27, Philippians 3:10-11, Hebrews 9:28, and 1 John 2:28.  Lets look at these verses:

• Luke 21:36 seems to imply that only the worthy will escape the Tribulation, those that have strength
• 1 Corinthians 9:27 shows us that Paul regularly disciplined and enslaved his body so that he will not be disqualified (from the resurrection)
• Philippians 3:10-11 shows us that Paul hoped that he will be in the resurrection of the dead by being faithful and conformed to Christ
• Hebrews 9:28 implies that Christ will only appear to those who look for him
• 1 John 2:28 states that some will be ashamed at His coming

These are some of the popular verses that partial rapture proponents use and we will be concentrating on these five but I'll supply you with a chart on the other verses they use:

The number one problem of the partial rapture is that the rapture is based on good works.  Gerald B. Stanton in his book Kept from the Hour says that it "is a co-mingling of legalism with grace."  We should be reminded that Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that salvation is through faith by the grace of God and not of ourselves or our good works.  The rapture is a privilege but it is also the grace of God to take His beloved Church out of this world before the "hour of testing" (Revelation 3:10).  It is not something acquired by good works.  If the rapture is based on spiritual readiness then my question is how ready should a person be?  If even Paul was doubtful in Philippians 3:11 of attaining the resurrection of the dead then who then will be ready?  Paul was probably more ready than a great deal of Christians today.  If he was doubtful then surely we have to be doubtful of ourselves.  The whole concept is wrong.  The rapture is by the grace of God.  Look at the context of Philippians 3:11 and 1 Corinthians 9:27.  Partial Rapture proponents say that even Paul wasn't sure as his right to a place in the rapture.  Gerald B. Stanton says:

Paul had been reviewing his past life as Saul, the enemy of the early church and persecutor of Jesus Christ.  Now he states his highest spiritual aspirations as the servant of Christ, but in words which reflect true humility in the light of his former unworthiness, and also the urgent need of self-watchfulness lest he stumble and be disapproved. 

The scriptures point out that all Christians will be raptured.  Paul in 1 Corinthians was speaking to a carnal church in Corinth but however despite that they were still part of the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19).  He also said in 1 Corinthians 15:51 of the rapture, "Behold, I tell you a mystery; WE WILL NOT ALL SLEEP, but WE WILL ALL BE CHANGED" (My emphasis).  All Christians will partake of the rapture even those in the church of Corinth.  All means all not partial nor some but ALL!  1 Thessalonians 4:16 tells us that those who are raised have to be "in Christ."  It would seem unlikely that only some of the Christians who are already in their graves would be raised while the others would not.  If some people are raptured while others are left to be purged in the Tribulation then what happens to the dead in Christ who are not raised.  If those believers who aren't watchful are left in the Tribulation then what happens to the dead in Christ?  Do the dead have to go through Purgatory in order to be purged?  This is unscriptural!  ALL the dead in Christ will be raised and ALL the living in Christ will be caught up after and be with the Lord forever.  ALL means ALL!  1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 doesn't say that those who are watchful or those who are overcomers will be caught up but those of "which are alive and remain" which include the whole body of believers.  Likewise it is not the dead in Christ who watched or overcomed that were raised but the entire body of the "dead in Christ."

The Partial Rapture also confuses the doctrine of rewards.  They view the rapture as an reward for those that are worthy of them and is not a gift of love and grace.  While it is true that the Christian who runs and completes the race (1 Corinthians 9:24-25) will receive rewards.  The Bible is clear that Christians don't get rewarded at the rapture but at an event called the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10).  You can see that Christians get their reward at the Bema Seat of Christ and not at the rapture.  There are five crowns that will be rewarded:

Proponents of a partial rapture are right about rewards but are wrong in placing it at the rapture.  The rapture is not a reward for the reward is at the Bema Seat.  1 Corinthians 3:15 suggests that even some Christians will not receive a reward but will still be saved even through the fire.  This would be impossible if the only the believers that watch are raptured before the Tribulation while the other believers are left behind.  Yes 1 John 2:28 says that many will be ashamed at His coming but it doesn't mean that they will be left behind.  They won't receive a crown but they will still have salvation.  Another problem with the partial rapture is that it denies the whole of the body of Christ.  Scripture (Ephesians 2:14 - 3:6; 4:1-6, 12-16; Colossians 3:11,15) affirms that Jesus Christ is the head and the Church is the body.  There will only be one rapture.  Otherwise a partial rapture will leave Christ with a dismembered body.  Those verses mentioned earlier show the unity of the body of Christ.  Partial Rapture proponents will have to admit otherwise that the body of Christ was not the whole Church but those that watched and were faithful who surrender to God.  That is unscriptural.  The WHOLE Church of Christ will take part not a part or some but the WHOLE!  Ephesians 5:25-27 shows us (as I mentioned earlier in Evidence #31) that the Church or even part of it doesn't need to be purged for it is by the blood of Christ that the Church is without blemish.  The Church is sanctified and cleansed by Christ through the washing of the water of the word not by Tribulation.  

The Partial Rapture is unfounded for they accommodate scriptures to suit the partial rapture theory and there whole view of the rapture operates under a works system.  They neglect to see that all Christians will be raptured and will receive their reward at the Bema Seat of Christ and that their theory leaves Christ with a dismembered body.  Finally I didn't point this out but have no distinction of the Church and Israel and fail to see that the Tribulation is for the purging of Israel and the Gentile Nations.  It is also a time of judgment and the Church, which is without blemish need not enter that terrible seven year period known as the Tribulation.  

PRE WRATH RAPTURE THEORY

The Pre Wrath Rapture theory is a very recent theory espoused by Robert Van Kampen (The Sign) and Marvin J. Rosenthal (The Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church).  Basically the Pre Wrath view divides the seventieth week in Daniel into three parts.  Here is a chart showing the divisions:

They put the rapture of the Church at the Day of Lord after the Antichrist is revealed (2 Thessalonians 2:3) or twenty-one months into the second half in the Tribulation.  The Tribulation is cut short by the Day of the Lord return of Christ (Matthew 24:29).  We can see that this view has the Church for three-quarters into the Tribulation.  You can see that this view is a deviation of the Mid Tribulation and Post Tribulation rapture views.  Here are some arguments that Pre Wrath proponents use to support their theory:

1. Zephaniah 1:14-18 shows that the wrath of God is not the entire Tribulation
2. Revelation 6:1-17 shows that the first five seals are the wrath of men and Satan not God
3. Matthew 24:9-29 shows us that Jesus defines the Tribulation as being in the middle of the 70th week
4. Revelation 6:3-4 begins in the middle of the 70th week
5. Revelation 6:5-11 shows that the third, fourth, and fifth seal are concurrent
6. Revelation 6:12-17 is the return of Jesus at the Day of Lord (parallels Matthew 24:29-31; Joel 2:30-31)
7. Revelation 6:1-17; 8:1-16:21 shows that the wrath of God begins at the seventh seal
8. Revelation 7:9-17 and Matthew 24:22, 29-31 shows that the raptured church is seen in heaven having been taken out of the great tribulation
9. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 shows that the Day of the Lord will not occur until the apostasy takes place

These are the arguments that proponents of the Pre Wrath rapture use.  Many of these arguments are unfounded with too many unwarranted assumptions and twisting of scripture.  Some arguments raised by Pre Wrath proponents seems to be better arguments for the Mid Tribulational and Pre Tribulational rapture views.  Another problem with the Pre Wrath view is that it is a deviant from the Mid Tribulation and Post Tribulation rapture views.  Lets now examine the arguments that Pre Wrath proponents use.

1. They say that the final period is the Day of the Lord and the other two are not the wrath but the wrath of Satan and man.  So they believe that the wrath of God is not the entire Tribulation.  A closer look Zephaniah 1:14-18 shows us otherwise.  It shows us that the Day of the Lord is a time of both tribulation and God's wrath.  There are many descriptions in that scripture and they all apply to the entire Tribulation.
2. They hold to the belief that the first five seals are the wrath of Satan and man and it isn't God's Wrath.  But again this is wrong.  Jesus Christ who is the Lamb of God breaks all of the seals, which clearly tells us that God is the source for these judgments.  In Revelation 6:17 it tells us that the great day of their wrath "has come."  HAS COME is referring to a previous arrival of the wrath so the first five seals can be counted as the Wrath of God.  They are clearly wrong on this point.
3. Pre Wrath rapturists hold to the belief that Jesus tells us that the Tribulation begins in the middle of the seventieth week according to Matthew 24:9-29).  However Jesus gives us no such indication that the Tribulation occurs at the midpoint of the seventieth week.  All he gives us is signs of His coming and that's all.  The only thing Christ tells us about the middle of the seventieth week is the Abomination of Desolation (Matthew 24:15).  There is no biblical support for that position.
4. In keeping with the middle of the seventieth week, they believe that the second seal begins in the middle of the seventieth week.  However this is an assumption without biblical support for the Bible doesn't tell us how long the first seal will commence (it's duration).
5. Pre Wrath rapturists teach that all the seals are chronological except the third, fourth, and fifth seal.  However you will see that Jesus broke all the seals one by one not simultaneously so this is another assumption without merit or biblical support.
6. They teach that the sixth seal (Revelation 6:12-17) is the return of Jesus at the Day of the Lord and parallels other Day of the Lord passages (Matthew 24:29-31 & Joel 2:30-31).  However this is without merit for we see no such indication that Christ returns at the sixth seal.  He doesn't return in Revelation 6:12-17 but in Revelation 19:11-16.  The Day of the Lord begins with a time of peace and safety (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3), which can only happen in the beginning of the Tribulation not towards the end with the judgments intensifying.
7. Pre Wrath rapturists teach that the wrath of God begins at the seventh seal.  This is wrong for I already said that Revelation 6:17 says that the wrath HAS COME indicating that there was a previous arrival of the wrath, i.e. the first five seals.  Besides the early seals are indicative of God's Wrath.  Just look at the fourth seal.  One-fourth of the world's population die.  Look at the sixth seal.  Earthquakes, Sun becoming black, moon becoming like blood, stars falling to the earth, and every mountain and island moving from its place.  That's God Wrath!  And it doesn't begin at the seventh seal.
8. They also teach that the raptured church is seen in heaven having been taken out of the Great Tribulation (Revelation 7:9-17; Matthew 24:22, 29-31).  But this argument is clearly wrong for John doesn't mention them as the Church in Revelation 7:9-17.  If they were the Church he would've identified them as such.  Matthew 24:29-31 deals with the return of Christ, which occurs in Revelation 19:11-16.  The elect in Matthew 24:22, 31 is Israel (Isaiah 11:12 & Isaiah 27:12-13) and not the Church.  One of the 24 elders identified them as coming out of the Great Tribulation, identifying them as Tribulation Saints, not the raptured Church.
9. Finally the Pre Wrath rapturists teach that the Day of the Lord will not occur until the apostasy in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 takes place.  This is clearly wrong.  Paul was teaching to the church in Thessalonia that the Day of the Lord had not occurred yet (2 Thessalonians 2:2) because they were taught wrongly that it did so they were worried.  But Paul reassured them that the Day of the Lord would not occur until the rapture had first taken place.  In order to prove this, he had to establish that the Day of the Lord didn't happen yet.  This would favor the Pre Tribulation view.  

You could see from these refutations that the Pre Wrath rapture isn't viable.  Finally the Pre Wrath affirms the following:

• The denial of the imminent return of Christ
• The respective programs for Israel and the Church overlap
• The identification of the elect in Matthew 24 is the Church
• A distinction between Tribulation and wrath
• The Church is promised Tribulation

The Pre Wrath rapture is unfounded because it assumes that the seventieth week is divided into three parts when in reality it is only divided into two parts - the first half and the second half of the Tribulation.  The Pre Wrath view copies from the Mid and Post Tribulation rapture views and shares their weaknesses.  Some of their arguments they raise seems to be a better one for the Pre Tribulation view.  They make assumptions out of scripture and their eschatological system is poor and unscriptural.

CONCLUSION

This article sought to provide more proofs of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture view and to expand on two more rapture views - Partial and Pre Wrath.  I want to show you that the Pre-Tribulation Rapture is the most logical and scriptural eschatological system.  Pre-Trib sees a distinction between Israel and the Church.  The Pre-Trib view guarantees the imminent return of Christ.  The Pre-Trib makes the Tribulation a time of Jacob's Trouble (Jeremiah 30:7) not the Church.  The seventieth week is for Israel (Daniel 9:24).  In the end Pre-Trib stands strong in the midst of all the other rapture theories.

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