The Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the Church
By George Stroh
December 30, 2021
Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together with Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. (2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2)
We often get questions about the timing of the rapture of the Church and second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Of course no one knows for sure the exact hour, day, year or even century of when He will return to earth; But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. (Matthew 24:36) The first century Church was looking for the imminent return of Jesus Christ, as they should have. Each succeeding generation continued, by faith, looking for His return and we also anticipate that He well come in this present generation.
There are many reasons to believe that the rapture and second coming of Christ is very close. Our advanced technology, nuclear war capabilities, increasing threat of world-wide pandemics, financial instability, and rapidly declining culture cause me to believe that He is very near; 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; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take pace. (Matthew 24:32-34)
There are three primary views about the timing of the rapture of the Church; pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation and post-tribulation. Meaning that the rapture will happen either before, in the middle of, or following the coming seven year tribulation period on earth described in detail in the book of Revelation and other parts of Scripture. While there is some biblical support for the mid tribulation view, the pre-tribuation view seems to me and to most other Bible teachers and scholars to be the most biblically correct view.
The faithful Church at Thessalonica was suffering much persecution and were concerned that the rapture had already happened and that they were in the prophesized tribulation period. The Apostle Paul wrote to comfort, encourage and assure them that the rapture had not yet happened; Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy (the leaving or rapture) comes first, and the man of lawlessness (the antichrist) is revealed, the son of destruction. (2 Thessalonians 2:3)
Before the coming rapture of the Church, true believers may very well experience increasing tribulation along with the rest of the world. Like the Thessalonians, we may also suffer increasing persecution because of our faith in Christ. Nevertheless, we continue to faithfully look forward to the imminent pre-tribulation rapture and His second coming; Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. (Romans 12:11)
Maranatha!