Inputs about the (Pre-Tribulation) Rapture--Matt Anderson
Inputs about the (Pre-Tribulation) Rapture
Preface: I am clear that I don’t know when the rapture will occur because I know that God can do what He plans to do. Based on what is revealed in Scripture and God’s character, I do place a high likelihood on the ekklesia being present on the earth for a significant portion of the Great Tribulation. I would prefer a pre-tribulational rapture, but I cannot see how it lines up with what the Bible says.
I believe every believer should avoid making a 100% conclusion that they are certain about the timing of the rapture. I believe it is important to know that God keeps things secret and that it is best for us to have readiness to respond and adapt to whatever happens. Our faith is not founded in our position about rapture. It is a lesser theological item which will become plain as future events unfold. I have found these two passages to be the most relevant as far as establishing a healthy mindset about Christ’s Second Coming.
1 Thessalonians 5:6–9 (LEB)
6 So then, we must not sleep like the rest, but must be on the alert and be self-controlled. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. 8 But because we are of the day, we must be sober, by putting on the breastplate of faith and love and as a helmet the hope of salvation, 9 because God did not appoint us for wrath, but for the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Luke 21:34–36 (LEB)
34 “But take care for yourselves, lest your hearts are weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of daily life, and that day come upon you suddenly 35 like a trap. For it will come upon all who reside on the face of the whole earth. 36 But be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
If I escape all of the Great Tribulation, I will rejoice along with the rest of the ekklesia. If I do not escape all of the Great Tribulation, then I will continue trusting in the Lord day by day to lead and guide me (and others I know) through this perilous time. In this case, I pray the Lord grant me excellent hearing, humble repentance and even better obedience to His voice as the best way through each day.
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These inputs from Matt continue in the attached .pdf.
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