The concept of the pretribulation rapture has become increasingly popular among Christians, with many believing that they will be taken up to heaven before a period of great suffering and tribulation begins on Earth. However, this idea is not only unsupported by Scripture but may also be a dangerous deception designed to lull believers into a false sense of security. In this article, we will explore the biblical evidence against the pretribulation rapture and discuss the potential consequences of this false doctrine.
The Origins of the Pretribulation Rapture Theory
The pretribulation rapture theory is a relatively recent development in Christian theology, with its roots in the 19th century. John Nelson Darby, a British evangelist and influential figure in the Plymouth Brethren movement, is often credited with popularizing this idea. Darby’s teachings, along with the widespread distribution of the Scofield Reference Bible in the early 20th century, helped to promote the pretribulation rapture theory among Christians in the United States and beyond.
Biblical Evidence Against the Pretribulation Rapture
Although proponents of the pretribulation rapture theory claim that their beliefs are rooted in Scripture, a closer examination of the Bible reveals that there is no clear evidence to support this idea. In fact, several passages suggest that believers will face tribulation and difficulties before being gathered to Christ. Some of these passages include:
- Matthew 24:29-31: In this passage, Jesus speaks of the events that will take place “immediately after the tribulation of those days,” including the darkening of the sun and moon, the falling of stars, and the gathering of the elect by angels. This indicates that believers will be present during the tribulation and will not be taken up to heaven beforehand.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4: Here, the Apostle Paul warns the Thessalonians not to be deceived into thinking that the day of the Lord has already come. He explains that the day will not come until there is a falling away and the “man of sin” (the Antichrist) is revealed. This suggests that Christians will be present on Earth during the rise of the Antichrist and the unfolding of the tribulation.
- Revelation 7:9-14: In this passage, the Apostle John describes a vision of a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne of God and the Lamb. These individuals are identified as those who have “come out of the great tribulation” and have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb. This implies that believers will experience tribulation before being gathered to Christ.
The Danger of the Pretribulation Rapture Deception
If the pretribulation rapture is indeed a false doctrine, it is not merely an innocuous error in theological interpretation. Rather, it could have significant and dangerous consequences for the faith and preparedness of believers. By promoting the idea that Christians will be spared from the trials and tribulations that the Bible predicts, the pretribulation rapture theory may lull believers into a false sense of security.
This false sense of security could have several negative effects:
1. Lack of Spiritual Preparedness: If Christians believe that they will be taken up to heaven before the tribulation, they may not feel the need to develop the spiritual fortitude necessary to endure trials and persecution. As a result, when faced with adversity, they may be more likely to falter in their faith and possibly turn away from God.
2. Lack of Practical Preparedness: Believing in a pretribulation rapture may lead Christians to neglect the practical preparations that could help them and their communities endure the difficult times predicted in Scripture. Without adequate preparation, believers may struggle to provide for their families and communities in times of crisis, which could result in increased suffering and disillusionment.
3. Weakening of Christian Witness: If Christians are unprepared for tribulation and persecution, their ability to stand firm in their faith and bear witness to the hope of the gospel may be compromised. This could hinder the spread of the gospel message and weaken the Church’s influence in a world desperately in need of hope and truth.
4. Vulnerability to Deception: A false sense of security regarding the pretribulation rapture could make Christians more susceptible to deception by the Antichrist and other false prophets. Believers who are unprepared for tribulation may be more easily swayed by false promises of peace, safety, and prosperity, potentially leading them away from the truth of the gospel.
While there may not be specific verses in the King James Version (KJV) Bible that explicitly deny a pretribulation rapture, there are verses that can be interpreted as evidence against it or that suggest an alternative view. Here are a few examples:
- Matthew 24:29-31: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”
In this passage, Jesus describes His return as happening “immediately after the tribulation,” which could be understood as implying a post-tribulation gathering of the elect.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4: “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.”
In this passage, Paul warns the Thessalonians not to be deceived about the coming of the Lord and their gathering to Him. He emphasizes that certain events, including the revealing of the Antichrist, must occur before the day of the Lord comes. This could be interpreted as suggesting that believers will be present during at least some portion of the tribulation.
- Revelation 20:4: “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”
This verse describes believers who have been martyred during the tribulation for their faith in Jesus and their refusal to worship the Antichrist. If a pretribulation rapture had occurred, it might be expected that all true believers would have already been removed from the earth before the tribulation.
It’s essential to keep in mind that these verses, like the ones mentioned in the article, can be interpreted differently depending on one’s theological perspective. The debate surrounding the timing of the rapture is complex, and sincere believers can hold differing views on this issue.
Conclusion
The pretribulation rapture theory is not only unsupported by Scripture, but it also has the potential to undermine the faith and preparedness of believers in the face of the tribulation and persecution that the Bible predicts. Rather than embracing this false doctrine, Christians should focus on cultivating spiritual resilience, practical preparedness, and a strong witness for the gospel in the midst of adversity.
By remaining grounded in the truth of Scripture and drawing strength from the Holy Spirit, believers can stand firm in their faith, even in the face of tribulation. Ultimately, this steadfast faith will serve as a powerful testimony to the world and a beacon of hope in dark times, as we eagerly await the glorious return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
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I wanna meet the jackass who came up with that pretribulation fraud.
John Nelson Darby
Hi.. I have been living extremely difficult times here in USA.. nobody can’t Imagine how the magnitude. Iam legally living here in USA since 2006. The Lord brought me here fir for his purpose. But nobody know exactly what could happen. Iam between and iam prepared with food, water, a little assets, trying hard, working hard in my suffering and anguish. Hoping for that glorious day. Hoping that the Lord would take out his bride from this evil world. Iam living my days in praying, reading my bible and..
Always keep the faith. A return to God is all that can save this country.
I profoundly agree with you. Once again as it has happened throughout history nations that turn their back on God are rewarded with evil leaders.
M.D. You’re absolutely correct. The concept of pretribulation is an innovation that is no more than 130 to 140 years old. This is neither Scriptural or traditional in origin. Like so many other innovations it is increasingly believed in as the religious world descends into chaos like the social, political and economics of the world.
Dave McPherson has a couple of books (The Incredible Cover-UP & The Rapture Plot) that goes into great detail about the origin of the rapture theory. Key players were Margaret MacDonald, Irving, & Darby beginning in the 1830’s.
Very good post i believed in pre trib an later mid trib but reading all the scriptures slowly i have to follow scripture. The people who think the pre-trib rapture will not be ready when the food an housing is cut off. What do they do with Matt. 24 the whole chapter? It is a great deception.
MD my brother, love your work. I believe you are wrong on this though. Read I Cor.15:51-52 and I Thes.4:13-18 for a start of support for a pre tribulation snatching away of God’s then living children. Scripture does not say we will not have troubles and tribulations, especially from man, but it does say in the above, that we were not made for God’s wrath. His past work, especially with Noah and with Lot, give us very clear and good examples on how He pulls His children out before He brings the hammer down. One cannot be dogmatic about whichever theory a believer comes down on, but we should not allow such a topic to be divisive to the body of Christ.
Press on in His love and work my brother…
Very good point. I feel that to have preps for loved ones and self is the greatest love one can show. Some say pre trib an some say mid trib and some say we will go into the trib. What Dr. Stan Moneith who had Radio Liberty he likes the pan theory=== it will all pan out in the end. No one knows how much or even how long any period will last. Things are getting worse by the week. So to be ready for hard times an if the Lord calls you home or rapture and have food an medical herbs just might help out someone. The bible would be nice and some scriptures in buckets might be a source of hope and salvation in the future.
Do you see how it says it those verses “at the last trump” in I Corinthians !5:51-52, and even I Thessalonians 4:14-18, it talks about the trumpet. The last trump is the seventh one in Revelations, which is when the Lord returns and sets the world right. So I see no other possibility. It must be we go through the seven years of tribulation. I must say, the idea provokes anxiety in me. I counter the anxiety with faith and love bestowed on me by God. I think my faith actually is stronger because of my dependence on God for the coming times.
Actually, the last trump is the final blast of the trumpet at the Jewish Feast of Trumpets in the fall. That’s why many believers believe the rapture will happen on the Feast of Trumpets. From my understanding of Scripture and the character of my Father, I believe in a pre-trib rapture. That doesn’t mean I don’t prepare. I think things are going to get pretty dicey from here on out. What I don’t use will be available for friends and neighbors.
You are spot on Rock!
There is a huge difference between God’s wrath and the persecution that comes from other people. There is evidence that believers suffer terrible things at the hands of man, and that will happen again. But like you said there is clear evidence from Noah and Lot that God does not pour out His wrath on the believers. I do think hard times like we have never been through in the history of America are coming, and it may happen soon, but that is different than God’s wrath.
I don’t know..I kind of think being rewarded with evil leaders is God’s wrath
Amen Brother I agree with you 💯%..Scripture does support a Snatching away of God’s people..which we call the Rapture! I always say this to people..if you know Jesus and believe upon him that he died for you and your sins on that cross and Rose again on the 3rd day and ascended into heaven where he sits at the right hand of the Father until he gives the word to Go get Your Bride..knowing him is all that matters..you will be going up anyway whether you believe in the Pre-Trib Rapture or not and you will be glad you did! 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4-v 13-18..Chapter 5- v 1-11
God’s people are not appointed to Wrath..verse 9 of Chapter 5..God Bless Everyone..See you in the Clouds! 🙏✝️🕊💖🎺✈
We are marked with the seal of God and discernment is a manifestation of the holy spirit and will guide us and direct us. God’s wrath will not harm us. However our faith will protect us and we have no reason to fear evil no matter how dark the world becomes and it is not meant for things to be easy for us..tribulation is scart and it will be horrible but then again the good lord will never challenge us more than we can handle and many are lost without him. We will grow stronger spiritually and our faith in our creator will go stronger. Every morning that I wake up and the power is still on and the water still comes out of the faucet I thank him. Humble gratitude for his divine love..things are going to get much worse before the rapture and we must stay strong in our faith
Tribulation and God’s wrath are two separate things. Pretribulation is a lie of the devil.
I agree on not letting this divide us, and am grateful for all who are on the side of Life, Truth and Freedom. I do not label myself a Christian, by the way, but my hope is in Jesus, the liberator and healer of the world.
I grew up with the pretribulation rapture teaching and thought I was seeped in the Bible. However, I reread it intensively 3 times with an open mind, taking notes and summarizing what I was reading, allowing myself to even see it as all nonsense, good, bad, or a mix… and it’s just not there. (Though that was a side issue, as this 4-month exercise gave a new, extremely expansive view of the self-giving of the Father of Jesus, and the astonishingly wonderful outcomes we can expect from that.) Would you mind as we look at the texts you cite:
I Cor.15:51-52: Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all 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 Thes.4:13-18: But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
I see no indication in these verses to say that this big event will happen before the last few years of this world system. And if (big if) we tie the “last trump” (last trumpet sound) in 1 Corinthians to the last trumpet in Revelation, that suggests the opposite.
In fact, the 1 Corinthians passage includes the absolute final events as the universe is about to be transformed into the New Creation: Jesus puts down/destroys ALL authority, ALL rule (hierarchy), all power (coercion), and last of all the enemy death…
and then…
God becomes ALL
in
ALL
God is LOVE, God is LIGHT, and Jesus shows him as HEALING and LIBERATION.
So love, light, healing and liberation will be delivered to the entire creation.
And that’s a lot more important than arguing about details of timelines.
For me what works is to be ready all the time as best I can be. That way whenever He returns I’ll be ready.
You got that right, Michael. There is nothing in the Bible about a rapture. “One will be taken, one will be left” is about something else entirely. You have to read the whole chapter, not cherry pick a line or two to support a theory or point.
I have always known this pre rapture teaching to be untrue. Thank you for breaking it down with scripture. Blessings to you brother from way down south west Louisiana.
Tamara,
You’re very welcome.
3 possibilities pre mid and post rapture has been the debate im in the mindset of a pretrib rapture the reason being Christ comes for his bride would the bride let his wife be raped and harmed before their wedding? Not if he could help it it also brings me to that parable of the 10 women that were going to the masters feist 5 trimmed their lamps and 5 didnt and the 5 that trimmed their lamps went inside the 5 that didnt were left in the cold
Either way I have no say in the matter in witch Christ will come I can only be ready and keep watchful for the signs and times that he spoke of before he ascended into heaven yes me might have to suffer then again we might not its all faith.
sounds like straight talk to me
I respect all views but i actually came to pretrib rapture from a prior interest in the UFO phenomenon and i have been convinced that the Great Deception is not the Rapture but the “Aliens” coming to take us away. Its the obvious explanation for millions of Christians disappearing in the blink of an eye. Even the alien abductees tell us the “aliens” talk about removing Christians due to their inability to “ascend” to a higher evolutionary plane. As a popular YouTube preacher says, “we go up, they show up”. So i disagree about pre trib but i am still prepping. “Hope for the best prepare for worst”
Nailed it M.D. Prayers for all in the many bad things that are already here and the even worse ones on the way. Turn to Christ if you haven’t. Hugs M.D. 🙏 💘
Thank you. Appreciated. You still snowed in?
No more snow here anymore. we were in the 80’s last week. Nice! So warm I actually dusted my swimsuit off and got some sun on my day off. Yes, I know I shouldn’t be laying out in the sun. I just enjoy it so. I use sunscreen. Have a good evening.
Strangely enough I started a new Bible study last Monday. It’s called “Not afraid of the antichrist. Why we don’t believe in a pre-tribulation rapture.” by Michael Brown and Craig Keener.
I’m just getting into the first part but it reads much like your post. If folks study this with an open mind and heart, they will be blessed by it.
For a long time I have tried to show this evidence to those who believe they are following the doctrine of Christ and not the teachings of demons. Excellent article MD!
I leave a video that should help to understand what is the
“church rapture” scam:
https://youtu.be/k-LSAUOsOIY
That is a false statement you Need to read about the Church Fathers of 2 and 3 Centuries.
Replying with respect for your article (and your work in general). Please keep in mind that scripture teaches that we believers are the Body of Christ and His Bride. During the 7 years of Tribulation, while God is pouring out his wrath on earth, we ( the Bride of Christ) will be participating in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb ( Rev 19:7-9) in his presence. Remember 1 Thessalonians 5:9 “ For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ”. Notice also II Thessalonians 2:7,8. “He who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way”. This is speaking of Holy Spirit who resides in Christ’s true Church, ie all believers. The Antichrist will not be revealed until Holy Spirit ( and thus all believers )are removed ( “taken out of the way” (vs 8)) Food for thought, right?
I believe you are conflating the rapture and the second coming in your examples of scripture in the beginning of your message. Also the elect and the saints mentioned in those verses are those saved during the tribulation and those who are martyrs during that time while the church – the bride of Christ- has been in heaven during these dark days. Big thing to remember is you don’t treat your bride badly like she would be treated if she was left here on earth during the tribulation. Yes it does say we will have trials and tribulations here on earth but that does not mean THE tribulation. I complement you for taking on this difficult issue and it is not one to divide us that’s for sure. My goal is I prepare as if I’m going to be here but my hope is in understanding that I’m not. Being deceived can make us lazy. I don’t believe this is being deceived by believing that we are not going to be here. There’s a whole lot of sound scripture that proves otherwise. I am not an apologist and honestly don’t have time to prove it to you, but I suggest you follow Jan Markell, Pastor Billy Crown, and Pastor Brandon holthaus you are wonderful and presenting this far better than I ever could. After three intensive studies in the book of revelation I stand firm that the church Will be captured before the antichrist
100% correct, MD.
But, even this too (not by of from you, MD) is a distraction that the Global Elites use on followers of Yeshua world-wide. That’s their game, you know? Distraction, misinformation, misdirection, obfuscation and gaslighting. All to DIVIDE We the People in every way possible-to weaken us so we never unite to fight the Adversary and his Useful Idiot Marxist Alinskyites (American/European Deep States).
Our Dollar, our economy our nation is collapsing right now, but we are too distracted by BS, as well as being dumbed down and drugged up for 30 years to arise and fight to defend ourselves, our families and our nation.
I remember reading in James Wesley Rawles novel, Patriots about the economic collapse and the ruin brought to America.
But what if you held a Dollar, economic & National collapse…and nobody came?
LOL! We’re witnessing it RIGHT NOW! LMAO!
Pray for the Lords clarity-eyes that see and ears that hear, for you and your family. For good health and safety through the Adversary’s tumult and violence. Pray that be our Father’s Will…to HIS Glory!
Wedge
Ur wrong,there is a rapture,before the tribulation, an soon. Those saints u read about,in heaven are the tribulation saints that die. The church is no longer here on earth after the third chapter of revelation. U REALLY WANT TO KNOW IN DETAIL,WATCH PASTOR JD FARAG. ORG. AN UR MISLEADING PEOPLE THE WRONG WAY. Don’t pick verses willy nelly ,U have to know the Bible, an none of u seem to know the Bible. God Bless.
Lee,
No I’m not wrong and I don’t have a need to “learn” by listing to JD Farag and his opinion, I’d much rather get my information from the Bible directly instead of being told someone else’s opinion .
Matthew 24:29-31: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”
This passage describes the gathering of the elect “immediately after the tribulation,” which suggests a post-tribulation rapture.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-4: “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.”
In this passage, Paul states that the day of Christ’s return and the gathering of believers will not occur until the Antichrist is revealed, which proves believers will be present during the tribulation.
Amen and amen. Keep standing and proclaiming truth if one person has their eyes opened that’s worth it
One must understand the context of the writing to discern the intent God desires for us to have. This may help some https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/2-thessalonians/2-thessalonians-2.cfm?a=1118001
I have read the Bible for more than 20 years. “Rapture” refers to a Greek word that means to gather to yourself as a man gathers his children into his arms. The rapture takes place in the AIR before the mighty hand of God smites the earth. Then Jesus returns to EARTH at the END of the tribulations to separate the sheep from the goats ( which the dead rise from the grave and are JUDGED first). Jesus told us nine times in Revelations to FEAR NOT. Those who found Christ DURING the tribulations are highly regarded and esteemed for NOT caving into to Satan’s demands. There will be millions of them. Make no mistake..in the twinkling of an eye one will be taken and another will not. Read Psalm 91 slowly and let it calm you. There are MANY chapters that speak of The End Times in detail like Isaiah and Ezekiel. Read them for yourselves.