The idea of a pre-tribulation rapture, where believers are taken to heaven before a period of great tribulation, is popular in some Christian circles. However, Scripture, the teachings of Jesus, and the letters to the seven churches in Revelation suggest that believers will endure the tribulation, with the rapture occurring afterward. This post-tribulation view aligns with the call to persevere through trials, trusting in Christ’s return.

Jesus’ teachings in the Olivet Discourse provide clear evidence. In Matthew 24:29-31 (ESV), He states, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days… they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds.” The gathering of the elect—often associated with the rapture—happens “after the tribulation,” not before. Jesus emphasizes endurance, saying in Matthew 24:13 (ESV), “The one who endures to the end will be saved.” This call to perseverance suggests believers will face tribulation, not escape it.

The letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2-3 further support this view. Each church is urged to “overcome” trials, implying they will experience hardship. For example, to the church in Smyrna, Jesus says, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer… Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10, ESV). The church in Philadelphia is told, “Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world” (Revelation 3:10, ESV). While some interpret “keep you from” as removal, the Greek phrase can also mean protection through trial, consistent with John 17:15 (ESV), where Jesus prays for believers to be kept from evil, not taken out of the world.

The Problem of a Pre-Tribulation Rapture

A pre-tribulation rapture belief can foster a complacent, or “lazy,” Christian mindset, which is unscriptural and contrary to the call for active faith. Expecting an early escape from trials can diminish the urgency to grow in spiritual resilience, share the gospel, or stand firm in persecution. James 2:17 (ESV) warns, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” The pre-tribulation view risks producing believers who passively wait for rescue rather than actively overcoming, as Revelation’s churches are urged to do. This mindset undermines Jesus’ command to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19, ESV) and Paul’s exhortation to “fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Timothy 6:12, ESV), both requiring diligence and endurance through adversity.

Paul’s writings align with this timeline. In 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 (ESV), he warns that the “coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him” (the rapture) will not occur until “the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed.” This places the rapture after significant tribulation events. Additionally, 1 Corinthians 15:52 (ESV) describes believers being raised “at the last trumpet,” which corresponds to the seventh trumpet in Revelation 11:15 (ESV), signaling Christ’s return after tribulation judgments.The call to overcome in Revelation mirrors the transcript excerpt’s emphasis on enduring spiritual battles through faith. Believers are not promised escape but empowerment to stand firm. The rapture, occurring post-tribulation, rewards those who, through Christ’s strength, endure to the end, receiving the crown of life.

What are your thoughts?

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