What exactly is the tribulation?
The word "tribulation," used as a prophetic term, comes from Jesus' Olivet discourse, during which He laid out the future course of human history all the way to its climax at His Second Coming. The Lord said, in response to His disciples’ question, "What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?"
"For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be" (Matt. 24:21).
"Tribulation" is the term for the general era of God's judgment on a rebellious world of earth-dwellers. It is a time that will begin with Antichrist signing a seven-year covenant guaranteeing Israel's peace and security (Dan. 9:27). This era is kicked off, symbolically, beginning with the first horseman of the Apocalypse (Rev. 6:1).
"Great Tribulation" is considered to be the last three and one-half years of that seven-year period known as "Daniel's seventieth week." The last three and one-half years is called "the time of Jacob's trouble" in Jeremiah 30:7, when God's most horrific, but totally righteous, wrath is poured directly upon the rebels of planet Earth. These judgments are portrayed and precisely outlined in Revelation, chapters 6 through 19. The Tribulation will end when Christ returns from Heaven to defeat God's enemies and set up His Millennial Kingdom on earth (Rev. 19:11-16). (1)
Well now we know what the Tribulation is, and where we learn about it, but how do we know whether or not the Rapture will take place before, during or after this time? Though some may say we do not know for certain, I believe it will happen before the tribulation occurs. I do believe that God is a just and merciful God, and as such would spare believers this time of suffering. This is my belief based on scripture.
"And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened. Matthew 24:22 NKJV
The Tribulation and The Rapture- Simultaneous?
It is a very common belief that the rapture is what triggers the tribulation. This assumption is caused by a streamlining of end-time events. The tribulation does follow the rapture, but a detailed examination of Scripture reveals a gap between these two events.The timing of the rapture is not known. Jesus said, "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh" (Mat. 24:44).
The tribulation will start when the Antichrist signs the seven-year peace agreement with Israel. The treaty will likely be a peace agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbors, one that will validate Jewish worship at a rebuilt Temple, which was destroyed in 70 A.D.
"And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate" (Dan. 9:27).
Because the rapture is an unknown event (in terms of timing), it cannot occur at the same time as the start of the tribulation. It's anyone's guess as to how big the gap of time will be. It could span a few days or a few years. (2)
(1) http://www.raptureready.com/faq/faq370.html
(2) http://www.raptureready.com/faq/faq432.html
"Because the rapture is an unknown event, it cannot occur at the same time as the start of the tribulation. It's anyone's guess as to how big the gap of time will be. It could span a few days or a few years"
ReplyDeleteGood point Shalene. I realize there is a lot of debate on this issue. I don't wish to contribute to such debate, but I DO believe the rapture will take place prior to the tribulation, based upon my studying of the Word. In any event, it should be understood that ultimately all will be revealed. If you've believed in your heart and confessed with your mouth Christ Jesus as Lord, your eternal salvation is secured!
You could be right, but I respectfully disagree. Your logic isn't very clear (to my way of thinking, anyway). To say that the rapture is an unknown event generalizes what's unknown about it. All that's unknown is when, and that's from our point of view. Afterwards, there's no reason to think it would still be unknown.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, you imply that the Antichrist's peace agreement is a known event. Actually, from our point of view, it's timing is just as unknown as the timing of the rapture. IMHO, the removal of Spirit-indwelled Christians will enable the immediate signing of that treaty. Any gap will be so small as to be irrelevant.
I think that the removal of the Holy Spirit, who turns us into the preservative salt of the earth, will mark God's first act of the tribulation. Without the Spirit, crime will soar, economies will crash, governments will turn to either anarchy or despotism. Therefore, no gap will pass between the rapture and the beginning of the tribulation.
But I could be wrong.... I like what my friend Greg says. He's studied pre-mil, post-mil, mid-trib, a-mil, etc., and can argue all the points of view. He says he's arrived firmly at a pan-milennial theory... meaning that he's sure it will all pan out in the end!
I agree. I think that the correct interpretation will turn out to be something none of us anticipated. I think one of God's highest purposes in including end times prophecy in the Bible was to get us curious, enthusiastic, and into the Word. It worked!
You make a good point Poorhouse Dad, and I would have to say that we will have to agree to disagree on this one. Maybe I'm just stubborn, but here's my thoughts: Though the 7 year peace treaty is an unknown event from our perspective right now, at some point, it will not be. We will not EVER know the date or time of the Rapture. It will just happen. See what I'm saying? But you are correct in, or better yet, your friend is correct in that it will all pan out in the end. :) God's blessings to you and thank you for your thought provoking comment. Please comment again.
ReplyDeleteOh, and Poorhouse Dad, though it was stated earlier in the post, to make it clearer to everyone that reads it, I placed a correction in that paragraph that states the Rapture is an unknown event "in terms of timing." :) Does that work better for you? :) Blessings to you. BTW what doesn IMHO mean? I'm afraid I don't know all the computer lingo, yet.
ReplyDeleteOh and one last thing, PhD (Do you like that? I just thought of it. Though you probably did already.) :) Does your friend Greg have a website or blog? I would really like to read more on the subject. I realize that I don't have all the answers. Only that the Rapture will happen. I just like to think and am prayerful that it will happen before the tribulation. I think I'm done this time. :)
ReplyDelete