I need to state from the beginning, that this doctrine involves more controversy than any other doctrine. It seems that the "end times madness" and "prophetic nightmare" we find ourselves amid draws people to be more and more interested in knowing about the end, and if Christians will be "raptured out," or have to stay.

We have personally wadded through hundreds of pages of material on this subject. In doing so what we have noticed is both sides battle for their position (to the reader that's not familiar with the differing views on this doctrine let me sum them up quickly. The Pre-Tribulation View Holds that Jesus Christ will come before the tribulation period, before the wrath, before the Millennium, in a secret coming to take the church away, then after the tribulation has ended He will come again with those saints He raptured. The Mid-Tribulation View Holds that the Church will be raptured out in the middle of the tribulation period, before the wrath is poured out. The Post-Tribulation View Holds that the Church will be present on the earth during the tribulation period, but protected by God from the "wrath poured out" and at the end of the tribulation period Jesus will come and the Church will be "caught up" to meet Him. The second coming and the rapture are considered as a single event.) they outline each others position and then waste time tarring down the others position seeking for "holes" with which to attack. This doctrine can be complicated by man when it need not be. It's something God never intended to be complicated.

The argument for or against "the rapture" is heating up more and more. There is literally hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of pieces of material on this subject: books, tracts, articles, newsletters, papers, magazines, videos, radio, television programs, web sites, and much more totally dedicated to this subject. All of this concerning the issue of the rapture! It hasn't become a question of is there any material on this subject, but is any of the material accurate in its interpretation? With thousands of millions of words written on the pre-tribulation rapture, sadly, they contain some good and general information, but it's all in vain and for not as we will show.

Many call the pre-tribulation view a myth, a false doctrine, heresy, etc. We noticed, in the argument for the positions, one side calling the other side names and "tagging" the other position as "satanic deception." Each side quoting and re-quoting sources that agrees with their view. There are all kinds of theories on this issue. Many try to connect world events as a "proof" of their view to try and keep our interest in their position. This is designed to make us believe their view has validity.

It's not important to try and run around to find evidence of the pre-tribulation rapture being taught before the supposed date of 1830, or in the early Church for that matter. The doctrine of the tribulation, and the event of the rapture, stands or falls by proof in Scripture and Scripture Alone! The Scriptures must be the final say. It falls to the pre-tribulationist and mid-tribulationist the burden of proving their position only from the Scriptures of which they have trouble. Often pastors, Bible teachers, theologians, scholars, and others love to bring in the early Church to try and support their position. Is this a bad thing? No, but it does not "prove" ones position; only the Scriptures can do that. We will, after the study, show what the early Church believed. Sadly, we have tares that have been thrown into the doctrine of the tribulation.

We must remember God is not the author of confusion (1 Cor. 14:33). He also is not contradictory. Much of the problem related to the question of the rapture stems from a breakdown in good principles of hermeneutics (the art or science of interpretation).

We need to say, it's not our intention to go through a series of "gymnastics" to prove the position of the Post-Tribulation rapture. We desire to show, from Scriptures alone, that this position is Biblical, sound, and in accordance with prophecy. We had hoped to not have to quote, or show outside sources to indicate the error of the other two positions. However, because it is used heavily by the other two views we are forced to respond to those remarks. For many believers reading this the facts from the Scriptures will be, need to be, and should be enough to help them better understand a doctrine that is surrounded in so much debate.

For others it will make them upset and may cause them to shake their head saying "no, they're wrong!" But I urge you to not be so quickly persuaded by the traditions of men, or holding the position for emotional reasons. Many hold the pre-tribulation view because it's what their denomination teaches, or what they have been only taught; still many hold it for reasons of fear. Fear at the prospect of horrendous times ahead and can't bear to be put through it. I will say this, if you asked any post-tribulationist if he looks forward to this time? The answer will always be no. Post-Tribulationists look for Jesus Christ's glorious coming, and have faith in the protection of God during this time. However, Post-Tribulationists read in the Scriptures the undeniable facts of the truth of this position, and desire to warn and educate all those they can.

My desire is that my brothers and sisters--who have never had this doctrine explained to them--read this material coming to the conclusion based solely upon the evidence of the Scriptures alone. I challenge you to be open minded and base all decisions upon the truth as 1 Thessalonians 5:21 says, "prove all things; hold fast that which is good."

The early Church thought the end of all things was near. This is not to say they believed a Pre-Tribulation rapture they just believed they were to look for Jesus to come. When centuries and centuries rolled by and no sign of Jesus, along with the allegorical school of interpretation of Alexandria crept in, they began to look more to the task of spreading the Gospel. It's now evident that in the early days of the Church Jesus did not return immediately. It's plain false to say the early Church believed in the "imminency doctrine." Peter never believed this doctrine.

"Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry [thee] whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me." (John 20:18,19)

Peter heard this statement anywhere from A.D. 32 - 33. It was not until around A.D. 63-65 that he went to be with the Lord. This means there was over 30 years of elapsed time. Peter knew Jesus was not coming back for him in his lifetime.

With that aside we need to lay down some prefatory remarks. In studying the rapture and the tribulation we need to understand that there cannot be a rapture, or tribulation doctrine, without the doctrine of the Second Coming.

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is the blessed hope of the Church (Titus 2:13) and the great "fear" of the heathen (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). We can know He is to come in general, but in particular time we cannot know. Many have tried to predict His coming we have heard 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, May, June, July, Sept., Oct., and so on. This is dangerous, reckless, and guessing only at best. It's designed to make the one predicting look good.

The doctrine of the Second Coming, meaning Jesus will return to earth a second time, is very, very, clear from scripture of that there is unanimous agreement. It's clearly taught without gray, shadow, or vagueness in the scriptures. 318 times in 216 chapters it's spoken of very clearly. Below are some them.

Matthew 24:30; 25:19; 26:64; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57; Philippians 3:20; 1 Thessalonians 4:15; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:28.

We know that Jesus is coming back that's an established fact! The fact that He will return in the same manner He left is also an established fact. With those important things behind us we understand the question debated is when? Not when, in calendar time, i.e. exact month, day, year, hour, or minute, but time according to the scriptures. Jesus Himself has left us a marker or gauge with which to understand the time of the end and His return. This marker is identified as the time of tribulation. The question is this. In looking at the evidence from scripture, just the scripture, will Jesus return at His second coming before, during, or after the tribulation?

In a time when many different types of interpretation methods are being employed, and the sea of false teaching is tremendous, we need to be honest with ourselves and with God's Word. We need to allow the Word of God to speak. We need to allow it to tell us instead of us telling it. We need not fear its contents nor its truths.

"But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." (2 Corinthians 4:2).

"For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12).

Ask yourself this, is God inconsistent? Is He totally truthful? Does He see all circumstances? Is He in control? As God's children would He be unclear in His instructions as to such an important event as His second coming? Think about those questions as we move into this study. The passages that are the most clear on Jesus' return, and the tribulation which we use as a base or foundation point, are as follows:

"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." (Matthew 24:29,30).

"But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory." (Mark 13:24-26).

As we begin we need to lay down some foundation concerning certain words used in this study--we need to define the words we use so that there will be NO misunderstanding about the word rapture. We need to define what it is and how it's used. The word rapture is not found in the Bible at all! That word is never used. Those that use this word do so from a inherited use, and not a Biblical one. Those that use this word use a Scripture to give credence to that view:

"Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

The words caught up are used in describing and justifying their view. Over the years the teaching that rapturo was the Greek word that was used; however, there is no such Greek word! Every time the word caught up is used it's the Greek word harpazo to catch up, catch away, to snatch out or away. The term caught up is only used four times in the New Testament.

Where do we get the word if it does not come from Scripture? It's the Latin word rapio which means to seize or snatch away. All are agreed it is the Latin translation rapturo for the words caught up. As we can see just in the word rapture it takes great linguistic gymnastics to validate its use as applied to the Scriptures. The Dictionary defines it as follows.

Rapture Latin raptus 1 a : a state or experience of being carried away by overwhelming emotion. b : a mystical experience in which the spirit is exalted to a knowledge of divine things. 2 : an expression or manifestation of ecstasy or passion.

To clarify things, those that hold to a post-tribulation rapture DO believe in a rapture, if one has to use that word, we like to say catching up it's the time it takes place is what is debated. We need to look at the word tribulation and its usage to gain a semantic range. Tribulation, in the Old Testament, is used two ways. The first is of general trouble or affliction, tsar, trouble, distress, or affliction as in Deuteronomy 4:30. The second is of personal trouble or affliction, tsarah, trouble, distress, or affliction as in Judges 10:14.

In the New Testament it's used the same way as in the Old Testament. The first is of general trouble or affliction, thlipsis, tribulation, affliction, trouble, anguish, persecution, a pressing, pressing together, pressure, oppression, or distress as in Matthew 13:21. The second is of personal trouble or afflictions, thlipsis, tribulation, affliction, trouble, anguish, persecution, a pressing, pressing together, pressure, oppression, or distress as in Matthew 24:21; John 16:33. This is very consistent in both Old and New Testaments. Of tribulation the dictionary says:

Tribulation Etymology: Middle English tribulacion, from Old French, from Latin tribulation-, tribulatio, from tribulare to press, oppress, from tribulum drag used in threshing, from terere to rub -- more at THROW : distress or suffering resulting from oppression or persecution; also: a trying experience.

Unfortunately this doctrine, or teaching, has been turned into confusion. I must admit, to sort through the material that speaks on this subject is not difficult. Where it becomes difficult is when one is forced to prove the fallacies of the other views. What I am endeavoring to do is; first, to put to rest once and for all the myths that the other two views are Biblical, and to bring us back to the teaching of Scripture and its plain truth and authority. Second, to as simply as I can, show from the Scriptures the validity of the post-tribulation view.

Please consider yourself as a detective in which evidence is being presented to you to make a decision, not based on feelings or the opinion of anothers, but on the foundational, living, and authoritative Word of God! If after being presented with the evidence, and then the conclusion, and you still refuse to recognize the facts; it will be in your hands and you will answer to God for your view point.

And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two [women shall be] grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left (Matthew 24:39-41).

I tell you, in that night there shall be two [men] in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two [women] shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two [men] shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left (Luke 17:34-36).

Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

Behold, I shew 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 trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality (1 Corinthians 15:51-53).

In types or similes:

And Enoch walked with God: and he [was] not; for God took him (Genesis 5:24).

And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, [there appeared] a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven (2 Kings 2:11).

And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north; where [was] the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy (Ezekiel 8:3).

And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:39).

And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and [to] his throne (Revelation 12:5).

And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped (Revelation 14:16).

So we observe from the few verses laid out for us that there is a catching up, or catching away of believers. The majority all will agree on that.

Is there such a thing as Tribulation, either personal or general, for Israel and Christians? Yes.

When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, [even] in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice (Deuteronomy 4:30).

Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation (Judges 10:24).

And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation (1 Samuel 26:24).

And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, [Nay], but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands (1 Samuel 10:19).

Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended (Matthew 13:21).

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be (Matthew 24:21).

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).

And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience (Romans 5:3).

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (Romans 8:35).

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer (Romans 12:12).

Great [is] my boldness of speech toward you, great [is] my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation (1 Corinthians 7:4).

For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know (1 Thessalonians 3:4).

I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and [I know] the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but [are] the synagogue of Satan (Revelation 2:9).

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life (Revelation 2:10).

And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14).

We have unquestionably, shown from the scriptures, that there is tribulation from both Old and New Testaments for both Israel and Christians. The above verses are very clear on that and cannot be questioned. We have determined that there is a rapture and there is tribulation. Both these are facts proven very clearly from the scriptures.

Is there something in the Scriptures called "great tribulation" If so what is meant by that? Yes.

Alas! for that day [is] great, so that none [is] like it: it [is] even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it (Jeremiah 30:7).

And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book (Daniel 12:1).

A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, [even] to the years of many generations (Joel 2:2).

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be (Matthew 24:21).

Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds (Revelation 2:22).

And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14).

We see there is something called great tribulation. What is meant by this? Simply that there is a specific time given for this period of which will be of great distress.

How long will this Great Tribulation be?

To answer this we need to think about God's character, His consistency, and His thoroughness. We often find that God works with the number Seven. The number seven, sevens, and seventh is in 513 verses in both Old and New Testaments. Many would say why go through all this to explain the time of the rapture? It's important to have sufficient evidence. We cannot, nor could we, produce, propagate, or hold to a doctrine that can not be clearly shown from the scriptures. We cannot assume a doctrine based on a few verses pushed to fit a view that is not there. We need to cover all the ground.

And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made (Genesis 2:2).

And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat (Genesis 8:4).

Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel (Exodus 12:15).

If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing (Exodus 21:2).

And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud (Exodus 24:16).

But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day [is] an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work [therein] (Leviticus 23:8).

Here we have listed a few examples of the seven day, or seven period in the scriptures. There are many more but with the above supplied scriptures the point is made. Although we are not told, in certain words, how long the Tribulation will be many believe based on the seven year example we gave, and other passages, that it will last seven years. In Daniel Chapter 9 verse 24 we are given another hint of the seven year tribulation time period.

Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

In this verse the word weeks can mean years in fact it does. To go into the subject proving this, and the dates of Daniel, takes another study of which we will discuss at another time. We can say this, that we know the 70 weeks is 490 years spoken of in Dan. 9:24

In Daniel 9:25 we read know therefore and understand, [that] from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince [shall be] seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. It's clear from this passage that the total numeric figure is 69 weeks or 483 years. In fact if we take the date of 444 B.C. to A.D. 33, the death of Christ, we get 483 years with a 7 year difference which is the seven year tribulation period. In speaking about the antichrist Daniel says the saints will be in his power for a certain amount of time.

And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time (Daniel 7:25).

And I heard the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that [it shall be] for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these [things] shall be finished (Daniel 12:7).

Also in Revelation.

And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent (Revelation 12:14).

But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty [and] two months. And I will give [power] unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days, clothed in sackcloth (Revelation 11:3,4).

And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days (Revelation 12:6).

Will this seven year time be for just Israel, or for both Israel and Christians?

The fact is this period will involve the whole 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 (Matthew 24:21).

A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, [even] to the years of many generations (Joel 2:2).

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth (Revelation 3:10).

As we have said before God allows us to read events involving sevens. Does this number seven give us any clues as to the time of tribulation, and what we can expect during that time? Yes. Let's take a look at some examples:

We see in our seven day week that this is a thing set by God.

And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made (Genesis 2:2).

And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat (Genesis 8:4).

Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel (Exodus 12:15).

If the bright spot [be] white in the skin of his flesh, and in sight [be] not deeper than the skin, and the hair thereof be not turned white; then the priest shall shut up [him that hath] the plague seven days (Leviticus 13:4).

Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day [is] the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work [therein]: it [is] the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings (Leviticus 23:3).

And on the seventh day ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work (Numbers 28:25).

[And] if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee (Deuteronomy 15:12).

And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets (Joshua 6:4).

Just as with Noah when God warned him that seven more days and he would bring the flood; so it was with Joshua and the children of Israel at Jericho. Again in the following passage it's clear seven days and then judgement.

And ye shall compass the city, all [ye] men of war, [and] go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days. And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets (Joshua 6:3,4).

The Lord judged Israel for their evil, and delivered them into the hands of the Midianites for how long? Incredible not 5 years, 2 years, or 9 years but seven years!

And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years (Judges 6:1).

The ark was captured by the Philistines not for 2 months, or 3 months, but seven months!

And the ark of the LORD was in the country of the Philistines seven months (1 Samuel 6:1).

We could continue with example after example of the use of seven. In fact almost every book of the Bible uses the words seven, sevens, or seventh in it. It always has meaning and is used for a purpose. If we consider God, that He is unchangeable and consistent, we quickly see a taxonomy by Him for the number or time space of seven.

How do we know both Israel and Christians will be here during the tribulation?

We can not state enough of the immutability and consistency of God-- could we expect any less of a perfect being? God has given us many examples for an answer to the above question. Let's look at them. We find in the narrative of Noah as the ark is being finished God comes to Noah and says for yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth (Genesis 7:4).

We know the scripture says, surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets (Amos 3:7). We notice that God told Noah, in a sense, be ready you have SEVEN days! till judgment.

We can know the surety of safety by Jesus in the tribulation from an example of Noah And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood (Genesis 7:7). Noah and his family were not taken from off the earth during this time of Judgement-- they were in the Ark of safety as we are in Christ. In the narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah God is to bring Judgement upon those cities. After finding only Lot as righteous we read.

And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed (Genesis 19:15-17).

We notice and they brought him forth, and set him without the city clear evidence of divine protection upon him and his family. Although his wife and two daughters are proven to be unfaithful to this divine help; nonetheless, they did escape "from" or "out of" the Judgement. However, notice escape to the mountain it was not simply a removal from off the earth, but a removal to a place of protection. Many would say "that's fine, but that does not disprove that this is an example of the rapture." At its cursory reading no it does not. Many pre-tribulationists do use this as an example of the rapture. However, when we look at the passage we are struck with a similarity of wording consistent in Matthew chapter 24.

Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains (Matthew 24:16).

Then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains (Mark 13:14b) and

Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains (Luke 21:21a).

This would be a big leap of scripture manipulation if it weren't for the tribulation context in which it's found. It was prophesied by God that the children of Israel would be in hardship and bondage for over 400 years in Egypt, and he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land [that is] not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years (Genesis 15:13). The reasoning behind the pre-tribulation rapture is that God would not allow His Church to go through hardships and persecution. But Biblical history and Church history teach otherwise. We must always remember God can do what He wants with His own. His purposes and plains are not what we desire them to be. I'm sure none of the Israelites wanted to be in that situation, but we are to trust in God and lean not on our own understanding.

In Exodus 7:10 we're told …Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. After this the first of the ten plagues is started, and the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and [that] there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in [vessels of] wood, and in [vessels of] stone (Exodus 7:19).

The Bible does not tell us the duration of the plagues only that Moses was 80 when he went in to speak to pharaoh. How long did the plagues last in Egypt? The evidence for beginning in July/August and ending in March/April is very strong. Seven months would be consistent with the seven number for completion with God in the Bible.

"A series of afflictions, culminating in the destruction of all the first-born of Egypt, was required before Pharaoh yielded. Of the ten plagues seven were produced through the agency of Moses an Aaron or of Moses alone, and three, namely the fourth, fifth, and tenth, by the direct action of God Himself. The interval of time within which they occurred cannot be stated with certainty. The last four must have followed in close succession between the beginning of March and the first days of April. For when the hail fell barley was in the ear and flax in bud, which in Lower Egypt happens about March, and the Israelites left on the 14th of Nisan, which falls in the latter part of March or the early part of April." 3

"The basic cause, according to one interpretation, was an unusually high flooding of the Nile. The White Nile originates in the lake region of east central Africa, known today as Uganda. The flow is fairly even throughout the year because of consistent equatorial rains. The Blue Nile, on the other hand, originates in the headwaters of the Ethiopian highlands, and it varies from a small stream to a raging torrent. At the time Moses was bargaining with Ramses, excessively heavy summer rains in Ethiopia washed powdery, carmine-red soil from the slopes of the hills. Around the Lake Tana region the blood-red torrent picked up bright red algae (known as flagellates) and their bacteria. Since there were no dams at that time, the Nile flowed blood-red all the way to the Mediterranean. It probably reached the delta region in August. Thus, this rare natural event, it is held, set in motion a series of conditions that continued until the following March" 4

"The first nine plagues described in Exodus "can be explained as natural phenomena, occurring as a result of an abnormally high Nile inundation between July and the following March...The Nile turning to blood could reflect the fact that its waters were filled with red earth carried in suspension from the highlands of Ethiopia. As a result, the river would then become polluted and frogs would infest the shores in search of shelter. Mosquitoes and flies would find ideal breeding grounds in the brackish ponds left behind by the receding floodwaters. The death of Egypt's livestock could be due to an anthrax epidemic spread by the insects with men and animals breaking out in sores. Hail ruining the crops of flax and barley could have happened in January, when such a climatic phenomenon, though rare, is most likely to occur. Swarms of locusts could have been blown into the Nile valley by winds from the Sudan and Ethiopia and the three days of darkness are typical of a severe khamsin, a sandstorm of unusual proportions." 5

While we do not agree with the above statement as to the cause of the plagues it does shed light on the time frame. As we have seen in the above quotes the high likelihood of a seven month period for the time span of the plagues is probable. Again, this would be very consistent with the use of seven in God's plan. All would agree the plagues were poured out upon an unbelieving people. All would agree the Israelites were present during this time. There is no Biblical evidence that they were "pulled out" of the land during the time of the plagues, in fact, so parallel is this narrative with the last days judgement they were only allowed to leave after the plagues had ended. This is the greatest example in the Old Testament for the scenario of the tribulation in the New Testament. When we examine this account with that of the New Testament tribulation we see many striking similarities. I can't stress enough that fact of God's immutability and consistency.

But what about the children of Israel during this time? Is there anything in their circumstances that give us a clue as to what might be in store for us? Many Bible scholars, those that hold to a post-tribulation view, would agree that during the time of the tribulation God's people will be protected supernaturally I would concur. But does the Bible give that information? Yes.

And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river (Exodus 7:24).

It's not stated that the children of Israel had this problem. In fact the passage specifically uses the Egyptians to describe the people involved. It's quite possible Israel had clean water. In Exodus chapter eight the plagues of frogs, lice, and flies came upon man and beast but there is no indication it came upon Israel.

And if thou refuse to let [them] go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs (Exodus 8:2).

And the LORD said unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt (Exodus 8:16).

Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms [of flies] upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people… (Exodus 8:21a).

As we move through the narrative we come to some very strong evidence of supernatural protection from the Lord.

And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms [of flies] shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I [am] the LORD in the midst of the earth. And I will put a division between my people and thy people: to morrow shall this sign be (Exodus 8:22,23).

And the LORD did that thing on the morrow, and all the cattle of Egypt died: but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one (Exodus 9:6).

So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation (Exodus 9:24).

Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel [were], was there no hail. (Exodus 9:26).

And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness [which] may be felt (Exodus 10:21).

They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings (Exodus 10:23).

And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt: And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that [is] behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts. And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more. But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel (Exodus 11:4-7).

The consistent teaching in those passages quoted, regardless of the context, is that it does not change the teaching. God will protect His people for a sign that He is God of all the earth. We are in agreement with those that hold the position that in the last days God's wrath is not poured out upon the believer. But God's people, just as in the judgement of Egypt, will be present on the earth during that time. We will be witnessing to God's power what other way could those that do not believe understand that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel!

There are other places that speak of protection.

He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword (Job 5:19,20).

He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail (1 Samuel 2:9).

Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound (Isaiah 30:26).

Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings (Psalm 17:18).

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock (Psalm 27:5).

Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me (Psalm 143:9).

Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast (Isaiah 26:20).

Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty (Psalm 27:12).

Trust in him at all times; [ye] people, pour out your heart before him: God [is] a refuge for us. Selah (Psalm 62:8).

What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us? (Romans 8:31).

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth (Revelation 3:10).

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy (Jude 24).

And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days (Revelation 12:6).

We have provided a tremendous amount evidence that God did, can, and will keep and protect His people supernaturally even during tribulation. With the facts settled of the second coming of Jesus, what the rapture is, what the tribulation is, how long the tribulation will be, no immanency doctrine, there is a catching away of believers, and there is such a thing as the great tribulation we will move on to the most important question.

Will Jesus come before or after the tribulation?

The answer to this is what determines a particular position for many. Those that would hold to the opposing views pre-trib. and mid-trib. would agree on the verse in Matthew chapter 24 that speaks clearest on this question. How they "place" it is where the dispute comes in. As I have stated at the beginning of the article "It falls to the pre-tribulationist and mid-tribulationist the burden of proving their position only from the scriptures of which they have trouble." So I offer the readers this, the clearest passages in the Bible, of teaching that Jesus comes back after the tribulation.

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 (Matthew 24:29,30).

But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory (Mark 13:24-16).

These passages are very, very, clear. It's man's biases and presuppositions that have complicated this doctrine. How sad that approximately 75-90% of the whole of the body of Christ has believed man and not God about this doctrine!

It would be wonderful if we could stop here and say, "that's it there's your proof plain and simple." However, sad as it is, it's not that simple. We need to explain in more detail--for those that will be able to receive this teaching, and for those that have taught a contrary position God grant them repentance--this doctrine.

There is no clear word for word statement in the Old Testament saying Jesus will return after the tribulation. That language is reserved for the New Testament. We find the first reference to the post-tribulation in the first book of the New Testament. In chapter 24 of Matthew Jesus is giving what is called the "Olivet Discourse" He's teaching on the end time and second coming with that there is no dispute.

There are those that try to use the excuse that Matthew was written to Jews, and thus this passage is speaking to Jews only, this cannot be. For if we use this kind of reasoning with Matthew it must hold to other books as well. Mark was written to gentiles and he says the same thing! Surly, no one would say that was for the gentiles and not the Church?

The mistake is also made where Israel and the Church are separated as two entities having no relation to each other at all. While the Church and Israel (Jews) are separate the plan is that Jews and Gentiles can come into the kingdom. Does Israel baptize in the name of Jesus? Does Israel take the Lord's supper? Or apply Revelation chapters 2 and 3 to itself? No! In this Church age God has teaching for the Church and has Israel in waiting. In Matthew chapter 24 Jesus is teaching on the signs of the last days and His second coming. In verse three we read.

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

Notice, the disciples came unto him privately this is certainly a clue as to whom this discourse was directed. The disciples, all would agree, are representative of the Believer--the Christian.

In verse 21 and 22 we read.

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

The first thing we notice is He says, for then shall be great tribulation, ok, pretty clear so far. He goes on to say, but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened what do we notice here? One, the elect are said to be present during this time, those days, what days? The great tribulation. Two, the days will be shortened why? For the elect's sake the elect is certainly not national Israel only those that have come into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ are termed elect.

Before we continue on let me say this, here we have a chapter, along with many others, that give solemn warning as to events that "will" take place. It would be very odd to waste precious time and energy explaining and expounding things that had no merit at all. What good would it do us to know of these events if we are not supposed to be here when it takes place? I would not speak about things to my son or daughter and prepare them for nothing? Warnings are only given for impending danger!

In verse nine Jesus says.

Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.

There is a classification of individuals here and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake Who? Israel? No. Clearly believers, Christians, the Elect.

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect (v.24).

Again, who is this? Yes, the elect believers. How can we be deceived if we are not supposed to be here? Now some will say "Well, you're wrong those are the tribulation saints." The problem with that is a whole group of people are invented in order to fill a hole in their doctrine. There is no indication that believers are raptured in this chapter proceeding the things Jesus describes. The events may not be chronological but there is no evidence of a rapture in it.

He goes on in verse twenty-seven.

For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

This references to Revelation 1:7.

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

He says He will come and everyone will know it. The pre-tribulation folks say Jesus will come "secretly" there is no such teaching in the Bible. It's very clear that the greatest event, with the greatest person, consummating the end of the world, will come in Glory for all to see not secretly. We come to the most compelling evidence of this chapter. This, and its parallel in the other gospel, is the clearest statement on the question of whether Jesus comes back before or after the tribulation.

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 (Matthew 24:29-31).

Clearly, notice immediately after the tribulation of those days in context He can mean only one thing all are agreed on this point. Notice, the sequence (1) immediately after the tribulation of those days. (2) 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. (3) And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven. (4) 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. (5) And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet. (6) and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

We have a key that we're given to understand the time of Jesus' coming. All would agree that the resurrection of the believer is that key. His coming marks the time of the resurrection, or our going to be with Him. The question is when will that time be? The following scriptures clearly indicate that there is a day when Jesus comes.

Matthew 7:22; 10:15; 11:22,24; 12:36; 24:36,38,50; 25:13; Mark 6:2,11; 13:32; Luke 10:12, 12:46; 17:24,27,30,31; 21:34; John 6:39,40,44,54; 11:24; 12:48; Acts 17:31; Romans 2:5,6,16; 1 Corinthians 3:13; 5:5; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Ephesians 4:30; Philippians 1:6,10; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:10; 2:2,3; 2 Timothy 1:12; 4:8; Hebrews 10:25; 1 Peter 2:12; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:7,8,10,12; 1 John 4:17; Jude 1:6; Revelation 6:17; 16:14.

The return of Jesus marks the resurrection of the dead in Christ, then the living believer, and then the commencement of the day of judgement. In Matthew 24:31 and Mark 13:27 we have almost identical statements and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other this comes after Jesus returns, and as we have seen after the tribulation. We need to find out what happens at the resurrection. For that we go to the great resurrection passage 1 Corinthians 15.

Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then [is] our preaching vain, and your faith [is] also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith [is] vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, [and] become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man [came] death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then [cometh] the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy [that] shall be destroyed [is] death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under [him, it is] manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? 1 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak [this] to your shame. But some [man] will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? [Thou] fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other [grain]: But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. All flesh [is] not the same flesh: but [there is] one [kind of] flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, [and] another of birds. [There are] also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial [is] one, and the [glory] of the terrestrial [is] another. [There is] one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for [one] star differeth from [another] star in glory. So also [is] the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [was made] a quickening spirit. Howbeit that [was] not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man [is] of the earth, earthy: the second man [is] the Lord from heaven. As [is] the earthy, such [are] they also that are earthy: and as [is] the heavenly, such [are] they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew 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 trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:12-54).

I quoted the whole section just to keep it in context. Notice, what it says, for since by man [came] death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then [cometh] the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. Clearly, speaking through the Spirit of God, Paul says our resurrection is at His coming!

He goes on to say, behold, I shew 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 trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality. Are we not given a piece of the puzzle? The key, if you will, to the timing? Absolutely!

We discovered by allowing God's word to speak to us two things. One, the resurrection is at Jesus' coming. Two, it is proceeded by a trumpet not trumpets--one single trumpet. We have this information that this is what Jesus had in view when teaching Matthew 24:31.

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.

Let's look at some more evidence touching the trumpet call and our raising up to Him.

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. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).

Paul says, for this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep, he goes on, for the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Notice, the trump of God not trumpets but trumpet just one.

The truth of this integrates perfectly with 1 Corinthians 15 and Matthew 24:31. Without a doubt with all of the evidence before us we have proven the Lord will come with a trumpet blast and then the resurrection.  Many will argue "but it doesn't prove that Jesus comes after the tribulation." Keeping in mind all that we have studied let us move on. We know Jesus comes, we know their will be a trumpet blast, and then the resurrection will occur. The question now is if we can place the timing of the resurrection we can fix the time of Jesus' coming, before, during, or after the tribulation. Let's go to the evidence.

But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then [cometh] the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power (1 Corinthians 15:23,24).

And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day (John 6:39).

And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6:40).

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6:44).

Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6:54).

What is Jesus teaching? It's that the resurrection will be on the last day. When Jesus taught this doctrine He was very clear He made no mistakes about such a serious teaching as this. There is still more evidence concerning this it comes from the testimony of one of Jesus' closest followers, Martha.

Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day (John 11:23,24).

She understands perfectly when the resurrection will be-- on the last day. With this evidence and that of Mark 13:27; 1 Corinthians 15; and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 and keying it to 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.

We must come to the conclusion, by the truth of God's Word, that Jesus will come after the tribulation and no twisting, crunching, or pushing in or out of context can change that. There is no way of getting out of the interpretation. For clarity it must needs be that certain passages, that speak to this subject, be addressed. For there will always be those that cannot accept God's Word at face value, but to their own deceiving, twist the Scriptures to their own presuppositions.

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him (Romans 5:9).

This and other verses are frequently used as a "proof text" of a pre-tribulation rapture. We see this verse placed on many Churches' statement of faith. However, to use just this verse and a couple of others out of context is poor hermeneutics, and one of the biggest examples of selective sighting done today. For Pastors and Ministers to actually have us believe a doctrine based on one scripture taken so badly out of context as it is is truly sad. To clear this up we ask what is the chapter speaking about?

It's clear the beginning, middle, and end of the chapter is dealing with justification and righteousness in and by the person of Christ. There is not one indication of the second coming, or end times mentioned in this chapter!  Moreover, it's clear from the context the word wrath, orge, anger, vengeance, indignation, or anger exhibited in punishment, is not meant for tribulation wrath but God's wrath against unsaved men. It is wrath against unrighteousness that is in view. As an example Romans 2:8 and 9:22 both use the same word and classify it as unrighteous unsaved men.

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. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).

We have already covered this interpretation, and it clearly takes place at Jesus' second coming. There is neither a rapture or a secret coming mentioned here. This is information given to us as revelation to the events preceding Jesus' decent. I would remind the readers that this is the prominent scripture used by pre-tribulationists for a rapture proof. It's a paradox at best, in the end time events, to conclude this is the pre-tribulation rapture.

And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, [even] Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

This verse is not speaking about a rapture theme. The context cannot help for it gives salutation, prayer, instruction, and exhortation. The verse is at the end of a short chapter and is clearly talking about Jesus' return. However, we read which delivered us from the wrath to come, the word delivered, rhoumai, to deliver, or to rescue. In the King James version delivered, past tense, some take fault at this and say it's not. We notice in Greek the word is ruomenon the ending is "non" which is translated as past tense. In Hebrews 11:11b we read because she judged him faithful who had promised. The word for promised is epaggello in this passage, to make the word past tense, the Greek ending "non" is supplied, epaggeilamenon. The point is if the same past tense ending is used in Greek for another past tense word, it is therefore sound to conclude the word delivered in 1 Thessalonians 1:10 is past tense. It's that we have been delivered from the wrath to come, that is the wrath poured out of rejecting Christ and His gospel.

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:9).

This statement is true, God has not appointed us to wrath. We are saved and chosen by God for salvation not for destruction. Again, this has nothing to do with a rapture.

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, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth [will let], until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming (2 Thessalonians 2:1-8).

In looking at these verses we need to make several points. One, in the first verse Paul is identifying the subject he is intending to clarify now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and [by] our gathering together unto him. Two, he says to them not to be shaken or agitated in our mind or be troubled. He then lists three things that could be possible ways of deception to them neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us. What is it he does not want us to be shaken about, and that he is writing to clarify?-- as that the day of Christ is at hand.

He goes on to say 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. The word Paul uses here to deceive or beguile is the same word he used in Romans 16:18 and 1 Corinthians 3:18 when speaking of those men that deceive by words, and their speeches. He adds by any means is this not what has happened to the Christian community in accepting the pre-tribulation rapture theory? Moreover, he says that day, what day? The day Jesus returns for His Church. It will not come until, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. There is conditions to the return of Christ.

I need to ask a question, why would Paul go to all the trouble to write this to the Thessalonians if the Church was not to be here? What would be the point in mentioning all this if there will be no Church here to see it? No, the point is Paul did write this for a reason-- to give us information that is vital in the last days.

We now come to the verses that many pre-tribulationists like to quote. In which to try and prove that the Church is taken out before the tribulation. And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth [will let], until he be taken out of the way. In looking at these verses in context, and reading them very carefully, we note a couple of things. One, these verses say nothing about the Church being raptured out or the tribulation. Two, these verses say nothing about the Holy Spirit being taken out of the way--as some would like to suggest. Some have gone as far as to say that what is mentioned here is the Holy Spirit's restraining influence; however, that is not spoken of here either. The best way to give meaning to these passages is as follows.

And now ye know what withholdeth (the power of God)

That he might be revealed in his time (anitchrist)

Only he who now letteth [will let] (God)

Until he be taken out of the way (anitchrist)

Verse eight describes what happens when he be taken out of the way in fulfillment of Revelation chapter 20.

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth (Revelation 3:10).

This is another passage pre-tribulationists like to quote. Let's keep in mind one verse out of context can be made to say almost anything this is the case here. First, it does not indicate a bodily removal from off the earth. Second, this hour of temptation comes upon them that dwell upon the earth that will include us of course. There is a phrase that is used to defend the rapture in this verse it's keep thee from the hour of temptation what is in question is the words keep thee from. The Greek words are thrhsw ek it can also be translated keep thee out of. However, the very same phrase is used by our Lord in His prayer in John 17:15 keep them from the evil thrhsw ek we know in His prayer there is no idea of a bodily removal in those words. The Revelation 3:10 verse is not a promise of rapture, but of divine protection from the wrath that is to come upon all the world.

After this I looked, and, behold, a door [was] opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter (Revelation 4:1).

Many try to say this verse speaks of the rapture, but this cannot be farther from the truth. This verse has nothing to do with a rapture. It's speaking about John only and how he is caught up in a vision. How one can place a universal rapture of the Church based on this verse is blatantly poor hermeneutics.

And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them (Revelation 11:12).

This is another verse said to be the rapture. We notice it's speaking of the two witnesses just as chapter 4:1 spoke of John. Again, to place a universal rapture based on this verse is very poor hermeneutics, and reaching for a doctrine that is not there. The other question that comes up in Revelation is "we don't see the Church from chapters 4-19?" However, we do! Revelation 5:3,13; 6:9,11; 7:3,4-9,14-17; 9:4; 12:6,17; 13:7,10; 14:1,11,12; 16:15; 18:4.

As we come to the end of this article, and as we said in the beginning, we will now look at the Church fathers and what they held. In our article it has been made clear what Jesus and the apostles thought about the tribulation and the rapture. We move from that point to the early Church.

In looking at the early Church we do so, not for authority, but for evidence. The sole authority is always the Scriptures. Any doctrine stands or falls with Scripture not with tradition. The following quotes are without commentary.

1 Clement A.D. 96

"Of a truth quickly and suddenly shall His will be accomplished, the scripture also bearing witness to it, saying He shall come quickly and shall not tarry; and the Lord shall come suddenly into His temple, even the Holy One, whom ye expect. Let us understand, dearly beloved, how the Master continually showeth unto us the resurrection that shall be hereafter; whereof He made the Lord Jesus Christ the firstfruit, when He raised Him from the dead."

2 Clement A.D. 96

" Though they may endure affliction for a short time in the world, they will gather the immortal fruit of the resurrection. Therefore let not the godly be grieved, if he be miserable in the times that now are: a blessed time awaiteth him. He shall live again in heaven with our fathers, and shall have rejoicing throughout a sorrowless eternity"