As a pastor, I often find myself reflecting on the complex subject of the rapture, especially its timing in relation to the tribulation. The matter is among the most controversial within our church today, with various views stemming from different interpretations of the Holy Bible. The prevalent beliefs are pre-tribulational, mid-tribulational, and post-tribulational interpretations, suggesting the rapture could occur before, amidst, or after the tribulation, respectively. A fourth view, often referred to as pre-wrath, tweaks the mid-tribulational stance slightly.
One must first understand the purpose of the tribulation. As Daniel 9:27 suggests, a seventieth “seven” (spanning seven years) is yet to occur. The prophecy refers particularly to the nation of Israel in the seventy sevens (Daniel 9:20-27) and, therefore, it can be concluded that the seventieth seven, or the tribulation, will be a time when God directs His attention specifically towards Israel. While this in no way suggests that the church cannot be present as well, it raises a question of the necessity of the church’s presence during this period.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 provides the main scriptural reference for the rapture. The passage describes the ascension of all living believers, as well as those who have passed, meeting Lord Jesus in the sky to be with Him for eternity. This signifies the removal of His people from Earth by God. In a follow-up verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:9, Paul declares, “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Comparatively, the Book of Revelation primarily discusses the tribulation, outlining God’s wrath being poured onto Earth. It seems contradictory for God to assure believers of no wrath, yet leave them on Earth during the tribulatory wrath. It appears, therefore, that the promise of salvation through removal from Earth and the promise of deliverance from wrath might be connected.
Revelation 3:10 is another key scriptural passage about the timing of the rapture. In this verse, Christ pledges to save believers from the “hour of trial” that will come upon the Earth. This could mean two things – either the Savior will safeguard believers during the trials, or He will rescue them from the trials. Both interpretations stand valid for the Greek word translated as “from”. It is critical to note what believers are promised salvation from: not the trials, but the “hour” of trial. This suggests that Christ is promising to keep believers away from the entire time period that includes the trials, referring to the tribulation.
Taking all these facets into account, the purpose of the tribulation and the rapture, the interpretation of 1 Thessalonians 5:9, and Revelation 3:10 all appear to align with the pre-tribulational stance. Therefore, if the Holy Bible is interpreted literally and consistently, the pre-tribulational interpretation appears to be the most scripturally-grounded.
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