1.01 - Introduction

1. Introduction A Plain, Literal Approach

First of all, I would like to state that in this discussion I am taking a plain, literal approach to interpretation, which is more literal at times than many pre-tribulationists.[1] I want to look primarily at what the Bible actually has to say about this topic. However, I will use accepted terminology such as the non-biblical words “rapture” and “Millennium,” only because these are the words most people relate to. I will usually follow the common usage of the word “Tribulation” to refer to the entire seven-year period even though I believe biblically it is only used of the latter three and one half years.

Pentecost’s Things to Come Eschatology

I realize that not all pre-tribulationists agree on all points. Some of the issues I cover may not apply to some. Although I have heard and read a variety of pre-tribulationists, I was formally taught from Dwight Pentecost’s Things to Come, which has been a standard pre-tribulationist textbook for a long time. I will attempt to point out where modern pre-tribulationists have changed their views, but I do apologize if I overlook some.

Pre-Tribulationism Is Based on Inferences and Is Not Specifically Taught in Scripture The doctrine of a pre-tribulation rapture is not specifically taught in the Bible. Instead, it is based upon other doctrines which pre-tribulationists conclude require a pre-tribulation rapture: such as, imminency, exemption from wrath, distinction between the church and Israel, etc. However, nowhere does the Bible say that Jesus will come prior to the Tribulation. On the other hand, Jesus himself said that he would return “after the tribulation” (Matthew 24:29-31).

Burden of Proof

Finally, if pre-tribulationism is not specifically taught in Scripture, and we all agree to the post-tribulational second coming, then post-tribulation is the default position. It is up to the pre-tribulationist to demonstrate that there are two separate events and that the first of these takes place before the Tribulation. Unless it can be demonstrated otherwise, we are left to assume that the “blessed hope” of the believer is the second coming of Christ after the Tribulation.

[1] This book is primarily a discussion of Pre and Post-tribulationism. For an evaluation of the new “Pre-Wrath” rapture theory, see my web site at: www.TheRapture.org.