4 replies to this topic

[Candice]

I've been studying Revelation and other prophecy books of the bible in our home with a couple of neighbors, one of whom is a fantastic bible teacher

 

One topic that isn't posted here (at least not since I've been on the forum) is prophecy, specifically end-time events such as the rapture, tribulation, etc.  Is there a pre-tribulation rapture?  A mid-tribulation rapture; post-tribulation?  Is there no rapture of any kind?  Is there no tribulation?  Early latter rain? Or, just a preterist explanation of end times; strictly metaphoric descriptions of end-time events?

 

None of these topics seems to be a headline here, but I wonder, in the end, will it matter who's right about the specifics. 

 

Does it matter?

Will the end of times give us the latter rain that will provide the Spirit's outpouring one great and last time upon the earth?

Is the time approaching so soon that we will see the return of Christ with our own eyes?

 

Any thoughts...or, have I just opened up a can of worms that no one wants to touch??

 

OK, I'll start.  Seems to me that we are walking into the end of times....

Love,

Candice

[Julie Daube]

Thanks for starting such an interesting topic, Candice! I believe that it is completely within the realm of possibility that many of us living today will see the return of Christ with our own eyes. In Matthew 24, Jesus said that He will return after the gospel has been preached to all nations - in other words, when the Great Commission is fulfilled. According to the Joshua Project, based on current statistics of unreached people groups that are coming to Christ, His Commission will be completed within 18 to 20 years. I got chills when I heard that (a guest preacher shared this in a recent sermon at my church).

In terms of pre-trib, mid-trip, and post-trip rapture scenarios, I think it's wise not to be too dogmatic about the timing of Christ's return (I've heard a couple of pastors say that, and I think it's excellent advice).

That being said, I personally don't see any evidence for a pre-trib rapture when I read the Scriptures about Christ's return. Upon Christ's ascension to heaven, the angel never told His disciples that He would return twice - only that He would return in the same way He was taken up to heaven (which was visible). And we are told that "every eye will see Him." It doesn't sound like this could happen in secret, but that is what a pre-trib rapture presupposes. I know there are many who would disagree with me, and that's their prerogative.

In the end, I'm not sure it will really matter who is right and who is wrong about when the rapture will happen. Ultimately, what matters during the end times will be our faithfulness to Jesus and completing His Great Commission.

[ADVRider]

Candice,

 

I think it matters, quite a bit actually. Sure, there is much debate and discussion over various views, etc., but the Bible does spend a good bit of space on the last days, what will happen, exhortations to be ready, remain in the faith, etc. It is sometimes referred to the Consumation, the revelation of Christ and other such designations. It is the Omega of history, as such. On a practical level though, discussion of the end times is not something I would argue with fellow believers over, just to defend a viewpoint. I think the best practice is to simply read the scripture for what it says, letting the clear passages give weight to the less clear passages. I was raised in a camp that tries to maintain an airtight system, striving to explain every scripture on the subject. I came to see that many of the proofs were not really in the Bible and that the system was actually quite convoluted, IMO. As important as the subject is though, I am comfortable with not having a complete understanding of some questions that are raised. That is where I leave it.  The main thing anyway is love the Lord your God with all your heart and pray that you be counted worthy to stand before the Son of Man. No matter how it goes down. We can get caught up in the details and miss the big picture: Jesus is coming back to get us and reveal Himself to the world.

[Kevin Blankenship]

I have always been pre-trib simply because I read commentaries and other old writers who believed the same. My thinking was this: "They (the commentators) spent a whole lot more time in the Scriptures than me so they must know more."  Now, that is a fairly weak argument for me to use to defend a certain position.

    But the scriptures also say, avoid vain disputations....(arguments that get nowhere as most folks are SET in their position and will defend it even though they have never sit down and studied the subject for themselves.....I am one of those types).

  I didn't say that to discredit your post, Candace. Not at all.  Just explaining why I have held my position for so long. Fact is.....I need to study God's Word on the subject.....prayerfully.  And to work out my salvation with fear and trembling.

   I know a few scriptures that seem to be pointing towards the Imminent Return or Christ.  But remember.....I'll be looking for scriptures that uphold MY view. And that ain't fair. And it certainly isn't dividing the word of truth.  As long as our differences in dogmatic viewpoints does not drive a wedge between us.......and we remain as one in the Body of Christ......I believe that we are safe.........no matter who turns out to be right. To be quite honest (and selfish), there are times now when I wish that Jesus would come on and that we be caught up in the air with Him.......both those who have fallen asleep and those of us who remain. Hope that made sense and was uncontroversial.  If my post is controversial.......then I missed what I was trying to say.

[Julie Daube]

"As important as the subject is though, I am comfortable with not having a complete understanding of some questions that are raised. That is where I leave it. The main thing anyway is love the Lord your God with all your heart and pray that you be counted worthy to stand before the Son of Man. No matter how it goes down. We can get caught up in the details and miss the big picture: Jesus is coming back to get us and reveal Himself to the world." Well said, John! This is pretty much where I am at concerning the Second Coming of Christ and the various interpretations of that event.