All depends what your understanding is. There used to be four teachings of the end times scenarios, today there are three, because too much has happened for the fourth to be a viable option.
That leaves three, and from my studies on them, they all make great arguments for their belief. they can all back their stance up with Scripture, and they all have very good Theological teachers who agree on everything else, but eschatology.
So, have a good time debating it, because as far as I am concerned only the father knows as Christ told His disciples.
I advise everyone to be ready at all times, because like a thief in the night, so too will the Lord return.
Great advice and I agree completely. I don’t personally subscribe to the popular rapture doctrines, but I also don’t think it’s a salvation issue.
Ding, Ding, Ding!!
We have a Winner!
Excellent summation!
I had the privilege of taking several classes on this topic which were taught by Hal Lindsey when he was on the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ. Lindsey teaches a pre-Tribulation Rapture.
However, he always mentioned that “other Bible teachers on staff believe in a mid-Trib or post-Trib rapture. These are Godly men and excellent Bible scholars. Scripture is open to these other interpretations”.
Personally, I would love a pre-Trib Rapture. However, I tend to expect a mid or post Tribulation Rapture.
Why? Two reasons:
1) God’s ultimate goal for us is not to give us a “cushy” life. Rather, His goal for us is that we be “conformed to the image of Christ”. We also know that “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.…”
2) Well-meaning, devoted Christians hold different views on the timing of the Rapture. I very well may be wrong. If I hold to a Pre-Trib view and am wrong, it will be a very rude awakening. If I hold to a Mid or Post-Trib view and the Rapture comes Pre-Trib, it will be a delightful surprise!
Either way,
“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”