This is the second such "debate" I have seen in the last week. Some discuss the issues around the end times, while others want to argue. It can be rather easy to get caught up ones own position on the issue. Pre-trib, mid-trib, post-trib, no-trib; on and on it goes.
I have read rationales for various positions on the topic. I have also seen some of those verses that seem to support this position or that one posted with the usual: "see? see? it is obvious that the position I ascribe to is correct!"
I know what position I have concluded has the most scriptural support. I also know that I don't know which scenario God will make happen. I think it is reasonable to conclude none of you do either.
WHY do we all want to get into arguments - that's right, not discussions (although there certainly are some) but arguments over this? I don't know of any scripture that states that one must believe on the mid-trib (or whatever) rapture of the church in order to be saved.
Elsewhere I referred to these issues as nonessential scripture. If one was introducing someone to Jesus Christ would you use the "Romans road", or launch into an apologetic on post-trib rapture? Make no mistake, there are absolutes worth contending for; the deity of Christ - that He was and is God is one of those essentials that draws a dividing line between those who are Christian and these who are not. But why are we slicing and dicing the body over this?
I think all of us who belong to Jesus Christ would agree that salvation through Him is what is desperately needed now, regardless of what is coming or when. A person can rationalize all day that he or she is “contending for the faith” when the only thing being served is that person’s pride. What a waste. If one cannot discuss this issue with kindness, civility and care for those who have concluded differently about end times, then I respectfully recommend that you agree to disagree and just drop it, and get on with what really matters now.
Timing