Extra-Biblical Evidence for the Pre-Trib Rapture

Unsealed.org ^ | 4/1/15 | Gary

[amessenger4god]

We have addressed the accusation before that the pre-trib rapture theory was invented by a Scottish girl named Margaret MacDonald in the early 19th century.  This is now widely known to be factually incorrect and in fact there are numerous references to a pre-trib rapture in late 18th century American writing, as well as contemporary (at that time) Catholic writings such as Manuel Lacunza's The Coming of Messiah in Glory and Majesty.

Additionally, Chuck Missler has brought to light a writing from "Ephraem the Syrian" (b. 306; d. 373 AD) where this early Church deacon wrote in unequivocal language the following:

"For all the saints and Elect of God are gathered, prior to the tribulation that is to come, and are taken to the Lord lest they see the confusion that is to overwhelm the world because of our sins."

Now it has been charged that the above quote was not written by Ephraem himself, but a later writer possibly posing as Ephraem (called Pseudo-Ephraem).  This is possible, even likely, but is almost irrelevant as the writing was not made any later that 627 AD.  This means that the pre-tribulational rapture was positively taught no later than the early 7th century.

Other even more ancient writings have recently come to light as well.  Including from Cyprian:

"We who see that terrible things have begun, and know that still more terrible things are imminent, may regard it as the greatest advantage to depart from it as quickly as possible... And do you not give God thanks, do you not congratulate yourself, that by an earlier departure you are taken away, and delivered from the shipwrecks and disasters that are imminent... Let us greet the day which assigns each of us to his own home, which snatches us hence, and sets us free from the snares of the world, and restores us to paradise and the kingdom."

Cyprian died in 258 AD, so his above treatise had to have been written even before that year.  But far more amazing than Cyprian's quote, is Iranaeus' Against Heresies.  Iranaeus was only once removed from John himself (John likely being the very person who wrote down the Book of Revelation).  In Book 5, chapter 29, Iranaeus wrote:

"And therefore, when in the end the Church shall be suddenly caught up from this, it is said, There shall [then] be tribulation such as has not been since the beginning, neither shall be.  [Matthew 24:21] For this is the last contest of the righteous, in which, when they overcome they are crowned with incorruption. [1 Corinthians 15]"

Even in the context of the larger chapter, the very next thing that occurs in Iranaeus' timeline after the Church is "suddenly caught up" is the revelation of the antichrist.

All these references aside, the rapture itself is plainly taught in 1 Thessalonians 4:17.  This verse alone proves that there will be a rapture event (unless, without justification, you want to interpret this verse symbolically).

And the timing of the rapture as pre-tribulational may be unequivocally taught in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 if apostasia is translated "departure".

In any case, while only time will tell and God alone knows how things will pan out, there are numerous reasons to confidently hold to a belief in the pre-trib rapture, not least of which is that Biblical scholars pretty much unanimously agree that the early church, both before and for awhile after 70 AD, believed almost universally in the imminent coming of Christ... an event that would come suddenly.

[Tennessee Nana]

N00bie kid if the author doesn’t think we are already living in tribulation in this country, and the world at large, when does he think it will start ???

[Star Traveler]

See the website of the “Pre-Trib Research Group” headed by Dr. Thomas Ice! This is an excellent resource! There are some good pastors listed there, who contribute their research papers every year, at their annual meetings in Dallas.

http://www.pre-trib.org

[SkyDancer]

Stretching things a bit ...

[Star Traveler]

It will start after the AntiChrist is revealed and then known to the world, and after the agreement between the Jews and Arabs is concluded ... whether by mutual agreement or by an imposed agreement (it could seen as being done either way).

Another indicator that we’re in the Tribulation is when you see “ground being broken” for the construction of the Third Temple.

Another indicator of being “in the Tribulation” is when you see those “two witnesses” in Jerusalem, giving God’s message to the world and that no one can arrest them or hamper them from doing that.

Another indicator of “being in the Tribulation” is when you see 12,000 Jews each group being from the 12 Tribes of Israel (being a total of 144,000 Jews), going out to the world, giving the Message of the Gospel of the Salvation of Jesus, the Messiah of Israel.

If someone can run down that list and show me where that’s the case with each one of them ... THEN I’ll know I’m in the Tribulation.

[Lake Living]

Wake up folks! Erdogan has declared himself “god” do you have to see him sacrifice a pig in the Temple before you believe we’re in it? Apostasy is rampant in the church universal with gay marriage and pro abortion, screwed up doctrine that says you can have your “best life” now. Where is the Cross of Christ preached, believed and, more importantly, lived??? Pretrib is just an excuse to escape persecution - especially for Americans who believe they are the only Christians that matter in the world and the world revolves around them. Those recently martyred in the middle east aren’t looking for a pretrib rapture. They’re looking for a Crown of Life.

[cuban leaf]

I see the events something like this chronologically: 3.5 year tribulation. Followed by “rapture” (Revelation 7, after the sealing of the 144k). Followed by 3.5 year wrath of God on whoever is left other than the 144k.

[Star Traveler]

Tell me where those thongs are happening in my previous post, then I’ll know we’re in the Tribulation.

[Star Traveler]

“thongs” = “things” in the post ... LOL ...

[cuban leaf]

Stretching things a bit ...

---

When I became a Christian in 1981 I attended an AG church. They were very pre-trib so I was too. Then, after a couple of years, I read a book called “Soon Coming World Shaking Events as Foretold by God Almighty” that turned me to mid-trib.

The head sunday school teacher at my church was VERY knowledgeable about the bible and taught on prophesy a LOT. His class was typically about 80 people. He had written a white paper on the subject and asked me to read it. He said it would make it clear that Pre-Trib is the correct interpretation.

I was quite excited. I mean, I WANTED to believe in Pre-trib. Who wouldn’t?

But when I was done, my response was the same as yours was to this article. I saw him reading WAY too much stuff between the lines and ignoring plain language.

I will say that my opinion is just that - an opinion. And the bible is intentionally somewhat secretive about what will really take place.

[cuban leaf]

As bad as it is, we’re not in it yet. But I believe it is literally around the corner. Heck, my tag line even hints at it.

[bobo1]

2 Thes 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

I hardly think that these verses make the case for a pre-trib rapture. I don’t find the case in the bible for two “parusias”, but a single event. There will not be two returns of the Lord, but one. That will be when the Wrath of the Lord is executed, and we (those that are alive) will meet him in the air at that time.

[WKUHilltopper]

“N00bie kid if the author doesn’t think we are already living in tribulation in this country, and the world at large, when does he think it will start ???”

We’re not in the Tribulation period...yet. If you think it is bad now, you ain’t seen nuthin’ yet.

[SpeakerToAnimals]

Revelation 12:9 The woman fled into the wilderness to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days.

The woman is Gods Church. She is taken to a place in the wilderness, not Heaven.

The Tribulation is 42 months.

[chesley]

Well, the important thing is not when the interpretation came into existence, but whether or not it is the correct interpretation.

For the record, I side with the pre-trib rapture guys.

[Corey Ohlis]

Nations rise, nations fall. Nothing to see here.

[SkyDancer]

I did at first too. Then after careful study I came to the conclusion it won’t happen the way Pre-Trib’s say it will. There are arguments for Pre,Mid, and Post Trib. As well as against. I personally don’t care one way or other. There would be three comings of Yeshua. The first where He died as the Suffering Messiah, then the Second coming as the Conquering Messiah. No where does it say He comes three times i.e. for His Church in the Rapture. All the Disciples and Apostles were looking for His coming the Second time only.

[chesley]

I don’t know, but I’d be willing to bet that we’ll see some signs soon after Bambi becomes Secretary-General of the UN.

Just an off-the-cuff opinion.

[cuban leaf]

I’ve gotta admit that I’ve become mostly “pan tribulationist” - It will all pan out in the end. I just think the most likely of the various ones is the “mid-trib” also called “Post-trib, pre-wrath” belief.

[SkyDancer]

To me, who cares when it happens. I’m just looking for the Second Coming ... and world events today sure are pointing in that direction.