By Nicole C. RichardsonAbout a month ago, I came across a YouTube video that erased any notion of a Pre-rapture experience. Immediately, I became intrigued and watched over an hour long presentation that denotes any teachings of a Pre-rapture to be a lie. According to Pastor Steven L Anderson from Faithful Word Baptist Church in Phoenix, Arizona, he claims that the rapture and resurrection of the dead will take place after the Tribulation but before God pours out his wrath upon the earth. Many Christians around the world are not taught about a so-called Post-rapture. It is believed that God will take his church before the Tribulation period and redeem those who are left behind and have endured to the end within the final moment of the Second Coming of Christ. | So, where in the world has this idea of a Post-rapture originated? A post tribulation website stated that early believers held this belief for 1800 years. Apparently, historical evidence claims have been made accrediting it to second and third generation disciples of John the Revelator who wrote of the rise of the Anti-Christ and the Coming of the Lord from a Post-tribulation point-of-view. It wasn’t until a little after the 1800s that thoughts about a Pre-tribulation started to circulate. It so happened that a Jesuit priest from Chile, South America named Manuel Lacunza wrote a book called “The Coming of the Messiah in Glory and Majesty.” After his writings were released, he stated that the Second Coming of Jesus will be separated by a period of time and not be together as a single event like post "tribulators" describe. For a moment, let’s compare some of the aspects to both topics. Rapture of the Church Pre-Trib- Before Tribulation Post Trib- After Tribulation Return of Jesus Pre-Trib- Two part event Post-Trib- Single event Appearance of the Anti-Christ Pre- Trib- After the rapture Post-Trib- After the new world order but before the Second Coming of Christ | Tribulation Pre-Trib- 7 year period 3.5 good and 3.5 bad Post Trib- 2 parts. 3 ½ period then 2nd period shortened by more severe. ************************ I’ve always been taught not only seek salvation, but to seek the Holy Spirit. I find with the Post-Tribulation that they seem to neglect that one little aspect. What happens to those who were filled with the Holy Spirit and are living a Christ led life? Thessalonians 2:6-7 refers to the restraining ministry of the Holy Spirit. If the Holy Spirit is to be removed before the man of lawlessness appears, then what happens to all the Saints who have the Holy Spirit living inside of them? I've come to the conclusion that regardless of what is to happen, we must be ready. Pay attention to the signs. Remember that there will be people who are out to deceive the word. Know the word for yourself. However, if it so happens that the Rapture does occurs after the Tribulation like most Post-Trib believer believe, then know that God says that he will never give you more than you can bear. If believers have to go through the fire, let your faith carry you through. |
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