The Pre-wrath rapture more correctly handles some issues found in the Pre-trib model.
The Pre-trib “theory” of the rapture contains some challenges that are difficult to reconcile with the scriptures. Here for example. Sorry, but it’s true. There are too many weak points in that interpretation. On the other hand, the Pre-wrath position aligns more closely with the biblical narrative.
Before I go on, I will give a shout-out! For this article and video, I must give credit to Doctor Alan E. Kurschner at (alankurschner.com)
He and I disagree on some points of interpretation. But for many of the important aspects of this argument, we are in agreement.
He and others have done fantastic work in their non-stop efforts to point the Body of Christ to a more biblically correct view of these prophetic topics.
Please add your comments below. I’m especially interested in two things.
What side do you take on this topic?
And, if you didn’t watch the video–why?
For those new to the topic: Pre-wrath versus Pre-trib.
Pre-trib is a catchphrase that refers to “before the tribulation.” And it deals with the subject matter surrounding the timing of the rapture. The rapture was/is a previously unknown doctrine that the Apostle Paul explained to the Early Christian church. When I say “previously unknown” I mean in reference to the Old Testament. Since the church came into existence after the resurrection of Jesus from the grave, there were no direct O.T. references to this “strange new doctrine.” It was a mystery revealed by Paul. Some will argue that there are passages that refer to the hiding of God’s people in some O.T. passages. These are seen by some scholars as verses that point to the rapture. I won’t argue with that interpretation. That’s probably true, but the Apostle Paul clearly taught the “mystery” doctrine to the Church.
Tribulation is a commonly used word when discussing Bible prophecy. In a casual, but incorrect way, the word tribulation is often used to speak of the final seven years of Daniel’s prophecy. I’ve used the word myself many times in that incorrect manner. I’ve done so because many people understand the word to cover the entire seven years. But biblically we should confine the term to the final 3 1/2 years of Daniel’s prophecy.
It’s fine to say “tribulation”
But for this discussion, it’s important to understand why the term is used to refer to the entire seven years.
The pre-trib proponents believe the rapture will occur before the final seven years begin. Some say just days before, while others suggest it could be years.
And those who hold to the pre-wrath position believe the scriptures teach that the church will be “raptured” immediately before the wrath of God is poured out upon the world of unbelievers.
Both schools of thought believe the exact timing of the event is unknown. And it will remain unknown until the rapture occurs.
The big issue is, before what?
Before the tribulation (the final seven years), or before God’s wrath?
Changing my rapture timing. Maybe Pre-wrath??
I learned the pre-trib position as a young believer. Back then, as an avid student of the Bible, I poured myself into the scriptures in an effort to learn them more fully. Years ago, Christian bookstores were commonplace. I frequented many of them. In those stores, I stood among the aisles of bookshelves, soaking up, or devouring everything I could get my hands on. Every scholar, teacher, author, or seminary textbook was fair game. And I purchased a sizable library of Christian literature in my passion to grow in the knowledge of God and His Word.
It was such a rewarding time. I am thankful the Lord placed that hunger in me. My Pastor, at that time, was Chuck Smith. He was the original founder of the Calvary Chapel movement. From Chuck, I learned about the pre-trib doctrine. I didn’t question it but accepted it. In time, it became a foundational part of my understanding of Bible prophecy.
But parts of it never sat well with me. I was then, and still am, a student of the Bible. It is more important to know what the Bible says, rather than what a particular teacher says. And that distinction is critical for the careful Bible student. We determine sound doctrine from the Bible. The ability to understand the Bible from one’s personal study is a gift from God. The Lord will grant it to all those who seek it diligently.
So, back to the rapture timing. When a doctrine troubles me, meaning it doesn’t align well with the scriptures, I search out the truth in the Word. As a student, we must be willing to challenge doctrines that do not align with the clear reading of the scriptures. Pre-trib does not align well. Pre-wrath fits more seamlessly with the words of the biblical authors.
A Pastoral problem
As I said, many things troubled me regarding the pre-trib doctrine. Unfortunately, I was increasingly dealing with a great personal challenge. You see, as time went on, the Lord led me to many leadership positions within various churches. Eventually, I became an ordained pastor and a respected teacher and leader of young children, youth, and their parents. I also taught a weekly adult study and a very popular one I might add, for nearly eight years. All the while the Lord was awakening me to some errors in my own understanding of the Word. The pre-wrath position was hardly known at the time. At least in my circle of influence of Church leaders and teachers. But the pre-trib position, ruled the land, so to speak.
Most everyone I knew and respected taught it and or believed the doctrine.
But my studies were pointing me away from the traditional views that I was taught. In a careful study of God’s Word, I saw many errors that were not supported by the text. Pre-trib was so overwhelmingly accepted that fictional novels and movies had become enormously popular. But popularity doesn’t matter when dealing with the truth. In fact, the truth is very often unpopular.
Change comes slowly
Ultimately, I knew something had to change. I often found myself struggling with the “challenge” of what I knew was true. And how it conflicted with the “accepted” doctrinal position of the Churches in which I served.
So, slowly, over many years, I came to realize that a day would come when I would step away from my pastoral position. A series of events took place. I saw some unrelated things in leadership that made me uncomfortable. And it stirred a conviction in me. The “shady” details are unimportant, but in the end, after serving in several churches, I chose to step away from my pastoral roles.
Now, I owe allegiance to only One, when it comes to teaching correct doctrine.
Below, I’ve placed a video. It’s a video that every earnest believer should watch. But most will not. The reasons why are numerous, and perhaps you will make your own excuses why you’ll skip the video. Though in refusing to watch, one loses a valuable opportunity to see a well-researched and argued presentation for the pre-wrath rapture. If you believe in a pre-trib rapture, you should at least watch the video. It will help you understand the gaping holes in your prophetic argument.
7 Pretrib Problems and the Prewrath Rapture
Here below is the pre-wrath video
Do yourself a favor. Block out some time, watch the video, and then get your Bible open and compare scripture with scripture.
It is very rare for people to change well-set positions which they have held for years. But many pastors, like myself, have done so. I believe, whether the Church wants to or not, she will awaken to the reality of the coming events. As of this writing, we are still years away from the return of Christ. I say this often in my articles. I repeat it because so many people want to be on the next plane out of this world. We’re not leaving soon.
The Lord still has lots of work for the Church to do. The biblical writers pointed us to a pre-wrath position. And, if true, that will demand great faith, patience, and perseverance.
But far too many think they have one foot out the door already and are not preparing themselves by growing their faith.
White Stone Watcher
Hello readers,
I have served as a children and youth pastor for over three decades. It was a great honor and pleasure to serve the Lord in that way. It has been my prayer, that many of them will learn of Jesus’ love and decide to commit their lives to follow Him.
I wrote the fiction story, ‘White Stone Watcher’ for them and their parents. In the story, we see a young man, and his best friend, Amanda. They face the normal challenges that today’s kids face at school. But with one huge difference.
Their challenge is twelve feet tall to be exact with an enormous set of six wings. Just like the prophet Isaiah saw in the throne room of God. He is a Watcher, an angelic being who is still invisible to Amanda. The messenger from God is about to lead both on a spiritual journey. They find they cannot escape the unseen war that rages all around them. They will become key players that God will use in the battle between the Sons of Darkness and the Children of Light.
I invite you to pray about a youth that might enjoy and benefit from this story. As the world grows darker, our youth must become aware that the Lord is calling them to join the Children of Light in the fight for what is righteous. We are all involved, whether we realize it or not. If they will not go to church, maybe they will read a book about someone just like them facing challenges at school.
God is calling them.
Praying for the youth, and a great awakening.
Pastor Doug
Let me know what you think.