Sound The Trumpet : Six Biblical Arguments for the Pre-Trib Rapture

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“Six Biblical Arguments for the Pre-Trib Rapture”
by Art Sadlier
February 1st, 2006

The Pre-Tribulation, Pre-Millennial rapture of the Church is based upon the understanding from Scripture that there is a distinction between the Church and Israel. The purpose of the rapture is to end the Church age so that God may complete His program for Israel. There are six arguments in Scripture for the Pre-Tribulation belief.

The Imminent Return of Christ No events must happen before the rapture takes place. The rapture can and always could take place at any moment. 1 Cor 1:7, 1 Cor 16:22 (Maranatha = Our Lord comes) Phil 3:20, 4:5, 1 Thess 1:10 Titus 2:13 Heb 9:28 Ja 5:7-9 1 Pe 1:13 Rev 3:11
The Purpose of the Tribulation Period Scripture teaches that the major purpose of the Tribulation is preparation for Israel’s restoration. Deut 4:29,30 Jer 30:4-11 While the Church is told that it will have Tribulation in the world. John 16:33 It is never included in the Tribulation period. From Revelation 4 to 19:10 the Church is not found on earth.
The Nature of the Church The Church differs greatly from Israel. In Ephesians 3 the Church is a mystery. In Ephesians 2 the Jews and Gentiles are united in one new unique body. That explains why the Church is promised deliverance from the tribulation period. Rev 3:10 1 Thess 1:9,10 1 Thess 5:9 Israel is promised an earthly kingdom but the Church is told that heaven is its home. Jn 14:3
The Work of the Holy Spirit In the New Testament we are told of the present ministry of the Holy Spirit. In Matthew 5 the Christian is told that he is the salt of the earth. The metaphor refers naturally to the fact that the Holy Spirit ministers through the Christian’s holy life to restrain sin. The metaphor, ye are the light of the world presents the same idea, the truth lived out in the life of the Christian is the work of the Holy Spirit restraining evil. 2 Thess 2:7 refers to the Christian being removed from the earth, thus terminating the specific ministry of the Holy Spirit in restraining evil.
The Contrast between Christ’s Comings The contrasts are many and speak of two separate and distinct comings. (See the article on the Pre-Tribulation Rapture).
The Interval Needed Between The Comings

An interval is required to allow the Church saints to appear before the judgment seat of Christ. 2 Cor 5:10
An interval is also required for the marriage supper of the lamb. Rev 19:7-9
An interval is needed on earth for the salvation of millions of new believers who are not part of the heavenly body of Christ, but who will, in their non-resurrection bodies, populate the millennial earthly kingdom. Isa 65:20-25, Mt 25:31-46

Looking for His glorious appearing! Titus 2:13