Page 53 - Eschatology - Student Ebook

Study Section 7: The Rapture - continued

7.1 Connect

Can you imagine what it will be like for MILLIONS of believers to suddenly disappear from the
earth? Babies will suddenly be gone at thousands of hospitals. Cars will crash because the
driver is no longer there. Airplanes will crash because of missing pilots. Trains will not stop at
a station, but will continue their journey unsupervised.

Then there will be the shock of people seeing their loved ones vanish. People eating together at a
restaurant will suddenly be eating alone. People will be gone at the places of business. The effects of
millions of people disappearing in the “twinkle of an eye” will be mind boggling. I can imagine the world
will crash economically as the load on business and the hospitals will be beyond belief. The Bible does
say that the Antichrist will rise to power on an economic platform. He will probably offer solutions to
the economic upheaval. And it could happen any time!

7.2 Objectives

1. The student should be able to explain why the Pre-tribulational view of the rapture is supported
by Scripture.

2. The student should be able to present the Scriptures that support this view.

7.3 So, which view is correct?

Biblical Evidence for the Pre-tribulation Rapture View
1. Revelation 3:10 is written to the church and promises that the church will be "kept from
(Greek word "ek," literally meaning "out from," not "through" or "in") the “hour of trial"
understood to be the coming Tribulation period.

Revelation 3:10 (NIV84)10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep
you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the
earth.

2. 1 Thessalonians 1:20 and 5:9 teach that the church will be saved "from the wrath to come" and the
Tribulation is the "great day of their wrath" (Rev. 6:17). The "wrath to come" is thus the Tribulation.

1 Thessalonians 1:10 (NIV84)10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the
dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 (NIV84)9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation
through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation 6:17 (NIV84)17 For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

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