Page 14 - The Rapture Question by John F. Walvoord

The Promise of His Coming

from scriptural passages only those facts that support their
case and ignore other data, with the result that their induc­
tions are imperfect. Logic also plays a part in the proper ap­
plication of theological conclusions in general. To some extent
the interpretation of the Tribulation is predetermined by
theological conclusions in other aspects of eschatology.
The nature of the Tribulation is also one of practical im­
portance. If the church is destined to endure the persecutions
of the Tribulation, it is futile to proclaim the coming of the
Lord as an imminent hope. Instead, it should be recognized
that Christ cannot come until these predicted sorrows have
been accomplished. On the other hand, if Christ will come for
His church before the predicted time of trouble, Christians
can regard His coming as an imminent daily expectation.
From a practical standpoint, the doctrine has tremendous im­
plications.
Much of the difficulty in arriving at a solution of the
rapture question has been occasioned by failure to define
carefully the term tribulation. Until the nature of the Tribula­
tion is established, it is impossible to discuss intelligently the
question of whether the church will endure it. A wide variety
of views on the Tribulation exists, and each form of millennial
teaching can be broadly characterized by its own position on
the Tribulation.
Postmillennial attitude toward the Tribulation
As illustrated in the writings of Charles Hodge, the post­
millennial point of view considers the Tribulation a final state
of trouble just preceding the grand climax of the triumph of
the gospel. The national conversion of Israel and the general \
conversion of Gentiles is viewed as containing in its last stages
a final conflict with Antichrist, which is equated with Ro­
manism.1
It is a characteristic of postmillennialism that it does not
attempt a literal interpretation of the Tribulation. Some less
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