To start I’d like to break the ice with a little humor. This is a topic that can become heavy rather quickly so I thought I would borrow a phrase from a hit television show of the past that I used to watch.
It holds more meaning for me now that I have met my birth family. I have family who have both Scottish and Irish bloodlines. Nevertheless, you won’t catch me in a kilt wailing on a set of bagpipes. Although it would be pretty cool to be able to pull that off. Besides I don’t look that great in plaid, or kilts either!
When I began studying the different viewpoints of WHEN the “rapture” would actually occur I wasn’t prepared for just how many there are. Obviously they can’t ALL be correct, that would be an impossibility. Therefore the purpose was to study each position, and look closely at their strengths and weaknesses. Then select the position that most closely adheres to scripture while harmonizing all verses with each other.
When studying the Bible if you come across what appears to be a contradiction it is most likely your position, assumption, or doctrine that is faulty, not the Bible. This is where the rubber meets the road, so to speak and we must pray for the guidance of the “Ruach HaKodesh,” Hebrew for the Holy Spirit to help give us the answers.
Before I began the study I entered a time of prayer that was probably the most fervent praying I had done, ever. During this time I asked God to reveal his truth to me and to blind me to heresy and false teaching. I wanted HIS truth, even if that meant being in disagreement with what I had previously been taught. I wanted to conform to the Bible, not find scripture to support my position. I wanted to clearly understand what God’s position is on this topic because I believe it is of utmost importance to the vast number of Christians living in the end times. We are here so we had better start paying close attention.
It is important because doctrine can separate a false teacher from one who is teaching truth. Scripture warns us that in the end times men will not withstand sound doctrine.
2 Timothy 4:3
“For there will come a time when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
Earlier in 2 Timothy Chapter 3:12 we are told
“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.”
One of these deceptions and false teachings is within the teaching(s) of the timing of the rapture. I have heard some pastors say that it “isn’t important,” or that we shouldn’t divide a church over this issue. I disagree with those who would say such a thing. This is of such profound importance that those who sweep it under the rug are robbing themselves and their congregations of the blessings within Revelation itself.
Are you telling me that God’s word isn’t important? That that discerning what SOUND DOCTRINE is isn’t important? That determining what is truth vs. what is a lie isn’t important? The question becomes HOW do we determine what is false doctrine vs. the truth? If even the Apostle Peter can temporarily become subject to teaching false doctrine, can not ALL of us? The Apostle Paul was used by God to face off with the erring and backslidden Peter, when Paul contended earnestly for the faith with him and corrected him.
This is why scripture tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Part of discerning who is a false teacher is about knowing how to search the Scripture yourself, using solid Hermeneutics and good Exegesis. Since the next article talks about hermeneutics I will not delve any further into it here. Some of the positions I completely ignored because their beliefs were what I would consider to be laughable and violate scripture without me having to dig very deeply. The hard part is when you are trying to discern the real thing from the counterfeit.
One of the positions I elected to study was “The Pre Wrath Position.”
Prior to this time, I had not only been unaware of its name, but wasn’t even aware that such a position existed. For me the bottom line was this, if it was a false teaching, I was determined to discover the truth and cross it off my list.
For many years prior to doing this study I have had difficulty harmonizing passages that are used within the Pre-Tribulation teaching and they have left me uncomfortable; yet, I took it on “faith.” My pastor said it is this way, so I should just believe him, right?
If your “pastor,” “reverend,” “teacher,” or whomever you are relying on is the source of your comfort regarding your doctrinal position…I would suggest that you are on dangerous ground my friend. My suggestion is that that you make God’s word the final authority. Should you find what seem to be contradictions in your position, I would suggest that much deeper study be on your agenda until you harmonize all the verses.
For many years prior to doing this study I have had difficulty harmonizing passages that are used within the Pre-Tribulation teaching and they have left me uncomfortable; yet, I took it on “faith.” My pastor said it is this way, so I should just believe him, right?
If your “pastor,” “reverend,” “teacher,” or whomever you are relying on is the source of your comfort regarding your doctrinal position…I would suggest that you are on dangerous ground my friend. My suggestion is that that you make God’s word the final authority. Should you find what seem to be contradictions in your position, I would suggest that much deeper study be on your agenda until you harmonize all the verses.
Study hard; pray harder.
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