Rapture or Tribulation

Are you ready for the days ahead? Will Christians go through the coming tribulation, or will they be raptured into heaven before that? This book seeks a biblical answer to that question. Rapid changes in world events have alerted people to the urgency of this issue. What preparations should be made now for the end-time events that lie ahead? What guidance does the Bible give on these matters?

Rapture or Tribulation analyzes the three prevalent interpretations commonly proposed by Christian leaders. The pretribulationist position is that the rapture will occur before the tribulation period. Midtribulationists place that event somewhere near the middle of that period. And the posttribulation position is that the rapture occurs at the end of the tribulation period in conjunction with Christ’s second coming. All three camps agree on the reality of the rapture or catching up of believers as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 and the second coming of Christ described in Revelation 19:11–21.

Rather than arguing for one position, this study analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of each theory in the light of Scripture. It provides a template for the reader to make his or her own evaluation of what God’s Word reveals about the subject. Ultimately, the authoritative answer must come from the Bible. For that reason, a significant amount of Scripture is examined. In-depth attention is given to Jesus’s predictions in Matthew 24–25 and parallel passages in the other gospels since that forms the bedrock of New Testament eschatology.

Scholarly publications from all three camps are reviewed for insight on the timing of the Rapture. Their books and articles are included in the bibliography which is particularly useful for those who want to pursue further investigation of this topic. Discussion questions are available for each chapter as a tool for those who use the book to facilitate a Bible class or small group study.

The Greek word translated disciple in the New Testament is mathētēs. It indicates a learner or pupil. That is how the author has approached this subject. After studying Bible prophecy for many years, Dr. Tow returned to this topic with a fresh openness to be taught by the Spirit from the Word of God. The biblical revelation of the Rapture warrants cycles of study with increased understanding resulting from each study. In Acts 17:11 the Bereans were commended for searching the scriptures “to see if what Paul said was true” (NIV). This book encourages the reader to do likewise.

The question being considered assumes certain theological beliefs. Dr. Tow writes from a premillennialist, futuristic view of eschatology, including a literal seven-year tribulation period at the end of the age. Of course, these views must have scriptural foundation and are legitimate areas of debate. However, the scope of this study does not include those considerations. The divine inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture is taken for granted and, for that reason, the Bible serves as the final referee on truth. The challenge Christians face is to rightly divide and interpret that revelation. That is particularly challenging for the subject at hand because of the vast number of biblical texts on end-time prophecy and the symbolism that is often included.

This topic must be approached with humility and grace. There are many pieces of the puzzle that are not available (1 Cor. 13:9). Although Deuteronomy 29:29 was given under a previous covenant, the principle still applies. “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” There are secret things that God has not revealed, and we must be very cautious when we fill in the blanks with our limited understanding. We must also remember that the revelation God has given is not intended for mere academic purposes. The things that are revealed are designed to guide us into obedience to the will of God. If our study of Scripture does not move us toward loving God and loving our neighbor (Matt. 22:37–40), we have missed the point somewhere. Therefore, this book encourages practical application of truth so that we live our lives pleasing to Christ and are prepared for his return.