"Three Views on the Rapture: Pretribulation, Prewrath, or Posttribulation" is a thought-provoking book (Counterpoints series) that delves into one of the most debated topics among Christians: the timing of the rapture. Authored by leading scholars, Douglas J. Moo, Alan Hultberg, and Craig A. Blaising, this book presents three distinct perspectives on when the rapture will occur in relation to the events of the end times.

• 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NLT) And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.

The book begins with an introduction that sets the stage for the discussion, explaining the significance of the rapture within eschatological theology and the diverse interpretations surrounding it. It highlights the importance of understanding the biblical passages related to the rapture and the need for respectful dialogue among believers who hold different views.

Pre-Trib

The pretribulation rapture view, presented by Craig A. Blaising, holds that believers will be taken up to heaven before the period of intense tribulation mentioned in the book of Revelation. This perspective asserts that the rapture is an event separate from the second coming of Christ, and that it will occur prior to the onset of the prophesied tribulation.

• Proponents of the pretribulation rapture view argue that this interpretation aligns with the New Testament's emphasis on the imminent return of Christ and the hope and comfort it provides to believers. They point to passages such as 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, where Paul describes how the Lord will descend from heaven, and believers who are alive will be caught up to meet Him in the air. This catching away of believers, or the rapture, is seen as a moment of joyful reunion with Christ and the resurrection of deceased believers.
• Advocates of this view emphasize that the tribulation period, often associated with intense turmoil and divine judgment, is distinct from the church's experience. They argue that the purpose of the tribulation is to bring judgment upon the unbelieving world and to fulfill God's purposes for Israel, rather than to purify or refine the church. Therefore, believers are viewed as being spared from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 5:9), taken away to be with Christ in heaven before the tribulation unfolds on earth.
• In support of the pretribulation rapture, proponents also draw from the early church's historical understanding of the rapture. They highlight writings from church fathers such as Ephraem the Syrian, who expressed belief in a two-stage return of Christ, with the first stage being a secret coming to rapture believers.
• Critics of the pretribulation rapture view raise various objections. Some argue that the concept of a pretribulation rapture is a relatively recent theological development and not widely accepted throughout church history. Others contend that the Bible does not explicitly support a two-stage return of Christ, as would be required by a pretribulation rapture, and that the passages cited can be interpreted differently.
• Despite these disagreements, the pretribulation rapture view continues to be influential and widely held among certain segments of Christianity. It provides believers with a sense of hope, anticipating their rescue from the tribulation and the fulfillment of God's promises of eternal life and redemption.

Pre-Wrath

The prewrath rapture view, presented by Alan Hultberg, offers an alternative perspective on the timing of the rapture within the context of the end times. This view suggests that the rapture will occur after a portion of the tribulation has taken place but before the final outpouring of God's wrath.

• Advocates of the prewrath rapture view argue that while believers will experience persecution and tribulation during the end times, they will be delivered by Christ before the culmination of God's wrath upon the earth. They assert that the church will undergo a period of intense tribulation, including events described in the book of Revelation, such as the seals and the trumpets. However, they contend that the wrath of God, often associated with the bowl judgments, is reserved for the latter part of the tribulation.
• Key biblical passages are examined to support the prewrath rapture view. For instance, proponents often point to Matthew 24, where Jesus provides insights about the end times. They argue that the signs and events described by Jesus indicate a progression of tribulation leading up to His second coming. They identify the midpoint of the tribulation, marked by the "abomination of desolation" mentioned in Daniel's prophecy, as a crucial dividing point before the rapture occurs.
• Furthermore, advocates of the prewrath rapture view emphasize the importance of the book of Revelation in understanding the timing of the rapture. They analyze the sequence of events outlined in Revelation, proposing that the rapture takes place after the opening of the sixth seal but before the outpouring of the bowl judgments. This positioning allows for the church to experience tribulation while preserving them from God's final wrath.
• The prewrath rapture view seeks to reconcile the scriptural emphasis on believers enduring persecution and tribulation with the hope of their ultimate deliverance by Christ. It acknowledges the challenges faced by the church but emphasizes the assurance of Christ's intervention and rescue prior to the final judgment. This perspective offers a middle ground between the pretribulation and posttribulation views, acknowledging the presence of tribulation while maintaining the distinct timing of the rapture event.
• Critics of the prewrath rapture view raise objections based on alternative interpretations of biblical passages and theological frameworks. Some argue that the distinction between tribulation and wrath is not clearly delineated in Scripture, while others contend that the prewrath rapture view does not sufficiently account for the unity of the church throughout the entire period of tribulation.
• In summary, the prewrath rapture view asserts that believers will face tribulation but will be delivered by Christ before the final outpouring of God's wrath. It seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of the events leading up to the rapture, drawing from biblical passages and prophetic timelines to support its position.

Post-Trib

The posttribulation rapture view, presented by Douglas J. Moo, proposes that the rapture and the second coming of Christ are not two separate events, but will occur simultaneously at the end of the tribulation period. This perspective suggests that believers will experience the full extent of the tribulation but will be gathered to meet Christ upon His glorious return.

• Advocates of the posttribulation rapture view emphasize the unity of the church throughout the tribulation period. They argue that the New Testament consistently presents the church as enduring persecution and tribulation, sharing in the sufferings of Christ. They point to passages such as Matthew 24:29-31, where Jesus describes His coming immediately after the tribulation, and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, which speaks of the Lord's descent with the voice of an archangel and the gathering of believers.
• Proponents of this view also highlight the consistent pattern seen throughout Scripture, where God's people are often tested and refined through trials before experiencing deliverance. They contend that the tribulation period serves as a refining process for believers, preparing them for the glorious return of Christ and their ultimate glorification.
• In support of the posttribulation rapture view, advocates analyze biblical passages, particularly those associated with the second coming of Christ and the resurrection of the righteous. They often draw from the teachings of Jesus in passages such as Matthew 24 and Luke 17, where the gathering of the elect is mentioned in connection with the visible and universally recognizable return of Christ.
• Additionally, proponents of the posttribulation rapture view argue that this perspective aligns with the overall narrative of redemption found in Scripture. They emphasize the continuity between Old Testament prophecies regarding the day of the Lord and the New Testament descriptions of Christ's second coming, suggesting that the events described are part of a unified redemptive plan.
• Critics of the posttribulation rapture view raise objections based on alternative interpretations of biblical passages and the distinction between the church and Israel. They argue that the posttribulation rapture view does not account for the imminency and surprise associated with the rapture event, as believers would be aware of the timing of Christ's return during the tribulation. Others contend that the church is distinct from Israel and, therefore, should be exempt from the judgment poured out during the tribulation.
• In summary, the posttribulation rapture view posits that believers will go through the tribulation period but will be gathered to meet Christ at His second coming. It emphasizes the unity of the church in enduring tribulation, viewing it as a necessary part of the preparation for Christ's return and the ultimate redemption of believers. This perspective offers a different understanding of the timing and purpose of the rapture, highlighting the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout history.

The Takeaway

"Three Views on the Rapture" provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the different positions on this contentious topic. It invites readers to explore the biblical evidence, theological reasoning, and historical context behind each view, empowering them to form their own informed conclusions. Whether one is a seasoned theologian or a curious believer seeking clarity, this book offers valuable insights and encourages a deeper engagement with the complex subject of the rapture.

• All Christians agree that Jesus is coming back. The Bible teaches us to live in hopeful anticipation of that event, regardless of its timing.
• Christians generally will be subject to tribulation in this life at times. We should be prepared for when it comes. Regarding the Great Tribulation, we might hope we don't have to go through it. But we might also realize the prudence of being ready to go through it, in case our perspective turns out to be wrong.
• Because this is not a foundational issue that defines the historic Christian faith, we should hold our own views with conviction, but not allow them to separate us from brothers and sisters in Christ with different views. Let's be charitable to each other, as the authors of this book have modeled in their debate.