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Pre- or Post-Tribulation Rapture?

Pre- or Post-Tribulation Rapture?

I’m an ex-Catholic. I came to the saving knowledge of truth when I started studying Bible prophecy… I came across your channel only recently and started watching your videos, and the way you explain design law really makes sense and helped me understand this God of love and helped bridge the gap between OT and NT. That is why it’s all the more confusing to understand this post-tribulation rapture doctrine. …If our God is the God of love, then why would his bride go through all the pain and suffering reserved for the lost world? I appreciate the good work you guys are doing.

Thank you. Kevin from India

Thank you for your question, Kevin!

Whenever I answer such questions, I want to be practical first and foremost. This is why you won’t find many topics like this one on our website; they are hypothetical — what might happen in the future. In other words, such discussions have very little practical application.

And because there is no way to prove a future event, discussions about topics like this one often lead to unnecessary arguments and, most important, they rarely lead to unity in Christ. The various interpretations are usually made based on underlying beliefs and assumptions — starting date for various prophesies, method for interpreting biblical prophetic time, mortality or immortality of the soul, what sin is and how the plan of salvation works, the character of God and His methods, etc .— and those assumptions rarely get discussed, even though they impact each person’s interpretation.

Additionally, because the rapture is a future event, what difference does it make on our salvation to believe in either a pre- or post-tribulation rapture? What difference does it make regarding our need for Jesus as our Savior? What difference does it make as to whether we are reborn and develop a Christlike character or not? In other words, doesn’t a person need to be reborn and saved from sin regardless of their particular belief about the rapture? And can’t a person be reborn and saved from sin and still believe in either of these two options?

So, I see little practical usefulness in focusing our attention on such questions when it comes to day-to-day Christian living.

Benefits and Perils

That said, there is a potential benefit to the post-tribulation view, but only for those who are alive when the event unfolds. If believing in a pre-tribulation rapture has caused some to expect it to such a degree that if the reality is a post-tribulation appearing of Christ, then there is the risk that they may be mentally, emotionally, and spiritually unprepared to endure the trials. The belief that they won’t be here for the tribulation could set them up for discouragement, disillusionment, disappointment, and possibly believing they weren’t right with God, or else they wouldn’t have been “left behind.” So, it is possible the pre-tribulation rapture belief could contribute to some abandoning the faith if the reality turns out to be a post-tribulation rapture.

Conversely, what is the downside to believing in a post-tribulation rapture? If it turns out that the saved are spirited away to heaven without going through the tribulation, do you think those saved will be disappointed and lose their faith, or will they be celebrating God’s delivery?

Thus, one potential benefit of the post-tribulation rapture is the possibility of better mental, emotional, and spiritual preparation, along with a decreased risk of disappointment if one’s expectations are not realized.

But regardless of whether the “great tribulation,” which encompasses the entire world, occurs before or after the rapture, many individuals do and will experience their personal tribulation because of their faith:

  • Christians were burned at the stake during the Dark Ages
  • Rwanda Genocide in the 1990s[1]
  • Christians were beheaded in 2015 by Islamic Extremists[2]
  • Christian are persecuted in India, Sri Lanka, North Korea, and Nigeria[3]

Because of this, I find it best to focus on preparing hearts and minds to live in unity with Christ in the face of tribulation and, thus, choose to believe in the post-tribulation rapture.

However, I also let people believe whatever they want on this issue and don’t get into controversy over it, because it will become self-evident when Christ does take the righteous from the earth. Therefore, our ministry puts nearly all our focus on preparing people to meet Christ and stand firm in righteousness in the face of trials, whenever in human history they occur.


[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rwandan_genocide

[2] https://cruxnow.com/global-church/2018/05/16/coptic-christians-beheaded-in-libya-returned-to-egypt-for-burial/

[3] https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/

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Testimony 70

I have been watching you for many years and have learned to love God with all my heart. I was raised by a loving Christian mother that had been lied to about who God really was, so our religious upbringing was hell fire and damnation. As soon as I was old enough and moved out, I not only left the church, I ran as fast as I could to get away from it. Sad to say, it wasn’t until the past couple of years that I learned and understand who my Father really is and how much He loves me. I understand God’s Design Laws (which make sense) and when I’m teaching my church Bible study class, I’m able to really put to use the things I’ve been learning and Holy Spirit is leading. Thank you for introducing me to my Father of true, pure love. Everyday with Him is new and exciting. One thing that breaks my heart is that I didn’t know Him sooner. God Bless you and your ministry!

Judy Phelps, Reno, NV, USA

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 39

[This ministry is the] biggest blessing I have ever received! Your DVDs and lessons could not have come at a better time in my life. I have experienced in the past year many difficulties that, if it wasn’t for this wonderful view of God that I have discovered through this ministry, I would not have been able to respond in love and forgiveness. My heart is being transformed everyday by the Calvary-looking God you teach. Hallelujah!! I have tears in my eyes as I write, because my life has taken a complete turn from where I was heading.

I am from Central America. Most of my family is scattered in different parts of the world and all have the same view of God that I had growing up; a distant, exacting, and ready-to-punish-us-with-tragedy type of God. So, I have been translating lessons for my family and, to my surprise, they have also been sharing them with others! I can already see the difference. My brother has often said, “Thank you for sharing, I have never heard it this way!” My other family members are taking an amazing turn from a message of “repent or burn” towards a loving God, pleading to us that we won’t reject him because he loves us eternally.

Bless you for all you do.

Sofia S., Ashfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 7

Ok, so last night I listened to “The Law of Liberty” and “How to Achieve Victory: Freedom, Truth and Spirtual Warfare.” These are both MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITES so far! The logic is just soooooo beautiful. I had to re-listen to them a couple of times. I just want to EXPLODE! (<< we assume with joy and happiness)

N. B., Canada

 

Testimony 47

I can’t even begin to thank you and your ministry enough for introducing me to the Truth about a loving and merciful God! I have my daughter and her in-laws to thank for sharing with me “The God-Shaped Brain” as well as your website. I listen to the Bible study class lessons on my daily walk. May God continue to bless your thirst-quenching ministry!

Liz H., Port Angeles, WA, USA

 

 

Testimony 20

I just wanted to personally thank you for your teachings and insight into scripture. I came across your website via my cousin who suggested I look into “Healing the Mind” information. My youngest daughter has been struggling over the last couple of years and it all came to a head this spring. When I started listening to the “Healing the Mind” lectures my own life began to be transformed. I began sharing with all my daughters the concepts you laid out so clearly. I ordered your book and soaked it up. I just want to say “Thank You!” My walk with the Lord has been refreshed and renewed. Your obedience to the Lord is a blessing to so many.

R. K., Anderson, SC, USA

 

Testimony 30

God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

Kessy B., Australia

 

Testimony 53

I was so blessed by a friend who gave me your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” while I was sitting in church asking God to please help me learn more about Him and help me not to be so confused and scared. That was about 2 years ago. Your books have helped me to love God even more. I’m not confused or scared anymore! I have listened to all of your bible study classes and feel like I know the wonderful people that attend every week. Thank you for all that you’re doing in spreading the true message about God and His law of love. God bless you and your whole class.

Elssy P., Modesto, CA, USA

 

Testimony 27

Your teachings about our heavenly Father have changed my life. Thank you sooooooo very very much! I know He’s doing some serious healing in my heart and life and I look forward to each new day to learn something new about Him and to just hear you speak about Him. Thank you, forever.

Nancy S.

 

Testimony 61

I grew up in a prominent protestant church and had what I like to call religious anxiety. I’ve always had questions about God and Salvation that no one could seem to answer.  I didn’t know how to find resolution. During 2020, at the height of my anxiety, I fell to my knees and begged God to show me truth and light and to give me the hope that I’ve been longing for. Days later, I stumbled upon your online videos and it was like a veil was lifted and EVERYTHING made sense! For the first time in my almost 39 years of life, my religious/spiritual anxiety has lessened. I feel a sense of freedom and peace I’ve NEVER had before… and it’s all because my view of God has changed. Thank you!

Ashleighn C.

 

Testimony 69

After reading your book, ‘Could It Be This Simple,’ someone was explaining Christianity in a way that made sense to me for the first time in my life. One morning, I simply prayed “I’m sorry and I love you.” As soon as I silently said that, I could literally feel God’s presence and light flood down on me from above and fill me up with love and joy. I sat there crying my eyes out, because I was so overpowered with this feeling of love and joy. It was just so incredible. I hope that more people can read this book and get a blessing from it. It’s really amazing.

Rachael H.

Testimony 45

I have been confused for years about what [christianity] calls [its] most disgusting teaching. It has never made much sense to me and for that reason has been evermore empty. I have listened to your class off and on and have struggled determining what is truth, because of the resistance design law encounters in the church. So, I thank God for your ministry. What you teach makes sense. It’s logical and backed up by the power of love. I have never seen that in Christ until now. I am astounded by the insight that is found when we look at God’s ministry through design law. All strength to this message, as I believe it to be the power of God.

Brendon S.

 

Testimony 56

I cannot thank you enough for opening my understanding to the beautiful truth of God’s Law of Love and how it applies to everything. I have been a Christian for over forty years, but I feel like I am only now seeing with my eyes open. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Tammy Cinzio, Australia

 

Testimony 64

I’ve been reading the bible and walking with Jesus since I was around 16. I’m 42 now. I’ve mostly been alone in my walk although I went to several churches in different denominations. For the past 3 years God has been showing me His character of agape. It’s been a blessing and changed how I view God and my walk with Jesus. About a year ago I came across the power of love and the principles of design law. These teachings changed how I read scripture and have been such a beautiful blessing. I’m very excited and grateful for these truths. We share these truths of agape, design law and the reality of the principles of the two trees in the garden of Eden with people on Facebook and YouTube. People all over are learning to trust God and His agape design law which makes life possible. Thank you for everything you shared with me. May God continue to bless your ministry and lives.

Bradley M., Hinsdale, NY, USA

 

Testimony 3

My husband is a pastor and I listen to your lesson almost every week. Thank you for helping me in my study life and to help me love the “real” God more.

C. F., NC, USA