Why I do not believe in a Pre-tribulation Rapture:

Why I do NOT believe in a Pre-tribulation Rapture:

One, my first reason against a pre-tribulation rapture is a common sense type argument. If we favor a mid-tribulation rapture or post-tribulation rapture, then we must be ready for anything and everything and in relationship with God. It is easy to think that we get to avoid any trials and tribulation with a pre-tribulation rapture belief—we get to miss all the real serious stuff—“want to be on the first boat out”. With a mid-tribulation or post-tribulation belief, then one must be ready. If a pre-tribulation believer is wrong, then they are caught unprepared for the tribulation and may lose faith. If a post-tribulation rapture believer is wrong, then they miss out on the bad stuff. I would rather be ready and miss it then not be ready and have to go through it.

Two, an overall view of Matthew 24 in relation to the “rapture passages” (“one will be taken, one will be left”) seems to trump any Thessalonians or Revelation passage for a number of reasons. “As in the days of Noah…” is a quote that Jesus uses. If we look at the story of Noah closely, we do not see an avoidance of trial and tribulation. Noah preached for 100 years and only was able to get his family (a remnant) saved, but they still had to endure persecution, criticism, and endure the Flood (tribulation) and get through to the other side (like the Millenium under God). It makes no sense for Jesus to give His followers all the explanations and warnings (in Matthew 24 and other places) when He could have just told them not to worry because none of them will have to go through it.

Three, Zion, ZION, Z-I-O-N….since I come from a tradition that believes not only in a Jerusalem in Israel as important for the last days, but also my tradition believes in a New Jerusalem in the U.S. (Independence, MO) as important to the end-times. Zion, as a Holy City dominated by Christ, is really almost an “anti-thesis” to the Rapture (when referencing Pre-tribulation Rapture, I will just use the term “Rapture”). Zion means that we are active participants in the plans of God while the Rapture would have us as spectators in this Last Great Battle as we are “caught up to Heaven” and the clouds and wait for the Second Coming of Christ. Rapture says God does it all while we watch; Zion says that God works with us to establish His dwelling-place(s) or tabernacles on earth. If the Book of Acts is a model for us as His church then it is in partnership with God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. If the beginning of the Church is a partnership, then surely the Church as Bride of the Lamb (End-times Church) must also be in the pattern of partnership—ZION! In my opinion, the story of Noah fits for Zion or New Jerusalem better than it does for Rapture.

Four, the timing of the Rapture theory with a vision by a young Scottish girl named Margaret McDonald and the propagation of this theory with Darby, Scofield (Study Bible) and others in relation to the timing of Book of Mormon which discusses New Jerusalem in the America’s or Promised Land. Both happened in 1830. They both cannot be prophetic because they are almost exact opposites. I readily admit that I am a Book of Mormon believer, but I am also a Bible believer (though I favor the Inspired Version Bible done by Joseph Smith, Jr.) In the 1830’s being a prophet was revolutionary and dangerous and hazardous considering the persecutions that Joseph Smith, Jr. endured. This concept of a prophet in leadership or a prophetic leader is not so revolutionary now (John Wimber, Mike Bickle, Rick Joyner, Bill Johnson, John & Carol Arnott, Heidi & Rolland Baker, and many more) Was JS, Jr. perfect? No. What prophet in the Bible is perfect other than Christ? (Moses, David, and Saul were all murderers or accomplices to murder.) Not one. Joseph Smith, Jr. did not waver and neither did the 11 witnesses to the Book of Mormon (Gold Plates). I do not know all that much about Margaret McDonald, but I know the Rapture theory plays into the desire of the Western Church to have security and safety over dealing with the calling of God to establish the Kingdom of God on earth.

Five,