Expert: Rev. Stuart Woodward - 12/21/2007

Question
Hi,

I'm confused over if the Rapture will occur before, in the middle or at the end of the Tribulation. I've heard all 3 points of view. However, I'm not convinced that Christians can know for sure when the Rapture will occur. Do you have any Bible versus that can clearly point to when the Rapture will occur?

Answer
Hello Brison,
Thank you for your question. The short answer to your question is no. You are right in concluding that Christians differ over the timing of the rapture. I have heard pre-trib, post-trib and even mid-trib argued by people who appear very certain but I have yet to be convinced. There are also those who do not believe in the rapture at all but believe the whisking away of the believers is simply an early aspect of the second coming, the rest happening within moments. Jesus' words in Matt 24:40-41 although most easily understood in the context of the rapture could be interpretted in many ways. Some have suggested, for example, that those who are taken are taken to judgement. I disagree with this as we know from 1Thessalonians that the dead in Christ will be raised first and those who are His and alive will follow straight after. (1 Thess 4:1-17). This passage does not in itself mention the rapture. Again we often interpret it in that context but Paul does not refer to it directly here at all. All this leaves us with the book of Revelation which is wonderful but a minefield when it comes to precise understanding. The only mention of tribulation is in Rev 7:14 and the passage could mean the multitude are those who have come through the great tribulation (the most obvious read) of have come out of it before or during its occurrence. The word 'rapture' is not in the scriptures at all in this context.
My own view as a Baptist from England is that with regard to the second coming I have no doubt for the scriptures are clear. With regard to the rapture I believe that there will be one is the most likely interpretation of scripture. When it will happen I cannot work out from scripture and so just keep looking for His appearing.
These matters are of importance in seeking to understand the word but thankfully, in this country are not issues that fundamentally divide believers in matters of fellowship and mission.
I hope my comments are of some help. I do think we all need to learn to admit that somtimes 'we are not sure'.
May God bless you
Stuart Woodward