Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 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
Hi Brison,

Thanks for this great question.  This is a hotly debated subject among theologians.  There are good men who differ on this issue.  I believe that if you take the Bible literally ( or normally, without spiritualizing unfulfilled prophecies) then you will end up believing that the rapture will occur before Daniel's 70th week (the tribulation).

We are told that the events that will unfold during the tribulation are called the day of Christ's Wrath.

Revelation 6:16-17
16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

We are also told that we are not appointed to that wrath.

1 Thessalonians 5:9
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

Therefore the rapture must happen before the events of Revelation 6 which would place the rapture as the very next event to occur in prophetic fulfillment.

I hope that this helps you.

In Christ
Pastor Don