“There are a lot of people coming against the pre-Trib Rapture,” a friend I was on the phone
with said.
I asked him to name names, and he said, “Guys like Joel Richardson and Walid Shoebat.”
These and many others, my friend said, are saying things like those of us who believe in and
teach a pre-Trib Rapture are heretics. And some are saying worse, like we’re leading people to
Hell with our false teaching.
I, of course—as reported in these commentaries—have heard those invectives and worse
against those of us who believe in and teach the pre-Trib Rapture of the Church. However, I’ve
met both Joel Richardson and Walid Shoebat. Mr. Richardson never came across as a man who
would make such strong condemnation. And I haven’t heard much about Mr. Shoebat, an
admitted former Mideast terrorist who is now a Christian, since we met at a prophecy
conference some years ago. He was passionate, to be sure, and I knew he didn’t believe there
will be a pre-Trib Rapture, but I never heard from him any such diatribe accusing us of being
heretics, as my friend said he and others were declaring.
So I did some research to see, in particular, what Joel Richardson (not his real name for his own
reasons, I’ve heard) was saying.
I could find no written documents of significance by Joel on the subject, so listened to his in-
depth discussion with a podcast host as they dealt specifically with Joel’s opposition to the pre-
Trib Rapture of the Church.
I totally disagreed with all of his reasons the pre-Trib view is unbiblical. I found them so weak as
to wonder why anyone should even worry about his view making inroads against the truth
regarding the timing of the Rapture.
I did agree with him on one thing, though. The pre-Trib view is diminishing amongst believers.
But it is not, in my view, Richardson and others providing anti-pre-Trib Rapture teaching that is
causing the diminishment. Rather, it’s a part of the end-times falling away from the faith in
general that is caused in part by the lack of biblical prophetic truth being preached and taught
in churches.
That said, however, when I met Joel Richardson, I found him to be a gentleman and a gentle
man, as Paul Harvey used to say about those he found to be so. And, upon listening closely to
him and the podcast host who was of the same anti-pre-Trib Rapture mindset, I heard the same
gentleness in his presentation.
As a matter of fact, he lamented that some within the pre-Trib prophecy preacher camp had
called him a heretic and much worse. Someone who had hosted, or cohosted, a seven
thousand-attendee prophecy conference had said these things about him.
Mr. Richardson said when he confronted the Christian brother, the conference host admitted
he was wrong, but had just “needed a scapegoat” to make his point while speaking at the
gathering.
I don’t know of any prophecy conference of that size, or what the man meant by “needing a
scapegoat” in this case, but I believe Joel Richardson to be a brother in Christ in every respect,
and one who tells the truth as he understands it. (It’s just that, after listening to him and the
host of the podcast, neither understands the truth in the matter of when Christ will call the
Church to Himself.)
Another anti-pre-Trib Rapture Bible-prophecy proponent I find to be otherwise quite accurate
on the way things are trending toward the Tribulation is Michael Snyder. He is excellent at
gathering information and reporting news of developments in the Ephesians 6:12 minions’
attempts to bring in Antichrist’s regime of control.
He wrote a book with the title The Rapture Verdict, in which he attempted to tear apart
evidence from God’s Word for the pre-Trib Rapture. His “verdict,” of course, was that he had
managed to prove there will be no pre-Trib Rapture.
Neither Mr. Richardson nor Mr. Snyder denies there will be a Rapture. But they lump Israel and
the Church together, so to speak. Their verdict is that both Israel and believers who comprise
the Church will go through the Tribulation. Mr. Richardson, at least—I can’t remember the
position of Mr. Snyder—denies that God deals with people in dispensations. They both put
forth that the Rapture will take place within the Tribulation, as I understand. Their belief is
based upon the “last trump of Revelation,” to a large extent.
Mr. Richardson, as I heard him in the interview—and the host agreed wholeheartedly—said the
best we pre-Trib Rapturists could come up with was Revelation 3:10. He admitted it did seem to
indicate believers will escape God’s wrath. However, he said that Scripture didn’t mean we will
not go through the seven years of Tribulation, but that we will be kept “through” that time,
which will be, according to the Lord Jesus, the worst in all of human history.
To me, Mr. Snyder and Mr. Richardson’s “Rapture verdict” is overthrown–overturned—in one
simple word in the following promise from our God:
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of
temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
(Revelation 3:10)
As I understand, Joel Richardson believes the word “wrath” means in the eternal sense, not in
the sense of the physical—i.e., we won’t suffer the eternal wrath reserved for the lost, but must
be here for the physical punishment phase.
But even more confusing is the that he said, if I heard him correctly, that this Scripture says we
will be kept “through” this period of horror during which God judges and makes war on
unbelievers and on Satan and his angelic hordes. I find this to make little sense, as millions of
new believers will die during that era.
But one word totally overturns the Rapture verdict of the anti-pre-Trib argument, in my view.
That term is the simple little word “from.”
It is the Greek word ek, which means “out of,” not “through.” We will be kept “out of” that
hour that will come upon the whole world of rebels during the Tribulation.
Of course, there is an overwhelmingly extensive body of evidence that could be brought into
play that proves the pre-Trib Rapture is truth. And that evidence has been presented over and
over, beginning with the great Apostle Paul’s words that we should “take comfort.”
No “comfort” can come from knowing you are going through the worst time of all human
history. Here are Paul’s words of comfort:
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the
archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we
which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet
the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one
another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:16–18)
Terry James Prophecy Line 
👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
Sent from my iPad
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As someone once said, Jesus is not a wife beater.
End of story.
Personally, I do not know whether pre-trib or any other scenario is right. I m not a Biblical scholar, so cannot put together the salient verses, nor work out whose version of the rapture is right. However, I am certain that whichever stance one takes, it should not affect a believer’s eternal destination. When in doubt about any teaching, I come back to the central Truth of Jesus and |Him crucified and that He is the Way, the Truth and the life and no-one comes to the Father except through Him. And I try to be prepared and be aware of the signs of the times.
I believe in the pre-trib rapture. However ,when we believe the rapture will take place has nothing to do with our salvation. What we do with our Lord’s gracious invitation to receive Him as Savior and Lord will determine our eternal home. We should not lose sight of our job, which is to go and tell, spread The Good News and work while there is still light
Terry, all my nearly 86 years, I was taught and have believed in the pre-trib rapture. And I have also seen many wars and rumors of wars, starting with WWII. I have lost many loved ones. I am pretty much alone now except for a lady I pay to come help me now and then. And I have recently been experiencing some nasty health issues. I have no “church” and few real friends. My children are either far away, or very busy working, etc.
How long, Lord? How much longer?
Judy M.
I have believied in the pre-tribulation rapture since I became saved 48 years ago, at age 14. I think that if we were to go through the tribulation, then the deceased saints would have to be raised up so that they too could go through it.
Spot on.
What a great point.
Excellent Janie!…..He’s coming soon for His bride!
Thank you, Brother Terry, for calling attention to this anti-pre-rapture teaching.
We’ve probably all heard God referred to by unbelievers as our ‘santa claus in the sky’ and other equally disrespectful terms. There are so many misrepresentations of God and Christianity being taught that it’s no wonder how difficult it can be to encourage the lost to the path to God. Although it’s not a salvation issue to those who are already saved, it’s a deceitful trick. However well-meaning and sincere some preachers may be, God had strict instructions to those who preach the gospel because teachings that cause non-believers to reject Christianity or to never hear the way to salvation are not from God.
I thank God for you, and all our Sisters and Brothers in Christ who deliver His words to us.
I’m so sorry! I meant anti-pre-wrath! That’s what happens when I try to think before I’ve had my coffee. Truthfully, it happens a lot.
Terry,
You are correct….That little Greek word “EK” does mean “from”, but if you look at these Old Testament passages, the t are all speaking of the “DAY OF THE LORD” SPOKEN OF AFTER THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION BY THE APOSTLE PAUL IN 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 and Jesus in Mathew 24:29. This is when we will be gathered to be with the Lord…Thessalonians 2:1, JUST PRIOR TO GOD’s WRATH BEING POURED OUT…
He will rescue us FROM HIS WRATH AT THIS TIME.
SCRIPTURES VERSES BELOW:
Jer.46
[10] For this is the day of the Lord GOD of hosts, a day of vengeance, that he may avenge him of his adversaries: and the sword shall devour, and it shall be satiate and made drunk with their blood: for the Lord GOD of hosts hath a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrate…
https://bible.org/article/basic-introduction-day-lord-old-testament-writing-prophets
29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
[29] Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
[30] And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
JOEL 3 Notice verse 15…Same as Mathew 24:29 and Jeremiah 46….
Yes, it all hinges on when the Day of the Lord is. Jesus said the great tribulation is after the abomination of desolation. I don’t know for certain when it is, but it will become apparent. It could be that we are only spared from part of the 7 years.
In science, the theory that best explains the observations and facts is generally the one that is right. The Pre-Trib Rapture scenario does exactly that, as has been exhaustively presented by many, which naturally includes our good friend and faithful watchman, Terry James, over 2000 years.
The best we can do is to continue to present those facts and then let people decide for themselves. Jesus did exactly this when revealing the truth about himself. He did not coerce anyone to believe in him, respecting a person’s free will, though he easily could have.
Why would God send the two witnesses if Christians weren’t raptured..seems Christians would be witnessing themselves if they were still here..
Could someone please explain to me why, at the Rapture, the dead should rise. Why do the dead need their bodies, if in spirit, they are already with the Lord?
Perhaps they need them to be able to physically interact in “our reality” so they can help in the future administration of Jesus’ Millennial government.
Could be. It’s always bothered me if the Rapture is separate and pre-Trib.
I believe that the Rapture is indeed Pre-Trib.
As far as the dead getting physical bodies at that time, I this is proven by Jesus who was physically resurrected and then ascended to heaven. We also have kind of a “Rapture Preview” in Matthew 27:50-54. Note that the bodies of the saints came out of the graves. I think this will also happen at the upcoming Rapture, right before those who are still living are changed and taken.
I appreciate your reply.
My point of interest relates to why the resurrection of the body at the Rapture? If deceased believers are already “Absent from the body, and present with the Lord,” 2 Cor, 5:8, why do they need their bodies?
I think in the 2 Corinthians you mentioned, Paul was referring to what happens to a believer immediately after death which applies to our present Pre-Rapture time. He does, in fact, show us that at the Rapture, this becomes totally different, as we see here:
1 Corinthians: {15:51} Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, {15:52} In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. {15:53} For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality. {15:54} So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
Hope this information is a help!
Thank you Ed, and yes, it is a help.
I think some (maybe I mean me !) perhaps dig too deeply and get bogged down with queries and matters unrelated to salvation, and the overall message. There have been few debates more divisive than the Rapture, ranging from ‘maybe’ to ‘if’ & when. Those discussions lead us into divisions, which isn’t helpful when trying to present the Gospel truth to unbelievers.
Thank you & blessings.
J.
You are welcome, J.
It is true that the Rapture itself can be divisive, but there are plenty of other things even more so – just look at how splintered the church has become over the centuries, even to the point where most of what passes for the “church” today has degenerated into apostasy.
So, I don’t think you “dug in” too deeply on this topic at all. I have enjoyed the exchange and it gave me a chance to look into a subject I hadn’t thought much about before and a very interesting one at that.
There is a lot to be gained by asking questions – it helps us all grow and mature in our faith.
God bless.
Ed
All believers will have a real body, just like Jesus had; not a spiritual one…We will all be ruling and reigning with Christ in the Mil. kingdom, in our immortal eternal bodies.
Yes, I think that is correct!
👍
I was pre-trib for many years. Then over the years I leaned over to the Post Trib simply I think because my Brothers and Sisters in the Lord that I highly respect as far as their knowledge of Gods Word goes compared to mine, which lacks much, I just kind of followed them in that way of thinking.
But as I near 66 years of age on the 28th of this Month (Sept) over the last year I struggled with wanting my OWN conviction that was solid and not because of what OTHERS led me to believe.
With Prayer to Father God about it I asked Him to help me stand on my OWN belief and I believe HE has. I am now back with the Pre-Trib thought and am holding to that.
My older friends were shocked to hear I went ‘back’ to Pre-Trib thought.
They said how can those of us that believe in Pre-Trib think we are any better than all the other Saints that have gone on before us and ‘died’ serving the Lord. Why should WE be exempt?
They say that as believers in Pre-Trib that is like a slap on the Faces of the Many that walked the Road before us and were martyered and slain for the Name of Jesus.
I believe God gave me a Type and Shadow picture. He showed me the Parable of the Vineyard Owner and how throughout the day he hired workers to work in his vineyard. Morning hirelings, Afternoon Hirelings and Evening Hirelings.
He showed me that the Morning hirelings were those that came before us before Jesus was born.
They worked in the Name of Adonai and yes many died.
And then there is the Afternoon Hirelings . These are those that came After Jesus was born and walked with Him and yes they died also. Not all but many.
Then he showed me the Evening hirelings are us. In these last Days we are the ones that are getting the SAME Denarius payment.
The Morning hirelings were angry that the others after them got paid but they DIDN’T put in the labor that they did.
The point of the story God showed me was that while many ahead of us put the majority of the Labor in for Him that those in the END didn’t work near as long and they got paid the SAME Wage He promised them but they didn’t have to put as much labor in. But they got the SAME reward.
Gods favor and mercy is bestowed on whoever He chooses to give it to.
If he had those that worked harder and lost their lives for their work, they will get many Crowns however there are those of us that will still get crowns and I am willing to honor those that get many Crowns versus myself maybe not as many if at all.
Anyhow, that is what He showed me.
That’s very interesting, Kathy. After some time thinking about your post, I’m still not clear, since those of us living through this time in history, after the resurrection of Jesus and before the rapture, are His bride. We are special, because we are the only people in all of history who will be raptured to Heaven without dying, (those of us still alive at that point…) because we believe in Him, without seeing Him, or His many miracles He performed that showed He was their Savior. Just think of all the miracles He performed to show Himself. Manna from Heaven! Living through three days in a whale’s belly! So many. We don’t see those types of miracles today. We believe only because of our faith and that faith is why we will be rewarded by God sparing us from the tribulation.
John 20;29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” NIV
Before His resurrection, everyone still lived under the law. But His death provided a way for us, His bride, the Church, to attain Heaven without having to live under the law, and only believe in Him and that He died for us, for our salvation.
Since we’re His bride, why would He put us through that terrible time of punishment of His wrath? The purpose of His wrath is to punish a wicked, unbelieving world. Why would He leave His holy bride here to be punished? We are already holy, and perfect in His sight. He sees us as clothed in spotless white, waiting for our wedding.
It’s not a salvation issue, but I pray that those who believe in a post-wrath rapture can understand our extreme specialness to God, and know that He promised to save us, His bride, from the punishment to come, because it’s such a beautiful knowledge to have, and to hold onto in these end times trials.
1) The Imperishable Crown – (1 Corinthians 9:24-25) “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate [disciplined] in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown” (NKJV). All things on this earth are subject to decay and will perish. Jesus urges us to not store our treasures on earth “where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19). This is analogous to what Paul was saying about that wreath of leaves that was soon to turn brittle and fall apart. But not so the heavenly crown; faithful endurance wins a heavenly reward which is “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4).
2) The Crown of Rejoicing – (1 Thessalonians 2:19) “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?” The apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4 to “rejoice always in the Lord” for all the bountiful blessings our gracious God has showered upon us. As Christians we have more in this life to rejoice about than anyone else. Luke tells us there is rejoicing even now in heaven (Luke 15:7). The crown of rejoicing will be our reward where “God will wipe away every tear . . . there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
3) The Crown of Righteousness – (2 Timothy 4:8) “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” We inherit this crown through the righteousness of Christ which is what gives us a right to it, and without which it cannot be obtained. Because it is obtained and possessed in a righteous way, and not by force and deceit as earthly crowns sometimes are, it is an everlasting crown, promised to all who love the Lord and eagerly wait for His return. Through our enduring discouragements, persecutions, sufferings, or even death, we know assuredly our reward is with Christ in eternity (Philippians 3:20). This crown is not for those who depend upon their own sense of righteousness or of their own works. Such an attitude breeds only arrogance and pride, not a longing, a fervent desire to be with the Lord.
4) The Crown of Glory – (1 Peter 5:4) “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” Though Peter is addressing the elders, we must also remember that the crown will be awarded to all those who long for or love His appearing. This word “glory” is an interesting word referring to the very nature of God and His actions. It entails His great splendor and brightness. Recall Stephen who, while being stoned to death, was able to look into the heavens and see the glory of God (Acts 7:55-56). This word also means that the praise and honor we bestow to God alone is due Him because of who He is (Isaiah 42:8, 48:11; Galatians 1:5). It also recognizes that believers are incredibly blessed to enter into the kingdom, into the very likeness of Christ Himself. For as Paul so eloquently put it, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18 NKJV).
5) The Crown of Life – (Revelation 2:10) “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” This crown is for all believers, but is especially dear to those who endure sufferings, who bravely confront persecution for Jesus, even to the point of death. In Scripture the word “life” is often used to show a relationship that is right with God. It was Jesus who said, “I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Just as things such as air, food, and water are vital for our physical lives, Jesus provides us what is required for our spiritual lives. He is the One who provides “living water.” He is the “bread of life” (John 4:10, 6:35). We know that our earthly lives will end. But we have the amazing promise that comes only to those who come to God through Jesus: “And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life” (1 John 2:25).
James tells us that this crown of life is for all those who love God (James 1:12). The question then is how do we demonstrate our love for God? The apostle John answers this for us: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). As His children we must keep His commandments, obeying Him, always remaining faithful. So, as we endure the inevitable trials, pains, heartaches, and tribulations—as long as we live—may we ever move forward, always “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2) and receive the crown of life that awaits us.