Bible Proof The Rapture Theory Is False

Many people state that The Pre-trib Rapture is a valid teaching, but few have the courage to honestly examine any evidence to the contrary presented to them. Are you one of the brave ones?

The pre-trib rapture is false teaching.

 

By Paul Benson

The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. Proverbs 14:15

Solid Proof The Pre-Trib Rapture Theory is False

I am not someone who likes to beat around the bush all day. Why waste the time? If there is a bird in that bush, reach in there and nab that rascal! As a researcher and a writer I prefer means and methods which get right at the heart of a matter. And I have a couple of questions I like to present to those who promote the pre-trib rapture theory which do exactly that. I find these two questions thought provoking and enlightening, but amazingly I have had great trouble finding a rapture theorist who will address these two questions in an honest and strait-forward manner.

I am either given as answers ‘straw-man’ arguments, which have nothing to do with my questions, or a sad rerun of ‘Discredit the message by discrediting the messenger’ (if I can find fault with you I can justify ignoring what you have to say). I can show where all my beliefs about the Return of Christ are plainly and clearly stated in the Bible. The rapture theorist (since it is an ‘implicit’ doctrine) cannot do so, and this lack of biblical support often becomes a great frustration to them. Let me pose these two questions to you, and ask you for an answer that is not an end-run around the question:

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 1Thessalonians 5:21

I see questions of this nature as being of vital importance to a proper understanding of eschatology. They cause a person to engage in the type of critical reasoning that cuts through the fog of Scripture twisting, unsupported statements, and outright lies that false teachings are cloaked in. Here are the two questions:

QUESTION #1

Rapture theorists teach that the Coming of Christ for the Church, and our gathering together unto him, is ‘imminent’ (likely to happen at any second). This concept is a pillar of the pre-trib rapture theory, and without it the theory collapses. They claim the Apostle Paul believed this doctrine of ‘the Imminent Return’ because it was revealed to him by God, that he taught this concept to his followers, and wrote his letters (that we know as Scripture) with this notion presented in them. My first question is this:

Exactly when did the Coming of Christ and the Resurrection / Catching-away BECOME imminent? There had to be a time when it was not imminent (before the Cross for example) and then there had to have come a moment when it was now imminent. Exactly when was that moment; when did the rapture BECOME imminent?

(If you would like you can post an answer in the comment area below, but please NO straw-man (irrelevant issue) arguments that distract from the subject at hand. I ask that you would directly answer the question.)

MY ANSWER:

Let me tell you why the pre-trib rapture theorist will not, and in fact cannot, directly address that question. It is because the truthful answer is catastrophic to their doctrine. The truth is that the Return of Christ for the Church could not have been imminent in the days of the early Church, could not have been imminent down through the centuries, could not be imminent today, and will not be imminent until immediately before it actually happens. This is easily provable by examining the Scriptures themselves.

THE PROOF

There are actually quite a number of prophesies that prohibited the Resurrection / Catching-away from being imminent in the days of the early Church. Let’s first look at just one major road block to this concept: the prophesied death of Peter by being martyred as an old man. The Lord Jesus himself gave this prophesy (John 21:18). It is an irrefutable truism.

Historical writings give us a pretty good idea as to not only when Peter died, but also when Paul died. Smith’s Bible Dictionary says, “According to the early writers, he (Peter) died at or about the same time with Paul, and in the Neronian persecution, A.D. 67 or 68. All agree that he (Peter) was crucified.”

From this information so far we can know the following to be absolutely true:

  1.  Jesus said Peter would die as an old man, therefor the Resurrection / Catching-away could NOT happen until this prophesy was fulfilled.
  2. Paul died about the same time as Peter. This means the Resurrection / Catching away was NOT imminent during the span of Paul’s ministry to the Body of Christ, and therefor God did NOT reveal to him any such thing! It was not a possibility until the death of Peter!
  3. Paul would NOT (under the unction of the Holy Spirit) have taught as doctrine to his followers something that could not possibly happen, nor would he have included this concept in his writings to them. The Scriptures were penned by God himself using holy men as vessels. God does not lie, nor does his Word! It would have been a lie to teach and promote as imminent something NOT possible in his lifetime, and the Holy Spirit would not have guided Paul to state a falsehood in his writings to the Church!

There are many other prophetic statements standing in the way of an imminent Return that had to be fulfilled first, and many that still need fulfillment (they are scattered throughout the pages of the Bible). For the sake of time and space let’s look at the last one (as far as I can tell) to be fulfilled before the Resurrection of the Just and our gathering together unto our Lord could occur.

Many say Job is the oldest of the Biblical writings. Even he prophesied of the Resurrection of the Dead. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God (Job 19:26). I have heard many a pre-trib rapture teacher quote that verse from Job, but never this passage:

But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? 11 As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up:12 So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep. Job 14:10-12

This unspeakable event in which the heavens go away is spoken of in nearly twenty different places in the Bible yet rarely preached on. Job prophesied this event would PRECEDE our Resurrection! According to the prophesies of the Bible the Resurrection / Catching-away could not become imminent until after the heavens vanish. A thorough look at all the passages detailing this event in the heavens show it to happen either just before, or in conjunction with, the Second Coming of Christ right after the tribulation.

CONCLUSION:

Thus we see the doctrine of the ‘Imminent Return’ is a provable lie.

  • To say God revealed to Paul the rapture was ‘imminent’ is a lie!
  • To say the Apostle Paul believed this doctrine is a lie.
  • To say Paul taught this doctrine to his followers is a lie.
  • To say Paul wrote his letters that we know as Scripture with this notion presented in them is a lie.
  • To say the Coming of Christ for the Church has been imminent for two thousand years is a lie.
  • To say the Coming of Christ for the Church is now imminent is a lie.

The Return of Jesus to catch us away will not be imminent until ALL prophesies that prevent it are fulfilled. The doctrine of the ‘Imminent Return’ is not from the Bible; The Bible refutes such a notion.

QUESTION #2.  Please pay particular attention to the wording of the following verses.

Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming (Greek – Parousia) of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2Thessalonians 2:1

When Paul wrote to the Church at Thessalonica he earnestly urged them to consider his words about the Return of Jesus and our gathering together unto him; as I also urge you here and now. This second question addresses an aspect of the Coming of Christ and our rising to meet him.

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming (Greek – Parousia). 24 Then cometh the end… 1Corinthians 15:22-24

Some try and split up the Resurrection of the Just into a number of events taking place over a period of time. But here the Bible plainly nails it down to one event taking place at one time. We are given here the order of the Resurrection. Christ first, then all they which are his at his Coming / Parousia. First the Head – then the Body. The Resurrection of the Just and our gathering together unto Christ take place at his Coming / Parousia. Plainly stated!

And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming (Greek – Parousia): 2Thessalonians 2:8

This verse speaks of the destruction of the Antichrist at the end of his 42 month reign of terror. This brings us to my second question (please take a moment and earnestly consider this):

How could the Coming /Parousia (and our gathering unto Jesus) destroy Antichrist at the end of his 42 month reign if the Coming /Parousia (and our gathering unto Jesus) happens before the tribulation? How is this possible?

(Again you are welcome to answer this question in the comment section below, but PLEASE do not insult my intelligence (or give others an unfavorable impression of yours) by stating an unsupported element of the rapture theory as a non-answer; such as, “Well, I believe the rapture and the Second Coming are two different things, so there’s your answer.” Stating your beliefs as proof of your beliefs proves nothing at all. I am looking for an answer that actually addresses the conflict the rapture theory creates with the verses given, and the fact they all point to one event.)

MY ANSWER:

This conflict with Scripture disappears if you place the Coming / Parousia (and our gathering unto Jesus) where the Bible rightly does: at the Second Coming of Christ immediately after the tribulation of those days (Matt. 24:29-31). There is NO prior event taught in the Word of God.

ADDITIONAL WITNESS

Here is some additional commentary. This is an excerpt from the book ‘The Pre-trib Rapture: A Bucket Full of Holes!’ by Paul Benson

Outright Lie: The Coming (parousia) of Christ and his Revelation (apokalupsis) are two separate events.

The rapture theory centers around a false notion that there are two separate returns of Jesus in the end-time events. To illustrate the difference in these two events we are explained the first is his invisible Coming (Greek-parousia) to ‘rapture’ the Church, and the second is his Revelation (Greek-apokalupsis) where he is revealed to the world and pours out judgment.

There are a number of words used to refer to the Coming / Return of Christ: coming (Greek-‘parousia’), revelation (Greek-apokalupsis), coming (Greek-erchomai) etc., and if you compare their usage in the Bible you will see times they are used interchangeably to refer to the same event. A glaring example is to look at Jesus comparing his Return to the days of Noah and Lot in Matthew 24, and then look at Luke’s account. Matthew has Jesus using the word coming (parousia), but in Luke Jesus speaks of it as the day he will be revealed (apokalupto). Both words are describing the same event! His coming (parousia) is the day he will be revealed (apokalupto).

So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming (apokalupsis) of our Lord Jesus Christ: 1 Corinthians 1:7

The Revelation (apokalupsis) of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass. Revelation 1:1

In the first verse above we have the word ‘apokalupsis’ there translated as coming. The same Greek word is translated in the next example as Revelation! Are you waiting for an unbiblical rapture; or waiting for the Resurrection of the Just at the Coming / Revelation (apokalupsis) of Christ?

The Coming of Christ we are waiting for and the Revelation of Jesus Christ are one and the selfsame event! You will not find in the Bible ONE passage of Scripture that plainly describes two comings of Jesus in the end-times. This concept is not from the Bible.

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear (phaneroo), we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming (parousia). 1 John 2:28

His Appearance and his Coming are the same event! To separate into two events what the Word of God plainly shows to be one Coming of Christ is error and deception. The pre-trib rapture theory is once again at odds with what is plainly taught in the Scriptures. There are NOT two separate returns of Christ taught in the Bible; this teaching is gross error.

The pre-trib-rapture myth is a creation of man, and is a lie against the truth. As all lies are, it is a defilement! If you have been believing and promoting that falsehood I lovingly encourage you to reject it now, and seek the Lord’s forgiveness. If you will turn from that lie and repent for having received it (and taught it to others), God will forgive you and cleanse you from that defilement by the blood of his Son Jesus Christ. He awaits your response. I am praying for you.

Your Brother in Jesus Christ;

Paul Benson

Here is a list of other articles giving solid evidence the pre-trib theory is not correct doctrine:  https://pbenson.me/category/the-rapture-theory/

 

Author: Paul Benson

My Website is at www.paulbenson.me. My blog 'Let's Get It Right!' is at pbenson.me.

46 thoughts on “Bible Proof The Rapture Theory Is False”

  1. And another thing, WHY isn’t anyone talking about the LAST WARNING FROM GOD TO A DYING WORLD ?

    The 3 ANGELS MESSAGES OF REVELATION 14 : 6 – 12 >

    (12) “Here is the patience of the Saints, here are they that KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, and the FAITH OF JESUS”

    BTW, the “The Faith OF JESUS is different than Faith “IN JESUS”.

    The Faith “OF JESUS” implies the CHARACTER OF JESUS. We must assimilate the Character of JESUS in order to receive the SEAL OF GOD.

    Revelation 19 : 10 explains that the “TESTIMONY OF JESUS, is the SPIRIT OF PROPHECY”.

    The SPIRIT OF PROPHECY leads us right back to the 3 ANGELS MESSAGES, the LAW, and the Character of JESUS.

    I’m praying that the Holy Spirit reaches ONE pre-advent rapture believer, that would make JESUS very happy.

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  2. I believe GOD saw fit to pass on to the Reformers, the “Received Text”.
    In the KJV, the words of JESUS, in many versions, are in RED LETTER
    form. There are not any comments that I have seen to include the actual words of JESUS himself written in :

    Revelation 22 : 12 >

    “And, behold, I come quickly ; and my reward is with me, to give every nan according as his work shall be.”

    ( Remember, this is in Red Letters, so it is JESUS speaking ! )

    This is the question I pose to “Pre-Advent Rapture” believers that causes them to make the most grievous excuses ( my own Sister believes this fable sown by Satan )

    If JESUS is coming, WITH HIS REWARD, to EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS WORK,
    won’t the Earth be a lonely place ?

    If there’s a Pre-Advent Rapture, WHY WOULD JESUS BOTHER TO COME AT ALL ?

    Then there’s Revelation 9 : 4 >

    These released “Locusts”, with the power of Scorpions, were commanded to hurt : “ONLY those men which have NOT the SEAL of GOD in their Foreheads”.

    Again, my question to to the Pre-Advent Rapture Camp is simple :

    If all of GODS elect, whatever labels they choose to place upon them, have “left the scene”, then WHY is JESUS commanding these Creatures to leave those with the SEAL of GOD alone ?

    Isn’t it obvious to anyone that actually reads the Word of GOD, that NO ONE is relieved of the burden to experience Tribulation ?

    Finally, has anyone bothered to investigate TYPOLOGY ?

    GOD DID NOT SAVE NOAH “FROM” THE FLOOD, HE SAVED HIM “THROUGH” THE FLOOD.

    GOD DIDN’T SAVE THE ISRAELITES “FROM” THE PLAGUES OF EGYPT, HE SAVED THEM “THROUGH” THE PLAGUES.

    Since “JESUS CHRIST is the same yesterday, to day, and forever”
    – Hebrews 13 : 8

    Why does ANYONE believe JESUS will change for us ? Are we more important to GOD than NOAH or HIS chosen ? I think not.

    Good luck to the folks that think they will escape the Wrath of GOD.
    Like the heathen, they’ll be looking for someone to BLAME when they HAVE NOT THE SEAL OF GOD IN THEIR FOREHEADS !

    There will be much Bloodshed of the False Prophets, their Pastors.

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  3. An old blog – but relevant topic. Our LORD told us to “watch” many times. Why? Because he’s coming as a “thief in the night.” The torahcalendar project shows us peter’s warning (peter 2-3:8) about time is critical this year. We could not know fully about the LORD’s return until the promised book of truth given to Daniel that would reveal much more about HIS soon return and addressing some of your blog above. The book is mostly in Daniel 11 – I hope some will read it, repent and be saved. Thanks for the blog and allowing my post.

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    1. So what do we do , there is not church where I live or anywhere else, I was going to a pretrib church and today was on zoom with them ,but I did not let them know who I was, and the pastor was teaching pretrib from these 1 ,4 and when the church had finished they were all chatting away and were mocking me for not believing in the pretrib doctrine, I was shocked ,they certainly would not have said such things if I had let them know I was listening to them, have been going to a breathern church but they very rarely mention pretrib, where should I go to church . Should I stay at home with my family and do church here or what.

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    2. Hi Mark;
      I would not put the qualifier on whether a church is one to be attended solely on their treatment of the rapture issue (although it very much IS a paramount subject) but rather do they focus on the faith in the Cross, the Blood, The Resurrection life, and turning away from sin to love in a holy and acceptable manner before the Lord?
      I actually myself face the same ‘dilemma’ of finding a healthy Bible-believing church to attend. It is truly an empty spot I would love to fill but until then all you can do is tend to your personal relationship with our Lord Jesus and encourage your loved ones to draw near to him also.
      Blessings;
      Paul Benson
      P.S. Perhaps the Lord’s will for you is to attend such a church where you have to stand and speak out the truth no matter what and consequently suffer greatly for it. i have also found myself in that position before. The lack of accord and the rebuke I received made it a very lonely experience; but I did find there were others who shared my concerns but were too timid to speak out against the falsehoods to ‘leadership’.

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  4. You state this teaching ‘The Rapture’ is false error, I would go a step further and claim it is diabolical false teaching! I liked your criticism Paul, keep up the truth telling.

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  5. Paul, thank you. Your comments have me back in the bible to search for the truth. I was a believer in the tribulation as described in the “Left behind” series, but thanks to your writings, I am now looking at the true words for confirmation of what I have thought to be truth, but could never quit put together. God bless. Your brother in Christ Jesus, Tony

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  6. Paul great work, and may God continue to bless.

    Just a little comment without any disagreement.

    Most errors in end time prophecy teaching occur because people don’t understand how many of the Biblical prophecies have already been fulfilled, so they speculate that the prophecy fulfillment must be in the future. Like Daniels 70th week that is taken and scrambled up with Revelation and other prophecies, enabling them to paint fantastic pictures of deception.

    Many cling to verses in scripture like Revelation 3:10 to teach the rapture of the church. Revelation 3:10 (KJV) 10 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.

    What is this great trial that is coming on the world? Does this verse guarantee the Church will be taken out? Persecution of the Church is quite clear in most of the New Testament books. Jesus is saying, I will keep you, that you shall not collapse under the trials which will prove a severe temptation to many, when they will take the mark of the beast. Like what was said in 2 Thessalonians 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

    As God’s prophetic time clock brings us closer and closer to the day of the Lord’s return, believers need to be on guard against false teachers and false teachings. Question; If the rapture teaching is false, how would that affect you. For example, if you are here when Satan is cast down to earth and all hell breaks out, and you are still here! Your beliefs and faith are; Jesus was going to come and take you to heaven, what horror would overcome your entire being. Do you think you would mistake the beast that Satan will give his power to as being Christ? Would your faith be totally lost? The word great placed in front of tribulation makes it even more fearful, it can be easily portrayed as the wrath of God, and it’s not.

    A questions for you Paul; Do you believe a literal 1000-year reign? Do you think the misinterpretation of the White Throne, being for only unsaved, is contributing to the false rapture teaching?
    Thanks again Ron, may God continue blessing your work.

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  7. I just want to thank you for the time and effort you have put in this for a old man to understand the TRUTH and pass it on to my Christian friends where they to can understand it.
    God Bless You and Your Work,Hank

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    1. Hi Hank;
      Thanks for the affirmation! It’s always great to hear folks are being benefited from the work.
      Blessings to you;
      Paul Benson

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  8. Why in the world would Jesus tell us to Pray that we Escape all these things if we could not escape them??? Luke 21:36. Don’t you understand there will be a Rapture and there will be a multitude of people saved in the Tribulation too??? The people saved in the Tribulation are not The Church, they are the Tribulation Saints… The Tribulation is not for the Church, it is for the Jews, Jacobs Trouble, that is Israel… The Church is the Bride of Christ and Paul shows you the Rapture in 1 Thes, 4:16-17 and then in verse 17 Paul says to comfort one another with these words… If you don’t understand this, then Good Luck with the Tribulation…

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    1. Hi Bobby Dill;
      Everything you presented in your comment you received from being taught a bogus theory of man. The Bible itself doesn’t present the notions you expressed. The pre-trib rapture theory is a provable falsehood. You believe that theory because you were convinced to accept it and reject anything contrary to it. Have you ever questioned it or attempted to disprove it? Once you question it and examine it in light of the Scriptures it falls to pieces.

      Please take time to prayerfully consider my articles and FREE books on the subject as I give conclusive PROOF the pre-trib theory is incorrect. May the Lord bless you with an understanding that the Bible teaches we will be caught up to meet our Lord at his Return (the Second Coming) and that any other theory is at odds with the Word of God.

      In Christ Jesus;
      Paul Benson

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    2. Thankyou! I have family that believes in the rapture.
      Tring to get my ducks in a row to prove with the bible it’s not true.
      The dead in Christ shall rise first
      Then those that remain shall meet him in the air. Every eye will see, every knee shaw bow when the son of man comes. Revelations was not for John to understand. I read it but I never asume to understand it all. Thanks for scripture.

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    3. – “Why in the world would Jesus tell us to Pray that we Escape all these things if we could not escape them???”

      Why would Jesus tell us to Pray that we Escape all these things if we don’t even have to go through?

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    4. Hi Marc;
      I guess we could argue the semantics of the word escape but think about this. If the pre-trib fable were true you would escape those dark days whether you prayed to or not. ALL who are in Christ will be resurrected/caught-away on the day that event really does transpire (1Cor. 15:29-33), not just those who ‘prayed to escape the tribulation’. So Jesus’ exhortation to pray to escape (which I see as ‘escape the snares of the last days Jesus spoke of in the previous verse Luke 25:35, and make it through to the end in a sanctified state’) would be an irrelevant exhortation. Consider this verse:

      1Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and

        hope to the end

      for the grace that is to be brought unto you

        at the revelation of Jesus Christ

      ;

      If you are expecting the fulfilment of our blessed hope anytime before the Revelation (Second Coming) of our Lord you have been deceived by the false teachings of those who have departed from the plain and simple teachings of the Bible concerning the Return of Christ.
      Blessings to the faithful;
      Paul Benson

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    5. Hi Paul,
      “If the pre-trib fable were true you would escape those dark days whether you prayed to or not. ALL who are in Christ will be resurrected/caught-away on the day that event really does transpire (1Cor. 15:29-33), not just those who ‘prayed to escape the tribulation’.”

      That’s exactly what I was thinking. If the pre-tribulation rapture fable were true, I cannot imagine that Jesus would leave behind someone that served Him faithfully, just because that person did not pray to be “raptured to heaven”.
      The fact is that the best Christians would rather be “tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection” (Heb 11:35). That’s exactly the opposite of wanting to get raptured to heaven, So when Jesus tell us to pray that we escape all these things, that rather means praying to be able to endure all these things until the end without falling. That is what Christians have done since the “great persecution” began in Acts 8:1 immediately after the stoning of Stephen (great persecution = great tribulation). History tells us that these people have suffered persecutions a lot more intense and more horrible than a quick beheading as written in the Book of Revelation. So the “pre-tribulation rapture” is a fable that has no sense.

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  9. Hi Paul how would you explain John 14 1-4 I know pre trib use this for the rapture of the church to heaven how do you see it. Godbless.
    James

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  10. “The pre-trib hoax portrays a day where the world will be in awe and wonderment at the disappearance of the Church; but the Bible presents no such scenario! The Church does not leave planet Earth; we join to Jesus in the air when he has returned to rule and reign. He is here to stay and so are we!”

    I fully agree with that. I don’t understand how can pretrib people tell that at the rapture the church disappears and after that those who are left behind are deceived into lies as absurd as people as been taken away by aliens! (There are pretrib people saying this!).

    When in fact the Bible says that somewhat BIG and VISIBLE must occur for Jews to be moved into jealousy – something that have not yet happened – as it is written in Deut 32:21:

    “They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.” (Deut 32:21)

    Also in Rev 3:9:

    Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee [the church]. (Rev 3:9)

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  11. Paul, the one”hanging chad” remaining for me to completely disavow a rapture is passage that talks about how people will believe a great lie on where the missing have gone. please set me straight (I’ll bet you know the verse by heart) thanks much.

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    1. Hi Dave;
      Your question shows clear evidence of pre-trib theory indoctrination at work. There are NO verses that set forth the ‘left behind’ concept you are speaking of. The pre-trib hoax portrays a day where the world will be in awe and wonderment at the disappearance of the Church; but the Bible presents no such scenario! The Church does not leave planet Earth; we join to Jesus in the air when he has returned to rule and reign. He is here to stay and so are we!

      The great delusion of 2 Thess 2 is in regard to the world accepting antichrist as Lord and savior! The have been turned over to this deception for rejecting the truth; not because of a pre-trib rapture. I believe the pre-trib teaching to be part of that deception!

      I hope you would give my articles and free books on the rapture question a thorough and prayerful examination. Thanks for the comment and for visiting the site.
      Blessings;
      Paul Benson

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  12. Hi paul. Excuse my writing im not very good at it, but reading into things that is one of my favorite hobbies. I just had to tell you that before my parents became christians and abandoned Catholicism. They started reading the left behind series, which lead them to go to another church which seemed to me like my parents finaly lost it lol, however God used that false tool to bring my parents and me out of a false church that we had known are whole lives. We live in an age now with even greater deceptions, like the prosperity gospel, Mormonism, the rapture and so on. It makes me think of Romans 5:20, God bless everybody.

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    1. Hi Cedric;
      SO great to hear your family was set free from the bondage of the RC Church. It is clear God used a hunger for knowledge of end-time matters to draw them out but I would be quite hesitant to credit the pre-trib hoax for that draw. God works through the convicting power of the truth of his Word and his Spirit, not through falsehoods. Even though it may look like the Left Behind series was the draw, in fact it is the Spirit of Truth that draws us to God. Give him the credit he deserves. He will not share his glory with the false teachings of man.

      Psalms 33:4 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.

      Thanks for the visit and the comment. I hope your family follows on to receive the fullness of grace Jesus gave his life to purchase.
      Blessings to you;
      Paul Benson

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  13. I have not believed in the pre tribulation rapture theory for quite some time. I am going to put forth some theories and ideas regarding the subject. It just does make any sense biblicaly or logically. First of Christ is only coming back one time. The “left behind” synopsis is fantasy. Why would people who have rejected Christ, all of a sudden become the saints of the tribulation? Right now as I write this on the other side of the world, I live in California, Christians are being persecuted and killed in large numbers. If the pre tribulation rapture theory was true would this be happening? The pre trib believers like to use 2nd Thessalonians where it says “falling away” as a basis for their theory. I thought we would be rising to meet the Lord in the air. Doesn’t compute. To me the falling away or apostasy partly is going to be a result of Christians (maybe not real Christians) I am not passing judgement on anyone, being taught the pre tribulation and when things really start going crazy, they are going to abandon their faith because they were taught they had nothing to worry about. It is frightening how this is so prevalent in churches today. I have actually had encounters with pastors and brought this up and they don’t want to hear it. I actually believe, as bad as it may sound, that is actually a monetary thing in some instances. If their congregations were being told that they should be prepare for tough times, the pews would not be filled. I used to listen to “Christian” radio, but all I hear is pre tribulation. The church I attend does not really expound on the subject. Although I have questions about some of their doctrine, the seventh day adventists explaination of end times makes a lot of sense. None of us know every detail about what will take place, but I would much rather be prepared for the worse, than have the mindset that there is nothing to be concerned with.

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  14. Jesus spoke in the Harvest parable the wheat and weeds (tares) would grow together until the Harvest where the tares will be separated from the wheat and thrown in the fire…
    Luke 18 explains thru the widow against the unjust judge, to be persistent and consistent in our faith, added the question will there be anyone with true Faith when Jesus does return…

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    1. Hi LA;
      Thanks for the comment. You bring up a good point there which many ignore as it conflicts with their myth of escapism.
      Blessings;
      Paul Benson

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  15. Many will be called but few will be chosen. This is the marriage supper. Anyone after that we will be martyred.

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    1. Hey Duane;
      Sorry! There is no ‘after that’. The marriage takes place at the return of Christ to earth. There is no previous ‘rapture’. There will certainly be many martyrs but also many left alive; hence the words ‘we who are alive and remain’.

      I invite you to read more of my blog articles listed under ‘The Rapture Theory’; and also my free books.

      Blessings;
      Paul Benson

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  16. Paul,
    I really appreciate the your insights and convictions. I have always felt the pre-trib teaching relied too much on speculation, wishful thinking and passages like the fig tree which I could not find anywhere being used to symbolize Israel. However, I am not prepared to call all those who teach this position liars. I have received wonderful teaching from some of these same people. I believe they are mistaken and suseptable to the American notion that since we have never really suffered (as Americans), God would never have us suffer or be destined for wrath. Well, tell that to all the martyrs through the centurys.
    I also appreciate considering the sovereignty of God teaching from the Reformed camp, even though they often teach amilinialism or avoid the second coming altogether. I suspect they are also mistaken but would refrain from calling them liars also.
    I do hope the position you take will win the day because it will cause christians to prepare spiritually and physically and help them avoid disallusionment when the rosie rapture scenario doesn’t happen. But I do not think calling those who have not yet seen the light on this matter liars will help move our position forward as effectively as calling them mistaken.

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    1. Preston;
      Thanks for visiting. and taking the time to comment.
      Although I firmly believe the pre-trib teaching to be a lie I don’t believe that all who teach it are liars, but they are deceivers. A liar is someone who deliberately says as true something he knows to be quite false. I think that the majority of promoters of the rapture theory don’t fall into that category (but some do). But they are still false teachers as they are promoting a major deception which is doing major damage.

      I have found that most deceivers are caring and loving people who have been led into deception by trusting man’s word instead of learning God’s Word, and seeking to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit given to lead us into all truth. I have also found (as you pointed out) that those who teach falsely in one area can have some great teaching in other areas. But, instead of a commendation, I see there great danger. The false Gospel is not ALL false! It is a Gospel of mixture. What comes to mind is the fact that rat poison is 98% nutritious grain but 2% poison. Nutritious. but deadly! The nutrition doesn’t do much good to those ingesting the poison. We need to be very careful what table we (or those we care for) are eating from.

      None of us has a total grasp on the truths of God’s Word, including me. The things I don’t have clear light on I try to express in that manner. I am not ashamed to say I don’t know if that is the only answer I can honestly give. But all in all, the calling we have is to speak the truth in love. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would guide us into all truth. Some listen to his voice and sadly some choose not to. We are without excuse. Those who bring forth error have to deny the voice of the Holy Ghost as he speaks to them against that error. There will be a great accountability for those who have broadcast serious deception, knowingly or unknowingly.

      May God help us to be studious in his Word, and tender to the promptings of the wonderful ‘Counselor’ he has given to guide us into all truth.

      Blessings;
      Paul

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  17. Keith;
    Sorry to have to edit your lengthy comments. I do welcome opinion and even criticism, but I did not put this site together so you could preach heretical doctrine (and your beliefs are heresy as I explained in the last reply).
    You are telling people there is another way of salvation apart from being born again. – This is a lie!
    You are telling people the Body of Christ will not face the mark of the beast, nor the coming persecution of the Antichrist and the beast system. – this is also a lie.
    I put this site together to facilitate those interested in researching views similar to mine would have free access to my materials for their consideration. If you are looking for a debate forum you will have to look elsewhere.
    In Christ Jesus;
    Paul

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  18. Paul, thanks for your response. Perhaps I didn’t make it entirely clear. I delineated why Jesus returns once in power for the duration of the final week. The faithful church is raptured and the … (Many paragraphs of false teaching deleted. P.B.)

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    1. Hey brother Keith;
      The mid-trib position presents TWO comings of Christ no matter how you try to make it seem as one. Even in your comment you said: “and at the end he will emerge from heaven with the saints to come against the nations arrayed against him in Israel”

      If Jesus comes mid-trib takes the Bride to heaven for a marriage supper and then returns for the final conflict, then you are presenting the same dual-coming theory as the pre-trib position.

      Here is one of the problems both the pre and mid trib postion present which cause me to reject both: The salvation of the ‘Tribulation Saints’. You either have to believe they are saved by being born again by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spiri,t or by their martyrdom as the dispensational error teaches. If you believe they are born again, and have the spirit of Christ in them, you have the Body of Christ in the tribulation and the exemption of Rev. #:10 is not valid. If you say as the pre-trib / dispensationalists do that they are saved by proving their ‘faith’ by dying for the Lord then you are preaching Heresy! This concept denies the words of Jesus!
      John 3:3-5 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

      To teach any other means of salvation other than being born of the Spirit through faith in the shed blood of Christ and his death on the Cross is absolute HERESY. SO I ask you: How are the tribulation saints saved? By being born of the Spirit or by the sacrifice of themselves? Either concept proves both the pre- and mid-trib position to be in error.

      You said there is no ‘rapture’ (I don’t like to use that word) at the final coming but if you read the account in Mark it clearly says: And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. Mark 13:27 The Saints are in heaven and on earth at the resurrection of the Just at the Second Coming. I address this and many other issues you bring up (like the use of Rev. 3:10 to promote an exemption from the final 3 1/2 years) in my two books on the rapture issue. They are available for free download. I hope you would avail yourself of these materials.
      Paul

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  19. Paul—Great refutation of the pre-tribulation rapture error. But, there is more to consider.

    The assumption it occurs at the end of the final week/7 years of Daniel dismisses other evidence… (Many paragraphs of false teaching deleted P.B.)

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    1. Hey Keith;
      Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.
      On my journey away from pre-trib I briefly embraced the notion of a mid-trib rapture. Deeper study led me away from that notion. There is only one return of Jesus, not two.
      Speaking of the resurrection and catching away Paul said all who belong to Christ will be gathered into him at his Coming (1Cor.15:23) ONE EVENT. And it clearly takes place ‘AFTER the tribulation of those days’.(Matthew 24:29-31)
      I cannot accept any theory which promotes two comings of Christ; as the Scriptures do not allow for such.
      Blessings Brother;
      Paul

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  20. I am impressed with your Biblical knowledge. You have certainly studied to show thyself approved.
    Keep up the good work!

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  21. Hi Paul,
    Enjoyed your article. I agree that the rapture will not be pre-trib. Here are two scriptures that helped seal the argument for me…
    1 Corinthians 15:51-52 in conjunction with Revelation 10:7.
    I cannot say for certain if these two scripture are talking about the same mystery, I was just drawn to their message concerning a mystery and a trumpet.
    Thoughts?
    Ken

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    1. Ken;
      Good connection. I do believe they are both referring to the same mystery – the resurrection of the Just. That we are to be conformed to the image of Christ by the transformation which takes place at the resurrection.

      I’ll have to write something about that. Thanks for the boost in that direction!

      (EDIT: I have written something on this issue. The Rapture Is NOT The Mystery God Revealed To Paul!

      Blessings;
      Paul

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    2. Thank you.God bless you brother Benson. I ask another question.If all help breaks out on earth as rapture theorists believe,wouldn’t a believer indwelt by the Holy Spirit be more of use ( witness/ evangelize)to God rather than been taken up?? The raputue is just that a false theory invented by man.Paul says ” absent from the body,present with the Lord “. The worst that could happen to a believer is death. So what?? You’ll immediately be with the Lord forever!! Amen? Amen!!!

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    3. Amen William!
      There will never be a greater need for the power of the Spirit at work in the Body of Christ than during the final few years of tribulation. Why would God pull out his troops before the final battle?

      I have heard the desire for a pre-trib rapture described in the same light as the desertion of soldiers from a war; and I definitely do agree.

      Thanks for the visit;
      Paul Benson

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