To believe the rapture theory is to believe a lie,for the message that God will cause His people to be taken out of the earth before the tribulation is just not scriptural. The main support of this theory is taken from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 that explains when Jesus returns and brings with Him former saints and then we who are alive at His coming will meet them in the clouds,and so shall we ever be with the Lord. This passage speaks of the final return of Christ and not a pre visit from Him before He really returns forever. Verse 16 clues us in that this is the second and FINAL return of the Lord as it says “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”. The trump spoken of here is the seventh trump we read of in the book of revelation when the seventh angel sounds before the return of Christ! (Revelation 11:15) And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
Although it would be wonderful to just be taken away before the tribulation,God is doing nothing of the sort! He did not fill His people with the power of the Holy Spirit and tell them to put on His whole armour if He was going to remove them for a battle they are armed to endure!(Ephesians 6:10-17).
Why would a loving God send His Son to die and return three times? once at the resurrection,then again for a rapture and return again as His final return?There is not one thread of truth that our Lord returns to the earth three times. Only twice is recorded in scripture. The first being after His death at the resurrection and then returns again with power as Lord of Lords and King of Kings…..PERIOD!
In Matthew 24 we see Jesus’ disciples ask Him how will it be before His return? and there is not one mention He will be coming to take anyone away. He does however explain and give a clear picture to His disciples how it will look before His return including His people WHO ARE HERE will be offended,delivered up to be afflicted and even be killed. They will betray one another,iniquity will abound and the love of many will grow cold. We will be hated for His name sake…….. BUT HE THAT SHALL ENDURE UNTO THE END,THE SAME SHALL BE SAVED.
The rapture theory comforts those who do not want to face any persecution or anything unpleasant, yet true christians know that they are appointed to suffer trials tribulations for their Lord, and it is for our glory that we endure for our faith this fate (Ephesians 3:13) Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. We find these true and faithful servants WHO WENT THROUGH THE TRIBULATION in the book of revelation stating they were given white robes (Revelation 7:13,14) And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Precious Sheep Of Renown 
Amen! Good exposition. I have often said that the whole “Left Behind” pre trib rapture theory that began with Scofield’s Bible in the early 20th century was dangerous. It leaves Christians unprepared for the trials to come, and will cause them to question their faith when they realize the tribulation has come and they are still here. There are way too many warnings for us to be ready to believe we will be removed when thing’s get hard. And many would argue that we are already in the beginning stages. And thr persecuted church around the world would have a thing or two to teach us about living through trials and persecution. Keep preaching sister!
Yes! When the “Left Behind series” came out I cringed. Great point as you say: “It leaves Christians unprepared for the trials to come, and will cause them to question their faith when they realize the tribulation has come and they are still here. “
When we look at the worlds condition today we would be hard pressed to not see the tribulation has begun….. Earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes are all on the rise and reflect our Lords words from Matthew chapter 24 when the disciples asked Him what would be the sign of His return……
God Bless and Keep You Always.
Julia
Great job Julia. People who remain faithful through great tribulation will get special rewards. Those that endure through the great tribulation will wear white robes and receive special acknowledgement. I always wonder why people think God would spare all the Christians living now from tribulation and not all the other believers throughout history. They say God wouldn’t want them to suffer. I guess God did want all the other martyrs to suffer, just not them? I agree that the rapture teaching will leave many confused and bitter against God when the rapture doesn’t happen. It’s such a harmful teaching and I feel it’s the devils work to mislead Christians. This might be what causes the great falling away.
You have amazed me Mary at your comment!!! Such good points I have not thought about, yet makes so much sense. You say: “ I always wonder why people think God would spare all the Christians living now from tribulation and not all the other believers throughout history.” BRILLIANT THOUGHT!…… YES this is definitely something that should have been considered. Thank you for this. I fully agree the rapture is a very harmful teaching and satan does have his hand in it, since it steers people from the truth. Stay strong in your walk with God.
Julia
You too! We’ll need to be strong definitely.