The doctrine of the pre-tribulation rapture is supported by the vast majority of Christians. However, there are valid reasons to question the Biblical origins of this doctrine, since a straightforward reading of the verses about the latter days seems to suggest a post-tribulation rapture. However, the objective of this thread is not to discuss the validity of the pre-tribulation doctrine, but to point out its dangers. Let's assume for a moment that the pre-tribulation rapture does not take place. That would mean that the church will enter the Great Tribulation both discouraged and confused. However, the dangers of believing in a pre-tribulation rapture do not end there. Far from it, they just begin at that point.
The real danger of believing in a pre-tribulation rapture lies in the nature of the Antichrist and the False Prophet. According to my understanding of the Bible, it is likely that one of these figures will claim to be the Christ. Hence, during the Great Tribulation Christians will be in danger of believing that either the Antichrist or the False Prophet is Jesus coming to reign over the face of the Earth (the start of the millennium). Until now all of this may seem like science fiction, but the fact is that this is exactly what Islamic eschatology tells us about the end of times. Islamic eschatology is incredibly similar to Christian eschatology, but turned upside down. The Islamic Messiah (the Mahdi = the Biblical Antichrist) is supposed to conquer Israel and rule over it for seven years. His second in command will be the Islamic Jesus (Isa = the Biblical False Prophet) who will mark the foreheads of the Muslims and behead the enemies of the Mahdi. Both the Mahdi and Isa will fight against the Islamic Antichrist (Dajjal = the real Jesus) who will defend the Jews. To summarize, the real danger of a pre-tribulation doctrine is that it exposes the church to the deceptions of the False Prophet (the Islamic Jesus). Here you have some info about these characters:
Isa: Contrary to the Christian belief regarding Jesus, according to Islam, Isa was never crucified, was not the Son of God, was not divine, never experienced death, and was only a human prophet. The expected return of Isa is not remotely similar to what Christians expect with the return of Jesus. Instead, the character and actions of Isa are far more similar to the false prophet mentioned in Revelation. A Brief Summary of Isa's Future Accomplishments 1). He will be subordinate to the Mahdi. 2). Directs all attention off of himself and onto the Mahdi. 3). A devout Muslim. 4). Institutes Islamic Sharia Law. 5). Acts as a Muslim evangelist. 6). Abolishes Christianity. 7). Kills the Dajjal as well as his Jewish followers. 8). Persecute Christians and Jews and forces them to convert or face death. 9). Remains on earth approximately four years. 10). Marries and eventually dies.
Mahdi: We will be going over the prophecies pertaining to him in depth right after this post and compare them to the prophecies of the Antichrist but here is a brief list of some of the things he is expected to accomplish. If you are familiar with the Antichrist prophecies, some of the below may surprise you and you will be able to spot some of the similarities immediately: 1). Become the universal leader for all Muslims. 2). Will rule the non-Muslim world as well. 3). Conquer Israel. 4). Have his headquarters in Jerusalem. 5). Will make a seven year peace treaty with Israel. 6). Will rule for seven years (or possibly 8-9). 7). Discover the ark of the covenant and ancient biblical texts. 8). Cause only Islam to be the practiced religion. 9). Distribute wealth to the populace. 10). Be a powerful and unprecedented military and political leader. 11). Be given supernatural power from Allah over nature. 12). Arrive on the scene after a period of great turmoil. 13). Establish a new world order/government. 14). Will wage war against Jews and Christians.
In all Christian love, I can not agree with your comment of...........
" However, there are valid reasons to question the Biblical origins of this doctrine, since a straightforward reading of the verses about the latter days seems to suggest a post-tribulation rapture".
1 Thess. 4:15-17...........
15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For 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: 17Then 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."
Notice that Paul writes that Christ will return in the clouds to take his Church to heaven to be with Him. It doesn't mention any other actions being taken by Christ at this time.
2Thess 2:1.............
" Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him".
2Thess 2:3..........
" Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day [tribulation--the day of Christ] shall not come, except there come a falling away [apostacy--or departure (some assume this means departure from the faith, but it can also mean departure from the earth, as in rapture)] first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition".
Now, if they were troubled that the rapture had passed, Paul is assuring the Church that they didn't miss anything, saying that that the tribulation that they feared is preceeded by several important key events: First, the rapture, which reveals the antichrist.
2Thess 2:4.........
Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God."
Who doesn't even sit in the temple until 3.5 years into the tribulation... See Rev (which they didn't know at the time)-- But this is why this point, of the AntiChrist being revealed after the rapture--who goes on to sit in the temple, is proof that they hadn't missed the rapture. There is no antichrist revealed yet.
2Thess 2:7......
" For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. "
The Holy Spirit is the "He" who letteth will let and will be taken out of the way. That is, whatsoever we bound on earth will be bound in heaven. And once we are removed/raptured, the Holy Spirit leaves with the believers and then the AntiChrist will have the freedom to fulfill his plans. After all, the gates of hell cannot prevail against the Church; (Mat 16:18), and the Church is not destined for wrath.
