Great Escape or Great Trouble?

As we look forward to the glorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ there are conflicting views on what we can expect to see and experience.

IN 2024 and beyond, where are we; and what can we expect to see in the road ahead?

The apostles asked Jesus regarding the future: “When will these things happen” (Matt. 24:3; Luke 21:7; Mark 13:4). In replying, Jesus used the Fig Tree as a metaphor for Israel; and the fact that when it put forth leaves then his Second Coming would be drawing very near. However, Dr. Luke’s account of Jesus’ reply contained an additional sign from the Master:

“Look at the fig tree and all the trees” (Luke 21:29).

Perhaps Jesus was indicating that while Israel (reborn as a nation in 1948) was the primary marker, perhaps “all” the trees should be understood as representing the much wider backdrop. Certainly, there have always been wars and rumours of wars throughout history, but perhaps it would only be when Israel was restored in the context of other significant world events that his second coming would be drawing very near.

"What can we expect to encounter in the run up to Jesus’ return?”

Observing our world and all that has been happening – not least in the last four years – it is easy to believe that in the marathon race of faith, we have rounded the last bend and we are now on the final strait. However, even if that is indeed the case, no one knows the exact distance to the finishing line.Nevertheless, there is a vital question: “What, in terms of God’s revealed purposes, can we expect to encounter in the run up to Jesus’ return?”

Until very recently that question has been mainly relegated to academic debate, but I do not believe that earnest followers of Christ and students of God’s word can afford to ignore the issue. Many are of the view that Jesus will return to earth for a reign of 1000 years (The Millennium). But before that there are events laid out for us in the Bible. Included in that is the Great Tribulation and what has been termed the Rapture. A really big question is whether believers will escape the aforementioned tribulation or have to live through and endure it. The two conflicting views are termed pre- and post-tribulation. And as we see the day of Christ’s return drawing ever-nearer, the question should no longer be regarded as mere theological conjecturing.

"These are two quite different interpretations and two quite different expectations."

One’s view on the pre/post tribulation question not only sets the individual’s thinking of what he/she can expect to see, but it also impacts on each believer’s interpretation of other areas of Scripture. For instance, in one interpretation the church as regarded as absent from the scenarios outlined in Revelation ch4 to ch19. In this pre-trib view there will be first an invisible ‘snatching away’, while the Jews and the rest of the world are left to face the music. The understanding being that the saints will ‘meet with the Lord in the air’ (1 Thess. 4:17) will occur prior to what is termed the great tribulation? (Matt. 24:21). This view has been great popularised in the ‘Left Behind’ series of books and films.

By way of stark contrast, the post-tribulation understanding sees the antichrist and the false prophet appearing will precede the return of the Lord. As such, the church will go through the tribulation period and suffering accordingly.

These are two quite different interpretations and two quite different expectations. One sees Jesus coming before the antichrist appears. The other is convinced of the reverse. One sees a great escape; the other anticipates great persecution.

Bereans

It is surely incumbent on all believers at any and every point in time to correctly interpret God’s word and to “understand the times” in terms of what it reveals (1 Ch. 12:32). Indeed, Peter in amidst all the turmoil of Pentecost ‘Joined up the dots’ of what he was experiencing along with what the Scriptures had foretold. In the midst of the tongues of fire and the babble of languages he exclaimed: “But his that which was spoken of by prophet Joel” (Acts 2:16). He had the perspicacity, scriptural knowledge and situational awareness to correctly ‘join up the dots’.
The need to be knowledgeable and aware is vital. Indeed Paul counseled variously against ignorance (Rom 11:25; 1 Cor. 15:34; 1 Thess. 4:13).

To come to a view, each one of us should follow Luke’s commendation regarding the ‘Bereans’ who “examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11). So we should not automatically or ultimately rely on what others have said, or what our upbringing has taught us. Rather each and every believer should mine the word of God for ourselves.

"This matter is certainly not one on which Jesus’ disciples should break fellowship."

In a recent survey of ChristiansTogether site members, 50% of those responding requested teaching on the subject. Accordingly and in fairness, both (pre and post-trib) views have been previously given exposure here, and most recently alternative views supplied (in print) here, (and as video presentations) here and here.

Whatever the differing interpretations, this matter is certainly not one on which Jesus’ disciples should break fellowship. But neither should the question be relegated to theological conjecture. After all, our constant cry is “Maranatha”; ‘Come O Lord’. And He is surely coming soon.

Notes:
1. The primary purpose of these contributions and views is to allow believers to examine the positions for themselves. Arguments should be based on Scripture verses.
2. While the Editor has a view, the editorial position is to give 'space' for alternative views; and allow discussion to take place in a teachable attitude of humility and grace.
3. Responses to the earlier questionnaire on the timing of the rapture, 50% were of the post-tribulation view, 25% were of a pre-tribulation view and 25% were unsure. 50% of those responding indicated they would like teaching on the subject.
4. Site members can make comments on this and related articles, but it is required to log in.
5. See also top-left-hand margin for related links.