A Thief In The Night!

I Thessalonians 5:2-3

My wife texted me this morning and told me that a podcaster we listen to said she believes in a "Post Millennial rapture". I must say, I was a little surprised by this because she is pretty much on point with the rest of her teachings. Just to be clear, this does not make her a bad person or lost. I simply do not understand where they get that idea from scripture.

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For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

I Thessalonians 5:2-3

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The end of I Thessalonians 4 is about the rapture of the church. Though that specific word is not used, the doctrine is taught. Rapture is a single world that encapsulates all the teachings of I Thessalonians 4:13-18. It is the Lord returning and taking the church home to Heaven.

There are 3 prominent views on the rapture. They are "pretribulation rapture", "mid-tribulation rapture" and "post millennial rapture". Here are the basics behind each.

• Pretribulation rapture - The rapture of the church will occur before God begins the 7 year tribulation period

• Mid-tribulation rapture - The rapture of the church will occur at the 3 1/2 year mark of the tribulation period when Antichrist declares himself to be the Messiah

• Post-Millennial rapture - The rapture will occur after the 7 years of tribulation and the 1000 year reign of Christ here on the earth.

One reason I do not understand where they get the post millennial view is that the vents of Revelation are judgment upon a lost world that has rejected Christ as Savior. God is pouring out his wrath and condemnation on the people and powers that rule the world. Romans 8:1 says, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesu, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit". We will not experience the wrath and condemnation of God.

A second reason is, what is the point in a post millennial rapture? Are we going to be called away simply to be taken to heaven with the lost for judgment? If that is the case, we will have all of the judgment of God here on the earth. We will go through all of his wrath. The story on Lot is a great example of this not being the case. While Lot was not a great Christian, he was saved. For that reason God would not judge Sodom and Gomorrah before he removed Lot from the city (Genesis 19:22).

I believe and teach a pre-tribulation rapture. I believe that just before the 7 years of tribulation begin, Jesus will appear in the clouds to take His church home to heaven. He will return to take His bride home to the mansions (or rooms) He has prepared in His Father's house. We will be in heaven when Antichrist is wreaking havoc on the earth and God is pouring out his wrath on the wicked. I will say that I have known good and Godly pastors who believed in a mid-tribulation rapture and while I respect them, I respectfully disagree with them.

Paul said in this text, "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night" (v. 2). If the rapture follows the millenial reign of Christ, then we will literally have a calendar countdown. That would not result in the day of the Lord coming "as a thief in the night". Also, if He is already on the earth, then how is he returning for His bride?

Paul then said, " For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape" (v. 3). This also does not fit with a post millennial view of the rapture, unless you say this is describing the final war. However, it fits better with the teachings of the 7 years of tribulation spoken on by Daniel, Jesus, and John. It is during that time that people will flee to the mountains (Matthew 24:16) and hide from the face of God (Revelation 6:16).

This I know for sure, I do not want to face the wrath of God. I also know that I will not have to face the wrath of God. This does not mean that bad things will never happen to me. It does mean that God will treat me like a son and not an enemy. That is a promise and I trust Him to keep His word.

Father, thank you for your promise that we will not face condemnation. I pray that we all would have a better understanding of your word and teach those we encounter the truth of your word. You are Holy and Righteous, and your Word is truth!