Looking Up: The Hope of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture
The identity of Babylon in Revelation 17-18 has been debated for centuries. While many interpretations exist, one view that has gained popularity in recent years is the preterist identification of Babylon as first-century Jerusalem. However, this interpretation faces significant challenges when examined closely. Let’s explore why Babylon in Revelation cannot be equated with Jerusalem of…
In recent years, some Christian theologians have proposed that we are already living in the new heavens and new earth described in Scripture. This view, often associated with partial preterism, claims that the new creation arrived with Christ’s first coming. But is this perspective biblically sound? Let’s examine the evidence and implications. The Partial Preterist…
Introduction In 2 Peter 3, the apostle Peter warns about scoffers who will come in the last days, mocking the promise of Christ’s return. This passage has sparked debate among Bible scholars – was Peter describing events that would soon unfold in the first century, or was he prophesying about a future that extends to…
Many Christians wonder if only the most faithful believers will be taken in the rapture. This question stems from concerns about personal readiness and confusion over different views on end times events. Let’s examine what the Bible actually teaches about who will be raptured. What is the Rapture? Before diving into who will be raptured,…
The “missing church” argument is a common point raised in discussions about end times prophecy. This argument notes that the word “church” (Greek: ekklesia) appears frequently in Revelation chapters 1-3, but then is absent from chapters 4-19 which describe the tribulation period. Some see this as evidence that the church will not be present on…
In his video critiquing the pre-tribulation rapture view, Servus Christi argues that this doctrine arose during a time of prosperity in the Western world, unlike earlier periods of church persecution. While Servus Christi raises some interesting historical observations, a closer examination reveals that his argument oversimplifies the development of pre-tribulational thought and overlooks important theological…
Partial preterism is a view of biblical prophecy that claims many end-times events described in the New Testament were fulfilled in the first century, particularly around the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. However, partial preterists still believe some prophecies remain unfulfilled, like the Second Coming of Christ and final judgment. This position faces significant…
Introduction to “Examining the Pretrib Rapture: A Brotherly Response” In this 19-part blog series, I will carefully examine and respectfully respond to the arguments presented in the popular YouTube video “The Pretrib Rapture Deception: A False Hope” by my brother in Christ, Servus Christus. While I disagree with some of the conclusions drawn in the…
Bible prophecy is an exciting and important part of Scripture. But it’s easy to get caught up in sensational interpretations that go beyond what the Bible actually says. Here’s how to study prophecy carefully and avoid common pitfalls. Start with the Basics Focus on What Scripture Actually Says When studying prophecy, always start by carefully…
Partial preterism is a view of biblical prophecy that sees many end-times events as already fulfilled in the past, particularly around 70 AD when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem. However, partial preterists still believe in a future bodily resurrection and final judgment. This creates some tension in how they interpret passages about resurrection and judgment. Let’s…