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 earth during the tribulation. But is this a valid argument? Let’s examine it more closely.
Understanding the Structure of Revelation
To properly evaluate this argument, we need to understand the overall structure of the book of Revelation. In Revelation 1:19, John is told to write about:
- “The things which you have seen” (past – chapter 1)
- “The things which are” (present – chapters 2-3)
- “The things which will take place after this” (future – chapters 4-22)
Chapters 2-3 contain letters to seven literal churches that existed in John’s day. These chapters deal with “the things which are” – the church age. Beginning in chapter 4, John’s vision shifts to future events – “the things which will take place after this.”
The Absence of “Church” in Revelation 4-19
It’s true that the word “church” (ekklesia) appears 19 times in Revelation 1-3, but then not again until Revelation 22:16. Throughout chapters 4-19, which describe the tribulation period, this term is conspicuously absent.
Some argue this is simply an argument from silence that proves nothing. However, the complete disappearance of this term after being used so frequently is striking. If the church were still on earth during the tribulation, we would expect some mention of it.
Saints in the Tribulation
Critics point out that while “church” is absent, the word “saints” is used several times in Revelation 4-19 to describe believers on earth (Rev 13:7,10; 16:6; 17:6). They argue this shows the church is present.
However, the term “saints” is used throughout Scripture to refer to believers in all ages, not just the church age. There were saints in the Old Testament and there will be saints who come to faith during the tribulation. The use of “saints” does not necessarily indicate the church’s presence.
The Church in Heaven
If the church is not on earth during chapters 4-19, where is it? There are indications the church is in heaven during this time:
- In Revelation 4:1, John is called up to heaven, perhaps symbolizing the rapture of the church.
- The 24 elders in heaven (Rev 4:4,10; 5:8-10) likely represent the church.
- The multitude in white robes (Rev 7:9-17) may include the raptured church.
- The “bride” of Christ is prepared in heaven (Rev 19:7-8) before returning with Christ in 19:14.
Why the Absence Matters
The absence of the term “church” in Revelation 4-19 aligns with the pretribulational view that the church will be raptured before the tribulation begins. This explains why the church vanishes from the narrative just as the tribulation events begin.
If the church were to go through the tribulation, we would expect:
- Warnings and instructions to the church about enduring this time
- Mentions of the church’s experience during the judgments
- Encouragement to the church to persevere
Instead, we find silence regarding the church precisely when we’d expect it to be most prominent if it were present.
More Than an Argument from Silence
While critics dismiss this as an argument from silence, it’s more accurately an argument from conspicuous absence. The church is a major focus in chapters 1-3, with specific messages to seven churches. Then, just as the tribulation begins, all mention of the church ceases.
This fits the pretribulational view that the church age ends with the rapture before the tribulation begins. The absence is not merely silence, but a sudden and noticeable change in focus that begs for explanation.
Consistent with Other Scripture
This understanding aligns with other New Testament teachings about the rapture and tribulation:
- Jesus promised to keep the church from “the hour of trial coming on the whole world” (Rev 3:10).
- Paul taught that the “day of the Lord” would not overtake believers as a thief (1 Thess 5:1-9).
- The tribulation focuses on Israel and the nations, not the church (Dan 9:24-27; Matt 24:15-21).
Conclusion
While the “missing church” argument alone may not be conclusive proof of a pretribulational rapture, it is a significant piece of evidence that fits well with that view. When combined with other biblical teachings about the rapture and tribulation, it provides strong support for the idea that the church will be removed before the tribulation begins.
The conspicuous absence of the church from Revelation 4-19 is difficult to explain if the church is meant to endure the tribulation. The simplest explanation is that the church is not mentioned because it is no longer on earth during that time, having been raptured to heaven before the tribulation begins.
This understanding provides hope and encouragement for believers, assuring us that we will be kept from the coming time of worldwide judgment. It motivates us to live godly lives in anticipation of Christ’s imminent return.
