This article is part of a series responding to arguments made by Servus Christi in his video “The Pretrib Rapture Deception: A False Hope”. In this piece, we will specifically address his concern that belief in a pretribulational rapture could leave Christians unprepared for persecution, potentially causing them to stumble in their faith.
Understanding Servus Christi’s Argument
Servus Christi expresses concern that teaching a pretribulational rapture may leave believers unprepared for hardship and persecution. He argues that Jesus and the apostles went to great lengths to warn disciples about coming trials, so that they would not be caught off guard or stumble in their faith when difficulties arose. Some key quotes from his video include:
“Jesus knew that if these things came upon them and he didn’t tell them beforehand they were likely to think why why has god done this why has he let this happen to me i thought everything was going to be peachy and smooth sailing”
“Jesus wanted to make sure you understood his disciples understood we understood here are the things that are going to happen remember when they happen i told you beforehand”
Servus Christi suggests that pretribulationism could leave Christians with false expectations of an easy life, potentially shaking their faith if severe persecution comes. While his concern for believers’ spiritual preparedness is commendable, there are several important points to consider in response.
The Biblical Promise of Tribulation in This Age
It’s important to acknowledge that Servus Christi is correct in emphasizing Jesus’ warnings about persecution. The New Testament clearly teaches that believers will face trials and opposition in this present age. As John 16:33 states, “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” . Similarly, 2 Timothy 3:12 declares, “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” .
Pretribulationists fully affirm these biblical teachings. The pretribulational view does not deny present tribulations, but rather distinguishes between the general trials believers face throughout church history and the specific period of eschatological tribulation described in passages like Daniel’s 70th week and Revelation 6-19 .
Preparedness in Pretribulational Teaching
Contrary to Servus Christi’s concerns, pretribulational teachers have consistently emphasized the reality of present persecution and the need for spiritual preparedness. For example, Dr. Thomas Ice writes:
“Certainly the Bible teaches that all through out the church age Believers will suffer persecution. This is taught by such passages as John 16:33b, ‘In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.’ And in 2 Timothy 3:12 ‘Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.'”
Pretribulationists do not teach that Christians will avoid all suffering, but rather that the church will be raptured before the specific period of eschatological tribulation begins. This view is based on careful study of biblical prophecy, not a desire to avoid hardship.
The Blessed Hope as Motivation for Godliness
Far from promoting complacency, the pretribulational understanding of the rapture is presented in Scripture as a motivation for holy living and evangelism. Paul describes the return of Christ as the “blessed hope” that should inspire believers to live godly lives in the present age (Titus 2:11-13) .
Dr. Mark Hitchcock explains how this “blessed hope” of Christ’s imminent return motivates believers:
“The pretribulation Rapture is not just wishful ‘pie-in-the-sky, in the bye-and-bye’ thinking. Rather, it is vitally connected to Christian living in the ‘nasty here-and-now.’ No wonder the early church coined a unique greeting of ‘Maranatha!’ which reflected the primacy of the Blessed Hope as a very real presence in their everyday lives.”
This expectation of Christ’s return at any moment spurs believers on to faithful service and holy living, rather than complacency.
Distinguishing Present Tribulation from Eschatological Tribulation
A key aspect of the pretribulational view is distinguishing between the general tribulations believers face throughout the church age and the specific period of eschatological tribulation described in prophecy. Dr. Andy Woods explains:
“The question is will the church experience the trials of the tribulation. I have found that when a person is knowledgeable of what the Bible says is God’s purpose for the tribulation, or any issue for that matter, then a very high percentage of those people will come to believe that the church will be taken in the rapture before the tribulation.”
Pretribulationists argue that the purpose and nature of the eschatological tribulation period is distinct from present trials, being specifically focused on God’s plan for Israel and judgment on unbelieving nations.
The Importance of Spiritual Preparedness
While disagreeing with Servus Christi’s conclusion about pretribulationism, we can affirm his emphasis on spiritual preparedness. All believers, regardless of their eschatological views, should heed the New Testament’s calls to watchfulness and readiness.
Dr. Andy Woods provides helpful guidance on how believers can guard against apostasy and remain spiritually prepared:
“As we regularly obey a host of New Testament commands, we discover that we can actually prevent apostasy from occurring, which is better than making a difficult ‘up hill climb’ back to divine truth after we have already apostatized. Similarly, by implementing a variety of New Testament commands, we can prevent apostasy from even occurring in our personal lives.”
He emphasizes the importance of testing all teachings against Scripture, maintaining doctrinal purity, and cultivating spiritual disciplines that keep us close to Christ.
Conclusion
While Servus Christi raises an important concern about spiritual preparedness, the pretribulational view does not inherently lead to the problems he suggests. Properly understood and taught, the pretribulational rapture doctrine motivates holy living, encourages evangelism, and coexists with a realistic expectation of present trials.
Regardless of their view on the rapture’s timing, all Christians should heed the New Testament’s calls to watchfulness, perseverance, and spiritual readiness. As we await Christ’s return, whether through death or rapture, may we echo the early church’s prayer: “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!” (1 Corinthians 16:22, Revelation 22:20).
