Understanding the Doctrine of the Rapture: Pre-tribulation and its Biblical Context

The doctrine of the Rapture has been a topic of much discussion and debate within Christian communities. One aspect that often sparks controversy is the pre-tribulation timing, particularly as referenced in Matthew 13:30 and Matthew 13:40-43. However, careful analysis of these texts and other relevant scriptures can provide clarity. Let's explore this in more detail.

Biblical References and Interpretations

Let's begin by examining Matthew 13:30 from the King James Version (KJV). This passage discusses the growth of wheat and tares together until the harvest, which is a metaphor for the kingdom of heaven:

Matthew 13:30

King James Version

30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

Here, Jesus is not teaching a specific timing of the rapture but is instead providing a metaphorical lesson about the growth and eventual separation of good and bad within the world. The separation occurs not suddenly but at the time of the harvest, which represents the end times.

Different Resurrections

Further clarity can be gained from John 5:28-29 of the KJV:

John 5:28-29

28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice
29 and shall come forth they that have done good unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation.

This passage indicates two different resurrections, one for the righteous and one for the wicked. The teaching is about the general resurrection at the end of time.

The Inconsistency with Rev 20:4–9

Another key point to consider is Revelation 20:4-9, where there is no mention of a lengthy pre-tribulation period. Instead, this passage discusses a judgment event, but it does not support a 7-year period:

4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

This passage does not describe a 7-year period of tribulation but rather a thousand-year period of rule with Christ. The confusion often arises from misinterpreting specific texts or combining them unsuitably.

Daniel's Prediction

Also, Daniel 9:25-27 refers to a 7-year period, but this clearly refers to the early Christian era, not a future event:

25 ‘Know therefore and understand: from the going forth of the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it shall be built again, with street and moat, even in times of distress. 26 And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood; and till the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 And he [the prince] shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, but in the middle of the week he shall put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.’

This prophecy, known as the 70th Week of Daniel, is about historical events and not a future pre-tribulation rapture.

The Timing of the Rapture

The doctrine of the rapture, as presented in scriptures like Matthew 13:40-43, does not suggest any specific sequence of events. Instead, it indicates a simultaneous gathering of the righteous:

Matthew 13:40-43

King James Version

40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so shall it be in the end of this world. 41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend and them which do iniquity: 42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear let him hear.

Here, the reference to gathering is a final judgment, not a pre-tribulation event. The righteous will be gathered, the wicked will face judgment, and both groups will be dealt with together.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Finally, let's consider 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, which is often used to support a specific sequence:

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

King James Version

13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus, will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

This passage explains that the alive and the dead in Christ will be gathered together, not separated based on different timings. The righteous will reign together in the presence of Christ.

Conclusion

The doctrine of the pre-tribulation rapture, as taught in the texts often cited, is Biblically incorrect. The passages in Matthew, John, and Revelation do not support a specific sequence of events but rather describe the final judgment and gathering of the righteous. The erroneous sequence described in some interpretations of Matthew 13 is a misinterpretation that has led to confusion and controversy.

The key takeaway is that the Bible emphasizes the simultaneous gathering of the righteous rather than a pre-tribulation separation of the faithful and the wicked.