God has a plan for history, and God is using the events of time to prepare Christians for the roles they will have throughout eternity -- much in the same way that a healthy childhood is focused on what the child will be and do when he grows to adulthood. So says Dr. Thomas Ice, executive director of the Pre-Trib Research Center, in this message he delivered at the first Day with Whitcomb Ministries back in 2004. Dr. Ice notes that the pre-tribulational rapture is a vital part of God's plan -- flowing logically out of the literal interpretation of the Bible, and a belief in premillennialism, futurism and a distinction between Israel and the church. Acceptance of the pre-tribulational rapture should also produce healthy fruit in the life of the believer today. Listen to this message to find out more reasons for holding to this teaching of Scripture.
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“ Great Sermon! ” The resurrection of the righteous dead and the translation of living believers are a combined event. One immediately follows the other. Search the Scriptures for the timing of the First Resurrection, and you will know the timing of His gathering together of His saints.
William Wright Jr (12/14/2008)
from Maryland, USA
“ I made an error. ” After checking for follow-up comments and re-reading my post, I realized I made an error. I stated "I believe the last trump you are speaking of is the changing of the believers who accept Christ after the rapture during the Tribulation." The last trump in Corinthians 15:51-52 is a reference to the rapture, because Paul was speaking to the Corinthians before the Book of Revelation was even penned, so it cannot be a reference to any trumpet of Revelation. In fact, in the book "Maranatha: Our Lord Come" (chapter 15) tackles this very issue of 'the last trump' of Corinthians 15:51-52 and does a much better job of explaining this issue than I could ever do.
I apologize for my error.
Daniel434 (11/13/2008)
from Maryland, USA
“ Great Sermon! ” @Trevor:
The doctrine of the imminency of Christ is plainly taught in the whole of the New Testament. Therefore, the rapture is not secret but opponents of a pre-trib rapture like to categorize it as "secret" although it is not. There are many passages in the Bible which teach Christ could come at any moment, and, the early Church held to this view. Even Paul believed Christ could come rapture the Bride/Church in his lifetime. (Philippians 3:20)
Regarding Matthew 24, yes, there will be a second advent. At this advent he will touch down and with His coming He will remove all the unsaved and set up the Millennial Kingdom for the saved, where Jesus will rule in Jerusalem. I believe the last trump you are speaking of is the changing of the believers who accept Christ after the rapture during the Tribulation.
Don't be fooled by anyone who tries to tell you that a pre-trib rapture or a rapture in general is a new invention. The early church believed it and it is evidenced by the imminency of the coming of the Bridegroom/Jesus for His Bride/The Church, taught in the Scriptures. The Jewish Marriage Analogy is the best evidence for this. I highly recommend the book "Maranatha: Our Lord, Come!" by Renald Showers. It will answer every question you have and more.
Trevor H (7/4/2008)
from Sydney Australia
“ Mans Opion?? ” I am confused about this secrete rapture. Why?
If it is secrete then it would read like this. 1 Thes: 16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a secrete shout, With the voice of the secrete archangle,and with the secrete trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise secretely first.
How can you have a secrete rapture on that verse.????. Try this John 11: 24-26. The Last day ???
or 1 corth: 15: 50 - 52. The Last trump??? or Math : 24: 29 - 31. Is he coming twice ???? Once secretely? then again so everyone will see Him ???. or this one Mark 13: 24-27.Is the tribulation after or before ???. Ok ok this is what Jesus said and not man. John: 5: 39 - 40. Is the last day before the rupture or after ???. See you all on the LAST DAY. God bless.
Wes Parr (9/7/2007)
“ Interesting debate topic ” This is a big topic for debate among bible believing christians. I think you can order debates on this topic of Mr. Ice and Gary Demar at www.americanvision.org. This makes for some good discussion and bible study.
Thomas Ice is executive director of the Pre-Trib Research Center in Lynchburg, Virginia, which he founded in 1994 with Dr. Tim LaHaye to research, teach and defend the pretribulational rapture and related Bible prophecy doctrines. Ice has co-authored more than 25 books and...
