Thanks for dropping by and leaving a note. You make some great points. I have found it truly frustrating that too many people are fighting the wrong war. It is almost as if they think the Lord has somehow rescinded the Great Commission. Some people are so intent about debating aspects of Eschatology, that you have to wonder how they have time to witness to the lost at all.

H L Nigro wrote a lengthy online essay trying to rebut it, claiming Showers didn’t portray the view accurately. Actually he does and Nigro’s attempt to defend her view against his critique often stretches incredulity.

Interestingly, she observes that preWrath has been refined since Showers’ book. However, its core tenets haven’t changed and he thoroughly addresses those. She allows her (recent) rapture system the luxury to be refined yet attacks preTrib for, allegedly, not being taught until 1830.

What this highlights to me is that some people are better at unfairly maligning preTrib than defending their own systems.

I think the truth is important. If the Lord could come back at any time then we should live our lives in that expectation so as not to be found wanting. In my opinion, pretribulationism has more going for it than the other systems. Unfortunately it’s the squeaky wheels of the naysayers that make more noise.

All I can say is “WOW!” What a great blog! I haven’t yet read any of your other stuff but based on this article alone I find you to be extremely articulate and obviously passionate.

I too currently hold a PreTrib position but firmly know that my belief would not be shaken one iota if that position turned out to be wrong. I would view it as a (continuing) lesson that my thoughts are not God’s thoughts and my ways are not God’s ways. I can live with that (especially sustained by His hand). Sadly, I also agree that churches are being infiltrated with such a plethora of deceptions. Satan and humans alike seem to be working overtime to repaint God into an image that more palatable (can you say “ear tickling”?). And I agree that that is where one of our main focuses should be. I fear too many will say “Lord, Lord…” but will hear “Get away from me, I never knew you.”… Not because of an eschatological difference but because of core foundational salvation issues that the Church has either ignored or actually embraced. THAT is what grieves my heart.

I look forward to reading more of your site. Thank you for this article.

You are no more interested in what I think about the Edward Irving is Unnerving article, than I am interested in trying to walk to the moon. The reality is that you are convinced in your opinion regarding Dispensationalism, so how could you possibly even be slightly interested in my opinion? The article to which I borrowed your comment – “Dispensationalism and the Jews” – is filled with erroneous thinking where Dispensationalism is concerned.

I find it fascinating how people are constantly pointing to Galatians 3:28-29 as proof of the “fact” that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, etc., yet they conveniently pass over the fact that this obviously refers to salvation and will only find its ultimate fulfillment in eternity.

Consider that in that pasage of Scripture, Paul also refers to the fact that there is no difference between MEN and WOMEN as well. If that is the case, then why is it not fine for homosexuals to marry? Beyond this, why does Paul DEFINE roles for men and women in epistles and letters he wrote LATER?

The reality is SALVATION is available to ALL, regardless of GENDER or ETHNICITY. That Jews who become believers are somehow part of the “New Israel” (an errant position) means that the Church has replaced Israel, which is not a viable position according to Scripture. But folks like yourself would say (I’m assuming), that all the blessings that were originally intended for the Jews have now been transferred to the Church. Unfortunately, that line of conviction makes a liar out of God. It also says that ALL of the curses meant for Israel were REAL, and actually applied TO Israel, however all the blessings were only meant figuratively? Wrong.

I am not at all interested in debating you and I doubt that you are interested in debating with me either. That said, it might be a good idea for you to find out what Dispensationalism actually presents, as opposed to reading books/articles by people who have no clue.

Thanks for the note. In truth, it really does not matter to me which version of the Rapture is the correct one. For all the huffing and puffing, we will find out when it happens.

I have Rosenthal’s and Van Kampen’s books. I also have one that is tough to find, written by a guy who spent a good portion of his adult life believing and espousing the PreWrath Rapture. The book, “The Pre-Wrath Rapture Answered” by Lee W. Brainard really knocks it out the park, as far as I’m concerned.

Thanks for your comments.

I read Marvin Rosenthal’s book and recall that he chastised Ryrie (page 280) for devoting too much time refuting postTrib. His contention was that disproving one view doesn’t automatically make one’s own view correct. This is a fair statement yet that’s exactly what Marv tried to do to preTrib in his book, and obviously missed the irony. He should have spent more time providing evidence for the unique preWrath view of Matt 24:22.

Interestingly, in that book he declined to connect Darby with Margaret MacDonald yet some time later he came out and declared that preTrib was a satanic delusion inspired by MM. Pity he didn’t spend ten minutes reading her vision.

Appreciate your posts.

The reality is that as much as we long to be done with this world, we are here for a purpose and that purpose certainly includes the Great Commission. In all things, God must be glorified through us, whether in our thoughts, our words or are deeds.

To that end, may we serve Him faithfully, waiting for that blessed day when He will call us home, either corporately via the Rapture, or individually through our deaths.

He is worthy of our praise!

I agree with your main point, that Christians need to focus on serving the Lord in the here and now. As we see prophecy being fulfulled in the world today, it is all too easy for us to lose heart and our focus on Him. Regarding the rapture, I respectfully disagree with both the pre-tribulation and post-tribulation theories, believing instead that neither scenario is scriptural. Keep up the good posts.

God bless,

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