HowardDean said:Part of the problem seems to be Revelation wasn't written in chronological order.
I agree. Revelation shows events from different perspectives. Often the same events are being reiterated. That being the case I would ask you to show anywhere in Scripture where events are laid out clearly showing a rapture taking place prior to the man of sin being revealed and prior to the time of great tribulation. There is plenty of Scripture showing that the resurrection takes place at the conclusion of events, not prior to them. Paul makes it clear that the rapture of the living and the resurrection of the dead happen essentially at the same time, with the dead being raised first and the living caught up immediately after.
timlamb said:The church is not mentioned in revelation beyound chapter 4.
The fact that the word church is not used and instead they are referred to as the saints (which one would hope exists in the church) is not proof of anything. This is a very hollow argument to use to try and support the pretrib position. You mentioned that you are new to this. I would recommend sincerely praying and studying The Word. I do not think that ones eschatological belief is an issue of salvation however I do think that the pretrib position poses some danger, especially to those not rooted and grounded in their faith.
What happens if they are around and see these things coming to pass and believe that they should have been raptured and yet they have not been? This could cause some to fall away and lose faith. I do think it is important for the church to recognize the time and be prepared for what awaits and more importantly be prepared to be a witness for Christ. I do not understand why some would accept that God allowed the early church to suffer persecution and yet those at the end will escape it all. Satan will persecute the church as they are the ones that have the testimony of Jesus Christ and he will do this until he is stopped. God will preserve some through to the end.
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