What Scripture is USED to support a Pre-Tribulation Rapture? This question presents a dilemma of duality in definition, because the word USED could be taken as one of two different meanings. The dictionary lists its definition as: To employ or apply to a given purpose, and also, To exploit, as a person; treat as a means of some selfish end. (Webster's New World Dictionary, 1966, College Edition)
In the first definition, there are books abounding that present Scriptures which the author thinks present a Pre-Trib Rapture. Scriptures are plucked out of both the New and Old Testament, and placed down like tiles in a mosaic of prophecy. {Chafer, Larkin, Scofield, Darby, Ironside, Jeremiah, Hagee, LaHaye, Hunt, Lindsey, et al.} All these authors use passages of scripture which they present in earnest to convince congregations of its verity.
Being Used But are all these scriptures BEING USED according to the second alternative definition of the word "used"? This brings up a legitimate question: How faithful are the uses of these verses to the Rules of Hermeneutics...Reasonable Logic...Valid Deductive Thinking? Are these verses being "used" to promote a preconceived schematic? Are they being mistreated in an exploitation of the teaching of the Bible?
Redesigned Hermeneutics Question #7044 listed some of the Hermeneutical principals pre-tribbers assume before they engage in their interpretation of verses. (q.v.) But can it be seen that these prescribed rules merely aid and abet the verse at hand being "used" in an inappropriate way? To the average researcher, it becomes apparent that not all is up to snuff! The Rules require a theological position that is contrary to the teaching of the Master Teacher, Jesus.(Especially, the re-erecting of the Wall of Separation between Jew and Gentile; Ephesians 2:14-18.)
For an in depth examination of this practice of using scriptures, see Answer of Ray Grant in Question #96197. Verses "used" to promote the Rapture which are dealt with invalidly are: Revelation 4:1...Daniel 9:27...1 Thessalonians 4:16-17...Titus 2:13...Acts 15:13-18.
It becomes apparent that looking for the most clear and convincing passages that support this doctrine is an exercise in futility. The ignoring of normal rules of hermeneutics do not make a "convincing" case. The ripping of verses out of context muddies the water, and do not bring clarification. The "splitting" of verses into separate events, and teaching that there are seven years between them is horrendous exposition (See treatment of Titus 2:13, Scofield Reference Study Bible, 1945, ftnt.). Putting reliance on King James Version grammar is a misleading practice that is engaged in, too.
Matthew Twenty-four The passage of scripture, the Olivet Discourse, which inspired the Question of this posting is an exciting teaching of Jesus about the Fall of Jerusalem, and the entire nation of Israel. But to get a true understanding, one cannot skip around and choose a few scriptures and expect to understand it. All of Jesus's words must be considered. Especially when He revealed that:
I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things will have happened. (Matthew 24:34)
Jesus's application of his phrase, I tell you the truth and the word, certainly, are quite emphatic. But what throws off modern readers is the grand, explosive, language in verses 29-31. This is not reference to the Second Coming, but is typical Old Testament vernacular that describes the fall of a nation. IT CERTAINLY DOES NOT refer to a Rapture or future Tribulation, as Pre-Tribbers allege. Jesus's interpretation takes precedence over modern prophecy authors' prophetic timelines.
By the way to show that Jesus is not talking about the End of the World, Pre-Tribbers need to realize that the Greek word the disciples used for the End was synteleia, which was the same word Jesus used in Matthew 13 to describe the End- Time Harvest. The disciples thought that something as terrible as the destruction of the Temple could only signal the End of the World. But when Jesus spoke of the "end" he did not use that word, but used telos, simply the end of an age. In this case the End of the Mosaic Age...the end of sacrificial observance...the end of the Law.
If Pre-Trib Dispensationalists continue to interpret Matthew 24 as teaching about the End of the World (in this first section of the Olivet Discourse), they are "USING" the scriptures in the negative definition of the word.
What scripture is "Used" to support a Pre-Tribulation Rapture? Combining an Answer with both definitions of "use" it can be said that all the scriptures applied in modern prophetic books are "being used."
{For a diligent research into the Rapture question see authors: R.C. Sproul, Yerby, Cox, North, Bass, Meldoon. And for an in depth analysis of the scripture of this posting the Olivet Discourse, see: Raymond Grant, TIMES, THEY ARE A'CHANGING, and Marcellus Kik, MATTHEW TWENTY-FOUR.}
Summary of Pre-Tribulation It was requested that someone give a "summary of the arguments" for Pre-Trib. viewpoint. The best way to do this would be to present their typical chart showing where they place certain verse:
RAPTURE (31/2 yr covenant) ANTICHRIST (31/2 yr TRIBULATION) APPEARING
1Thess4:16.....Daniel9:27.....2Thess2:3.......Matt24:21.........Titus 2:13
For the RAPTURE of the Church out of the Earth, 1 Cor. 15:52, John 14:1-3, and 1 Thess. 4:16-17, are appealed to. The only place where a 7 year period is mentioned in the Bible is Daniel 9. They apply the final seven years of the 70X7 prophecy to a time in the future where the Jews make a covenant with Antichrist, who breaks the covenant after 31/2 years, and begins the "Great Tribulation."
This ANTICHRIST is found in Daniel 9:27, 2 Thess. 2:8-10, and various passages in Revelation. {Most orthodox theologians apply the "Anointed One (Prince) of Daniel 9 to Jesus, not an Anti-Jesus!} The GREAT TRIBULATION, they take from Matthew 24:21. And then that Tribulation is ended after 31/2 year by the APPEARING of Christ, according to Titus 2:13, and Matt. 24:30.
But as already shown, these verses are taken out of context, or dealt with by eisegesis, with a preconceived schematic chart as an overlay.