It is not without reservation that we explain why we hold to a post-tribulational view of the gathering of the saints. This is by far the most controversial position one could take, as we are saying that Believers may be forced to give up their lives one day for the cause of the Messiah and face the antimessiah/antichrist.
Responding to: “50. No passage dealing with the resurrection of saints at the second coming in either Testament ever mentions translation of living saints at the same time.”
Responding to: “48. At the rapture Satan is not bound, while at the second coming Satan is bound and cast into the abyss.”
Responding to: “47. The rapture concerns only the saved, while the second coming deals with both saved and unsaved.”
Responding to: “49. No unfufilled prophecy stands between the church and the rapture, while many signs must be fulfilled before the second coming.”
Responding to: “46. The translation of living believers is truth revealed only in the New Testament, while the second coming with its attendant events is a prominent doctrine of both Testaments.”
Responding to: “45. The rapture is described as imminent, while the second coming is preceded by definite signs.”
Responding to: “44. The translation of the church is pictured as deliverance before the day of wrath, while the second coming is followed by the deliverance of those who have believed in Christ during the tribulation.”
Responding to: “43. At the time of the rapture the world is unjudged and continues in sin, while at the second coming the world is judged and righteousness is established in the earth.”
Responding to: “42. At the rapture the saints go to heaven, while at the second coming to the earth the saints remain in the earth without translation.”