50 Reasons For a Pretribulational Rapture By Dr. John F. Walvoord

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

randyk

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2021
902
268
63
Pacific NW USA
Here is a major reason I view things differently than many other futurists, particularly those of the Dispensational camp. I'm not a Preterist, but I do accept the view of the Church Fathers that the Olivet Discourse was fulfilled largely in history--all except for the 2nd Coming. Jesus used the question asked him about his 2nd Coming not just to substantiate his 2nd Coming, but also to show that it had present relevance in our lives--not just in the future. We will be judged in the here and now, and not just at the judgment seat.

So just as God portrayed His coming in judgment during various historical judgments, so Jesus portrayed his Coming as pre-consummate judgments in history, including the 70 AD judgment. They are not to be confused, of course, with eschatological comings, but they are nonetheless described as a "coming."

Rev 2.16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
Rev 3. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.


These verses refer to occasions in ancient history when Jesus visited judgment upon those in the 7 Asian churches who were not obedient. Jesus surprised them like a thief, and came to them in sudden judgment.

This is not to say that God is not patient, enduring, and merciful in the present age. He is, and His grace is abundant, awaiting the process leading to final judgment.

But to deny that God is still in the "judgment" business is terribly unbalanced and false. God judged Israel in 70 AD, and He has been judging nations since the time they came into existence. He is patient, but there are limits to His patience. We should never feel secure, knowing that Christ is coming later. He comes to us every day, seeing how we are, and wanting to prepare us for His heavenly Kingdom. "Come, Lord Jesus," should be our cry every day.

When you read the Olivet Discourse, recognize that Jesus was looking at the events of 70 AD as a kind of preliminary "coming" of Messiah, before the final day of judgment. It will help you synchronize what he was saying about his own generation, and what he was saying about the end of the age.
 

cv5

Well-known member
Nov 20, 2018
23,004
8,373
113
Brother, I don't need to re-read it--I memorized the whole message back in the 70s. Now, I no longer have it memorized, and my memory is, in fact, failing. But I don't need to re-read it. I know it better than most people.

It does *not* have to do with the Rapture. The Rapture happens at the coming of the Son of Man from heaven, to gather his people. If you compare all versions of the Olivet Discourse, in Matt 24, Mark 13, and Luke 17;21, you will find that the gist of this Discourse deals with the generation of Jesus' Apostles, who are being warned concerning the times that they will live through. They will lose their country, because the Romans will be sent by God in judgment against a backslidden nation.

The Romans had an eagle symbol on their staffs, or standard. They worshiped it as a god. And so, Jesus referred to the hunting eagle, hovering over Jerusalem, ready to take the "corpse." Jesus was asked, by his Disciples, where this would happen. He said it would happen where the corpse would be, referring to Israel, killed by the Romans. It would happen in Jerusalem.

It would be a time when true believers in Christ would have to take leave asap. Some would leave immediately, and some at the last moment. Those remaining in Jerusalem to the last moment were stuck, and would likely die. Those captured were either killed, taken captive, or left behind to keep the fields for the Romans.

One thing that is quite clear to me, and not to many, is that Christ was not willing to focus on eschatology, since it was a distraction away from the present requirements of God. We are not to indulge unduly in excessive prognostications about the future, getting wrapped up in speculations about when and where, and what symbol means what. We are not to be about "times and seasons."

Rather, Jesus used the message of his coming Kingdom to focus on his own day, and on the situation his future apostles would have to face. And so, his Coming is also used as if a foreshadowing of the end of the age. As Israel would be judged, so will the world be judged. And as the Son of Man is coming at the end of the age to judge the pagan Gentiles, so he is coming in the days of the Apostles to judge backslidden Israel. In this way the coming of Christ is viewed in parallel.

Some believe this is Preterism. But I'm not a Preterist. I view the Discourse as Jesus wanted it to be viewed, as an historical prophecy dealing with the time at hand--not with questionable future dates and events.
Interesting perspective and some poignant observations. But you have to still deal with Jesus' reference to the AofB per Daniel. Clearly futurist implications there.
 

cv5

Well-known member
Nov 20, 2018
23,004
8,373
113
Here is a major reason I view things differently than many other futurists, particularly those of the Dispensational camp. I'm not a Preterist, but I do accept the view of the Church Fathers that the Olivet Discourse was fulfilled largely in history--all except for the 2nd Coming. Jesus used the question asked him about his 2nd Coming not just to substantiate his 2nd Coming, but also to show that it had present relevance in our lives--not just in the future. We will be judged in the here and now, and not just at the judgment seat.

So just as God portrayed His coming in judgment during various historical judgments, so Jesus portrayed his Coming as pre-consummate judgments in history, including the 70 AD judgment. They are not to be confused, of course, with eschatological comings, but they are nonetheless described as a "coming."

Rev 2.16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
Rev 3. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.


These verses refer to occasions in ancient history when Jesus visited judgment upon those in the 7 Asian churches who were not obedient. Jesus surprised them like a thief, and came to them in sudden judgment.

This is not to say that God is not patient, enduring, and merciful in the present age. He is, and His grace is abundant, awaiting the process leading to final judgment.

But to deny that God is still in the "judgment" business is terribly unbalanced and false. God judged Israel in 70 AD, and He has been judging nations since the time they came into existence. He is patient, but there are limits to His patience. We should never feel secure, knowing that Christ is coming later. He comes to us every day, seeing how we are, and wanting to prepare us for His heavenly Kingdom. "Come, Lord Jesus," should be our cry every day.

When you read the Olivet Discourse, recognize that Jesus was looking at the events of 70 AD as a kind of preliminary "coming" of Messiah, before the final day of judgment. It will help you synchronize what he was saying about his own generation, and what he was saying about the end of the age.
OK...I just reviewed Matt 24. A perfect template of the book of Revelation from ch6 onward. A synopsis of the 70th week of Daniel. To a tee. No Church anywhere to be found. Not even implied. Addressed the Israel....only.
 

randyk

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2021
902
268
63
Pacific NW USA
OK...I just reviewed Matt 24. A perfect template of the book of Revelation from ch6 onward. A synopsis of the 70th week of Daniel. To a tee. No Church anywhere to be found. Not even implied. Addressed the Israel....only.
You looked in the Old Testament to find the international Christian Church? You have got to be kidding? ;)
 

cv5

Well-known member
Nov 20, 2018
23,004
8,373
113
Study the meaning of the word "prolepsis." I 1st read it from George E. Ladd, in his commentary on Revelation, I believe. Rev 14 references the Son of Man and the clouds, which is exactly what 1 Thes 4 refers to. Both, therefore, refer to Dan 7, which is the 1st mention of the Son of Man descending from heaven with the clouds.

1 Thes 4.16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

Matt 24.30 “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.

Rev 1.7 “Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him."

Rev 14.14 I looked, and there before me was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one like a son of man.

Dan 7.13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. "

All of these are related, by virtue of their reference to Dan 7, where the Son of Man descends from heaven with the clouds. Since the context for that passage is Postrib, and refers to the destruction of Antichrist, we have to assume that that formed the basis for Paul's argument against Pretrib. Like Jesus he didn't want to see Christians trusting in false Millennial movements on earth, proclaiming to be the New Age!
Paul is the originator of the Rapture doctrine. Anyway.....there is nothing in Rev 14 that parallels an instantaneous once-for-all snatching event. Quite the contrary. Jesus has no need for a sickle as far as the Church is concerned.

Question for you: who are the 24 Elders of Revelation?
 

cv5

Well-known member
Nov 20, 2018
23,004
8,373
113
You looked in the Old Testament to find the international Christian Church? You have got to be kidding? ;)
Hold on. You are the one seeing the Church in Matthew. Not me. There are no Christians escaping anything in that chapter. 100% Israel. Period. Future. The only passing reference to 70ad is the passage about the destruction of the Temple.

The 70ad destruction is FULLY DETAILED in Luke 21 however. A fact that many cannot comprehend.
 

randyk

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2021
902
268
63
Pacific NW USA
You looked in the Old Testament to find the international Christian Church? You have got to be kidding? ;)
I don't mean to insult you, Cv5, but you are not going to find the Christian Church in the OT system. Both the Gospels and the OT Scriptures are OT, and focus strictly on the Law. And the Law excluded foreigners unless they were willing to emigrate to and join Israel. The Law encompassed only Israel. What other nation, for example, had a thing to do with memorializing the Passover Exodus from Egypt?

So what we learn from OT Israel applies indirectly to the Christian Church. This is what Paul said:

1 Cor 10.6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did....
11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.


So what we read about Israel in the OT Scriptures and in the Gospels we know were focused on Israel so as to lay out a blueprint for the Church to follow under NT guidelines. We are not under the Law of Moses any longer, but we are under the Law of Christ, as such. We remain obligated to live by moral laws--not under the 613 requirements of the Law, but rather, under the royal commandments, to love God and our neighbors.

What we read, therefore, about Christ's return in Dan 7 and in Matt 24 applies to Christians, and not just to Jews. The Jews will be restored to Christ, but it will happen when Christ comes back to install his faithful people as judges over the nations. The Church will consist of both Jews and people from other nations. And they will judge, perhaps, their own respective nations--probably from heaven.

We are told that we will even be given to judge angels. That is how we will rule in the Millennium, by standing for the displacement of evil angels on earth for the present application of Christ's laws, as exemplified by our immortal standing.

Dan 9 and the 70th Week was fulfilled at Christ's earthly ministry and in the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. That was the Abomination of Desolation (AoD). There was, in Daniel, another AoD, fulfilled in Antiochus 4 of Syria. You will find him mentioned in Dan 8 and Dan 11-12.

Dan 9, therefore, has nothing to do with Jesus' 2nd Coming, but only with the 70 AD event, which is also what Jesus' Olivet Discourse was primarily about. Jesus did speak to his 2nd Coming, but he wanted the focus to be on what Christians need to do *today,* not waiting for the future to get anything done.
 

randyk

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2021
902
268
63
Pacific NW USA
Hold on. You are the one seeing the Church in Matthew. Not me. There are no Christians escaping anything in that chapter. 100% Israel. Period. Future. The only passing reference to 70ad is the passage about the destruction of the Temple.

The 70ad destruction is FULLY DETAILED in Luke 21 however. A fact that many cannot comprehend.
Yea, the same post that deals w/ the AoD deals with this. Jesus' earthly ministry took place while still under the Law, in the OT era. It was OT and focused largely on Israel.

But God's purpose was only to *start* with Israel, to branch out to all nations. That's why God named Abram "Abraham," to tell him that his monotheistic faith would expand to include many nations.

So when Jesus addressed his 12 future apostles, he was predicting about what was still to come, and not what existed yet. The Church was not yet born, but they would become the Church foundation later, after the cross.

In saying what would happen to them later, in the 66-70 AD time frame, and even before, Jesus was predicting what would happen when they had become the nucleus of the Church. Everything Jesus had said about them could later be expanded to apply to Christians everywhere, in terms of their own national experiences.

What Jesus predicted about the Jews in the Olivet Discourse largely refers only to the Jewish experience. Jesus did not mean to imply there would not be believers in other nations with their own unique national experiences.
 
Mar 4, 2020
8,614
3,691
113
As we have said many dozens of times the Church is nowhere to be found in Matthew 24. It is impossible to maintain a correct end time eschatology unless you FIRST realize that fact.
Can you prove, using scripture, that the elect being gathered by angels in Matthew 24:31 is not a description of the church being gathered, such as is the case in 2 Thessalonians 2:1?

Furthermore, can you prove the elect in Matthew 24:31 are not the church even though the New Testament repeatedly refers to the elect as the church?

Matthew 24:31
31And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

2 Thessalonians 2:1
1Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him
 

randyk

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2021
902
268
63
Pacific NW USA
civ,5 I think you need to recognize how OT Israel applies to NT Christianity. What was largely said, under the Law, about Israel is sometimes unique to Israel and sometimes applicable to all nations. You need to separate these things if you are to understand how to apply what Jesus said to his 12 apostles.

As for Jesus' coming, we know Jesus applied that event to Israel in the Olivet Discourse. But neither did he deny it would apply to all Christians after the international Church had been born. Paul applied many truths given by Jesus to Israel to the entire Church. That was the role he played.
 
Mar 4, 2020
8,614
3,691
113
Brother, I don't need to re-read it--I memorized the whole message back in the 70s. Now, I no longer have it memorized, and my memory is, in fact, failing. But I don't need to re-read it. I know it better than most people.

It does *not* have to do with the Rapture. The Rapture happens at the coming of the Son of Man from heaven, to gather his people. If you compare all versions of the Olivet Discourse, in Matt 24, Mark 13, and Luke 17;21, you will find that the gist of this Discourse deals with the generation of Jesus' Apostles, who are being warned concerning the times that they will live through. They will lose their country, because the Romans will be sent by God in judgment against a backslidden nation.

The Romans had an eagle symbol on their staffs, or standard. They worshiped it as a god. And so, Jesus referred to the hunting eagle, hovering over Jerusalem, ready to take the "corpse." Jesus was asked, by his Disciples, where this would happen. He said it would happen where the corpse would be, referring to Israel, killed by the Romans. It would happen in Jerusalem.

It would be a time when true believers in Christ would have to take leave asap. Some would leave immediately, and some at the last moment. Those remaining in Jerusalem to the last moment were stuck, and would likely die. Those captured were either killed, taken captive, or left behind to keep the fields for the Romans.

One thing that is quite clear to me, and not to many, is that Christ was not willing to focus on eschatology, since it was a distraction away from the present requirements of God. We are not to indulge unduly in excessive prognostications about the future, getting wrapped up in speculations about when and where, and what symbol means what. We are not to be about "times and seasons."

Rather, Jesus used the message of his coming Kingdom to focus on his own day, and on the situation his future apostles would have to face. And so, his Coming is also used as if a foreshadowing of the end of the age. As Israel would be judged, so will the world be judged. And as the Son of Man is coming at the end of the age to judge the pagan Gentiles, so he is coming in the days of the Apostles to judge backslidden Israel. In this way the coming of Christ is viewed in parallel.

Some believe this is Preterism. But I'm not a Preterist. I view the Discourse as Jesus wanted it to be viewed, as an historical prophecy dealing with the time at hand--not with questionable future dates and events.
Do you believe the greatest ever tribulation that has ever happened already did and will never be exceeded again?

Matthew 24:21
21For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
 

cv5

Well-known member
Nov 20, 2018
23,004
8,373
113
I don't mean to insult you, Cv5, but you are not going to find the Christian Church in the OT system. Both the Gospels and the OT Scriptures are OT, and focus strictly on the Law. And the Law excluded foreigners unless they were willing to emigrate to and join Israel. The Law encompassed only Israel. What other nation, for example, had a thing to do with memorializing the Passover Exodus from Egypt?

So what we learn from OT Israel applies indirectly to the Christian Church. This is what Paul said:

1 Cor 10.6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did....
11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.


So what we read about Israel in the OT Scriptures and in the Gospels we know were focused on Israel so as to lay out a blueprint for the Church to follow under NT guidelines. We are not under the Law of Moses any longer, but we are under the Law of Christ, as such. We remain obligated to live by moral laws--not under the 613 requirements of the Law, but rather, under the royal commandments, to love God and our neighbors.

What we read, therefore, about Christ's return in Dan 7 and in Matt 24 applies to Christians, and not just to Jews. The Jews will be restored to Christ, but it will happen when Christ comes back to install his faithful people as judges over the nations. The Church will consist of both Jews and people from other nations. And they will judge, perhaps, their own respective nations--probably from heaven.

We are told that we will even be given to judge angels. That is how we will rule in the Millennium, by standing for the displacement of evil angels on earth for the present application of Christ's laws, as exemplified by our immortal standing.

Dan 9 and the 70th Week was fulfilled at Christ's earthly ministry and in the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. That was the Abomination of Desolation (AoD). There was, in Daniel, another AoD, fulfilled in Antiochus 4 of Syria. You will find him mentioned in Dan 8 and Dan 11-12.

Dan 9, therefore, has nothing to do with Jesus' 2nd Coming, but only with the 70 AD event, which is also what Jesus' Olivet Discourse was primarily about. Jesus did speak to his 2nd Coming, but he wanted the focus to be on what Christians need to do *today,* not waiting for the future to get anything done.
I have never stated that the Church is anywhere in Dan 9 or 12. Nor in the OT specifically fully revealed. So STOP saying that I do. OK? Thank you.
 

cv5

Well-known member
Nov 20, 2018
23,004
8,373
113
I don't mean to insult you, Cv5, but you are not going to find the Christian Church in the OT system. Both the Gospels and the OT Scriptures are OT, and focus strictly on the Law. And the Law excluded foreigners unless they were willing to emigrate to and join Israel. The Law encompassed only Israel. What other nation, for example, had a thing to do with memorializing the Passover Exodus from Egypt?

So what we learn from OT Israel applies indirectly to the Christian Church. This is what Paul said:

1 Cor 10.6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did....
11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.


So what we read about Israel in the OT Scriptures and in the Gospels we know were focused on Israel so as to lay out a blueprint for the Church to follow under NT guidelines. We are not under the Law of Moses any longer, but we are under the Law of Christ, as such. We remain obligated to live by moral laws--not under the 613 requirements of the Law, but rather, under the royal commandments, to love God and our neighbors.

What we read, therefore, about Christ's return in Dan 7 and in Matt 24 applies to Christians, and not just to Jews. The Jews will be restored to Christ, but it will happen when Christ comes back to install his faithful people as judges over the nations. The Church will consist of both Jews and people from other nations. And they will judge, perhaps, their own respective nations--probably from heaven.

We are told that we will even be given to judge angels. That is how we will rule in the Millennium, by standing for the displacement of evil angels on earth for the present application of Christ's laws, as exemplified by our immortal standing.

Dan 9 and the 70th Week was fulfilled at Christ's earthly ministry and in the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. That was the Abomination of Desolation (AoD). There was, in Daniel, another AoD, fulfilled in Antiochus 4 of Syria. You will find him mentioned in Dan 8 and Dan 11-12.

Dan 9, therefore, has nothing to do with Jesus' 2nd Coming, but only with the 70 AD event, which is also what Jesus' Olivet Discourse was primarily about. Jesus did speak to his 2nd Coming, but he wanted the focus to be on what Christians need to do *today,* not waiting for the future to get anything done.
OK. I see now. Let me set the record straight: The Church is found nowhere in Matt 24. Dan 9 has nothing to do with the Church. 70th week of Daniel is YET FUTURE and has nothing whatsoever to do with the 70AD destruction.

Continue to post keeping that in mind.
 
Mar 4, 2020
8,614
3,691
113
OK. I see now. Let me set the record straight: The Church is found nowhere in Matt 24. Dan 9 has nothing to do with the Church. 70th week of Daniel is YET FUTURE and has nothing whatsoever to do with the 70AD destruction.

Continue to post keeping that in mind.
You have to stick with Matthew 24 not being about the church in the great tribulation or else your whole pre-trib thesis falls apart. It does fall apart.

The elect are the church and and they will be gathered after the man of sin (anti-Christ) is revealed per 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3.

It's very simple and straightforward in the most plainest language possible. You're totally missing it because you refuse to believe it.
 

randyk

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2021
902
268
63
Pacific NW USA
Do you believe the greatest ever tribulation that has ever happened already did and will never be exceeded again?

Matthew 24:21
21For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Yes, not many nowadays agree with me, but I'm pretty sure I'm right. The truth seems to have been lost over time. Jesus was speaking of the *greatest punishment in Israel's history,* and the *longest punishment in Israel's history.* This "Great Tribulation" began in 70 AD and has continued in the form of the Jewish Diaspora for nearly 2000 years!

This is the "greatest tribulation" the Jews have experienced to date. The Babylonian Captivity, by contrast, lasted only 70 years. This present tribulation has lasted for many centuries!

Many assume that the "Great Tribulation" is synonymous with the Reign of Antichrist in the book of Revelation. And that's because a "great tribulation" is mentioned there in ch. 7. Again, the "great tribulation" there refers to the entire age we live in, in which all nations are being punished throughout their history for all of their sins. In the end, their punishment will end in eternal punishment, which will be the worst "tribulation" of all.

If you look at Luke 21, you will see clearly that the "Great Tribulation" mentioned in Matt 24 and Mark 13 refers to the Jewish Punishment that began with the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD and ends at the return of Christ.

Luke 21.20 “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. 22 For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. 23 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled."
 

cv5

Well-known member
Nov 20, 2018
23,004
8,373
113
Yes, not many nowadays agree with me, but I'm pretty sure I'm right. The truth seems to have been lost over time. Jesus was speaking of the *greatest punishment in Israel's history,* and the *longest punishment in Israel's history.* This "Great Tribulation" began in 70 AD and has continued in the form of the Jewish Diaspora for nearly 2000 years!

This is the "greatest tribulation" the Jews have experienced to date. The Babylonian Captivity, by contrast, lasted only 70 years. This present tribulation has lasted for many centuries!

Many assume that the "Great Tribulation" is synonymous with the Reign of Antichrist in the book of Revelation. And that's because a "great tribulation" is mentioned there in ch. 7. Again, the "great tribulation" there refers to the entire age we live in, in which all nations are being punished throughout their history for all of their sins. In the end, their punishment will end in eternal punishment, which will be the worst "tribulation" of all.

If you look at Luke 21, you will see clearly that the "Great Tribulation" mentioned in Matt 24 and Mark 13 refers to the Jewish Punishment that began with the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD and ends at the return of Christ.

Luke 21.20 “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. 22 For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. 23 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled."
I have to tell you my friend that we disagree on pretty well everything as regards eschatology. The Great Tribulation certainly did not start at 70 A.D. I can tell you that for sure.
 
Mar 4, 2020
8,614
3,691
113
Yes, not many nowadays agree with me, but I'm pretty sure I'm right. The truth seems to have been lost over time. Jesus was speaking of the *greatest punishment in Israel's history,* and the *longest punishment in Israel's history.* This "Great Tribulation" began in 70 AD and has continued in the form of the Jewish Diaspora for nearly 2000 years!

This is the "greatest tribulation" the Jews have experienced to date. The Babylonian Captivity, by contrast, lasted only 70 years. This present tribulation has lasted for many centuries!

Many assume that the "Great Tribulation" is synonymous with the Reign of Antichrist in the book of Revelation. And that's because a "great tribulation" is mentioned there in ch. 7. Again, the "great tribulation" there refers to the entire age we live in, in which all nations are being punished throughout their history for all of their sins. In the end, their punishment will end in eternal punishment, which will be the worst "tribulation" of all.

If you look at Luke 21, you will see clearly that the "Great Tribulation" mentioned in Matt 24 and Mark 13 refers to the Jewish Punishment that began with the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD and ends at the return of Christ.

Luke 21.20 “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. 22 For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. 23 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled."
Partial preterism creates Biblical contradictions. Jesus said He would return after the tribulation to gather His elect. Therefore the only remaining logical conclusion is that Jesus gave a prophecy of the future. (Matt 24:29-31)

Furthermore, Jesus said in Matthew 24:21 the great tribulation would be as such as has not been since the beginning of the world. The great flood of the days of Noah wiped out everyone in the world except for 8 people.

The great tribulation will be on par with the days of Noah:

Matthew 24:22
22And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

The return of Christ will be a global event witnessed across the earth, not exclusively in Israel:

Matthew 24:30
30And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

To supplement this global appearance of Christ, He said His return will be like the days of Noah which had a worldwide flood:

Matthew 24:37
37But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

I've studied full and partial preterism and it's probably a poorer position than the pre-trib rapture.