This week my husband's message dealt with three of the most popular views of the Rapture. Although the word rapture is not mentioned specifically in the Bible, the principle is. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, the rapture experience is described as a "catching away" of believers from the earth.

The Rapture has been the topic of controversy in the church for many years. Prior to the twentieth century most church theologians and leaders (like John Calvin and Martin Luther) believed that the Rapture would take place at the end of the tribulation period. The tribulation period is spoken of in numerous places in the Bible as a time of trouble that will come upon the earth for a period of seven years (see Daniel 12:1, Matthew 24:21, and Revelation 7:14 for starters).

This view changed in 1830 when a 15 year old Scottish girl had a dream that most born-again believers would be raptured prior to the beginning of the tribulation period. It was at this time that J. M. Darby, founder the Plymouth Brethren, grabbed onto this theory and ran with it. As a result, most Christians believe in a pre-tribulation Rapture today.

With that bit of history in mind let's take a brief look at the three most widely held views of when the Rapture will occur.

The Pre-Tribulation Rapture Theory

This is the theory that most Christians and theologians hold to today. It is the belief that all born-again believers will be raptured prior to the seven year tribulation period.

The basis of this theory is 1 Thessalonians 5:9 which says that "God has not appointed us (believers) for wrath." Those who subscribe to this view also believe that when the Apostle John hears the voice say "come up hither" in Revelation 4:1, that the passage is referring to the Rapture of the church.

For further reading see Revelation chapters 2-4. These chapters deal vividly with the seven churches, the church age, and the tribulation period.

The Mid-Tribulation Rapture Theory

Those who believe in a mid-tribulation Rapture believe that the church will be taken out somewhere near the middle (around the 3 1/2 year mark) of the tribulation period. The best scripture to support this theory is Revelation 7:13-14 which says, "these are the ones who have come up out of the great tribulation."

The "great" tribulation refers to the second half of the tribulation period when things are the most intense. If this theory is correct, believers will go through the first half of the tribulation period when things are not quite as bad, and then be raptured out just prior to the worst part.

The Post-Tribulation Rapture Theory

This theory refers to the church being raptured at or near the end of the seven year tribulation period. There are many scriptures that lead us to believe that we may have to go through the tribulation period, but here are a couple of the most prominent ones.

In Matthew 24:15 Jesus tells us that one of the signs of His return will be when the Antichrist stands in the temple and proclaims himself to be God (see also Daniel 9:24-27 and 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5 which says that our gathering together unto Him cannot take place until the Antichrist sits in the temple demanding to be worshiped as god).

He then goes on to describe the gathering together of His elect from the four corners of the earth in Matthew 24:29. Compare carefully Matthew 24:29 with 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 which nearly everyone uses to describe the pre-tribulation Rapture. They are almost identical. Note that Matthew 24:29 says "immediately after the tribulation of those days" Jesus will gather together His elect.

Personally, my husband and I feel (based upon extensive study of the scriptures) that as believers we will go through at least some part of the tribulation period. That being said, remember that the study of the Rapture is not something that can be addressed as it should be in an article of this nature.

It is imperative that you do a bit of research for yourself so that you can decide what you believe. Also, ask your pastor what he believes and most importantly why. You should also know what your church subscribes to in the event that someone asks you where your church stands on the issue.

As with all things regarding your faith, be sure to study the scriptures for yourself. Let the Holy Spirit show you what you are to believe. Remember, this is peripheral theology. We don't have to agree upon when Jesus will return for us, just that He will return for us (see John 14:1-3 and Titus 2:13).

As a final thought here is a direct quote from my husband regarding the Rapture:

"Let's say I told you dogmatically (as many do) that you would be raptured out of this world before the tribulation period and then suddenly you found yourself in the midst of it. You would be devastated. You would also think that either myself or God had let you down.

I would rather prepare you for the worst. If I am wrong and you are raptured out before the tribulation period then you can shout, "praise God he was wrong!" I would prefer that you be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. This way you may be kept from stumbling if you find yourself facing overwhelming difficulties ( see John 16:1).

Jesus said, "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone" (Matthew 24:36). If Jesus doesn't know the time of His return how can we think that we have it all figured out? Only the Father knows for sure the hour of Jesus' return."

What we do know is that it will all work out in the end as the Father has planned it. Let's just make sure we are ready for Him when He returns! "For this reason you be ready too; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will" (Matthew 24:44).

This artice was published on Associated Content as part of a Sermon Outline Series. For the series version with reader's comments click here.