THE QUESTION

By

Travis Bennett

[Travis Bennett is a member of First Baptist Church Glen Rose, Texas, and is a capable scholar on the Book of revelation and the end times. Travis has dedicated himself to a thorough examination of the facts and events that support a Post-Tribulation return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As such, in the upcoming editions of the Baptist Trumpeter, Travis will begin a series of articles that will present scriptural evidence supporting an eschatological view that the Church will go through the Great Tribulation prior to our Lord’s glorious return. Each forthcoming article will build on the previous article so that a logical and complete understanding will be developed concerning this most important subject. It is important also to note that Travis has the complete support of The Baptist Trumpeter, the editors and contributors of this paper. Ed.]

In a few short lines from now I want to ask a question that will possibly challenge the very core of one’s beliefs concerning the return of Christ. At first glance one may conclude that an issue such as this is too mysterious or completing beyond the scope of one’s grasp. Many believers have adopted their views concerning the Lord’s return from others and have made it their view without a careful and thorough examination of Scripture. Although many read their Bibles (an assumption made by this writer), and have a general understanding of what is going to happen when Jesus comes back, these views are often distorted. Therefore, it behooves us to step back from the picture and look at the question without putting on traditional or contemporary glasses.

The question that will soon be asked is no easy question to answer, because at its very roots, are many ideas and movements that are highly debated by some of the most famous and capable scholars of this century. This writer also believes that this question will become more relevant to the Church as we approach the coming millennium and all that it will bring. Contrary to popular belief, this subject is of great importance to a sound theological system. Entire theological systems have been developed and are being widely accepted based on an inadequate understanding or even a deliberate attempted to make the scriptures fit an ideological system rather than a theological system of the end times (i.e., Dispensationalism, various cults, and many evangelistic outreach groups). Some have incorporated within the Bible largely unchallenged footnotes into the framework of the study notes in many modern translations (i.e., Prophecy Study Bible; Scofield Study Bible). These notes and the unqualified insights of these "scholars" are accepted without so much as a hint of questioning. Hence, this is the very reason that this writer takes issue and it is upon this inadequate understanding that the current set of studies concerning our Lord’s return is based.

It is said that almost two-thirds of the Bible is written on the subject of prophecy and or matters that directly pertain to it (i.e., setting, judgment, fulfillment and interpretation). However, for such a vast amount of Scripture that concerns everything from the foretold Messiah (Gen. 3:15) to the length of days the two witnesses will prophecy (Rev. 11:3), it is amazingly apparent that people are not understanding the implications of their eschatology.

My concerns come hauntingly screaming back at me when I see professed evangelicals (Bible believing Christians) responding when questioned or asked to articulate what they believe or think concerning this subject. The typical response is, "Pray for Pre, hope for Mid, and prepare for Post. Then there is the other classic response that comes from the Pan-tribulationalist’s uninformed lips when he says, "I believe that it will all pan out." Most believers will give you a cold shoulder or a blank stare and then the classic piece of scripture known universally by every trucker and lawyer from Maine to California; "…no man knows the day and hour… ." These are content to leave the shroud of darkness in their minds due to a lack of interest. Therefore, a lack of depth or concern reveals very simple and jumbled, if not, totally inconsistent traditional answers that are to be found in the latest popular book or what pastor so-in-so has taught. Having spent virtually no time in the study of these paramount themes which interrelate or touch on so many other major theological beliefs, most are ill equipped to defend this area of faith, thus, leaving a gaping hole for any good sounding deception that might come down the pike.

Negatively, what is the advantage of this lack of interest? Think of the impact to the cults and the recent example of the "Branch Dividians." Who would have thought that a son or daughter would have allowed the eschatological ideas of one man to lead them into twisted machinations and self-proclamations of being the Christ? Oh, and don’t forget the seduction of young girls and other men’s wives and the death of so many misinformed souls; the repercussions of which are still felt in the Church world today. As one can begin to see, it does matter what one believes on the subject of Christ’s return! That could have been your son or daughter, or your brother or sister who had not formed a sound eschatological viewpoint and ultimately suffered for it.

The Scripture is replete with the continual admonition to all believers to be on the watch for deception concerning misrepresentation of prophetic matters. Mark 13:23 says, "But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things." Yet most stand clueless to the swirl of controversy surrounding the "Second Coming."

Jesus in Matthew 24:24 shows the importance of prophetic study with His statement, "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." If the deception concerning the end time is sufficient enough to challenge (not overcome) those elect of God, this writer believes that it is incumbent that we take upon ourselves to search out these matters.

The question that I alluded to at the outset is very alarming to some because it conjures up thoughts of judgments and wrath, destruction and death; it takes the love out of God. As if the wrath of God were not warranted against a generation of those who take no thought for His ways. Our perception of God and His holiness is misrepresented and promotes unfounded ideas which betray the Scriptures and fulfill its warnings (Romans 1:18; "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;" and 2 Timothy 4:3-4;"³For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; ⁴And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.")

Most have heard the arguments presented by the major eschatological schools and have had memory recall and or blind guesswork to rely upon when making a judgment in this matter. However, I want you to think about what is going to be ask of you before this introductory article is finished. I want you to consider whether you are one of the disinterested that has been mentioned? Are you a prime target for the cult lurking in the wings or the "ear-tickling deception of the contemporary view? Do you find yourself listed among the uninformed, the simple, or the unlearned? If so, then please consider what is going to be said! If what follows in the remaining issues of the Baptist Trumpeter is different from what you currently believe, then please, Get out the Bible and Check it Out For Yourself. Don’t ever believe something without researching the Scripture. If the material presented in this paper is true, then your world could radically be changed if we are indeed the generation that shall see the return of Christ. If not, you will have studied the other position and will be that much more equipped to stamp out the ideas contained therein.

OK, here it is, What would it take for you to believe that you will go through the Great Tribulation? That is the question. At first glance you may laugh and shrug off this with the caprice and ease of a simple comment like, "my church doesn’t believe that way and neither do I." But that was exactly the point expressed previously. Many have no idea that an alternative (which in reality is not an alternative) viewpoint exists. One that has in the past as well as today swayed many of the great men of God.

In conclusion, in the upcoming articles I hope to show, with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, what I perceive the Scripture teaches about the Tribulation. Not just to place the return of Christ, but also to show the nature of His return and the mystery enshrouded within what may be the greatest hope for all believers found within the true image and representation of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

[Next Month: Posttribulational Questions for Pretribulational Brethren (part 1)]