Do you believe Christians will go through the seven-year tribulation period or will they be raptured beforehand?
There are a number of different views on this subject. Some believe we will be raptured before it. Others believe it will be during the seven-year tribulation period. A third group believes it will be after the tribulation.
I’m not one to argue this point and believe that Christians can be in harmony regardless of their thoughts on this issue. I also realize that Jesus is going to come when He comes, regardless of what we believe – that is when we will be raptured.
I personally believe that the Christian will not go through the great seven-year tribulation period. My belief is based upon many Scriptures. The one I like best is found in the book of First Thessalonians.
For God hath not appointed us to wrath (the seven year tribulation period Revelation 6:17), but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
(1 Thess. 5:9-11 KJV)
The wrath of God is referring to the seven-year tribulation period. At that time God’s mercy ends and He begins to punish all the people who rejected Jesus. He will also defend and protect Israel at this time.
Notice how the Bible says we are not appointed to wrath, but we will obtain salvation by Jesus. We will be living together with Him during the seven-year tribulation period.
I believe this means we will be raptured and taken to Heaven during the time God is pouring His wrath out on this world (1 Thess. 4:13-14).
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Joe Cameneti Sr. is the lead pastor of Believers Church, located in his hometown of Warren, Ohio. Pastor Joe, along with his wife Gina, pioneered Believers Church in 1983 following his graduation from Bible School.
In addition to leading a thriving local church, Pastor Joe is the host of a weekly show called "BCTV." The program is aired locally on WFMJ, the NBC affiliate, reaching thousands weekly.
Pastor Joe is a gifted communicator, skilled in the art of building bridges to unchurched America. Transparent and authentic, you'll walk away challenged and encouraged to connect with God in a deeper way.