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Common Ground of Agreement

 

In the discussion about the timing of the Lord's return, I find myself agreeing with the other side about 90% of the time. To those on the other side, I say, you've taught me a lot. What would I do without you?

I am most thankful for the common ground of the Bible itself. Along with that comes a way of interpreting the Bible, understanding that the Bible says what it means and means what it says. This literal hermeneutic means that we have a common basis for discussion.

A primary point of agreement is the timing of the day of God's wrath. Although I agree with pre-tribs about the timing of the Lord's return, I agree with post-tribs on the timing of the day of the Lord. This does come after the tribulation.

I also agree that the distinction between Israel and the church is not sufficient proof for the timing of the rapture.

Passages indicating an imminent expectation are not sufficient proof for the timing of the rapture.

The sheep-goats judgment is not sufficient proof for the timing of the rapture.

The wedding feast celebrated by Christ and His bride comes after the tribulation.

The context of Matthew 24 is "after the tribulation of those days." (By the way, the context also indicates double reference.)

The Thessalonian epistles do not prove a pre-trib rapture. (By the way, they don't prove a post-trib rapture either. I think making fewer assumptions leads to a safer conclusion.)

The book of Revelation, instead of following a straight sequential order, follows a cyclical pattern. The seals, trumpets, and vials overlap somewhat, just like Genesis two overlaps Genesis one.

Our final hope is His coming after the tribulation because that is when Christ is glorified.

The Holy Spirit is not taken out of the world at the rapture. He still has a lot to do on earth. For starters, He has to restrain the man of sin for three-and-one-half more years.

Finally, I agree that pre-tribulationists have the burden of proof.

You see, we agree more than you thought. Or, if you're a pre-trib, then maybe we disagree more than you thought. Anyway, if I'm right at all, it's only because I was willing to admit I was wrong.

 

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