No Rapture–Further Proof

Many Christians believe that God, in His love and mercy, would not allow His true followers to endure the suffering of the Great Tribulation. They reason that Christ’s redemptive work exempts believers from such hardship. However, this view is challenged by a deeper look at Scripture and historical precedent, which emphasize God’s sovereignty and His consistent dealings with humanity.
God’s Unchanging Nature and Sovereignty
Scripture affirms that God does not change (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8) and that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8). Human reasoning often assumes that God would spare His people from suffering, but this is man’s logic, not divine truth. Proverbs 14:12 warns that what seems right to man may lead to death. Therefore, understanding God’s actions in history is key to discerning His plans for the future.
Misconceptions About Divine Protection
Some argue that God always removes His people before judgment falls. This idea is refuted by biblical examples where the righteous suffered alongside the wicked. The seals in Revelation 6, opened by Christ Himself, unleash war, famine, and death—events that have historically affected Christians. For instance, thousands of American Christians died in World War II, a conflict seen as part of the unfolding of these seals.
Revelation’s Seals and Christian Suffering
The fifth seal (Rev. 6:9–11) reveals martyred souls crying out for justice, and they are told to wait until more believers are killed. The sixth seal brings catastrophic natural disasters, prompting even the powerful to seek refuge from God’s wrath. This connects to Jesus’ warning to the women of Jerusalem (Luke 23:28–30), where He foretells suffering for children during future tribulation—again, directed at His followers.
Tribulation and the Elect
Matthew 24 speaks directly of the Great Tribulation, noting that unless those days are shortened, no flesh would survive. Yet, for the elect’s sake, God will intervene. This is evidence that God’s chosen ones will indeed be present during the Tribulation, enduring its trials alongside the rest of humanity.
Historical and Scriptural Evidence
Ezekiel 21 offers proof that God’s judgment can fall on both the righteous and the wicked. During Jerusalem’s fall to Babylon, even faithful believers perished. Psalm 44 and Romans 8:36 also portray God’s people as “sheep for the slaughter,” suffering despite their faithfulness. These passages affirm that suffering is not incompatible with divine favor.
The Rapture: A Modern Invention
The concept of the rapture is challenged as a relatively modern idea, unknown to the early church and reportedly originating from a 19th-century dream. Scripture does not support a pre-tribulation escape for believers. Instead, God’s plan calls His people to endure, trusting in His sovereignty and ultimate justice.

Kenneth Wayne Hancock