Rapture - Part 1 - Book of Mormon Gospel Topics

Commandments Believers Removed? Making Merry

Index of Scriptures used in Part 1

Verses

Matthew 22:37-40
Deuteronomy 8:2
Jeremiah 17:10
1 Peter 1:5-7
Revelation 2:7
Revelation 7:9, 13-14
Luke 10:29-37
2 Thessalonians 1:4-7
Daniel 12:1-4, 11-13
Obadiah 1:15-17
Matthew 13:27-40
Matthew 20:2-9
Matthew 24:3-14 (Matthew 10:21-22)
Matthew 24:37-39

What We Will Cover
We will cover all the scriptures that people use to "justify" a Pre-tribulation Rapture We will also discuss scriptures that "Pre-tribulation Rapture" people do not use as examples because they directly refute the Rapture These are presented in order to have a complete review of what the scriptures say (or don't say) about a Pre-Tribulation Rapture What do you do if there are scriptures that directly refute a Pre-tribulation Rapture? God does not change - therefore, scripture is consistent and does not change If you think there is an inconsistency where the scriptures say one thing in one book and say something different in another book, then you have to adjust what you think the scriptures mean because the scriptures do say the same thing in all books

What We Will Cover

We will cover all the scriptures that people use to "justify" a Pre-tribulation Rapture

We will also discuss scriptures that "Pre-tribulation Rapture" people do not use as examples because they directly refute the Rapture

These are presented in order to have a complete review of what the scriptures say (or don't say) about a Pre-Tribulation Rapture

What do you do if there are scriptures that directly refute a Pre-tribulation Rapture?

God does not change - therefore, scripture is consistent and does not change

If you think there is an inconsistency where the scriptures say one thing in one book and say something different in another book, then you have to adjust what you think the scriptures mean because the scriptures do say the same thing in all books

First and Second Great Commandments

First and Second Great Commandments
Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 22:38 This is the first and great commandment. 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Question: Do you really believe these verses? Do the First and Second Great Commandments include the Rapture?

Matthew
22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Question: Do you really believe these verses? Do the First and Second Great Commandments include the Rapture?

First and Second Great Commandments
Does a Pre-Tribulation Rapture support the First Great Commandment? Pre-Tribulation Rapture Interpretation: No sources have been found where people who believe in a Pre-Tribulation Rapture have discussed it in relation to the First Great Commandment Does this seem strange to you? Answer: Matthew 22:40 states that all of God's actions and commandments derive from these two greatest commandments

First and Second Great Commandments

Does a Pre-Tribulation Rapture support the First Great Commandment?

Pre-Tribulation Rapture Interpretation:

No sources have been found where people who believe in a Pre-Tribulation Rapture have discussed it in relation to the First Great Commandment

Does this seem strange to you?

Answer: Matthew 22:40 states that all of God's actions and commandments derive from these two greatest commandments

First Great Commandment - Proving Believers
In the Old Testament, God states that it is his plan to test people Deuteronomy and Jeremiah below are two examples from many Deuteronomy 8:2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. Jeremiah 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. In ancient times, kidneys (hidden inside our torso, or loins) were assumed to be the seat of our emotions, feelings, and affections. "Reins" is related to our literal kidneys. However, "reins" can also be used figuratively in reference to our innermost component (again, emotions, feelings, affections; mind).

First Great Commandment - Proving Believers

In the Old Testament, God states that it is his plan to test people

Deuteronomy and Jeremiah below are two examples from many

Deuteronomy 8:2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

Jeremiah 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

In ancient times, kidneys (hidden inside our torso, or loins) were assumed to be the seat of our emotions, feelings, and affections. "Reins" is related to our literal kidneys. However, "reins" can also be used figuratively in reference to our innermost component (again, emotions, feelings, affections; mind).

First Great Commandment - Proving Believers
In 1 Peter, Peter states that tribulation is God's way of testing faith and that faith tried by tribulation is worth more to God than gold. He also states that tribulation will occur until Jesus returns at his second coming (Greek apokalupsis). 1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ

First Great Commandment - Proving Believers

In 1 Peter, Peter states that tribulation is God's way of testing faith and that faith tried by tribulation is worth more to God than gold. He also states that tribulation will occur until Jesus returns at his second coming (Greek apokalupsis).

1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ

First Great Commandment - Proving Believers
In Revelation 2:7, Jesus states that He will "give to eat of the tree of life" for those that overcome tribulation. Revelation 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. If a person is removed before they have to "overcome" anything - will they be left out of receiving the fruit of the tree of life?

First Great Commandment - Proving Believers

In Revelation 2:7, Jesus states that He will "give to eat of the tree of life" for those that overcome tribulation.

Revelation 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

If a person is removed before they have to "overcome" anything - will they be left out of receiving the fruit of the tree of life?

First Great Commandment - Proving Believers
Regarding Revelation 7, the Rapture avoids great tribulation, so the supporters of the Rapture will be giving up as being one of those arrayed about Jesus because they will not have been through great tribulation. Revelation 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; Revelation 7:13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

First Great Commandment - Proving Believers

Regarding Revelation 7, the Rapture avoids great tribulation, so the supporters of the Rapture will be giving up as being one of those arrayed about Jesus because they will not have been through great tribulation.

Revelation 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
Revelation 7:13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Second Great Commandment
Does a Pre-Tribulation Rapture support the Second Great Commandment? Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 22:38 This is the first and great commandment. 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Pre-Tribulation Rapture Interpretation: No sources have been found where the Pre-Tribulation Rapture is discussed in relation to the Second Great Commandment.

Second Great Commandment

Does a Pre-Tribulation Rapture support the Second Great Commandment?

Matthew
22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Pre-Tribulation Rapture Interpretation: No sources have been found where the Pre-Tribulation Rapture is discussed in relation to the Second Great Commandment.

Second Great Commandment
Answer: Matthew 22:40 states that all of God's actions and commandments derive from these two greatest commandments. Luke 10:29-37 (Parable of the Good Samaritan - see the next section) is a parable Jesus used to explain the Second Great Commandment. The Rapture, by removing people that "believe" (to heaven) from those that experience tribulation (on Earth) and need help, is similar to the Levite in the parable that bypassed the man in need because he preferred to stay "pure" rather than help someone in need (a selfish motive - he would have had to cleanse himself over several days had he touched the blood of the injured man). It's only those that remain on Earth to help those in need (i.e. the Samaritan in the parable) that will be able to exercise the Second Great Commandment.

Second Great Commandment

Answer: Matthew 22:40 states that all of God's actions and commandments derive from these two greatest commandments.

Luke 10:29-37 (Parable of the Good Samaritan - see the next section) is a parable Jesus used to explain the Second Great Commandment. The Rapture, by removing people that "believe" (to heaven) from those that experience tribulation (on Earth) and need help, is similar to the Levite in the parable that bypassed the man in need because he preferred to stay "pure" rather than help someone in need (a selfish motive - he would have had to cleanse himself over several days had he touched the blood of the injured man). It's only those that remain on Earth to help those in need (i.e. the Samaritan in the parable) that will be able to exercise the Second Great Commandment.

Parable of the Good Samaritan
Luke 10:29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? Luke 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Luke 10:31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Luke 10:32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. Luke 10:33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, Luke 10:34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. Luke 10:35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Luke 10:36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? Luke 10:37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Parable of the Good Samaritan

Luke 10:29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
Luke 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
Luke 10:31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
Luke 10:32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
Luke 10:33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
Luke 10:34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
Luke 10:35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
Luke 10:36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
Luke 10:37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

First and Second Great Commandments
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus offered rest to those that are troubled by tribulation to the time that Jesus returns (not just to some time before Jesus returns). 2 Thessalonians 1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: 2 Thessalonians 1:5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: 2 Thessalonians 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 2 Thessalonians 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

First and Second Great Commandments

Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus offered rest to those that are troubled by tribulation to the time that Jesus returns (not just to some time before Jesus returns).

2 Thessalonians 1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
2 Thessalonians 1:5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
2 Thessalonians 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
2 Thessalonians 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

Will believers be removed from Earth before Jesus returns?

What Does Daniel Say?
Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. 12:11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. 12:12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. 12:13 But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.

What Does Daniel Say?

Daniel
12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

12:11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
12:12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.
12:13 But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.

What Does Daniel Say?
12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Answer: In Daniel 12:2, the awakening (resurrection) indicates the timing in 12:1 (at that time) as the return of Jesus. The groups of people that will be protected through the time of trouble (tribulation) to Jesus' return are "thy people" (House of Israel) and those found written in the book (House of Israel and Gentiles). This covers all believers and the Elect.

What Does Daniel Say?

12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Answer: In Daniel 12:2, the awakening (resurrection) indicates the timing in 12:1 (at that time) as the return of Jesus. The groups of people that will be protected through the time of trouble (tribulation) to Jesus' return are "thy people" (House of Israel) and those found written in the book (House of Israel and Gentiles). This covers all believers and the Elect.

What Does Daniel Say?
12:11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. 12:12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. 12:13 But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days. In Daniel 12:12, it states that believers will wait through the time of trouble (tribulation) A pre-tribulation Rapture requires that all believers are removed from the earth before the tribulation A pre-tribulation rapture cannot occur if believers wait through the tribulation and are blessed for doing so Answer: Daniel states that believers will be on Earth through the time of trouble (tribulation)

What Does Daniel Say?

12:11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
12:12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.
12:13 But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.

In Daniel 12:12, it states that believers will wait through the time of trouble (tribulation)

A pre-tribulation Rapture requires that all believers are removed from the earth before the tribulation

A pre-tribulation rapture cannot occur if believers wait through the tribulation and are blessed for doing so

Answer: Daniel states that believers will be on Earth through the time of trouble (tribulation)

Summary - Remove these verses from any Pre-Tribulation Rapture Justification
Daniel 12

What Does Obadiah Say?
Obadiah 1:15 For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head. 1:16 For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been. 1:17 But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions. Pre-Tribulation Rapture Interpretation: Pre-Tribulation Rapture supporters agree that Obadiah 1:15 talks about Jesus' Second Coming.

What Does Obadiah Say?

Obadiah
1:15 For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.
1:16 For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been.
1:17 But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.

Pre-Tribulation Rapture Interpretation: Pre-Tribulation Rapture supporters agree that Obadiah 1:15 talks about Jesus' Second Coming.

What Does Obadiah Say?
Obadiah 1:15 For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head. 1:16 For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been. 1:17 But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions. Answer: The phrase, "day of the LORD" refers to Jesus' Second Coming. It also states that believers and heathen alike at that time (and not before Jesus' return) will have their reward as they have believed (or not). Obadiah states that believers will be present until Jesus' Second Coming.

What Does Obadiah Say?

Obadiah
1:15 For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.
1:16 For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been.
1:17 But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.

Answer: The phrase, "day of the LORD" refers to Jesus' Second Coming. It also states that believers and heathen alike at that time (and not before Jesus' return) will have their reward as they have believed (or not).

Obadiah states that believers will be present until Jesus' Second Coming.

Summary - Remove these verses from any Pre-Tribulation Rapture Justification
Daniel 12 Obadiah 1

What Does Matthew Say?
Matthew 13:27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? 13:28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 13:29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

What Does Matthew Say?

Matthew
13:27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
13:28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
13:29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

What Does Matthew Say?
Pre-Tribulation Rapture Interpretation: The definition of the Rapture is that people will be removed before Jesus returns. Answer: This is one of several parables that state that no one is to be removed before the end when Jesus returns. Here, the parable states that both the good and the evil will be mixed together until the harvest at the end of this world. The separation that occurs at the end is repeated in Matthew 24, Luke 17, and Revelation 19. Mat 13:38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; Mat 13:39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. Mat 13:40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.

What Does Matthew Say?

Pre-Tribulation Rapture Interpretation: The definition of the Rapture is that people will be removed before Jesus returns.

Answer: This is one of several parables that state that no one is to be removed before the end when Jesus returns. Here, the parable states that both the good and the evil will be mixed together until the harvest at the end of this world. The separation that occurs at the end is repeated in Matthew 24, Luke 17, and Revelation 19.

Mat 13:38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
Mat 13:39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
Mat 13:40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.

Summary - Remove these verses from any Pre-Tribulation Rapture Justification
Daniel 12 Obadiah 1 Matthew 13:27-40

What Does Matthew Say?
Matthew 20:2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 20:3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 20:4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. 20:5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. 20:6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? 20:7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. 20:8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. 20:9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.

What Does Matthew Say?

Matthew
20:2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
20:3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
20:4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
20:5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
20:6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
20:7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
20:8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
20:9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.

What Does Matthew Say?
Pre-Tribulation Rapture Interpretation: The definition of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture is that people will be removed before Jesus returns. Answer: This is one of several parables that state that no one is to be removed before the end when Jesus returns Here, the parable states that all of the laborers will work to the even (end of the day) No one left early and received their payment

Summary - Remove these verses from any Pre-Tribulation Rapture Justification
Daniel 12 Obadiah 1 Matthew 13:27-40 Matthew 20:2-9

What Does Matthew Say?
Matthew 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Rapture Interpretation: The definition of the Rapture is that people will be removed before Jesus returns. Answer: Jesus says that one must endure to the end (of the world) to be saved. In Matthew 10, enduring to the end is through tribulation. Mat 10:21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. Mat 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

What Does Matthew Say?

Matthew
24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Rapture Interpretation: The definition of the Rapture is that people will be removed before Jesus returns.

Answer: Jesus says that one must endure to the end (of the world) to be saved. In Matthew 10, enduring to the end is through tribulation.

Mat 10:21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
Mat 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

What Does Matthew Say?
Matthew 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 24:8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Pre-Tribulation Rapture Interpretation: The definition of the Rapture is that people will be removed before Jesus returns. Answer: Jesus says that the gospel of the kingdom will be preached through the tribulation until the end. Those that preach the Gospel are believers in the Gospel, so believers will exist through the tribulation until the end comes.

What Does Matthew Say?

Matthew
24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
24:8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Pre-Tribulation Rapture Interpretation: The definition of the Rapture is that people will be removed before Jesus returns.

Answer: Jesus says that the gospel of the kingdom will be preached through the tribulation until the end. Those that preach the Gospel are believers in the Gospel, so believers will exist through the tribulation until the end comes.

Summary - Remove these verses from any Pre-Tribulation Rapture Justification
Daniel 12 Obadiah 1 Matthew 13:27-40 Matthew 20:2-9 Matthew 24:3-14 (Matthew 10:21-22)

Will people be eating and and drinking (making merry) during the tribulation?

Making merry during the tribulation?
Matthew 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be Pre-Tribulation Rapture Interpretation: Some people use these verses to justify the Rapture. The reasoning is that the last days will be tribulation, and eating and drinking (i.e. making merry) would not be done during a time of tribulation, so this indicates the coming of Jesus before the tribulation to take people away.

Making merry during the tribulation?

Matthew
24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark
24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be

Pre-Tribulation Rapture Interpretation: Some people use these verses to justify the Rapture. The reasoning is that the last days will be tribulation, and eating and drinking (i.e. making merry) would not be done during a time of tribulation, so this indicates the coming of Jesus before the tribulation to take people away.

Making merry during the tribulation?
Answer: There are two misconceptions for the Pre-Tribulation Rapture Interpretation, (1) Eating and drinking is nothing more than having meals as you would on any normal day - this is typical usage [19 verses that describe normal meals and 5 verses that describe covenant feasts that have a prescribed method of eating] - only in some cases does it refer to merriment and drunkenness [7 verses] - and those verses have additional descriptions clarifying the merriment and drunkenness. Matthew 24:38 is stating that things will be typical day-to-day activities until Jesus returns unexpectedly.

Making merry during the tribulation?

Answer: There are two misconceptions for the Pre-Tribulation Rapture Interpretation,

(1) Eating and drinking is nothing more than having meals as you would on any normal day - this is typical usage [19 verses that describe normal meals and 5 verses that describe covenant feasts that have a prescribed method of eating] - only in some cases does it refer to merriment and drunkenness [7 verses] - and those verses have additional descriptions clarifying the merriment and drunkenness. Matthew 24:38 is stating that things will be typical day-to-day activities until Jesus returns unexpectedly.

Making merry during the tribulation?
(2) The focus of these verses is not the eating and drinking, but the unexpectedness of Jesus' return. Luke provides additional information that this description of the Days of Noe is indeed the second coming of Jesus and not a pre-tribulation Rapture: Luke 17:26 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. Luke 17:30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. Note that in Luke 17:30 that Jesus will be revealed and not a secret return required by a Pre-Tribulation Rapture.

Making merry during the tribulation?

(2) The focus of these verses is not the eating and drinking, but the unexpectedness of Jesus' return. Luke provides additional information that this description of the Days of Noe is indeed the second coming of Jesus and not a pre-tribulation Rapture:

Luke 17:26 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.
Luke 17:30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

Note that in Luke 17:30 that Jesus will be revealed and not a secret return required by a Pre-Tribulation Rapture.

Summary - Remove these verses from any Pre-Tribulation Rapture Justification
Daniel 12 Obadiah 1 Matthew 13:27-40 Matthew 20:2-9 Matthew 24:3-14 (Matthew 10:21-22) Matthew 24:37-39