TRIBULATION To RAPTURE
To WRATH “Tribulation” vs. “Wrath”
Hermeneutics Enduring Temptation - Not Subject
to Wrath An Analysis of Rev. 3: 10 - 12 In-depth study on Daniel 9:24-27
Prophecy, Pre Trib and Pre
Wrath Rapture Hermeneutic
Eschatological Analysis on key words such as Peirasmos, Thlupsis, Ebrah and Orges,
as related to Rev. 3:10, and the 7 Israel Jewish Biblical Festivals, aka 7
Feasts of the Lord per Lev. 23, including End of the Age Last Days Prophecy,
and Jesus Parousia, Feast of Trumpets thru to Feast of Atonement, during the
Days of Awe, to the Day of the Lord,
unto Jubilee, aka Millennial Kingdom. www.FEASTSOFTHELORD.NET Reference: Word Pictures in New
Testament” by A.T. Robertson Expository
Dictionary of Biblical Words by W.E. Vine The
Interlinear Bible, Hebrew-Greek-English, Jay P. Green, ed.
Interlinear Greek – English New Testament by
Alfred Marshall Key Words Hebrew / Greek to English: Harpazo: Rapture / to Snatch / to Take / to Catch Peirasmos, Peirasmou, Peirasai: Trials / Temptations
/ Tribulation / to Test, to Try, to Tempt. Thlupsis: Tribulation / Affliction /
Persecution / Distress Ebrah / Orges: Wrath Nikon: Overcomer / Victor Stulon: Pillar Stephanon: Crown Introduction: In Rev.
3:10 the phrase: “I also will keep
you from the hour of trial”, has been interpreted by some to be; “rapture” ; i.e. physical
removal of Christians from earth, prior to the 7 year “Tribulation Period”.
However, the word “from / out of” is interpreted to infer the meaning of “rapture”.
Secondly, the words “trials / tribulation etc.”, are used in the interpretation; as synonymous
with the word “wrath”. Text - Rev. 3:10-12: 10. "Because
you have kept My command to persevere (endure), I also will keep
you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who
dwell on the earth. 11. "Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 12. "He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar
in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name
of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write
on him My new name. 13.
"He who has an ear, let him hear what
the Spirit says to the churches."'
====================================================
Rev. 3:10-12;
Greek words & meanings: Vs. 10. "Because
(as a result of) you have kept (eteresas) My command
to persevere, (eteresas;
to keep God’s Word) I also will keep (kargotereso) you (kargotereso; to keep by endurance) from the hour (ek tes hores) of trial (peirasmou) (out
of the hour of trial)
or: (from the trial bringing temptation) which shall
come upon the whole world, to test / try (peirasai) those who dwell on the earth. (peirasai; to tempt)
Vs. 11. "Behold,
I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown (stephanon)
(stephanon) A crown if truly won – not forfeited
by failure: "there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the
righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
2nd Tim.
4:8 Vs. 12.
"He who overcomes (ho
nikon). I will make him a pillar (stulon)
(Nominative absolute, with a double
significance of being firmly fixed) in the temple (naos) of My God
and he
shall go out no more (the subject is ho nikon; the one overcoming ) the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New
Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.
I will write on him
(upon ho nikon;
the victor) Vs. 13.
"He who has an ear, let him hear what
the Spirit says to the churches."'
====================================================
Tribulation and Wrath
- Scripture References: TRIBULATION: Peirasmos,
Peirasmou, Peirasai: Tribulation / Trials / Temptations / to Test, to
Try, to Tempt. Thlupsis:
Tribulation / Affliction
/ Persecution / Distress "These
things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation
(thlupsis); but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (thlupsis;
tribulation, affliction, distress, persecution) “Behold, I have
refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace
of affliction” (thlupsis).
Isa.
48:10 “For our light affliction (thlupsis),
which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory…” 2
Cor. 4:17 “No temptation (peirasmos)
has overtaken you except such as is common to
man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation
will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1 Cor. 10:13 “The Lord
knows how to deliver (ruesthai) the godly out of / from (ek) temptations”
(peirasmos) … 2 Peter 2: 9
Note the significant increase of intensity
of “Tribulation” expressed by from “Peirasmos” to “Thlupsis”. Yet God’s deliverance is made perfect through “endurance”. The Expository Dictionary of
Biblical Words by W.E. Vine combined commentary on 2 Peter 2:9 and Rev. 3:10-12: "The verb is used of testing
as permitted by God, and of the believer as one who should be in the realization of his own helplessness and his dependence
upon God. "The noun is used of trials with beneficial purposes and effect, also of trials or temptations Divinely
permitted or sent: I.e. 2 Peter 2:9 “to prove” or “to
try” and in Rev. 3:10 “trial or temptation”. Reiterated: Vs. 10. "Because (as a result of) you have kept (eteresas)
My command to persevere, (eteresas; to keep God’s Word) I also will keep (kargotereso)
you (kargotereso;
to keep by endurance)
from the hour (ek
tes hores) of trial (peirasmou) (out
of the hour of trial)
or: (from the trial bringing temptation) which shall
come upon the whole world, to test / try (peirasai) those who dwell on the earth. (peirasai; to tempt) ========================= WRATH: "Who delivers us from the wrath (Ebrah / Orges) to come…" 1
Thes. 1:10 "For
God has not destined us for wrath (Ebrah / Orges) …. " 1
Thes. 5:9
“For the great day of His wrath (Ebrah
/ Orges) is come; and who shall be able to stand? Rev. 6:17 ====================================================
SUMMARY: The correct linguistic distinction between “Tribulation” and “Wrath”
is essential for any accurate hermeneutical determination; of when it is applicable to apply the term “Rapture”.
Scripture provides no implicit, or explicit promise
to believers that they will not to be subject to, “trials, temptations, tribulations, afflictions
etc”. However,
Scripture does provide such an explicit promise from “wrath”, as noted
above. Greek word “Peirasmos”
means: “trials / testing / temptation / tribulation / affliction” etc.,
but it is misconstrued to be the equivalent of “wrath” (“Ebrah or
Orges”). However, the meaning of “Ebrah / Orges” (wrath) more accurately connotes “the
overflowing fury” of God. Tribulation verses Wrath usage in Scripture:
Reference Matthew 24:5-31, and Revelation chapter 6: for the
following determination of when “wrath” is applied in Scripture; as applied to the “End of the Age”.
The term
“Tribulation” (Peirosmos) is defined as a time of trials / testing /
temptation, is applicable in Seals #1 thru #6 in Revelation chapter 6, as a time of trials for the
elect, to deny Christ. Jesus called the first four seals of “tribulation” the “Beginning
of Sorrows”, Then following the “abomination of desolations”, Jesus in Mth. 24:15, 29 and Rev. 6:9-11 (5th
seal) predict a “Great Tribulation” will occur. Jesus then states in Matt. 24:29 and in Rev. 6:12-17 (6th Seal):
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days, shall the sun
be darkened and the moon give no light, and the stars fall from heaven”. The following scriptures also clearly state, that the “sun &
moon will turn dark and the stars will fall from heaven”, “BEFORE the Day Of The Lord and His Wrath” to then deliver Judgment upon the unrepentant: “The
sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and
the terrible Day of the LORD come.” Joel 2:1 (see also Joel 2:1,10,31,
Acts 2:17-21, Isa. 13:9-11, Rev. 6:17, 2 Peter 3:1012,
Zec. 14:1-6) Note:
Joel 2:1 (above) refers to the 6th Seal mentioned in Rev. 6, and clearly states it as a required
“sign” and prelude to God’s “wrath / over flowing fury” being poured out onto mankind. “Behold, the Day of the LORD comes, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger,
to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. For the stars of
heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon
shall not cause her light to shine.” Isa. 13:9-11 "For I know
that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed,
this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, …. Be afraid of the sword for yourselves;
For wrath brings the punishment of the sword, That you may know there is a judgment."
Job 19: 25–28 "Come, my people, enter your chambers, And shut your doors behind you; Hide yourself, as it were, for a little
moment, Until the indignation is past. For behold, the LORD comes out of His place To punish
the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity …" Isa 26:20-21 “For the great day of His wrath
is come; and who shall be able to stand?” Rev. 6:17 The first use of the word “wrath” in Revelation is at Rev. 6:17, and is a prelude statement to
breaking the 7th Seal, which then allows
OPENING of the SCROLL, thus releasing God’s wrath.
Consequently, upon men's failure
to repent during first 6 seals of “tribulation” which is allowed by God
(Rev. 6 and Matt. 24:5-9,13,21,22,29), the 7 trumpets & 7 Bowls of God's WRATH are then
released upon mankind (Rev. 8 – 16). "Wrath" (Ebrah / Orges), introduced in Rev. 6:17, is only used in conjunction with the "Day
of the Lord" and His wrath”, after the 7th Seal in
Rev. 8 – 16, and as judgment upon the unrepentant. Therefore any possible application, of how or when to apply the word “rapture”,
must first take into consideration the significant difference between the words “tribulation” and “wrath”
and their usage in Scripture. =====================================================
Rev. 3:10-12
In context:
In verse 10:
believers are explicitly encouraged to “endure”
such trials etc., and consequently God would “keep” (kargotereso: to keep by endurance)” them “from the trial bringing temptation”:
Vs 10.
"Because (as a result of) you have kept (eteresas)
My command to persevere, (eteresas; to keep God’s
Word) I also will keep (kargotereso) you
(kargotereso; to keep by endurance) from the hour (ek tes hores) of trial (peirasmou) (out of the hour of trial)
or: (from the trial bringing temptation) i.e.: "The
Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of (from) temptations (peirasmos)
…" 2 Peter
2: 9 After Jesus had described
the “tribulation” during the “End of the Age” in Mathew 24:13 He states: 13 "He that endures to the end will be saved". In verses 11 & 12, believers are then encouraged by God to continue endure trials
/ tribulations in order to “overcome” such “trials”, “holding
fast”, “firmly fixed” to become a “pillar” in the “temple”
and thus becoming the “victor”, receiving the “crown” of eternal life.
NOTE: IF, believers were to be raptured in vs.10, then the instructions by God which follow in verses 11
& 12, to continue to “overcome trials”, would not be applicable or necessary.
In other words, to imply the application of the word “rapture” is out of context to the entire passage.
===================== The Pre-Tribulation rapture interpretation incorrectly equates “trials / temptations
/ tribulations” during Seals 1 thru 6 as equivalent to “wrath” to justify believers not being
“subject to wrath; and therefore to experience a promised “rapture”.
"Who delivers us from the wrath (Ebrah / Orges) to come…"
1 Thess. 1:10 "For
God has not destined us for wrath (Ebrah / Orges) …. " 1
Thess. 5:9
Rev. 3:10-12, in context and with literal translation,
is a message to the seven churches (and all Christians) to endure trials,
and to overcome them; to receive the “crown” of life: Rev. 3:10-12 Paraphrased interpretation: God promises that if we will endure trials
and temptations, faithfully enduring affliction, by the keeping God’s word, He will “keep” us from these
“trials” as we continue to the pursue the reward of being firmly fixed in His presence, as we are trusting / waiting
upon His appearing: i.e.: “There is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous
Judge, will give to me - on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His
appearing.” 2
Tim. 4:8 “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is
stayed on You: because he trusts in You.” Isa. 26:3
Consequently after clear and literal interpretation of Rev. 3:10-12 the pre tribulation rapture theological position
fails hermeneutical scrutiny, and provides no justification for Christians to be removed by rapture; thereby avoiding
the “testing / trials / tribulations” actually indicated by our Lord.
Jesus said: "These things I have spoken to
you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation;
but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33 ==================================================== By Bill Miller
Updated Oct. 26, 2008 Web site: http://www.feastsofthelord.net (Continually
updated) Copyright Statement:
This file is Public Domain Dedicated to Julia Turner
==================================================== SUMMARY: The correct linguistic distinction between “Tribulation” and “Wrath”
is essential for any accurate hermeneutical determination; of when it
is applicable to apply the term “Rapture”. Scripture provides no implicit, or explicit
promise to believers that they will not to be subject to, “trials,
temptations, tribulations, afflictions etc”. However,
Scripture does provide such an explicit promise from “wrath”, as noted
above.
Greek word “Peirasmos” means:
“trials / testing / temptation / tribulation / affliction” etc.,
but it is misconstrued to be the equivalent of “wrath”
(“Ebrah or Orges”). However, the meaning of “Ebrah
/ Orges” (wrath) more accurately connotes “the
overflowing fury” of God. Tribulation verses Wrath usage in Scripture: Reference Matthew 24:5-31,
and Revelation chapter 6: for the following determination of when “wrath” is applied
in Scripture; as applied to the “End of the Age”. The term
“Tribulation” (Peirosmos) is defined as a time of trials / testing /
temptation, is applicable in Seals #1 thru #6 in Revelation
chapter 6, as a time of trials for the elect, to deny Christ.
Jesus called the first four seals of “tribulation” the “Beginning
of Sorrows”,
Then following the “abomination of desolations”, Jesus in Mth. 24:15, 29 and Rev. 6:9-11
(5th seal) predict a “Great Tribulation”
will occur. Jesus then states in Matt. 24:29
and in Rev. 6:12-17 (6th Seal): “Immediately
after the tribulation of those days, shall the sun
be darkened and the moon give no light, and the stars fall from heaven”.
The following scriptures also clearly state, that the “sun & moon will turn dark and the stars will
fall from heaven”, “BEFORE the Day Of The Lord and
His Wrath” to then deliver Judgment upon the unrepentant:
“The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the
moon into blood, before the great and
the terrible Day of the LORD come.” Joel 2:1 (see also Joel 2:1,10,31,
Acts 2:17-21, Isa. 13:9-11, Rev.
6:17, 2 Peter 3:1012, Zec. 14:1-6) Note:
Joel 2:1 (above) refers to the 6th Seal mentioned in Rev. 6, and clearly
states it as a required “sign” and prelude to God’s
“wrath / over flowing fury” being poured out onto mankind. “Behold,
the Day of the LORD comes, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger,
to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. For
the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth,
and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.” Isa. 13:9-11 "For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand
at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed,
this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, …. Be afraid of the sword for yourselves;
For wrath brings the punishment of the sword, That
you may know there is a judgment." Job
19: 25–28 "Come, my people, enter your chambers, And shut your doors behind you; Hide yourself, as it
were, for a little moment, Until the indignation is past. For
behold, the LORD comes out of His place To punish the inhabitants
of the earth for their iniquity …" Isa 26:20-21 “For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to
stand?” Rev. 6:17 The first use of
the word “wrath” in Revelation is at Rev. 6:17, and is a prelude statement to
breaking the 7th Seal, which then allows
OPENING of the SCROLL, thus releasing God’s wrath.
Consequently,
upon men's failure to repent during first 6 seals of “tribulation”
which is allowed by God (Rev. 6 and Matt. 24:5-9,13,21,22,29), the
7 trumpets & 7 Bowls of God's WRATH are then released
upon mankind (Rev. 8 – 16). "Wrath" (Ebrah / Orges), introduced in Rev. 6:17, is only used in conjunction with the "Day
of the Lord" and His wrath”, after the 7th
Seal in Rev. 8 – 16, and as judgment
upon the unrepentant. Therefore
any possible application, of how or when to apply the word “rapture”,
must first take into consideration the significant difference between the words “tribulation”
and “wrath” and their usage in Scripture. =====================================================
Rev.
3:10-12 In context:
In verse 10: believers are explicitly encouraged to “endure”
such trials etc., and consequently God would “keep” (kargotereso: to keep by endurance)” them “from
the trial bringing temptation”: Vs 10.
"Because (as a result of) you have kept (eteresas)
My command to persevere, (eteresas;
to keep God’s Word) I also will keep (kargotereso) you (kargotereso; to keep by endurance) from the hour (ek tes hores)
of trial (peirasmou) (out of the hour of trial)
or: (from the trial bringing temptation)
i.e.: "The Lord knows how to deliver
the godly out of (from) temptations (peirasmos)
…" 2 Peter 2: 9 After Jesus had described the “tribulation”
during the “End of the Age” in Mathew 24:13 He states: 13 "He that
endures to the end will be saved". In verses 11 & 12, believers are then encouraged
by God to continue endure trials / tribulations in order
to “overcome” such “trials”, “holding
fast”, “firmly fixed” to become a “pillar” in the
“temple” and thus becoming the “victor”,
receiving the “crown” of eternal life. NOTE: IF, believers were to be raptured in vs.10, then the instructions by God which follow in verses 11
& 12, to continue to “overcome trials”, would not
be applicable or necessary. In other words, to imply the
application of the word “rapture” is out of context to the entire passage. ===================== The Pre-Tribulation rapture
interpretation incorrectly equates “trials / temptations / tribulations”
during Seals 1 thru 6 as equivalent to “wrath” to justify believers not being
“subject to wrath; and therefore to experience a promised “rapture”.
"Who
delivers us from the wrath (Ebrah / Orges) to come…"
1 Thess. 1:10
"For God has not destined us for wrath (Ebrah
/ Orges) …. " 1 Thess.
5:9
Rev. 3:10-12, in context and with literal translation,
is a message to the seven churches (and all Christians) to endure trials, and to overcome them; to receive the “crown”
of life: Rev. 3:10-12 Paraphrased
interpretation: God promises that if we will endure trials and temptations, faithfully enduring affliction,
by the keeping God’s word, He will “keep” us from these “trials” as we continue to the pursue
the reward of being firmly fixed in His presence, as we are trusting / waiting upon His appearing: i.e.: “There is
laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous
Judge, will give to me - on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who
have loved His appearing.” 2
Tim. 4:8
“You will keep
him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You: because he trusts in You.”
Isa. 26:3
Consequently after clear and literal interpretation
of Rev. 3:10-12 the pre tribulation rapture theological position fails hermeneutical scrutiny, and provides no justification
for Christians to be removed by rapture; thereby avoiding the “testing
/ trials / tribulations” actually indicated by our Lord. Jesus said: "These things I
have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of
good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33 ====================================================
Copyright Statement: This file is Public Domain ~ sola gloria DEO
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