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
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)
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."'
====================================================
IF, believers were to be raptured
in vs.10, then the instructions by God which follow in verses 11 & 12 & 13, to the 7 “churches”
to continue to “overcome trials”, would not be applicable or necessary. To
imply the application of the word “rapture” as “inferred” is out of context to the entire passage, and hermeneutically unsound.
Spurgeon:
Primary
attention should be given to the literal sense.
“Understand each passage in its ‘first sense’; its literal or obvious meaning.
The first sense of the passage must never be drowned it must be declared.
Your understanding must never thrust out the original and native meaning,
A passage should not be strained.
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”.
=======================================================
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."
======================================
Hermeneutics:
“Hermeneutics is the art of finding the meaning of
an author’s words and phrases, and of explaining it to others.”
Guidelines
include: The
examination of the verses as a unit of thought, in the immediate context, with the passage
and book as a whole. Theologians instruct us that during Bible study, we cannot properly
“determine the meaning of a passage independent of the rest of Scripture”
Therefore, when
seeking the meaning of one passage we must seek unity with all other Bible teachings related to it, particularly
the words of Jesus.
Greatest rule of sound biblical interpretation: let the Bible interpret itself.
Linguistic Hermeneutical
Principles to Be Applied
CLEAR AND LITERAL GRAMATICAL PRINCIPLES:
Study the context of the passage and the theme of the book.
Look up the actual meaning
of each word in the original languages.
Note the verb tenses, the cases, and other grammatical determinants.
IN CONTEXT:
Learn the cultural setting of the passage.
Determine what the original readers understood it to mean.
SCRIPTURE VERIFYING
SCRIPTURE:
Check out cross-references how the words are used in contexts.
See how the first mention of the word or topic
is presented
Confirm interpretation with 2-3 similar passages
(synonyms).
Context is crucial within the larger narrative.
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
====================================================
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.
“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.
“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
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.
However, In Rev.3:10 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”:
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.
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
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
