Christian eschatology is a complex field with many different interpretations. One of these interpretations is the pretribulation rapture, which posits that Christians will be taken up to heaven before the tribulation period described in the Book of Revelation. Here are some of the main biblical reasons often cited in defense of this view. First, the Church is not mentioned in Revelation chapters 6-18. These chapters describe the tribulation period. Some pre-tribulationists argue that the absence of the Church in these chapters suggests that it has been raptured before the tribulation. Second, the concept of imminence: Several passages in the New Testament suggest that Christ’s return could happen at any moment (1 Thessalonians 5:2, Revelation 3:3). Pre-tribulationists argue that this imminence is only possible if the rapture occurs before the tribulation. Third, The promise of escape from wrath: In 1 Thessalonians 5:9, Paul writes that God has not appointed us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through Jesus Christ. Pre-tribulationists interpret this “wrath” as the tribulation period, arguing that Christians will be saved from it through the rapture. Fourth, the distinction between the Church and Israel: Some pre-tribulationists argue that the tribulation is a time of judgment for Israel, not the Church. They base this on passages like Daniel 9:24-27, which speak of a period of ‘seventy weeks’ decreed for Daniel’s people (Israel). And fifth,  the interpretation of Revelation 3:10: This verse promises that the Church in Philadelphia will be kept from the ‘hour of trial’ that is going to come upon the whole world. Pre-tribulationists often interpret this as a promise of the rapture before the tribulation. These interpretations are not universally accepted among Christians, and there are many different views on eschatology within the Christian faith. However, the pre-tribulation rapture is the most accurate description of the next event for God’s Church.

SOURCES: JKV, NKJV, ESV, NIV, LXX, YLT, NETS