The key to discussing this volatile subject is to lay down three simple rules for both sides to follow during the discussion.
- Everyone will accept that God’s Word is the standard of truth and will yield to it as the final authority.
- No one will be allowed to add to scripture or take away from scripture using the strict guideline of Revelation 22:18-19.
- The discussion will take place with pure motives. No one will go into the discussion to exalt themselves or to try to prove how smart they are.
Most Christians want to know the truth about this subject. And when I say truth, I mean, they want to know what God’s Word says! If you ask most Bible-believing Christians what truth is, they will tell you that God’s Word is true, even if every person on earth disagrees with it!
Romans 3:4
May it never be! Rather, let God be found true, though every man be found a liar, as it is written, That You may be justified in Your words, And prevail when You are judged.”
Recognizing that God’s Word is the final authority is not usually a problem. If you don’t rely on God’s Word to be true, you have nothing to base your faith on and don’t really have a Christian end-time theology at all. If a person doesn’t believe God’s Word is the standard of truth, don’t waste your time on a discussion.
What most Christians will tell you is that they interpret the scriptures differently than you do. Therefore, it is a matter of explaining what they believe and you explaining what you believe.
It’s at this point that you must agree to abide by the second rule: No one’s opinion counts! Adding an opinion is not allowed according to Jesus in Revelation 22:18-19. How you interpret scripture and how I interpret scripture, doesn’t matter! What the scripture actually says, that’s what matters!
Here is that passage. I’m going to back up and give a little context by adding the verses ahead of it and some after it, so you can see that it is Jesus Himself that is saying this.
Revelation 22:16-20a
16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.
18 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and [i]from the holy city, which are written in this book.
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.”
Anyone who believes this passage should refuse to add to or take away from God’s Word. God’s ways are higher than our ways. He isn’t going to align His Word with our opinions and speculations. Nevertheless, you will be surprised how many people add in their opinion in the name of “interpretation”. (In many cases, it’s not even that person’s opinion, it’s something they read in a prophesy book or was taught by someone else.)
When discussing prophesy, don’t say “this is what I think that means” or “obviously that means …” Instead, stick with what the scriptures clearly say and let scripture interpret scripture.
If there is a question as to how to interpret a word, agree to go back to the Greek or Hebrew for clarification. (blueletterbible.com is a quick source for Greek and Hebrew definitions). Don’t allow anything but God’s Word to determine truth.
Keep in mind while studying future events, some things will not be clear to us until we actually see or experience the event in real time. If we don’t know something, we should have the humility to say so.
While some rules may need to be enforced with regularity, enforcement must be done in humility and kindness.
Don’t get emotional, just simply ask, “What did you have to add to that scripture to get it to confirm your belief?” Then be silent and let them read it again to themselves. They will be shocked to find that the verses they thought proved a Pre-Tribulation Rapture, don’t actually mention the timing of the rapture at all or specifically mention the timing as being “after the tribulation” on the “Day of the Lord”.
Sometimes they will argue for a Pre-Tribulation Rapture while ignoring an entire portion of the verse or passage they are quoting. At that point, simply say, “What did you have to leave out of that verse (or passage) to make your point?” (I Cor. 15:52 …at the last trumpet; II Thess. 2:3 … until the man of sin is revealed; Rev. 20:5-6 …first resurrection; These are just a few words frequently left out by Pre-Tribulationists.)
It’s not necessary to get into opinion, just stick to scripture. There is nothing in the Post Tribulation position that requires human opinion or another book to explain it. It’s all within the pages of the Bible, both Old and New Testament. Let the Bible interpret the Bible.
Most importantly, represent Christ at all times, even while correcting, instructing and reproving. Maintaining calm and peace is important, but sticking to the Word of God as the final authority is non-negotiable.
II Timothy 4:1-3
I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,
Paul also said, to keep it amiable and “If it be possible, as far as lies within you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18 KJV
Peace, however, is not the same as compromise. Paul was beaten and eventually beheaded because he stuck with the truth, as did the other apostles. Stay true to scripture, even if persecution comes. Time will prove God’s Word to be true.
Romans 12:18 NASB
If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.