Left Behind, really? We best get this right...

So with the release of the semi-recent “Left Behind” movie I decided to dig into this subject so that my dear friends and family do fall into the delusion that is so prevalent in our modern churches. The same delusion I was in for a better portion of my current life. No doubt some folks will be very upset at me for doing this but I will be in bigger trouble if I do not speak out on this matter so here it goes…

I pulled out all the instances of tribulation and tribulations and summarized the contextual message regarding their usage in every instance. It is amazing that not one single one of these verses can be used to prop up the pre-trib doctrine. I have also utilized other verses to emphasize the correct context of these verses and to show that the Bible cannot justify this line of thinking. God’s word actually gives a very strong warning in going astray from Biblical truths regarding prophecy. That will be discussed at the very end of this study. All in all this is a very serious matter per the Bible so it warrants our attention.

I am also currently doing a study on some conservative church’s doctrines regarding their pre-trib position and am finding the same exact thing. One has to do much mental contortion in and around the scriptures in order to weakly prop up a pre-trib stance. This is a sad thing when the Bible is very clear on the matter as will be noted below. I have the clear Biblical message on the issue within the study below.

Keep in mind as you are reading this progression of events that you will see over and over throughout scripture. The sun and moon will be darkened, there will be a trump(et) and a very visible appearing of Jesus to gather His elect, the believers. You see this in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John (Revelation) and Paul’s writings. Right after that God’s wrath is unleased.

As always, use Proverbs 18:13 as your guide in jumping to conclusions before hearing the entire matter.

I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed. And the Lord shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the Lord shall lead you. And there ye shall serve gods, the work of men's hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell. But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him , if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; (For the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.Deuteronomy 4:26-31 KJV

The Jews are told that one day they will be scattered away from their land and would serve other gods. They are told that during times of tribulation even the end time tribulation that if they turn back to God then they would be spared His wrath. This does not say that God would spare them from tribulation that comes from man.

This does not say that believers would be taken out of the end time tribulation which is the anti-christ's war on the saints or as the Bible calls it, the great tribulation.

Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation. Judges 10:14 KJV

This is a challenge on nonbelievers to see if their god's can deliver them out of tribulation.

This was not directed towards believers. This does not say that believers would be taken out of the end time tribulation which is the anti-christ's war on the saints or as the Bible calls it, the great tribulation.

And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay , but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes, and by your thousands. 1 Samuel 10:19 KJV

This does not say that believers would be taken out of the end time tribulation which is the anti-christ's war on the saints or as the Bible calls it, the great tribulation.

And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the Lord , and let him deliver me out of all tribulation. 1 Samuel 26:24 KJV

This does not say that believers would be taken out of the end time tribulation which is the anti-christ's war on the saints or as the Bible calls it, the great tribulation.

Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. Matthew 13:21 KJV

This refers to day to day tribulation and conceptually includes the great end time tribulation.

This does not say that believers would be taken out of the end time tribulation which is the anti-christ's war on the saints or as the Bible calls it, the great tribulation. See the following verses for more details.

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. [29] Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: Matthew 24:21, 29 KJV

After the great tribulation the sun and moon are darkened then Jesus comes again to be seen by all and gather the elect. This is the first and only gathering up of the saints (rapture) and it is after the great tribulation on the saints. This is also noted in Mark's report on this these coming events.

This does not say that believers would be taken out of the end time tribulation which is the anti-christ's war on the saints or as the Bible calls it, the great tribulation.

For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. [30] And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. [31] And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Matthew 24:27, 30-31 KJV

This does not say that believers would be taken out of the end time tribulation which is the anti-christ's war on the saints or as the Bible calls it, the great tribulation.

But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, Mark 13:24 KJV

This does not say that believers would be taken out of the end time tribulation which is the anti-christ's war on the saints or as the Bible calls it, the great tribulation.

In verse 27 some folks try to say the elect are the Jews. Keeping this in context the elect are not the Jews and Jesus did not intend for this to be only for the Jews. In Mark 13:37 Jesus specifically this was not just for the Jews but it was for all to hear.

As far as who the elect are and are not Paul clearly identified this in Romans 11:7 and for certain the Jews without Jesus are not the elect.

What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. Romans 11:7

And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.Mark 13:37 KJV

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33 KJV

This refers to day to day tribulation and conceptually includes the great end time tribulation.

This does not say that believers would be taken out of the end time tribulation which is the anti-christ's war on the saints or as the Bible calls it, the great tribulation. It actually lends support to the reality that believers would go through the great tribulation. It certainly does not exclude this reality.

Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22 KJV

This refers to day to day tribulation and conceptually includes the great end time tribulation. This actually should be made clear to all. The New Testament church was told the entrance into God's kingdom must be through tribulation.

Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; Romans 2:9 KJV

Read all of the verses before and after for the correct context. In Romans 2:11 Paul said

"For there is no respect of persons with God". These verses are saying collectively that God's grace and judgement is not based on whether you are a Jew or not but on one's obedience to righteousness and their desire for eternal life (see vs. 7 and 8). This righteousness per the entire council of God's word is in Jesus alone. Eternal life is through Jesus alone.

This does not say that believers would be taken out of the end time tribulation which is the anti-christ's war on the saints or as the Bible calls it, the great tribulation.

And not only so , but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; Romans 5:3 KJV

This refers to day to day tribulation and conceptually does include the great end time tribulation.

This does not say that believers would be taken out of the end time tribulation which is the anti-christ's war on the saints or as the Bible calls it, the great tribulation.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35 KJV

This refers to day to day tribulation and conceptually includes the great end time tribulation.

This does not say that believers would be taken out of the end time tribulation which is the anti-christ's war on the saints or as the Bible calls it, the great tribulation. It actually lends support to the reality that believers would go through the great tribulation. It certainly does not exclude this reality.

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Romans 12:12 KJV

This refers to day to day tribulation and conceptually includes the great end time tribulation.

This does not say that believers would be taken out of the end time tribulation which is the anti-christ's war on the saints or as the Bible calls it, the great tribulation. It actually lends support to the reality that believers would go through the great tribulation. It certainly does not exclude this reality.

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Corinthians 1:4 KJV

This refers to day to day tribulation and conceptually includes the great end time tribulation.

This does not say that believers would be taken out of the end time tribulation which is the anti-christ's war on the saints or as the Bible calls it, the great tribulation. It actually lends support to the reality that believers would go through the great tribulation. It certainly does not exclude this reality.

Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. 2 Corinthians 7:4 KJV

Paul is specifically speaking of their current tribulations and not the coming great tribulation.

This does not say that believers would be taken out of the end time tribulation which is the anti-christ's war on the saints or as the Bible calls it, the great tribulation.

Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. Ephesians 3:13 KJV

Paul is specifically speaking of his current tribulations and not the coming great tribulation.

This does not say that believers would be taken out of the end time tribulation which is the anti-christ's war on the saints or as the Bible calls it, the great tribulation.

For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. 1 Thessalonians 3:4 KJV

Paul is specifically speaking of their current tribulations and not the coming great tribulation.

This does not say that believers would be taken out of the end time tribulation which is the anti-christ's war on the saints or as the Bible calls it, the great tribulation.

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: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 2 Thessalonians 1:4, 6 KJV

Paul is specifically speaking of their current tribulations and not the coming great tribulation.

This does not say that believers would be taken out of the end time tribulation which is the anti-christ's war on the saints or as the Bible calls it, the great tribulation.

This does mention God bringing tribulation back upon the men who cause tribulation to His Saints but in no way does this equate to the rapture occurring before the tribulation that will be brought upon the Saints in the last days by men under the power of the anti-Christ.

I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 1:9 KJV

John is specifically speaking of his current tribulation on the island that he was exiled to and not the coming great tribulation.

This does not say that believers would be taken out of the end time tribulation which is the anti-christ's war on the saints or as the Bible calls it, the great tribulation.

I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.... Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. Revelation 2:9-10, 22 KJV

This is talking of future tribulation for this specific church and in no way supports a pre-trib rapture concept but does actually signify that saints will go through tribulation such as what Jesus said in John 16:33: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

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. Revelation 7:14 KJV

The Great Tribulation as Jesus referred to in Matthew 24:21 was before the sun and moon being darkened. Jesus said in verse 29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light”. In the next verses, verses 30 and 31 the next things that will happen will be that Jesus will come and the world will not be in any doubt as to who this is and He will gather his elect, the believers from all over the world and then God’s wrath will come next upon the world as we see at the end of Revelation 6. The fact is also seen in this passage that the sun and moon will be darkened prior to God’s wrath being released upon the earth.

This is the disconnect that the pre-tribualation line of reasoning fails to explain. The believers will not just vanish with no sign of Jesus but instead this will be a highly visible event and there will be no doubt who is coming and who takes that saints and then they will be certain that it is the Lamb, see vs 16 below, who is bringing on the Wrath of God.

The disconnect is that the tribulation brought upon the saints by the anit-christ and his armies is not at all the same as the wrath of God. The Wrath of God is the not the Great Tribulation that Jesus spoke of in Matthew and throughout the Gospels. Yes God will not pour out His wrath on His children but the anti-Christ will and teaching the pre-tribulation message is leaving many people out there with a selfish assurance that they will not have to suffer. It is sad that this mentality is so popular in our comfortable western world lifestyle while brothers and sisters in Christ are dying daily for their faith around the world (China, India, Middle East, etc).

And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?  And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.  And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;  And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.  And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.   And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;  And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:  For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?  Revelation 6:10-17

Another thing to weigh heavily when propping up a prophetic position with no clear scriptural evidence is what Moses told the people regarding how to judge a false prophet and how God feels about these as well in Deuteronomy 18 verses 20 through 22. If what the prophet says does not come to pass in then they are to be put to death. We really need to be careful and repent if we are not preparing the saints appropriately for daily and future tribulations.

Deuteronomy 18:20-22 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.


21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?


22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.






Sincerely