# Which Denominations Believe in the (Pretribulation) Rapture?  ## Introduction [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=0s) - Many people who grew up in church may have realized that not all Christians share the same beliefs, including the concept of the [[Rapture | pre-tribulation rapture]], which is a significant topic in [[United States | America]] [(00:00:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=8s). - The pre-tribulation rapture is often assumed to be widely accepted among churches, even when individuals move to a different denomination, but they may be surprised to find that their new church does not teach this view or considers it as just one possibility among other theories [(00:00:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=28s). - Some denominations that were once nearly unanimous in their view on the pre-tribulation rapture have since become more tolerant of other views [(00:00:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=36s). - The pre-tribulation rapture will be defined and explored in the context of various [[Christianity | Christian]] denominations' views on the topic [(00:00:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=10s). ## What is the Pre-Tribulation Rapture? [(00:00:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=47s) - The term "Millennium" in Christian terminology refers to a specific thousand years mentioned in Revelation 20:4, where it says that believers will live and reign with [[Jesus | Christ]] for a thousand years [(00:00:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=57s). - There are different understandings among Christian denominations regarding the Millennium, including premillennialists, postmillennialists, and amillennialists, with premillennialists believing that Jesus comes before the thousand-year reign [(00:01:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=86s). - Premillennialists take passages about the end times most literally, including the concept of the [[Great Tribulation]], which is described in Matthew 24:21 as a period of great suffering [(00:02:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=141s). - The length of the Great Tribulation is often assigned as 7 years by premillennialists, although other views exist, and some believe it has already occurred in the past [(00:02:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=153s). - The focus is on premillennialists who believe in a literal future Great Tribulation preceding the Millennium, and their view can be charted as follows: an unknown length of time, followed by a 7-year tribulation, the [[Second Coming | second coming]], and the 1,000-year Millennium [(00:03:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=196s). - The concept of the [[Rapture]] refers to the idea of Christians being caught up in the clouds with Jesus, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, with the word "Rapture" coming from the [[Latin]] word "rapio," meaning "to be caught up" [(00:03:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=225s). - There are multiple views about when the Rapture occurs, including post-tribulation, mid-tribulation, and pre-tribulation, with some believing it happens after the Great Tribulation, others in the middle, and others before the tribulation begins [(00:04:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=240s). - Some premillennialists believe the Rapture happens between the first 3.5 years of the tribulation and the last 3.5 years, which they call the Wrath [(00:04:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=258s). - The pre-tribulation Rapture view holds that the Rapture happens before the tribulation, a terrible time to live through, and that true believers in [[Jesus | Christ]] will be raptured and caught up to be with Christ for those years, not having to go through it [(00:04:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=267s). - Pre-tribulation Rapture adherents believe that after being raptured, believers will come back down to earth with Christ at the second coming and will be on earth with Christ during the [[Millennialism | Thousand-Year Millennium]] [(00:04:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=286s). - Those who are not premillennial usually don't use the term Rapture and may say they don't believe in the Rapture, but most do believe that Jesus is returning to earth and will take Christians to be with him when he does [(00:05:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=301s). - What most non-premillennial individuals mean by saying they don't believe in the [[Rapture]] is that there's only one event at the end of time: the [[Second Coming | second coming]], Jesus' return, a final judgment of all men, followed by the eternal state, with no tribulation, no earthly millennial kingdom, and no time where Christians are taken out of the world while it continues [(00:05:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=312s). - Some amillennial people may say they believe in a Rapture, but only if it refers to the time when the current age ends, Christ returns, judgment happens, and eternity begins [(00:05:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=335s). - There are also viewpoints that say there is no future literal return of Christ or that it already happened [(00:05:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=347s). ## How Popular is the Pre-tribulation Rapture? [(00:05:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=352s) - The pre-tribulation Rapture viewpoint is not widely held among all [[Christianity | Christian]] denominations, but it was the default view among many Evangelical [[Protestantism | Protestant]] Christians in the [[United States]] for a period of time [(00:05:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=353s). - The Left Behind book series by [[Tim LaHaye]] and Jerry Jenkins, released from 1995 to 2007, helped popularize the [[Rapture | pre-tribulation Rapture]] view, selling 80 million copies and becoming a cultural phenomenon [(00:06:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=374s). - The pre-tribulation Rapture view was also promoted by Hal Lindsey's book "[[The Late Great Planet Earth | The Late, Great Planet Earth]]," which sold 28 million copies by 1990, and the 1973 movie "[[A Thief in the Night (film) | A Thief in the Night]]," which was seen by over 300 million people [(00:06:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=399s). - Despite its popularity, the pre-tribulation Rapture view is a relatively recent development, only becoming popular in the last 200 years, and was not widely held by Christian denominations before that [(00:07:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=427s). - [[John Nelson Darby]] played a significant role in popularizing the pre-tribulation Rapture view, along with other factors such as the charts of [[Clarence Larkin]] and the reference [[Bible]] of C.I. Scofield [(00:07:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=451s). - The pre-tribulation Rapture view is often associated with the Bible interpretation framework of dispensationalism [(00:07:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=469s). - While the pre-tribulation Rapture view was the plurality view in [[Evangelicalism | Evangelical Christianity]] in the [[United States]] 100 years after Darby's death, there is evidence that it has been losing its numerical advantage among evangelicals in recent decades [(00:08:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=482s). - A 2016 survey by [[LifeWay Christian Resources | LifeWay Research]] found that 36% of American [[Protestantism | Protestant]] pastors affirmed a [[Rapture | pre-tribulation Rapture]], while 25% said the Rapture is not to be taken literally, and 18% affirmed a post-tribulation Rapture [(00:08:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=517s). - The survey also found that pastors under 45 are less likely to believe in a pre-tribulation Rapture, with only 28% affirming this view [(00:09:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=544s). ## Denominations Covered [(00:09:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=566s) - The [[Christian denomination | denominational]] families covered will be examined, with logos used representing one denomination from each family due to the lack of a unique symbol for many families [(00:09:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=567s). - Any group claiming to be [[Christianity | Christian]] can be included in the discussion to provide a broad understanding of various traditions [(00:09:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=576s). - The primary focus will be on [[United States | American]] denominations, although most of these traditions are also present in other countries [(00:09:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=584s). ## Pentecostalism [(00:09:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=590s) - According to a LifeWay survey, 73% of Pentecostal pastors in the US adhere to the [[Rapture | pre-tribulation Rapture]], making them the group with the largest number of pre-tribulation Rapture adherents [(00:09:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=597s). - The **Assemblies of** **God** **USA** has 12,681 US congregations and a premillennial statement of fundamental truths that affirms a Rapture of the Saints and its imminence, although it does not explicitly teach a pre-trib Rapture [(00:10:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=609s). - The Assemblies of God USA's position paper on the Rapture of the church, adopted in 1979, clearly states that the church will be raptured before the period called the [[Great Tribulation]] [(00:10:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=627s). - The [[International Pentecostal Holiness Church]] does not mention the pre-tribulation Rapture in their statement of faith but refers to an imminent personal premillennial [[Second Coming]] [(00:10:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=637s). - The International Pentecostal Holiness Church's [[Belief | belief]] page on their website contains an amplification by Bishop Joseph A. Sinan, which states that the second coming of [[Jesus | Christ]] will occur in two stages, including the Rapture of the Saints before the Great Tribulation [(00:10:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=650s). - The Apostolic Faith Church officially holds to the pre-tribulation Rapture but qualifies it, allowing for the possibility that the Rapture will occur at a point other than at the exact beginning of the Great Tribulation [(00:11:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=665s). - Belief in the [[Rapture | pre-tribulation Rapture]] is not limited to the US, as seen in the Philippines-based Jesus' Lord Church and the Nigeria-based **Redeemed** **Christian** **Church of God** [(00:11:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=691s). - [[Pentecostalism]] is mostly pre-trib, even in cases where denomination statements of faith do not mention it explicitly [(00:11:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=698s). - The Church of [[God]] (Cleveland, Tennessee) allows diversity of belief and does not require adherence to a pre-tribulation Rapture, although their Declaration of faith could be taken to imply it [(00:12:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=720s). - The [[Foursquare Church | Four Square Church]] and the Church of God in Christ do not state a required position on the timing of the Rapture or use the word tribulation [(00:12:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=729s). ## Oneness Pentecostalism [(00:12:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=736s) - Oneness Pentecostalism often teaches a [[Rapture | pre-tribulation Rapture]], but many denominations do not hold an official position on this matter [(00:12:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=738s). - The [[United Pentecostal Church International]] (UPCI) allows diversity and views regarding the timing of the coming of the Lord, particularly with reference to the tribulation, and the expectation of the soon return of the Lord is integral to their identity as a movement [(00:12:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=744s). - Major denominations like the [[Pentecostal Assemblies of the World]], Church of our Lord [[Jesus | Jesus Christ]], and Worldwide Pentecostal Fellowship do not have official statements requiring a view on the timing of the Rapture [(00:12:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=760s). - The Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ's [[Articles of Faith (Latter Day Saints) | articles of faith]] state that they believe in the catching away of the church, where all the dead in Christ shall rise from their graves and either be translated or caught up to meet the Lord in the air, but this does not take a clear pre-tribulation position [(00:12:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=772s). ## Baptists [(00:13:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=786s) - A [[LifeWay Christian Resources | LifeWay research]] poll found that 61% of Baptist pastors adhere to the [[Rapture | pre-tribulation rapture]], with the largest group of [[Baptists]] in the US being the [[Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) | Southern Baptist Convention]] (SBC) [(00:13:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=792s). - Although the SBC has many churches that teach the pre-trib Rapture, the SBC itself is not officially pre-trib Rapture nor premillennial [(00:13:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=808s). - Trevin Wax, a VP of the SBC's **North** **American** **Mission Board**, stated that among young Southern Baptists, dispensationalism is on the decline, and diversity is the norm, with various eschatological views represented [(00:13:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=826s). - [[General Association of Regular Baptist Churches | The General Association of Regular Baptist Churches]], with around 1300 US churches, officially holds a pre-trib Rapture in their [[Articles of Faith (Latter Day Saints) | Articles of Faith]] [(00:14:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=871s). - [[Foundations Baptist Fellowship International | Foundation Baptist Fellowship International]] also officially holds a pre-trib Rapture [(00:14:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=873s). - A large majority of independent fundamental Baptists (IFB) teach the pre-tribulation Rapture, with thousands of such churches in the US [(00:14:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=880s). - Some IFB churches make the [[Rapture | pre-tribulation Rapture]] a requirement for church fellowship, with author David Cloud stating that he will not have a ministry relationship with a preacher who denies the pre-tribulation Rapture [(00:14:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=886s). - State-level fellowships of **Independent** **Baptist** **Churches** may have a pre-tribulation Rapture in their statement of faith, such as the [[Wisconsin Fellowship of Baptist Churches]] [(00:15:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=925s). - Other Baptist denominations, such as the **Baptist** **Bible** **Fellowship International**, **North** **American** **Baptist Conference**, Converge [[American Baptist Churches USA]], [[American Baptist Association]], and [[Baptist Missionary Association of America]], do not have the pre-tribulation Rapture as a requirement or mention it in their articles of faith or doctrinal statements [(00:15:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=937s). ## Plymouth Brethren [(00:16:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=961s) - The [[Plymouth Brethren]], also known as Brethren assemblies or open Brethren and exclusive Brethren, are a group that largely teaches the pre-tribulation Rapture, with an overwhelming majority holding this view [(00:16:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=962s). - The Plymouth Brethren movement consists of autonomous congregations, resulting in no unified statement of faith, but many churches in this movement use the name [[Gospel Hall Assemblies | Gospel Hall]] or Bible Chapel [(00:16:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=973s). - [[John Nelson Darby]], who played a significant role in popularizing the [[Rapture | pre-tribulation Rapture]] view, was part of the Plymouth Brethren [(00:16:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=988s). - An example of a church in this movement, Fairview Gospel Hall in [[Vancouver]], [[Canada]], has a webpage with charts about end times, including the Rapture, which depict the Rapture occurring before the tribulation [(00:16:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=995s). - The charts from Fairview Gospel Hall and other sources, such as [[Harry A. Ironside | Harry Ironside]], illustrate the pre-tribulation Rapture view, showing the Rapture preceding Daniel's 70th week and the tribulation [(00:16:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1010s). - While not all Brethren assemblies use these specific charts, the vast majority teach the pre-tribulation Rapture [(00:17:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1038s). ## Local Churches [(00:17:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1042s) - [[Local churches (affiliation) | The Local Churches]] movement originated in [[China]] and has a shared history with the [[Plymouth Brethren]], being heavily shaped by [[Watchman Nee]] and [[Witness Lee]] [(00:17:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1043s). - The Local Churches teach a [[Rapture | pre-tribulation Rapture]], but with the condition that not every saved [[Christianity | Christian]] will be part of it [(00:17:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1052s). - According to their doctrine, the Rapture of living saints at the end of the age will occur in two stages, prior to the [[Great Tribulation]] [(00:17:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1064s). - The first stage involves the rapture of overcoming, watchful, and mature believers to the throne of [[God]] in the heavens [(00:17:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1068s). - The second stage involves immature believers, who are genuinely saved but consumed with anxiety and enjoyment of the current age, remaining on earth to pass through the tribulation for discipline and perfection [(00:17:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1074s). - These later maturing believers will be raptured near the end of the tribulation, just prior to the Lord's appearing on earth in power and great glory [(00:18:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1084s). ## Irvingian [(00:18:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1092s) - The Irvingian family of denominations teaches a [[Rapture | pre-tribulation Rapture]] in a similar way, although the name is disputed [(00:18:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1092s). - The largest and most well-known denomination in this family is the [[New Apostolic Church]] [(00:18:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1101s). - According to the New Apostolic Church, the church will be in two parts at the return of [[Jesus | Christ]]: the male child (first fruits or bride of Christ) and the rest of the church (represented by the woman clothed with the sun) [(00:18:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1107s). - The male child, or first fruits, will be raptured and caught up with the returning Christ, participating in the marriage of the Lamb [(00:18:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1111s). - The rest of the church will have to prove itself during a tribulation period, with some being martyred for Christ [(00:18:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1120s). - After the tribulation, Christ will return to Earth with the firstlings (those who were raptured) [(00:18:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1125s). ## Nondenominational Evangelical [(00:18:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1130s) - Many non-[[Christian denomination | denominational]] Evangelical churches and various Evangelical fellowships, networks, and organizations teach the [[Rapture | pre-tribulation Rapture]] [(00:18:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1130s). - The [[IFCA International]], formerly known as the Independent Fundamental Churches of [[United States | America]], believes in the "blessed hope" of the personal, imminent, pre-tribulation, and premillennial coming of the Lord [[Jesus | Jesus Christ]] for his redeemed ones [(00:19:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1141s). - Many churches that use the term "[[Bible]] churches" hold to a pre-trib Rapture [(00:19:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1157s). - The Associated Gospel Churches of [[Canada]] used to have a statement on their website allowing persons to be admitted to the ministry who may not understand the necessity of a pre-tribulation Rapture, but they must hold to imminency, a literal interpretation of scripture, and a basic dispensational hermeneutic [(00:19:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1163s). - The Associated Gospel Churches of Canada requires that those who do not hold to a pre-tribulation Rapture must recognize that it is the majority position of the AGC and agree not to make it an issue of contention or division in their churches [(00:19:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1168s). - The Philippines-based Christ Mission Fellowship teaches a pre-trib Rapture [(00:19:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1197s). - The American group, Mida dispensationalist [[Grace Gospel Fellowship]], which has 79 churches in their directory, also teaches a pre-trib [[Rapture]] [(00:20:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1201s). - Many completely independent non-[[Christian denomination | denominational]] churches teach a pre-tribulation Rapture, although it is a mixed bag [(00:20:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1207s). ## Pietist [(00:20:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1215s) - The [[Evangelical Free Church of America | Evangelical Free Church]] of America's statement of faith does not mention a specific view of the Rapture, allowing for differing views [(00:20:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1217s). - The Evangelical Free Church of [[United States | America]] was officially premillennial until 2019, and in 2015, Greg Strand, the executive director of theology, stated that the denomination does not take a position on the seven-year tribulation that precedes the Millennium [(00:20:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1225s). - The Evangelical Free Church of America allows various views of the [[Rapture]], including pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, pre-wrath, and post-tribulation [(00:20:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1239s). - The [[Evangelical Covenant Church]] has no required position on the Rapture, but the pre-tribulation view appears to be less common than in the Evangelical Free Church [(00:20:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1248s). ## Charismatic [(00:20:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1253s) - Charismatic churches, especially non-[[Christian denomination | denominational]] ones, may teach the pre-tribulation Rapture, although at a lower rate than [[Pentecostalism | Pentecostals]] [(00:20:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1254s). - Calvary Chapels, a cautious charismatic group, officially hold to a pre-tribulation Rapture, as stated by the [[Calvary Chapel Association]] and the Calvary Global Network [(00:21:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1267s). - The Calvary Chapel Association and the Calvary Global Network require affiliated churches to be premillennial in their eschatological convictions, but not necessarily pre-tribulational [(00:21:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1279s). - The [[Universal Church of the Kingdom of God]], a Neo-charismatic denomination from [[Brazil]], teaches the [[Rapture | pre-tribulation Rapture]] in their churches and through their founding Bishop, [[Edir Macedo]] [(00:21:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1297s). - Vineyard churches are mostly not pre-trib Rapture, and this view would be a small minority in New Frontiers and the [[Messianic Judaism | Messianic]] movement [(00:21:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1308s). ## Messianic [(00:21:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1316s) - Messianic [[Judaism | Jews]] can be considered alongside other [[Christianity | Christian]] denominations for the purposes of this discussion, and they have a significant number of adherents who believe in the pre-tribulation Rapture [(00:22:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1323s). - According to Messianic apologetics editor John McKe, when his family first got involved in the Messianic movement in 1995-1996, the movement was overwhelmingly pre-trib [(00:22:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1335s). - However, as of 2024, the Messianic Jewish Community has become more evenly balanced in its views on the timing of the Messiah's return for believers [(00:22:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1342s). - It is estimated that a large minority of the [[Messianic Judaism | Messianic]] Community now holds a post-tribulation view, and it is possible that this view may even be held by a thin majority [(00:22:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1355s). ## Denominations where the pre-trib rapture is less common [(00:22:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1357s) - The [[Rapture | pre-tribulation Rapture]] is less common in certain denomination families [(00:22:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1358s). - The pre-tribulation Rapture is not typically expected or commonly found in these particular denomination families [(00:22:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1362s). - These denomination families and churches do not usually teach the pre-tribulation Rapture [(00:22:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1364s). - The focus is now shifting towards groups where the pre-tribulation Rapture is less common [(00:22:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1368s). ## Methodist & Holiness [(00:22:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1371s) - Historically, Methodist churches have been amillennial, which precludes a [[Rapture | pre-tribulation Rapture]], but some Methodists have come to view things differently [(00:22:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1372s). - The [[United Methodist Church]] does not teach about the Rapture and its related beliefs, as stated in their FAQ, because these terms were largely invented in the 19th century among other denominations [(00:23:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1390s). - The United Methodist Church's doctrinal standards do not include teachings on the Rapture, the [[Great Tribulation]], or the millennial reign, as these terms were developed after the church's founding [(00:23:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1408s). - [[John Nelson Darby]] is widely credited with developing the theological terms associated with premillennial dispensationalism, including the pre-tribulation Rapture [(00:23:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1420s). - A small minority of United Methodist Church ministers and members may believe in a pre-tribulation Rapture, but it is generally frowned upon or not discussed [(00:23:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1431s). - The [[Global Methodist Church]], which recently split from the United Methodist Church, also does not teach the pre-tribulation Rapture, although there may be some exceptions [(00:24:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1440s). - Other Methodist and Holiness denominations do not have an official position on the [[Rapture | pre-tribulation Rapture]], but churches that exclusively preach this view are in the minority [(00:24:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1450s). - Some Methodist and Holiness denominations that may preach the pre-tribulation Rapture include the [[Evangelical Methodist Church]], the [[Wesleyan Church]], [[Free Methodist Church]], [[Church of the Nazarene]], [[Christian Methodist Episcopal Church]], [[Bible Methodist Connection of Churches | Bible Methodist Connection]], and [[Southern Methodist Church]] [(00:24:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1457s). ## Quakers [(00:24:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1468s) - The [[Protestantism | Protestant]] Church generally believes in a general resurrection of the dead, both just and unjust, where souls and bodies are reunited to receive retribution for their deeds, which technically excludes the pre-tribulation Rapture [(00:24:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1469s). - In contrast, the [[Congregational Methodist Church]] is a rare example of a Methodist denomination that officially holds to a pre-tribulation Rapture, although not all churches teach it as an absolute [(00:24:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1488s). - [[Quakers]] come in different varieties, with the liberal variety, such as [[Friends General Conference]] in the US or [[Britain Yearly Meeting]], having little to no teaching on a [[Rapture | pre-tribulation Rapture]] [(00:24:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1499s). - The Evangelical Friends, a larger group worldwide, have more diversity in their views, with the [[Evangelical Friends Church International]] and its regions not requiring a specific view on the Millennium or Rapture, resulting in differing views among members [(00:25:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1512s). ## Anabaptists [(00:25:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1528s) - Anabaptists are historically amillennialists, with some exceptions, and have not been immune to the influences that led [[United States | American]] [[Evangelicalism | evangelicalism]] to adopt dispensationalism and the pre-tribulation Rapture [(00:25:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1529s). - Some [[Anabaptism | Anabaptist]] groups, such as the [[Mennonites]], have varying views on the Rapture, with the most progressive groups being mostly amillennial and the most conservative groups also being amillennial, but with some groups in between holding to the pre-trib Rapture [(00:25:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1548s). - The Pilgrim Mennonite Conference, a conservative Mennonite denomination, has pre-trib books and materials, and there are also independent Mennonite churches that teach a pre-trib [[Rapture]] [(00:26:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1565s). - The [[Mennonite Brethren Church | Mennonite Brethren]] had a period where a large number of churches taught the pre-tribulation Rapture, but this view began to change in the late 1960s, and today it is in the minority in the [[Schwarzenau Brethren]] tradition [(00:26:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1580s). - The [[Church of the Brethren]], the largest US group, has only a small minority that teaches a pre-tribulation Rapture, and the [[Brethren Church]] does not mention the pre-trib Rapture in their statement of faith [(00:26:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1601s). - The Covenant Brethren Church does not speak on the timing of the Rapture, but some churches are pre-tribulation Rapture, and the [[Charis Alliance | Caris Fellowship]], also known as Grace Brethren, is explicitly pre-tribulation Rapture [(00:27:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1622s). - The conservative Grace Brethren, which split from the Caris Fellowship in 1992, is also pre-tribulation Rapture [(00:27:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1631s). - [[Church of the United Brethren in Christ | The Church of the United Brethren in Christ]], which has some [[Anabaptism | Anabaptist]] heritage, allows for varying views on the Rapture, including premillennial, amillennial, pre-trib, mid-trib, and post-trib [(00:27:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1637s). ## Congregationalist [(00:27:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1648s) - The [[Congregational polity | Congregationalist]] tradition is not premillennial, and even fewer believe in the [[Rapture | pre-tribulation Rapture]] [(00:27:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1652s). - The doctrine of the pre-tribulation Rapture would be nearly entirely absent from the [[United Church of Christ]] [(00:27:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1655s). - At most, the pre-tribulation Rapture would be a small minority position in the **National Association of Congregational** **Christian** **Churches** [(00:27:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1659s). - Although still a minority view, some congregations in the [[Conservative Congregational Christian Conference]] do teach a pre-tribulation Rapture [(00:27:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1668s). ## United [(00:27:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1672s) - United denominations are composed of multiple [[Christian denomination | denominational]] streams, including the United Church of [[Jesus | Christ]] in the US, the [[Uniting Church in Australia]], and the [[United Church of Canada]] [(00:27:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1672s). - United churches are generally theologically liberal, with little to no requirements for specific readings of eschatology passages and uncommon literal viewpoints [(00:28:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1685s). - Theological liberalism is mostly incompatible with the dispensational view, which is necessary for a [[Rapture | pre-tribulation Rapture]] view [(00:28:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1698s). - While some theological conservatives may not hold pre-tribulation Rapture views, United churches may have a few scattered congregations on their most conservative side that teach a pre-tribulation Rapture, but it will always be a minority view [(00:28:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1707s). ## Denominations that oppose the pre-trib rapture [(00:28:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1715s) - [[Christian denomination | Denominational]] traditions that have been opposed to the view of the pre-tribulation Rapture are discussed in this category [(00:28:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1716s). - These denominational families hold theology that precludes the pre-tribulation Rapture teaching altogether for nearly all [(00:28:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1725s). - The opposition to the [[Rapture | pre-tribulation Rapture]] is a widespread view within these denominational families [(00:28:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1727s). ## Presbyterian and Reformed [(00:28:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1728s) - The [[Presbyterianism | Presbyterian Church USA]] views the pre-tribulation Rapture as heterodox teaching, and their magazine, Presbyterian Outlook, stated that they do not believe in a separate Rapture apart from the return of [[Jesus | Christ]], as it confuses the doctrine of the [[Second Coming | second coming]] of Christ and is not warranted by scripture [(00:28:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1731s). - Similar views are held by ministers in the [[Presbyterian Church in America]], and the [[Orthodox Presbyterian Church]] rejected the teaching of dispensationalism 75 years ago, although individual non-ordained members may believe in a pre-trib Rapture [(00:29:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1761s). - The [[Bible Presbyterian Church]] (BPC) is the sole pre-trib Presbyterian denomination in the US, and they modified the Westminster Confession of Faith to fit premillennialism, but even they no longer require it [(00:29:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1779s). - The BPC is a small group that split in two denominations in 2008, and between both, there are only 40 congregations, making them the exception that proves the rule that Presbyterians don't believe in a [[Rapture | pre-tribulation Rapture]] [(00:30:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1802s). - The BPC officially rejects dispensationalism, making them one of the few exceptions that can hold a pre-tribulation Rapture view without requiring dispensationalism [(00:30:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1821s). - In the tradition of the Continental [[Continental Reformed Protestantism | reformed]] churches, which utilize the three forms of unity as at least a part of their confessional standards, the pre-tribulation Rapture is an unorthodox view, including the [[Christianity | Christian]] Reformed Church in [[United States | North America]], the [[Reformed Church in America]], the [[Alliance of Reformed Churches]], and the [[United Reformed Churches in North America]] [(00:30:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1827s). - The [[Protestant Reformed Churches in America]] reject the teaching that the Rapture is secret, takes place prior to the final [[Great Tribulation]], and is premillennial, stating that these ideas have no support in 1 Thessalonians 4 nor in the rest of scripture [(00:30:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1847s). - Sovereign Grace churches, a [[Reformed Christianity | Calvinistic]] but credobaptist denomination, do not take a position on the meaning and nature of the Millennium in Revelation 20, leaving room for a range of millennial views, but the dispensational premillennial view, which asserts a pre-tribulation Rapture, would find no support in this statement [(00:31:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1881s). ## Lutheran [(00:31:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1914s) - [[Lutheranism | Lutherans]] view the [[Rapture | pre-tribulation Rapture]] as incorrect, as stated by the [[Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod | Lutheran Church Missouri Synod]] in an FAQ response on their website, which emphasizes that scripture teaches all Christians will endure varying degrees of tribulation until the last day [(00:32:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1920s). - Lutherans believe that [[Jesus | Christ]] will return only once, visibly, to catch up all believers, living and dead, into heaven, and that all believers will reign forever with him in heaven [(00:32:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1949s). - Lutherans understand the 1,000 years of Revelation 20:11-15 to be a figurative reference to Christ's reign here and now in the hearts and lives of believers, which will culminate in reigning with Christ forever in heaven following his return on the last day [(00:32:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1959s). - This view is nearly ubiquitous in Lutheranism, shared by denominations such as the Wells, the [[National Association of Letter Carriers | NALC]], LCMC, and [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America | ELCA]] [(00:32:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1971s). - Some smaller, lesser-known denominations in the US are exceptions to this view, such as the [[Association of Free Lutheran Congregations]], which allows for more latitude on this doctrine, and some AFLC pastors do teach the pre-tribulation Rapture [(00:33:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1984s). - [[Church of the Lutheran Brethren of America | The Church of the Lutheran Brethren]], a Lutheran PST denomination, has likely the largest number of pre-tribulation Rapture adherents, and while their primary tradition is premillennial, they allow for other interpretations [(00:33:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=1996s). - The Church of the Lutheran Brethren affirms that scripture teaches Christ will reign for 1,000 years, but does not set forth every detail of the nature of Christ's reign with minute precision, and many in the CLB do teach a [[Rapture | pre-tribulation Rapture]] [(00:33:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2002s). ## Restoration Movement [(00:34:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2040s) - The [[Restoration Movement]], which includes [[Churches of Christ]], independent [[Christianity | Christian]] churches, [[Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) | Disciples of Christ]], and [[International Churches of Christ]], generally rejects premillennialism and the pre-tribulation Rapture [(00:34:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2041s). - Most churches within the Restoration Movement do not accept the pre-tribulation Rapture [(00:34:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2048s). - [[Jack Cottrell]], an influential professor within the independent Christian churches, believed in the amillennial view, considering it the biblical view, and rejected postmillennialism, traditional premillennialism, and dispensational premillennialism [(00:34:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2052s). - According to Jack Cottrell, postmillennialism and traditional premillennialism are false doctrines but not necessarily dangerous to the church, whereas dispensational premillennialism, including the secret [[Rapture]] doctrine, is not only false but also dangerous to the church [(00:34:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2061s). ## Moravians [(00:34:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2078s) - [[Moravian Church | Moravians]] do not have denominations that hold to or speak favorably of the pre-tribulation Rapture position [(00:34:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2078s). - A key Moravian principle is "in Essentials unity, in non-essentials Liberty," which may lead some Moravians to view the Rapture issue as non-essential [(00:34:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2085s). - Although there are no Moravian denominations that hold to the pre-tribulation Rapture position, some individual Moravians may still hold to this viewpoint [(00:34:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2092s). - On the whole, the [[Rapture | pre-tribulation Rapture]] viewpoint is not typically expected to be found in a Moravian Church [(00:34:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2097s). ## Anglicans, Catholics, Old Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox [(00:35:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2100s) - [[Anglicanism | Anglicans]] do not believe in a pre-tribulation Rapture [(00:35:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2101s) - [[Catholic (term) | Catholics]] do not believe in a pre-tribulation Rapture [(00:35:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2103s) - [[Old Catholic Church | Old Catholics]] do not believe in a pre-tribulation Rapture [(00:35:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2103s) - [[Eastern Orthodox Church | Eastern Orthodox]] do not believe in a [[Rapture | pre-tribulation Rapture]] and are amillennial [(00:35:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2106s) - [[Oriental Orthodox Churches | Oriental Orthodox]] do not believe in a pre-tribulation Rapture and are amillennial [(00:35:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2106s) - The [[Church of the East]] does not believe in a pre-tribulation Rapture and is amillennial [(00:35:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2109s) - [[Unitarianism | Unitarians]] do not believe in a pre-tribulation Rapture [(00:35:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2114s) ## Unitarians [(00:35:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2115s) - Liberal Unitarians, such as those in the UK or [[Unitarian Universalism | Unitarian Universalists]], do not believe in the [[Rapture | pre-tribulation Rapture]] and are not premillennial [(00:35:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2116s). - Conservative Unitarians, including Jehovah's Witnesses, [[Bible]] Students, [[Christadelphians]], and the **Church of** **God** **General Conference**, reject the pre-tribulation Rapture [(00:35:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2126s). - These conservative Unitarian groups do not share the same beliefs as liberal Unitarians, particularly regarding the Rapture [(00:35:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2126s). ## Binitarians [(00:35:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2136s) - [[Binitarianism]] holds that Christians will be spared from the final testing with few exceptions, referencing Revelation 3:10, but this view is considered an error regarding the Rapture [(00:35:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2142s). - The Bible does not teach that God removes the faithful from the presence of trouble, contradicting the concept of final escapism known as The [[Rapture]] [(00:35:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2151s). - The Rapture is primarily a [[First World]] and Western Doctrine, and Binitarianism, specifically the Strong's [[Grace Communion International | Worldwide Church of God]], holds this view [(00:35:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2158s). ## Adventists [(00:36:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2168s) - Adventists, including the Church of [[God]] 7th day, [[Seventh-day Adventist Church | 7th Day Adventist Church]], 7th Day Adventist Reform movement, **Advent** **Christian** **church**, and smaller groups like The Davidians, oppose the pre-tribulation Rapture [(00:36:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2168s). - Ministers in the 7th Day Adventist Church often state that the SDA Church does not believe in the Rapture, specifically rejecting the secret or pre-tribulation Rapture [(00:36:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2182s). - According to adventist.org, the word "[[Rapture | rapture]]" refers to the transporting of believers to Heaven at the [[Second Coming | second coming]] of [[Jesus | Christ]], where believers will be raptured or caught up together with the Lord in the air and go to heaven together [(00:36:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2190s). - The event of the Rapture, as described by Adventists, will be preceded by the Trumpet Of God, indicating that it is not a secret Rapture [(00:36:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2201s). - Adventist biblical research states that, according to scripture, the Rapture occurs at the second coming, not seven years prior to it [(00:36:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2208s). - [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints | Latter-day Saints]] also reject the concept of the pre-tribulation Rapture [(00:36:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2213s). ## Latter-day Saints [(00:36:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2214s) - The Church of [[Jesus | Jesus Christ]] of Latter-day Saints, often informally called the Mormon Church, is one of the denominations that believe in the [[Rapture | pre-tribulation rapture]] [(00:36:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2215s). - Other denominations that believe in the pre-tribulation rapture include the Church of Jesus Christ and the [[Community of Christ]] [(00:37:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2221s). ## Conclusion [(00:37:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2227s) - The video does not cover the arguments for and against the pre-tribulation Rapture. [(00:37:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2229s) - Viewers are invited to request a video on the arguments for and against the pre-tribulation Rapture in the comments. [(00:37:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2232s) - A related video on [[Christianity | Christian]] eschatology explained is recommended for viewers who enjoyed the current video. [(00:37:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslNVE-jP5g&t=2235s)