Recently, a pastor critiquing the prewrath position wrote:
We must all admit that there is a degree of uncertainty and that it would be wrong and arrogant to claim to know for certain what is in fact uncertain.
A few comments:
i. Do you see the self-refuting assertion in that statement? This person is certain that we cannot be certain. To be consistent, he would have to admit that he is being “wrong and arrogant.”
Prewrathers, do not be afraid when people are uncharitable and call you arrogant for believing confidently in the clarity of God’s revelation on this truth. Do not let this blunt your assurance. Just because believers disagree on this issue it does not necessarily follow that we cannot be certain; frequently, there are other variables that prevent agreement. It is not God’s fault when he communicated this to us, but Man’s. When people use this “arrogant” tactic, don’t start name calling back. Focus and stick with the text and encourage them to have meaningful, consistent, Biblical interaction.
ii. Paul wrote a second epistle to the Thessalonians clarifying and unpacking his eschatological teaching of the Lord’s Coming. Paul did not write back and say, “It’s OK to be uncertain about these matters, so continue in your confusion.” Paul intends for believers to grasp these truths.
iii. In Matthew 24:15-31, Jesus stresses the chronological language and emphatically teaches that believers will encounter the Antichrist and his Great Tribulation. Jesus does not intend to be ambiguous on this point. If someone is uncertain to his teaching, it is their fault — not Jesus’.
From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates (Matt 24:32-33).
Jesus is making an explicit chronological statement in that passage. And notice Jesus does not say, “you should be uncertain as to when summer is near.”
I plan soon to interact with this pastor’s critiques against the prewrath position in a series. He makes assertions that he is certain about.
