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The Rapture in Matthew 24

by Charles Cooper
written by Charles Cooper

The Rapture in Matthew 24

A defense of the PreWrath rapture position stands or falls with the conclusion that Matthew 24 deals with this important event. At the heart of the PreWrath position is the insistence that Matthew 24 does not speak of any details regarding the wrath of God. That is to say, this chapter does not speak of even one specific expression of God’s eschatological wrath. There is no discussion of what will happen to the non-elect wicked in Matthew 24. Verse 51 describes the fate of servants who will experience the master’s displeasure when he comes. The PreWrath position argues that the wrath of God is not present in Matthew 24, but that the rapture is found there.

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Church HistoryHistoricismImminencePreterismPretribulationismPrewrath

Cyprian (c.200–c.258)

by Alan Kurschner
written by Alan Kurschner

Cyprian (c.200–c.258)

For you ought to know and to believe, and hold it for certain, that the day of affliction has begun to hang over our heads, and the endof the world and the time of Antichrist to draw near, so that we must all stand prepared for the battle; nor consider anything but the glory of life eternal, and the crown of the confession of the Lord; and not regard those things which are coming as being such as were those which have passed away. A severer and a fiercer fight is now threatening, for which the soldiers of Christ ought to prepare themselves with uncorrupted faith and robust courage, considering that they drink the cup of Christ’s blood daily, for the reason that they themselves also may be able to shed their blood for Christ. (Epistle 55, 1)

Nor let any one of you, beloved brethren, be so terrified by the fear of future persecution, or the coming of the threatening Antichrist, as not to be found armed for all things by the evangelical exhortations and precepts, and by the heavenly warnings. Antichrist is coming, but above him comes Christ also. The enemy goeth about and rageth, but immediately the Lord follows to avenge our sufferings and our wounds. The adversary is enraged and threatens, but there is One who can deliver us from his hands. (Epistle 55, 7)

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Church HistoryImminencePreterismPretribulationismPrewrath

Tertullian (c.145–c.220)

by Alan Kurschner
written by Alan Kurschner

Tertullian (c.145–c.220)

Heresies, at the present time, will no less rend the church by their perversion of doctrine, than will Antichrist persecute her at that day by the cruelty of his attacks, except that persecution make seven martyrs, (but) heresy only apostates. (The Prescription Against Heretics, IV)

[A]nd that the beast Antichrist with his false prophet may wage war on the Church of God. (On the Resurrection of the Flesh, 25)

Now the privilege of this favour [be alive when Christ comes back] awaits those who shall at the coming of the Lord be found in the flesh, and who shall, owing to the oppressions of the time of Antichrist, deserve by an instantaneous death [i.e., raptured/translation], which is accomplished by a sudden change, to become qualified to join the rising saints; as he writes to the Thessalonians [1 Thess 4:15–17]. (On the Resurrection of the Flesh, 41)

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Irenaeus (c.120–c.202)

by Alan Kurschner
written by Alan Kurschner

Irenaeus (c.120–c.202)

And they [the ten kings who shall arise] shall lay Babylon waste, and burn her with fire, and shall give their kingdom to the beast, and put the Church to flight. (Against Heresies, V, 26, 1)

And therefore, when in the end the Church shall be suddenly caught up from this, it is said, “There shall be tribulation such as has not been since the beginning, neither shall be.”For this is the last contest of the righteous, in which, when they overcome they are crowned with incorruption. (Against Heresies, V, 29, 1)

It is therefore more certain, and less hazardous, to await the fulfillment of the prophecy [Antichrist], than to be making surmises, and casting about for any names that may present themselves, inasmuch as many names can be found possessing the number mentioned; and the same question will, after all, remain unsolved. . . . But he indicates the number of the name now, that when this man [Antichrist] comes we may avoid him, being aware who he is­­. (Against Heresies, V, 30, 3, 4)

For all these and other words were unquestionably spoken in reference to the resurrection of the just, which takes place after the coming of Antichrist . . . . [A]nd [with respect to] those whom the Lord shall find in the flesh, awaiting Him from heaven, and who have suffered tribulation, as well as escaped the hands of the Wicked one. (Against Heresies, V, 35, 1)

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Epistle of Barnabas (c.80–c.100)

by Alan Kurschner
written by Alan Kurschner

Epistle of Barnabas (c.80–c.100)

In this epistle, the church is exhorted to persevere in this evil present time so it can stand firm when it encounters the future Antichrist.

The final stumbling-block (or source of danger) approaches . . . We take earnestheed in these last days; for the whole [past] time of your faith will profit you nothing, unless now in this wicked time we also withstand coming sources of danger, as becometh the sons of God. That the Black One [Antichrist] may find no means of entrance, let us flee from every vanity, let us utterly hate the works of the way of wickedness. Do not, by retiring apart, live a solitary life, as if you were already [fully] justified . . . Take heed, lest resting at our ease, as those who are the called [of God], we should fall asleep in our sins, and the wicked prince, acquiring power over us, should thrust us away from the kingdom of the Lord (Epistle of Barnabas, 4).

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