Chapter one

Chapter One

The Truth Hurts

Outwardly confident, Pastor Bill rose from his chair on the platform; but his confidence was only superficial. Inside he was nervous and wondering if he could go through with it. As final notes of the special music were fading away, he thought to himself, Well, I might as well get it over with. I hope I'm doing the right thing. What am I thinking? Of course I'm doing the right thing. It just may not be the right time—that's what I'm worried about.

He walked to the pulpit and everyone turned their attention on him expectantly. His blue suit fit him perfectly and the grey around his temples gave him a distinguished look. Fairview First was proud of their pastor. They knew to expect a good message from Pastor Bill, one that would challenge them and give them something to think about for the rest of the week. He was a dedicated, compassionate man, and a fierce defender of the truth. However, the latter trait was about to get him in more trouble that he could imagine, and would cost him dearly before the dust settled.

"This morning, friends," he began, "I'm going to reveal some startling information to you. This information has changed my mind about a doctrine I used to believe in totally. Now, after many months of study and research, I have come to the conclusion that this doctrine is so blatantly false that I can no longer support it. I also believe that it is so important for me to reveal the facts to you that I must take several Sundays to share my findings."

By now, every eye was fixed on Pastor Bill in rapt attention. Even most of the little children were watching to see what was happening. It was as if they could sense something very important was about to happen. Tension seemed to mount in some of the deacons who were almost transfixed by what they were hearing. They had previously been through some church troubles and were leery of any abrupt changes, especially from a pastor who decided to change his doctrine.

“For years now," Bill continued, "I have believed in the pretribulation rapture. But I have recently discovered that there is no such doctrine in the Bible. I realize that I foolishly let the opinions of men plant a heresy in my mind so that when I read the Bible, I saw a pretribulation rapture that really was not there at all."

By the time he finished speaking those few words; one could cut the tension with a knife. A few people gasped in disbelief and some were whispering to each other. The deacons were staring at the floor, in shock at what they were hearing.

“I researched the origin of this doctrine," he continued, "and discovered that it is a fairly new doctrine that surfaced about the middle of the nineteenth century. A man by the name of J. N. Darby came up with the idea. It was subtly planted in the American church by the Scofield Reference Bible and continues to be accepted today, because few dare to challenge it."

Needless to say, Pastor Bill's announcement and the message that followed caused quite a stir in Fairview First. Since he announced he would continue the messages on pretribulation rapture for the next several Sundays, half of the congregation did not return the next Sunday.

The following Monday he received a call from one of the church deacons. Deacon Jim was considered by the rest of the church board to be the spokesman for them all, a leader they all respected.

"Pastor," Jim began, "you know that your announcement and the series you began on the pretribulation rapture have caused a lot of conflict. A lot of people are threatening to leave the church if you do not end the series immediately. Some are even calling for your dismissal. We warned you that this would happen when we discussed this in our last board meeting."

"I know," replied Bill. "But how can I turn my back on the truth? It is important that the gospel be free from all error, not just some error."

"I can't say that I disagree with you, and I know you believe that you have to preach this series. But I'm advising you to drop it and move onto something else," Jim said.

"I can't," said Bill. "You have to understand that it is very important that the church know the facts about pretribulation rapture."

"But we have believed in the pretribulation rapture all our lives. Our denomination believes in it. What are we going to do? Are we going to just tell everyone that they have to believe differently now? Besides, it isn't all that important," replied Jim.

"Oh, yes—it is important," said Bill excitedly. "Just think of what will happen if millions of Christians enter the Tribulation Period believing that they will never see the Antichrist or be under his rule! They will not be looking for the mark of the Beast. When it comes, it will be difficult for them to give up everything they own unless they really believe they are rejecting the mark. People who believe in a pretribulation rapture will insist that it is not the real mark and be damned for eternity. How can that not be important? And if they will not sacrifice their tradition and their fond memories for the truth right now, what makes you think they will give up their lives during that time?"

"Personally, I don't have a problem with what you are saying," said Jim. "But we're losing people, and the rest of the board is very upset. If you continue with this series, it could cost you your position as pastor and, even more, your ordination papers."

"You’re kidding," said Bill. "You mean they would actually get rid of me for preaching the truth?"

"Many of them believe they have the truth also," replied Jim, "and are not willing to listen to your versions. Who is to say what is right since the scriptures are so vague on the subject? I had to read Mr. Lindsey's book just to understand it myself."

"I beg to differ," said Pastor Bill. "It's not vague at all. In fact, it's very clear that pretribulation rapture simply is not there. You cannot find it anywhere in the Bible. Besides that, reading Hal Lindsey books is a big part of people's problem, in my opinion. People have fallen into the same trap I fell into of letting someone else do my studying and research for me and then feed me the results that were spiced with hyper-sensationalism."

"Well, it's obvious that we're not getting anywhere, so I'm going to go. But don't say I didn't warn you," said Jim in a dejected tone.

"Your warning is well taken," replied Bill, "and I have counted the costs. Sometimes the truth hurts, and sometimes there is a price to be paid in order to both speak and defend it. But I am willing to pay the price, because I believe the consequences of not doing so are devastating." With that statement, they ended the conversation and said goodbye. A few days later, Pastor Bill got another phone call, this time from the district superintendent, Charles Johnson. After a few niceties, District Superintendent Johnson went right to the point.

"What is this I hear about your teaching against pretribulation rapture?" asked D.S. Johnson. "Is this some sort of misunderstanding, or do we have a real problem on our hands?"

"There's no real problem here," replied Pastor Bill. "It is just a search for the truth that has resulted in my discovering that pretribulation rapture is an incredibly false doctrine. I have to be faithful to God and to my calling to warn the people He has called me to pastor."

After a short silence on the other end, D.S. Johnson said, "Bill, I think you had better come in and talk with us about this statement you just made. I will call a special meeting of the Presbytery. Can you come tomorrow at, let's say, 10:00 a.m.?"

"Sure," replied Bill. "I'll see you then."

The next morning, Pastor Bill entered the conference room at the District Office shortly before 10:00 a.m. The twenty-four man presbytery was already seated around the large conference table. There was a hum of conversation that hushed when he entered the room. As the room fell quiet, they all looked at him with serious looks on their faces. Bill knew all of them personally and had developed real friendships with most of them. He smiled and said hello, but they all just looked down at the table, no one smiled or returned his greeting. He took his seat in the only chair available-the one at the end of the table facing D.S. Johnson at the other end.

"I want to start our meeting," began D.S. Johnson, "by saying that Bill here has been accused of preaching and teaching false doctrine."

"False doctrine!?" Bill interrupted excitedly. "Accused!?" he almost shouted.

"Now don't interrupt, Bill. You'll get your turn. Please let me finish," said D.S. Johnson in a firm voice.

"The District has been petitioned by the church board of Fairview First to investigate the actions of Pastor Bill and to determine if discipline is necessary. After my conversation with Bill yesterday, I came to the conclusion that charges should be filed, and that he should come before the full Presbytery to answer some questions and explain his actions," said D.S. Johnson.

"The charges are very serious," he continued. “Therefore, we must go about our solemn duty with the awareness that we are doing the business of God. Suppose you begin, Bill, by telling us what you are teaching concerning pretribulation rapture and why you are teaching it."

Pastor Bill then informed them how he had researched pretribulation rapture's origin and studied the scriptures in vain searching for one shred of evidence to support the doctrine. Some thirty minutes later, after he had gone through much of his material, he summarized his case by appealing to each of them to research the matter for themselves. When he was finished, the Presbytery asked him to leave the room while they considered his case. He was asked to reenter after a few minutes had passed. He took his seat and thought to himself; They must have had this worked out in advance, because they certainly didn't deliberate very long.

D.S. Johnson called the meeting to order again, and then turned his attention to Bill.

"Bill," D.S. Johnson began, "we have come to the conclusion that you are teaching heresy and must decide right now to repent, to preach at least one message to undo the damage you have done, and then to resign your church and promise, in writing, that you will not teach such heresy in the future. You will also be placed on probation for a year and must come in for counseling each week. If you do not agree to these terms, we will dismiss you from this fellowship and ask you to turn in your ordination certificate. Do you understand these terms?"

Bill was stunned. He thought he had done the denomination a great service by thoroughly revealing the falseness of pretribulation rapture.

"But didn't you listen to anything I said?" he asked.

"We heard what you said," piped up one of the presbyters, "and we were not impressed by it."

The presbyter who had spoken was one of the men he had a close relationship with. It was then he knew that he did not have a chance of convincing them because they had made up their minds before he had even left home to come to the meeting.

"Just let me resign," said Bill, "and I'll leave town and never bother you again."

"We can't do that," replied D.S. Johnson.

"Why not?" asked Bill. "I'm no threat to anyone. I haven't cheated on my wife or embezzled any money," he added.

"You have committed a serious offense against the doctrine of this fellowship after agreeing to abide by our doctrine when you signed your ordination renewal form," replied D.S. Johnson.

"In other words, you're going to punish me if I do not submit to your terms and admit to accepting and promoting a false doctrine," Bill said.

"You can call it what ever you want to call it," answered D.S. Johnson with tension evident in his voice.

"Either agree with our findings or face the consequences—that basically is our position."

"You have to do what you feel is right, and so do I," replied Bill. "I cannot in good conscience agree that pretribulation rapture is a true, Biblical doctrine, nor can I remain with an organization that refuses to listen to truth. The truth sometimes hurts, and it costs you to stand by it, promote it, and defend it. I made the choice long ago when I gave my life to God that I would always do His will. When He called me to the ministry, I promised to always teach and preach His Word and never to compromise, no matter what the cost. One day, it may cost me my life. But I have thought that over, too, and I will not waver in my commitment."

With that short speech, he turned and left the room. A few hours later he was back home, feeling dejected and still stunned that these men whom he had known for years would ignore the truth and turn on him so easily. According to denominational rules, none of his former minister friends could have anything to do with him if he was dismissed. He would be anathema to them all—alone and without the years of contacts. His reputation that he had so carefully guarded for more than twenty years of ministry would now be tarnished. He felt very old and insecure.

He asked himself several times during the trip home; What went wrong? Why has this happened? But he could come up with no answer.

Finally, his wife Jean came home from running errands and picking up the children from school.

"How did it go?" She asked tentatively.

"Not so good," Bill replied. "I believe that they dismissed me from the fellowship after I left the District Office. That means I’m no longer the pastor."

"Oh no," Jean said, her eyes filling with tears. She was such a kind and compassionate person. Bill thanked God every day that He had decided in His great wisdom to allow such a wonderful woman to be his wife.

"I have asked myself over and over why they not listen," said Bill, "but I just can't seem to understand."

"You've got to consider," Jean began, "that many generations of these people have believed in pretribulation rapture. There are people in our church, or what used to be our church, who heard their grandmothers talk about pretribulation rapture. Their mothers and fathers believed in it. They have attended many exciting church services where they all rejoiced and worshiped God because of pretribulation rapture. You're asking them to admit that it was all wrong, that Grandma and Grandpa, Mom and Dad, their favorite preachers were wrong all along."

"I can see your point," said Bill dejectedly, "but can they not see the truth? Is there not something in them that wants the truth no matter what? I mean, do they not consider that it cost the founders of our, I mean their, movement to preach what they thought was the truth in spite of harsh persecution? Besides that, I know for a fact that their great grandmothers didn’t believe in a pretribulation rapture."

"You don't have to convince me, honey," said Jean soothingly. "I know you're right, and so does God."

"Thanks," said Bill. "I really needed that. It still has not sunk in yet that they actually dismissed me for teaching the truth. And they wouldn't even listen to what I had to say. They just tolerated me until they could tell me their decision."

"When did tradition and precious memories become more important than the truth? I mean, so many have endured so much to bring us the truth we have today, even to bring us the Bible itself. The founders of their Denomination were rejected, hit with rotten vegetables, beaten and spat upon, driven out of town, and poverty-stricken, all for the truth. These men who have inherited the leadership from those people who suffered are not of the same quality and character," Bill said angrily.

"Now, honey," chided Jean, "it won't do any good to get angry. God will provide for us somehow. He always has, and He always will. It may get difficult, but we will make it. Look on the bright side. Now you can teach the truth, and no one can make you quit."

"But to whom?" He replied. "And where? I don't know anyone outside of our former denomination. I don't know if there is a church organization anywhere that would accept us."

"Then we'll start a church," said Jean enthusiastically. "I know that there are people who will agree with you somewhere. Besides, we can win the lost and make sure they are told the truth. That is how a church is supposed to grow anyway."

"I'm glad you're taking it well," said Bill. "I just hope we can get through this without any more trouble from the Church people."

With a resolute determination to follow the will of God, they decided to join hands and pray that God would reveal the next step in their lives.

The above story is a composite of true stories and is not based on a single incident. The names are fictitious, and any references that may appear to fit real situations are purely coincidental. It is a compilation of the experiences many individuals have had when they have tried to expose the pretribulation rapture doctrine as false in their particular denominations. Most denominations aggressively and blindly defend pretribulation rapture to the degree that it is a major infraction of the rules to deny it.

One major Pentecostal denomination requires their ministers to sign a credential renewal form agreeing to support the pretribulation rapture doctrine. The leader of this large Pentecostal organization was informed by one of their ministers that he was not sure about PTR anymore. Later on, when speaking at their national convention, the leader relayed the conversation to the audience and made the remark that ministers who do not believe in PTR should leave the organization. This Pentecostal organization is well known for dismissing their ministers over minor differences of doctrine. They seldom allow a minister to resign that infracts their rules or disagrees with their policies and doctrines. If a minister tries to resign under such a circumstance, the organization files charges against him and dismisses him. It appears to be a blatant effort by this denomination to deliberately impugn the reputation of any minister that decides he or she can no longer agree with their eschatological doctrine. Such religious totalitarianism insures that venerated heresies remain guarded against all penetration of truth. It is sad that even secular organizations do not pursue this policy with top executives.

At issue, here is truth. PTR is not some minor error, but a major false doctrine that will damn millions to hell by causing unpreparedness for the coming Tribulation Period and the reign of the Antichrist. Also, when PTR is combined with other particular false doctrines, as I stated in the introduction to this book, it can cause the deepest apathy toward living righteously. I know that PTR proponents will counter that the doctrine of Imminency, that is, the natural fruit of PTR, takes care of both these problems. I must say that the doctrine of Imminency is also a false doctrine, as we will prove with the exegesis of the Scriptures. I do not believe that anyone would admit honestly that we should adopt false doctrine just because it makes people more aware of Jesus' coming. I am beginning to wonder about that last sentence, though, because of what I observe as a sharp turn toward fiction to promote PTR in the past few years.

Go to your local Christian Bookstore today, if you are reading this book in its first printing, and see what is on the best-selling fiction list. PTR is heavily promoted these days by fiction. Not only are there many books supporting PTR that are on the top of the best-selling fiction and non-fiction list, but there are also a number of videos. Non-contextual and twisted scriptures are inserted here and there to give the fiction some semblance of Biblical truth. Proponents of true eschatology are forced to write fiction novels to counter the enormous effect that these fictional books have on the unsuspecting public.

As I said before, PTR is a celebrity doctrine with millions of fans who are keyed-up to see what is going to be the next breathtaking revelation. Newspaper theology and brazen demagoguery is used to keep the masses fascinated and buy books and tapes. Like the star athletes of our day, PTR can have all sorts of flaws; but as long as it performs its role in making people happy and excited, it will be honored and defended.

Dispensationalism, the belief that spawned the doctrine of pretribulation rapture, is undoubtedly a false doctrine. It has been subtly foisted on the masses, and the dogmatic atmosphere of denominations has allowed it to grow to its present powerful status, unmolested by the truth. Although it originated in an organization that was vehemently opposed to Pentecostal and Charismatic beliefs, the early Pentecostals adopted PTR without a question.

During the early part of the twentieth century, when many small Pentecostal organizations were forming, the Pentecostal church was rejected by mainline churches as demonic, ignorant, and cultist activity. I believe one of the reasons that early Pentecostals adopted PTR was because they wanted to be more acceptable to the mainline churches. Another reason is probably because PTR was relatively new on the scene, just as the doctrine of tongues and other Pentecostal activities. Also, PTR was promoted by Edward Irving, a charismatic preacher in the nineteenth century, who gave it the feel of being a supernatural revelation. The appearance of spirituality in a doctrine was very appealing to early Pentecostals who were forming many of their beliefs based on supernatural revelation. Besides that, it was an exciting doctrine that when preached easily stirred up emotion in the congregation.

The Charismatics inherited PTR from the Pentecostals, also without questioning its origin or Biblical validity. My opinion is that they did so because of the same reason the Pentecostals adopted it. To a certain degree, Charismatics were trying to endure themselves to Pentecostals as a new wave—a renewal of what they believed was dying in Pentecostalism. There was also a propensity from the onset in the Charismatic movement to accept anything that was revealed supernaturally, without questioning or applying the full authority of the Scriptures. This inclination remains today in the Charismatic movement and has caused great shadows to be cast on much of their scholarly efforts.

That brings us to where we are now. Why is PTR being revealed as a false doctrine now? Why was it not challenged and dismissed long ago, especially by the newer movements and denominations? Why has it taken so long to reveal the error of this doctrine? I believe there were strong and valiant efforts made to point out the error of the doctrine in the beginning, but too little and too late. The masses were overwhelmed by its popularity as a result. It is a Trojan horse doctrine that has caused the successive generations to develop an escape mentality in their eschatology.

Throughout the majority of the twentieth century it has been guarded as a precious jewel of truth in spite of the overwhelming evidence that PTR is a false doctrine. Anyone who dared to speak against it was strongly rejected and branded as a heretic. With the advent of Hal Lindsey's book The Late Great Planet Earth,(1) which I personally consider one of the best selling "fictions" in modern Church history, PTR has reached a superstar status. Now it has its own fan club and is celebrated and defended like no other doctrine. There are many reasons why this has occurred.

First of all, no matter how incredibly false it is or how much evidence exists to expose it, every false doctrine gathers momentum with each generation. Once it passes through a couple generations, it attains to an appearance of validity. Consider the Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses as examples. There is a wealth of historical information that exposes these two groups as cults formed by wicked and deceitful men. Joseph Smith founded the Mormons, and Charles Russell the Jehovah's Witnesses. The lifestyles and brushes with the law that these men had were no doubt indicative of their lack of divine appointment. The fact is that they discovered the gullibility of people toward religion. They recognized that they had a potential gold mine if they could but invent a doctrine or compilation of doctrines that would make them appear to be unique spokesmen for God. This they did, and with tremendous results. In spite of all the sterling efforts of very capable men that completely exposed the error of these two cult leaders, people still followed them blindly.

Modern efforts to expose the cults themselves have included statements by people who have come out of these organizations that provided explicit insight into the corruption within the leadership. However, the rank and file Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses seldom consider that their organizations might be corrupt and founded on the duplicitous concoctions of demonic individuals. If anyone tries to reason with them, as I have done personally, they quickly discover that they will deny the historical truth about their founders. They will also deny the error in their doctrine, often by declaring that they have new information sent by God exclusively to their founders. Concerning the fact that the Bible does not support their claims, they will claim to possess extra biblical knowledge that correct the Bible. Now that these two cults have survived a couple of generations, they have become accepted in society. In fact, the Mormons are even gaining support in mainstream Christianity.

A parallel can be clearly seen with the pretribulation rapture doctrine and other false doctrines that are being accepted into mainstream Christianity today. Doctrines gather strong support as they become traditional. They also gather support as leader after leader affirms them. This is self-perpetuating because no one will get to become a leader unless they affirm the doctrines of his or her particular religious organization. One who becomes a leader, or approaches that status, and opposes a doctrine of the organization is usually opposed en masse by the other leaders. Sometimes they are merely demoted, but other ones are excommunicated.

There is some very good material that exposes PTR as a false doctrine and some of the people promoting it as less than honorable. Some recent books have been written exposing the plagiarism of some of the top proponents of PTR and the lies they promote about themselves to enhance their credibility. I recommend that people read these books for more information on the subject of plagiarism in the PTR business culture. They are The Three R's, by Dave MacPherson(2) and End-Time Visions, by Richard Abanes.(3) There are also several books that give alternate perspectives of eschatology. I cannot say I agree with everything in these books, but the authors make some valid points. They are The Rapture Plot (4) by Dave MacPherson, Last Days Madness, by Gary DeMar(5), Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church, by Marvin Rosenthall(6) and First, the Antichrist, by Robert Gundry.

Another factor in the popularity of the pretribulation rapture doctrine is the fact that ministers who have preached emotionally charged messages supporting pretribulation rapture for years will leave powerful impressions on those whom they ministered to. Many people have fond memories of church services where pretribulation rapture was affirmed by a highly emotionally preaching. This greatly influences the PTR adherents as well. All of these factors together add to the popularity and promotion of PTR.

Finally, there are the factors of reputations, livelihoods, goals, careers, and, last but not least, egos which are at stake in the matter. Many of the highly visible promoters of pretribulation rapture are famous because of the doctrine. Since they owe their prominence and fortune to PTR, they are not about to consider that it might be a false doctrine. Even if some information did partially sink in, they usually justify continuing to support the doctrine by deciding that it really does not make a difference how one believes in the matter, anyway.

I have an opinion about this that I realize may offend some people, but it needs to be considered. I believe that Satan knows whom he can depend on to propagate a false doctrine in the Church. Satan has one type of individual that he uses to be the originator of the false doctrine, and another type he uses to disseminate it. He makes it possible for an individual to seemingly come out of nowhere into almost instant fame based on a book supporting a false doctrine. Of course, I do not expect fame from this book, but quite the contrary. I have developed a profile of sorts that can help one to understand what kind of person the promulgator of a false doctrine might be.

One major characteristic of their profile is that the individual has no real ministry abilities; rather, he or she is a specialist who majors in one issue. There does not seem to be any anointing on their life to preach or teach the whole gospel, and they do not appear to have done anything of value in the Kingdom of God. Their sole claim to fame is the fact that they came up with something new or sensational and gained instant notability based on a one time effort. Such a person has not had the time to work out the problems with fame and the subsequent pride. The success coupled with the money gives them a self-esteem that they did not have before. Naturally, he or she will look to the source of this glory almost idolatrously as the life support system of their notable status.

A person of true character that has been forged in numerous fiery trials of obedience would hastily correct an error once they realized it. These modern prophets will do nothing of the sort. They not only plagiarize to keep their fame going, but they will shamelessly set a date for the Lord's Coming and never feel a sense of duty to admit they were not being led of God in their error when the date comes and goes uneventful.

Individuals who promote false doctrine will fight to the end to keep the doctrine alive when it is the source of their wealth and fame. Like the unprincipled prosecutor who finds out the defendant is innocent, but continues to prosecute rather than publicly admit he is wrong, these men will not admit they are wrong under any circumstance. They will often attack with unscrupulous methods anyone who dares to present evidence that PTR is false. Many of these individuals live in expensive houses, drive costly, luxurious automobiles, and have hefty incomes derived almost exclusively from PTR. They are not going to give it all up easily or face the prospect of having to work for their income. Most of them are not capable of writing books about authentic Bible doctrines. Because they often do not have the scholastic ability or anointing to write anything worthwhile, they must turn to sensationalism to make the big bucks. Any doctrine driven by this kind of spirit has to be suspect based on these facts alone.

Included in the group that believes they have too much at stake to repent over false doctrine are denominational leaders and leaders of other religious organizations. They stand to lose their reputations, a lifetime of contacts, and their status in the organization, and would have to begin all over again should they declare that PTR is a false doctrine. Not many would be courageous enough to take this step, even if they were presented with overwhelming evidence and were entirely convinced in themselves that it is false. They would also rationalize that the doctrine is too minor a point to risk losing so much to publicly expose it. I am certainly not under the delusion that I will be able to change this type of individual’s mind and I do not believe that anyone else will either. My goal with this book is to entice people who are ethical and honest enough to admit that they are wrong to see that PTR is a false doctrine, and that it needs to be exposed and dismissed as such.

Dr. Tim LaHaye formed an institution to protect PTR from what he termed "recent attacks."(7) However, I do not intend to attack the false doctrine of PTR, but to expose it. I am simply going to present the truth that will expose PTR as false. I happen to admire and respect some PTR proponents who have more than a "rapture ministry" and who have written books that have been tremendously beneficial to the Church. However, most have made a lucrative business out of a false doctrine and caused division among God's people. Someone called these people the "profitcy" teachers, which is a much more appropriate title for them than "prophecy" teachers. One can call PTR a fad or fashion, fantasy or phenomenal, but most of them do not care as long as no one calls it false.

The tumultuous feelings that men such as Dr. LaHaye, Jeffrey, Lindsey, Missler, the LaLondes, VanImpe, Ice, experience because of people like me, are possibly because they are forced to deal with the truth about the error they are promoting. It is like living in the dark, to some degree. One can tolerate many of the imperfections about his or her surroundings, such as the dirty floors and walls, the faded and peeling paint, the trash everywhere, etcetera, when they are in the dark. But when a bright light comes on, he or she either must clean up the mess or get rid of the light. Unfortunately, in my opinion, these men have chosen to get rid of the light. However, it is not the light that is causing the problem, but the dirty doctrine of PTR. The light is merely exposing the problem. None of these men need attack me or the truth—rather; they need to clean up their eschatological belief systems. If they disagree with this book, they should find an answer to it from the Word of God in context—without fables. however, yet there is no such answer.

Also, people should not turn to a sensational book, fiction, or other erroneous material to get their doctrine. Some turn to a Clarence Larkin or Finnis Jennings Dake's end-times chart or a video such as "A Thief in the Night" or "Left Behind." Others turn to their favorite minister on the television or someone in their local fellowship who reassures them that everything is okay, that PTR is alive and well. These are all vain attempts to search the darkness with darkness. If we all agree that God's Word is light ("Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path." Psa 119:105 (NKJV)), then His word should be sufficient to answer the question.

I begin my stand for the truth by declaring that the words "pretribulation" or "rapture" are not in the Bible. Neither is there a double coming of Christ listed anywhere in God's word. You can find the Coming of Christ mentioned in more than one scripture, but that does not mean He is coming several times. It simply means that the same event is mentioned more than once. PTR proponents have decided to use some of these verses about His coming as proof texts of an event prior to the very event the verse describe. He has already came once, so we are waiting for the Second Advent of Christ. They call it the pretribulation rapture, and declare that it will occur immediately prior to the Seven-year Tribulation Period without even one solid Scripture to base it on. Jesus' crucifixion is mentioned more than once in the Bible. Are these same PTR proponents going to declare that He was crucified more than once? I do not believe so.

To illustrate my point, I will relate the following information given by Gary DeMarr from his debate with Dave Hunt about the pretribulation rapture. (8) Gary DeMarr asked Dave Hunt to give him just one Scripture that depicts a pretribulation rapture.(9) Of course, Dave Hunt went to the famous passage in 1 Thessalonians. I will post this passage for you to read and determine if it was a valid scripture for Mr. Hunt to use.

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. {14} For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. {15} For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. {16} For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. {17} Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. (1 Th. 4:13-17 NKJV)

I challenge anyone to find a pretribulation rapture in that passage of Scripture. If anyone can find a pretribulation rapture in these scriptures, I can find in the same verses a doctrine of soul-sleep, a doctrine that declares Jesus is an archangel and plays the trumpet, and a doctrine that says that the dead will rise, hit the clouds, and go off some distance from the earth so that they can make a u-turn and come back with the Lord before the living saints begin to rise—all of which will happen in a twinkling of an eye—1/52 of a second! I am glad I do not indulge in such imaginations because it would be inappropriate hermeneutics. It is also deplorable hermeneutics to declare unqualifiedly that this passage contains the doctrine of pretribulation rapture.

As Marvin Rosenthall points out in his book entitled The Pre-wrath Rapture of the Church,(10) John Wolvoord, the dean of the pretribulation rapture movement, once wrote, "The fact is that neither Post-tribulationalism nor Pretribulationalism is an explicit teaching of the Scripture. This Bible does not, in so many words, state either." (11)

Rosenthall also revealed that Wolvrood once wrote, "It is therefore not too much to say that the rapture question is determined more by ecclesiology [the doctrine of the Church] than eschatology [the doctrine of last things]." (12) These are appalling statements that depict the depth of the blindness in people that promote PTR. He is basically saying that PTR simply evolved in the church, and because much of the church believes it, it is therefore valid.

Although I intend to give some history of PTR of revealing its shaky origins, I do not need historical evidence to dispose of this doctrine. I can do it with the Word of God alone, as the reader will clearly see. I intend to prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that PTR is a false doctrine from the Scriptures.

There will be PTR proponents that will charge me with having ulterior motives for writing this book, as they have so charged others such as Marvin Rosenthall and Dave McPherson. I assure you that I do not desire to cause controversy for the sake of causing controversy. I love the peaceable life and try to live as much of it as I can. Also, I do not enjoy exposing error in people. In fact, I happen to admire and respect some of the PTR proponents I previously listed.

However, the same source that presented the pretribulation rapture doctrine to the American Church also propagated the doctrine of Unconditional Eternal Security or Once Saved, Always Saved, as it is sometimes called. The Unconditional Eternal Security doctrine played a major role in fine tuning PTR to its current irresistible state. For example, UES proponents deny the great apostasy, because they do not believe that saved people can fall away. They blame the great apostasy on the Jews, as they do other problems they find in Scripture that conflict with their doctrine. One has to wonder if these people believe that it is the Jews who fall away in Hebrews 6:6, or if it is the Jews who "trample the Son of God underfoot, counting the blood of the covenant by which they were sanctified a common thing, insulting the Spirit of grace." (Heb. 10:29) Is it only the Jews who can lose their birthright? ( Heb. 12:16-17)

I'm not going to deal with UES in this book since there are some excellent books in which Unconditional Eternal Security has been completely exposed as a false doctrine, to the shame of its promulgators. I simply want to point out that it is a natural transition from UES to PTR, which is, in fact, facilitates a transition to even more deadly error. I want to reiterate that these twin monstrosities came from the same source. Suffice it for me to state that UES is a somewhat modified version of Calvin's Perseverance of the Saints doctrine, which is one of the five points of Calvinism. It was introduced into the American church, along with pretribulation rapture, about the turn of the twentieth century through C. I. Scofield’s Bible version called The Scofield Reference Bible. The pretribulation rapture doctrine, combined with UES and other false doctrines, has caused a horrible complacency and apathy that has brought the professing Church to a dangerous level of weakness and to the very brink of apostasy.

Dave Hunt has done the Church a great service by writing A Woman Rides the Beast.(13) Mr. Hunt is an intelligent and capable researcher, but he seems to abandon all his research skills, or does not apply the same standards of investigative research, when it comes to PTR and Once Saved, Always Saved (OSAS). In fact, most of the major proponents of PTR seem weak and unintelligent when they deal with PTR. They spend more time researching what each other is saying rather than the facts and God's Word.

If men such as Dave Hunt would apply the same standards of investigative effort to researching PTR as they do when uncovering errors in the realm of professing Christianity, they would have to come to the proper conclusion that it is a blatantly false doctrine. I have heard frustration in their voices when explaining the errors of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements, yet I feel the same way as they slide into auto pilot when questioned about PTR. I have often wondered if any of the major proponents of PTR would publicly denounce the doctrine if they became convinced it was a false doctrine. That would be an agonizing decision for most of them. However, I wonder how they can tirelessly track down one false doctrine, yet cling to another one. How can they go after false doctrines and expose the perpetrators, yet give PTR and the doctrine of Unconditional Eternal Security a free ride.

I believe I must expose PTR as a false doctrine, because it is extremely dangerous for most Christians. Some Christians will make it through the end-times in spite of having a small degree of false doctrine. The reason is because they stayed in right relationship with God and kept their souls hot with first love. However, the majority who believe the PTR doctrine may be in grave danger. Also, some people have to be led, and may fall under the weight of the deception. Because they are weak, they depend on the five-fold leadership God gave to the Church.

It is clear in God's Word that we are supposed to be aware of our weaker brothers and sisters in the Lord and do nothing that could cause them to stumble. Of course, Unconditional Eternal Security proponents do not believe that they can cause anyone to backslide. This is one of the terrible dangers of that false doctrine. Consider the following scriptures.

It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. (Rom. 14:1 NKJV) We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. (Rom. 15:1 NKJV)

It is the weak person that God's Word commands the strong to watch out for. We may say that our belief system is not harming us and that we are living passionately and fruitfully for God, but what about the people we are influencing? I can tell you from years of observation that the fields around the standing tares of PTR and UES are littered with fallen souls, many of whom did not know that they are aimed in the direction of eternal damnation.

In fact, the same source was also responsible for most of the deadly legalism that is still plaguing the Church today. Many of the people who support PTR have challenged and defeated legalism. They have recognized the suffocating bondage of this doctrine and its potential to drive people out of Christianity. How then can they not stand against PTR since it was fashioned by a staunch legalist such as J. N. Darby? Legalism has perpetrated an extreme amount of damage in many people.

I once stood with one of our Church members and watched a S.W.A.T. team and various other law enforcement personnel search for her brother in the forest behind his house. He used to be a faithful attendee for many years in a legalistic church. In the span of two weeks he went from sobriety to heroin, crack cocaine, alcohol, and finally to shooting at a law enforcement officer. At 58 years of age, he was a fugitive and in danger of dying in his sin. While waiting out the ordeal, I personally witnessed to six individuals that were backslidden and rebellious toward God who had been adversely affected by the same deep legalism. One young lady, who was the fugitive's daughter, told me that her dad constantly badgered her about attending this same legalistic Church, even after he had fallen away. The other daughter informed me she abandoned church altogether because of the harsh legalism she had experienced in her youth. She did not realize that there was a church that believed differently, because her Dad had told her that no such true church existed.

Every minister of the Gospel needs to consider their doctrine and be willing to change if they discoverer they have been wrong. What will preachers and other leaders do when they stand before God and He requires accountability from them for stubbornly clinging to a deception that afflicts the souls of His sheep? If millions enter hell because of false doctrine, will not the people who promoted it be held accountable? No excuse will save anyone from hell, but that does not mean that the promoters of false doctrine will not be held accountable. Again, consider the scriptures.

My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. (James 3:1 NKJV)

Then He said to the disciples, 'It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! {2} It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones'. (Luke 17:1-2 NKJV) But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. (Mark 9:42 NKJV)

When PTR is combined with the doctrine of UES, it is bad enough, however when it is also merged with the Prosperity doctrine, the combination is deadly, spiritually intoxicating, and extremely deceptive. For an excellent book concerning this modern error see Christianity in Crisis by Hank Hanegraaff.(14)

Millions are trapped in a prison of deception, and may eventually enter eternal hell as the result of this deadly mixture. The Prosperity doctrine was brought into the church by Kenneth Hagan and his protégés, Kenneth Copeland, Fred Price, Charles Capps, and others such as these. The Prosperity doctrine has drawn many into materialism, apathy, and an improper perception of God as a benign, benevolent genie whose purpose is to serve mankind. There is also an abundance of material available that exposes this false doctrine, so much so that I need not give a lengthy expose here. The doctrine of Unconditional Eternal Security by itself has already, I am sad to say, damned millions to hell.

Now here is the danger of the pretribulation rapture doctrine. PTR may cause a great number of people to stumble. If people enter the Tribulation believing in PTR, they may not believe that they are witnessing the Antichrist when he comes into power. They may not believe that they are accepting the mark of the Beast, no matter how much they are warned during that time. Few of them will be prepared to face the incredible persecution. Because of these dangers, no one has the right to smugly defend this doctrine because of its ability to bring one fame, fortune, or prestige in their respective religious organizations. One had better not defend it because it pleases them, or gives them a sense of security, or because he or she has an emotional, historical, or sentimental attachment to it.

I pray that I never lose my fear of handling the Word of God. The immense responsibilities that teachers and preachers are entrusted with must never be absent from our minds. It must be an ever-pressing burden on our souls to make sure that we have our doctrine correct. Also, to become cavalier or careless at this time in church history would be a critical mistake and there is little room for such an error.

Because of Scofield's introduction of PTR and UES into the American church, millions now believe that they can live as Satan himself and face absolutely no consequences in the Day of Judgment. There are many living wickedly who see no need to be concerned about the last days or the coming of the Lord, because they believe that God will spirit away their drunken, adulterous, rebellious, apostate spirit before any of the bad things happens. Thus, a huge portion of the church is not prepared for the tremendous persecution that we will have to endure, because they believe that they will avoid it by being raptured.

If one has a Scofield Bible, they should get rid of it. The words of God have been contaminated with Scofield's aberrant commentary in that Bible version, and it is a version. Every Bible is a version that adds the opinions of fallible individuals to the inerrant word of infallible, Almighty God. I strongly oppose the common practice today of publishing Bibles in the name of men with commentary laced throughout for several good reasons.

First of all, it is a violation of Revelations 22:18-19.

For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; {19} and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Rev. 22:18-18 NKJV)

Secondly, it circumvents the work of the Holy Spirit, the only Teacher and Guide who will lead us into all truth.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (John 14:26 NKJV)

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. {14} He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. (John 16:13-14 NKJV)

These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. {27} But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. (1 John 2:26-27 NKJV)

The fact that the major proponents of PTR are also proponents of UES is not an accident. Deception breeds deception and eventually sponsors death to one’s love for the truth. Many may eventually be damned for eternity as a result. The most aggressive promoters of PTR these days are the same people who are completely deceived by UES. The combination of any of these false doctrines creates a lethal stew that cannot be taken without some degree of severe damage to the spiritual condition of most people. Although both the Prosperity doctrine and UES merge very well with PTR, I consider UES to be one of the most dangerous doctrines that has ever been accepted into the Church in modern time. Unconditional Eternal Security is the primary factor for the complacency and apathy that exists today in the professing Christian. In my opinion, it is also one of the major reasons for the Great Apostasy that is currently in full force in America. Even though some have escaped becoming apostate in spite of holding one of these false doctrines, many more have fallen into great apostasy because of the mixture of one or more of them. They did not believe that they were in danger, and many people still do not believe that they are in danger to this day. I encourage the reader to obtain the book, Conditional Eternal Security, by Dan Corner for more information on this topic.(15)

The deception of PTR could not have been better designed to capture the souls of millions. One could set down with a plain notebook and write all day and not come up with a better way to deceive mankind about the last days. The fact is that there are some people who may accept a mixture of false doctrines and still maintain a visibly stable Christian life is not an excuse to ignore that millions of people who do the same may lose their souls to eternal banishment in hell.

The pretribulation rapture doctrine has lulled many people into a false sense of security. As a result, many are ignoring the precursors for the Tribulation Period. I am deeply concerned that they may enter the Tribulation Period and not recognize the Antichrist, or even accept the fact that it is indeed the man of sin, because they believe that they are supposed to be gone from the earth before he rises to power. Will they take the mark of the Beast, believing that it is not the real mark? Will they accept most of the Antichrist's agenda and not accept the fact that he is the Beast, because teachers and preachers told them for years that they would not be here on the earth at this time? Will the man of sin that sets himself up as God in the temple of God even cause them to wake up? This is why I must oppose and expose the doctrine of Pretribulation Rapturism. Even though it might normally be considered a minor false doctrine, it most certainly becomes extremely deadly when it is mixed with Once Saved, Always Saved and other false doctrines. The mixture has caused many professing Christians today to become fatally complacent and lethally apathetic.

Proponents of PTR are not gracious when disagreeing with people who do not believe in the error. There is a small fortune being made by these people by promoting and keeping people stirred up to believe in this false doctrine. They are sometimes insidiously arrogant and rude when trying to protect their investment. I try to respond with kindness, yet I believe that I must sometimes counter their sharp words of condescending scorn with blunt words of my own. Since I have good friends who are deceived by this doctrine (and there are true Christians who are deceived by PTR), I sincerely hope that this does not inflame them against me. Should this be the result, I will regret it. However, I will not change my words, because millions of souls are at stake. I do not know how else to sound a warning except loudly and clearly when I see millions of people who are about to enter tribulation while in a great deception. This is not a time for niceties and gratuitous words, but for prophetic warnings.

There have been other doctrines that religious leaders have taken issues with and discarded, such as how long a man's hair ought to be or if a woman can wear pants or jewelry. Many sacrificed their reputations to adopt radical Charismatic beliefs, such as the hyper-faith doctrine of the "Word" movement. Why have they not also taken a stand against the false doctrine of PTR? My answer to this question is quite simple. The pretribulation rapture doctrine makes people feel good about the future. One can change doctrines and adopt new ones when it makes them feel good, happy, safe, blessed, or secure. But seldom does a person or a religious organization change or dismiss a feel-good doctrine. It is like taking candy away from a child to denounce PTR and people cry out in rebellion and revolt. It is a sad thing that many individuals would reject the truth in order to retain the scratching hand of PTR to soothe their itching ears.

Why does a professing Christian believe that he or she will escape the persecution by the Antichrist? Think about it. The world became incredibly wicked on our watch, ripe for the Antichrist, and the professing church is now riddled with hypocrisy and is full of falseness. Should God snatch them out of trouble when the Godly saints throughout Church history have had to suffer? It may feel good and secure to believe that we will escape all the bad stuff, but history and the Bible says otherwise. Truth should define reality and also our doctrine, not good emotions. Finally, I want people to see that no error, great or small, should to be tolerated once it is discovered if one has a love for the truth. It would be like having a little poison with your food during every meal. Sooner or later, you will get sick and die. Love of the truth is one of the mainstays of the Christian faith. It will be extremely important to cultivate such love through out the last days. To do otherwise is to play with strange fire. And that is what PTR is—strange fire. If anyone is holding the false doctrine of PTR as part of their belief system, he or she should purge it out.

1. Hal Lindsey, Late Great Planet Earth (Zondervan Publishing Company, 1970)

2. Dave MacPherson, The Three R's (P.O.S.T. Inc., P.O. Box 1903 Simpsonville, SC 29681)

3. Richard Abanes, End-Time Visions (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998)

4. Dave MacPherson, The Rapture Plot (Millennium III Publishers, 1995)

5. Gary DeMar, Last Days Madness (Atalanta, Georgia: American Vision Inc.,1999)

6. Marvin Rosenthal, Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church (Nashville:Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990)

7. Pre-Trib Rapture Center, Washington, D.C., Thomas Ice, Executive Director

8. Gary DeMarr, Last Days Madness (Atlanta GA: American Vision Inc., 1999)

9. Ibid,, page186, paragraph 2.

10. Marvin Rosenthal, Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers,1990)

11. Ibid, page 160, third paragraph

12. Ibid, page 280, third paragraph

13. Dave Hunt, A Woman Rides the Beast (Harvest House Publishers,1994)

14. Hank Hanegraaff, Christianity in Crisis (Harvest House Publishers, 1997)

15. Dan Corner, Conditional Eternal Security (Evangelical Outreach)

Chapter Two