Truth: In Defense of the Pre-Trib Rapture

by Heather L. Rivard

We are roughly 2000 years removed from the greatest miracle in the history of the the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As believers in Jesus, our faith is predicated upon that which we cannot see. We did not live when Jesus walked the earth. We did not hear Him minister to the masses. We did not see Him suffer before He was crucified. We did not see Him hanging on the cross. We did not witness Him laying His life down. We did not see Him buried. We did not witness His resurrection. We did not see Him alive afterward. We did not see Him ascend to heaven. However, we believe all those things happened. We also believe He will return for us one day. While there are differing opinions on the timing of His return as well as the varying implications of His return, the Bible lays out a very clear sequence of events. Much of what will occur in the end times is predicated upon the greatest miracle in history, for if Jesus did not rise, we would have no hope of resurrection. But He did, and we do. The Bible is very clear about the timing of the resurrections, as well as the people groups to which they apply. The church age is a unique period of time, as is the resurrection which relates to the church age. This resurrection is the first part of what is commonly referred to as the rapture of the church. When will this resurrection occur? That’s what we’re about to find out.

109 pages, Paperback

Published March 26, 2017

Reviews

[Alan Fuller · Rating 1 out of 5]

"The Defense of the Pre-Trib Rapture" consists mainly of straightforward Dispensational teaching without considering criticisms, such as the fact that the modern pre-trib idea is less than 200 years old. The author admits that the rapture and resurrection are a huge puzzle.

"It is virtually impossible to accurately interpret the resurrections if one does not understand dispensationalism."
Rivard, Heather L.. Truth: In Defense of the Pre-Trib Rapture (p. 19). Kindle Edition.

We must read Dispensational theology into the scriptures through a process of eisegesis in order to understand. However, she later says the Bible is straightforward enough to support the doctrine of the pre-trib rapture without having to use "typology." She then proceeds to use two types to explain the rapture. Typology is something other than "literal" interpretation. She states:

"The remnant will enter the Lord’s rest, otherwise known as His Millennial Kingdom."
Rivard, Heather L.. Truth: In Defense of the Pre-Trib Rapture (p. 66). Kindle Edition.

"Heb 4:10  For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his." 

If those who don't rely on their own works have entered the rest, it makes the millennium sound more postmillennial or a-millennial than premillennial. The author doesn't consider the rapture as part of the "second coming," as did earlier Dispensational writers like Clarence Larkin.