The Church: In or Out of the Tribulation?
“Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.” Revelation 3:10 NIV
There are 2 MAJOR POSSIBILITIES for the meaning of that verse: 1) It is a promise of the Rapture of the Church 2) It is simply part of a message to a Real Church in the late 1st Century A.D.
Here’s my question: Why not both? The messages fit not only those 7 churches of Asia Minor, but also every church through the ages, including present day. They are also a part of this book which shows us the things that are coming at the future end of the age. So, although I cannot be sure, I do believe this verse to the Church in Philadelphia (Asia Minor, not Pennsylvania) may also refer to the church being in or out of the 7-year Tribulation when it comes. ‘Out’ means the Rapture of the church will occur before the Tribulation. Here are some reasons I believe that may be the case.
1) There is no other trial that is going to come upon the WHOLE world, other than the Tribulation. 2) This verse is immediately followed by “I am coming soon,” (which could very likely refer to the Rapture). 3) Revelation 14:7 says, “The HOUR of His judgment has come.” 3:10 says, “I will keep you from the HOUR of trial.” (The same word may point to the same period of time.) 4) Referring to Babylon the Great, 18:10 says “In ONE HOUR, your doom has come.” (Also “ONE HOUR” in 18:17)
This verse also uses some interesting Greek wording. There are four OTHER ways this could have been written:: tereo en = To keep in (A promise of preservation IN the Tribulation.) tereo dia = to keep through (A promise to keep THROUGH the Tribulation.) aireo ek = to take out (Believers would GO INTO the Tribulation and then be TAKEN OUT of the Tribulation.) aireo apo = to take from (Believers would GO INTO the Tribulation and then be TAKEN FROM the Tribulation.) But INSTEAD it says: tereo ek, which means “to KEEP out.” (A promise that believers will NEVER GET INTO the Tribulation.) And that is a wonderful promise!
Tell me what you think. Next Sunday night, I will give you my thoughts on when the Rapture will take place. Don’t miss it!
4 Comments
Dawnetta Smiley
I am thankful for the phrase “tereo ek”! I do believe Christians will be taken in the rapture prior to the tribulation period.
I am also thankful for you and that you are following God’s calling to do the live study of The Revelation. I look forward to it each week. It is very informational. I can feel the presence of the Holy Spirit during these studies. The study of the churches have definitely hit home with me. Convicting me of ways I need to make changes in my life!
Continuing to pray over your book ministry as well as this Bible Study.
Cathy Evans
David, I just finished your second book. I have only one complaint, it ended too soon. Just kidding, I didn’t want it to end. You really know how to hold a readerz attention. I can’t wait for your next one to come out, I hope you are well into book four. If you need a proof reader let me know.🙂
Sue Sinkhorn
I believe the Church of Revelation 2 and 3 are indicative of the Church Age from the beginning to the end of the age. We are in the Philadelphia Church which overlaps the Laodicean Church. I also believe He will keep us from that hour of testing that is coming upon all the world just as he promised. I’d say the Laodicean Church is full of church members who are not necessarily born again, Kaitlyn just invited me to your sight. I’m sorry I wasn’t here the whole time, but I never knew about it.
admin
I am really glad you found it, Sue! Great to hear from you! I’m thankful Kaitlyn told you about my site. Are you watching my live Revelation study Sunday nights at 8:00? They’re on my FB page. I’d love for you to join me and all the others who watch. Hope you’re doing well!