The pre-tribulation rapture is one of the most harmful teachings in the body of Christ today. In this article we continue to demolish this doctrine, showing that 2 Thessalonians 2 plainly states that the rapture won’t happen before the great apostasy and the appearance of the final Antichrist.

Pay attention to the highlights in the following verses:

[2 Thessalonians 2:1-4] Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.

Two things can be understood from these verses.

Firstly, the following three phrases refer to one and the same event happening on ‘that day’:

This event is the rapture. Even the pre-tribbers admit that “our being gathered together to him” is a reference to the rapture.

Secondly, ‘that day’ (the rapture) comes after the great apostasy and the appearance of the Antichrist: “That day will not come, unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed.” The pre-tribbers believe the church will be raptured before the Antichrist is revealed, but these verses clearly refute such an idea. The apostasy and the Antichrist come first.

The Greek word ἀποστασία (apostasía) is usually translated as ‘apostasy,’ ‘rebellion,’ or ‘falling away.’ This is a mass falling away of Christians from the faith. Why will this happen? Because of severe judgments and persecution. Many professing Christians will say, “How can a loving God allow these horrors to happen?” and will turn their backs on Him. If you don’t prepare now, you too will be one of them.

In order to salvage their doctrine, some pre-tribbers even claim that the word ἀποστασία refers to the rapture and that ‘falling away’ should be in fact ‘catching away’! But this is a laughable argument. No serious scholar would dare suggest that.

Here is what ChatGPT says about the Greek word ἀποστασία: “The word ἀποστασία (apostasía) means ‘defection,’ ‘revolt,’ or ‘apostasy.’ It typically refers to a state of rebellion or a deliberate departure from a previously held belief or allegiance. This term has been historically significant in religious contexts, particularly in Christianity, where it denotes a renunciation or abandonment of one’s faith. In secular contexts, the term was used to describe a range of actions or attitudes that involved a departure from an established order or authority. The emphasis is on the act of distancing oneself from a previously held position or allegiance. The term thus conveys a sense of separation, change, or transition from one state or association to another, often with a connotation of defiance or resistance.”

Do not be deceived by the false promise of an easy escape from tribulation. If you believe in a pre-tribulation rapture, I plead with you to reconsider your beliefs and start preparing for what’s coming, because you’re not flying anywhere any time soon. You’ll be here, seeing how the world as you knew it collapses around you and your faith is tested like never before. Only those who pass the test and endure to the end will be raptured.