Three Views on the Rapture: Pretribulation, Prewrath, or Posttribulation (Counterpoints: Bible and Theology)

Overview I picked this book up for the purpose of gaining perspective and an adequate representation of each view on the rapture. While many evangelicals consider the issue of the rapture to be clearly [insert your view here], this book makes it clear that there are multiple possibilities. The book is composed of three authors (Craig Blaising, Alan Hultberg, and Douglas Moo), one of them returning from the previous book of three views (Pre, Mid, and Post). Craig represents Pre-trib, Hultberg Pre-wrath, and Moo Post-trib. All authors had a significant amount of room to flesh out their views and positions, then the other authors brought out their objects in a short response, and then (different from all over perspectives books I have read) the original author is allowed a rejoinder (a response to the criticism received). Pros 1) Layout/Format – These books are designed perfectly in my opinion. I don’t believe in just copy and pasting another theologians views (as many do unfortunately), but instead gaining perspective on interpretation and thinking through prayerfully what the Bible says. These books offer a layout that is perfect for this. 2) Two responses – I like the fact they allowed for a response to the responses. It adds another dimension that you always want form these books. (What would he have said to that critique? Now you know) 3) Clarity on the subject – If the reader pays attention to the line of argumentation in this book for each view, I believe they can come away with a very clear perspective and idea of the subject of the rapture. Whether the reader lands at a particular view or not is irrelevant, they should be able to walk away with an idea of the strengths and weaknesses of each position 4) Clear Winner/Loser – I believe in this book there was a clear winner and a clear loser. Not that any view failed to deliver an argument, but I believe one view stood out as having the least holes and another stood out as having too many holes. Cons 1) Underlying theology – This is a long one, but very important. As anybody who studies eschatology knows, there is more behind your eschatological view than just reading Revelation a bunch of times. In reality the view one has of the Church/Israel and the hermeneutical approach taken has a dramatically larger effect on where the reader lands. In this book the Pre-trib author seems to be Progressive-Dispensational, but at times comes across as a classic-dispensational. The Pre-wrath author takes an eclectic approach to Revelation and a “throughout history” approach to the early part of the Olivet discourse. He also maintains that he is a Progressive-Dispensational, but clearly stated in the book that Matthew presented the church as having replaced Israel as one of his arguments for the Olivet Discourse being for the Church. (I feel like he didn’t have to do this for an argument, rather unfortunate and leaves himself open to criticism from the Pre-trib guy) Lastly, the Post-trib author seems to be a type of Historic-Premil. He views Daniels 70th week as being the entire period of time from the first advent of Christ on, which in my opinion is the hermeneutically disastrous and nearly impossible to prove in Daniel 9 such an exegetical case. He also clearly ascribes to replacement theology and in so doing opens himself up for odd interpretations and avenues for attack. a. What is worse, or what this first “Con” leads to, is that while each rapture position stands as a type of representation of each position, I feel like there is great differences even WITHIN the positions themselves because of these differences in ecclesiology and hermeneutics. My favorite part of the book It may seem like the large “CON” means I didn’t like the book, but that is far from the truth. I just figured I would note the problem with the different authors in the event that anybody actually gets this book after reading this. It is very important to keep that in mind when reading, so as not to deny a view based on a straw man or a false broadbrushing. The best part of this book is the perspective, depth, and resource that it brings to the Pre-mil theology student’s library. It is a helpful source, with errors in each view, but tons of good conversation and points made on each side. This Book should be read by… Everybody should read this book. It is not hard to understand. (I felt the pre-trib guy was at times convoluted, but that is because pre-tribulationism isn’t found in the Bible and convoluted arguments must be made to get there) Aside from the periods of brief linguistic analysis I feel like this book is well served to give each lay person a solid perspective to this doctrine and to understand that it isn’t as simple as your preacher may have told you it was. The theologian/scholar/teacher/pastor should get this book in order to challenge their view and understanding of the key texts involved. An Amil/Postmil person will probably giggle at this book and mock the idea. That is okay, I do the same with their hermeneutical approach to the Old Testament and Revelation.

Delivered on time! Great book; it exceeded my expectations and arrived in perfect condition.

This concept of having opposing views state their position and then give an opportunity to the others to rebut works well for me. Personally weary of being spoon fed so much poor theology I am of the mind this format should be used more often. Its also an opportunity to hear from people you may not previously have been aware of. I especially enjoyed Douglas Moo's honesty and all the three writers mutual treating of the others with respect was refreshing. You cannot help but learn from this book and the format!

Anyone that is studying eschatology will ultimately find himself reading this type of book where various views are discussed. The good thing about this book is that the views are actually presented by scholars that hold to those views. The only negative thing is that the editor/publisher could have perhaps found a scholar that was a little more aggressive in the defense of one of these views. The normal arguments behind each view is adequately presented, but one could wish for a little more than "normal."

I have wanted to read this book for years because of my interest on the topic of the Rapture. While I have for the most part taught to believe in the concept of the pre-tribulation Rapture I know it is a good thing to hear other perspectives and the evidence used to support those perspectives. I especially enjoyed how while these three disagreed with each other they still showed respect to one another and kept their critiques to the evidence. I would recommend anyone wanting more than one perspective on the topic to read this book.

Very technical and scholarly. You need a lot of concentration and a quiet place to read this book. I found myself falling asleep to try to grasp what the writers were saying. Not for every day reading. Actually since there were so many points of views on the rapture and counter points of view, it made the subject quite confussing. Personally I think we will be raptured before tribulation comes, for how else can pure evil be unleashed if the church is still here with the Holy Spirit to stop evil, since we all carry Christ in us.

A good, technical debate that takes a little to digest but won't be too much over your head if you're into reading and researching. Conversational format is great, especially each author's rejoinder at the end of the section. I read most of it in prep for a seminary paper on the rapture. Douglas Moo's argument in support of a post-tribulation rapture is very well put together and refreshing, I think, since there isn't much out there supporting post-trib views.

Well-written and well-edited debate format. It covers all the major issues between the three positions, and each of the participants is allowed to critique the other guys' statements. Very well done!