I had previously written about the pre-tribulation theory in order to clarify this matter for Christians who obsess over an erroneous doctrine that is a delusion in terms of the persecution and suffering endured by Christians throughout history. The teaching leaves present day Christians who believe it totally unprepared for any other scenario. It presents a mindset that sets believers up so that if persecution should become so intense that they are faced with a choice between life or death they will deny their affiliation with their church, with Christianity and ultimately with Christ.
Jesus makes that point very clear in terms of how many Christians will react under extreme persecution. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation, and put you to death; and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away, and betray one another, and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because wickedness is multiplied, most men’s love will grow cold.” (Matthew 24: 9-12)
According to (Matthew 16: 15-17) Jesus asked, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.”
This is clearly how Christians become believers in Christ, the Spirit of God touches the heart and reveals Jesus as the Christ to each one. So we find it inconceivable that Peter, a man who knew Jesus personally and was a devoted follower, could deny even knowing him three times within just a few hours.
Peter declared to him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” Jesus said to him, “Truly, I say to you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And so said all the disciples. (Matthew 26: 33-35)
When Jesus was arrested his followers ran away. Peter followed at a distance and remained outside in the courtyard. The maid who kept the door said to Peter, “Are not you also one of this man’s disciples?” He said, “I am not.” Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves; Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. (John 18: 17-18)
Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said to him, “Are not you also one of his disciples?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” One of the servants of the high priest, a kinsman of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” Peter again denied it; and at once the cock crowed. (John 18: 25-27)
Peter and the others denied ever knowing Jesus because they had succumbed to fear and were fearful for their own lives!
As we examine the doctrine taught in some Western Christian churches it becomes abundantly clear that Satan has wormed his way into church teachings and is deceiving many through the doctrine of pre-tribulation rapture. Jesus Himself has given us a clear understanding of how Satan appeals to man’s nature during a time of great stress and intense need by offering help in exchange for the denial of the providence of God and even His very existence.
Then the devil took him to the holy city, and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will give his angels charge of you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” (Matthew 4: 5-6)
Here we are presented with rapidly approaching end time scenario by an angel; And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If any one worships the beast and its image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also shall drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured unmixed into the cup of his anger, and he shall be tormented with fire and sulphur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up for ever and ever; and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.” Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Now let's suppose that the day comes when you hear the following words, "God won't let you down if you accept this implant, it ensures that you and your family will be safe and have food and shelter. You know that God is looking out for your welfare, don’t be like those other ignorant fools who are refusing this insignificant identifying mark lest you suffer extreme hardship.” This is just one example of many potential scenarios that one might be faced with that would strike fear into the heart and leave only two choices, either stand firm in the face of losing everything, suffer total deprivation and certain death and in exchange receive the gift of eternal life with Christ, or opt to deny Christ and your fellow believers and live the years you have left on earth followed by an eternity in hell.
See: http://joshuastone-whatis.blogspot.com/2019/09/church-heresy-you-be-judge.html
