I'm afraid some may have missed the central question behind my commentary, What If? What Herb thinks 05-08-06. I wasn't attempting to stir up another debate on the timing of the rapture. But, from some of what I've seen on our discussion board, it appears I may have. So, I'll try asking the question once more.

But, before I do, let me once again explain my position: My problem isn't so much with the pre-tribulation doctrine, it's with the way some are believing and teaching it. The reality is, our modern, pre-tribulation doctrine has never been established in Scripture beyond allowing some reasonable doubt. If you think it has, you place yourself on a plain higher than even the doctrine's most notable founders. Nevertheless, the doctrine is still being promoted by some as if it has been established beyond all doubt -- naturally finding a large, receptive market.

Now, this brings us back to my question: What happens if the pre-tribulation doctrine turns out wrong? I'm not asking what happens to us -- the more spiritually mature. I'm asking what happens to them -- the younger in the Lord, the less prepared?

Let's take a look at what we may face should the doctrine prove wrong. Many of God's elect may remain unaware of their mistake until the day they see the Antichrist revealed in the rebuilt Jewish temple. According to Scripture, this event will happen in the middle of what's known prophetically as Daniel's 70th week -- in other words, in the middle of what they've been told is the tribulation period. The shock effect of such news would already be overwhelming.

The Bible also tells us, at this time, the enemy of our souls will launch a devastating, carrot and stick war against us (Revelation chapter 13). The carrot will be a spiritual deception of the kind the world has never seen before. It will never be made so easy for people to reject the biblical message of the cross. The stick will be a final, historic persecution -- or, as Jesus says, a "great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world" (Matthew 24: 21-22). Fortunately, Jesus also said, for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.

If these events weren't already enough to concern us, the Bible also tells us at the same time Satan and his angles will have been cast down here to earth (Revelation 12: 9). Think about what added effect this event could have. Suddenly, those who have been led to believe in things like dominion theology and the coming of super saints who will rise up and lead us in some kind of new, spiritual revolution may think their day has come. But, instead, this will be the time that Jesus specifically warned about when He said:

Then if anyone says to you, "Behold, here is the Christ," or "There He is," do not believe him. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. Behold, I have told you in advance. So if they say to you, "Behold, He is in the wilderness," do not go out, or, "Behold, He is in the inner rooms," do not believe them. For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be (Matthew 24: 23-27 New American Standard Bible).

Perhaps, now you may understand the reason for my question. I'm honestly not trying to argue over doctrine. I'm only asking what I believe to be a good and honest question -- what if the pre-tribulation doctrine turns out wrong -- what happens then?

And, I'm not asking for my own sake. I'm asking for the sake of others -- for God's elect.

One more point: If my question concerns you, that's a healthy sign.

I worry for those who don't care.