Prewrath Rapture of the Church

by Marvin J. Rosenthal

Book Overview

In a readable, informative style, (complete with twenty-five charts), Rosenthal takes a fresh look at the biblical prophecies concerning end-times events and helps us understand what impact they should have on our daily Christian lives.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0840731604
• ISBN13: 9780840731609
• Release Date: June 1990
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Classic "Must Read"

This was the first official book on the prewrath rapture, first published in 1990. Consequently, many people make every detail of Rosenthal's arguments in this book synonymous with the prewrath view itself. This puts an unfortunate amount of pressure on this book. This was the first formal presentation of the prewrath rapture, and since that time, the tangential details of this view have been refined. However, the basics outline of the view are solidly presented here, unchanged over time, and are -- in my view -- unshakeable. This is a classic volume that is a "must read" for anyone interested in various positions on the rapture. What I like most about this book is its grace. The arguments for the prewrath timing of the rapture are extremely well presented, clear, and solid. But it is Rosenthal's grace in dissention and plea for unity among Christian brethren -- regardless of end-times view -- that is so impressive. Rosenthal himself was forced out of a position of authority based on his change in view from pretrib to prewrath and his experience has been since mirrored by many godly men and women in positions of authority. When did the timing of the rapture become a test of orthodoxy like the trinity, the blood atonment, and the resurrection? If I may borrow Paul's wise comment from two-thousand years ago, "My brethren, it ought not be so." The prewrath rapture is the only presentation of the rapture timing that answers all of the scriptural problems associated with rapture debates while taking the scriptures in their normative meaning. Had someone recognized this timing and put it into print before the pretrib rapture was formalized in the late 1800s (and, subsequently the midtrib and posttrib views), I firmly believe neither pretrib, nor midtrib, nor posttrib would need have been developed. Prewrath is the plain, obvious teaching of scripture. After having become extremely uncomfortable with the pretrib timing presented in evangelical circles, it is the timing that I, myself, determined on my own simply by studying the scriptures. Imagine my surprise when I found out later that someone else had come to the same conclusions and put them into print, and that the timing of which I had become convinced already had a name -- prewrath. Bravo to Marvin Rosenthal for taking the bold step to put this view into print for the first time, regardless of the personal risk. His book remains now, as it will always be, a classic in the rapture debate that has formed a stepping stone on which so many others have built. Other presentations of the classic prewrath view (I say "classic" because there are a growing number of writers using the "prewrath" mantle but who are actually presenting a post-70th-Week view) include Robert Van Kampen's The Rapture Question Answered: Plain & Simple, Dave Bussard's Who Will Be Left Behind and When?, and my own Before God's Wrath: The Bible's Answer to the Timing of the Rapture.H. L. Nigro, author of Before God's Wrath: The Bib

Answered All My Questions

As most reviewers have stated, I was raised pre-trib. However, no one could point me to the pre-trib rapture in scripture. I was also taught the Holy Spirit effectually called us to salvation. But how could tribulational saints come to Christ without the Holy Spirit? Oh, I was told, people would find bibles laying around, read them, and get saved. Heck, we can't get people to read their bible today and the Holy Spirit is with us. I even hear now organizations are making videos, for sale I'm sure, that will help "those left behind" know what has happened and get saved. I don't mean to be cruel but "how rediculous" is that?This book answered all my questions. I did not disagree with one single point in the book and I can now say that I will be looking up for a mighty rapture and salvation from the wrath "of God" to come instead of being caught up by some secret rapture that will supposedly save me from a tribulation that the early church went through and many Christians even today around the world are going through. That is if I don't die first. Thank you Marvin Rosenthal and may God bless you for your dedication in researching and writing this book and for your obvious openness to the word of God.Write more.

Rosenthal does a fine job of interacting with the Scriptures

I was raised to believe in the Pre- trib rapture. But my reading of the Bible gave me many questions. After reading this book I have changed to Rosenthal's position. For example, one of the strong points of the Pre- Tri. stand is the removal of the 'One who restrains' in ll Thes. 2:7. They say this is the removal of the church/ Holy Spirit. But this book's explanation( that Daniel 12:1 is the O.T. background, and not that Michael 'arises' but he 'stands aside') is more compelling. Then when God tells Michael to get back in the battle for Israel he will give a victory shout (l Thes.4:16). It is sad how we tend to read our views into the Bible, rather than let it dictate to our views. It appears to me that the Pre- wrath position is the right view. I hold to this view of the rapture now even though it is hurting my attempts to find a church to pastor again. But the Bible holds my conscience captive. Thanks, Marv. You make all the Biblical data hold together.

Devastating

One of the most dividing issues of doctrine in the church today is the return of our Lord. Some believe that we shouldn't worry about it at all. Others believe we should concern ourselves, only for the sake of the unsaved. Some believe we the church will be spared from the difficult times the bible calls the great tribulation. After reading several comentaries on end time events I came away more confused, it appeared Christ was coming a second and third time. It just didn't make sense.The sequence of events leading up to Christs return is the main focus of this book. Mr. Rosenthal has graciously carried this reader through the verses with the big piture in view. In my view the puzzle has now been solved, the only question now is when. The lord said that we shall not know the day nor the hour, the bible also says that, that day shouldn't over take you as a thief. After reading The prewrath rapture I have read The Sign by van campen. Which in itself is a thorough walk through all end time matters, being which the former a better stroll to understanding and grasping the subject matter at hand. Mr. Rosenthal in my view, takes the reader on a journey, discovering what the Word of God says concerning end times in regards with the rapture of His church. I highly recomend a prayful reading with hopes that, that day shouldn't over take you as a thief.