I just read a very long explanation by a Facebook friend of why the Rapture cannot occur following a time of intense turmoil. This person primarily used the story of the 10 virgins and pointed out that they were all asleep. Therefore, since one cannot sleep in a time of trouble, that the Bridegroom could only come during a period of peace.
She then used the verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:2 from which this blog gets its name: like a thief in the night.
Here's the entire scripture:
1Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
1Th 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
1Th 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
1Th 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
1Th 5:7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
1Th 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
1Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
Now if you read the entire scripture and don't just take one verse OUT OF CONTEXT, which is what pre-tribbers like to do, you will see that this has an entirely different meaning.
The pre-trib crowd point out this verse saying that Jesus coming will surprise everyone, but if you read it in context, that's not what it's saying!
1Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
Notice "when THEY shall say" and "sudden destruction comes upon THEM"..."THEY shall not escape."
Who are the THEY and THEM Paul is talking about? Well, possibly those who are NOT reading this letter? He's addressing a church, so the THEY must be those NOT in the church.
Next: 1Th 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
Now, here Paul is identifying who he's addressing...the BRETHREN. The brethren at NOT in darkness. Who's in darkness? Obviously the THEY in the previous verse.
He then goes on that the brethren are NOT IN DARKNESS, that that day should overtake them (us) as a thief. In others, the brethren are not in darkness so will not be surprised when that day comes.
What?!!!
That doesn't fit what the pre-tribbers say. Of course, not. They can only use scriptures taken out of context.
Paul then goes on to describe the brethren:
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 1Th 5:5-9
The brethren, the Believers, are NOT of the night or darkness. We are NOT to sleep, but watch and be sober, not drunken or sleep like those of the night. We are to be prepared for battle by having our armor on and staying sober.
It goes on to say that "God has not appointed us to wrath." Another favorite of the pre-tribbers. However, once again they are ignoring scripture to teach that the entire Tribulation period is the wrath of God.
Rev 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
Here were see that the inhabitants of the earth are being warned that Satan's wrath is about to be experienced...because he knows he only has a short time.
Next, I'll be addressing the 10 virgins sleeping.
However, for the purpose of this, know that the coming the Lord is not going to be a surprise to the Believer who is alert and looking for His return. In fact, we are told to be alert, be watching, and be ready for battle.
