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The Dead in Christ & Tribulation Saints
1 Thessalonians 4:16bThe argument goes, since they must be in Christ, then this does not include the Old Testament saints. However, Jesus said to Jews, under the Old Covenant, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (cf. John 3:3-6) Acts 4:12 NASB John 14:6 NASB Romans 8:9 NASBAll who are ever saved are saved in Christ. Christ is the Greek word for Messiah. Under the Old Covenant, they believed in the future coming of the Messiah and His future works of redemption. Under the Old Covenant they had faith in what was yet unseen. Hebrews 11:1-3 NASBIt is flat out heretical to teach that anyone will ever be saved outside of Christ's redemptive works. Therefore, all believers in the grave are in Christ and will be raised from the dead at the same time Christians are raised. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13 Paul spoke of those who sleep (i.e., are dead). "Therefore encourage one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18 ESV). Obviously there could be Thessalonian believers who had parents and grandparents that died under the Old Covenant. How could they comfort one another if the future of their loved ones were unknown. Believers who died before Jesus died on the cross would have died under the Old Covenant, and therefore, Dispensationalists would argue, these believers are not in Christ. The first book of Thessalonians was written around 52 AD. Jesus died on the cross around 30 AD. Just imagine how many loved ones of living believers could have died even 25 years before Paul wrote First Thessalonians. I'm over 40, but by age 15, I had several loved ones that had died. If Paul was excluding believers who died under the Old Covenant, It makes no sense that Paul would not address this concern, unless they were included with those in Christ. In John 11:24, Martha stated that she knew that Lazarus would be resurrected on the Last Day, the same day Christians are resurrected. Yet Jesus didn't correct her and Lazarus died under the Old Covenant. With Acts 4:12 in mind, why do dispensationalists call those who are saved during the tribulation, tribulation saints? How can anyone be saved if they aren't "in Christ"? Where do we find the term tribulation saints in the Bible? People who claim this are preaching another gospel. Galatians 1:6-9 NASBPaul clearly states there is only one gospel. Those who preach other ways to be saved, such as by keeping the law, are heretics! Now or in the future, there is no alternate way of salvation for Israel or Gentiles. It doesn't matter when someone is saved, they are in Christ. HOME | ABOUT | ARTICLES: The Timing of the Rapture The Testimony and Parables of Jesus Does apostasia in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 refer to the rapture? The Church Not Found In Revelation The Resurrection 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11, New Doctrine or Just a Clarification? Who Escapes What in Revelation 3:10? Imminence Refuted John 14 - In My Fathers House Harpazo the Greek Word for Rapture Behold! I tell you what mystery means The Dead in Christ & Tribulation Saints Andy Woods Revelation is NOT Chronological Is the Holy Spirit the Restrainer? What I believe - Day of the Lord Timeline Understanding Zechariah 14 Blasted Hope or Blessed Hope? Understanding Greek Pronouns and Their Importance The Comfort Given by Paul The Rapture in Revelation 7, Part 1 The Rapture in Revelation 7, Part 2 | |||
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