JOEL RICHARDSON MUDDYING THE WATERS: PREWRATH VS POSTTRIB RAPTURE

The Pre-Wrath Versus the Post-Tribulational Rapture THE RAPTURE & ENDURANCE OF THE SAINTS (youtube.com)

Joel Richardson has a very neat way of coming on board and then muddying the waters by undermining the very teaching he claims to support. He has employed this technique against the prewrath rapture view previously. 

Richardson describes his own view regarding the timing of the rapture as a "kind of hybrid" between prewrath and posttrib. His "initial introduction" makes this topic more confusing than it already is. The following summary is sufficient to introduce the subject minus Richardson's various nuances.

The pretrib rapture view ~ The rapture occurs at an indeterminate point before the 70th week of Daniel.
The prewrath rapture view ~ The rapture occurs after the tribulation following the cosmic disturbances in between the sixth and seventh seal in the book of Revelation.
The posttrib rapture view ~ The rapture occurs at Armageddon i.e. at the end of the 70th week of Daniel.

Richardson describes the prewrath view as "a relatively newer position". His poor research into this subject is obvious and he is inaccurate on many points. It is reasonable to say that the prewrath interpretation is not a new position, rather it has been defined this way in recent history. Many of the early Church Fathers have been described as "posttrib" erroneously since they taught significant aspects of the prewrath view. It therefore appears that the early Fathers were generally prewrath without applying the "prewrath" label. 

Richardson: "..there was no one that held to prewrath in the more specific limited sense, for example the form of prewrath that would be articulated by Alan Kurschsner. There's no one throughout church history that's going to hold to that view right, they're going to largely hold more to a posttribulation perspective." Alan Kurschner argues that many early Church Fathers were, in fact, prewrath without using the "prewrath" label.1  

Robert Van Kampen was the primary mover in developing the prewrath view during the 1970s and 80s.2 Marvin Rosenthal was formerly a staunch pretribulationalist and it took some time for him to be persuaded by Van Kampen. Rosenthal began to adopt the prewrath view in 1986 much to the ire of the pre-trib camp. In 1990 Rosenthal's book The Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church popularized the prewrath view. Rosenthal was one of those rare pre-trib teachers who had the courage of his convictions. He was removed from his position as Executive Director of The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry in 1989 due to his prewrath stance.3

Richardson points out the massive ramifications to the church if pre-trib teachers are wrong. The pretrib rapture view could indeed ruin a large portion of the church. Sadly many staunch pre-trib teachers appear to be blinded to the devastating implications of this dangerous error. Nevertheless, I pray that many believers will re-think this question and will consider the prewrath position. 

Richardson: "..prewrath vs posttrib.. I don't care about arguing. I personally wholeheartedly believe that prewathers and posttribers need to unite and essentially work together and expose the deception the dangerous deception of pretribulationism." thinks arguments between prewrath and posttrib are "the dumbest thing to fight about" because both camps agree on the important distinction that believers will face the persecution of the Antichrist. I may have agreed with this perspective at one time, but having thought about it more deeply, I see that it is necessary to present an accurate and credible argument to pretrib believers. (1 John 4:1). The posttrib view has some serious flaws that any thoughtful pretribber will easily pick up. A flawed argument that integrates the prewrath/posttrib views is likely to lead pretrib believers to reject any argument that believers will face the Antichrist. For clarity, we need to present a sound theological argument, and the prewrath view achieves that criterion. Richardson claims to have found "some problems" with the prewrath rapture view which he says he will articulate in a later video. Richardson: "In reality I don't know, I don't have absolute confidence, and I don't care.. who cares?"  This is perverse. If he doesn't know, if he hasn't got confidence, and if he doesn't care, then it begs the question: Why does he feel that he is qualified to critique the prewrath rapture view or make recommendations? Richardson's narrative demonstrates his negligent attitude toward sound teaching: "..it's not worth dividing over, we do need to unite.." I would not reject a posttrib teacher/believer or regard them as unsaved. However, having studied Joe Schimmel's posttrib view, I have come to the inevitable conclusion that he has mistaught the book of Revelation for years. (Revelation 22:18-19).4 Schimmel refuses to even acknowledge or address the questions that I have put to his ministry. The same applies to Sam Adams of Independance Baptist Church. 5 When posttrib teachers will not even acknowledge identifiable problems associated with their view then it is difficult to have any respect for them.

Joel Richardson's "interesting" history and his strange friends

Richardson's history and questionable associations demonstrate that he does not care about sound teaching. 

Richardson: "I got saved in the Assemblies of God. It's is a denomination that I greatly esteem, it's one of the most rock-solid missions-focused, most globally influential denominations in the world. I mean you know in terms of out there throughout the Middle East on the ground the Assemblies of God is a great denomination."  I profoundly disagree with Richardson about the Assemblies of God (AOG). I attended the AOG myself in Leicester some years ago and I am horrified by their unbiblical teachings. Many AOG churches promote the New Apostolic Reformation and are lethal places to attend. It is perverse that the AOG officially rejects NAR teaching and yet their practice in many instances is the very opposite. Holly Pivec: "..many churches that remain part of the Assemblies of God actively promote NAR teachings--even inviting NAR apostles and prophets into their churches."6 

In previous posts, I have catalogued a number of serious problems associated with Joel Richardson's "ministry". (summarized below).

Richardson's "prophetic endorsement" by "Latter Rain" false prophet Paul Cain who he claims was the catalyst that kick-started his "ministry".

Richardson's previous associate and co-author false teacher Walid Shoebat and their case for an Islamic Antichrist. 

Richardson's association with false teacher Dalton Thomas who was recently ejected from Frontier Alliance International Studios (FAI).7

Richardson's false teaching regarding Identificational Repentance. 

Richardsons Metatron heresy.

Richardson's false teaching that the Antichrist will be killed and not thrown "alive" into the lake of fire. (Revelation 19:20).

Richardson's attempt to shoehorn the Antichrist into Ezekiel 38 and 39.

Richarson's recent association with false teacher and "deliverance" guru Vlad Savchuk.9 

Richardson describes himself as a "friend" of false teacher Chris Reed, the new head of apostate Morningstar Ministries, formerly led by false teacher Rick Joyner who is a member of the Ecumenical Knights of Malta. Reed claims to have had a vivid dream allegedly from God revealing that John the Apostle has been living in a cave in Turkey for the last 2000 years! John the Apostle is supposedly going to come out of hiding and reveal how to interpret the book of Revelation (NOT)! You really can't make this stuff up!10 

For more information please refer to: WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Joel Richardson (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

UK Apologetics Library: "Not only has Joel Richardson gone along with Mormon (Glenn Beck) but also other notable names of false teachers and organizations that are promoted, this includes Jim Bakker, Sid Roth, Mike Bickle, Walid Schoebat, Paul Wilbur, TBN, Pat Robertson 700 Club, CBN News, Joel Rosenberg (listed 2009), IHOP (International House of Prayer), Jonathan Cahn, Mark Biltz, Chuck Missler, Daystar TV. Joel Richardson is a frequent Speaker at Billy Humphrey's IHOP Atlanta".11

Given the plethora of information that identifies Richardson as a false teacher, it t is very concerning that he is endorsed by Zion's Hope and is a speaker at their conferences.12 

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. (Romans 16:17 cf. 1 Timothy 6:3-5).

1. Microsoft Word - Prewrath - Early Church Fathers.docx (alankurschner.com)
2. Robert Van Kampen - Rapture Ready
3. https://lionandlambapologetics.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Another-Look-at-Rosenthals-Pre-Wrath-Rapture-McLean-1.pdf
4. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Joe Schimmel Blessed Hope Chapel (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
5. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Sam Adams Independence Baptist Church (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
6. The Assemblies of God and the NAR — Holly Pivec
7. Founder of Missions Group FAI Resigns Over Sexual Infidelity (julieroys.com)
8. Is the Disciple John Alive? - Chris Reed on the Elijah List (youtube.com)
9. 20231020 LIPS YT VSL ExplainerUGC 03 JW NoGH (youtube.com)
10. (3) Joel Richardson - An Important Update: Many of you who have been... | Facebo
11. Why are Joe Schimmel and Jacob Prasch not discerning within their own camps? - UK Aplogetics Libra ry (ukapologeticslibrary.net)
12. Zion's Hope (zionshope.org)

Further Link

Articles for Posttribulationism to Consider | ESCHATOS MINISTRIES (alankurschner.com)

JOEL RICHARDSON'S PREWRATH RAPTURE CONUNDRUM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsatQIfGjCA
The Second Exodus in the Book of Revelation: Maranatha Global Bible Study 24

In the above video, Joel Richardson explores the differences between the prewrath and the post-trib models and the imagery of the Exodus in the Book of Revelation.

Joel Richardson's Prewrath Conundrum: When is Israel saved?

Richardson: "This is a big problem for the prewrath camp..  if they are to be consistent they have to say that all Israel gets saved at the Parousia, at the time of the rapture, which would be some time in the middle of the final three and a half years." (22:00 mark)

Joel Richardson is in error when he states that the prewrath position teaches that all Israel is saved at the Parousia/rapture. The prewrath position states that the 144,000 remnant of Israel are sealed before the seventh trumpet is sounded. (Revelation 7:1-8), and that "all Israel" are saved at the end of the 70th week of Daniel in order to fulfil the 490 period:

Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place. Know therefore and understand that from the going out of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince, there shall be seven weeks. Then for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with squares and moat, but in a troubled time. (Daniel 9:24-25).

Richardson continues his distortion of the prewrath position and asks some very confusing questions. (24:21 mark). 

Richardson: "The prewrath camp is now faced with a conundrum.. Is Israel saved after the trumpets and the bowls, or are they saved back at the Parousia/rapture when they look at the one that appears over them? That's a significant difficulty... So if the goal is to wait until the end of the final three and a half years, why do they have to wait, they all get saved before this, or they get raptured before this.. If Jesus appears, where does He go? Does He go back up to heaven, or does he come down to earth? Paul the apostle says that when Christ is revealed, we will be revealed with him.." Richardson misquotes this verse. Paul actually states that we will appear with him in glory: When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4). Richardson continues: "The inference is, it sounds like he is coming back, not that he comes in the clouds, we are raptured, and then we go back up with Him. Well does he go back up there, does He come down, is he executing judgement on the ground or is He in heaven for a while.. and then He comes back?"

If Joel Richardson had paid any attention at all to prewrath teaching, he would know that there is no conflict between Matthew 24:29-31 and Zechariah 12:10-14. Richardson inappropriately aligns Matthew 24:29-31 and Zechariah 12:10-14. He fails to mention that Jesus quotes directly from Joel 2:10 in this passage. (Matthew 24:29). (21:00 mark). Both Matthew 24:29-31 and Joel 2:10 refer to the cosmic disturbances. Matthew continues to describe the rapture preceded by the sign of the Son of man when every eye will see him, even those who pierced him (Matthew 24:30; Revelation 1:7). 

The prewrath view is explicitly delineated as follows:

* "All Israel" are saved at the end of the 70th week of Daniel.
* When Jesus appears every eye will see Him. (Revelation 1:7).
* The rapture occurs at some point between the sixth and seventh seal of Revelation, after the great tribulation before the wrath of God is implemented, (Revelation 6:17).  

* After the rapture Jesus will usher God's people before the Father's throne in heaven. (John 14:1-3, Revelation 7:9, and 2 Corinthians 5:10).

* The saints return with Jesus at the battle of Armageddon. (1 Thessalonians 3:13). 

Richardson concludes this video with a pep talk which verges on indolence. He glosses over the differences between the prewrath and post-trib rapture positions and he muddies the waters by making statements like: "It is ok to not settle on a clear position..  there is tension no matter which position we take..  there are no rewards for whoever has the perfect timeline." I would not argue against him that the way we live as Christians is critically important. However, the way we live should not be at the expense of applying ourselves to studying the scriptures. Although it is possible to be saved and hold differing opinions about the rapture, I think it is irresponsible to downplay these differences. I actually think that it is possible to come to a clear understanding on the rapture question, and that there will be rewards for those who diligently search the scriptures and sincerely hold on to sound doctrine. 

Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Timothy 4:16 cf. 2 Timothy 2:15).

Richardson's perversion of the prewrath position is either based on ignorance, or else it is a deliberate attempt to sabotage prewrath teaching. Whichever is the case, he has completely misrepresented the prewrath position, and in the process he has created a "conundrum" of his own making. This is very unfortunate and adds to the confusion surrounding the rapture question. 

Richardson obviously does not value the principle of biblical separation. His appearances on TBN and CBN with various questionable characters is alarming to say the least. (Romans 16:17; Ephesians 5:11). One way or another, Joel Richardson and his latest questionable associate, Dalton Thomas (Frontier Alliance International), do more harm than good with their eschatological distortions. Beware of Frontier Alliance International {1}

1. mikereynolds.org

Further Information: 

7 Pretrib Problems and the Prewrath Rapture (Full Movie) - YouTube

JOEL RICHARDSON ENDORSES PAUL CAIN # CHARISMANIA!

(33) AFGHANISTAN IN PROPHECY: The Taliban, Biblical Prophecy, and the Great Harvest - YouTub

The recent concerning events in Afghanistan have prompted Joel Richardson to give a heads up to charismania, and in particular false prophet Paul Cain. This shouldn't surprise anyone since he regularly appears with various false teachers on CNN and TBN, many of whom are ecumenical and apostate.

In common with many believers, Richardson admits that he has been "burnt" over the years by charismania. As such you would think that he would have learned his lesson. Richardson is very good at doublespeak. Whilst avoiding any discussion about the false teachings and immoral lifestyle of Paul Cain (1929-2019), Richardson openly endorses this arch deceivers so called "prophetic ministry". Joel Richardson on the subject of Paul Cain's history as a drunkard, a homosexual, a false teacher and a liar: "I don't know, I don't track with it and I don't care.. it is none of my business."  As a Christian teacher and broadcaster, it is Richardson's responsibility to make it his business!  Teachers have a tremendous responsibility to protect the body of Christ from false teachers. (1 Peter 5:2-12).  

Like Richardson. I also believe that the Lord speaks today. However I absolutely reject the claims of neo-charismatic/Pentecostal NAR "apostles and prophets". I have no hesitation in marking them out as dangerous deceivers who are a blight on the Body of Christ. (2 Peter 2:13).

The false teachings and predictions of neo-charismatic "prophets" such as Rick Joyner, Benny Hinn, Bob Jones, John Paul Jackson, Paul Cain, Todd Bentley etc. have been thoroughly documented and exposed. I will not repeat the shameful antics of these wolves here. (See further links). After all the evidence of their lies and deception we should not consider or weigh anything they have to say! The scriptures teach unequivocally that we must mark and avoid such people: I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. (Romans 16:17).

Paul Cain was not a genuine prophet of God. 

Despite the real and present danger of leading believers into the devastating errors of charismania, in true hireling style, Richardson proceeds to relate a "prophecy" made by Paul Cain in June 1988. (John 10:13).

Richardson: "Paul did move in a profound anointing for words of knowledge and prophecy during his lifetime. In fact he actually shared a few prophetic words with me personally. They were things that no man in the world could know.. in a gathering of tens of thousands of people, he calls me out by name, calls out my wife's name, speaks specifically to the prayers that I was praying on the way there and the week before etc. etc. There were seasons during his ministry where he moved in a very legitimate word of knowledge and also prophecy. I believe he had a genuine gift."

Please forgive my skepticism if you are a follower of Joel Richardson, but we have seen this kind of thing before. Richardson's story reminded me of the Peter Popoff scams. Popoff revealed personal information about individuals during revival meetings, supposedly conveyed to him by God. Actually the information relayed to him by his wife by way of a hidden radio transmitter. {1} Another example is cold-reading false prophet Shawn "Smart Phone" Bolz. {2} Who knows where these "prophets" obtain their information and what they get up to! They think nothing of employing Popoff style scams or making things up out of their own imagination. (Ezekiel 13:17). In some instances false prophets have a connection with unclean spirits, and it is my view that Paul Cain fell into this category. Like any diviner or spiritualist, information gained from this source can be unnervingly accurate. (Acts 16:16). In Paul Cain's case, there appears to have been a definite demonic connection. According to David Pytches: “Paul's mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother had all been born with the gift of 'seeing.' His great-grandmother would sometimes see things in broad daylight and ask her friends or family if they could see them too. If they said they could not, she would occasionally lay her hand upon them and they would immediately see the identical vision. …Cain inherited this gift passed on from generations believing it is from the Lord where 'He could see when a person was going to be healed and live and also knew when someone was going to die.' (David Pytches in Some Said it Thundered Some Said it Thundered p.24-25)." {3}

Richardson goes on to endorse Paul Cain's 1988 "three part prophecy" beginning with the 1988 Bush/Quayle presidential election.  

1. “George Bush is not fishing, he is hunting for quail right now. But quail will be behind the bush..”

On the 16th of August 1988 George HW Bush selected little-known 41-year-old Senator Dan Quayle as his running mate.

2. "Within one year after George H Bush is in office I am going to deal a death blow.. I am going to knock the wind out of communism.' 

3. 'I am going to raise up the residue or the remnants of communism and it is going to marry/join/mix with the spirit of Islam.. Together this will form an empire that will be led by the Antichrist. It will have tremendous power in Europe, but the church in Europe, particularly in London and Berlin will rise up and stand against this thing and do great exploits."

The full narrative can be found on: Mike Bickle in Nürnberg Sept 6th 1992 (kingdomimpact.org)

Richardson freely admits that scripture does not seem to point to a coalition between Communism and Islam, and he affirms that they have no ideological connection. Nevertheless, having set the scene, in typical Richardson double speak, he essentially props up his own theories with Cain's prophecy and a further "prophecy" from a unspecified Pentecostal minister: "The events in Afghanistan probably is the beginning of this marriage in the spirit between communism and radical Islam."    

It is true that both both China and Russia are seeking to befriend the Taliban at the present time, and they may well form a coalition. However, we need to be very cautious about how end time prophecy will play out. Anyone giving credit to someone of Paul Cain's dubious reputation is very foolish. Where the scriptures are silent, we should be silent. Even if Paul Cain's information is correct, we know that Satan is a liar and cannot ultimately be trusted. (John 8:44).

Richardson continues and quotes an unnamed Pentecostal minister who had a dream that seemingly confirms the third part of Paul Cain's prophecy. (25:00 mark)

"He shared a dream where he saw a wheat field.. at night.. Above the wheat field was a crescent red moon with a star above it, and it was red. It was a bright crescent red moon with a star, and then it went down, and then he saw the harvest taking place, and then as it rose back up, this bright red crescent with the star, the harvest continued. ..it looked like the former soviet red flag with the hammer and sickle.. and also resembles the Chinese flag and then of course the Turkish flag which is red with the white crescent moon and star with five points. In his dream the star actually had six points. His impression, what the crescent represented was a merger between Islam and communism. It dovetailed with the word that was shared by Paul Cain in the 80's.."

I will not comment on an anonymous "prophecy" or a "prophet" that Richardson refuses to name. Why hasn't this "prophet" gone public if his dream is truly from the Lord? 

Scripture always trumps prophecy!

If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the LORD your God is testing you, to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. (Deuteronomy 13:1-3).

Paul Cain endorsed false teacher Joseph Prince in 1992. {4} He also endorsed and transferred his "anointing" to Todd Bentley. {5} Paul Cain also claimed to have had a dream in which he saw God put His Spirit upon President Clinton and change him into another man in an identical manner to King Saul in 1 Samuel 10. {6} 

Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Timothy 4:16).

Paul Cain and his protégé Todd Bentley are both doctrinally and morally bankrupt ~ they have neither sound morals or sound teaching! These charlatans have absolutely nothing to offer that any true Christian would benefit from, on the contrary. 

Joel Richardson's concerns for the Christians in Afghanistan might be more convincing if sound doctrine and the spiritual wellbeing of the Body of Christ was on his agenda! 

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1).

1. Preacher sells debt removal through prayer | ABC7 Los Angeles | abc7.com - ABC7 Los Angeles

2. Facebook
3. (6) Shawn "Smart Phone" Bolz: Cold-Reading False Prophet! - YouTube

4. (33) Paul Cain Prophecy on Pastor Joseph Prince (1992) - YouTube
5. (33) Paul Cain transfers His "Anointing" to Todd Bentely - YouTube
6. thebereancall.org

Further Links:

Prophet Paul Cain (letusreason.org)
Apologetics research resources on religious cults and sects - About Paul Cain (apologeticsindex.org)

CHARLES COOPER'S APPRAISAL OF THE RICHARDSON/WHITE ANTICHRIST DEBATE

We All Lost! The Richardson/White Debate - An Appraisal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH5FkVL4Jdc&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1YZnmOpNcdpLzWzwLWvIF15eSfQGNZ-Hq-MAJAUSuKKi983lt8M9thCac

DEBATE With Joel Richardson & Chris White: Will The Antichrist Be A False Jewish Messiah?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy2ytMSFvm0

This post exposes the various inconsistencies in Charles Cooper's "appraisal" of the recent debate between Joel Richardson and Chris White regarding the ethnicity of the Antichrist. Charles Cooper's assessment, including his personal remarks about Robert Van Kampen, Chris White and Joel Richardson was extremely insulting and unnecessary. I really did not want to hear that Van Kampen could be "very mean and nasty" and that "his bible study skills were limited". Apparently Cooper thinks that it is acceptable to say negative things about Van Kampen because he died in 1999 and is no longer with us. I wonder how Van Kampen's family feel about Cooper's attempt to tarnish his reputation. As founder of the PreWrath Resource Institute in Orlando, Florida, I question whether Cooper's remarks were helpful to the prewrath cause, especially since this debate did not specifically concern either Van Kampen or the prewrath rapture position.

Van Kampen was a very gifted man. As well as being a successful businessman and investor, he rediscovered and developed the biblical prewrath rapture position held by the early church fathers. As such, he presented a significant challenge to the false the pre-tribulation rapture camp. I don't know whether Van Kampen had any recognized theological qualifications, but his prewrath work surpassed that of many qualified theologians in my view. Unlike the pre-trib or post-trib views, the prewrath rapture view is incredibly accurate when tested against the scriptures. (1 John 4:1; Acts 17:11).

I was aware of Van Kampen's view that Hitler will be the Antichrist, but I have not read his books The Sign or The Fourth Reich. The sign is a discourse on the end times featuring the prewrath rapture, and The Fourth Reich is a novel. Undoubtedly Hitler was a type of the Antichrist in that he fulfilled many of the "qualifications" for such a candidate, in particular his hatred for the Jews. Van Kampen clearly convinced himself about Hitler, but his conclusion is questionable. Considering that Van Kampen's views about the Antichrist were not the subject of this debate, I can't see that Cooper's remarks were at all relevant or edifying to those considering the prewrath position.

The Van Kampen Collection is one of the most significant collections of biblically related artifacts, scrolls, manuscripts and early printed editions of the Bible in the world. The Collection was assembled by the Van Kampen family and is open to the public at The Scriptorium: Center for Biblical Antiquities at The Holy Land Experience in Orlando Florida. Unfortunately it is now owned by TBN. {1}

Cooper's "expert advice" was to counsel people not to watch this debate. He also stated that he was "very disappointed" at least three times.

Cooper: "Joel Richardson ~ I have never met the man..  I have only just read some of his works. Friends of mine have..  but when I read some of his first works, it became very clear to me that Mr Richardson is a fiction writer ~ most of what he writes is fiction. He thinks it's truth but it's not. He has very limited exegetical skills, same as Van Kampen, they don't work in the original languages..  When you get to the level that these men are presenting themselves, you got to know how to deal with the text.. Mr Richardson violates and makes the error of 'illegitimate totality transfer' over and over again, assuming that because a word or phrase or idea in one place that it is going to mean that same thing somewhere else..  When I read his book I realized he has no spiritual discernment, none.." (22:00 mark)

Cooper openly admits that he only has a superficial knowledge of Richardson's early material (apparently only one book). As such, he is not in a position to make any judgements about Richardson's work. (Matthew 7:1-5).

Following his attack on Richardson, Cooper proceeded to direct his negative attention towards White.

Regarding White's book (presumably) False Christ: Will the Antichrist Claim to Be the Jewish Messiah? {2} Cooper said: "I really really really REALLY wish had allowed me to read it before he published it."  (15:20 mark)

Cooper: "As prewrathers we got to stick together particularly when it comes to teaching what is essential to prewrath. Its alright to speculate.. to have cofee-esk... what or what is not the meaning of the scripture we should have extreme caution and we should proceed very carefully.. needless unnecessary distractions... and we don't need that... Chris has used a lot of my material... in a lot of ways he is like Van Kampen, these guys are tenacious..   he is in many many ways the consummate researcher,  but in many ways he doesn't have refined exegetical skills..  you cannot use a simplistic hermeneutic..  illegitimate totality transfer...   argue that the antichrist is a Jew a Jew who is timing to be the messiah, the true messiah and that he is a Jew...  the accumulative build up of a lot of circumstantial evidence.."  (29:00 mark)

Clearly White did not feel that it was necessary to defer to Cooper before he published his book, and why should he? Although Cooper claims to know White, he obviously does not know him very well. Cooper admitted that he has not read White's book and that he was not even aware that he held this view. White has stated that it took him some years to come to this view, and that two previous books preceded this one. {2} This suggests that the two men have had no contact for a number of years, since the book in question was published in 2014. It seems very strange that Cooper should denigrate White's exegetical skills when (apparently) he has had no recent contact with him and has not even read his material. Cooper's unkind attacks on both Richardson and White were superficial in that they were not based on a thorough or current assessment of their work.

Cooper has a strong personality and is very good at promoting himself. He tells us that people are waiting with bated breath for him to publish his latest book: "..people want me to (publish), they are begging me, they want me to put it out, they are excited.." (18:00  mark)

Cooper seems to think that other prewrath scholars need to defer to him in order for them all to sing from the same hymn sheet, in other words he seeks to rule others. In reality this is never going to happen. It appears that Cooper believes that he is the only bible scholar with superior exegetical skills. I must say that I haven't noticed! Cooper also boasts of having superior revelations that most of us mere mortals are not ready to hear. (47:00 mark) I can only hope and pray that he continues to keep them to himself! Having observed his cringeworthy performance at Fellowship Bible Chapel Fall Prophecy Conference Q&A last year, I can say nothing good about Cooper's exegetical skills:

Fellowship Bible Chapel Fall Prophecy Conference Q&A: Charles Cooper Concerns
https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com/2019/10/fellowship-bible-chapel-fall-prophecy.html
Fellowship Bible Chapel Fall Prophecy Conference Session 3 - Charles Cooper
https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com/2019/11/fellowship-bible-chapel-fall-prophecy.html

Cooper does himself no favours by attacking others in the guise of protecting the prewrath position. As far as I can determine, the biggest obstacle to the prewrath cause is Cooper himself rather than those he perceives as his underlings.

Was the debate between Richardson and White a waste of time as Cooper claims? Even though I did not resonate with a number of points on both sides of the debate, I found it interesting and I learned a lot from it. In my view, the anti-Semitic remarks were overdone by Richardson. Although he did not directly claim that White was anti-Semitic, the inference was there. By the same criteria, we could say that Richardson's position is Islamophobic.

Richardson seems not to value the principle of biblical separation. His appearances on TBN and CBN with various questionable characters alarms me very greatly. Those with any kind of influence in the church should not defile themselves, and by implication, influence others, by knowingly associating with apostates and false teachers. (Romans 16:17; Ephesians 5:11).

For the purposes of this post, I will limit myself to Richardson's co-author Walid Shoebat ~ God's War on Terror: Islam Prophecy and the Bible) {3} I am in the process of reading Chris Whites book, Islamic Antichrist Debunked. {4} In chapters 7 and 8 of this book, White successfully demolishes Shoebat's flawed exegesis of Isaiah 21 which refers to historic Babylon and not end time Babylon as Shoebat claims. White also destroys Shoebat's proposition that Edom is Babylon, and he also unmasks Shoebat's unsound translation of pséphizó (calculate) and arithmos (number) in Revelation 13:18. In short, White thoroughly exposes Shoebat's unhinged hermeneutics in favour of an Islamic Antichrist. I have to say at this point that it absolutely astounds me that so many "teachers" change the book of Revelation, apparently for their own quesionable reasons. (Revelation 22:18)

Shoebat's translation of the mark of the beast can be found on the following link: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtquNNEO7Fw
Shoebat's tranlsation is also exposed by C Michael Patton:
https://credohouse.org/blog/walid-shoebat-youtube-video-on-the-mark-of-the-beast 

Apart from his dubious theology, Shoebat's claim to be a former terrorist has come under scrutiny and was investigated by CNN’s Anderson Cooper in 2011: "..finding no evidence of him being a terrorist, nor did Shoebat’s relatives, who were interviewed for the investigation, support his claims. More damningly, CNN’s Jerusalem bureau reported: “The Tel Aviv headquarters of Bank Leumi had no record of a firebombing at its now-demolished Bethlehem branch. Israeli police had no record of the bombing, and the prison where Shoebat says he was held ‘for a few weeks’ for inciting anti-Israel demonstrations says it has no record of him being incarcerated there either.” {5} 

There is too much to say about the flawed Islamic Antichrist theory in this post. I recommend White's book in which he comprehensively breaks down the position point by point.

White keeps better company than Richardson. However, I have difficulty accepting his thesis that the Antichrist will be Jewish.

White: "The thesis of this book is that the Antichrist will attempt to present himself as the Jewish Messiah, that he will try his best to appear as if he is instituting what Jewish believers know as the Messianic Age and what Christians know as the Millennial reign."  {6}

White's claim that this was the earliest view of the church can be confirmed, but I am still not convinced. {7} Problematically, I find nothing in the scriptures that supports this view. As Richardson points out: "The Bible does not specifically say that the Jews will accept the Antichrist as the Messiah." {8} This is a a critical point.

My view is that at this stage it is impossible to definitively identify the ethnicity of Antichrist. All the various theories about the Antichrist seem to be fraught with difficulties. Certainly the various conjectures about Obama, Macron etc. are mere speculation. It is entirely possible that no one will know the answer to this question until the Antichrist is "revealed".

Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

Having said that, it appears that it will be possible for the wise to identify the beast at some point: ..let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666. (Revelation 13:18).

There is much to think about following this debate. It has certainly challenged me to search the scriptures and to undertake further research on the subject.

1. https://legacy-cdn-assets.answersingenesis.org/assets/pdf/am/v4/n2/scriptorium-guide.pdf
2. https://www.amazon.co.uk/False-Christ-Antichrist-Jewish-Messiah/dp/0991232925
3. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gods-War-Terror-Islam-Prophecy-ebook/dp/B00C0UQGLU
4. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Islamic-Antichrist-Debunked-Comprehensive-Critique/dp/0991232941
5. https://tribune.com.pk/story/247165/walid-shoebat-false-prophet-of-fear/
6. https://www.amazon.co.uk/False-Christ-Antichrist-Jewish-Messiah/dp/0991232925
7. https://www.catholic.com/tract/the-antichrist
8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH5FkVL4Jdc&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1YZnmOpNcdpLzWzwLWvIF15eSfQGNZ-Hq-MAJAUSuKKi983lt8M9thCac

JOEL RICHARDSON: THE DEATH OF THE ANTICHRIST IS A FALSE TEACHING

The Death of the Antichrist Fulfilled

Joel Richardson's shady agenda continues as he presses his unbiblical case for the death of the Antichrist. In this video, he works stealthily under the cover of legitimate arguments against preterism.

And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh. (Revelation 19:19-21). and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Revelation 20:10 cf. Revelation 17:11). 

 

Richardson's false claim that Gog is the Antichrist 

Richardson conflates the Gog/Magog war in Ezekiel 38-39 and Armageddon. (Revelation 16:14-16; 19:1-21 cf. Zechariah 14:1-17). The insurmountable difficulty with this position is that Gog will attack Israel when they are "dwelling securely".

Thus says the Lord God: On that day, thoughts will come into your mind, and you will devise an evil scheme and say, ‘I will go up against the land of unwalled villages. I will fall upon the quiet people who dwell securely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having no bars or gate.. Therefore, son of man, prophesy, and say to Gog, Thus says the Lord GOD: On that day when my people Israel are dwelling securely, will you not know it? You will come from your place out of the uttermost parts of the north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great host, a mighty army. You will come up against my people Israel, like a cloud covering the land. In the latter days I will bring you against my land, that the nations may know me, when through you, O Gog, I vindicate my holiness before their eyes. (Ezekiel 38: 10-16). 

At the close of the 70th week of Daniel, Israel will certainly not be "dwelling securely". The Bible refers to a period of great distress and tribulation that will come upon the Jewish people in the period known as "the great tribulation" and "Jacob's trouble". Alas! That day is so great there is none like it; it is a time of distress for Jacob; yet he shall be saved out of it. (Jeremiah 30:7). The Antichrist's persecution against the Jews from the midpoint of the 70th week will leave the Jews decimated.  And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. (Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21; Zechariah 13:8-9).). 

Further reasons why Richardson's Gog/Antichrist argument is a non-starter.

* Specific countries are named in Ezekiel 38:1-6, whereas "all the kings of the earth" are assembled against Israel at Armageddon. (Revelation 16:12-16).

* The battles have different locations. Gog fights in the mountains in the north/northern Israel. (Ezekiel 39:2-4). Armageddon takes place in the valley of Jezreel. (Revelation 16:16).

* Gog's incentive is to take wealth. (Ezekiel 38:12). The Antichrist's agenda is to destroy the Jews and world domination. (Revelation 12:13,13:8).

* Israel will not be dwelling securely when Armageddon occurs (above).

* Gog's armies will be destroyed by torrents of rain, hailstones, fire, sulfur, and self-inflicted wounds. (Ezekiel 38:21). The Antichrist armies will be destroyed directly by Jesus Christ. (Revelation 19:15).  

* Gog's activities are limited to Israel. (Ezekiel 38:16). Armageddon is a global battle. (Revelation 16:14-16). 

* The Israelites will be burying the bodies of Gog's armies for seven months. (Ezekiel 39:12). The dead bodies of the Antichrist armies are eaten by birds for seven months and no cleanup operation is mentioned. (Revelation 19:17).

* Gog is killed and is buried in the Valley of the Travelers. (Ezekiel 39:11). The Antichrist and the false prophet are captured and are thrown alive into the lake of fire. (Revelation 19:20).

Sisera's death

Richardson identifies Sisera, the oppressor of the Israelites and the commander of the Canaanite army in Judges 4-5 as a type of the Antichirst. (Judges 4:3). The ludicrous argument presented by Richardson is that because Jael killed Sisera with a tent peg, the Antichrist will also be killed by a "tent peg". In the Bible, a type (typology) is a representation by one thing of another e.g. Adam was a type of Christ (Romans 5:14), the Passover was a type of Christ (1 Corinthians 5:7) etc. Types should not be taken verbatim to apply to what they represent in every detail. Richardson digs a deeper hole with his questionable connection with Zechariah 10:4 where the same noun (yathed) is used but in a completely different context. 

But Jael the wife of Heber took a tent peg, and took a hammer in her hand. Then she went softly to him and drove the peg into his temple until it went down into the ground while he was lying fast asleep from weariness. So he died. (Judges 4:21).

From him shall come the cornerstone, from him the tent peg (yathed), from him the battle bow, from him every ruler—all of them together.. (Zechariah 10:4). KJV: out of him the nail..

Strongs: "yathed: nail, paddle, pin, stake".1 

Pulpit Commentary: "The nail. The word (yathed) is taken for the peg that fastens the cord of a tent, for a nail used in building with timber, or a peg for hanging up arms and utensils on the walls of a house. In whichever sense we take it here, it implies one who consolidates or upholds the political constitution (Isaiah 22:23, 24)".2

The King of Babylon Isaiah 14:15-20 

Isaiah 14 is a well-known passage that includes a taunt against the King of Babylon. (Isaiah 14:4-11). The focus changes in verses 12-14 with allusions to Lucifer, the morning star (Satan) whose vain aspirations to be "like God" led to his downfall from heaven. Verse 16 reverts back to the King of Babylon who suffers an ignominious death. Richardson's view that "the man" in Isaiah 14:16 is the Antichrist is an uncorroborated assumption.

Is this the man? Isaiah 14:16

Those who see you will stare at you and ponder over you: ‘Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms, who made the world like a desert and overthrew its cities.. (Isaiah 14:16-17).

Morris: "Here Isaiah's vision, which had focused upon Satan in Isaiah 14:12-15, returns to the human king of Babylon (who had been possessed by Satan) and his reception by the other dead kings as they greet him in hell (Sheol, the great pit at the center of the earth)."3 

Coffman: "Whatever specific king the Lord could have been speaking of in this prophecy, we must believe that this chapter should be read, 'as a prediction of the fall of every human tyrant and his fate in the afterlife.'" 4 

Pulpit Commentary: "Verse 16. - They that see thee. Dr. Kay well observes that 'here the scene of the parable is changed back to earth. The corpse of the mighty conqueror is lying unburied.' Shall narrowly look upon thee. Like the inhabitants of hell (ver. 10), those of earth also shall scarcely believe their eyes. They shall look close to see if it is indeed the great king that is slain. Isaiah 14:16."5

Those who follow Richardson seem easily persuaded by his silver tongue, but critically they have yet to do their homework. (1 John 4:1). I highly recommend Chris White's comprehensive podcast in which he systematically demolishes the Islamic Antichrist view point by point: CHRIS WHITE, Author at Bible Prophecy Daily

So why does Richardson persist in promoting these defective eschatological views? I venture to guess that confusion is his main intention combined with peddling his books and other materials. (2 Corinthians 2:17; 1 Timothy 6:10). The answer becomes clearer when we look at his track record. Richardson has been involved with false teachers from the beginning. He claims that his "prophetic endorsement" by "Latter Rain" false prophet and wolf Paul Cain was the catalyst that kick-started his "ministry". Note his associations with false teachers include Mormon Glenn Beck, Jim Bakker, Sid Roth, Mike Bickle, Walid Schoebat, Paul Wilbur, TBN, Pat Robertson 700 Club, CBN News, Joel Rosenberg (listed 2009), IHOP (International House of Prayer), Jonathan Cahn, Mark Biltz, Chuck Missler, Daystar TV, Vlad Savchuck, Chris Reed and Dalton Thomas. Richardson's false teachings also include Identificational Repentance and the Metatron heresy.6 

Richardson's subterfuge that the Antichrist will be literally killed as opposed to thrown alive into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20) is blatantly false. The scriptures are unambiguous. The Antichrist and the false prophet will be treated differently from the rest of the wicked humanity at Armageddon. They will not be killed, they will be fast-tracked alive to the lake of fire. The lake of fire (second death) is not allocated to unbelievers until the end of the millennium. (Revelation 20:13-15,21:8). Richardson not only violates the Book of Revelation (Revelation 22:18-19), he also flouts sound hermeneutics. (1 Corinthians 4:6). A general principle of hermeneutics is that clear passages always take precedence over ambiguous ones. 

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. (Romans 16:17).

1. Strong's Hebrew: 3489. יָתֵד (yathed) -- a peg, pin
2. Zechariah 10 Pulpit Commentary
3. Isaiah 14 Commentary | Precept Austin
4. Isaiah 14 - Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible - Bible Commentaries - StudyLight.org
5. Isaiah 14 Pulpit Commentary

6. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Joel Richardson

JOEL RICHARDSON: SABOTAGING PREWRATH!

(210) The Pre-Wrath Rapture Strengths & Weaknesses THE RAPTURE & ENDURANCE OF THE SAINTS - YouTube

Given my misgivings regarding Joel Richardson's ministry, I have some skepticism about his motives and whether he really does have genuine questions about the prewrath rapture view, or whether this is an attempt at sabotage. Reading the comments below this video, Richardson appears to have succeeded in putting his listeners into a spin! In any event, I will attempt to refute what Richardson refers to as prewrath "weaknesses" below for the benefit of those he has thrown into confusion. 

The day or the hour (Matthew 24:36)

According to Richardson, one of the common objections to the posttrib rapture view is that Jesus' return can be determined by calculating the time between the point at which the Antichrist takes his seat in the temple of God (2 Thessalonians 2:4) and Armageddon (Revelation 19:19). The period referred to in Revelation 11 and 12 is 1260 days, 42 months, a time, time and half a time based on a 360-day prophetic year. Daniel also refers to 1,290, 1,335, and 2,300 days. (Daniel 8:14,12:11-12). The posttrib camp amalgamates the tribulation and the wrath of God, and according to this view, the period referred to is exactly 42 months or 3.5 prophetic years. If the posttrib camp were to calculate the precise day of Jesus' return, I believe they would base it on 1260 days. Richardson's speculations regarding the various time periods specified in Revelation and Daniel are rather muddled.     

Two comings?

The information that Jesus will appear in heaven/come on the clouds of heaven immediately after the tribulation following the cosmic disturbances is unequivocal and is recorded in all three synoptic gospels. As such there can be no doubt that this is precisely when the rapture will occur.     

Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matthew 24:29-31 cf. Mark 13:24-27; Luke 21:25-27 cf. Revelation 7:14).

Richardson: "No matter how you slice it, the prewrath perspective has more than one coming of Jesus."

Richardson's misrepresentation of the prewrath view as "two comings" is a criticism often levelled against the pre-trib camp. Alan Kurschner and other prewrath scholars have demonstrated repeatedly that there is no disconnect between the rapture and the second coming (the Parousia). Rather the rapture initiates part of a unified complex event that begins following the cosmic disturbances.1  When the prewrath view is understood correctly as a unified complex event, this alleged "weakness" is easily debunked. 

Christ cannot return until all His enemies have been defeated?

Richardson argues that Jesus Christ cannot leave heaven until his enemies are defeated based on Psalm 110:1 and Matthew 22:44. The context of Psalm 110, particularly verse 5, reveals that this argument is deficient.

The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” The LORD extends Your mighty scepter from Zion: “Rule in the midst of Your enemies." Your people shall be willing on Your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, from the womb of the dawn, to You belongs the dew of Your youth. The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” The Lord is at Your right hand; He will crush kings in the day of His wrath. He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead; He will crush the leaders far and wide. He will drink from the brook by the road; therefore He will lift up His head. (Psalm 110:1-7).

Following the great tribulation and the cosmic disturbances, the defeat of God's enemies is a foregone conclusion. (Revelation 6:16-17). Psalm 110:1 is an overview, whereas a more detailed description of what will occur follows. Before the rapture of the church, the mediatorial reign of Christ from heaven at the right hand of God is stated as His primary function. (Hebrews 7:25). Once the rapture has occurred there will be no more occasion for Christ's mediatorial reign. 

Bengel's Gnomen: 1 Corinthians 15:25. Δεῖ, He must) for it has been foretold.—αὐτὸν, He) Christ.—βασιλεύειν, reign) ררה, reign Thou in the midst of Thy enemies, Psalm 110:2.—ἄχρις οὗ ἄν, until) There will be no further need of the mediatorial reign.—θῇ, He hath put) viz. the Father.—πάντας, all) Paul brings in this, to prepare for a transition to what follows.—τοὺς ἐχθροὺς, enemies) bodily and spiritual, supply His, from that expression, His feet, to wit, the Son’s: but it is now elegantly elliptical; since Christ has long ago destroyed these enemies, in so far as they were the enemies of Christ; He will destroy them [their destruction is still future], in so far as they are our enemies. The remaining part of His victory bears the same relation to His triumph already achieved, as any frontier or corner does to the whole extent of any human monarchy which has been subdued. 2

In Psalm 110:5 there is a major shift in the activity of the Godhead. Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father in Psalm 110:1. In verse 5, the Father (Adonai), is at the Messiah's right hand in the day of His wrath. This shift occurs at the onset of the day of His wrath i.e at the breaking seventh seal of Revelation. 

When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel. Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake. (Revelation 8:1-5). 

Following a momentous silence in heaven for about half an hour, the seven angels who stand before God are given trumpets. Another angel offers much incense with "the prayers of all the saints". This indicates that the prayers of the saints are complete and confirms that the rapture has occurred. During the day of His wrath, Jesus directs the angels via the trumpet and bowl judgements from heaven. As such, Jesus no longer sits at the right hand of the Father following the prewrath rapture and during the Day of the Lord. 

Richardson's postrib "hybrid" view is problematic. When Jesus returns at Armageddon, His enemies are not literally under His feet until He has defeated them! The idea that Jesus must be seated next to the Father until His enemies are literally defeated is unsustainable.

The Last Trumpet?

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15).

The post-trib view makes the assumption that the church will be on the earth when the seventh trumpet of Revelation 11:15 is sounded. However, there are a number of reasons why this cannot be the case. Revelation 7:9-17 situates the resurrected saints between the sixth and seventh seal i.e. a great multitude suddenly appears in heaven prior to the breaking of the seventh seal. It is explicitly stated: These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; (Revelation 7:14). 

It is not possible for the seventh trumpet to be sounded before the breaking of the seventh seal. 

The seven trumpets in Revelation 11 signify judgments, they do not signify gathering. 

The announcement of the third woe immediately precedes the seventh trumpet. (Revelation 11:14). 

The narrative continues in Revelation 15-16 with the final seven plagues of God’s wrath poured out in the seven bowl judgments. (chapters 15–16). 

Paul knew nothing about the Book of Revelation. 1 Corinthians was written around 55AD, whereas the book of Revelation was written around 90-95AD, approximately forty years later. As such, the final trumpets of God's wrath were not in Paul's mind when he wrote this epistle.

For further details please refer to Alan Kurschner's article below. 

The tribulation must last for three and a half years?

He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. (Daniel 7:25).  

And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. (Matthew 24:22; Mark 13:20).).

A critical aspect of the prewrath view is that the great tribulation will be cut short (koloboó). Literally "to mutilate (Polybius 1, 80, 13); hence in the N. T. of time (Vulg.brevio) to shorten, abridge, curtail: Matthew 24:22; Mark 13:20.."3 Some describe this event as an amputation. i.e. the saints are physically amputated or snatched away at this time. The remainder of the seven-year period facilitates sufficient time for God to pour out His wrath. 

My concern is that Richardson's equivocations are likely to put a stumbling block in the way of those seeking answers to the rapture question. What is needed is a robust argument that stands up to genuine criticism, and in my view prewrath achieves this. 

1. Will Jesus Come FOR HIS CHURCH at the Rapture, But WITH HIS CHURCH at the Second Coming? - Ep 145 | ESCHATOS MINISTRIES (alankurschner.com)
2. 1 Corinthians 15:25 Commentaries: For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. (biblehub.com)
3. Strong's Greek: 2856. κολοβόω (koloboó) -- to curtail (biblehub.com)

Further Links

WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Joel Richardson (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
Articles for Posttribulationism to Consider | ESCHATOS MINISTRIES (alankurschner.com)For THIS Reason the 'Last Trump' Cannot Be the Seventh Trumpet - Ep. 169 | ESCHATOS MINISTRIES (alankurschner.com)
A Response to Joel Richardson (alankurschner.com)
Why are Joe Schimmel and Jacob Prasch not discerning within their own camps? - UK Aplogetics Library (ukapologeticslibrary.net)
The Islamic Antichrist Theory Debunked - FULL 8 HOUR - AUDIO BOOK - Bible Prophecy (youtube.com)

7 Pretrib Problems and the Prewrath Rapture

left behind or led astray: paul wilkinson's vitriolic outburst at the berean call conference 2015!!!

http://livestream.com/bereancallconference/israel2

Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? (Job 38:2)

The recent vitriol Paul Wilkinson displayed at the Berean Call Conference against the film Left Behind or Led Astray by Good Fight Ministries is an appalling attempt to discredit three brothers in Christ who reject the pre-tribulation rapture theory and who variously hold to a post-tribulation or intra-seal (pre-wrath) position!

The Berean Call Conference did not live up to its name - in reality they are anything but Bereans (Acts 17:11). Instead of providing us with a reasoned argument supported by the scriptures, Paul Wilkinson tore into Joe Schimmel, Jacob Prasch, and Joel Richardson like a savage wolf. I have rarely witnessed such an arrogant and abusive outburst against Bible teachers who are infinitely better qualified to minister to the body of Christ than himself, men who rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

Paul Wilkinson: "This DVD is damaging, it's destructive, it's dangerous, and it is thoroughly dishonest, and it is one of the most abominable Christian DVD's I have ever sat through. .....it is full of false accusations, unsubstantiated myths and lies."

Paul Wilkinson: "The origin of the pre-tribulation rapture..... is found right here in the word of God" (waving his Bible in the air), though he did not care to specify where exactly!

The Bible teaches us to gently warn our opponents (assuming of course that we are right - 2 Timothy 2:25; see also 1 Timothy 5:1-2). It is a pity that Wilkinson could not extend the same grace that Joe Schimmel and Jacob Prasch extend to their brothers in Christ who hold a pre-tribulation rapture view. Jacob Prasch has always maintained that the timing of the rapture should not be a divisive issue. His previous respect towards and friendship with those holding a pre-tribulation view, such as Dave Hunt, bears witness to this. Joel Richardson also came under fire from Wilkinson for daring to express his view without being "a pastor of the flock of Jesus Christ."  Wilkinson is outraged that Joel Richardson "would DARE........ to say that pastors are leading the flock astray." Joel Richardson is a student of biblical prophecy, an evangelist, and an author and speaker; just because he is not "a pastor" does not disqualify him from having a view on the matter, as Wilkinson infers! Are we back in the Dark Ages? MY QUESTION: How DARE Wilkinson preclude ANYONE  from speaking out and expressing his/her concerns about this critical debate of our time? Wilkinson seems to put greater emphasis on the position of "pastor" (a superior being whom we should bow down and do blind obeisance to apparently) and worldly qualifications that glorify men more than the word of God. (Galatians 6:3; 1 Peter 5:3). He has insidiously voiced his own toxic opinion on this matter thereby predisposing his hearers into accepting it without providing any evidence to support it from the scriptures. In the process, he has maliciously attempted to harm the reputation and character of godly men, well known in their field, who are spiritually and academically head and shoulders above himself. Wilkinson's "thorough rebuttal" will apparently follow - but this is not the right way of doing things! There is clearly something very wrong here.

Instead of referring to the scriptures, Wilkinson made much of the supposed misinformation disseminated by Joe Schimmel in this DVD. Wilkinson insisted that Benjamin Wills Newton was NOT present with John Nelson Darby at Margaret McDonald's so-called "revelations" in Glasgow. For someone who constantly brags about his own integrity, Wilkinson has blatantly contradicted his own research, as demonstrated below!

"John Nelson Darby and Benjamin Wills Newton, whom the Brethren sent on their behalf to investigate, came to the conclusion that these displays were demonic."
Wilkinson, Paul Richard (2007). For Zion's Sake: Christian Zionism and the Role of John Nelson Darby. Paternoster. p. 192–93.  
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Macdonald_%28Prophecy%29

The connection that Joe Schimmel makes between Margaret McDonald and John Nelson Darby is that she uttered revelations about the rapture before the Second Coming, which apparently was a novel idea at that time. What Wilkinson fails to point out is that there are different editions of McDonald's utterance. Apparently the earlier version has at least nineteen instances where the account adds a significant amount of words not found in the more condensed later edition. The link below does in fact show that McDonald's utterance bears some relevance to the pre-tribulation theory, and in this sense, she is part of the history. If there were any doubts about Joe Schimmel's meaning, surely most self-respecting Christians would have had the grace to ask him for clarification before accusing him of dishonesty and vilifying him publicly!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_MacDonald_%28visionary%29  

Joe Schimmel: "Darby spent several days listening to Margaret McDonald's prophetic utterances about a secret second coming of Christ, which he and Newton came to believe were demonic in origin. However not long afterwards, DARBY HIMSELF WOULD FORMULATE HIS OWN NOVEL VIEWS ABOUT A SECRET COMING OF CHRIST."

It appears that Joe Schimmel is correct in saying that Edward Irving got the idea of a secret rapture from a Jesuit, and that Irving did have occult connections.
http://thedayaftertomorrow.net/gnk/The-Kabbalah-Unveiled.pdf
 
"For years the subject of prophecy had occupied much of his (Edward Irving's) thoughts, and his belief in the near approach of the second advent had received such wonderful corroboration by the perusal of the work of a Jesuit priest, Manuel Lacunza, writing under the assumed Jewish name of Juan Josafat Ben-Ezra, that in 1827 he published a translation of it....."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Irving

We should be very careful about calling anyone "a liar" (James 4:11). There are some very serious anomalies associated with Wilkinson's attack against Joe Schimmel, and I think we should question the motivation behind his vicious outburst!

"Paul Wilkinson is the Associate Minister at Hazel Grove Full Gospel Church in Stockport, England. He was converted to Christ in February 1990 whilst studying Mathematics and Statistics at the University of York. He has a BSc in Mathematics and Statistics, a BA and MA in Theology, and a PhD in Religions and Theology. He has also studied at the International School of Holocaust Studies at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. In 2007 his PhD thesis was published by Paternoster Press entitled, For Zion’s Sake: Christian Zionism and the Role of John Nelson Darby.
Paul Wilkinson is a member of the Council of Prophetic Witness Movement International in the UK, and a member of the Pre-Trib Research Center in Lynchburg, Virginia."
http://www.bereanwatchmen.com/index.php/guest-articles/paul-wilkinson

Now that we have got that out of the way and are suitably impressed, let us get on to the subject in hand i.e. the pre-tribulation rapture theory, which does not have one shred of evidence in the scriptures! Inconceivably, Wilkinson credits Darby with "restoring this precious truth"  .....where did Darby restore it from exactly? Wilkinson cannot argue against the fact that the pre-tribulation rapture was unheard of prior to 1830. To insist upon a theory that no one in the Christian world recognized until it was invented by Darby?* in the 1830's is to compromise one's spiritual and academic integrity. Wilkinson accuses Joe Schimmel and his guests of propagating "myths", yet ironically there is no greater myth than the secret rapture theory!

Wilkinson must be completely delusional if he really thinks that he can refute the following statements JUST BECAUSE HE SAYS SO, WITHOUT ONCE REFERRING TO THE SCRIPTURES! His behavior is just like that of his despotic hero, John Nelson Darby!

• A pre-trib rapture cannot be proven from the Bible. Wilkinson: "YES IT CAN!."
• Pre-trib pastors are failing in their role as pastors. Wilkinson: "NO THEY ARE NOT!"
• Its history is sordid and scandalous. Wilkinson: "NO IT IS NOT!"
• Its origins are occultic and demonic. Wilkinson: "NO THEY ARE NOT!"
• The "theory" can be traced in some form to the Jesuits. Wilkinson: "NO IT CANNOT!"

If we consider that the pre-tribulation theory puts Christians in danger of falling away and losing their salvation, then the statement: "Pre-tribulation pastors are failing in their role as pastors" is perfectly reasonable. Those leaders promoting this theory should be warned about teaching as doctrines the precepts of men, a practice that Jesus Christ condemned (Matthew 15:9).

"I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book....." (Revelation 22:18 see also Deuteronomy 4:2).

Error breeds error, and of course, the pre-tribulation theory stands in tandem with the error of imminence, which is another contrived doctrine not explicitly stated in the scriptures (2 Timothy 2:15; Galatians 5:9).

The main verses that support a post-tribulation/pre-wrath rapture are:

Immediately AFTER THE TRIBULATION of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. The Lesson of the Fig Tree “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. (Matthew 24:29-33, 36, emphasis added).

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) 

The dead in Christ rise FIRST on the LAST DAY preceding the rapture:

"This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at THE LAST DAY." (John 6:39, emphasis added)

"And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at THE LAST DAY." (John 6:40)

  "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at THE LAST DAY." (John 6:44)

  "Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at THE LAST DAY" (John 6:54)
 
1 Thessalonians 4 is similar to what Paul says in two other passages, 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 and Philippians 3:20-21. At Jesus’ “coming” or “appearing”, those who are still alive will be “changed” or “transformed” so that their mortal bodies will become incorruptible, deathless.

Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. (Revelation 3:10) 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGi9PBUJwAg

Numerous proof texts and passages support a post tribulation/pre-wrath rapture.

The awful accusations Wilkinson levels at Joe Schimmel and Jacob Prasch are unsubstantiated; they are scripturally deficient, devoid of academic integrity, and spiritually toxic. He is embarrassingly guilty of the very accusations he levels at them i.e. dishonesty, false accusations, unsubstantiated myths and lies. We should not be surprised when Wilkinson's false words come back to bite him!  (Galatians 6:7).

If Paul Wilkinson is so very confident about the pre-tribulation theory, then he should claim the $10,000 offered by Joe Schimmel to anyone who can show him one clear verse in the Bible that teaches a pre-tribulation rapture!

For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. The standing grain has no heads; it shall yield no flour; if it were to yield, strangers would devour it. (Hosea 8:7)

* Edward Irving published pre-tribulation teachings prior to Darby in his journal "The Morning Watch" (1830). It therefore appears that Darby was a plagiarist, and not the originator of the pre-tribulation theory.
http://www.seeking4truth.com/john_darby.htm 

A Roundtable Discussion Answering Dr. Paul Wilkinson & The Berean Call
Joe Schimmel, Jacob Prasch and John Haller:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiNjDYsHfh4&feature=youtu.be

The Sordid History of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture Deception:
http://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/thomas-ice-and-paul-wilkinson-sordid.html

Further  Links:
http://www.leftbehindorledastray.com/
http://www.solagroup.org/articles/endtimes/et_0006.html
http://www.leftbehindorledastray.com/an-open-letter-to-t-a-mcmahon-of-the-berean-call/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CGBKP1QKBM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyV1jGL_-WY
http://freestockphotos.com/COMING1/DarbysInvention.htm
http://www.spurgeon.org/s_and_t/dbreth.htm
https://vimeo.com/139809424