In the late 1980s Robert Van Kampen and Marvin Rosenthal popularized the "pre-wrath rapture" view, a new understanding of the time of God's rescue of His church from the worldwide time of Tribulation. Positioned between the traditional "mid-tribulation" and "post-tribulation" views of Christ's return, the "pre-wrath rapture" places the rapture after most of the seven-year Tribulation but before God unleashes His final wrath. Dr. Renald Showers, a longtime friend of Van Kampen and Rosenthal, has interacted extensively with the pre-wrath rapture theory since its inception and now offers an authoritative and biblical critique of this recent addition to the prophetic landscape. In this volume the author explores such topics as the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord, the significance of the seals and the sealed scroll, the great multitude, Matthew 24, and the Second Coming. Pastors, teachers, students, and lay people will find a helpful and evenhanded treatment as they evaluate the theory and guide others through the interpretative challenges of the "pre-wrath rapture" view. Renald E. Showers (Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary; Th.D., Grace Theological Seminary) serves on the staff of The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry in Pennsylvania. He has served as a pastor; as a member of the faculties of Lancaster School of the Bible, Moody Bible Institute, and Philadelphia College of the Bible; and as a visiting lecturer. His other works include The Most High God, Maranatha: Our Lord Come! and What on Earth Is God Doing?
