 
The majority of churches adhear to the doctrine of "Pre-tribulation Rapture." This doctrine teaches that a select few believers in Christ will be taken out of this world alive, before 666 is activated. The doctrine of pre-tribulation rapture is, however, contrary to scripture. The tragedy is that those who believe in pre-trib. either won't recognize 666 when it arrives, or will be completely confounded and physically unprepared for the 42 month period in which 666 is described to last. Rev 13:5, 16-18. At this time, I feel it necessary to explain why pre-tribulation rapture is biblically impossible. First however, let us be reminded by 2 Pet 1:20 that no prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation. 1 Thes 4:15-18 reveals that the living to be caught up to meet Jesus shall not go before the first resurrection of the dead saints. And Rev 20:4-5 clearly states that the dead saints in the first resurrection include those killed for refusing 666. Thus, how could the living be raptured before those killed for refusing 666? Mat 24:29-31 further states that Jesus is coming to gather his people immediately after the tribulation, not before! Most believers of pre-tribulation rapture rely heavily on the prophecy of Mt 24:40-41 to defend their belief. These verses are as follows," Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken and the other left." These verses are no proof except that some will be taken. The Bible says nothing of who does the taking, only that it will happen. Obviously when 666 arrives, one will have to have it in order to work. This explains why those without the mark or 666 would be apprehended and those with the mark would be left. 2 Thes 2:1-4 clearly states that, concerning the resurrection of the living, we should not be led to believe that the righteous will be raptured at any moment. For that day shall not come until after Satan sits in the temple of God as blasphemy. 1 Thes 5:9 clarifies that God has not appointed his people to suffer his wrath. However, Mt 24:21 quotes Jesus as saying, "For then shall be great tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be." Then in Mt 16:33, we are comforted with these words, "These things I have told you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Thus, God's people are not to suffer his wrath, but world tribulation, which is overcomeable.
Rev 3:10 further speaks of a small group of God's people who will not have to suffer the tribulation. As written in Mt 24:37, as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be at the return of Jesus. A few will physically survive the 42 months, just as Noah and his family survived the 40 days and nights. According to Mk 13:23, we are being forewarned but according to 2 Tm 4:3-4 many choose to not listen. This would explain why pre-tribulation rapture has become so widely taught and accepted. Mk 13:22 warns that false christs and false prophets will rise, showing signs and wonders to seduce, if it were possible, even God's elect. "Verily, the prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream and he that has God's word, let him speak God's word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? Saith the Lord." Jer 23:28-29.
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