Nelson A. Campos - The Last Trumpet: Hope For The Tribulation Saints

THE LAST TRUMPET

HOPE FOR THE TRIBULATION SAINTS

Copyright 2014 Nelson A. Campos.

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ISBN: 978-1-4917-2456-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4917-2457-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014902187

iUniverse rev. date: 04/30/2014

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture references
are from the ~ King James Version ~

~ KJV ~

Cover Image by: Richard Campos The Pelican Nebula.

Contents

Dedicated to my wife, Eve;

our three children: Richard, Lisa, and Rachelle;

and our three grandchildren: Kyle, Jamie, and Robert .

Being blessed with the opportunity to listen to Christian radio over the years, I was able to receive an abundance of teachings regarding biblical content, application, and prophecy. These teachings came primarily from prominent biblical scholars, such as Dr. J. Vernon McGee, Dr. Charles Stanley, Dr. David Hocking, Gary Stearman, Chuck Missler, and a host of others, including Hal Lindsey, Chuck Smith, and Chuck Swindle.

Listeners seek their guidance to provide a basic understanding of scriptural matters; but, inevitably, there comes a time in our learning when we find ourselves beginning to question certain teaching.

A lack of confidence in our ability to understand and study scriptures on our own may cause us to blindly follow certain traditional teachings. However, there are an abundance of Bible tools available to anyone who desires to learn without relying fully on the insights of others.

After listening to many teachings and commentaries, we can naturally develop our own understanding of certain biblical subjects. Hopefully this comes with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

I personally enjoy the study of Bible prophecy in light of the times and current world events. And boy, are they exciting.

Anyone who studies biblical prophecyespecially in regard to how it relates to future eventscan become frustrated over the controversy surrounding the rapture of the church, particularly in relationship to the future seven-year tribulation period. There never seems to be a clear-cut argument or resolution that would prove to be the correct interpretation while, at the same time, clearly disproving other views.

After hearing the arguments for and against each view, some students of prophecy may lean toward the pretribulation view. This is what I have done, mainly because I feel the evidence for this view is more convincing. After reaching this point, I set aside any further concern for this subject for several years.

One night while watching the Praise the Lord program on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), something caught my attention. Paul and Jan Crouch were cohosts for that evening. Their special guest was Joseph Good with Hatikva Ministries in Port Arthur, Texas.

I was fascinated with Mr. Goods teaching on Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year). At one point during the teaching, Paul Crouch asked Mr. Good how the tribulation saints ended up being in heaven with the Lord. I really appreciated Mr. Goods answer. It was an honest one. He admitted that he didnt have a theory on that and that he just didnt know.

Ever since, that same question has been nagging me. Approximately five years later, I decided to do a study on the matter. I got to wondering, if I was left behind after the rapture of the church and came to acknowledge and receive the Lord Jesus as my savior during the tribulation, what would be my hope of escape from such a terrible time? Would I be able to survive for seven years until the coming of the Lord, or would I be killed for my faith? What would be my hope of escape from persecution or death?

During the tribulation, millions will come to the shocking realization of what has happened; many will turn to the Lord. I suspect they will be looking for a way to escape, just as I am looking for the Lord to get me out of this messed-up world before it turns completely evil.

I have begun to look at scriptures a little differently, with more concern and increased sensitivity toward the tribulation saints. Its been about twenty years since I began toying with this question. At this time, I feel I may have something to offersomething that might stimulate others to further consider the plight of the tribulation saint.

Hindsight tends to be more accurate than foresight. Those who hold to a dogmatic view of certain future events may find themselves rather humbled when future events finally unfold.

The Word of God will be just as valid for those on the other side of the rapture during the seven-year tribulation period as it is on this side of the rapture. Those who find themselves in the tribulation period will have the advantage of hindsight when interpreting scripture.

I will be presenting some questions to those who hold fast to particular views and to those who refuse to accept the possibility of other views having some validity. My aim is not to disprove any particular view, but I hope to reconcile and bring into harmony opposing views. Here are the three most common views of the rapture:

1. The rapture will take place prior to the start of the tribulation period.

2. The rapture will take place during the middle of the tribulation.

3. The rapture will take place near the end of the tribulation.

From this point on, because of my understanding of the rapture, I often used the word translation in lieu of the word rapture. I hope to make it clear why I chose to do so as we progress further into this book.

Let us see if we can bring these views into harmony. If so, then everybody can claim a part of this controversial pie. But more important is to bring fourth truth so that all may learn and be strengthened in hope, especially those who will have to endure and survive during the tribulation period until the coming of the Lord.

My hope is to persuade the church-age saints and, at the same time, give assurance to the tribulation saints regarding the possibility of multiple events of the same nature, when living believers in Christ will be translated, caught up, or gathered into the presence of the Lord in the heavens.

The first event will take place before the start of the seven-year tribulation period, when the dead in Christ rise, as stated in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, and the dead in Christ shall rise first .

The second event will take place in the middle of the tribulation, when the man child is caught up to God and his throne in Revelation 12:5: And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne .