The pre-tribulation rapture is a doctrine that has sparked much debate within the church, especially among those who hold to a dispensationalist view of Scripture. Dispensationalism, with its emphasis on separate dispensations for different peoples and eras, has often led to a clouded understanding of God’s redemptive plan. In particular, the teaching that there are two forms of grace—one for the Church and one for Israel—misrepresents the singular grace found through the cross of Christ.
Having been influenced by the wisdom of those who have gone before us, I find myself concerned with how dispensationalism has distorted much of the early church’s teachings about the pre-trib rapture and the continuity of salvation. It is my firm belief that salvation has always been by grace through faith, and that this truth applies to both Jew and Gentile, in every age.
In this article, I’ll examine the problematic nature of dispensational teachings, particularly those that propose a “second grace” for Jewish believers during the Tribulation. More importantly, I will discuss the unified grace of God through the cross, which remains unchanged and unaltered, no matter the dispensational framework in which it is placed.
The Pre-Tribulation Rapture and Dispensationalism
Dispensationalists often speak of the pre-tribulation rapture as a distinct event, marking the separation of the church from God’s dealings with Israel. The church, according to dispensationalism, is taken up before the Tribulation period begins, and God then resumes His dealings with Israel, including the restoration of the nation and the rebuilding of the Temple.
However, there’s a fundamental flaw in this view: the grace of God is always through the cross. The idea that God will save Jewish believers during the Tribulation in a different manner—apart from the cross—undermines the heart of the gospel. There is only one way to salvation, and it is through Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross.
A Singular Grace Through the Cross
The Bible makes it abundantly clear that salvation has always been by grace through faith, from Abel (Hebrews 11:4) to the final Tribulation saints, who will wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14).
There is no need for a separate plan of salvation for different groups. Ephesians 2:8-9 is clear: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” In fact, Hebrews 10:10 declares that Christ’s sacrifice is once and for all, putting an end to the need for any other form of sacrifice or atonement.
Furthermore, Galatians 3:28 makes it plain that there is no longer a distinction between Jew and Greek in terms of salvation: “There is neither Jew nor Greek… for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” In Christ, there is one grace for all people, and it is through faith in His finished work on the cross.
The Problem with Two Forms of Grace
The dispensational teaching that suggests two forms of grace—one for the church and one for Jewish believers after the rapture—creates unnecessary confusion and divisiveness. It distorts the eternal truth of the gospel and, in my view, undermines the universality of the salvation offered in Christ.
There is no “second chance” for salvation during the Tribulation in the sense that dispensationalists might propose. The only grace given to mankind is that which flows through the cross of Christ. Whether before the rapture or after, whether for Jew or Gentile, the path to salvation has always been faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
A Return to Simplicity: The Letter Method
As I reflect on these theological concerns, I’m reminded of the letter method of preaching and teaching that my forefathers passed down to me. For those unfamiliar with it, the letter method is a simple yet powerful tool for expounding Scripture and applying it to life.
This method encourages a personal, conversational style—as if you’re writing a letter to the congregation, addressing them directly and speaking to their hearts. Each message begins by opening the Word of God and allowing the Spirit to speak, and it concludes with practical application that encourages listeners to live out the truth of the passage.
In this sense, the letter method reflects the simplicity of the gospel message itself. There’s no need to complicate the clear teachings of Scripture with multiple theories and dispensations. The gospel is simple: salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ, and His grace is sufficient for all believers.
Reclaiming the True Pre-Tribulation Rapture
The pre-tribulation rapture, when understood rightly, can be a comforting doctrine, one that reminds us of the imminent return of Christ and the hope we have in Him. But to understand it correctly, we must reject the error of dispensationalism’s “dual grace” and return to the truth of God’s one way of salvation—by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
As we await the rapture, let us not be distracted by conflicting teachings. Instead, let us keep our eyes on the cross of Christ, where salvation was secured once and for all. And let us boldly proclaim that there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
In conclusion, it is my prayer that we, as the Church, might faithfully guard the doctrine of salvation by grace alone and reject any attempt to obscure it. We need not look to new or complicated systems of theology but rather stand firmly on the timeless truth of God’s Word.