Hi Winston,
I agree with you when you write, "But belief in a pre-trib rapture is hardly a requirement for salvation, . . ."
However, the discussion does lead many people into a deeper study of God's Word -- which is good. That is my main purpose in discussing eschatology. Yet, I do find it comforting to know that the church will not be on earth during the Tribulation.
But, in your earlier post which began this dialogue, you wrote, "Thirty years ago no one but a handful of people had ever heard of this pre-tribulation rapture. Why is that?"
From this statement, I would presume that you feel that the serious belief of a PreTrib Rapture only began about thirty years ago. And, that is not true. A PreTrib Rapture has been taught since the apostle Paul in the New Testament -- and early church leaders in their writings. So, no, the belief did not start with Darby nor did it start thirty years ago. It started nearly 2000 years ago.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill
