The fruit of the "escape by rapture" teaching is that the believers are not prepared to suffer in the flesh. Their faith has been weakened by soft living. Their determination to stand against the enemy has been undermined.

The churchgoers who have been flattered with the doctrine of the pre-tribulation "rapture" will collapse from fear in the days to come, losing their greatest opportunity to witness to the unbelievers. Can you see how the restraining power is being taken out of the path of Antichrist by the hope of a pretribulation "rapture" of the believers?

It is true that throughout the period of tribulation the elect will escape being harmed spiritually by the things that come to pass (provided they follow the Lord closely and obey Him diligently) and will stand in victory before the Son of Man. This does not mean that many will not suffer persecution and tribulation, for such often has been the experience of God's elect.

But it does mean that the saints will learn to live by a miracle. Food, shelter, transportation, health, safety—all will be provided for the praying, believing elect. There are numerous examples in the Scriptures of the protection and preservation of the saints. Daniel in the lions' den, the three Hebrew men in the furnace, Elijah in the days of famine, Jeremiah at the time of the conquest by Babylon, Israel in Egypt, Israel in the wilderness, reveal to us that God is faithful in protecting and providing for His saints in the day of trouble.

The difference between the above teaching and the concept of the "escape by rapture" teaching is that the protection of the elect is shown to be for a people of the Lord who are a praying, godly, believing, separated remnant. They all are God's prophets in a day of apostasy.

Also, in the above examples none of the saints was removed from the area of trouble but protected in it.

As far as we know there is not a single example of a witness of God being removed from a place of danger. Perhaps there is but we cannot think of it. Even Noah and his family were saved while riding on the flood of judgment.

The saints go through deep water and are brought through the fire. God does not remove them, He takes care of them in the midst of the danger.

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. (Isaiah 43:2)

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:13)

"Having done all, to stand." "To stand"!

There is a difference between standing and flying away.

The doctrine of the protection of the elect is scriptural. It leads to godliness, prayer, faith, trust in the Lord. It brings a quiet assurance and confidence that God always is with us in the hour of testing.

To be continued.