My question concerns a theory I just heard – from a Pre-Tribulation preacher – that the rapture does not necessarily kick-off the 7-year Tribulation period, but instead, there could be an indeterminate number of years (10, 50, even 1,000) between the rapture and the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week. Prior to hearing this, I was unfamiliar with the theory. I’d be interested to know if you are familiar with this concept, and if so, what verses do you use to rebut it.
It is true that the rapture does not necessarily kick off the 7 year tribulation period. In my opinion the only reason for a pause between the rapture and Daniel’s 70th Week, aka the Tribulation, would be to allow enough time to fight the battle of Ezekiel 38-39. I believe the treaty that ends this battle will also begin the 70th Week, and the Church has to be gone for that to happen.
But that’s just my opinion, like the pause you speak of represents another person’s opinion. Acts 15:13-18, Romans 11:25 are two passages that confirm the timing of the rapture relative to Daniel’s 70th Week. They give no information concerning the presence or absence of a pause between the two events. (Read The Pre-Trib Rapture In Acts 15).