Does it matter when the saints are caught up? I believe it does. If someone believes they are going to be caught up before a period of great tribulation or affliction, and this belief happens to be false, there may be serious ramifications. How can a person prepare themselves for something they don't believe is going to happen? If the average person is suddenly told they must run a marathon (26 miles) today, what percentage of the population could finish the race without stopping? I would venture to say the percentage would be very low. Well the same will hold true if a person is not spiritually prepared to endure a period of great tribulation or affliction; how will they make it through and hold fast to the gospel of Jesus Christ? After we receive God's word, we must continue daily in His word by reading, studying, meditating, and praying. This is how we put on the whole armor of God that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:11).
If those who hold on to the pre-tribulation catching up of the saints' theory are correct, then everything is fine. If they are wrong, then they indeed might turn away from the faith in Jesus because they are not prepared to endure tribulation or affliction. Knowing this, an important question arises: through scripture, can we prove 100% without a doubt that a pre-tribulation catching up of the saints will occur? I have studied and compared many scriptures related to the topic and I have found the answer to be "no." In fact, from my study, the scriptures seem to prove the exact opposite - that the saints will have to go through a period of great tribulation of affliction before the appearing and coming of Jesus Christ. We must gird ourselves in the word of God in order to be spiritually prepared to go through some challenging times - our everlasting life with Jesus depends on it. Decide for yourself as you read through this book.