Hi John and Doves....

I've spent much time today looking at pre- vs post- trib rapture theories......again!  This has been a closed issue with me for a long time now.  However, I see so many theories flying around now that I looked again at my basics.  One thing that I see discussed very little, if at all, is definition of the "bride".  I think that everyone assumes (ass/u/me...for those who know) that the "church" is the "bride" and those terms can be used interchangeably, have stepped onto the wrong path....and thereby, they have come to a wrong conclusion.

This is the best definition of the "bride" that I could find:

http://www.ffruits.org/v03/brideofchrist.html


Perhaps understanding this definition will make a difference to some.  The "bride" i! s very special, and my question has always been about WHY our Lord would put His "bride" into a time of trial for the earth.  And if He wouldn't, the time of the "rapture" of the "bride" would be pre-tribulational, wouldn't it?  But then, perhaps this is the message we are supposed to get from Matthew 9:18-30....."According to your faith be it unto you"...(vs.29).  And knowing what this implies.....I'm totally believing in a pre-trib rapture for the "bride".  And as Luke 21:36 tells me....I'm praying that I'm "worthy" to be part of the "bride" rapture.  Meanwhile, we all keep watching....or at least those who believe it will happen keep watching....

YsiC,

Arlene