MIDTRIBULATIONISM Part I

Midtribulationism is an eschatological view in Christian theology that teaches the rapture of the Church will occur at the midpoint of the future seven-year Tribulation, after the first 3.5 years but before the “Great Wrath” of the latter half, involving the sounding of the seventh trumpet (Rev 11:15) before the Bowl Judgments (Rev 15-16). It’s a middle ground between Pretribulationism (rapture before the Tribulation) and Posttribulationism (rapture after the Tribulation), promising believers passage through man’s wrath but not God’s wrath. 

Key Beliefs & Scriptural Support

  • Timing of the Rapture: Occurs at the midpoint (3.5 years) of Daniel’s Seventieth Week.

  • Distinction in Tribulation: The first half involves man’s wrath (persecution), while the second half is God’s wrath (judgments).

  • Key Scripture: Believers point to Revelation 11:15 (seventh trumpet) and the promise in Revelation 3:10 (protection from the hour of trial).

  • Order of Events: Apostasy -> Revelation of Antichrist -> Midpoint Rapture -> Great Wrath (Bowl Judgments). 

How it Differs from Other Views

  • vs. Pretribulationism: Midtribulationists agree the Church is removed before God’s wrath, but disagree on when (midpoint vs. the start).

  • vs. Posttribulationism: Midtribulationists believe the Church avoids the worst of the wrath, unlike Posttribulationists who believe the Church endures the entire Tribulation. 

Significance

  • It offers a way for believers to experience some tribulation (man’s wrath) while still being spared God’s fiercest judgments.

  • It’s seen by some as a more balanced view, fitting certain prophecies before the rapture while maintaining promises of protection. 

ONLINE BIBLE DICTIONARY MIDTRIBULATIONISM:

Midtribulationism

 is an eschatological view in Christian theology positing that the Rapture of the Church will occur at the midpoint (exactly 3.5 years) of the seven-year period known as the 70th Week of Daniel. 

Core Tenets

  • Timing: Believers are expected to endure the first half of the Tribulation—often characterized as the “beginning of sorrows”—but are removed before the more intense second half, frequently called the Great Tribulation or the outpouring of God’s “unfiltered wrath”.

  • The Seventh Trumpet: A central argument links the “last trumpet” mentioned by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:52 with the seventh trumpet in Revelation 11:15, placing the Church’s departure at the conclusion of the first half of the week.

  • Exemption from Wrath: Adherents rely on 1 Thessalonians 5:9, which states believers are not appointed to suffer wrath. They distinguish between “man’s wrath” (persecution in the first 3.5 years) and “God’s wrath” (the bowl judgments in the final 3.5 years). 

Comparison with Other Views
 
View  Rapture Timing Exposure to Tribulation
Pretribulationism Before the 7 years begin None
Midtribulationism At the 3.5-year mark First half only
Posttribulationism At the end of the 7 years Entire period
Pre-Wrath During the second half Most of the period

Common Critiques

  • Evidence of Wrath: Critics point out that “wrath” is mentioned as early as the sixth seal (Revelation 6:17), which occurs before the midpoint, suggesting the Church would still experience divine judgment.

  • Imminency: By placing the Rapture at a specific 3.5-year marker following a clear political covenant, this view removes the “any moment” imminency emphasized in many New Testament passages. 

For further study, you can explore detailed entries in the Bible Hub Dictionary or the GotQuestions theological database. 

Would you like to examine the specific biblical passages midtribulationists use to identify the Antichrist’s reveal at the midpoint?

 
 
 

THE POPULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLE PROPHECY

MIDTRIBULATIONISM