"And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some." 2 Tim. 2:17,18

So why is it in this passage of scripture that by mentioning that the resurrection had taken place, some brothers had become so upset that they were loosing their faith?

If they believed in a post-Rapture then the brothers in faith would rejoice in knowing that tribulation was over. Also at the same time they would wonder why they were left behind, but it really wouldn't matter because the resurrection would signal the Second Coming. They would be confused that they were not resurrected, but certainly it would not "overthrow" their faith.

Now if you believed in pre-Rapture, you would believe that just before the 7 year Tribulation began, the dead would be resurrected and you would be Raptured at the same time. You would not be apart of God�s judgment on the sinfull world.

Now if you were being a believer in pre-Rapture heard that the resurrection had taken place, it would shake you to the bone. You would be feeling that you now missed the Rapture and were about to go through the Tribulation.

The Tribulation period is a time of unimaginable horrors that will be coming to the world. The Bible says that the very hearts of men will fail them when they see the horrors come. Hell itself will open up and the devil will be like a rabid dog devouring all people.

Rev. 9:6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.

Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

If you believed in post Rapture and heard that the resurrection had already taken place, well you would feel good knowing that the Tribulation has passed and Christ was about to come in clouds. Seeing that you were not taken up would just lead to a bit of confusion as to why. This would certainly not cause an "overthrow of faith?"

Now if you believed that the resurrection had already come, you would become very fearful. At that point you would believe that you missed the Rapture and you were about to enter into the wrath of God, (Tribulation). You were about fall victim to satan on earth and the horrors of the antichrist. Knowing that you were left behind certainly would "overthrow" your faith!

by Richard Vizzutti