Why I think the Pre-trib rapture makes sense

 There are pre-tribulation theories, mid-tribulation theories, and post-tribulation theories. I used to think differently, but after hearing various arguments for each, I believe the pre-trib explanation makes the most sense. I used to think that was just wishful thinking, but now I see the reason behind it. 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 is what most pre-trib believers point to. In 2 Thessalonians, Paul is trying to clear up some confusion from people being told that "the day of the Lord" had already happened. Paul says that "the man of lawlessness" will be revealed AFTER the one who holds him back (the Holy Spirit on the Earth) is taken away (2 Thes 2:5-7) The Holy Spirit dwells inside those who have accepted Jesus' gift of salvation - The Holy Spirit won't leave them, so it follows that they will be taken away as well.

Those who accept Jesus as their savior are referred to as the "bride of Christ," and while some men I know are very uncomfortable with the term, it points to some very specific Jewish traditions that Jesus frequently refers to. First the bridegroom (Jesus) becomes betrothed to his bride (those who have accepted his salvation), then goes to "prepare a place" for her in his father's house. The bride (church) is supposed to prepare, wait, and watch for his return because she doesn't know exactly when that will be. He arrives suddenly and whisks her away and they are married. She and the groom are kept hidden away from people for awhile as the wedding feast is being prepared (there are 7 years of tribulation before Christ and his believers return - the traditional Jewish wedding is 7 days long, ending in a wedding feast) Then the groom and the bride return to the public (when Jesus and his church/bride return in the 2nd coming) and the wedding feast occurs.

Basically, we who have accepted Christ's gift of salvation are "in the way" of the great tribulation and what we are seeing now are the birth pangs. We need to be ready when he comes for us, which can be any time now. In the meantime we need to be busy evangelizing to those who are willing to listen, so they can go with us before the tribulation.