Perhaps the greatest example of salvational differences in the entire Bible is that New Testament saints in the Church Age can never lose their salvation or the presence of the Holy Spirit, but that was absolutely not the case for Old Testament saints. If there is only one salvation plan, what changed?

“Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:” Colossians 1:25,26 (KJV)

Many Christians will write into us, and take issue with our stand that the Bible teaches how God administers salvation over different dispensations. Some Christians don’t even acknowledge that there are different dispensations. Funny thing, though, when Paul started his ministry he revealed “mysteries” that the apostles had never even heard of. Peter ends 2 Peter with the admonition that wrestling with Paul’s doctrine, very different from the rest of the apostle’s doctrine, would lead to your own destruction if you don’t approach it according to 2 Timothy 2:15.

No difference in salvation plans, you say? Ha! Guess again.

“And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2 Peter 15,16 (KJV)

So we thought it would be a good time to see who is able to answer any or all of the following 5 questions regarding the differences in dispensational salvation. When replying, please use KJV scripture to support your position if you would like a reply. Have fun!

If salvation is the same for everyone throughout the entire Bible, then:

• Why didn’t Old Testament saints go straight to Heaven after they died like New Testament Christians do?
   One of the hallmark attributes of a Christian is that because we are born again, we go immediately to Heaven when we die with no stops in-between. The Church Age has lasted so long we just assume that it was like this for all the saints who came before us. But not so. The Thief on the Cross had the wonderful good fortune to die at the side of the Saviour of the whole world. That got him into Paradise but not Heaven right away.
  “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43 (KJV)
  “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8 (KJV)

2. Why were Old Testament saints mandated to shed animal blood and burnt sacrifices for sins while New Testament Christians are not?
   There is not a single Christian in the entire Church Age that was ever required to make an animal sacrifice as an atonement for sins. But in the Old Testament, failure to do so could send you to Hell. Things that are different are not the same, obviously. 
   “And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.” Job 1:5 (KJV)

3. Why did God not justify the wicked in the Old Testament, but justifies the ungodly in the New Testament?
   Again, the differences could not be more obvious and apparent. Did God change His mind from one testament to the other or is the Bible teaching dispensational differences?
   “God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.” Nahum 1:2,3 (KJV)
   “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:5 (KJV)

4. Why did Jesus say eternal life is given through keeping the commandments but Paul says that eternal life is given not by works of righteousness which we have done?
   Jesus in Matthew and Paul in Titus are giving two very conflicting instructions on how to have eternal life in Heaven. Paul’s doctrine absolutely conflicts with that of Jesus, yet Paul says it was Jesus that taught him that doctrine. If dispensational differences don’t exist in the Bible, then good luck explaining this one!
   “And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” Matthew 19:16,17 (KJV)
   “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7 (KJV)

5. Why could the Holy Spirit leave an Old Testament saint but is sealed in the New Testament Christian?
   Perhaps the greatest example of salvational differences in the entire Bible is that New Testament saints in the Church Age can never lose their salvation or the presence of the Holy Spirit, but that was absolutely not the case for Old Testament saints. If there is only one salvation plan, what changed?
   “Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.” Psalm 51:11 (KJV)
   “But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.” 1 Samuel 16:14 (KJV)
   “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:12-14 (KJV)

Ever since man was kicked out of the garden in Genesis 3, man has dealt with tribulation on earth; followers of God specifically. Abel suffered tribulation that cost him his life and Enoch, while suffering no tribulation like Abel, simply walked with God and was caught up.

For several years post-tribbers have been using the same bait and switch tactic with the term “tribulation” to deceive many Christians into believing that they will be present on earth during the time of Jacob’s trouble. A post-tribber would often approach a newly saved believer or a Christian that was not taught to study/rightly divide God’s word and begin to spew their false doctrine.

“And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.  And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.” Revelation 5:1-4 (KJV)

The post-tribber would teach their heresy by attempting to pair a historical ‘tribulation’ reference term (Romans 5:3 KJV) with a specific descriptive ‘tribulation’ term (Revelation 7:14) and PRESTO; the body of Christ was now going through the time of Jacob’s trouble. This lazy man’s trap door is often how the majority of those deceived into believing post-trib have fallen; totally ignoring the specific characteristics that God has given us to delineate the MAJOR doctrinal differences between historical/general tribulation suffered by many saints throughout history and the time of Jacob’s trouble. THEY ARE NOT THE SAME.

HISTORICAL/ GENERAL SAINT TRIBULATION:

Ever since man was kicked out of the garden in Genesis 3, man has dealt with tribulation on earth; followers of God specifically. Abel suffered tribulation that cost him his life and Enoch, while suffering no tribulation like Abel, simply walked with God and was caught up. If there is one Christian in the Bible that knows anything about suffering everyday tribulation for following God it would be the Apostle Paul:

“I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.” 2 Corinthians 11:21-28 (KJV)

 Even though the Apostle Paul suffered much tribulation for Christ, the Apostle Paul was NOT in the time of Jacob’s trouble. As a Christian, the Apostle Paul suffered prison, suffered stripes, suffered being beaten with rods, stoning, shipwreck, robbers, weather trouble, countrymen trouble, heathen trouble, city trouble, wilderness trouble, sea trouble, false brethren, endured and suffered cold/nakedness, hunger and thirst, weary and painfulness, and died a martyr for Christ. Once again, the Apostle Paul was NOT in the time of Jacob’s trouble. As a Christian, he was experiencing historical/everyday tribulations that many followers of God had gone through since the beginning. Even though the Apostle Paul suffered a greater measure than most, the Apostle Paul was STILL NOT in the time of Jacob’s trouble nor did he preach that Christians would be mandated to go through Jacob’s trouble.

As a Christian today, just because you may suffer or may know someone that has suffered from one of the former above does NOT mean that Christians are in or mandated to go through the time of Jacob’s trouble. There are Christians TODAY in countries such as Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, China, Turkey, and Arabia that are being persecuted, tortured, and killed for their faith, but neither they nor we in America are in the time of Jacob’s trouble. DO NOT confuse historical/general tribulation as suffered by many saints throughout history as being associated with the time of Jacob’s trouble. IT IS NOT THE SAME. There are MAJOR doctrinal differences that clearly delineate the two.

MAJOR DOCTRINAL DIFFERENCES:

The Lord Jesus Christ is the ONLY one who can initiate the time of Jacob’s trouble:

“And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;” Revelation 5:6-9 (KJV)

The time of Jacob’s trouble does not initiate from the government taking away your rights, terrorists’ attacks, or underground entities such as illuminati, masons, Jesuits, etc. The time of Jacob’s trouble does not initiate from mass murders/persecutions of Christians from country to country. The time of Jacob’s trouble BEGINS with the body of Christ in Heaven (pre-trib catching away) rejoicing and praising the Lord as he takes the book. If the body of Christ is STILL on earth, this cannot take place!

MANDATED: No buying or selling unless having the mark, name, or number of the beast!

“And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” Revelation 13:15-17 (KJV)

This is not historical/general tribulation. Never in history has ANY Christian been forbidden from buying or selling unless they receive the name, number, or mark of the beast. It is also critical to note that the time of Jacob’s trouble is WORLDWIDE tribulation that subjects everyone on earth. This is not the case with historical persecution against the saints that differed in severity from country to country. Even today, Christian persecution is American is definitely less severe than Christian persecution in Iraq.

MANDATED Hell fire DAMNATION to ANYONE that worships the beast, his image, or receive his mark, name, or number!

“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.” Revelation 14:9-11 (KJV)

The ULTIMATE post-trib stumbling stone! In the time of Jacob’s trouble, EVERYONE is mandated to KEEP GOD’S COMMANDMENTS which INCLUDES not getting the mark, name, or number of the beast! Post-tribbers never want to Biblically address this in their “tribulation” rant. Is the gospel believing on the Lord Jesus Christ? Or don’t get the mark? You can’t preach both unless you rightly divide the word of truth! This mandate is specifically reserved for the time of Jacob’s trouble. A Christian can’t be present on earth during this time period because a Christian is already SEALED unto the day of redemption (Eph 4:30 KJV). It is utter blasphemy for post-trib theology to proclaim that a Christian can both be sealed and take the mark and STILL go to Heaven, and it is utter blasphemy to claim that a Christian must “endure to the end” by not taking the mark of the beast to be or remain saved! A Christian is a member of the body of Christ, and any person that proclaims to be a “Christian” while also believing they must have works to be saved or works to stay saved is NOT a saved! They are LOST and on their way to a devil’s Hell.

In the time of Jacob’s trouble, the believer is looking to flee from/endure the anti-christ BEFORE they look for the Lord to appear!

“When ye therefore shall SEE the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:” Matthew 24:15-16 (KJV)

Nowhere in the Pauline epistles does the Apostle Paul instruct the body of Christ to flee when we SEE the abomination of desolation stand in the holy place. The holy place for a Christian is the physical body (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV) which in context is impossible for the devil the ‘stand in’. On the contrary, the Apostle Paul constantly instructs the Christian to look for the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ to appear BEFORE the time of Jacob’s trouble:

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13 (KJV)

“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 (KJV)

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV)

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we LOOK FOR the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” Philippians 3:21-22 (KJV)

So why is it today when some Christians experience some “tribulation” they automatically want to place themselves in the time of Jacob’s trouble?

Pure Bible ignorance is the only answer.

The Bible does not revolve around America. Just because the majority of Christendom in America has gone lukewarm means nothing as far as Christendom globally. Any post-trib theologian with a desire to “shed their blood” for the Lord today is welcomed to hop a one-way ticket to Iran and street preach by a mosque. But the body of Christ is not appointed to go through the time of Jacob’s trouble. You MUST rightly divide the word of truth

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

According to God’s word, the Jewish Nation of Israel will go through their time to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Have you ever wondered why God calls it the time of JACOB’S trouble?

“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” 1 Corinthians 14:33 (KJV)

Friendly-Fire Warning: I plan on utilizing Proverbs 26:5 KJV (look it up) throughout this article. If you have thin skin or are not willing to stand and defend truth, I’d advised you to not read any further. You’ve been forewarned.

I always find it hilarious dealing with post-tribbers. The ones I deal with can NEVER Biblically answer this question: What is the point of forcing the body of Christ to go through the time of Jacob’s trouble?? What is the purpose?? God is not the author of confusion and God specifically gives us the reason why the Jewish Nation of Israel will go through it:

“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.” Daniel 9:24 (KJV)

The angel, talking to the Jewish Daniel, said that the 70 weeks are determined upon THY people, the Jews. So according to God’s word, the Jewish Nation of Israel will go through their time to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Have you ever wondered why God calls it the time of JACOB’S trouble? (come now let us REASON together)

HOW IN THE WORLD DOES THIS APPLY TO THE BODY OF CHRIST??

• To finish the transgression? – Christ said that it’s ALREADY FINISHED! (John 19:30 KJV)
• To make an end of sins? – Christ was ALREADY made sin FOR US! (2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV)
• To make reconciliation for iniquity? – We’ve ALREADY been reconciled! (2 Corinthians 5:18 KJV)
• To bring in everlasting righteousness? – We ALREADY possess God’s righteousness! (Romans 3:21-22 KJV
• To seal up the vision and prophecy? – We’re SEALED! (Ephesians 4:30 KJV)
• To anoint the most Holy? – We’ve ALREADY been anointed and we’re bone of his bone, flesh of his flesh! Also, we are in Heaven worshipping the Lord BEFORE the anti-christ even hits the scene! (1 John 2:27/ Revelation 5:9-10 KJV)

So once again, what is the purpose of forcing the body of Christ in the Great Tribulation? Let’s start by addressing each kind of post-tribber and their heretical stances. When you narrow it down, there are only TWO kinds of post-tribbers and both kinds have significant delays in the common sense department.

Post-Tribber #1– The eternally secure Post-Tribber:

This is the post-tribber that believes in eternal security and applies it throughout the Great Tribulation. I sarcastically mock this kind of post-tribber by pinpointing the fact they’re practically going to “fake their way” through the Tribulation. I mean seriously, if you’re an eternally secure post-tribber, what is the point of going through the Great Tribulation? Especially when you believe that you can worship the beast, get his name, mark, and number and STILL BE ETERNALLY SECURE AND GO TO HEAVEN WHEN YOU DIE!  Talk about diplomatic immunity!

The Bible is quite clear when it says that people who receive the Mark will not enter into Heaven:

“And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” Revelation 20:4 (KJV)

Now, all eternally secure Post-Tribbers attempt to avoid acknowledging this blasphemous belief by saying that “No REAL Christian would worship the beast, etc.” However they can’t provide chapter and verse in the Holy Bible that specifically states that “REAL” Christians in the body of Christ are somehow “constrained” from worshipping the beast, getting his name, number, or mark. But this issue is no surprise since all Post-Tribbers cannot provide chapter and verse for the body of Christ being present in the Great Tribulation to begin with. The eternally secure Post-tribber is going to “endure to the end” when there’s nothing for them to endure! Maybe just for fun, they can see if they can endure until the end of their physical lives, but the Apostle Paul had the exact opposite attitude regarding playing earthly games of survival.

“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:” Philippians 1:23 (KJV)

So once again, what is the point of forcing the body of Christ in the Great Tribulation?? I’ve heard several pathetic answers for the eternally secure Post-Tribbers in my past:

They say “To earn a Crown of Life!” I  then tell them that the Great Tribulation is not the only time of Crown of Life is available and that this crown can also be earned by enduring temptation (James 1:12 KJV). The eternally secure Post-Tribber is completely deluded in their beliefs.

Post-Tribber #2 – The masochist Post-Tribber:

I’ll admit it; this last group of post-tribbers are the most annoying to deal with. They are by far the most blood thirsty, fear mongering, guilty conscience having, vain threatening, anti-biblical bunch out. The masochist post-tribber believes that the body of Christ is somehow mandated to go through vigorous forms of torture or “suffering” in the Great Tribulation in order to “prove” their love for Jesus, “prove” they’re truly Christian, or “prove” that they’re truly saved. The hilarious (or most annoying) part about this kind of post-tribber is that although they don’t believe in eternal security, they won’t necessarily speak against it either. This is where the empty/vain threats come in. You can easily spot the masochist post-tribber by their vain threats against Pre-Trib Bible Believers. They make vain threats such as “when the pretribulation rapture does not happen, you better not deny our Lord!” I then ask them “What if I do? Did Jesus not pay for ALL my sins?” They never reply back. Another empty threat they’ll say to a Pre-Tribber is “When the Lord doesn’t come back to get you, I fear you will not be ready”. I then ask them “Ready for what? Ready to risk losing my salvation? Going to Hell? Ready for what exactly?” No Answer. The one question masochist post-tribbers can NEVER Biblically answer is why God would only make PART of the body of Christ go through the Great Tribulation?? What about the millions of Christians in the body of Christ that died peacefully in a hospital bed like my father? Are you saying that my father and the other millions of Christians that died peacefully and full of years weren’t REAL Christians because they never shed blood or were tortured for the cause of Christ?!? Is only PART of the body of Christ going through the Tribulation to make an atonement for ALL of the members that didn’t shed blood or something?? Sounds as foolish as  Mormons baptizing for the dead.

As far as a masochist post-tribber is concerned, ANYBODY that rejects their heretical post-trib doctrine does so because they are “too scared to suffer for Christ”, which again makes absolutely no sense. The Apostle Paul was the one who revealed the pre-time of Jacob’s trouble catching away of the body of Christ and he suffered more than ANY Christian that’s ever lived! It’s also funny that a masochist post-tribber feels like their time to suffer only occurs in the Great Tribulation. If a masochist post-tribber TRULY believed in physically suffering for Christ, they’d go be a Christian in Iran, Egypt, or Iraq today, unless they’re too scared to “suffer for Christ” of course!

To be honest, the masochist post-tribbers thirst to be tortured for “the cause of Christ” reminds me of Baals servants on Mount Carmel:

“And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked. And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out” 1 Kings 18:27-28 (KJV)

Why a masochist post-tribber feels like their blood must be shed in order for God to deliver them I have no Idea. Sounds like another spirit to me (1 John 4 KJV).

The post-trib doctrine for the body of Christ is completely foolish and idiotic. What’s worse is that this heretical doctrine is a gateway to many other damnable heresies. Believe God’s words! The body of Christ will be CAUGHT AWAY BEFORE the time of Jacob’s Trouble! (1 Thess 4:16 KJV). If you are a post-tribber reading this, I urge you to REPENT of your heretical views!

Kent Hovind has already made you look foolish enough!