Lindsey’s Date Setting Flawed

Hal Lindsey believes in a pretribulational rapture. This means that the rapture must occur at least seven years prior to the great tribulation according to his prophetic time-clock. Apparently he did not include this in his calculation for his predicted date was 1988. A more accurate date would have been 1981.

Predictions in the Old Testament

Since the rapture is related to the great tribulation in Lindsey’s view, it could be helpful to examine the biblical prophecies to get an idea of their time parameters.

The great tribulation is predicted in the Old Testament. In Jeremiah it is called the time of Jacob’s trouble. However, Jacob (Israel) would be saved out of it. Alas! For that day is great, so that none is like it; and it is the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it. (Jeremiah 30:6).

Daniel’s Time of Trouble.

Daniel calls the great tribulation a time of trouble, the likes of which Israel had never seen nor would ever see again once it happened. “…And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book.” (Daniel 12:1)

As in Jeremiah, Daniel likewise foretells that some in Israel would be delivered. However, he sees the event connected to the resurrection of the dead. For he says, And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt. (v. 2) Thus for him, the great tribulation culminates in Christ’s return.

Predictions in the New Testament

The great tribulation theme is spoken of by Christ, and also permeates the writings of the apostles. Jesus quoting Daniel applies this event to the time of Jerusalem’s fall by the Romans, (Matthew 24, 3, 21, 34; Luke 21:20-24).

The apostles warned the church that the tribulation would happen in their day to encourage them not to abandon Christianity in the midst of their severe trials and persecution.

First Century Christians Experience and Endure the Great Tribulation

To the Corinthians, Paul wrote of the present distress, 1 Corinthians 7:26. For Paul and his readers, the tribulation was real, present and painful. They knew nothing of a tribulation far removed into the remote future. To them, the “time was short” (v. 29) with the end of the age having come upon them, (10:11).

That tribulation affected social life, in particular, marriage relationships because of the commitment required to remain faithful and the challenges it would bring on new marriages where one spouse might not be as committed to Christianity in view of the suffering. See 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, 26-29).

It was Paul’s constant concern to strengthen and encourage the churches in view of the oncoming tribulation they would experience. “Strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22)

To this end, Paul exhorted the church at Thessalonica. “That no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. For in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.” (1 Thessalonians 3:3, 4).

The second letter to this church further encouraged them amidst their present, ongoing trials of persecution and suffering that would only be alleviated by Jesus’ return. (2 Thessalonians 1:4-7). They were told to expect it before they all died, (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17).

John, who wrote Revelation, said he was in the tribulation. (Revelation 1:9). In Lindsey’s pretribulational rapture view, the rapture would have to have to occurred before John wrote. All these events happened in the past. Remember, the tribulation would be unparalleled in Israel’s history. Thus, for Hal Lindsey to predict a modern day rapture would imply a modern day tribulation that would contradict the biblical account. Not only did he miss his prediction but we are now almost 18 years, removed from Lindsey’s magical date.

While Lindsey failed to make good on his failed prophecies which he has not revised even in later editions of his book, he made a fortune on the lies. Maybe his next book could be titled, “Too Late for 1988.”