Myths of Fingerprints

Before I get into my notes, I want to clear up two misconceptions which are often salvo's fired at each other whilst they take cover thinking the arguement over.

Myth 1 - A pre-trib rapture view was not taught until the 18th century.

The story goes something like this, some woman was having a seance and received the 'revelation' of pre-trib, it didn't take off, some Baptist minister found her notes decades later which didn't take off until Darby popularized it later.  The story you've maybe heard is similar or maybe even more fanciful, regardless I've heard this said and it usually accompanied with a 'arguement over' kind of stance.

Truth
Here is a quote from the 3rd century from Ephraem of Nisibis.
“For all the saints and elect of God are gathered prior to the tribulation that is to come, and are taken to the Lord lest they see the confusion that is to overwhelm the world because of our sins.”
 
Conclusion
So?  However old a story is doesn't substantiate it.  Take the the recent quote doing the rounds saying a parchment has been found from the 4th century saying Jesus had a wife.  Which Jesus is that then Mr Parchment? And if that talking about Jesus of Nazareth, does that invalidate the some 200,000 corroborating parchments partial and more comprehensive documents proving the scriptures have been unchanged since they were wrote?

Myth 2 - Those who believe in pre-trib see themselves as super soldier Christians wanting to go through the tribulation.

In their minds, the are seeing themselves are superior to the 'lesser, weaker' brothers who cant stand the thought of going through some persecution.  If truly an argument is based on something as foolish as this then it would have died long ago because at least some other folks out there read their bibles and there would not be credible scholars on all sides.

Conclusion
Again, so what, this does not build the case for a pre-trib stance.

Lets put the logic away, and look to the scriptures.

Are you with me?