In this video, Perry Stone defending pretribulationism gives a convoluted argument trying to show that Matthew 24:31 is not speaking of the rapture but instead depicts the gathering of the Jews. His argument is namely based on a forced interpretation of the feasts onto Matthew 24.
He also responds to the prewrath position which he says “teaches that the coming of the Lord comes in the middle of the tribulation.” Yes, you heard me right. In another video, he says that the prewrath position gets it wrong because we are not enlightened by the “Hebraic” interpertation.
Mr. Stone, I would like to offer you a debate challenge on your claims on Matthew 24:31. I propose the thesis: The “Gathering” in Matthew 24:31 is a reference to the rapture. I will take the affirmative and you can take the denial. Will you accept?
“The first to state his case seems right, until his opponent begins to cross-examine him.” —Proverbs 18:17
A three hour debate is sufficient.
Debate is a God-glorifying medium of interaction for truth-lovers. Meaningful interaction is a good thing and is beneficial for God’s people, holding Christians accountable for their theological claims.
The debate will of course contain rebuttals and a cross-examination period; accordingly, the audience is benefited from actual dialogues and not just monologues since it often brings out more substantive discussions.
Mr. Stone this will be an opportunity for you to defend publicly your pretribulational beliefs in a debate format. I am willing to put my prewrath claims under your cross-examination. Are you willing to do the same with your claims?
I would like to see this debate happen since I am confident that when Pretribulationism and Prewrath are presented side-by-side for others to evaluate, the prewrath position is seen to be the most viable and biblical position. So I have a standing debate invitation for you.
The following debate format can be modified but here is a proposal:
Part 1: Opening Statements
Pretrib presentation: 30 minutes
Prewrath presentation: 30 minutes
Part 2: Rebuttals
Pretrib rebuttal: 20 minutes
Prewrath rebuttal: 20 minutes
Pretrib rebuttal: 15 minutes
Prewrath rebuttal: 15 minutes
Part 3: Cross-examination
Pretrib to Prewrath: 20 minutes
Prewrath to Pretrib: 20 minutes
Part 4: Closing Statements
Pretrib closing: 10 minutes
Prewrath closing: 10 minutes
