Answer
The concept of the rapture and the second coming of Christ is often confused. It can be challenging to distinguish whether a particular scripture verse pertains to the rapture or the second coming. However, when delving into end-times Bible prophecy, it is crucial to make a clear distinction between the two.
The rapture signifies Jesus Christ’s return to take the church (all believers in Christ) from the earth. The rapture is detailed in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-54. Those believers who have passed away will experience bodily resurrection and, together with living believers, will be united with the Lord in the air. This event will happen instantaneously, in the blink of an eye. On the other hand, the second coming involves Jesus returning to vanquish the Antichrist, eradicate evil, and establish His millennial kingdom. The second coming is depicted in Revelation 19:11-16.
Key distinctions between the rapture and the second coming include:
1) During the rapture, believers will meet the Lord in the air «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. », (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Conversely, at the second coming, believers will accompany the Lord back to earth «And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. », (Revelation 19:14).
2) The second coming will take place after the great and dreadful tribulation (Revelation chapters 6–19). In contrast, the rapture will occur before the tribulation (1 Thessalonians 5:9;Revelation 3:10).
3) The rapture involves the removal of believers from the earth as an act of deliverance (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, 5:9). The second coming involves the removal of unbelievers as an act of judgment (Matthew 24:40-41).
4) The rapture will be a discreet and immediate event (1 Corinthians 15:50-54). The second coming will be visible to everyone (Revelation 1:7; Matthew 24:29-30).
5) The second coming of Christ will not happen until after specific end-times events occur (2 Thessalonians 2:4; Matthew 24:15-30; Revelation chapters 6–18). The rapture is imminent; it could happen at any moment (Titus 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:50-54).
Why is it crucial to differentiate between the rapture and the second coming?
1) If the rapture and the second coming are the same event, believers will have to endure the tribulation (1 Thessalonians 5:9; Revelation 3:10).
2) If the rapture and the second coming are the same event, the return of Christ is not imminent—several events must occur before He can return (Matthew 24:4-30).
3) When describing the tribulation period, Revelation chapters 6–19 do not mention the church. During the tribulation—also known as “the time of trouble for Jacob” «Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble;But he shall be saved out of it.” (Jeremiah 30:7)—God will once again turn His
Response While the Bible does not specifically address human cloning, there are principles in Scripture…
Answer The Bible is clear that all people are God’s creation, as stated in Colossians…
Answer Euthanasia, also known as "mercy killing," can be a challenging issue. On one hand,…
Answer There are two biblically plausible views on how the human soul is created. Traducianism…
Answer The Old Testament law prescribed the death penalty for various offenses: murder "He that…
Answer The soul and the spirit are the two primary immaterial parts attributed to humanity…