Replies

The distinct differences between these two phases of Christ�s coming are harmonized successfully by the pre-trib view, while other views of the timing of the rapture are unable to accommodate the differences. Here are some of the main verses that describe these two stages of Christ�s future coming.

Rapture

John 14:1-3

Romans 8:19

1 Corinthians 1:7-8; 15:51-53; 16:22

Philippians 3:20-21; 4:5

Colossians 3:4

1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2:19: 4:13-18; 5:9, 23

2 Thessalonians 2:1, 3

1 Timothy 6:14

2 Timothy 4:1, 8

Titus 2:13

Hebrews 9:28

James 5:7-9

1 Peter 1:7, 13; 5:4

1 John 2:28—3:2

Jude 21

Revelation 2:15; 3:10

Second Coming

Daniel 2:44-45; 7:9-14; 12:1-3

Zechariah 12:10; 14:1-15

Matthew 13:41; 24:27-31; 26:64

Mark 13:14-27; 14:62

Luke 17:20-37; 21:25-28

Acts 1:9-11; 3:19-21

1 Thessalonians 3:13

2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; 2:8

1 Peter 4:12-13

2 Peter 3:1-14

Jude 14-15

Revelation 1:7; 19:11—20:6; 22:7, 12, 20

The only sure-fire way to fully resolve this issue is to set what the Bible says about these events side-by-side to see if they are describing the same occurrence.

The Rapture The Return (Second Coming)

Christ comes in the air Christ come to the earth

(1 Thess 4:16-17) (Zech 14:4)

Christ comes for his saints Christ come with his saints

(1 Thess 4:16-17) (1 Thess 3:13; Jude 14)

Believers depart the earth Unbelievers are taken away

(1 Thess 4:16-17) (Matt 24:37-41)

Christ claims His bride Christ comes with His bride

Christ gathers His own (1 Thess 4:16-17) Angels gather the elect (Matt 24:31)

Christ comes to reward (1 Thess 4:17) Christ comes to judge (Matt 25:31-46).

Not in the Old Testament Predicted often in the Old Testament

(1 Cor 15:51)

There are no signs. It is imminent. Portended by many signs (Matt 24:4-29)

It is a time of blessing and It is a time of destruction and

comfort (1 Thess 4:18) judgment (2 Thess 2:8-12)

Involves believers only (Jn 14:1-3; Involves Israel and the Gentile

1 Cor 15:51-55; 1 Thess 4:13-18) nations (Matt 24:1-25:46)

Will occur in a moment, in the time it Will be visible to the entire world

takes to blink. Only his own will see His (Matt 24:27; Rev 1:7)

(1 Cor 15:51-52)

Tribulation begins Millennium begins

Christ comes as the bright morning Christ comes as the sun of

star (Rev 22:16) righteousness (Mal 4:2)

John Walvoord concludes that these �contrasts should make it evident that the translation of the church is an event quite different in character and time from the return of the Lord to establish His kingdom, and confirms the conclusion that the translation takes place before the tribulation.�[2] Both events mention clouds symbolizing a heavenly role in both, but other differences demonstrate that these are two distinct events.

http://www.pre-trib.org/articles/view/an-overview-of-pretribulational-arguments