Typical pretrib tactic, they try to psyche you out, they lay the burden of proof on you, while it is they that have the burden of proof. It is they that have the truth, or so they say, and it is our job to prove all their assertions wrong.
In actuality, the pretrib rapture is built upon nothing but inferences, they have no scripture that actually states that the second coming is to take place in two stages.
It is they that have the burden of proof, give us the scripture that actually states a two stage second coming. Yes, we are aware of the scriptures that may INFER such a thing. But, for such an important concept, the very hope of the church, we need more than a inference, we need proof in black and white.
The pretrib rapture is a theory read into the word of God. The singular second coming of Christ to take place after the tribulation, however, we don’t need a theory for, it IS stated in black in white by none other than the greatest authority on the matter - Jesus Christ...in Matt. 24:29-31.
He said absolutely nothing about any other coming in that discourse than the one “immediately after the tribulation of those days.” Subsequent NT writers - like Paul - simply followed Jesus’ lead. When they wrote of the second coming it was Jesus’ singular coming after the tribulation that was being referenced.
Pretribs, of course, say otherwise. They say Paul revealed an additional coming, a coming before the tribulation, he revealed a two stage second coming. It is the pretribs, then, who have the burden of proof.
They need to bring us the scripture where Paul introduces a two stage second coming. No inference, we want to see it stated in black and white.
If you're Roman Catholic you just wiped out a great deal of the reasoning behind many of the RCC's teachings as they are not found in Scripture.
Paul says we will be changed into His image and meet Him in clouds. Right?
1Th 4:17 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.
The messengers speaking to the Jews who saw Him ascending told them they would first see Him on Olivet
AV Ac 1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
AV Ac 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Now which is it, in clouds or on the earth?