Both Jesus' first and second comings had signs predicted in the Bible. People WERE WATCHING for the messiah when Christ first came, because they saw the signs of the times. In fact Christ rebuked some for not believing because they did not recognize who he was by the signs of the times.
And in regards to Jesus' Second Coming, there will also be plenty of signs to look for to tell people exactly when He is coming. The Rapture, on the other hand, has no sign, no prophecy to be fulfilled, first, before it happens. With the Second Coming (to set up the Kingdom on earth for His one-world government) -- you can count exactly 1,260 days from the abominaion of desolation that Jesus pointed out that Daniel spoke about -- and know to the day, exactly when Jesus will be arriving. See this from Post #213 ...
The New Testament teaches about the Rapture of the church and yet also speaks of the Second Coming of Christ. These two events are different in a number of ways. Note the following contrasts between the translation at the Rapture and Christ's Second Coming to establish the kingdom.
Rapture/Translation 2nd Coming/Estabish Kingdom 1. Translation of all believers 1. No translation at all 2. Translated saints go to heaven 2. Translated saints return to earth 3. Earth not judged 3. Earth judged & righteousness established 4. Imminent, any-moment, signless 4. Follows definite predicted signs including tribulation 5. Not in the Old Testament 5. Predicted often in Old Testament 6. Believers only 6. Affects all men 7. Before the day of wrath 7. Concluding the day of wrath 8. No reference to Satan 8. Satan bound 9. Christ comes for His own 9. Christ comes with His own 10. He comes in the air 10. He comes to the earth 11. He claims His bride 11. He comes with His bride 12. Only His own see Him 12. Every eye shall see Him 13. Tribulation begins 13. Millennial Kingdom begins
Dr. 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."5
AND... see the following from Post #270 ...
In contrast to the imminent gathering of His church, there are numerous passages that deal with precedent events which must transpire prior to the "Second Coming" to establish His kingdom on the earth. Some of the passages referring to the Rapture and the Second Coming are summarized at the the table below.
Rapture |
Second Coming |
John 14:1-3 |
Dan 2:44-45 |
Rom 8:19 |
Dan 7:9-14 |
1 Cor 1:7-8 |
Dan 12:1-3 |
1 Cor 15:1-53 |
Zech 14:1-15 |
1 Cor 16:22 |
Matt 13:41 |
Phil 3:20-21 |
Matt 24:15-31 |
Col 3:4 |
Matt 26:64 |
1 Thess 1:10 |
Mark 13:14-27 |
1 Thess 2:19 |
Mark 14:62 |
1 Thess 4:13-18 |
Luke 21:25-28 |
1 Thess 5:9 |
Acts 1:9-11 |
1 Thess 5:23 |
Acts 3:19-21 |
2 Thess 2:1 (3?) |
1 Thess 3:13 |
1 Tim 6:14 |
2 Thess 1:6-10 |
2 Tim 4:1 |
2 Thess 2:8 |
Titus 2:13 |
2 Peter 3:1-14 |
Heb 9:28 |
Jude 14-15 |
James 5:7-9 |
Rev 1:7 |
1 Peter 1:7, 13 |
Rev 19:11-20:6 |
1 John 2:28-3:2 |
Rev 22:7, 12, 20 |
Jude 21 |
|
Rev 2:25 |
|
Rev 3:10 |
|
At the very latest, the rapture happens right before Christs triumphal return earth on the Mount Of Olives. At the earliest, it happens 7 years before the return.
The Bible tells us what the signs of the end of the age are. Peter tells us to watch for Christ's return.
The Bible also talks of the Rapture happening in the end days, before the return of Christ.
If you see the signs of the times around you, it makes sense that the Rapture is getting nearer.
The signs are just that, signs. Signs to get our house in order. Signs that the time for believers to plant, water or harvest seeds for new believers is running out.
I look in the world and see the world moving rapidly to form a New World Order. Unlike anything seen before. Talked about in the Bible. Well, with transportation and communication the way they are today, I can see that happening. Soon.
I also see the day approaching when a simple Mark, upon the hand or forhead will allow you, or eliminate you, from buying or selling. Never before has this been possible. Just go to the Council Of Foreign Relations website, and you will see that their goals are a one world government and a cashless society, with everyone chipped by 2017.