The concept of the Rapture does not preclude that the “dead in Christ” rise first. They do rise first than those of us who are faithful believers will be “caught up with them” to meet the Lord in the air. Christ does not return to earth at the rapture. It’s after Armageddon that those who perished during the tribulation are raised.
Yes...agreed.
Interesting, thank you. What you describe is possible given that the dead are raised first.
Now, let me make this question clear, as apparently I wasn’t clear before: Verse 16 also states that Christ will visibly return, “loudly”, before the dead are raised, doesn’t it? Thus, since we agree the dead are raised before the “rapture” of all believers, doesn’t this mean Christ returns visibly before all of this?
Again, seems pretty clear to me. It seems to be simple logic.