Try reading the 2nd coming passages in the NT as if there was only one return (see Biggirl’s post 161), it is quite an eye opener.
It’s really quite simple, the disciples asked Jesus what would be sign of his coming in the olivet discourse (Matt. 24, Mark 13),, he answered by giving many signs, but only one return... and it to take place “immediately after the tribulation of those days,” Matt. 24:29-31.
After this, the notion that there was a coming in addition to the one after the tribulation never entered any of the NT writers minds. In each and every case, when one of them touched on the 2nd coming, like in 1st and 2nd Thessalonians for instance, it was always the same one Jesus had spoken of in Matt. 24:29-31.
If Paul, who came along later, were to have been introducing an additional coming to the one in the olivet discourse, he would have been going against what Jesus had said. He would also have used very specific language setting forth this new thing, “Jesus is to return in two stages, not one like you have been led to believe,” or something similar, which he did not.
If Paul, who came along later, were to have been introducing an additional coming to the one in the olivet discourse, he would have been going against what Jesus had said. He would also have used very specific language setting forth this new thing, “Jesus is to return in two stages, not one like you have been led to believe,” or something similar, which he did not.
Jesus DID reveal to Paul a 'new coming'...It was a mystery up til the time of Paul...
1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
[[Try reading the 2nd coming passages in the NT as if there was only one return (see Biggirl’s post 161), it is quite an eye opener.]]
The rapture isn’t a ‘return’ We are caught up to meet Him In the clouds- His return is when He comes to reign in the millennium
[[After this, the notion that there was a coming in addition to the one after the tribulation never entered any of the NT writers minds.]]
John speaks about the millennial reign of Christ- Issaih spoke of it, Zachariah did, The millennial reign comes after the rapture- whether you believe the rapture occurs, pre-mid-or post trib - the bible is clear that a rapture happens pre millennial reign