Some False Views of the Rapture
I. That
the rapture and the Second Coming are one
and the same event.
A. These two are inseparably linked
together,
but they are not the same
B. Note; the rapture introduces the
tribulation
the Second Comming will conclude it
C. Other distinguishing features
1. The rapture
a.
Christ comes in the air (1 Thess 4:16-17)
b.
He comes for his saints (1 Thess 4:16-17)
c.
The rapture is a mystery, i.e. a truth
unknown in the Old Testament times
(1 Cor 15:51)
d.
Christ's coming for his saints is never
said to be preceded by signs in the heavens
e.
The rapture is identified with the day of
Christ
(1) 1 Cor 1:8
(2) 2 Cor 1:14
(3) Phil 1:6,10
f. The rapture is presented as a time of
blessing
(1 Thess 4:18)
g. The rapture takes place in a moment,
in the
twinkling of an eye
(1) 1 Cor 15:52
(2) This strongly implies that it
will not
be witnessed by the world
h. The rapture seems to involve the
church
primarily
(1) Jn 14:1-4
(2) 1 Cor 15:51-58
(3) 1 Thess 4:13-18
i. Christ comes as the bright and
morning
star (Rev 22:16)
2. The Second Coming
a. He comes to the earth (Zech 14:4)
b. He comes with his saints
(1) 1 Thess 3:13
(2) Jude 14
c. The revelation is not a mystery
(1) It is the subject of many Old
Testament
prophecies
(2) Ps 72
(3) Isa 11
(4) Zech 14
d. Christ's coming with his saints will
be heralded
by celestial portents (Mt 24:29-30)
e. The revelation is identified with the
day of
the Lord (2 Thess 2:1-12)
f. The main emphasis of the revelation
is on
judgement (2 Thess 2:8-12)
g. The revelation will be visible
worldwide
(1) Mt 24:27
(2) Rev 1:7
h. The revelation involves Israel
primarily,
then also the Gentile nations
(1) Mt 24:1
(2) Mt 25:46
i. Christ comes as the sun of
righteousness
with healing in his wings (Mal 4:2)
