Throughout the centuries, Christians all over the World have longed for Jesus' return. At first glance, reading all the scriptures that relate to Jesus' return, you might think that this encompasses only one event. However, as you thread the scriptures together, you soon realize that there are in fact two separate events. The difficult part many have experienced with these passages, is the constant contrast of scriptures relating to Jesus' return. For instance, Revelation depicts that Jesus returns at the end of a Seven year period of suffering - we refer to as the "Tribulation", whilst on many other occasions Jesus is described as coming like a thief in the night and taking his own people by surprise.

The word "Rapture" itself cannot be found in the Bible, but it is derived from a Greek word "Harpadzo", which means to be caught or snatched up.

Another Greek word "Parousia", is also associated with the return of Jesus Christ and refers to a "personal arrival or coming". Both these words were used by Jesus and by the Apostles to describe when Christ will return for his believers. It is the next prophetic event awaiting the churches of Jesus.

So you might be wondering what is the basis for believing in the Rapture. To explain this we have to pull out the scriptures relating to Jesus' return. ( An interactive Bible study follows after this page for those that are interested).

Let's consider the Biblical truths about Christ's 2nd Coming:

These scriptures reveal that Jesus is returning to Earth to judge the nations and to stop the carnage.

There are of course, many more scriptures relating to this event. The Old Testament calls it the "Day of the Lord" and reveals that it is a time when God steps down from Heaven to bring in the Kingdom of God.

Daniel reveals that if this period was not interrupted by God himself, nothing on Earth would survive.

As you can see these scriptures have nothing to do with the so-called Rapture. Not one point refers to the gathering of his believers.

As we said, this is Jesus' 2nd Coming - visible entry to the Earth, but what about the Rapture? ...

Let us first consider what Paul, the Apostle, has to say about the Lord's return:

It is interesting to note, that according to the scriptures, there are 3 things that occur when Jesus returns:

1. The Lord comes down from Heaven;

2. an Archangel announces his arrival and lastly;

3. God gives a trumpet call.

But notice that this scripture specifically refers to Christians and not unbelievers. We are told that all those Christians who have died will first be gathered before the Lord and then those that are still alive at his return, will be "caught up"  and will meet the Lord in the air and will remain with him forever.

In contrast the scriptures relating to the 2nd Coming, speak of the Lord returning with the "Saints" of Heaven to fight and wage war. Jesus cannot fulfil both these requirements at the same time, nor can we both return to Heaven and at the same time descend from it.

And of course, we can never base an entire teaching on one scripture, as this can easily be distorted. So let us consider some others:

However, the most significant reason why the Rapture occurs apart from the 2nd Coming is Jesus prophetic promise to His church. According to the scriptures of Revelation 3:10 ... Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole World to test those who live on the Earth [ Rev 3:10 NIV ]. 

The trial that is to come on the Earth - "The Tribulation", has been discussed in the previous section and will start by a treaty being confirmed by the Antichrist aimed at resolving problems between Israel and it's neighbours.

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The majority of Bible Scholars believe in the Rapture and that it is a separate event from the Second Coming. The real sticky part of the problem is that people differ as to when this event occurs. We debate this at length in our last section of studies under Timing Debates; for now we merely list the major viewpoints as to when it can occur.

We list 3 main viewpoints for convenience sake only, although scripturally we believe that as a result of Jesus' promise to the Philadelphian church (Rev 3:10), the Rapture will occur prior to the Tribulation. In our advanced prophetic studies, we examine the pro's and con's of all the various theories as to when this event can happen.

To Sum up; The major theories are:

1. Before the 7 year Tribulation even starts {Pre Tribulation theory} 

2. In the middle of the Tribulation {Mid Tribulation theory} 

3. At the end of the Tribulation {Post Tribulation theory}, in other words, either before the 2nd Coming or at the same time.