There are many more points, along with Scripture, I haven’t even elaborated on, that
show a clear difference between Jesus appearing at the Rapture and His second advent. Each is clear that the Rapture is prior to the Tribulation. One thing is sure, and that is only the Pre-Tribulation view works without spiritualizing some portion(s) of Christ’s return for His bride, the Church.Now I would like to list some of the other points that indicate the Church is not in the Tribulation (in no particular order).
WHO WOULD POPULATE THE MILLENNIUM?
If the Church is not snatched away (raptured) by Jesus before the Tribulation, there will be no one to populate the Millennium that follows the Tribulation period, because there would be no Tribulation saints. Everyone saved during the Church age and during the time of Tribulation would have a heavenly body and be with Christ as His bride … if that were true.
When Jesus takes His Church (bride) out of this world to Heaven (Rapture), we (the Church) will all be changed. We will have spiritual bodies. We will be immortal and will not marry. The Church would not be capable of populating the Millennium.
Those saved during the Tribulation (Tribulation saints) and still living when Jesus returns with His Church at His second coming, will populate the Millennium.
(Isaiah 65:20; Matthew 22:30; 1 Corinthians 15:22; 1 John 3:2)
IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE
When Jesus returns for His bride (the Church), it will happen in the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:52). All those who have died in Christ since the inception of the Church will be raised first. Within the same “twinkling” those of the true Church who are alive will immediately follow them in meeting Jesus in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). The world will not be at war and only the true Church will see Him.
To the contrary, when Jesus returns at His second coming, the world will be at war and every eye will see Him. (Isaiah 63:1-3; Zechariah 12:9-10; Revelation 1:7; 16:16)
A THIEF IN THE NIGHT
When Jesus comes for His bride, the Church, there will be no warning. There are no signs to be observed to warn of this event. One second the Church is here, the next second the Church is gone (Matthew 24:42-44; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6; Revelation 3:3).
When Jesus comes at the end of the Tribulation (second coming), His arrival can be determined to the exact day (Daniel 9:24-27; 12:11-12; Revelation 11:2; 12:6, 14; 13:5).
THE RAPTURE VS THE 2ND COMING
Jesus comes in the Rapture to present His bride to the Father, as in the Jewish marriage customs (2 Corinthians 11:2; Revelation 19:6-9).
He comes at the end of the Tribulation, His second coming (or advent) to execute judgment upon the earth and to set up His kingdom, the Millennium (Zechariah 14:3-4; Jude 14-15; Revelation 19:11-21).
CLOSING
Again, there remain other points I have not listed that the Church is not in the Tribulation. Hopefully, what I have mentioned will inspire some to search the Scriptures and come to their own conclusions.
Even though I believe without a doubt that Jesus will come for His bride, the Church, before the Tribulation, the most important thing is: have you put your trust in Jesus Christ to save you?
I believe the Rapture is very close, but whether it is or is not, we have no guarantee of our next breath.
“For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)
There may not be any signs for the Rapture, and there are not, but the shadows of Tribulation signs are all around us.
We are living in an age when the churches are nearly totally apostate. Very few who confess the name of Jesus are true followers. Regardless of the name over the door, the world has come in like a flood and watered down the Truth of the true Gospel to the gospel of Satan.
Families are being destroyed by liberal satanic viewpoints. I perceive the political world can get no worse, but then it does. Honorable sexuality that was created by God our Creator for procreation, has been brought down to such depts of disgust, it is unconceivable. Criminals are protected while the innocent suffer.
Our lifestyle has changed so rapidly in just a few years, it boggles the mind. That would be admirable if we were improving, but alas, we have become corrupt beyond belief. We have this day fulfilled Isaiah’s words.
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.” (Isaiah 5:20-21)
Most of the world will laugh and be enraged at the following words, but let us understand one thing: this is God’s world. He created it. He owns it, and will run it any way He chooses. He is God. He doesn’t need our help and He hasn’t asked for our opinion. He gave us His rule book to follow. It is called the Bible. We can accept it or not. The choice is ours.
Folks don’t like to talk about it, but His judgment is on the way, and it is called the Tribulation. It will be seven years of hell on earth. Every person with a lick of sense needs to fall on their knees before Jesus and call upon Him to save them. No one need go through this terrible time if they don’t want to. If the Tribulation would start tomorrow, all who come to Jesus today would be saved, and would be in Heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grant Phillips
Email: Phillip5769@twc.com
Pre-Rapture Commentary: http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com
Rapture Ready: http://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html
