The Rapture – Christ Comes for His Church
Purpose: To take believers to heaven and deliver them from God’s wrath.
•1 Thessalonians 4:16–17
“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven… and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive… will be caught up… to meet the Lord in the air.”
•John 14:2–3
“I go to prepare a place for you… I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
•1 Corinthians 15:51–52
“We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed… in the twinkling of an eye… the dead will be raised imperishable.”
•Revelation 3:10
“Because you have kept my word… I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world.”
•Titus 2:13
“…waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”
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The Second Coming – Christ Comes with His Church
Purpose: To judge the wicked, rescue Israel, and establish the Millennial Kingdom.
•Revelation 19:11–14
“Then I saw heaven opened… The armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen… were following him on white horses.”
•Zechariah 14:4
“On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives…”
•Matthew 24:30
“Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man… and they will see the Son of Man coming… with power and great glory.”
•Jude 1:14–15
“Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all…”
•Revelation 1:7
“Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him…”