There are similarities between the Rapture and the Second Coming, and this has caused many to mistakenly think they are the same. We see similarities in that, with both speak of glory, a gathering, a trumpet, angels, and clouds. Although there are similarities, there many differences as well. The differences demonstrate that these two future comings should never be joined into one event. The comparisons that follow demonstrate this conclusion.
The Rapture takes place before the Tribulation period.
1Thes.1:10
The Second Coming takes place 'after the Tribulation.
Matt.24:29
The Rapture of the Church is a message of grace, joy, and peace.
1Thes.1:1,10; 2Tim.4:8; Titus 2:13
The Second Coming is about judgement, vengeance, and wrath.
Psa.50:3; Joel 3:9-16; Rev.19:11-21
For the Rapture, the Body of Christ is told to look for Christ, not signs.
Phil.3:20,21
Israel is told to look for signs of Christ's Second Coming.
Matt.24:3,15,33; Luke 21:28
Believers have "comfort" and "rest" at the Rapture.
1Thes 4:18; 5:11; 2Thes. 1:7; 2:16,17
The earth will "mourn" at the Second Coming and there will be great fear.
Zech.12:10; Matt.24:30; Rev.1:7
The Rapture results in LIFE. Members of the Body of Christ are raised from the dead at the Rapture.
1Cor.15:52; 1Thes.4:16
The Second Coming results in DEATH. Carcasses from Armageddon cover the ground.
Psa.110:5,6; Zech.14:12; Matt.24:28; Rev.19:17,18
The Rapture marks the end of the Dispensation of Grace.
Rom.11:25; 1Cor.15:51,52
The Second Coming marks the "end of the world," the end of the Tribulation.
Matt.14:3
Those trusting in the death, burial, and resurrection have hope of the Rapture.
1Thes.1:14
Those who believe Jesus is Israel's Messiah and endure to the end will be saved by the Second Coming.
Matt.10:22; 24:14; John 20;31
Our burden in light of the Rapture is to teach others for Christ so they are not left behind to go into the Tribulation
1Thes 5:4-8
The burden of Israel in light of the Second Coming will be for God's vengeance to be poured out on their enemies.
Psa. 5; 58; 59; 79
The Rapture takes place before the Tribulation period.
1Thes.1:10
The Second Coming takes place 'after the Tribulation.
Matt.24:29
The Rapture of the Church is a message of grace, joy, and peace.
1Thes.1:1,10; 2Tim.4:8; Titus 2:13
The Second Coming is about judgement, vengeance, and wrath.
Psa.50:3; Joel 3:9-16; Rev.19:11-21
For the Rapture, the Body of Christ is told to look for Christ, not signs.
Phil.3:20,21
Israel is told to look for signs of Christ's Second Coming.
Matt.24:3,15,33; Luke 21:28
Believers have "comfort" and "rest" at the Rapture.
1Thes 4:18; 5:11; 2Thes. 1:7; 2:16,17
The earth will "mourn" at the Second Coming and there will be great fear.
Zech.12:10; Matt.24:30; Rev.1:7
The Rapture results in LIFE. Members of the Body of Christ are raised from the dead at the Rapture.
1Cor.15:52; 1Thes.4:16
The Second Coming results in DEATH. Carcasses from Armageddon cover the ground.
Psa.110:5,6; Zech.14:12; Matt.24:28; Rev.19:17,18
The Rapture marks the end of the Dispensation of Grace.
Rom.11:25; 1Cor.15:51,52
The Second Coming marks the "end of the world," the end of the Tribulation.
Matt.14:3
Those trusting in the death, burial, and resurrection have hope of the Rapture.
1Thes.1:14
Those who believe Jesus is Israel's Messiah and endure to the end will be saved by the Second Coming.
Matt.10:22; 24:14; John 20;31
Our burden in light of the Rapture is to teach others for Christ so they are not left behind to go into the Tribulation
1Thes 5:4-8
The burden of Israel in light of the Second Coming will be for God's vengeance to be poured out on their enemies.
Psa. 5; 58; 59; 79
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