Difference Between the Rapture and the Second Coming? Many people believe that both prophetic events are one and the same.

This has led many to doubt that this biblical event will ever even happen at all and has led even more people to err on this important doctrinal issue.

However, in studying end-times Bible prophecy, it is very important to differentiate between the two. In this article, we will take a look at some key bible verses that distinguish the rapture from the second coming of Christ. 

Difference Between the Rapture and the Second Coming Quick Comparison

At the Rapture, Jesus will return for His saints.
At the Second Coming, He will return with His saints.

At the Rapture, Jesus will not descend to earth.
At the Second Coming, He will descend to earth on the Mount of Olives as a prelude to His earthly reign.

At the Rapture, Jesus will bring a blessing for His saints.
At the Second Coming, He will bring judgment for those who have rejected Him.

The Rapture could occur at any moment.
The Second Coming will occur seven years later.

Difference Between the Rapture and the Second Coming Concept

The concept of the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ are two significant events in Christian eschatology. This biblical concept is described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-54.

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a rousing cry, with a call from one of the ruling angels, and with God’s shofar; those who died united with the Messiah will be the first to rise;

17 then we who are left still alive will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and thus we will always be with the Lord.

18 So encourage each other with these words.

 Let me say this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot share in the Kingdom of God, nor can something that decays share in what does not decay.

51 Look, I will tell you a secret – not all of us will die! But we will all be changed!

52 It will take but a moment, the blink of an eye, at the final shofar. For the shofar will sound, and the dead will be raised to live forever, and we too will be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:50-54

While both events involve the return of Jesus Christ, they differ in their timing and purpose. In this post we will explore the differences between the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ, examining relevant biblical passages and theological interpretations.

1. Timing of the Rapture:

The Rapture is often associated with the  pre-tribulation rapture, which means that believers will be taken up to meet Christ before a period of tribulation on earth.

This view is based on passages such as 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, which describes believers being caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord. On the other hand, the Second Coming of Christ is believed to occur after the tribulation period. (Matthew 24:29-31; Revelation 19:11-16) This view suggests that Christ will return to earth to establish His kingdom and judge the nations.

2. Purpose of the Rapture:

The purpose of the “Blessed Hope” is to deliver believers from the wrath and judgment that will come upon the earth during the tribulation period. It is seen as a means of rescue and escape for believers, as they are taken up to be with Christ. 

The Second Coming, on the other hand, is associated with the establishment of Christ’s kingdom on earth. It is a time of judgment and restoration, where Christ will reign as King and bring about the fulfillment of God’s promises.

3. Implications for Believers:

The belief in the Rapture has implications for believers in terms of their hope and readiness. It encourages believers to live in anticipation of Christ’s return and to be prepared to meet Him in person.

The Second Coming, on the other hand, emphasizes the need for believers to endure and persevere through seven years of hell on earth. It calls believers to remain faithful and to actively participate in God’s work in the world.

Conclusion:

The Rapture and the Second Coming of Yeshua are two distinct events in Christian eschatology. The Rapture is an event where believers are taken up to meet the Messiah before a period of tribulation. The Second Coming refers to Christ’s return to earth after the tribulation to establish His kingdom.

There are some who argue the Tribulation period will begin before the Rapture. However, the Bible says that “there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1), which suggests the Church will not experience God’s judgment during the Tribulation.

Seven years after the Rapture, Jesus will return to earth in the event known as the Second Coming. His return will be entirely different from His arrival in Bethlehem as a humble Child. When Christ returns, He will appear as the exalted King of the universe, surrounded by His saints. The powers of evil will be quickly defeated at the Battle of Armageddon, and then Christ will establish His everlasting kingdom on earth.

These events have different timing, purposes, and implications for believers. Regardless of one’s interpretation, the belief in Christ’s return should inspire believers to live in anticipation, readiness, and faithful obedience to God’s will.

Sources

What is the difference between the rapture and the second coming?. Living in the Age of Signs – DavidJeremiah.org. (n.d.). https://www.davidjeremiah.org/age-of-signs/what-is-the-difference-between-the-rapture-and-the-second-coming?devdate=2020-04-03