Thursday-Day 22
We have addressed the Comings of Jesus and determined that there is the First Coming which happened at Bethlehem at His birth and the Second Coming which will happen on the Mt. Olives (Zechariah 14:4). We also came to understand that there is a coming in between these two called the Rapture. This was determined not to be a return to the physical earth but to be in the clouds where the church would be "caught up" to meet the Lord in the air (Thessalonians 4:13-18).
The Second Coming could be described as a two scene play with the first scene being called the "Rapture" or "appearing of the Lord Jesus" and the second scene be entitled the
Return of the Lord Jesus". Previously we examined the differences in the First Coming and Second Coming today we will study the differences of the Second Coming and the Rapture!
Return of the Lord Jesus". Previously we examined the differences in the First Coming and Second Coming today we will study the differences of the Second Coming and the Rapture!
Our first understanding is that the two different events are found in various biblical locations written or spoken by specific individuals to diverse audiences. We will first compare the subject of the Rapture as found in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 written by Paul to the church at Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 1:1) and the Second Coming presented in Revelation 19:11:16 written by John to the seven church of Asia (Rev 1:4).
RAPTURE
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SECOND COMING
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1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
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Revelation 19:11-16
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13But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
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11And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
14And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
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These passages have nothing in common except Jesus is the focus of both events! The first item to notice is that the Rapture stresses the Lord appearing while the Second Coming highlights the Lord Jesus returning. Here is a list of the differences in these two events in these two passages:
RAPTURE
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SECOND COMING
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1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
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Revelation 19:11-16
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1
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Jesus appears in the clouds
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1
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Jesus returns to the earth
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2
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Jesus appears for His Church
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2
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Jesus returns with His Church
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3
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Jesus appears as a Deliverer
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3
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Jesus returns as a Warrior
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4
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Jesus appears in Hope and Comfort
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4
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Jesus returns in Wrath
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5
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Jesus appears as a Bridegroom
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5
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Jesus returns as a King
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Let's now examine other scriptures that give us contrasting differences in the two events.
RAPTURE
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SECOND COMING
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1
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Imminent without signs
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1
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Follows definite predicted signs
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2
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Seen only by the Church (1 Cor. 15:52)
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2
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Seen by every eye (Rev 1:7)
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3
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A Mystery (1 Cor. 15:51)
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3
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Foretold by OT prophets (Dan 12:1-3)
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Believing that the Rapture and Second Coming are two different events will solve a number of conflicts. One of the biggest problems is the imminent return of the Lord. This is spoke by Jesus in the following scriptures:
Matthew 24:36
36But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Matthew 24:44
44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
Imminent is defined as "likely to happen at any moment". [1] If there is only one return then the thought that Jesus could come at any time is a false premise. Why? Because for the Second Coming that are definite prophecies that must be fulfilled before Jesus can come back. Here are a number of prophecies that are needed to be fulfilled for Jesus to return:
- 7 Years of Tribulation
- The Rebuilding of the Temple
- The Revelation of the Antichrist
- The Killing of the Two Witnesses
- The Desecration of the Temple
- The Institution of the Mark of the Beast
- The Salvation of the Jewish Remnant
The only way the Lord's return can be imminent is for there to be a Rapture that is separate and apart from the Second Coming — and which can occur at any moment, without the fulfillment of any prophecies.
When we understand the differences of the Rapture and the Second Coming we are able to stay focused on His Coming!
Your Response
After reading today's writing begin to pray and ask God to help you to stay focused upon His coming. Ask Him to give you a personal plan to remember that Jesus is coming! Write Matthew 24:44 on a card and place on your mirror or refrigerator to look at daily! Start memorizing Matthew 24:44 today!
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