The Pre-Tribulation Rapture, Part 2

This message is the second of a two-part presentation of seven of reasons for believing the rapture of the Church will occur before the beginning of the coming Tribulation. This discussion presents the biblical support for five of the reasons.

They are as follows:

1. The absence of the Church in Revelation chapters 6-18 which describe events occurring during the seventieth week of Daniel. Revelation 4:4, 10; 5:8; 19:7-9.
2. The seventieth week of Daniel is a time of God's judgment and the Church is promised deliverance from God's wrath. Isaiah 13:6-13; Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:9-31; Revelation 3:10; 6:15; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 4:13-17; 5:1,9.
3. There must be a gap between the rapture and the second coming of Christ to earth because not everyone who enters the millennium will have a glorified body. Isaiah 65:20-23; Revelation 20:7-9.
4. The departure of the Church and the manifestation of the "man of lawlessness" must occur before the Tribulation begins. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8.
5. The imminent return of Christ "in the air" for His Church is at least seven years before His return to earth. Nothing foretold has to happen before the rapture can take place. Philippians 3:20-21; 4:5.

God never leaves His plans and purposes unfinished. He will resume His work with the nation of Israel, reconciling their relationship to Him. For the Church and each individual believer, this anticipation should shape how each life is lived and how each day is occupied. 1 Corinthians 15:58!