The Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ
In the study of what we call the last days there are two terms or events that are often used interchangeably and are confused with one another .

The first of these terms is the rapture. This word will not be found in the Scriptures. This event is partially described in acts the first chapter verses 9 through 11, and in first Thessalonians chapter 5. This event occurs before the tribulation period begins, and consists of the following events in this order. First Jesus comes down into the atmosphere and shouts with the voice of the Archangel and the sound of a trumpet causing the dead who died since the time of Christ to be resurrected and rise to join Christ. They are followed by all living believing Christians ,leaving the earth for the moment without a witness. This event will occur sometime shortly before the beginning of what we will call the tribulation period.

The second coming of Christ is in total contrast to the rapture and consists of Jesus's return to the earth with all of the Christian Saints who joined him in the rapture. The purpose of this event is to set up his kingdom and prepare for the ultimate judgment of the earth at a later date.

We will see more of these two events in our study which is in the book of revelation.