Dan’s Corner

Written By Mike Midona

Sal Hernandez Questions with Bryan Ravor’s answers

 

1. What is meant by the rapture of the church?

The rapture is the future event when Jesus Christ will come in the air to receive all Church-age believers to Himself. Living believers will be transformed and caught up together with resurrected believers to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thess. 4:16-17; 1 Cor. 15:51-52).

 

2. Is the rapture an Old Testament doctrine?

No. The rapture was a mystery not revealed in the Old Testament. It was first revealed through Christ and His apostles (John 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:51; Eph. 3:1-6).

 

3. Is the rapture a part of the second coming of Jesus Christ to the Earth? Prove.

The rapture and the Second Advent are related but distinct events. At the rapture Christ comes for His saints in the air (1 Thess. 4:16-17). At the Second Advent He comes with His saints to the Earth (Zech. 14:4-5; Rev. 19:11-16).

 

4. Does the Lord come to the Earth at the rapture? Prove.

No. Scripture states believers meet the Lord "in the air" (1 Thess. 4:17). No passage describing the rapture says Christ touches the Earth.

 

5. Where does He take the saints after meeting them in the air?

Jesus promised to take believers to the Father's house in heaven (John 14:2-3). Believers will appear before Christ's judgment seat and participate in heavenly events before returning with Him.

 

6. How do many ministers complicate the doctrine of the rapture?

Many combine the rapture and the Second Advent into one event, failing to distinguish passages that describe Christ coming for His saints from those describing His return with His saints.

 

7. Is the rapture called the coming of the Lord? Explain.

Yes. The Greek word parousia ("coming" or "presence") is used of both the rapture and the Second Advent. The context determines which coming is in view (1 Thess. 4:15; Matt. 24:27).

 

8. Should we call the rapture the second advent? Why?

Generally, no. The term "Second Advent" is usually reserved for Christ's visible return to Earth after the Tribulation. The rapture precedes that event and is distinguished from it in dispensational theology.

 

9. How many years are there between the rapture and the second advent? Prove.

According to the pre-tribulation view, seven years. This corresponds to Daniel's Seventieth Week (Dan. 9:24-27), often identified with the Tribulation period that ends with Christ's return to Earth.

 

10. Are there two distinct sets of Scriptures on the two comings?

Yes.

Rapture passages:

  • John 14:1-3

  • 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

  • Philippians 3:20-21

Second Advent passages:

  • Zechariah 14:1-5

  • Matthew 24:29-31

  • Acts 1:11

  • Revelation 19:11-21

The first group describes Christ coming for believers; the second describes Christ returning to reign on Earth.

 

11. Where are the saints between the two comings? Prove.

The saints are in Heaven with Christ between the rapture and the Second Advent. Jesus promised to take believers to the Father's house (John 14:2-3). During this period believers appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10) and participate in the Marriage of the Lamb (Rev. 19:7-8).

 

12. Does Christ come from a certain place at the second advent? If He comes from this place then how could He have remained in the air all the time between the two comings?

Yes. Christ comes from Heaven at the Second Advent (Rev. 19:11-16). Since He descends from Heaven at that time, He could not have remained suspended in the air between the rapture and the Second Advent. This supports the distinction between the two events.

13. At which of the two comings does Christ come FOR the saints and at which one does He come WITH them to the Earth?

  • At the rapture: Christ comes for His saints (1 Thess. 4:16-17; John 14:3).

  • At the Second Advent: Christ comes with His saints to the Earth (Zech. 14:5; Rev. 19:14; Col. 3:4).

 

14. Give some contrasts between the two comings of the Lord.

Rapture

Second Advent

Christ comes in the air

Christ comes to the Earth

Christ comes for His saints

Christ comes with His saints

A source of comfort (1 Thess. 4:18)

A time of judgment (Matt. 25:31-46)

Translation of believers

Establishment of the Kingdom

Imminent, no signs required

Follows specific prophetic signs

Believers taken from Earth

Unbelievers removed in judgment

 

15. State the old theory of the second coming of Christ and why it could not be true.

The "old theory" often taught that Christ would come halfway to Earth, meet the saints in the air, and immediately reverse direction with them back to Earth. Dispensationalists reject this because John 14:2-3 teaches Christ takes believers to the Father's house, and Revelation 19 shows saints returning with Christ from Heaven at a later time.

 

16. Prove from Scripture the fact and manner of the rapture.

Fact of the rapture:

  • John 14:1-3

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

  • 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

Manner of the rapture:

  • The Lord descends from Heaven.

  • The dead in Christ are raised first.

  • Living believers are transformed.

  • All believers are caught up together to meet the Lord in the air.

  • They are forever with the Lord (1 Thess. 4:16-17).

 

17. Does Matthew 24–25 refer to the rapture or the second advent of Christ? Prove.

Primarily the Second Advent. The context concerns Israel, the Tribulation, cosmic signs, and Christ's visible return to Earth (Matt. 24:29-31). The gathering of the elect follows the Tribulation, unlike the rapture passages, which describe Christ coming for the Church before God's wrath.

 

18. Define parousia and explain how it is used of both the rapture and the second advent.

Parousia is a Greek word meaning "presence" or "coming."

It is used of:

  • The rapture (1 Thess. 4:15; 1 Thess. 2:19).

  • The Second Advent (Matt. 24:27; Matt. 24:37).

The context determines which phase of Christ's coming is being discussed.

 

19. Prove that 1 Thessalonians 3:13 refers to the presentation of saints before God in Heaven at the rapture and not to the time when Christ comes to the Earth with His saints.

Paul prays that believers may be established "blameless in holiness before our God and Father" at Christ's coming (1 Thess. 3:13). The emphasis is on believers being presented before God, which harmonizes with the rapture and the heavenly judgment of believers (Rom. 14:10; 2 Cor. 5:10), rather than Christ's public return to Earth in judgment.

 

20. Explain the out-resurrection referred to in Philippians 3:11.

The term translated "out-resurrection" (exanastasis) emphasizes a resurrection "out from among" the dead. Paul looked forward to participating in the resurrection of the righteous, which dispensationalists connect with the first resurrection of believers rather than the final resurrection of the wicked (Rev. 20:4-6).

 

21. Define phaneros and explain how it is used of both the rapture and the second advent.

Phaneros means "to make visible," "manifest," or "to appear."

It is used of Christ's future appearing:

  • In connection with believers receiving rewards and being like Him (Col. 3:4; 1 John 3:2).

  • In connection with His glorious public manifestation at His Second Advent (Titus 2:13).

Thus the word emphasizes the visible manifestation of Christ and can be applied to both aspects of His future coming, depending on the context.

 

22. Will the saints of all ages be caught up in the rapture to meet the Lord in the air?

No. The rapture specifically concerns those who are "in Christ," the Church (1 Thess. 4:16-17; 1 Cor. 15:51-52). Old Testament saints and Tribulation saints are resurrected at other times (Dan. 12:1-2; Rev. 20:4-6).

 

23. Prove from Scripture why the trump of God in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 is not the seventh trumpet of Revelation 11:15.

  • The trumpet of God is associated with the resurrection and translation of the Church (1 Thess. 4:16-17).

  • The seventh trumpet is a judgment trumpet during the Tribulation (Rev. 11:15-19).

  • Different purposes, different times, different participants.

  • The trumpet in 1 Thessalonians is God's call to blessing; the seventh trumpet introduces further judgments.

 

24. State fully the purpose of the rapture.

  • To resurrect dead Church saints (1 Thess. 4:16).

  • To transform living believers (1 Cor. 15:51-53).

  • To unite all Church saints with Christ (John 14:1-3).

  • To deliver the Church from the coming wrath (1 Thess. 1:10; 5:9).

  • To take the Bride to the Father's house (John 14:2-3).

 

25. How many future raptures are there in the first resurrection? Prove.

Many dispensational teachers identify four phases:

1.    Christ the Firstfruits (1 Cor. 15:23).

2.    Church saints at the rapture (1 Thess. 4:16-17).

3.    Tribulation saints (Rev. 20:4-6).

4.    Old Testament saints (Dan. 12:1-2).

All belong to the "first resurrection" because they are resurrections unto life (Rev. 20:6).

 

26. Name and explain the four companies of redeemed of all ages who will be in the first resurrection.

1.    Christ—the Firstfruits (1 Cor. 15:20, 23).

2.    The Church—raised at the rapture (1 Thess. 4:16-17).

3.    Old Testament saints—raised after the Tribulation (Dan. 12:1-2).

4.    Tribulation martyrs—raised before the Millennium (Rev. 20:4-6).

They are distinct because they are resurrected at different times and under different covenant programs.

 

27. State some of the ten reasons why there will be a rapture.

1.    Christ promised it (John 14:1-3).

2.    Paul revealed it as a mystery (1 Cor. 15:51).

3.    The dead in Christ must be raised (1 Thess. 4:16).

4.    Living saints must be changed (1 Cor. 15:52).

5.    Believers are promised deliverance from wrath (1 Thess. 1:10).

6.    The Church is Christ's Bride (Eph. 5:25-27).

7.    Christ comes for His saints before returning with them (1 Thess. 3:13).

8.    The blessed hope requires it (Titus 2:13).

9.    Believers are citizens of heaven (Phil. 3:20-21).

10.                   God has not appointed us to wrath (1 Thess. 5:9).

 

28. What is the one and only requirement that will qualify one for the rapture?

Being "in Christ."

Proof: "The dead in Christ shall rise first" (1 Thess. 4:16). See also Rom. 8:1; 1 Cor. 12:13.

 

29. Give the ninefold qualification for the rapture.

A person must:

1.    Be saved.

2.    Be born again.

3.    Be in Christ.

4.    Be redeemed.

5.    Be justified.

6.    Be sanctified in Christ.

7.    Be a child of God.

8.    Be indwelt by the Spirit.

9.    Belong to Christ.

These describe the same saving relationship.

 

30. Should one walk in the light in order to go in the rapture? Prove.

Walking in the light is commanded for fellowship and reward (1 John 1:7), but qualification for the rapture is based on being in Christ, not on spiritual maturity (1 Thess. 4:16-17; 1 Cor. 15:51-52).

 

31. What does it mean to be in Christ and to belong to Christ?

To be spiritually united with Him through faith and the baptism of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:26-29; Rom. 8:9).

 

32. Why will not the tribulation saints be caught up in the rapture?

Because they are saved after the Church has been removed. Their resurrection occurs at Christ's Second Coming (Rev. 20:4-6).

 

33. When will the tribulation saints get saved? Prove.

During the Tribulation through the witness of:

  • The 144,000 (Rev. 7:1-8).

  • The two witnesses (Rev. 11:3-12).

  • The angel proclaiming the gospel (Rev. 14:6-7).

  • Other believers.

See Rev. 7:9-14.

 

34. When will the rapture take place? Prove.

Before the Tribulation begins.

  • 1 Thess. 1:10

  • 1 Thess. 5:9

  • Rev. 3:10

  • John 14:1-3

 

35. Are there any signs of the rapture stated in Scripture?

No specific signs are given for the rapture. It is presented as imminent (Phil. 3:20; Titus 2:13; James 5:8-9).

 

36. Are there any prophecies that must be fulfilled before the rapture?

From the pre-tribulational view, no. The rapture is imminent and can occur at any moment.

 

37. Can the rapture take place at any time?

Yes. Believers are told to watch and expect Christ's coming continually (Titus 2:13; Phil. 3:20; 1 Thess. 1:10).

 

38. Prove that the Lord's comings are practical doctrines.

The hope of Christ's coming motivates:

  • Holy living (1 John 3:2-3).

  • Faithfulness (Luke 19:13).

  • Comfort (1 Thess. 4:18).

  • Patience (James 5:7-8).

  • Evangelism and service (2 Tim. 4:1-2, 8).

 

39. Give several plain reasons why the rapture must take place in Revelation 4:1 and before the Tribulation.

Pre-tribulation teachers argue:

  • The Church is seen on earth in Rev. 2–3.

  • The Church is absent from the Tribulation judgments of Rev. 6–18.

  • The twenty-four elders represent redeemed saints in heaven (Rev. 4–5).

  • Believers are promised deliverance from wrath (1 Thess. 1:10).

 

40. How do the natural divisions of Revelation prove the time of the rapture?

Revelation 1:19 divides the book:

1.    "Things which thou hast seen" (chapter 1).

2.    "Things which are" (chapters 2–3, Church Age).

3.    "Things which shall be hereafter" (chapters 4–22).

Pre-tribulationists place the rapture between chapters 3 and 4.

 

41. Why are the words church and churches not used in Revelation 4:1–22:5?

The pre-tribulational explanation is that the Church has already been translated to heaven, and God's prophetic focus returns primarily to Israel and the nations during the Tribulation.

 

42. Is there any Scripture stating that the Church is on Earth during Revelation 4–22? Is there Scripture proving it is not here? Prove that Israel and not the Church is dealt with in those chapters.

Pre-tribulationists argue:

  • The Church is never explicitly mentioned as being on earth in Rev. 4–18.

  • Israel becomes prominent (Rev. 7; 12; 14).

  • The 144,000 come from the twelve tribes of Israel (Rev. 7:4-8).

  • Daniel's Seventieth Week concerns Israel (Dan. 9:24-27).

  • The Church is promised deliverance from the hour of testing (Rev. 3:10).

These points are commonly used to argue that Revelation 4–18 primarily concerns Israel and the nations rather than the Church.

 

44. Prove from Scripture that Daniel's Seventieth Week will be fulfilled with Israel and not with the Church.

Daniel 9:24 states that the seventy weeks are determined upon "thy people" and "thy holy city"—Israel and Jerusalem, not the Church.

The six purposes of the seventy weeks concern Israel:

1.    Finish the transgression.

2.    Make an end of sins.

3.    Make reconciliation for iniquity.

4.    Bring in everlasting righteousness.

5.    Seal up vision and prophecy.

6.    Anoint the Most Holy (Dan. 9:24).

Further evidence:

  • The Church was a mystery not revealed in the Old Testament (Eph. 3:1-9).

  • The Tribulation is called "the time of Jacob's trouble" (Jer. 30:7).

  • Revelation 7 focuses on the twelve tribes of Israel.

  • Revelation 12 portrays Israel as the woman persecuted by Satan.

Therefore, Daniel's Seventieth Week primarily concerns Israel and God's dealings with the nation.

 

45. Prove why Revelation 4:1 is the only place in Revelation referring to the rapture.

Pre-tribulationists view Revelation 4:1 as a symbolic picture of the rapture because:

  • John hears a trumpet-like voice saying, "Come up here."

  • Immediately he is caught up into heaven.

  • The Church is prominently mentioned in chapters 1-3 but is absent from the Tribulation scenes of chapters 6-18.

However, it should be noted that Revelation 4:1 does not explicitly state the rapture. The interpretation is based on typology and the overall structure of Revelation rather than a direct statement.

 

46. How does Luke 21:34-36 prove that the rapture takes place before the Tribulation?

Jesus said believers should watch and pray that they may be "accounted worthy to escape all these things" that shall come upon the earth and stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36).

Pre-tribulationists argue:

  • "Escape all these things" means removal before the Tribulation judgments.

  • Standing before the Son of Man corresponds to believers being in His presence.

 

47. Prove from 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8 that the Church will be raptured before the Antichrist comes.

Paul teaches:

  • A restraining force currently prevents the revelation of the "man of sin."

  • When the restrainer is removed, the Antichrist will be revealed (2 Thess. 2:6-8).

Pre-tribulationists generally identify the restrainer as the Holy Spirit working through the Church. Therefore, the Church is removed before the Antichrist is fully revealed.

 

48. How long will Antichrist be on Earth? Prove.

Antichrist's career spans Daniel's Seventieth Week (seven years).

Evidence:

  • He confirms a covenant for one week (seven years) (Dan. 9:27).

  • At the midpoint (3½ years), he breaks the covenant.

  • His final period of power lasts:

    • 42 months (Rev. 13:5),

    • 1,260 days (Rev. 12:6),

    • "time, times, and half a time" (Dan. 7:25; Rev. 12:14).

 

49. Prove that the "he" of 2 Thessalonians 2:7 refers to the Church.

Many pre-tribulation teachers argue:

  • The restraining influence is the Holy Spirit operating through the Church.

  • Since the Spirit permanently indwells the Church (1 Cor. 6:19), the Church's removal ends that particular restraining ministry.

Others identify the restrainer as:

  • The Holy Spirit directly,

  • Human government,

  • Michael the archangel.

The Church interpretation is based on the Spirit's unique ministry through the body of Christ.

 

50. Prove that the Holy Spirit will never be taken out of the world.

The Holy Spirit is omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10).

During the Tribulation:

  • People are saved (Rev. 7:9-14).

  • The two witnesses minister in divine power (Rev. 11:3-11).

  • The 144,000 are sealed by God (Rev. 7:1-8).

Since no one can be saved apart from the Spirit's work (John 3:5-8), the Holy Spirit must still be active on Earth during the Tribulation.

Therefore, pre-tribulationists generally teach that the Spirit's restraining ministry is removed, not His omnipresence.

 

51. Give some other reasons why the Church is raptured before the Tribulation.

1.    Believers are promised deliverance from wrath (1 Thess. 1:10).

2.    God has not appointed us to wrath (1 Thess. 5:9).

3.    Christ promised to keep believers from the hour of testing (Rev. 3:10).

4.    The rapture is imminent; no signs are required (Titus 2:13).

5.    The Church is absent from the Tribulation narratives of Revelation 6-18.

6.    The twenty-four elders appear in heaven before the seals are opened (Rev. 4-5).

7.    The Tribulation is "Jacob's trouble" (Jer. 30:7), emphasizing Israel.

8.    The Church and Israel remain distinct in God's prophetic program (Rom. 11:25-29).

9.    Christ comes for His saints at the rapture (1 Thess. 4:16-17) and returns with His saints at the Second Coming (Rev. 19:11-14).

10.                   The Father's house promise of John 14:1-3 suggests a heavenly destination before Christ's return to Earth.

These are the principal biblical arguments used by advocates of the pre-tribulation rapture position.

Mike Midona
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