That’s an important question, isn’t it!

First, let’s tackle semantics. Many Bible scholars view the Second Coming as one event in two phases. We know believers will be “caught up” in the rapture to meet Jesus in the air.  (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15:51-55)  The Bible also teaches us that Jesus Christ will physically return to earth (often called His “glorious appearing”) at the end of the tribulation period.  Thus, think of Jesus’s Second Coming as one event, two phases: rapture and glorious appearing.

However, Jesus’ coming at the end of the tribulation is sometimes called the Second Coming. Thus, today we’re talking about differences between the rapture and Jesus’ coming at the end of the tribulation. Those are two very different things, and the Bible speaks of each.

Hear Jack Hibbs answer questions about the rapture, including the differences between the rapture and Jesus’ physical return. Enjoy!