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Rapture vs. return: Is there a difference?

by Mark Dykstra

Created on: October 04, 2008

When anyone is confronted with The Rapture as described in the Bible it's not hard to feel feelings of foreboding and fear about our own future. It confronts the core basis of our own values and religious ideals if we have one.

However, to the Christian the mention of the Rapture brings hope and an ultimate conclusion that brings the Christian to his creator.

There has been some conjecture amongst biblical scholars about whether there are more than one second coming, and whether in fact the rapture as described in the New Testament is in fact part of Jesus second coming as stated in the bible.

Christianity is based on faith. Sometimes it's hard to confront and to learn something we can find uncomfortable, or have very little knowledge on, but it is much better to give the subject some attention and learn about, than to throw the subject away in the fear of not knowing. In any case, because of my strong christian upbringing here is what I grew up to believe.

Revelations Chapter 3:10 is the best example to prove the pre-tribulation rapture in the New Testament. The third chapter in the
book of Revelations has to do with the seven churches and Chapter 3 verse 10 has to do with the church in Philadelphia. According to this verse God is addressing a letter here to the church in Philadelphia. To those who know the bible, the church of Philadelphia is Gods true church at the end of time.

Revelation 3:10. Says "Since you have kept my commands to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth."

There are some that say that what is going to happen during the tribulation period is that the church will be here on the earth and God will miraculously keep the Christian safe during that time.

However that isnt what the bible says. It specifically says "I will keep you from the time, from the very hour when the tribulation comes." The bible doesn't say he will keep us from tribulation or that first interpretation might work. The bible says he will keep us from the very hour of tribulation. We will not even see the time of the tribulation; we will be kept from it.

In this verse there is a clear promise to the church that Christ will keep her (Church) from the time when the tribulation will come upon the earth.

Another verse is mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5, "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the

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