A great deal of confusion arises as a result of bible teachers mixing these two events. Whenever we speak of the indications that herald Christ’s return, we are not referring to the Rapture, but rather to the Lord’s final return to the earth with all of His faithful followers. In accordance with the book of Revelation, Christ’s second coming takes place after the Rapture and differs from it in at least two respects.

First and foremost, the Rapture will be a “sudden occurrence,” with only believers witnessing Christ’s ascension into heaven. His Second Coming, on the other hand, will take place in front of a crowd. Everyone will be able to see Him: “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will be able to see Him, even those who pierced Him.” Also  Zechariah 14:1, 3–5, Revelation 19:1–21, as well as Revelation 1:7, which states that “all the tribes of the earth will lament because of Him.” Second, all Christians will be caught up in the rapture. Jesus will promptly take them back to His heavenly home with Himself. However, when Christ returns to the planet seven years later in the Second Coming, He will be staying for a long period of time.  This return, which is commonly referred to as “the Second

Advent,” will occur at the conclusion of the Tribulation period and usher in the Millennium, which will be Christ’s thousand-year reign on this planet. Therefore, first and foremost, the Rapture will take place either seven or more years before the Second Coming. Christ will take us to be with Him in heaven at that time, which will occur shortly before the seven-year Tribulation period begins. Then, during His Second Coming, we will be reunited with Him on the surface of the planet.

Finally, there is yet another significant distinction. There are no prerequisite events that must occur before the Rapture can take place. The entire process is dependent on God’s perfect timing. When  teaching that indicators are growing in regard to the Lord’s return, this mean events that must take place prior to Christ’s return in the Second Advent of the Church. When things are as bad as they are now, it is difficult to emphasize the horror that will ensue when society loses the stabilizing effect of Christians.