2. The Rapture What does the book of Revelation teach about the church? What are the Scriptural differences between the RAPTURE and the RETURN of Jesus Christ? What do the Scriptures teach us about God’s wrath? Are there Scriptural reasons why the rapture and return of Christ needs to be separate events? According to the Scriptures, what is the role of the Holy Spirit and the church in the last days?

3. What does the book of Revelation teach about the church? Revelation 4-18 is the most detailed description of the Tribulation. These chapters have no mention of the church. In Rev 1-3 the church is mentioned 19 times. The word used for church reappears in Rev 22:16.

4. What does the book of Revelation teach about the church? Are there any indirect references to the church in Revelation? There are 12 passages in Revelation 4-19 that speak of a group called, “The 24 Elders.” They are found worshipping the Lord in heaven, been judged, rewarded, enthroned, and wearing the heavenly clothing.

5. What does the book of Revelation teach about the church? Are there any indirect references to the church in Revelation? In Revelation 19:6-8 is the event called, “The Marriage of the Lamb and His wife.” The wife is prepared, wearing fine linen – bright and pure.

6. What does the book of Revelation teach about the church? Are there any indirect references to the church in Revelation? In Revelation 19:14 the army of heaven follows Christ to the earth. The army is on white horses, wearing pure white linen.

7. What does the book of Revelation teach about the church? Are there any indirect references to the church in Revelation? What about the many references to “the saints” found in Revelation 4-18. These saints can be those who turn to Christ during the Tribulation.

8. What are the Scriptural differences between the RAPTURE and the RETURN of Jesus Christ? The word, “rapture” is not found in the Bible The original word, “harpazo” is found in the NT 13 times It’s definition: to seize, carry off by force to claim for one’s self eagerly to snatch out or away It is used specifically in 1 Thess. 4:16-17 to talk about the snatching of the church to meet Jesus in the air. This fulfills the words of Jesus in John 14:3 that He will come to receive the church to Himself, in order that we may always be with Him.

9. What are the Scriptural differences between the RAPTURE and the RETURN of Jesus Christ? The words, “return of Jesus” speak directly to the earthly second coming of Jesus Christ. The Second Coming is spoken of in Zechariah 14:4-5 The Second Coming is spoken of in 1 Thess. 3:13

10. What are the Scriptural differences between the RAPTURE and the RETURN of Jesus Christ? The RaptureThe Second Coming Christ comes in the air – 1 Thess. 4:16-17 Christ comes to the earth – Zech. 14:4 Christ comes for His saints – 1 Thess. 4:16-17 Christ comes with His saints – 1 Thess. 3:13; Jude 1:14 Believers in Christ leave earth – 1 Thess. 4:16-17 Unbelievers are taken away – Matthew 24:37-41

11. What are the Scriptural differences between the RAPTURE and the RETURN of Jesus Christ? The RaptureThe Second Coming Christ comes for His bride – Eph 5:25-27; Jh 3:29; 2 Cor 11:2; Rev 21:9-11 Christ comes with His bride – Rev 19:6-16 Christ gathers His own – 1 Thess. 4:16-17 Angels gather the elect – Matthew 24:31 Christ comes to reward – 1 Thess. 4:17 Christ comes to judge – Matthew 25:31-46

12. What are the Scriptural differences between the RAPTURE and the RETURN of Jesus Christ? The RaptureThe Second Coming Time of blessing & comfort – 1 Thess 4:17-18 Time of destruction & judgment – 2 Thess 2:8-12 Only those in Christ – 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor 15:51-55; Jh 14:1-3 Israel & Gentile Nations – Matthew 24:1-25 No signs for those on the earth There are many signs for those on the earth – Matthew 24:4-9

13. What are the Scriptural differences between the RAPTURE and the RETURN of Jesus Christ? The RaptureThe Second Coming Quickly occur and only be for those in Christ – 1 Cor 15:51-52 Visible to the whole world – Matt 24:27; Rev 1:7 Event not found in the OT – 1 Cor 15:51 Predicted often in the OT The Tribulation followsThe Millennial Reign follows

14. What do the Scriptures teach us about God’s wrath? The Gentile church in Thessalonica was taught that they would be saved from the coming wrath of God. – 1 Thess 1:9-10; 5:9 Paul taught the Rapture in 1 Thess 4:13-18, then he makes a shift to the Second Coming, “The Day of the Lord,” in 1 Thess 5:1-9. The church of Philadelphia was promised by God to be kept from “the hour of testing that is going to come over the whole world.” – Revelation 3:7-13 There are 19 judgments from God, directed towards rebellion against God, found in Revelation 6-18.

15. Are there Scriptural reasons why the Rapture and return of Christ needs to be separate events? A separation between the two events give time and place for key future Biblical events to be completed. The Judgment Seat of Christ – Rom 14:10-12; 2 Cor 5:10 The Preparation of the Bride of Christ – Rev 19:7-10 Setting the stage for the Millennial Kingdom – Rev 19:14; 20:4

16. According to the Scriptures, what is the role of the Holy Spirit and the church in the last days? Paul wrote in 2 Thess 2:1-9 the following facts about the last days: A man of lawlessness is currently being restrained. The restrainer is described in both neuter and masculine. The restrainer will be removed. The restrainer is more powerful than the evil one. This can only be God Himself, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit works through the life of the church. Remove the church and the Holy Spirit and imagine what that world would be like! It is possible that the Holy Spirit will revert to His work just like He did during the days of the Old Testament.

17. Are you ready for the Rapture? Now is the time to faithfully serve King Jesus! Now is the time to pray for and invest in those who are without Jesus Christ. Does a lesson like this bring you comfort or does it leave you with a different emotion?