The concept of the rapture – when believers will be suddenly caught up to meet Christ in the air – is a source of hope and anticipation for many Christians. But does the Bible explicitly teach that this event will occur before the tribulation period? Let’s examine some key passages to see what Scripture reveals about the timing of the rapture.
The Promise of Deliverance
One of the clearest indications of a pre-tribulation rapture comes from Revelation 3:10, where Christ promises the church in Philadelphia:
“Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.”
This verse suggests that believers will be kept from (not just through) the coming time of worldwide tribulation. The Greek word for “keep from” (τηρέω ἐκ) implies being kept away from something entirely, not just being preserved through it.
The Blessed Hope
In Titus 2:13, Paul refers to the rapture as the “blessed hope” for believers:
“Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ”
This description as a “blessed hope” fits better with a pre-tribulation view. If Christians had to endure the horrors of the tribulation first, it would be less of a comfort and hope to anticipate.
Imminence in the New Testament
Multiple New Testament passages encourage believers to be ready for Christ’s return at any moment:
- “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:44)
- “Stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” (Matthew 24:42)
- “Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.” (Mark 13:33)
This sense of imminence – that Christ could return at any time – aligns more naturally with a pre-tribulation rapture. If specific tribulation events had to occur first, believers would know Christ’s coming was not imminent.
The Restrainer Removed
In 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8, Paul writes about a restraining force holding back the Antichrist:
“And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed…”
Many scholars believe this restrainer is the Holy Spirit working through the church. If the church is removed in the rapture, it would explain how the Antichrist is then free to be revealed.
Distinction Between Rapture and Second Coming
The Bible describes the rapture and second coming of Christ as separate events with distinct characteristics:
Rapture:
- Christ comes for His saints (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
- Believers meet Christ in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
- Occurs in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:52)
- No signs precede it
Second Coming:
- Christ returns with His saints (Revelation 19:14)
- Christ’s feet touch the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4)
- Every eye will see Him (Revelation 1:7)
- Preceded by specific signs (Matthew 24:29-30)
These differences suggest two separate events, with the rapture occurring before the tribulation and second coming after.
The Church Age and Daniel’s 70th Week
The book of Daniel prophesies a 70-week period for Israel, with the final “week” (7 years) yet to be fulfilled. This corresponds to the 7-year tribulation period. Notably, the church is not mentioned in relation to this time.
In Revelation, the church is prominently featured in chapters 1-3, then absent from earth in chapters 4-18 which describe the tribulation. This fits with a pre-tribulation rapture removing the church before Daniel’s 70th week begins.
Wrath and Deliverance
Scripture promises that believers are not appointed to suffer God’s wrath:
“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:9)
The tribulation period is described as a time of God’s wrath being poured out on the earth (Revelation 6:16-17). A pre-tribulation rapture explains how God delivers believers from this time of wrath.
Conclusion
While no single verse explicitly states “the rapture will occur before the tribulation,” the cumulative evidence from Scripture points in this direction. The pre-tribulation rapture view harmonizes various passages about Christ’s return, the nature of the church age, and God’s promises to deliver believers from wrath.
This timing instills a sense of urgency and hope. Believers can take comfort that they may meet Christ at any moment, while also soberly recognizing the coming judgment on the world. As Jesus exhorted, we should “stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36).
