In I Thessalonians 4 Paul reveals to the Christians at Thessalonica the great hope of the rapture of the church.
One day before our world experiences the terrible time called the Tribulation Period God will remove His people from this earth instantaneously.
God's people, born again Christians may soon be GONE in the Rapture.
In the Tribulation Period God is going to pour out His anger on a sin filled, unbelieving World that is ripe for Judgement.
Jesus Himself mentioned the Tribulation Period In Matthew 24.
Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
The Second Coming of Christ occurs after the Tribulation Period.
Matt 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
If you read Revelation 6-19 you will see the details of the Tribulation Period of 7 years, but the church is gone as we are not subject to the judgement of God that will fall upon the earth.
1 Thess 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, |