The Sequence of Events: The Day of the Lord, the Antichrist, and the Rapture
The question concerns the sequence of events surrounding the "Day of the Lord," the appearance of the Antichrist, and the timing of the rapture. The primary biblical texts addressing this are 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 and Matthew 24:15-31. These passages provide a framework for understanding the order in which these events will unfold.
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The Apostle Paul, in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, directly addresses concerns about the timing of the Lord's return and the gathering of believers to Him. He cautions against being misled by claims that the "Day of the Lord" has already arrived. Paul clarifies that the return of Christ and the gathering of believers cannot occur until the "man of lawlessness" (also known as the Antichrist) is revealed. This figure will oppose and exalt himself above everything that is called God or is worshiped, even setting himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God. This passage strongly suggests that the Antichrist's appearance precedes the Day of the Lord and the gathering of believers.[1]
Jesus' teachings in Matthew 24:15-31 further illuminate this sequence. Jesus speaks of the "abomination of desolation" standing in the holy place, which is a key sign of the coming tribulation. This event is followed by a period of great tribulation, after which the Son of Man will appear, and the elect will be gathered from the ends of the earth. This sequence, like Paul's teaching, indicates that the tribulation and the Antichrist's actions precede Christ's return and the gathering of believers.[2]
Therefore, based on these biblical texts, the sequence of events is as follows: the Antichrist is revealed, followed by a period of tribulation, and then the return of Christ and the gathering of believers. This understanding refutes the pre-tribulation rapture view, which posits that believers will be removed from the earth before the tribulation. Instead, the scriptures suggest that the Church will endure the tribulation and be gathered to Christ at His return.
Authoritative Sources
- The Apostle Paul's Second Letter to the Thessalonians. [Bible Gateway]↩
- The Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 24. [Bible Gateway]↩
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