JESUS IS GOD: The Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ
By Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Shimba Theological Institute
1. Introduction
The doctrines of the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ are two central eschatological themes in Christian theology, both emphasizing the return of Jesus Christ but differing in nature, purpose, and timing. While both events affirm the deity of Jesus Christ and His sovereign authority over time and eternity, they occur under distinct prophetic circumstances as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. This paper provides a concise academic outline of both events with exegetical and biblical references drawn exclusively from the King James Version (KJV).
2. The Rapture
2.1 Definition
The Rapture refers to the sudden and miraculous removal of the true believers in Christ from the earth, to meet the Lord in the air. The Apostle Paul describes this as the moment when both the dead and the living in Christ are caught up together to be with the Lord forever (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 KJV).
2.2 Timing
The precise timing of the Rapture remains unknown and is considered imminent, meaning it can occur at any moment without preceding prophetic signs. Christ Himself emphasized this uncertainty, declaring, “Of that day and hour knoweth no man” (Matthew 24:36 KJV). The Church is therefore called to perpetual readiness.
2.3 Visibility
The Rapture is primarily for believers. It is not described as a public or visible event to the entire world but as a spiritual and supernatural gathering of the saints to meet Christ “in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:17 KJV). Unlike the Second Coming, Christ does not descend to the earth at this time.
2.4 Purpose
The purposes of the Rapture include:
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Gathering the Bride of Christ (the Church) unto Himself (Ephesians 5:25–27 KJV);
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Delivering the Church from the coming wrath of God (1 Thessalonians 5:9 KJV); and
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Transforming believers into immortal beings prepared for eternal fellowship (1 Corinthians 15:51–52 KJV).
2.5 Nature and Character
The Rapture will occur suddenly and instantaneously. Paul declares:
“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump… the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”
(1 Corinthians 15:52 KJV)
This transformation represents a divine act of mercy and power—an expression of God’s saving grace towards His people.
2.6 Accompanying Conditions
Believers are repeatedly exhorted to watch and remain ready. Paul reminds the Thessalonians:
“For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night… therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:2–6 KJV)
This expectation fosters holiness, vigilance, and spiritual alertness.
3. The Second Coming of Christ
3.1 Definition
The Second Coming of Christ refers to His visible, glorious, and triumphant return to earth to judge the nations, overthrow evil, and establish His millennial reign. This event is distinct from the Rapture, as it involves Christ’s physical descent to the earth and is witnessed by all humanity (Revelation 1:7 KJV).
3.2 Timing
Unlike the imminent Rapture, the Second Coming follows a series of prophetic events, including the Great Tribulation, the rise of the Antichrist, and cosmic disturbances (Matthew 24:29–31 KJV). This sequence is consistent with Daniel’s prophecy of the seventy weeks (Daniel 9:27 KJV) and the apocalyptic visions of Revelation.
3.3 Visibility
Christ’s Second Coming will be public and unmistakable. Scripture declares:
“And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven... and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”
(Matthew 24:30 KJV)
He returns as a conquering King, accompanied by the armies of heaven (Revelation 19:11–16 KJV).
3.4 Purpose
The purposes of the Second Coming include:
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The final defeat of Satan and the Antichrist (Revelation 19:19–21 KJV);
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The judgment of the nations (Matthew 25:31–32 KJV); and
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The establishment of Christ’s millennial kingdom on earth (Revelation 20:1–6 KJV).
3.5 Nature
The Second Coming is triumphant, judicial, and earth-centered. It marks the culmination of divine justice as Christ executes wrath upon the wicked and rewards the righteous. Unlike the Rapture, which emphasizes deliverance, the Second Coming emphasizes judgment and dominion.
4. Comparative Summary
| Aspect | Rapture | Second Coming |
|---|---|---|
| Location of Meeting | Believers meet the Lord in the air (1 Thess. 4:17 KJV) | Christ descends to the earth (Rev. 19:11–16 KJV) |
| Visibility | For believers; unseen by the world | Public and global — “every eye shall see Him” (Rev. 1:7 KJV) |
| Timing | Imminent; before Tribulation (pre-tribulational view) | After Tribulation and cosmic signs (Matt. 24:29–31 KJV) |
| Purpose | To gather and transform believers; to deliver the Church | To judge the nations and establish the Kingdom |
| Nature | Sudden, merciful, transformative | Triumphant, judicial, and wrathful |
| Judgment | Believers rewarded (1 Thess. 5:9 KJV) | Wicked punished (Rev. 19:15–21 KJV) |
5. Pastoral Application: The Watchman’s Charge
The expectation of Christ’s return calls believers to holy living and spiritual readiness. Jesus warned:
“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”
(Matthew 25:13 KJV)
Believers are admonished to remain faithful and alert, rejecting false teachings and speculative date-setting (Matthew 24:4–5 KJV). The Apostle Paul calls this blessed anticipation:
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”
(Titus 2:13 KJV)
This dual expectation — the Rapture and the Second Coming — should inspire believers toward purity, perseverance, and proclamation of the Gospel.
6. Conclusion
Both the Rapture and the Second Coming affirm the divine authority and deity of Jesus Christ. As God incarnate, He will fulfill every promise of Scripture regarding redemption and judgment. The Rapture highlights His intimate relationship with the Church as the Bridegroom, while the Second Coming manifests His universal lordship and kingship over all creation. Thus, the believer’s cry remains:
“Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
(Revelation 22:20 KJV)
Bibliography
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The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV).
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Walvoord, John F. The Rapture Question. Zondervan, 1979.
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Pentecost, J. Dwight. Things to Come: A Study in Biblical Eschatology. Zondervan, 1958.
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Ladd, George Eldon. The Blessed Hope: A Biblical Study of the Second Advent and the Rapture. Eerdmans, 1956.
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Ryrie, Charles C. Basic Theology. Moody Press, 1999.
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Shimba, Maxwell. Systematic Theology of the End Times. Shimba Theological Institute Press, 2024.
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