The Rapture and the Second Coming are two very different events, but there are some who wish to make them one and the same event. And that is the source of a lot of confusion.
Arguments For the unity of the Rapture and the Second Coming:
Some interpreters suggest that the Greek word harpazō, translated as "catch up" or "take away" in the context of the Rapture, implies a single event rather than two discrete events
Proponents of this view point to texts that appear to combine the ideas of the Rapture and the Second Coming, such as 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, which states that the Lord descends from heaven with a shout, accompanied by the archangel's voice and the trumpet of God, and then meets the believers in the air
Those supporting this position argue that the Rapture and the Second Coming are closely connected, with the former serving as a prelude to the latter
Arguments Against the unity of the Rapture and the Second Coming:
The Rapture and the Second Coming are distinguished by several factors, including the location where believers encounter Christ (air versus earth), the purpose of the events (deliverance versus judgment), and the timing (imminent versus sequential)
The order of events outlined in Scripture suggests that the Rapture precedes the Second Coming, with the Rapture occurring before the Great Tribulation and the Second Coming taking place afterward
Interpretations that equate the Rapture and the Second Coming face difficulties in explaining specific details of Scripture, such as the need for a separate resurrection event at the Rapture
Critics of the unity view argue that the distinction between the Rapture and the Second Coming is essential for maintaining the integrity of Scripture and avoiding contradictions. On the other hand, proponents maintain that combining the two events offers a coherent and consistent reading of Scripture. These debates highlight the complexity of interpreting end-times prophecy and underscore the importance of careful exegesis and consideration of the entirety of Scripture.
J.