The “secret coming” of Jesus often refers to the Rapture, a distinct event in Christian eschatology where Jesus Christ comes for His Church, removing believers from the earth before the Tribulation period. This contrasts with the Second Coming, where Jesus visibly returns to establish His Kingdom. Below is a concise exploration of the secret coming, with key insights from the provided notes.

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1. Definition of the Rapture

The Rapture, derived from the Latin word rapturo meaning “caught up,” is described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17:

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven… and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive… will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”

It is a supernatural and instantaneous event where believers receive glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

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2. Biblical Basis for the Secret Coming

The secret coming is distinct in that it is:

• Invisible to the world: Unlike the Second Coming, the Rapture is not a public display of Christ’s glory. Only believers are caught up.
• Sudden and unexpected: Described as occurring “like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3).
• For the Church alone: Jesus does not set foot on the earth during the Rapture but meets His followers “in the air.”

Supporting Scriptures:

• Matthew 24:36: “No one knows the day or the hour except God the Father.”
• 1 Corinthians 15:51-52: “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye… the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.”
• Revelation 3:10: Believers are promised to be “kept from the hour of trial.”

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3. Purpose of the Rapture

The Rapture is part of God’s redemptive plan with these key purposes:

1. Protection from Wrath:
   • 1 Thessalonians 1:10: “Jesus… rescues us from the wrath to come.”
   • Believers are removed before the Tribulation, sparing them from God’s judgment on an unbelieving world.
2. Removal of the Restrainer:
   • 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7: The Holy Spirit working through the Church currently restrains evil. Once the Church is raptured, the Antichrist will be revealed.
3. Preparation for Glorification:
   • Believers are transformed into glorified bodies (Philippians 3:21).

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4. Timing of the Rapture

The Pre-Tribulational view holds that the Rapture occurs before the Tribulation, based on:

• Promises of Deliverance:
  • Revelation 3:10: The Church is “kept from the hour of trial.”
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:9: “God has not destined us for wrath.”
• Absence of the Church in Revelation 6-19: The Church is not mentioned during the detailed Tribulation events.

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5. Practical Implications for Believers

1. Hope and Comfort:
   • The Rapture is the “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13), a source of encouragement.
   • 1 Thessalonians 4:18: “Encourage one another with these words.”
2. Call to Holiness:
   • The imminence of the Rapture motivates believers to live holy lives.
   • 1 John 3:2-3: “Everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself.”

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Conclusion

The “secret coming” of Jesus refers to the Rapture, a sudden and hidden event where Jesus calls His Church to Himself before the Tribulation. It highlights God’s grace in sparing believers from wrath, the promise of glorification, and the urgency to live watchful, holy lives. This event remains a profound source of hope and anticipation for all who trust in Christ.

“Be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.” – Matthew 24:42