The rapture and the second coming of Christ – What's the difference?

TL;DR:

Both the rapture and the second coming of Christ are important, but they are distinct events. When Christ returns at the rapture, He will come in the air to take His people to be with Him. When He comes at the second coming, He will return in judgment and defeat the Antichrist and those with him.

what does the bible say?

The rapture and the second coming of Christ are distinct events, with the rapture involving believers meeting Christ in the air, and the second coming involving Christ returning to the earth in judgment. The Old Testament does not mention the rapture but contains prophecies that combine the Messiah’s first and second comings. The New Testament describes the rapture as a sudden event that removes believers before judgment, while the second coming occurs at the end of the tribulation and is visible to all. Regardless of a person’s belief on the timing of each event, the truth is that Christ is returning to judge unbelievers, Satan, and Satan’s angels and to establish His eternal kingdom for believers, where there will be no more sorrow, pain, or sin. Our hope is secure in Christ and His returning, and we should live each day in a way that reveals that reality.

from the old testament

The rapture is not mentioned in the Old Testament, but the Old Testament does contain prophecies about the Messiah that combine His first and second comings.

from the new testament

At the rapture, believers will meet Christ in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17). At the second coming, believers return with the Lord to the earth (Revelation 19:14).
The rapture is described as an any-moment event (1 Corinthians 15:50–55; 1 Thessalonians 5:2). The second coming will clearly take place at the end of a seven-year tribulation (Revelation 6–19).
Believers appear to be removed from the earth in the rapture before it is judged (1 Thessalonians 4:13–17; 5:9). At the second coming, unbelievers will experience judgment (Matthew 24:40–41). This perspective resembles the pattern of God rescuing Noah and his family in the ark prior to His judgment of the earth by a flood.
The rapture will be instant and secret (1 Corinthians 15:50–55). The second coming will be visible to all (Matthew 24:29–31).
An argument to support a pretribulation rapture is that the tribulation period described in Revelation 6–19 does not once mention the Church. The most likely explanation for this omission is that believers have already been rescued from this time of judgment through the rapture. Although this is an argument from silence, so our thinking should not be built solely upon this, it is still worth considering.

implications for today

Knowing the difference between the rapture and second coming ensures that we focus on the right things and live in light of them. Some people hold to the view of a rapture that is separate from the second coming of Christ. They emphasize the many apparent differences listed between these two events. Those who believe both events refer to one return of Christ attempt to reconcile their differences to prove Jesus will only return one time at the end of the tribulation period. Regardless of a person’s position, we can all agree that Christ is returning to judge those who reject Him and to establish His everlasting kingdom for those who are saved by Him. How are believers to live in light of this assured second coming of Christ?

We are to remain steadfast in our devotion to Him, growing in holiness and obedience as we await His coming (Titus 2:11–13), so we can best reflect Him to the world. God transforms us as we abide in Him (John 15) and produces fruit in us. Just as a tree produces fruit for the enjoyment, satisfaction, and nourishment of others, so we produce fruit in our lives to allow people to enjoy, be satisfied by, and be nourished by seeing God in our lives. Knowing that Christ will return, we should also have a heart stirred to share the gospel, making disciples and encouraging one another to stand firm in the faith (Matthew 28:19–20; Hebrews 10:24–25). The certainty of Christ’s return should inspire us to live with purpose, using our time wisely and keeping our hearts ready for His appearing (Ephesians 5:15–17; 1 John 2:28). We are secure and have hope in Christ and His returning, and we should live each day in a way that reveals that reality.

understand

The rapture and second coming of Christ are distinct events.
The rapture takes believers to Christ, and the second coming brings judgment to unbelievers, Satan, and his angels.
The rapture is sudden and secret; the second coming is visible and occurs after the tribulation.

reflect

How does understanding the difference between the rapture and the second coming of Christ impact the way you live in readiness for His return?
How can you stay steadfast in holiness and obedience as you await Christ’s return?
How does the certainty of Christ’s return impact the way you live with purpose today?

engage

How does the visibility of Christ’s second coming challenge or strengthen our current understanding of God's judgment?
What role does the hope of Christ’s return play in believers’ daily actions and relationships?
What difference does the certainty of Christ’s return play in your heart and actions toward unbelievers?