What comes first – the Rapture or the Antichrist?

The debate over what comes first—the Rapture or the rise of the Antichrist—is a significant topic in Christian eschatology. Many Christians hold varying views on the sequence of end-time events, with some believing that the Rapture will occur before the Great Tribulation and the rise of the Antichrist, while others believe that the Antichrist will appear before the Rapture, leading to a period of intense persecution for the faithful. This study will explore the latter view, which suggests that the Antichrist will rise before the Rapture, and that the faithful will indeed go through the Great Tribulation before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. This view is supported by passages such as 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 in the New King James Version (NKJV).

Understanding the Sequence of Events: The Antichrist and the Rapture

1. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3: The Order of Events – The apostle Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians is critical in understanding the sequence of end-time events. In 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, Paul writes:”Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition” (NKJV). This passage indicates that the “Day of Christ,” often interpreted as the Second Coming or the Rapture, will not occur until after a “falling away” (apostasy) and the revelation of the “man of sin,” commonly understood as the Antichrist. Paul clearly places the rise of the Antichrist before the Rapture, suggesting that believers will witness the Antichrist’s emergence and the subsequent events leading to the Great Tribulation.
2. The Role of the Antichrist – The Antichrist is a key figure in end-time prophecy, described as a world leader who will oppose God and deceive many. His appearance is associated with a period of unprecedented tribulation, as detailed in the book of Revelation and other prophetic scriptures. The Antichrist is often seen as the embodiment of evil, leading a final rebellion against God before the ultimate victory of Christ at His Second Coming. In Revelation 13:1-8, the Antichrist is depicted as a beast rising out of the sea, given authority by Satan to wage war against the saints. This period is marked by intense persecution of believers, indicating that the faithful will endure significant trials before the Rapture.
3. The Great Tribulation – The Great Tribulation is a period of great suffering and persecution prophesied to occur before the Second Coming of Christ. Jesus Himself spoke of this time in Matthew 24:21-22:”For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened” (NKJV). This passage suggests that the elect, or faithful believers, will be present during the Great Tribulation, enduring hardships but ultimately being preserved by God’s grace. This challenges the view that the Rapture will occur before the tribulation, instead suggesting that believers will go through this period of trial.

The Case for the Antichrist Preceding the Rapture

1. Biblical Evidence Supporting the Sequence – In addition to 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, other scriptures also suggest that the Antichrist’s rise precedes the Rapture. For example, in Daniel 7:25, the Antichrist is described as a ruler who will “speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time” (NKJV). This passage indicates that the saints, or believers, will be under the Antichrist’s control for a specific period, further supporting the view that the faithful will experience the Great Tribulation before the Rapture.
2. The Apostasy and the Man of Sin – The “falling away” or apostasy mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 refers to a significant departure from the faith, which will occur before the Antichrist is revealed. This apostasy may involve widespread deception and false teachings that lead many away from true Christian doctrine.The “man of sin” or “son of perdition” is another title for the Antichrist, emphasizing his role as a deceiver and enemy of God. His revelation marks a key event in the timeline of end-time prophecy, signifying that the final period of tribulation is at hand.
3. The Restraining Force – In 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7, Paul mentions a restraining force that currently holds back the revelation of the Antichrist: “And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way” (NKJV). This restraining force is often interpreted as the Holy Spirit or the church, holding back the full manifestation of the Antichrist until the appointed time. Once this restraint is removed, the Antichrist will be revealed, leading to the Great Tribulation. This sequence supports the idea that the Antichrist’s appearance and subsequent tribulation will precede the Rapture.

The Rapture and the Second Coming

1. The Timing of the Rapture – The Rapture is described as the event where believers are caught up to meet the Lord in the air. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NKJV) states: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” This passage shows that the rapture takes place at the second coming.
2. Jesus’ Teaching on the End Times – In the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24), Jesus outlines the events leading up to His return, including the Great Tribulation, the rise of false prophets, and widespread deception. He warns believers to remain vigilant and faithful during this time of trial.Matthew 24:29-31 (NKJV) states:”Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” This passage suggests that the gathering of the elect, often associated with the Rapture, occurs after the tribulation, further supporting the view that the faithful will experience these trials before being taken up to meet Christ.
3. The Purpose of the Tribulation – The Great Tribulation serves several purposes in God’s plan. It is a time of testing and purification for believers, separating the faithful from those who fall away. It also serves as a final opportunity for repentance for those who have not yet turned to God. The tribulation reveals the true nature of the Antichrist and the depths of human rebellion against God, setting the stage for Christ’s ultimate victory at His Second Coming.

The Faithful During the Tribulation

1. Endurance and Faithfulness – Believers are called to endure and remain faithful during the tribulation. Revelation 14:12 (NKJV) states, “Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” This endurance is a hallmark of the faithful who refuse to bow to the Antichrist or be swayed by deception. The tribulation is a time of testing, but it also provides an opportunity for believers to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to Christ. Those who endure to the end will be saved (Matthew 24:13).
2. Persecution and Martyrdom – The Great Tribulation will be marked by intense persecution of believers. Revelation 6:9-11 describes the souls of martyrs crying out for justice, indicating that many will be killed for their faith during this time. The persecution of the faithful is a central theme of the tribulation, underscoring the severity of the Antichrist’s reign and the cost of discipleship. However, even in the face of persecution, believers are called to remain steadfast. Jesus promised that those who lose their lives for His sake will find them (Matthew 16:25), offering hope and assurance to those who endure suffering for the sake of the gospel.
3. The Promise of Deliverance – Despite the trials of the tribulation, believers have the promise of deliverance. Revelation 7:14 describes a great multitude who have come out of the tribulation, “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (NKJV). This imagery points to the ultimate victory of the faithful, who will be purified and redeemed through their trials.The promise of deliverance is not just for those who survive the tribulation but for all who remain faithful to the end. Jesus’ return will bring an end to suffering and establish His eternal kingdom, where the faithful will reign with Him.

Conclusion: The Antichrist Before the Rapture

In conclusion, the view that the Antichrist will rise before the Rapture is supported by several key scriptures, particularly 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3. This view suggests that the faithful will indeed go through the Great Tribulation, enduring persecution and trials before being gathered to meet Christ at His Second Coming. The Antichrist’s revelation is a pivotal event in the end-times timeline, marking the beginning of the final period of tribulation before the ultimate victory of Christ.

Believers are called to remain vigilant, faithful, and steadfast during this time of testing, knowing that their endurance will be rewarded. The tribulation serves as a time of purification and testing, revealing the true nature of faith and separating the faithful from those who fall away. Ultimately, the promise of deliverance and the hope of Christ’s return provide assurance and strength for believers as they navigate the trials of the end times.

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In His service,
BibleAsk Team