Is There Really A Rapture?

I have always believed in the rapture of the church, mostly because that is what I have always been taught. However the more I read in the Bible, the more I am convinced that every scripture that I am directed to that supposedly refers to the rapture is actually talking about the second coming of Christ.

Q. Hi! First I would like to thank you for such a wonderful website. I have a question. I have always believed in the rapture of the church, mostly because that is what I have always been taught. However the more I read in the Bible, the more I am convinced that every scripture that I am directed to that supposedly refers to the rapture is actually talking about the second coming of Christ (after the tribulation).  Isn’t the second coming when Jesus returns after the tribulation? Does the fig tree symbolize Israel? I just don’t find any scripture that solidly backs up the idea of a rapture. It really is frustrating to have others pointing out one line of scripture here and there that supposedly backs it up, only to find that when I read more than that one verse it seems to cause more doubt about the rapture. I would truly appreciate any help in this matter.

A. Much of the confusion about the rapture derives from the fact that it’s a secret event, purposely shrouded in mystery. It’s a sudden instantaneous disappearance of all believers that comes with out prior warning and is meant to take everyone, including Satan, by surprise. For that reason it wasn’t introduced on Earth until nearly 20 years after the cross. One of the few clear references to the rapture is the verse from which it gets its name. It’s in 1 Thes. 4:16-17. The Greek word is harpazo, and is translated “caught up” in English in v. 17 but means rapture in Latin, the first language the Bible was translated into. You can tell it’s not the 2nd Coming because the Lord only comes part way to Earth and then we go up to meet Him. A good rule of thumb is if you’re reading a passage from the gospels, it’s probably referring to the 2nd coming, (which happens after the Great Tribulation.) And yes, when a fig tree is being referenced symbolically, it usually refers to Israel.