The Bible promises that Jesus Christ will return for His people. In one of the clearest passages on this event, the apostle Paul says that believers will be “caught up” to meet the Lord in the air and “always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). Christians commonly refer to this extraordinary future event as the Rapture of the Church.

But when will the Rapture occur? Will Christians go through the coming Tribulation, or will Jesus gather His church to Himself beforehand? Is the Rapture distinct from the Second Coming of Christ? Was belief in a pretribulational Rapture invented by John Nelson Darby in the nineteenth century, as critics sometimes claim? And what should we make of passages that are said to support a posttribulational Rapture?

Christians who believe the Bible have reached different conclusions about some of these questions, so this is an area where disagreement should be handled with grace and humility. We believe, however, that there are compelling biblical reasons to understand the Rapture as an event that occurs before the Tribulation and is distinct from Christ’s later return to the earth. The resources below examine the relevant passages, respond to common objections, explore the historical evidence, and present the biblical case for a pretribulational Rapture.

Far from being merely a subject for theological debate or speculation, the Rapture is meant to encourage believers. After describing it, Paul concluded, “Therefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18). Whatever challenges lie ahead, Christians have a glorious hope: Jesus is coming for His people, and we will be with Him forever.

VIDEOS:

“The Case for a Pretribulational Rapture” by Charlie Campbell (Recorded at Calvary Chapel of the Harbour, Huntington Beach, CA)

“Ten Upcoming Events in Bible Prophecy” by Charlie Campbell (Recorded at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, CA)

For more videos by Charlie Campbell, click here. To schedule Charlie at your church, click here.

ARTICLES:

“The Case for a Pretribulational Rapture” by Charlie Campbell

“Biblical Evidences for a Pretribulational Rapture” by Mike Vlach

“Why a Pretribulational Rapture?” by Richard Mayhue

“Will The Church Go Through The Tribulation?” by John Walvoord

“The Rapture of the Church / 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18” (pt. 1, pt. 2) by John MacArthur

“The Last Trumpet: Is the Seventh Trumpet in Revelation the Same Trumpet in 1 Cor. 15:52?” by Thomas Ice

Rebuttal to “Left Behind or Led Astray” Documentary by Paul Wilkinson

“Ten Upcoming Events in Bible Prophecy” by Charlie Campbell

“A Brief History of the Rapture” by Thomas Ice

“A History of Pre-Darby Rapture Advocates” by Thomas Ice

Can Christians Know the Date of Christ’s Return? A Response to Harold Camping by Charlie Campbell

“Why I Believe The Bible Teaches Rapture Before Tribulation” by Thomas Ice

“Differences Between the Rapture and the Second Coming” by Thomas Ice

“The Rapture and the Second Coming” by John Walvoord

“Preterism: Examined and Refuted” by Charlie Campbell

For a look at other topics related to eschatology (end times Bible prophecy) click here.

A BIBLICAL TIMELINE OF END TIME EVENTS
by Charlie Campbell | Please feel free to print out (8.5″ x 14″ paper works best), duplicate, and distribute freely.
Two editions: ENGLISH or SPANISH

 

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES IN OUR ONLINE STORE:

ONE-MINUTE ANSWERS ABOUT THE END TIMES:
Clear, Biblical Responses to 50 of the Most Common Questions About Bible Prophecy

You’ve got questions. The Bible has answers. In One-Minute Answers About the End Times, Charlie Campbell tackles 50 of the most common questions about Bible prophecy in a fast-paced, easy-to-understand Q&A format. With clear explanations, Scripture-rich insights, and a heart for truth, you’ll discover:

      • What the Bible really says about the future
      • How to be prepared for what’s coming
      • Confidence to talk about prophecy with others
      • The hope God offers in the midst of uncertainty

THE END TIMES & BEYOND: A Concise, Chronological Overview of End-Time Bible Prophecies

What does the Bible say about the future? Will wars and famines ever cease? Will there ever be peace in the Middle East? Will Jesus return to the Earth? Learn where the world is headed in this clear overview of upcoming events in Bible prophecy. Pastor, author, and teacher Charlie Campbell discusses prophecies surrounding:

• Societal Degeneration
• the Rapture
• the Tribulation + Antichrist
• the Invasion of Israel
• the Battle of Armageddon
• Jesus’s Second Coming + Reign
• the Great White Throne Judgment
• the New Earth + more 

Charlie holds to a Pretribulational Rapture and Premillennial Second Coming (the same view shared by Norman Geisler, John Walvoord, John MacArthur, Warren Wiersbe, Chuck Smith, etc.).

THE CASE FOR A PRETRIBULATIONAL RAPTURE: Answers to the Toughest Questions About the Pretribulational View
(DVD or mp4 video)

What is the Rapture? Is it Biblical? Was it a late invention by the church? Is it true that it wasn't taught until the early 1800s? What about the verses that seem to point to a posttribulational Rapture? In a 75-minute presentation recorded before a live congregation in Southern California, Charlie Campbell answers these questions and others as he builds a strong Biblical case for a pretribulational Rapture. If you’ve had questions or doubts about this doctrine, this video will be of great help to you. Length: 75 minutes.

THE SECOND COMING, PRETERISM, AND THE BOOK OF REVELATION
(DVD or mp4 video)

Preterism is the view that the events described in Matthew 24 and the Book of Revelation have been largely or completely fulfilled in the events leading up to and surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in A.D. 70. Preterism (from the Latin word for "past") is growing in popularity. Could this view be valid? What did the early church think about these passages (Matt. 24 and the Book of Revelation)? In this hour-long teaching, Charlie Campbell examines the preterist position, the verses often cited to support their view, and gives numerous reasons why preterism should be rejected as an incorrect understanding of Bible prophecy. Length: 60 minutes.

EXCELLENT OUT-OF-PRINT BOOK:

"THE END TIMES CONTROVERSY:  The Second Coming Under Attack"
This book offers an in-depth analysis of Preterism by Thomas Ice, John MacArthur, Tim LaHaye, Mark Hitchcock, Randall Price and others. Very good. Available used on Amazon.