The “When” of the Resurrection of the Righteous

There is much discussion these days of just when is the “rapture” (resurrection of the righteous) in relation to other eschatological events. Evangelicals in particular, argue whether it will occur prior to Daniel’s 70th week (pre-trib), three and one half years into the week (mid-trib), somewhere during the final half of the week (pre-wrath), after the seven years are completed (post-trib), or some other nuanced timing. I think the bible is quite clear that Jesus will resurrect His church immediately following the 70th week – a post-trib event. Fortunately for us, the bible has several clear “when” verses so there need not be any doubt. Following is a list of these verses:

  1. John 6:39-44, 11:24 Jesus will raise believers on the “last” day of this age. Last means last. The Greek word is eschatos which translated is farthest, final, or uttermost. The “When” here is clear.
  2. 1st Cor. 15:52 When ? At the Last trumpet. Again, last here is eschatos. I believe this to be the trumpet of the 120th jubilee year from the fall. (Lev. 25:9)
  3. 2nd Thess. 1:3-10 Saints are not given “rest” until (when) Jesus comes in judgment on the day of the Lord. See also Hebrews 4:1-8
  4. 2nd Thess. 2: 1-4 Our gathering together unto Him cannot occur until great apostacy happens and the antichrist is revealed declaring himself to be god on the temple mount. The “when” here is the day of the Lord when we are gathered to Him.
  5. 1st Cor. 15:23 The resurrection of Christians is when? At His coming (gr. parousia). Christs parousia is His glorious visible coming.
  6. Mat. 24:29-31 Jesus had just spoken of “great tribulation”- the final three and one half years of Daniels seventieth week. He then stated when His coming would be when He would gather all His elect; “immediately after the tribulation of those days“. It doesn’t get any more precise then that!
  7. Mat. 24:13 After Jesus tells His apostles all the signs of His second coming, He tells them that those who endure to the “end” will be saved. Here, end means- uttermost, final. The when is also quite clear in this passage – after all these things take place.
  8. Rev. 20:4-6 The martyrs of the tribulation are raised in the first resurrection. When is the first resurrection? At the beginning on Christs millennial reign.

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