Page "Christian eschatology" Paragraph 81

Pretribulationists believe that the second coming will be in two stages separated by a seven-year period of tribulation.

At the beginning of the tribulation, true Christians will rise to meet the Lord in the air ( the Rapture ).

Then follows a seven-year period of suffering in which the Antichrist will conquer the world and persecute those who refuse to worship him.

At the end of this period, Christ returns to defeat the Antichrist and establish the age of peace.

This position is supported by a scripture which says, " God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ .” Thess 5: 9