Preparing for Jesus’ Return:

Understanding Salvation, the Rapture

This guide explains what the Bible says about Jesus’ return, covering the rapture and the tribulation. It highlights the signs to watch for and how to stay faithful in challenging times. Most importantly, it shares the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ—offering forgiveness, peace, and eternal life to all who believe and repent. Heaven is our ultimate home, and this study helps you prepare with confidence for that eternal future with God.

 

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What Every Believer Needs to Know About Jesus’ Return and How to Prepare​​

The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ will return to the world in two significant ways. The first is known as the rapture, when Jesus will come quietly and suddenly to take His church—those who believe in Him—away from the earth. This event is meant to protect believers from the coming time of great trouble called the tribulation. The second return, often called the second coming, is when Jesus will come visibly and powerfully to save Israel, judge the nations, and establish His eternal kingdom on earth. Understanding these two distinct events and how they fit into God’s plan, especially concerning His chosen nation Israel, is essential for every believer. This study guide will help you explore the biblical teachings about these returns, the signs to watch for, and how to live in hopeful readiness.

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What Is the Rapture and What Is the Tribulation?

The Rapture refers to the moment when Jesus Christ will suddenly come to take all believers—His church—away from the earth. This event happens quietly and unexpectedly, removing believers before a period of great trouble begins. The Bible describes it as being “caught up” to meet Jesus in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). It is a moment of hope and rescue for Christians.

The Tribulation is a future seven-year period of intense suffering and hardship on earth. It is marked by wars, natural disasters, the rise of a powerful Antichrist, and widespread persecution of those who follow God. This time will test the faith of all people and prepare the world for Jesus’ visible return. The tribulation follows the rapture and ends with Jesus’ second coming.

 

What to Expect Before the Rapture

The rapture is when Jesus quietly and suddenly comes to take His church — all believers — away from the earth. This event happens before the time of great trouble called the tribulation. Here’s what the Bible says will happen before the rapture:

 

• False teachers and deception will increase. Many will try to mislead believers (Matthew 24:4-5).

• Love will grow cold among many people. Some will drift away from genuine faith, but true believers will remain faithful (Matthew 24:12).

• Believers will face trials and persecution. Difficult times are coming, but God encourages endurance (1 Thessalonians 3:3).

• The Holy Spirit restrains evil. God’s Spirit is currently holding back total evil, but this restraint will end when the rapture happens (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7).

 

Before the rapture, the world will feel more chaotic and challenging, but believers are called to hold fast to faith and love.

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What to Expect Before the Second Coming

The second coming is when Jesus returns visibly and powerfully to the earth after the tribulation. This event will save Israel, judge the nations, and start His eternal kingdom. Signs leading to this include:

 

• Natural disasters and global unrest increase. Earthquakes, famines, and disease will be more frequent (Matthew 24:7).

• A powerful Antichrist will rise. He will deceive many and oppose God (Daniel 7; 2 Thessalonians 2).

• The “abomination of desolation” will occur. This sacrilegious act in the temple signals the start of tribulation (Matthew 24:15).

• Wars and rumors of wars will spread. Conflicts will escalate worldwide (Matthew 24:6-7).

• The gospel will be preached to all nations. Before Jesus returns, the good news must reach every people group (Matthew 24:14).

• Signs in the heavens will appear. Cosmic disturbances will alert all to Jesus’ coming (Luke 21:25-26).

• Jesus will come with power and great glory. His return will be unmistakable and visible to all (Matthew 24:30; Revelation 19:11-16).

 

These signs prepare the world for Jesus’ dramatic return to set things right.

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Why Are Some Left Behind After the Rapture If They Never Heard the Gospel?

Matthew 24:14 tells us the gospel will be preached to all nations before Jesus’ visible return, meaning everyone will have the opportunity to hear the message of salvation.

 

Those left behind after the rapture fall into several categories:

 

• Those who rejected the gospel. They heard but chose not to believe, and the Bible teaches that people are accountable for their response (John 3:18).

• Those who never heard the gospel before the rapture. During the tribulation, faithful witnesses will continue to proclaim the gospel amid persecution. Revelation 7:9-14 describes a great multitude coming to faith from every nation during this time.

• God’s perfect justice. God judges people fairly based on the truth they have received (Romans 2:12-16). No one is condemned due to ignorance because the gospel will be widely preached before and during tribulation.​

 

How to Be Ready for Jesus’ Coming or If You Die Before He Comes

• Stay spiritually alert and faithful. Keep your faith strong through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship.

• Live a life of love and holiness. Let your actions reflect Jesus’ love and righteousness.

• Encourage others with hope. Share the gospel and the promise of Jesus’ return.

• Remember you might die before the rapture or second coming. We must be ready to meet Jesus at any time.

 

Are We Living in the Pre-Tribulation Phase?

Many believers understand that we are currently living in the pre-tribulation phase — the time before the great tribulation begins. The signs we see today, like wars, earthquakes, and moral decline, are part of the “birth pains” Jesus described that will increase before His return.

 

However, the specific events that mark the start of the tribulation — such as the rise of the Antichrist and the “abomination of desolation” — have not yet occurred. The rapture, which is Jesus coming secretly to take His church away, is believed to happen before these difficult times begin.

 

Because the exact timing of these events is unknown, Jesus warns us to always be ready (Matthew 24:42-44). We do not know the day or hour of His coming, so it’s important to live in a way that honors God every day.

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A Call to Be Ready Today

If you haven’t accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, now is the time to get right with God. Don’t wait because no one knows when Jesus will return or when your life on earth will end. Remember, life can change in an instant—you could die suddenly—and you need to be prepared to meet Jesus at any moment.

 

Beware of False Teachers

In these last days, many false teachers will rise and spread teachings that twist the truth of God’s Word. Some will claim that sins like homosexuality, fornication, lying, adultery, stealing, and other prominent sins are not wrong according to the Bible. Others promote witchcraft, New Age beliefs, and practices that are contrary to God’s will.

 

The Bible warns us clearly:

 

• Homosexuality and fornication are sin:
  Leviticus 18:22 — “Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.”
  1 Corinthians 6:9-10 — “Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men... will inherit the kingdom of God.”
  Hebrews 13:4 — “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”

• Lying and deceit are sins:
  Revelation 21:8 — “All liars... will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur.”
  Proverbs 12:22 — “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”

• Adultery and stealing are sins:
  Exodus 20:15 — “You shall not steal.”
  Proverbs 6:32 — “But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.”

• Witchcraft and New Age practices are condemned:
  Galatians 5:19-21 — “...sorcery, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage... I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
  Deuteronomy 18:10-12 — “Let no one be found among you who... practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft...” These practices are detestable to God.

• Other prominent sins include:
  Idolatry, greed, drunkenness, slander, and arrogance (Galatians 5:19-21).
  Sexual immorality and impurity (Ephesians 5:3).

 

The good news is that through the work of the cross, Jesus Christ has made a way for us to be forgiven. If we have faith in Him, repent of our sins, and believe in His sacrifice, we can receive forgiveness and new life (Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 3:19).

 

Moreover, the Holy Spirit comes to live within believers and helps us live a godly life, producing fruit like love, patience, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). We are not left alone to try to live right; God empowers us when we trust Him.

 

It’s important to be careful and not believe everything you hear. Always study the Scriptures for yourself and compare teachings to what the Bible truly says. The Bible is our final authority and guide (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

 

Stay grounded in God’s Word, pray for discernment, and seek fellowship with mature believers who will help you understand the truth.

 

Remember, knowing God’s truth protects you from deception and keeps your faith strong as you prepare for Jesus’ return.

 

The Good News

No matter what sins we have committed or how far we feel from God, there is hope. The good news is that Jesus Christ came to save us. Through His death on the cross and His resurrection, He paid the price for our sins so we could be forgiven and have eternal life.

 

• John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

• Romans 5:8 — “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

• 1 John 1:9 — “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

 

When we put our faith in Jesus, repent of our sins, and accept Him as Lord and Savior, God forgives us completely. He also sends the Holy Spirit to live in us, guiding us and helping us live a life that honors Him.

 

This is the greatest gift we can receive — a new life in Christ, full of hope, peace, and purpose.

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Discussion Questions and Answers

1. What should believers watch for before the rapture?
   Increase in deception, love growing cold, trials for believers, and the Holy Spirit restraining evil.

2. What are the key signs before the second coming?
   Natural disasters, the rise of the Antichrist, the abomination of desolation, wars, preaching of the gospel worldwide, signs in the heavens, and Jesus’ visible return.

3. How can believers prepare for these events?
   By staying spiritually alert, living holy lives, encouraging others, and trusting God’s timing.

4. Why is it important to distinguish between the rapture and the second coming?
   Because they are different events with different purposes: the rapture removes the church before tribulation, and the second coming returns Jesus to rule on earth after tribulation.

5. What is the rapture and what is the tribulation?
   The rapture is when Jesus secretly takes believers to heaven before the tribulation. The tribulation is a seven-year period of great suffering and judgment on earth before Jesus’ visible second coming.

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Jesus’ return is a promise that offers hope and purpose. Living ready means living with faith, love, and watchfulness every day.

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The Gift of Salvation and the Power of Prayer

Salvation is the most precious gift anyone can receive. It’s God’s offer of forgiveness and new life through Jesus Christ. The Bible says in Ephesians 2:8-9 that salvation is a gift from God, “not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” It’s about trusting Jesus—what He did on the cross, His resurrection, and His promise to bring us into eternal life.

Salvation also means being ready for Christ’s return—whether that comes through death, the rapture, or His final coming. Jesus encourages us to stay watchful and prepared, because no one knows the day or hour (Matthew 24:42-44). Living in this readiness shapes how we follow Him every day, keeping our hearts focused on Him and His kingdom.

Prayer is the way we connect with God, bringing our hopes, fears, thanks, and needs directly to Him. It’s more than just words; it’s a conversation with the One who loves us deeply. Jesus taught His disciples to pray with honesty and faith, reminding us that God hears every word and cares about every detail of our lives (Matthew 6:9-13, 1 Peter 5:7).

If you need prayer or help in your walk of faith, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 404-836-3838. We’re here to support you on your journey.

 

Our Citizenship Is Heaven

As followers of Christ, our true citizenship isn’t tied to any country on earth but belongs to a heavenly kingdom. Paul writes in Philippians 3:20, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” This reminds us that no matter where we live now, our real home is with God, and we live with the hope of His return.

The Bible paints a stunning picture of heaven’s glory. Revelation 21:21 tells us the city has streets of pure gold, as clear as glass, and the foundations sparkle with every kind of precious stone. It’s a dazzling place where beauty and majesty go beyond anything we can imagine. Jesus promised in John 14:2-3 that He is preparing a mansion for each of us—a special home where we will live with Him forever.

These mansions aren’t just symbols of comfort or wealth; they represent the fullness of eternal life—a place without pain, tears, or death (Revelation 21:4). Heaven is a realm of perfect peace and joy, where believers are reunited with loved ones and live in harmony under God’s loving presence.

While we walk through life here, we carry the hope and identity of this heavenly citizenship. 2 Corinthians 5:1 reminds us that our earthly bodies are like tents, temporary homes, and that God has prepared an eternal house for us in heaven, not built by human hands. This hope shapes how we live—focused on eternal things rather than the temporary struggles around us.

Knowing we are citizens of heaven changes everything about how we live each day. It means we don’t get caught up in the fleeting worries of this world because our hearts are set on something far greater. Colossians 3:1-2 urges us to “set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” This perspective brings peace in hard times and fuels a life of love, kindness, and faithfulness. It calls us to live with purpose, reflecting God’s kingdom through our actions and choices.

Heaven and our citizenship there are powerful ideas that can reshape how we face life’s challenges and uncertainties. Citizenship means belonging, identity, and rights. We’re not foreigners or temporary visitors. We have a secure place in God’s kingdom, a home that’s been prepared just for us (John 14:2-3). That’s huge because it means no matter what happens here—hardships, losses, or doubts—we have a future that’s beyond anything we’ve seen or imagined.

Heaven is described as a city of dazzling beauty, with streets of gold and gates made of pearl (Revelation 21). It’s a place where pain, sickness, and death are gone forever (Revelation 21:4). Imagine living in a place filled with peace, joy, and love, where every tear is wiped away. That hope isn’t just for some distant time; it can change how we live now.

Knowing we are citizens of heaven means we can live boldly and courageously. It gives us strength to face setbacks, peace in the middle of chaos, and joy even when life feels heavy. It shapes our values—what we chase, what we treasure, and how we treat others—because we’re part of a kingdom that lasts forever.

The promise of heaven isn’t just about comfort; it’s about transformation. Romans 8:18 says, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” This means the struggles we endure now don’t define us. What lies ahead is far greater.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, remember your true citizenship. Heaven is your home. You belong there, and that identity can give you hope, peace, and purpose every day.

If you ever want to talk more about this hope or need prayer, don’t hesitate to call us at 404-836-3838. We’re here to walk with you.

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