There are many views as to when the rapture will occur. No one knows with absolute certainty. Everyone sees their view (pre mid or post) as the correct view. None of these views are where I see the rapture. I believe scripturally pre wrath makes the best fit.

start with Matthew 24..

read verses 23-30 (actually the whole chapter, but would like to concentrate for right now on 23-30)..

It does say AFTER the persecution of those days the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give light and the stars will seem to fall from the heavens. Then at last the signal of Jesus coming will appear in the heavens. All the nations will see him.. He will send his angels with the sound of a trumpet to gather his elect.. (thats us folks, his elect)


Now read Revelation 6 concentrating on verses 9-17.. At the opening of the 5th seal, the martyrs are under the altar calling to God, they are given white robes and told to rest a while longer until their other brothers have been martyred. Then at the opening of the 6th seal, vast earthquake sun becomes dark, moon blood red, stars appear to be falling to the earth.. (sound familiar.. Matthew 24 verses 29 and 30)
Kings of the earth and rich leaders hide themselves from the one on the throne for the day of his great anger has come who can survive it..

the wrath of God is poured out after the rapture, the rapture occurs after the great tribulation, which IS NOT THE WRATH OF GOD..


Now read Revelation 7 beginning in verse 9..
The vast croud, too great to cound, from all nations and languages. One of the 24 elders asks John if he knows who these people are. John says no. The elder explains that these are the ones coming out of the great tribulation, they have washed their robes in the blood of the lamb... This is a picture of the raptured saints.


ok, now to other references. 2 Thessalonians says first there will be a time of great rebellion (apostacy) against God, and that the man of rebellion will come.. FIRST!!!

2 Thessalonians 2 "and now, what about the coming again of Lord Jesus Christ, and our being gathered together to meet him? Please dont be upset and excited, dear brothers, by the rumor that this day of the Lord has already begun"..
Then goes on in verse 3 "for that day will not come until two things happen: first, there will be a time of great rebellion against God, and then the man of rebellion will come-the son of hell.. The Day of the Lord is after these things... The Day of the Lord is Gods wrath..


also look at 1 Thessalonians 4 16-17.."For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a mighty shout and with the soul-stirring cry of the archangel and the great trumpet-call of God. And the believers who are dead will be the first to rise to meeth the Lord. 17The we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air adn remain with him forever...

Fits Revelation 6 and Matthew 24.. Base scripture upon scripture, study and see fits.. Dont twist to meet your needs, or your ideas. Read and study... In none of these verses do I see a mysterious disappearing act. When Jesus comes to get us, every eye will see him!! I find that so awesome!!

robin