Question:  Why is there a difference of opinion about when the biblical prophecy of "The Great Tribulation" and "The Rapture" will occur?

Answer:  In the Bible, there are numerous prophetic passages that foretell of a time of great tribulation when the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give light, the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. cf. Isaiah 13:10, Daniel 12:1, Joel 2:10, Matthew 24:21,29, Mark 13:24.

Some claim that an event that has been called "The Rapture" will occur before this great tribulation period; some claim that "The Rapture" will occur at the mid-point in a predicted 7-year period of tribulation; and some claim that the "Rapture" will occur after the period of great tribulation. The word "rapture," however, does not appear anywhere in the Bible.

Biblical prophecy is fascinating, and there are many aspects of biblical prophecy that certainly are significant, compelling, and of great importance. However, the debate over whether there will be a pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, or post-tribulation rapture is not important, purposeful, or beneficial.

The event described in First Thessalonians chapter 4, v14-18, that some have described as "the rapture" is there to provide assurance that all who die as faithful followers of Yeshua-Jesus are simply asleep and one day will be "caught up" to be with the Lord forever.

The point and purpose of that passage in scripture is to provide assurance and comfort to all believers. Whether this event occurs before, at the mid-point, or after the great tribulation is not what faithful followers should be concerned about. Instead, what is far more important is to learn how to become fully devoted to and invested in trusting and serving the Lord in a purposeful way ... one day at a time.