The Grand Finale: Christ’s One and Only Coming

Did Jesus forget to mention a secret rapture? Discussion Questions:

1. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17. Paul describes one dramatic, public return of Christ with a shout, trumpet, and the resurrection of believers. Why do you think Paul emphasizes these visible signs instead of describing a secret return?
2. Read John 5:28–29. Jesus says both “those who did good” and “those who did evil” will come out of the tombs at the same hour. How does this challenge the idea of two separate resurrections or two separate comings of Christ?
3. Read 2 Thessalonians 1:6–10. Why does Paul connect Christ’s return with both judgment on the wicked and relief for the suffering church? How does this strengthen our hope in times of hardship?
4. Read Matthew 24:27–31. Why do you think Jesus compares His return to lightning flashing across the sky? What does this tell us about how obvious and undeniable His coming will be?
5. For nearly 1,800 years, Christians believed in one visible return of Christ and one final judgment. Only in the 1800s did the idea of a “secret rapture” appear. Is it helpful to you to know that particular history? Why or why not?
6. Read Hebrews 9:28. The writer says Christ will appear a second time “to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.” Why is Christ’s return essential to completing God’s plan of salvation?
7. If Christ is returning once, visibly, and finally to judge and renew all things, how might this shape the way think? What perspectives might change if we live in the hope of His coming?