Prophecy Watchers host Gary Stearman and author Jonathan Brentner recently discussed the uniqueness of the rapture and how today’s world events point to prophecy unfolding.
Brentner stressed that the rapture is distinct from the second coming of Christ. “It’s not part of the Second Coming. It’s different from the Second Coming,” he said. The difference comes down to timing. “When the rapture happens in 1 Thessalonians 4, Jesus raises the dead in Christ first. At the Second Coming… it might not even be the same day. It might be several days later.”
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He added that the groups raised are not the same. “He raises the dead in Christ. But when at the second coming, it’s just a subset of believers as tribulation saints.”
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The conversation also touched on global turmoil, especially the Oct. 7 invasion of Israel and the alarming rise of antisemitism. “Antisemitism… as we speak, and you know the Palestinians are perfectly willing to kill all the Jews,” Brentner warned. He noted the disturbing calls to wipe out Jews “from the river to the sea.”
Both Stearman and Brentner said these events reflect deeper spiritual forces at work. “We see that the same today in Iran. It’s almost as though that spirit is alive and well,” Brentner said, connecting current hostility to the ancient enemies of Israel.
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Despite the dark outlook, Stearman reminded believers that Scripture also promises hope. “The world is preparing for something unspeakable,” he said, but added that the Bible provides assurance for those in Christ. Brentner agreed, saying the rapture points to “something that’s going to happen to Christendom… at the very near future. And it’s a beautiful thought to be having at this time in history.”
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
