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We agree that there are many views on this subject by apostolic people, most of whom hold their views with all sincerity. We, however, believe that the Rapture will happen immediately after the time of great tribulation. We base this on Jesus Christ's statement in Matthew 24:29-31, 'Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.'
We see this as a linear description of events: 1) the conclusion of great tribulation; 2) Jesus coming in the clouds; and 3) Jesus sending out His angels to gather together His elect (the Rapture).
For more on the timing of the Rapture in relation to great tribulation, please read our articles 'Night of Braoken Glass,' 'The Rapture: As We See the Day Approaching,' and 'Secret Rapture' on The End-times shelf of the Apostolic Free Library.
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