The second coming of Jesus will be as literal as was His going away. See John 14:3; Acts 1:9-11. The general term, the “second coming of Christ,” encompasses two separate events.

First is the Rapture of the Church, when Jesus comes to catch away His waiting Bride. The word rapture means, “being carried away in body or spirit,” and this is literally what will happen. This will be experienced only by those who are part of the Bride of Christ (Revelation 19:6-9). Scripture is very plain concerning the fact that no man knows the day nor the hour of the Rapture. It will be an instantaneous happening, and numerous warnings are given in Scripture concerning the dangers of neglecting to prepare for this event.

The second part is the Revelation of Christ, when He returns with His saints to execute judgment upon the ungodly and to set up His millennial kingdom on earth.

RAPTURE: Matthew 24:40-44 and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17
REVELATION: Zechariah 14:3,4; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 and Jude 14,15