Wars of Israel, the Rapture of the Church, the Great Tribulation, and the Visible Coming of Jesus: A Biblical Overview

Throughout biblical history, the people of Israel have experienced numerous wars that shaped their national and spiritual identity. From the conquest of Canaan under Joshua (Joshua 6–12), to the battles fought by Israel’s kings like Saul, David, and Solomon (1 Samuel; 2 Samuel; 1 Kings), conflict has been a consistent part of their story. In the prophetic books, future wars are also foretold. For example, Ezekiel 38–39 speaks of a climactic battle where Gog and Magog will attack Israel in the last days, only to be defeated by God’s direct intervention. Zechariah 12–14 describes Jerusalem being surrounded by enemy nations before the Lord Himself fights for His people, demonstrating His faithfulness and sovereignty.

In the timeline of end-time prophecy, the next great event for believers is the Rapture of the Church. Unlike the wars of Israel which are earthly and visible, the Rapture is a sudden, supernatural gathering of all true believers in Christ. The apostle Paul describes this in 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout of archangel And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 15:51–52, Paul reveals that in “the twinkling of an eye,” the living will be transformed and receive glorified, immortal bodies. This event is a blessed hope for the Church, offering comfort and assurance that believers will be spared from the coming wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

After the Rapture, the Church will dwell with Christ in heaven for seven years. Jesus Himself promised in John 14:2–3, “I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” Revelation 4–5 gives a glimpse of this heavenly scene, depicting the redeemed (symbolized by the twenty-four elders) worshiping around God’s throne before the judgments of the tribulation begin. During this period, the Church will experience the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7–9), celebrating perfect union with Christ while judgment unfolds on earth.

Meanwhile, earth will enter the period known as the Great Tribulation, a time of unprecedented suffering and divine wrath. Jesus warned of this in Matthew 24:21, saying, “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.” This time of distress is detailed in Revelation chapters 6 through 18, describing the seven seals, trumpets, and bowl judgments that will devastate the world. It will also be marked by the rise of the Antichrist, who will break a seven-year covenant with Israel halfway through, setting up the “abomination of desolation” (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15). Despite this terrible time, many will come to faith, though often at the cost of their lives (Revelation 7:14).

At the close of the Great Tribulation, Jesus Christ will return in His visible Second Coming to earth. Unlike the secret nature of the Rapture, this return will be public and glorious. Jesus declared, “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” (Matthew 24:30). The apostle John affirms this in Revelation 1:7: “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him.” At this event, Christ will defeat the Antichrist and his armies (Revelation 19:11–21), rescue Israel (Zechariah 12:10; 14:4), and establish His millennial kingdom of peace and righteousness on earth (Revelation 20:1–6).

From the ancient wars of Israel to the future hope of the Church, Scripture presents a clear prophetic roadmap. Believers today live with the blessed hope that soon Christ will call His Church to Himself, sparing them from the wrath to come, and ultimately returning to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. As Paul exhorted, “Therefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18).