Question: Isn't the "last trump" of I Cor. 15:52 the same as the 7th & last trumpet in Revelation and doesn't this indicate that the rapture occurs at some point during the "Tribulation"?

Answer: The question you have asked is one that I also struggled with for a long time. I rejoiced the day I discovered that there is a serious differentiation between the trumpets of I Cor. 15:52 and Rev. 11:15. First Thessalonians is a book that discusses the concept of the coming of the Lord and provides further illumination. If you will notice, at I Thess. 4:16, the Lord Himself blows the trumpet. At Rev. 11:15, an angel blows the trumpet. Also notice that the saints meet the Lord in the air in I Thessalonians while at Rev. 11:15, the Kingdom of Jesus begins on earth. These words are not describing the same event.

Also the argument of the Lord Himself blowing the trumpet is strengthened by studying the parallel between the Jewish Feast of Trumpets and the future Rapture. The Feast of Trumpets begins at the blowing of a trumpet and it ends with the blowing of a trumpet. There are the "first" and the "last" trumpets of this feast. I believe this is what Paul is talking about at I Cor. 15:52 where he uses the term "the last trumpet". Also, it is significant that only the High Priest could blow this "last trumpet". I ask you: Who is the High Priest today? It is Jesus Christ.

I firmly believe that there is going to be a Rapture before the coming "Great Tribulation". But, I want to emphasize that the main question about the Rapture should not be concerning its timing, but the question should be: Is one ready whenever it should occur? I believe the Church should be asking this question to her people: If the Rapture should occur five minutes or five years from now, are you ready?

I rejoice that you are interested in and studying end time Bible prophecy. To further enhance your understanding of the Rapture, I would like to recommend that you order the tape from our catalogue entitled, " Rapture Before The Tribulation".