The Last Trumpet

One topic that stirs up debates amongst Christians is the rapture of the church. Some don’t believe that will happen at all. Others dispute the timing of it. Personally, I believe in a pre-tribulation rapture, when the Body of Christ will be taken to heaven before the start of the seven-year tribulation period. However, a few argue it will be mid-trib, or post-trib. 

A reason cited by post-tribbers is the “last trumpet” the Apostle Paul referred to in 1 Corinthians 15:52, “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” They think this is the same trumpet mentioned in Revelation 11:15, “Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, 'The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!’”


There are reasons why I don’t believe these two trumpets are the same: 

  • The last trumpet in 1 Corinthians is a call for believers to go up from earth to heaven. The seven trumpets in Revelation 11 are signs of judgment.
  • The seventh trumpet is not the final judgment before Christ’s return. Revelation 16 mentions seven bowl judgments afterward.
  • Various trumpets in Scripture have different purposes. For example, two silver trumpets in Numbers chapter 10 were used for calling the congregation together and for directing the movement of camps.
  • I cannot see angels ceasing to blow trumpets after the judgments in Revelation commence. They will likely blow them on other occasions.

Christians must learn to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) to avoid preaching wrong doctrines. While one’s belief on the rapture’s timing won’t determine their eternal destiny, it could affect when they will be with the Lord for eternity. Some Bible teachers have suggested that those who don’t believe in a pre-trib rapture will not take part in that. I’d rather go up on the first load instead of being left behind. 


Regardless of your eschatology, I urge you to be ready. Jesus is coming soon!


“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. 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. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

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