The Last Trumpet signifies the return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the saints, and the establishment of God's Kingdom. In I Corinthians 15, it marks the transformation into eternal life, occurring in a moment. I Thessalonians 4:16 describes it as the trumpet of God, accompanying Christ's descent with a shout, raising the dead in Christ first. Revelation 11:15-18 links the seventh trumpet to Christ's eternal reign and judgment. Matthew 24:30-31 places it after the tribulation, gathering the elect. It also aligns with the Feast of Trumpets and divine interventions in Exodus, Joel, and Zephaniah, announcing a singular, visible return of Christ with the saints to fight enemies and establish His Kingdom.

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The Rapture and Trumpets

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The concept of the Last Trumpet is intricately tied to the return of Jesus Christ and the resurrection of the saints, as described in various scriptural passages. In I Corinthians 15, the Last Trumpet is explicitly linked to the timing of the resurrection and transformation of the saints into eternal life, marking the establishment of the Kingdom of God. This trumpet blast, also referred to as the trumpet of God in I Thessalonians 4:16, announces the triumphant return of Christ and the gathering of the elect. It is a singular, definitive event, not separated by years or multiple returns, aligning with the coming of the Lord and His descent from heaven. Further, the Last Trumpet is paralleled with the Feast of Trumpets, a holy day commemorating loud noises such as shouting and the blowing of the shofar, symbolizing a memorial of triumphant announcement or alarm. This is reflected in passages like Leviticus 23, where the memorial of blowing trumpets underscores the significance of noise in marking divine intervention. Similarly, in Exodus 19, Joel 2, and Zephaniah 1, the descent of God to earth is accompanied by loud trumpet blasts, earthquakes, and other dramatic signs, reinforcing the connection between such sounds and the divine presence or return. In Revelation, the Last Trumpet corresponds to the seventh trumpet, signaling the culmination of God's judgments during the Day of the Lord and the return of Christ to execute judgment personally. Revelation 10:5-7 and 11:13-19 indicate that this trumpet announces the end of the mystery of God's plan up to the establishment of His Kingdom, occurring simultaneously with the resurrection of the Two Witnesses and other elect. Matthew 24 and Isaiah 27 further confirm that this great trumpet sounds immediately after the tribulation, gathering the elect to meet Christ, not before or in secret, but as part of His visible and powerful return. Finally, Zechariah 14 and Revelation 14 emphasize that the saints, upon being caught up at the Last Trumpet, accompany Christ to earth to fight His enemies and establish His Kingdom, rather than being taken away to a separate destination. This unified event, marked by the Last Trumpet, signifies the direct and immediate involvement of the elect with Christ in His mission upon His return.

Trumpets and Hope

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The concept of the Last Trumpet holds profound significance in the context of our hope and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. In I Corinthians 15:50-58, it is revealed that at the last trumpet, a transformative event will occur. The trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. This corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality, signifying the victory over death through our Lord Jesus Christ. This event marks the culmination of our journey, where death is swallowed up in victory, and we are encouraged to remain steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain. Further insight is provided in Revelation 11:15-18, where the seventh angel sounds, heralding the Last Trumpet. This blast announces that the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever. It signifies the commencement of Christ's eternal reign on earth, bringing with it judgment, rewards for His servants, the prophets, and the saints, and punishment for those who destroy the earth. This powerful moment underscores the hope and certainty of His return and the establishment of His Kingdom. Additionally, I Thessalonians 4:16-18 connects the Last Trumpet with the descent of the Lord Himself from heaven with a shout, the voice of an archangel, and the trumpet of God. At this sound, the dead in Christ will rise first, followed by those who are alive and remain, who shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, to be with Him always. This provides great encouragement, affirming the sequence and certainty of these events as a source of comfort and hope for all believers.

Caught Up in the Rapture

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The concept of the Last Trumpet is pivotal in understanding the timing of the event described in I Thessalonians 4:16-17. Paul explicitly states in verse 15 that this event occurs at the coming of the Lord, and in verse 16, Christ descends from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. This last seventh trumpet, as further detailed in I Corinthians 15:50-52, announces the coming of Christ, the establishment of God's Kingdom, the judgment upon the nations, and the rewarding of the saints, all occurring simultaneously. The last trumpet sounds when Christ returns, not at any prior interval. Additionally, Revelation 10:7 confirms that when the seventh angel is about to sound, the mystery of God will be finished, indicating the transformation of the saints into eternal spirit beings. Matthew 24:30-31 further supports this timing, stating that immediately after the tribulation of those days, the trumpet sounds to gather the elect from all over the earth to meet Him upon His return.

Christ's Second Coming

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Feast of Trumpets memorializes God's deliverance of Israel beginning with Joseph, and looks forward to Christ's return when God will deliver His people.

The Appointed Time of the Resurrection

Sermonette by Clyde Finklea

The time of Christ's return appears to be soon in the light of recent events. Watch for the gathering of armies around the future capital of the world.

The Second Exodus (Part Two)

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

The timing of the regathering of Israel is uncertain, but here are the Scriptural markers that narrow the time frame to a significant prophetic event.

The Wrath of God

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Love motivates the two intrinsic parts of God's holy character—goodness and severity, as He seeks to rescue humanity from the consequences of sin.

God's Sea of Glass (Part 2)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

At the marriage supper of the Lamb, the resurrected saints, those who have faithfully kept God's commandments, will be allowed to assemble on the sea of glass.