The rapture of the Christian Church (a time when all Christians are taken to heaven in glorified bodies) will take place just prior to the time of tribulation spoken of in the New Testament book of Revelation. Three strong cases for this are found in this New Testament book.

The first case can be found in what Christ Jesus said to the Church in Philadelphia (in modern day Turkey): “Since you have kept My command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.” This promise was not only for the Church in Philadelphia but is applicable to all who make up the Christian Church. Jesus rescues us from the coming wrath.

(Revelation 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:10)

The second case for the pre-tribulation rapture of the Christian Church can be found in what is written in (Revelation 4:4). In it we see twenty four elders before the throne of God (they are dressed in white with "crowns" of gold on their heads). Since only those who make up the Christian Church are promised "crowns" as rewards in heaven, these twenty-four elders are representative of all who make up the Christian Church. This takes place just prior to the time of tribulation.

Finally, we do not see the Christian Church upon the earth for the entire time of tribulation. (Revelation, chapters 4 through 19) The Christian Church will return at the end of the Great Tribulation; when Christ Jesus returns to earth to set up His earthly kingdom. (Revelation 19:14)