In Revelation 1:1-3 we are warned that end time events are imminent. They could begin at any time. These things which must shortly come to pass (vs. 1), and the time is near (vs. 3). When they suddenly begin, they will happen rapidly. That is to say, the rapture of the church will happen suddenly and unexpectedly, followed by the seven year Tribulation (1 Thess. 4:13-18; 5:1-11).
The rapture of the church is Christ coming for his bride, to be taken to the Father's house (John 14:1-3). After the removal of the church, the righteous judgments of the Lord will be poured out upon the earth. This seven year period of Tribulation was prophesied in the Old Testament (Jer. 30:7; Daniel 9:27; 12:1). It is the seventieth week of Daniel's prophecy (Daniel 9:24-27).
Jesus prophesied the same Tribulation period. He said, 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. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved, but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened (Matthew 24:21-22).
The Tribulation period will end with the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (Rev. 19:11-16). Jesus will return with his saints (1 Thess. 3:13). Christ will come to the earth in great power and glory (Matt. 24:27-31; 2 Thess. 2:7-12).
