GotQuestions says this: When considering any question involving eschatology (the study of end times), it is important to remember that almost all Christians agree on these three things:
1) There is coming a time of great tribulation such as the world has never seen,
2) After the Tribulation, Christ will return to establish His kingdom on earth,
3) There will be a Rapture—a ‘catching away’ from mortality to immortality—for believers as described in John 14:1-3, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. The only question regards the timing of the Rapture: when will it occur in relation to the Tribulation and the Second Coming?
There are primarily three theories about the timing of the Rapture: the belief that the Rapture will occur before the Tribulation begins (Pre-Tribulationism), the belief that the Rapture will occur at the midpoint of the Tribulation (Mid-Tribulationism), and the belief that the Rapture will occur at the end of the Tribulation (Post-Tribulationism).
Whatever your view is of when the Rapture will take place, I would like to share the following video. I just happened to come across this teaching about the Rapture that I found simply enlightening. I have studied the Bible intensely for 43 years and was amazed at the analogies this teacher makes. Whatever your views about when the Rapture will take place, this is a must listen to, especially the last 7 minutes:
As you can see now that I am a firm believer in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture. I put together the following PDF to point out the shortcomings of Mid-Tribulationism. Many of the same shortcomings also apply to Post-Tribulationism because both put the Church into the Tribulation period whether it be for half of it or for all of it:
Mid-Tribulationism.PDF
I know that I can die before the Rapture takes place even though the signs are all there that the world can be plunged into the Tribulation at any moment. But there is still something about the Pre-Tribulation Rapture that does something to me. I have an extra sense of wanting to be ready like the 5 Virgins were in the parable of the 10 Virgins. I have any extra motivation to lead a holy and sanctified life, despite living in a wicked time of the great falling away:
Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron. (1 Timothy 4:1-2)
I hope that this will motivate you also. God Bless!
Annointing 