Pretribulationism

Pretribulationism is a Christian theological belief that Jesus Christ will return secretly before a seven-year period of intense suffering and turmoil on Earth, known as the Great Tribulation. Believers who follow this view expect to be raptured—taken up to heaven—before this tribulation begins, thus avoiding the hardships. This perspective emphasizes that Christ’s second coming includes two stages: the first, a hidden rapture of believers, and the second, a visible return to establish God’s kingdom. It is popular among many evangelical Christians and is based on specific interpretations of biblical passages.