The Last Trumpet

Many commentators attempt to find the rapture in the last trumpet mentioned in Matt. 24:31.  These positions equate this trumpet with the trumpets mentioned in Revelation 11:15, and by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:52.

Analysis of the Old Testament quotations in Matt. 24:29-31 reveal that this passage is speaking of the second coming of Christ.  In each of the Old Testament passages that speak of the Messiah coming on the clouds (Isa. 13:10; 34:4; Joel 2:31; 3:15-16), the final judgment of the world is in view.  Matthew 24:30 directly quotes Daniel 7:13, and thus leaves no doubt that the rapture is not being taught.  The Messiah is given His kingdom (Dan. 7:14), and an everlasting dominion.  The key then comes in Dan. 7:21-22, “…and that horn (the antichrist) was waging war with the saints and overpowering them until the Ancient of Days came and judgment was passed in favor of the saints of the Highest One, and the time arrived when the saints took possession of the kingdom.”  Certainly Christ does not take His everlasting kingdom at the midpoint of the tribulation!