Is the Rapture a Pre-Tribulation, Mid-Tribulation or Post-Tribulation event?

There are few prophesies in the Bible that have sparked as much debate as the timing of the rapture. It is amazing that there are so many views on this matter when presumably we all read from the same book. There are three fundamental beliefs on this matter, and they are.

1. The Pre-tribulation Rapture.

The understanding here is that God's elect will be taken up into Heaven before the last seven years of the "church age". This seven years is commonly known as the tribulation. And the last three and a half years are the "great tribulation". At the end of this time, Jesus Christ will return to the earth in great power and glory and will set up His kingdom on the earth.

2. The Mid-tribulation Rapture.

The second idea is the rapture event will only happen at the halfway mark of the tribulation. Three and a half years from the commencement of the tribulation.

3. The Post-tribulation Rapture.

And the final thought is the rapture will not happen until the very end of the "church age". Until all seven years of the tribulation have passed. When these seven years are completed, Jesus will return in His Father's glory to rule all nations.

Obviously, there can only be one correct answer. The aim of this brook is to explore in the "Word Of God", or His Holy Bible, what God Himself has to say on this matter.

I know that whatever I say, many will disagree with my thoughts. But I have spent many hours studying this prophecy and have come to my own conclusions. I believe the bible was written to be understood by simple people who do not have a vast knowledge of the scriptures. Otherwise, it would be impossible for the average bible reader to know what God is trying to reveal to them. A thorough understanding of the bible only comes with many years of dedicated study, something many people are not prepared to do.