Note 13 at 1 Th.4:17: The Christians who are alive on the earth will be caught up together (see note 14 at this v.) with the resurrected saints.

The English word "rapture" is not used in scripture. "It is from the word 'caught up' (Gk. HARPAZO) in the Latin translation we get our word 'rapture.' The word in the original means 'snatch,' or 'seize,' and denotes a sudden violent taking away. The word pictures being 'swept off' into the air as by a tornado. The result of this sweeping away, of course, is that we meet the Lord" (Liberty Bible Commentary, Vol. 2, p. 614).

Note 14 at 1 Th. 4:17: The English word "together" was translated from the Greek word HAMA, which means "at the same time" (Strong). Therefore, Paul is describing the dead in Christ being raised first and then the living saints being changed and caught up at the same time to meet the Lord in the air.

Note 15 at 1 Th. 4:17: This verse has been used to "prove" a difference between what many call the rapture of the Church (see note 13 at this v.) and the second coming of Christ. This verse says we will meet the Lord in the air, leading some to believe that this is not the second coming of Christ to the earth. They make a distinction between Christ coming into the atmosphere and actually setting foot on the earth at the second coming.

This interpretation would make this instance here just an appearing of Christ in the skies where the believers are taken up into heaven for another seven years while the events of the tribulation period are played out on earth.

However, this passage of scripture doesn't portray the Lord making a u-turn and heading back to heaven with the saints. It also doesn't show Him further descending to the earth; that is not relevant to what Paul is saying. This simply describes our meeting with the Lord. It takes place in the air. This doesn't describe what takes place or where we go after meeting the Lord in the air.

There is no disagreement that the Lord is coming back and all the saints will be caught up to meet the Lord. But there is no clear doctrine of "a rapture" in scripture where the believers will be caught up prior to the tribulation described in the book of Revelation. The doctrine of the rapture cannot be substantiated on this passage of scripture. It is just as logical to interpret this as the second coming of Christ as to believe it is depicting "the rapture" (see note 13 at v. 17).