The term “Day of the Lord” is found several places in the Bible and generally refers to the last days, or even the very last day, of the Tribulation period. The Prophet Zechariah describes the day that the Lord returns and sets foot on the Mount of Olives as a unique day, a day which is neither day nor night. (Zechariah 14:7) I think unique is the key word.

However, the “Day of Christ” is different from the “Day of the Lord.” It is a separate event that is found only five times in the New Testament. (1 Corinthians 1:8, Philippians 1:6, 1:10, 2:16, 2 Thessalonians 2:2) These are all writings of the Apostle Paul. From the context of these passages it is clear that the apostle was speaking of the day the Lord Jesus returns for His church.

What is interesting about these passages is that they all occur in the New Testament books that are addressed to non-Jewish churches and non-Jewish individuals. They are directed toward Gentiles.

The Golden Lampstand, the design of which was given to Moses by the Lord, shows certain divisions in the Word of the Lord. Please see The Lord’s Golden Lampstand. This pattern shows the division of the twenty-seven New Testament books into nine books addressed to Jews, nine books addressed to non-Jews and then nine more books addressed to Jews.

The Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament also demonstrates this division of the New Testament books by a shift in the pattern of chapters forty-nine through fifty-seven. Please see The Insertion. These chapters correspond to the forty-ninth through fifty-seventh books of the Bible, which are the nine New Testament books addressed to non-Jewish churches and non-Jewish individuals. The nine Isaiah chapters are bracketed by the same statement from the Lord that there is no peace for the wicked. (Isaiah 48:22, 57:21)

The Apostle Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, is the only New Testament writer to speak of the Day of Christ, and only in the nine New Testament books addressed to Gentile churches and individuals. I believe the Word of God is showing us that the Day of Christ applies only to the Church of the Lord Jesus and the Believers, the Bride of Christ, that belong to Him.

Remember, the last book addressed to a non-Jewish individual is Philemon. The Book of Philemon is a picture of the Church being sent Home to the Master, with all its debts paid. Written by Paul while he was in prison, it addresses a Brother-in-Christ, Philemon, who had a slave, Onesimus. Onesimus had apparently run away from his master and was with Paul in Rome. He was sent home by Paul with a letter declaring him to be like a son. Paul urges Philemon to treat Onesimus as a brother, rather than a slave. Paul also offered to pay the debts of Onesimus.

The name Onesimus, who was useless to his owner at one time, means “useful” and he is a type of the Church. We were of little use before we received Salvation and the Lord included us in His spiritual family. Now we are family members, sons of God, and are useful for whatever His plan may be for each of us.

In this book Paul is a type, or picture, of Jesus. He petitioned Philemon that he would forgive the sins of Onesimus. Jesus is our advocate before the Lord. (1 John 2:1) Paul offered to pay any debts of Onesimus. Jesus paid all of our debts. This book is a picture of the “Rapture.”

I believe this shows us that the Day of Christ, the day He returns for His Bride, will occur before the events spoken of in the remaining nine books that are addressed to Jews. Those books are Hebrews through the Revelation. In other words, the Lord Jesus will come for His Church before the time of Tribulation. Amen and Amen.

The Most High God, the Lord shows us so many things in His Word. Praise His name for His Holy Bible! Praise Him for Jesus, our Salvation!