Scripture tells us that Jesus first coming was to be crucified, and that His second coming brings salvation. So when does our salvation begin? At conversion of course.
Heb 9:28 So Christ was once offered to 1. Bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin 2. Unto salvation.
Just as 1 is followed by 2 – the next time Jesus appears after His Crucifixion is undeniably (pasted below) the Second Coming/Appearing.
Ac 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. KJV
The first question that arises in relation to verse 21 is – since the word restitution is used doesn’t this suggest that Jesus stays in Heaven until after a so called rapture? The answer to this question is “not really”.
The rapture is a non-scriptural event, and the verses that can be interpreted to suggest a Rapture are actually a parable concerning the restoration of a backslidden believer.
The restoration of the individuals relationship with God begins when they repent from unbelief.
Jesus Himself said that the restoration/restitution (Strong’s Concordance Greek word # 600) of all things happens at the preaching of John the Baptist, which means it happens when a person is obedient to the teaching of John the Baptist and repents, Matt 4:17.
Mt 17:11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. (KJV)
The Second Coming is when Jesus appears to those who look for Him.
As He appears to His people He shows them what to do to be acceptable to His Father, through what is called His Grace.
His grace then teaches them to deny ungodliness, Titus 2:12.
The teaching involves judgement or evaluation, just as a child is either rewarded or disciplined. These times are referred to as times of “visitation” by scripture.
Lu 19:44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
1Pe 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
As they learn they are saved from the Fathers judgment upon sin.
Lu 3:7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (KJV)
During His Second appearance to them He evaluates their behavior. He also promises to never leave them, Hebrews 13:5. Jesus will deny one of His followers only if they deny Him first, Mt 10:33.
Mt 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
During these times of visitation/evaluation they learn what is right and what is wrong, as He judges their behavior to be either correct or incorrect.
The Kingdom of God is Righteousness joy and peace in the Holy Spirit (Rm 14:17). Therefore, both the reward and discipline consist of either more or less of the Kingdom or rule of God in a person’s life.
Ro 8:6 (KJV) For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace.
The correct behavior results in a reward as the following verse illustrates –
Mt 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
The times of discipline are called are called “Days of the Lord”, 1 Thess 5:2.
The discipline consists of suffering a loss of the Joy etc. that had been attained before the backslidden condition caused the loss –
1Co 3:15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
2Ti 4:1 ¶ I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;