Most Bible-reading Christians know the rapture is a source of great hope and joy to Christians … and a source of debate.
The actual word “rapture” does not appear in the Bible. The word rapture comes from the Greek word “harpazo,” which means to be caught up.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with God’s trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first, 17 then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up (harpazo) together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever.
Is The Rapture Biblical?
One look at 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, found above, confirms that it is. And the New Testament has more validation.
1 Corinthians 15:51-53
51 Behold, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. 53 For this perishable body must become imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality.
51 Behold, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. 53 For this perishable body must become imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality.
But Where Is The Debate?
Some Christians debate on when then rapture will occur … pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, or post-tribulation. (The Great Tribulation could be defined as terrible hardship and turmoil that will occur just prior to the return of Christ.)
A mid-tribulation or post-tribulation rapture would mean that Christians would experience the horror of that difficult time. But, praise God, there ARE scripture verses that point to a pre-tribulation rapture.
Revelation 3:10
10 Because you kept my command to endure, I also will keep you from the hour of testing which is to come on the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
10 Because you kept my command to endure, I also will keep you from the hour of testing which is to come on the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
Paul provides us with confidence when he says that God didn’t appoint us to wrath, but to obtaining salvation through Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:9).
The Rapture Will Be A Glorious Moment Of Victory!
But Is It Close?
But Is It Close?
Many Christians keep an eye on what prophesies have been fulfilled, knowing that the exact time can never be known to us (Matthew 24:21).
But Jewish and Christian scholars all seem to agree that the time draws very near, and we need to be ready.
1 Thessalonians 5:2
2 For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night.
2 For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night.
The Rapture Is Real And It’s Close.
What Does This Mean For Us As Christians?
What Does This Mean For Us As Christians?
Very simply, this should bring us immeasurable joy. The plans that God established at time’s beginning are approaching a victorious finale.
Revelation 21:4
4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain any more. The first things have passed away.”
4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain any more. The first things have passed away.”
