HOME ABOUT MARKETPLACE MINISTRY PODCAST FORGE GROUPS BLOG CONTACT US DONATE

The RAPTURE

What is The Rapture?

The Rapture refers to the event in Christian eschatology (the study of the end times) when believers in Christ will be caught up or taken to meet the Lord in the air. This event is often associated with the Second Coming of Christ, but it specifically refers to the moment when Christians—those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ—are gathered to be with Him.

Key Points about the Rapture:

  1. Scriptural Foundation:

    • The Rapture is primarily described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17:
      “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”
      This passage describes the event where believers who have died in Christ will rise, and living believers will be caught up to meet Jesus in the air.

  2. The Rapture and the Second Coming:

    • The Rapture is distinct from the Second Coming of Christ, though both are related events in the eschatological timeline.
      • The Rapture is believed to occur before a period of tribulation (in some theological views), where believers are taken up to be with Christ, sparing them from the trials of the end times.
      • The Second Coming is when Jesus returns to earth to establish His kingdom and defeat evil once and for all.

  3. The Timing of the Rapture:

    • Different Christian traditions have different beliefs regarding the timing of the Rapture in relation to the end times events:
      • Pre-Tribulation Rapture: Believers are taken before the tribulation period begins.
      • Mid-Tribulation Rapture: Believers are taken at the midpoint of the tribulation.
      • Post-Tribulation Rapture: Believers are taken at the end of the tribulation, just before the Second Coming.

  4. The "Caught Up" Concept:

    • The term “caught up” (from the Greek word harpazo) means to seize or snatch away. The idea is that believers will be quickly and suddenly gathered by Christ, whether they are alive or have passed away, to join Him in glory.

  5. A Hope for Believers:

    • The Rapture is seen as a moment of great hope and joy for Christians. It represents the fulfillment of God's promises to redeem His people, and the reunion of believers with Jesus, as well as with loved ones who have passed on in Christ.
    • 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 highlights the transformation that will happen in the Rapture:
      “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”

  6. The Importance of Being Ready:

    • The Rapture is often taught as a reminder for believers to stay spiritually alert and ready for Christ's return.
      • Matthew 24:42 – “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
      • 1 John 3:2-3 – “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.”

The Rapture is a future event in Christian belief, where all true believers in Christ will be taken to be with Him, either alive or resurrected from the dead. It symbolizes the hope of eternal life with God, free from suffering and sin, and serves as a reminder for Christians to live in expectation of Christ’s return. While there are varying views on its timing, the core belief remains that Jesus will come to gather His people to Himself in a moment of joy and transformation. 

The exact time of Jesus’ return (the Rapture) is unknown, and Scripture makes it clear that no one except God the Father knows the day or the hour. However, the Bible provides signs and encouragement for believers to always be watchful and ready.

No One Knows the Day or Hour

  • "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone." (Matthew 24:36)
  • "It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority." (Acts 1:7)

Jesus Will Come Unexpectedly

  • "For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night." (1 Thessalonians 5:2)
  • "Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." (Matthew 24:44)

Signs of the End Times

While we do not know the exact time, Jesus gave signs that will precede His return:

  • Increase in wars and conflicts (Matthew 24:6-7)
  • Rise of false prophets and deception (Matthew 24:4-5, 11)
  • Increase in natural disasters (Matthew 24:7)
  • Widespread persecution of Christians (Matthew 24:9)
  • Growing lawlessness and moral decay (Matthew 24:12)
  • The Gospel being preached to all nations (Matthew 24:14)

The Rapture and the Second Coming

The Rapture is when Jesus gathers His followers, and the Second Coming is when He returns to establish His Kingdom:

  • "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
  • "Every eye will see Him." (Revelation 1:7)

How Should We Prepare?

Since no one knows the exact time, Jesus calls us to be ready:

  • Stay faithful and obedient (Matthew 25:1-13)
  • Keep spreading the Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20)
  • Live righteously and avoid sin (1 John 3:2-3)
  • Encourage one another and remain steadfast (Hebrews 10:25)

While we do not know exactly when Jesus will return, we do know that He will return as promised. The most important thing is to be ready at all times by living in faith, holiness, and obedience to Christ.

DISCLAIMER NOTICE: The information contained in this resource is general in nature and is not intended to provide or be a substitute for advice, consultation or treatment with a duly licensed mental health practitioner or other medical professional. This resource is intended to provide practical faith-based guidelines for balanced living and is not a replacement for medical advice. Professional services should be pursued whenever necessary and/or appropriate. By utilizing this resource, individuals acknowledge that Men of Faith is not providing direct clinically-oriented mental health treatment or therapy, and that it does not create a therapeutic relationship between any individual and Men of Faith.  Individuals who use this resource also agree to indemnify and hold harmless, Men of Faith, its licensees, affiliates, and assigns, as well as the officers, agents, and employees of Men of Faith and its licensees, affiliates, and assigns, from and against any and all liability, loss, damages, costs, charges, legal fees, recoveries, judgments, penalties, and expenses, which may be obtained against, imposed upon or suffered by Men of Faith. Additionally, certain views and opinions expressed in this resource may be those from sources other than Men of Faith and do not necessarily represent the views of Men of Faith, nor imply an endorsement by Men of Faith. All rights are reserved worldwide and no part of this resource may be reproduced in any form (print or electronic) without the expressed written permission of Men of Faith.