1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (15) For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. (16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (17) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (18) Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Could this be the day that the Rapture will occur? If you’re new to this blog and have never heard of this Rapture I write of, we’ll be taking a closer look at its meaning and what it represents to the born-again Christian. It is a message of hope and excitement to all believers who are awaiting the Lord’s return in the clouds for His bride, an exciting moment filled with anticipation and joy. The idea of the Rapture offers the believer with comfort, reminding us that we are not alone in our faith, and that a glorious reunion with our Savior awaits us!! As we dive deeper into the Scriptures, read through today’s Bible verses, and meditate on the significance, we’ll take a few days to explain and prove this event can occur at any moment, and emphasizing the urgency and importance of being spiritually prepared. Today, however, we will just cover what the word means and where it is found in the Scriptures, illuminating the biblical foundation upon which this hope stands firm.
We are seeing a great divide in Christian circles about the pre-tribulational Rapture. The topic is being ridiculed by believers, who dismiss it as a fanciful notion that could never align with reality. They are calling it a “secret” Rapture or escapism, decrying those who believe it will happen before the Tribulation as simply seeking a way to avoid the hardships that may come. I always thought that those who scoffed at Christians would be unbelievers, rejecting faith and mocking its beliefs. However, it makes perfect sense that it comes from within the Church itself, where differing interpretations of Scripture have led to intense debates and even divisions among congregations. This internal conflict in the Church not only highlights the varying beliefs within Christianity but also raises questions about the unity of faith. There is even a singer who has risen in popularity because of his song dealing with Christians going through the Tribulation. He even mocks the Pre-Tribulation Rapture viewpoint. So we see this mocking coming from within the Church!
2 Peter 3:3-4 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, (4) And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
The fact that these scoffers are referring to the “fathers,” tells us that they are religious. This reference implies a connection to traditional beliefs and teachings that have been established over centuries. Is it any wonder that people are not turning to the Church in these end times? In an era where skepticism is rampant and individual experiences often trump faith, many are searching for answers beyond the confines of “established religions.” The disconnection between modern society and traditional practices may lead us to question the methods and messages delivered by the Church. So let’s get down to business and examine the reasons behind this growing detachment from faith and the blessed hope that Paul speaks of in Titus 2:13.
It amazes me that the English Bible is picked apart when it comes to the Rapture. However, no one picks apart Hebrew words used in the Old Testament. It is only words concerning this very topic of the Rapture. Although the word “rapture” doesn’t appear in the English translation of the Bible, it’s a term that describes the removing of born-again believers from the earth. The Latin word “raptum or rapturo” is where our English word comes from. The Greek word is “harpazo.” The term “caught up” in verse 17 is elsewhere translated “pluck” (John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.) We see another reference to it when Philip was snatched away after he witnessed to the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.) We are living in a time where the stage is being set for the antichrist to come into power. It is a time that no born-again believer will go through and a time that you do not want to experience if you are not born again. Prior to the revealing of the antichrist, the great catching away, the Rapture, will occur: it can happen at any moment: it is imminent and you do not want to be caught unaware.
The New Testament was written in Greek and, therefore, we will see what the Greek language has to say about the word “rapture.” Strong’s Concordance states this:
G726
ἁρπάζω
harpazō
Total KJV Occurrences: 18
caught, 5: Act_8:39, 2Co_12:2, 2Co_12:4, 1Th_4:17, Rev_12:5
force, 3: Mat_11:12, Joh_6:15, Act_23:10
take, 3: Mat_11:12, Joh_6:15, Act_23:10
away, 2: Mat_13:19, Act_8:39
catcheth, 2: Mat_13:19, Joh_10:12
pluck, 2: Joh_10:28-29 (2)
pulling, 1: Jud_1:23
Take a moment and look up each verse represented above. The Rapture represents being caught up, taken by force, taken away, plucked, and pulled away from this earth. While the word “rapture” itself isn’t explicitly found in the Bible, it is essential to recognize that terminology evolves; for instance, friend, the term “Bible” as we understand it today is similarly absent, as is “Trinity,” yet the principles they represent are in the Scriptures. The absence of specific words does not negate the truths they hold. In fact, the concept of the Rapture is indeed present within the Scriptures, often interpreted through various passages that suggest a sudden gathering of believers. As you explore these verses, you will uncover the theological significance that conveys the idea of being joyfully taken up to meet with the Lord, an event that many Christians eagerly anticipate and find comfort in as it speaks to their faith and hope for the future.
So the issue now becomes when will the Rapture occur? If you are a born-again Christian, you may have heard of the various beliefs surrounding this significant event in Christian eschatology. There are three popular schools of thought regarding the timing of the Rapture: the pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, and post-tribulation views. Pre-tribulation is defined as occurring before the tribulation, with proponents believing that believers will be taken up to heaven to avoid the impending suffering on Earth. On the other hand, mid-tribulation is defined as occurring in the middle of the tribulation, suggesting that Christians will endure part of the trials before being raptured. And finally, the post-tribulation view is defined as occurring after the tribulation, which asserts that the faithful will face the trials and challenges alongside the rest of the world before being rewarded with their ascension. Each of these perspectives has its own scriptural backing and interpretations, leading to much debate and differing opinions within the Christian community.
The latter two beliefs claim that the pre-tribulation rapture was only recently “invented” by John Darby in the 1800’s, which suggests that this concept is a modern interpretation rather than one rooted in early Christian history. However, there is substantial historical proof demonstrating that this was indeed the belief of the Christians as early as the third century AD, a time when many foundational doctrines were being shaped and debated. Church fathers and early theologians discussed the end times and the notion of a rapture-like event, indicating a continuity of thought that predates Darby by centuries. Some of the Church fathers studied under one of the Apostles and had first-hand information! This understanding was reflected in various writings and teachings of that era, highlighting a much anticipated view of Christ’s return that captures the pre-tribulation perspective. This is only one example of the writings of that day:
All the saints and elect of God are gathered together before the tribulation, which is to come, and are taken to the Lord, in order that they may not see at any time the confusion which overwhelms the world because of our sins.
-Pseudo-Ephraem (c. 374-627)
We can see in this quote that the pre-tribulation rapture was not invented in the past two hundred plus years but much earlier! The Apostle Paul spoke a lot about this blessed reunion and we will cover those verses to bring it all together. No other Tribulation viewpoint can explain away these four verses:
Joh 14:1-4 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (2) In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (4) And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
After Jesus’ Second Coming, the Millennial Kingdom begins, ushering in a period of never before peace and righteousness on Earth. If the Rapture happens at the end of the Tribulation, one might wonder how the Church will ascend to Heaven, where Jesus has gone to prepare a place, and THEN transition into the Millennium. The question arises: will they never go to Heaven? This concept seems contradictory, as it raises doubts about the very promises made in Scripture. Jesus says in verse 2 that He was going to prepare a place for us, signifying His intention to create a dwelling for His followers in Heaven. Then, verse 3 reassures us that He will come again and receive us unto Himself so that where He is, we will be also! This shows Jesus is committed to us and that our relationship with Him continues. It means we will be with Him in Heaven before He eventually establishes His kingdom on Earth. Just as God protected Noah in the ark before He created a new earth after the flood, so will Jesus do for the Church! Thus, understanding this sequence is crucial for grasping the fullness of His promises and the nature of our journey with Christ.
If you are a born-again Christian and have never studied this out, I hope you are blessed by it and encouraged in your heart. If you are not born again, I urge you to settle the matter right now! Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!
