1 Thessalonians 5:3-5 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (4) But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. (5) Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
When we look at eternity, many wonder what remains on God’s prophetic calendar. According to Scripture, the next major event is the Rapture: a moment that will instantly separate the world into two distinct groups. The Apostle Paul distinguishes between “they” and “ye,” revealing a sobering reality for those caught off guard. While those labeled as “they” or “them” reassure themselves with cries of “peace and safety,” believing everything is fine, Paul warns that they are actually ignoring the coming judgment. Because they aren’t looking for God, they will find themselves unable to escape the impending darkness of the Tribulation.
Everything changes when Paul addresses the believers directly. By starting his next thought with the word “But,” he draws a line between the world and the “brethren.” He reminds those who are born again that they aren’t living in spiritual darkness; therefore, “that day,” the terrifying start of the Tribulation, shouldn’t overtake them like a surprise. It’s a beautiful echo to his previous lessons on the Rapture, intended to anchor their hearts in the truth of their exemption from the coming wrath.
Around the globe, born-again believers are eagerly watching for the next great event on God’s prophetic timeline. You may have heard skeptics point out that the word “rapture” never actually appears in the pages of Scripture. But remember, neither does the word “Bible”! While the term itself comes from Latin, the biblical foundation is found in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. There, the Holy Spirit uses the powerful phrase ‘caught up‘ to describe our coming rescue.”
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 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.
As I’ve said before, the New Testament was written in Greek and translated into English. The Greek word for “caught up” is:
ἁρπάζω
harpazō
har-pad’-zo
From a derivative of G138; to seize (in various applications): – catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force).STRONG’S CONCORDANCE
Any way you look at it, the phrase ‘caught up’ points to a supernatural departure. It describes a specific event where believers are snatched away to meet the Lord ‘in the air,’ marking the beginning of our forever with Him. This naturally makes us wonder: who are the ones destined to be caught up?
- the dead in Christ will rise first
- and then we which are alive
How will they be “caught up” according to the Greek word “harpazo’s” definition? They:
- will be caught away
- will be caught up
- will be plucked
- will be pulled
- will be taken by force” from this earth into the air!
“The Holy Spirit used this identical Greek term in Acts 8:39 to describe Philip’s experience. After he witnessed to and baptized the eunuch, Philip was ‘caught away‘ and transported by God’s power—giving us a small glimpse of the miraculous departure awaiting every believer.”
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.
Either way you look at the Greek definition, the meaning is clear: the Church will be removed instantly. In the twinkling of an eye, every believer will be gone, caught up by the power of God.
1 Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
Make no mistake, Reader: the Rapture only includes those who belong to Jesus: whether they are resting in the grave or still living on earth. The picture above shows the sudden separation: one is taken to safety while the other is left to face the Great Tribulation. Paul’s words are clear: ‘sudden destruction’ will overtake those who remain. It is a horrible reality that some will stay behind simply because they loved their sin more than their Saviour. Will you be ready when that day comes?
Praise God! This truth brings me such incredible peace and excitement, but I realize it may cause others to feel uneasy. If you aren’t sure of your salvation, listen closely: it is no coincidence that you encountered this message today. God has brought about this very moment for you to surrender your life to Him and be saved from the judgment to come. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!
