The rapture (cut-off to heaven) of the church of Jesus Christ is a supernatural event in the Bible. In eschatological studies it occurs before the tribulation. Tribulation is a time when the world will face catastrophes of immense proportions. The word rapture is not in the bible just like the word trinity though both have ample verses to support their usage. Rapture personifies an event where those in Christ and in his eternal kingdom are “cut off”. They are “carried away”, “taken away” supernaturally by the power of God. It will be a sudden event and it is not the return of Jesus to earth (Matthew 24:29-31) as often described.
Paul teaches this in his first letters to the Thessalonians and Corinthians:
“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 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 shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1 Corinthians 15:51-53
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus, we shall always be with the Lord”. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
The church of Jesus Christ that will be raptured is a spiritual living organism. Only true members of the Church spread across the world will experience before the tribulation times set in (Video: Arguments against for pretribulation rapture). Paul calls it a mystery (at the time of writing) because it’s a revelation that was clearly given to him. Jesus did not say much about the rapture just as he did not say much about the salvation of the gentiles. These are mysteries that were revealed to the Apostles especially Paul by the Holy Spirit and careful study of the old and New Testament confirm them to be true.
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During the rapture, we who are alive will be cut-off alive while others already dead will be resurrected. Everyone, in a twinkling of an eye will receive celestial bodies and ascend with Jesus into Heaven. The world will only see people disappear. It will happen fast unlike the second coming of Jesus that the entire world will see him descending and lament (Matthew 24:30). In the rapture of the church, Jesus receives his church within the twinkling of an eye into heaven. In the second coming, Jesus physically descends from heaven with the host of heaven and the entire world sees him, in his glory and power.
Why the rapture?
The tribulation times as prophesied by the Bible will be so terrible that God takes his triumphant elect(church) out first. This is so that they do not experience his indignation on the world and the reign of the anti-Christ. The church of Jesus Christ will not be escaping. No! The spotless, reigning church will first impact the world with the testimony of Jesus. We will so demonstrate the character of God that we become rapture ready. Remember like Enoch and Elijah this rapture will be by faith. And faith is demonstrated.
Who will be raptured?
The rapture will happen so fast that only those who have been preparing for it will experience it (Video: Preparing for the rapture). The parable of the ten virgins captures the importance of being prepared for the coming of Christ. And like the parable, only Christians who are prepared will be raptured. How do we prepare? If you are not born again, the first step is to receive Jesus into your life and to submit yourself to the teachings of a local bible believing church. The local church will train you and give you a platform to serve the body of Christ. If you are born again remember the master asked us to go into all nations with the gospel, win them for Jesus and teach them to observe his command (Mathew 28:19). He told us to serve the Lord and minister with our hearts. Why? Your teaching of the gospel and ministry is a demonstration of your faith in Jesus and fulfillment of your destiny in Christ. You see there are specific things God created you to do that you must do. There are people and places only you will bring God’s love, mercy, and grace to. It could be in your industry, business, vocation, community, or home. In preparation you set aside carnal habits and actions that are not of God and pick up spiritual habits and actions. In preparing you do that which the Lord has asked you to do and stop procrastinating, backsliding, being lukewarm or siting on the fence. Remember it is Jesus himself that said regarding his work of salvation that “This is war, and there is no neutral ground. If you’re not on my side, you’re the enemy; if you’re not helping, you’re making things worse. “Matthew 12:30 (MSG). As you do the will of the Father in faith, love, and hope (1 Corinthians 13:13) of the soon coming of the Master, you are preparing for the rapture. Like the five wise virgins you will be ready when the trumpet of the archangel sounds. The Holy Spirit our helper is already working with you as your coach, standby, strengthener and enabler, urging you to finish your race excellently. Be encouraged. You can do this!
The Rapture of the Church Explained
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