What is the rapture? when, why, how come, what to do…

what is the rapture by pastor Bruce Edwards

The beginning of the end

What is the  rapture?  This is a question that’s caused controversy, confusion, fear, and intrigue for many.   However, it is an important question because it is an event that will affect millions of people.   At some point in the future the world as we know it will come to an end.   There will be several important Biblical events that occur during those end times.  One of those events is what is called “the rapture”.   In this short message we will provide a  simple  and direct definition of what is the rapture, we will give Biblical evidence of this event,  we’ll explain  the purpose for the rapture, and what are response should and needs to be.

What is the Rapture?  the simple definition

The rapture is a future supernatural event at which time God will remove the body of Christ from the Earth to meet Jesus in the heavens. They will be joining all the New Testament saints who have died before the rapture. The spirits of Christians who die go to be with the Lord in a place called paradise in the heavens.  They will be in the presence of the Lord waiting for this event called the Rapture. At the moment of the Rapture they receive new resurrected heavenly physical bodies. Paul gives a clear description of this in 1Corinthians 15:51-53, “Behold, I shew 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 trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality“.  This also explains how those who are alive and taken from earth to be with the Lord will also receive new heavenly bodies. It will be one of the most magnificent and powerful events in all of history. So, the rapture is simply the term given to this event in which Christians living on the earth in that moment will be miraculously taken, raptured, off the face of the earth to be with the Lord and all the Christians who have died before the rapture.

What is the rapture by Pastor Bruce Edwards

The Rapture – what is it?


Is the Rapture in the Bible?

The rapture is a real Biblical event. It is referred to several times in a number of Bible passages. (click here for a sample list)  In 1Thessalonians 4:16-18 it clearly describes this event. It says, “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: 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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”   This is the Biblical reference and description of the rapture.  Basically it says what we just shared in defining the rapture. People often say, “but it doesn’t say the word rapture, or they will say, “the word rapture isn’t in the Bible.” Notice the phrase “caught up” in  verse 17 of the fourth chapter of 1 Thessalonians.   This a direct reference to the rapture. The Greek word there is harpaz? which means, “to snatch out or away”. The Greek word harpazo was translated in the Latin Bible to the word Rapiemur which is a form of the Latin verb, rapio, which means – “to catch or seize”. It is from this Latin word that we we get the English translation- “Rapture” referring to the catching or snatching away of the church.  The rapture is definitely a subject revealed and discussed in the Bible.  It is a real Biblical event.

What is the Purpose of the Rapture?

Why the rapture?  What does it serve?   There are several purposes of the Rapture but the main one is to remove the family of God from the Earth before what is called the “Great Tribulation”.   During this time God will pour out His wrath in a series of horrific judgments. This will be the time of the Antichrist and Armageddon.  These events are described in Revelation and are the events most end time books and movies focus on.  It will be a terrible time.   Another purpose of the Rapture is fulfillment of Bible prophecy and helps set the stage for the second coming of Christ.  Also, the Rapture is a sign of God’s love and mercy for those who believe. God has always provided a way of escape for His people.

When Will The Rapture Happen?

This is probably the question more people ask and want answered, but the Bible gives no specific date for when the Rapture will take place.   Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:36, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”  However, the rapture can happen at any moment.   The only thing keeping the rapture from occurring is Gods patience and love of people. (2 Peter 3:9)   So, we don’t know the specific day, only that it will happen without notice and quickly. 

What Should Our Response to the Rapture Be?

First, as Christians we should be working diligently as if the rapture won’t happen for a thousand years. This is what Jesus meant in the parable of the ten servants when he said “occupy until I come” (Luke 19:13) At the same time we need to be living as if the rapture will happen today. This is why Jesus Christ instructs us to “watch” and stay faithful until that day when He gathers His church to be with Him in paradise. (Matthew 25:13)  Second, if your not a Christian it is a time to receive the gift of eternal life and become a part of the family of God.   (click here to find how to get a new start)

Knowing and understanding the rapture should bring comfort, motivation for life and great expectation. We are to comfort and encourage one another with this understanding of the rapture. (1Thessalonians 4:18)  It is important for each of to e ready, because one day you will hear that last trumpet sound and the shout of the archangel. (1Thessalonians 4:16)  Jesus is coming again!

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