RAPTURE (Part-1)

“Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,” 1 Corinthians 15:51

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

INTRODUCTION The second coming of Christ prophesied by Daniel in Daniel 7:13 is a sound biblical fact. This return shall be in two stages. The first, “being like a thief in the night” to receive unto Himself His Church. This is popularly called the rapture. May the Holy Spirit Himself guide us into all truth, in Jesus’ name.

QUESTIONS

1. WHAT IS THE RAPTURE?
2. WHEN IS THE RAPTURE?
3. WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE RAPTURE?
4. HOW WILL IT HAPPEN?

WHAT IS THE RAPTURE?

The word, rapture, is not found anywhere in the Bible although it is used to describe this great upcoming and memorable event. The rapture is the sudden catching up or sudden disappearance of holy and faithful saints from the earth to meet with our Lord and Saviour in the air. It is also referred to as the translation or translocation of believers –

1Thess.4:16-17;

1 Cor.15:51-58.

Examples of such translation in the Old Testament are; Enoch – Gen.5:22-24

Heb.11:5 and

Elijah – 2 Kgs.2:11.

It shall be as sudden as the twinkling of an eye – 1 Cor.15:52.

WHEN IS THE RAPTURE?

The exact timing of the occurrence of the rapture is not known –

Matt.24:42, 44 –

Matt.25:13 –  

1 Thess.5:6.

We, however, know that it shall precede the tribulation – 1 Thess.1:10, 5:9; 2 Thess.2:12.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE RAPTURE?

The following are to be expected at the rapture:

1. The trumpet of God shall sound – 1 Cor.15:52; 1 Thess.4:16.
2. The dead in Christ shall rise first – Jn.5:25; 1 Thess.4:16; 1 Cor.15:23.
3. Saints which are alive shall be “caught up” to meet our Lord in the air – 1 Thess.4:17; 1 Cor.15:51.
4. The dead in Christ and saints who are left shall have glorified or immortal bodies and live forever – 1 Cor.15:52-54; Phil.3:20-21; Col.3:4; 1 Jn.3:2.
5. There shall be extraordinary chaos on the earth – 1 Thess.5:2-3; Mt.24:40-41.

HOW WILL IT HAPPEN?

1. It shall happen suddenly – 1 Cor.15:52; 1 Thess.5:3; Matt.24:36-41.
2. The power of God shall make the bodies of saints immortal –Phil.3:21.
3. The sudden “vacancies” produced by such disappearance shall give birth to the chaos.

CONCLUSION

The greatest calamity that could befall anyone who claims to be a believer is to be on earth a second after the rapture. The one who is coming back for His own “suddenly”, warned us to be prepared, at least six times in different parables. Are you alert and ready? Mk.13:32-37.

QUESTIONS (To ponder on and revisit the bible to help improve your undertanding about the rapture)

1. What is the rapture? 2. Mention five things that will happen at the rapture

Altar call for the unbeliever: For anyone reading this who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God, please repeat this out loud. Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name

Prayer: By the grace of God, I will not miss the rapture in the name of Jesus.

Feast of Light Global Ministry