The rapture is an eschatological term used by certain Christians, particularly within branches of American evangelicalism, referring to a purported end time event when all Christian believers – living and dead – will rise into the sky and join Christ. Some adherents believe this event is predicted and described in Paul's First Epistle to the Thessalonians in the Bible,where he uses the Greek harpazo (ἁρπάζω), meaning to snatch away or seize. Though it has been used differently in the past, the term is now often used by certain believers to distinguish this particular event from the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to Earth mentioned in Second Thessalonians, Gospel of Matthew, First Corinthians, and Revelation, usually viewing it as preceding the Second Coming and followed by a thousand year millennial kingdom. Adherents of this perspective are sometimes referred to as premillenialist dispensationalists, but amongst them there are differing viewpoints about the exact timing of the purported event.
For every Christian, the goal is to be along in the rapture. That glorious moment when Jesus takes those who belong to Him up to heaven to be with Him eternally. This is part of the series of events described in the book of Revelation that will occur during the end times.
What is the rapture?
Although the phrase “the rapture” is not used once in the Bible, it is the name that has been given to the occasion when Jesus will descend from heaven to fetch those who have loved Him more than anything on this earth and been His faithful disciples.
“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. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
The disciples of Christ who have already died will be resurrected first, and will be joined by those who are still living in Christ. They will all be raised up together in incorruptible bodies to meet Jesus in the air.
“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 15:52-53
Jesus says to His disciples, “I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.” John 14:3-4. This means there is a way to go. A way that leads those who walk on it to be received to Him; to be together with Him eternally. Those who love Jesus know the way they need to go – they are the ones who will be raptured. The book of Revelation describes them:
“These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes…And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God.” Revelation 14:4,5.
They are the ones who, by God’s grace, have walked in Jesus’ steps. They have done what is right and good, and have become what they were called to be: a light and salt in this world. (Matthew 5:13-16) This means no unrighteousness, no dissatisfaction or complaining, no anxiety, no discouragement, no laziness, no worldliness or conceit, etc., is found in them.
These are collectively known as “the bride of Christ.” They have held unshakably fast to what is right, good and true in every single circumstance, just as their Bridegroom did in His days on earth, so that they are pure and worthy to be His “wife.” “Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” Revelation 19:7-8...
Will I be along in the rapture?
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Luke 9:23. Are you giving up your own will, and denying yourself in order to be a discipleA disciple is another word for a follower of Christ, one who is learning to be like his Master. As a disciple you follow Jesus Christ, who is the Master and by living like Him you become more like Him. (Matthew 16:24; 1 Peter 2:21-22)... More of Christ?
“And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” 1 John 3:3. Are you doing only what is right, good, and true, cleansing yourself, and keeping yourself pure?
Are you doing these things now? Then you will be along. And if you are not, then you can begin now! We are still living in the time of God’s amazing grace, and we are still able to follow Jesus on this way of denying ourselves and overcoming sin“Victory over sin” means that you do not commit conscious sin – that which you know would be sin at that time when you are tempted. It doesn’t mean that you are without sin, but that temptation is overcome before it can become sin. (Romans 8:37; 1 Corinthians 15:57; Revelation 2:7)... More. This hidden life brings fellowshipFellowship means communion with other Christians who are living the same life that you are. It includes mutual edification and a unity in purpose and spirit that goes far deeper than friendship or human relationships. (1 John 1:7) We also experience fellowship with Christ when we overcome sin in the time of temptation just as He did when He was... More with Him, and then the Bridegroom will know you on the day He descends from heaven to collect those who belong to Him. (Philippians 3:8-10)
It’s more than a fairy-tale. It will be an incomprehensible reality for those who have loved their heavenly Bridegroom so much that they have been willing to follow Him on this way that leads to eternal life!
.jpeg)
Post a Comment