Definition Of Rapture
The word rapture is derived from the Latin word ‘rapere’ which is translated as ‘to seize and carry away’. In the Bible it is used to refer to the sudden and dramatic event in which believers are, in a moment of time, taken up or gathered together to meet Jesus in the sky. The Rapture is described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 with the words “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”[1]. According to the Eschatology of the Bible, it is an event that will occur prior to the Second Coming of Christ.
Where Does The Idea Of Rapture Come From?
The concept of the Rapture is not explicitly stated in the Bible, but is rooted in biblical passages. It is likely that the idea of the Rapture originates from the teachings of St. Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17, as well as 1 Corinthians 15: 51-53, which states that believers will be “changed”, “like unto His glorious body”, at the “last trumpet”[2]. The belief that those who believe in Jesus Christ, who have died in Christ, and who are alive in Christ at the time of His return, will be taken up to meet Him in the sky is a core tenet of Christian eventuality.
Who Will Be Raptured?
The Rapture will be an event in which all those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and those who have been obedient to Him, will be taken up to meet Him in the sky. In the Bible, it is often referred to as “the resurrection of the righteous” (1 Cor. 15:52), and those taken up (or “raptured”) are referred to as “the Church”.
What Happens During The Rapture?
The Bible does not tell us exactly what will happen during the Rapture, but it does give us some clues. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, when the Rapture occurs, believers will hear a shout, the voice of an archangel, and “the trumpet of God”. In addition, the Bible tells us that when the Rapture occurs, believers will be “caught up in the clouds” (1 Thess. 4:17). It is believed by many that during the Rapture, believers will be given spiritual bodies, as well as eternal life, as promised to them in the Bible.
When Will The Rapture Occur?
The Bible does not give us a specific date for the Rapture, and it is impossible to know when it will occur. The closest that the Bible comes to providing a timeline is in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, where St. Paul says that it will occur “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye”. Some biblical scholars believe that the Rapture will occur somewhere between mid-Tribulation and the end of the seven-year Great Tribulation period, while some believe that the Rapture will occur at the end of the Great Tribulation period.
After The Rapture: The Second Coming Of Jesus Christ
After the Rapture, believers will be taken to “meet the Lord in the air”. This is the same event described in Revelation 19:11-book, where it says that Jesus Christ will return with His armies from heaven. Because the Bible does not tell us exactly when the Rapture will occur, some have speculated that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ may occur soon after the Rapture, or it may even overlap with it.
Rapture: A Source Of Comfort
Regardless of when the Rapture will occur, it is a source of comfort and hope to believers. St. Paul says that we do not need to be “in darkness,” or ignorant of His second coming, as God will “descend from heaven with a shout” and take us with Him (1 Thess. 4:13-18). For believers, the Rapture represents the fulfillment of God’s promises and His provision for those who love Him enough to obey Him.
Signs Of The Rapture
Many biblical scholars have studied the signs that the Bible refers to, in an attempt to determine when the Rapture will occur. These signs include: the rise of the Antichrist, the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, the mark of the beast, and an increase in false prophets. The Bible tells us that these will be “birth pangs”, which will increase with intensity until the Rapture (Matt. 24:7-8).
Rapture As A Hoax
Though the Rapture is a core belief of many Christian denominations, it is also believed by some to be a hoax. Those who view the Rapture as a hoax believe that it is nothing more than a conspiracy theory created by some fundamentalist Christians, who have a very literal interpretation of the Bible.
God’s Plan of Salvation Through Jesus Christ
Despite the disagreements over the exact nature, timing, or reality of the Rapture, what remains certain is that the Bible teaches that God has a plan of salvation for all believers, which culminates in the ultimate promise of eternal life in the presence of God. The heart of this plan is found in Jesus Christ, who is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
Context of Rapture in Societal Practice
The idea of the Rapture has been adopted by many evangelical Christians and has become a popular belief in the modern world. It is often used in Christian-themed novels, films, and other media. It has also been used to create a sense of urgency within the Christian community and to emphasize the importance of living a righteous life in Christ and of being prepared for His coming.
Impact Of Rapture On Christian Life
For many Christians, the belief in the Rapture has a profound impact on their life and faith. It gives hope and comfort in a world where tragedy and suffering can often seem overwhelming. It also inspires them to live godly lives in anticipation of meeting their Lord and Savior.
Apply Rapture In Current World Situation
In our current world situation, the idea of the Rapture can often be seen as a source of comfort, especially for those who are suffering and oppressed. In these moments, the idea of being taken up to meet the Lord in the sky is both a source of hope and an encouragement to continue in the faith. Believers are reminded that no matter what may be happening in the world, the Lord has promised to come again, and the Rapture is one step closer to that day.
Rapture Translating To Everyday Life
The idea of the Rapture is not just a theological concept, but has applications to our everyday lives. It calls us to live in expectancy of the Lord’s return and to be ready to meet Him when He comes. It also speaks to our need to live holy lives out of obedience to God and reverence for His holiness. Here, the Rapture reminds us that we must always be prepared for the coming of our savior.
Conclusion
While the exact timing and nature of the Rapture may still be a matter of debate, one thing is for certain—the promise of eternal life that comes with it is a source of comfort and hope to believers. The belief in the Rapture speaks to the need to live godly lives and to be ready to meet Jesus when He comes. Ultimately, it is a reminder that God is faithful and that He has promised to come again, and the Rapture is one step closer to that day.
