Rapture is a concept that has become associated with the biblical teachings around the second coming of Christ and the Christian tradition of the last judgement. It is not explicitly mentioned in the bible but is widely considered to be implied in certain passages. To understand why certain passages of the Bible can be seen to allude to the concept of Rapture, it is important to understand the theological basis of Rapture.
The Rapture is widely regarded as being based on the biblical notion of a sudden and inevitable coming of Christ as King as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and other passages. The Rapture is described as a sudden and unexpected event when Christians will be ‘caught up’ to meet the Lord in the clouds. This event is seen as a precursor to the second coming of Christ, the last judgement and the final rewards of those who were faithful to God. This is an idea that is deeply intertwined in Christian beliefs and understanding of the end times.
The concept of Rapture as an event immediately preceding the day of judgement is found in different Christian denominations and beliefs, though the specifics of belief may differ. The notion of a Rapture is first found in the writings of theologian John Nelson Darby, founder of the Plymouth Brethren religious movement in the early 19th century. Darby’s teachings were widely accepted in Christian circles and the concept of Rapture was popularized in books such as the Left Behind series, where the Rapture is depicted to have happened shortly before the events of the series take place. The Rapture has also been used in various films and television series.
Though there is no direct mention of the concept of Rapture in the Bible, some Christians believe that the notion of Rapture is implied or referred to in certain passages. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, for example, the Apostle Paul is quoted as saying: “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”. This passage is seen by some as referring to the Rapture, with the phrase “caught up’ being interpreted as a reference to being taken up to meet Christ in the clouds.
Other passages, such as Matthew 24:30-31, in which the coming of Christ is compared to “lightning coming from the east and shining even unto the west”, are seen as symbolic of the sudden and unexpected nature of the Rapture. Moreover, some Christians believe the Rapture to be referred to in the Book of Revelation, citing passages such as 13:5 and 20:4-5 as references to a time of Judgement and the gathering of the elect with Christ, who is referred to as the ‘Bridegroom of the Church’.
Although the concept of Rapture is not explicitly found in the Bible, certain passages are seen by some poets, authors and theologians alike as alluding to the notion of being “taken up” into the clouds to meet with Christ or as references to an imminent and inevitable judgement. Thus, while we cannot confirm the exact occurrence of a Rapture, we can conclude that the Bible does contain passages that are seen as referring to the Rapture by some.
The Roles of the Elects
Many Christians believe that the rapture will involve the gathering of the elect. This term is used to refer to those who have accepted and kept the faith before coming to the judgement of the Lord. In some interpretations, the elect are to be swept up in the rapture, whereas in others, only a select number of faithful followers will be taken. Regardless, the elect are considered to be those who have proven their faith and willingness to obey God’s will.
The roles of these elects while in the rapture are thought to vary depending on the interpretation of this event. For instance, some interpretations suggest that the elect will take part in a celestial, spiritual battle and serve as powerful ministers of God’s will. Others suggest that the elect will be rewarded for their faith, perhaps engaging in spiritual warfare or being granted a higher station in heaven. Still, other interpretations suggest that the elect will receive rewards, such as gain eternal life.
Whatever their roles may be, the elect are thought to be those who are most prepared for the coming judgement. In Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus himself speaks of a time when the those faithful to God will be rewarded. In this passage, the elect are referred to as “virgins”, meaning those who have kept their faith and remained pure in God’s eyes. In other words, those who have maintained their faith and exerted effort to follow God’s teachings will be rewarded when the rapture occurs.
In any case, the elect are those who the Bible lists as the most prepared and deserving of the rapture when it occurs. Those who make sure to perform righteous acts and stay faithful to God’s teachings are thought to be those who most likely to benefit when the rapture comes.
The Sign of the Rapture
Some Christians believe that there will be signs associated with the rapture, which will act as harbingers of the coming judgement. These signs may vary depending on the interpretation, with some reading them as omens or warnings to be prepared for the coming of Christ and others seeing them as reassurances of His mercy. The following passage from 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 is often used to describe these signs: “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief”.
This particular passage is generally taken to be an admonition to remain vigilant and prepared for the coming of the Lord, as He will come suddenly and take away those who are ready. This passage is often taken as one of the signs of the rapture, albeit a rather indirect one.
More direct signs, such as an increase in natural disasters or an astronomical phenomenon, may be given in some interpretations. For example, some Christians believe that the rapture could be preceded by the appearance of a comet, or other celestial event. In this interpretation, the comet is seen as a message from God that it is time to prepare for the coming judgement.
Regardless of interpretation, it is generally accepted that the coming of Christ will be sudden and without warning. It is precisely for this purpose that some Christians believe there will be a number of signs that will precede Christ’s coming, either as warnings or comforts, instructing those prepared to remain ready, while reassuring those who are faithful that the end may be near.
The Eternal Judgment of the Rapture
After the rapture, the coming judgement is thought to occur. This judgement is understood by Christians to be the Final Judgement, and is generally seen by them as the time when all of salvation history comes to a conclusion. During this time, those who have kept their faith and remained devoted to God will be allowed to enter the kingdom of Heaven and receive their rewards, while those who have rejected God’s teaching or history will be subjected to the penalties of damnation. This judgement is described in the bible in various places, such as in the book of Revelation.
The Bible does not include a definitive description of what will happen during this judgement, thus theologians debate the finer points of the eternal judgement. Some theologians believe it will occur in two steps, with a preliminary judgement occurring during Christ’s coming and a more comprehensive one occurring after the millennium. Others suggest that there will be only one judgement, and all of salvation history will be decided at this time.
In any case, it is generally accepted by Christians that this judgement will reflect a person’s faithfulness and obedience to God’s teachings. Those who are considered righteous will be rewarded, while those who are not rewarded will be subjected to damnation. Thus, it is essential for Christians to understand God’s teachings and remain faithful and devoted to Him in order to prepare for the judgement that will follow the rapture.
Where to be found after the Rapture
Another point of debate regarding the rapture is where exactly the faithful will be taken after the judgement. Some interpretations suggest that the “new Jerusalem” is the place where the righteous will gather, and those who have accepted God’s teachings will enter a spiritual realm where one can live in the presence of God. Other interpretations suggest that those who are faithful and obedient to God will be taken to another realm, namely, Heaven. Regardless, wherever the faithful will be taken, it is generally accepted that they will be spared from the tribulations of the judgement and will reside in a place of serenity and peace.
The Bible includes numerous references to the place that is to be taken after the rapture. The book of Revelation, for example, speaks of a “new Jerusalem,” a city that is to come down from Heaven. This city is where the faithful will live in bliss and peace, and where they will gain access to the Tree of Life, representing eternal life. In addition, other passages that are taken as references to Heaven include 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, which mentions a place far beyond the limits of the natural world where Christians can experience the presence of God. Ultimately, though the specifics of the realm which will be taken may remain a mystery, the Bible does provide evidence that a heavenly place exists for the faithful to enter where they may experience the divine presence.
The Importance of Following God’s Will
It is important to note that the rapture is seen by many Christians as a message to remain faithful to God’s teachings. If one wishes to be part of the faithful and be found ready when the rapture comes, one must be sure to obey the will of God and remain prepared. This involves leading a life devoted to God and gaining knowledge of His teachings. Christians should consider the rapture a reminder to stay close to Him and trust in His power and wisdom.
Moreover, Christians must make sure to be loving and understanding of those who are not yet prepared for the rapture. God’s heart is for all mankind, and those who wish to be part of the elect must make sure to show the same mercy and understanding to those still seeking God’s guidance. In this way, the rapture should be seen as a reminder to be understanding and to spread love throughout the world.
Ultimately, although the exact details of the rapture are not known and the concept of rapture generally remains a mystery, what is known is that it is essential for Christians to remain faithful to God’s teachings. The rapture should be seen as a reminder of these teachings, and a call to action to keep close to God and spread His mercy to the world.
