Rapture

The Biblical Texts

The clearest passage is 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18. Paul comforts grieving believers: when Christ returns, the dead in Christ will rise first, then living believers will be caught up together with them.

Other texts echo this hope:

- 1 Corinthians 15:51–52 — we shall all be changed, in a moment, at the last trumpet.

- John 14:3 — Jesus will come again to take us to Himself.

- Matthew 24:30–31 — the Son of Man appears with power, angels, and trumpet call, gathering the elect.

Not Secret, But Glorious

The return of Christ is described with trumpet sound, a cry of command, the voice of an archangel (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Matthew 24:31). These are public, visible, cosmic events — not hidden.

The emphasis is not on secrecy, but on majesty. “Every eye will see Him” (Revelation 1:7).

Resurrection and Transformation

The rapture is inseparable from the resurrection. “The dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:52).

This is not an escape from creation but the renewal of it. Believers receive glorified bodies, like Christ’s own (Philippians 3:20–21).

Different Christian Views

Christians differ on the timing:

- Pre-tribulation rapture: Christ gathers believers before a future tribulation.

- Post-tribulation rapture: Believers are caught up at Christ’s second coming after tribulation.

- Historic view: The rapture is simply another name for the resurrection at Christ’s return, not a separate event.

All agree on the essentials: Christ will return, the dead will rise, and believers will be gathered to Him.

The Pastoral Purpose

Paul wrote not to satisfy curiosity but to comfort: “Therefore encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

The rapture is hope for the grieving, strength for the weary, and urgency for the mission. Our future is secure in Him.