When you hear the word rapture, what comes to mind? There is perhaps no other word in Scripture shrouded in such mystery. Beliefs regarding the rapture differ from church to church, believer to believer. But it doesn’t have to be a confusing or intimidating topic. In fact, having a sound understanding of the rapture can enhance one’s faith and strengthen one’s relationship with God. The original meaning of the word rapture is “great joy.” Indeed, the rapture will be a great joy to those found in Christ. Hollywood portrayals of the rapture focus on the bewilderment of unbelievers when multitudes of people suddenly disappear. But that’s an incomplete picture of the event. These verses in 1 Corinthians will shed some light on this mysterious yet hopeful event of the end times.
“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. 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. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)
“Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.” (Revelation 1:7)
Are you ready for Jesus? Are you living in such a way that you don’t have to get ready? Because Jesus is coming for His church at a time that no one knows, it is imperative for every Christian to be looking and living for the Lord.
As we continue to study Biblical Prophecy we will shed more light on the Rapture.