The Rapture Of The Church (Part 1)

I am convinced the rapture, or “catching away of the saints”, is the next great thing to take place on God’s calendar of events.  I can remember 10-20 years ago, the rapture was something that people talked much more about than they do today.  It reason for this could be that so many people have become use to the major catastrophes in our world that they don’t give the rapture much thought anymore.  But I am convinced the Bible clearly teaches that the rapture is a distinct coming of Christ where he meets the saints in the air to take them to heaven (John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) and that this event could take place any day.

REASONS FOR THE RAPTURE

There are many reasons “why” we expect a rapture and “why” God has chosen it as part of His plan for the end times.  Some of them include:

• So Jesus can receive the saints to Himself – John 14:1-3.
• To resurrect the dead “in Christ” – 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17.
• To take the saints to heaven where they will be judged and receive their rewards and partake in the marriage supper – 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 19:9.
• To change the bodies of the saints to immortality – 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; Philippians 3:20-21.
• To cause the saints to escape the tribulation – Luke 21:34-36; 1 Thessalonians 5:9.
• To permit the revelation of the Antichrist – 2 Thessalonians 2:7-8.

WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR A PERSON TO GO IN THE RAPTURE

This is a critical question.  Contrary to what many may think, or want to believe, God has set certain requirements in order for a person to be in the rapture of the saints.  These include:

• To be in Christ, which means to be a new creature – 2 Corinthians 5:17.
• To be saved, having ask Jesus to come into your heart – Romans 10:9-10.
• To repent and change directions and make Jesus your Lord.

In my next post I will outline some of the signs of His coming and what will happen after the rapture.  Until then, continue to “look for his coming!”

Pastor Temple