DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ABOUT THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH?
SCRIPTURE: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:42-55
MAIN THEME: There are many who will say that there is no such mention in the Bible as “the rapture”. However, one will not find the word “Bible” in the Bible either. Therefore, let us see if we can prove that there is a “rapture” spoken of in God’s Holy Word.
- JESUS COMES TO RECEIVE HIS BRIDE IN 1 THESSALONIANS. 4:13-18
- Those who have died in Christ will return with Him in the rapture. v. 13-14
- Those living at the time were concerned that when Jesus returned what would happen to those who had already died, therefore, God gives these words to the Apostle Paul
- They could not return with Him unless they are present with Him (2 Corinthians 5:8 & Genesis 35:18) “as her soul was in departing (for she died)”
- An orderly resurrection
- The dead shall be raised first
- Then those alive and remaining who are in Christ
- We will then all rise and meet Jesus in the clouds v. 17 (in the second coming, Jesus comes and places His foot upon the Mount of Olives, whereas in the Rapture, Jesus comes in the clouds) Matthew 24:30 & Zechariah 14:2-4; 1 Thessalonians 4:17)
- OUR BODIES WILL BE CHANGED 1 Cor. 15:42-55
- “Flesh and blood cannot enter the kingdom of heaven”
- Because the flesh is corrupt
- This happens in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye”
- One will not be able to go at that moment unless they are prepared, as it hath been said, “God’s heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people.” Unknown origin quote
- The same as in 1 Thessalonians 4:16
- “the trumpet shall sound” 52
- WE RETURN AT THE SECOND COMING WITH JESUS (Rev. 19:7-9, 14)
- The marriage supper of the Lamb
- Matthew 25:10 “And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.”
- The bridal garments
- Revelation 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
- “to her was GRANTED” (what caused the bride to be now granted to be arrayed in the garments of righteousness—Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 (the judgment seat of Christ, where the children of God either receive or lose rewards)
- Arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints.”
- The garments of the armies of heaven
- Revelation 19:14 “And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.” The very same garments just placed on the saints of God