What is the Rapture?
The rapture is the raising of the dead in Christ and the “snatching away” of alive believers to meet Jesus in the air prior to the time of the tribulation (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). It’s the answer to His promise in John 14:1-3 to come for us and receive us to Himself.
Timing of the rapture:
I have studied and listened and prayed and have come to firmly believe in a pre-tribulation rapture for many reasons, though you will find differing opinions throughout the body of Christ: pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, and post-tribulation. Many times I have had to go back and confirm what I believe, especially when I see all that’s coming in our world. Each time I’ve come to the same clear conclusion: The tribulation ISN’T for the church, the bride of Jesus. What devoted Groom would subject His bride to the wrath that comes from His own hand? (“For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9) If I had to choose one verse to anchor my beliefs in a pre-tribulation rapture promise from the Groom Himself, it would be:
“Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.”
(Revelation 3:10)
Below, I have provided resources from pastors and teachers I have gleaned from in order to broaden my own understanding of rapture prophecy. I advise you to take the necessary time to dig deep if this is a new concept for you. Go back and look at the archives of these teachers (links provided).
Rapture Fundamentals
“Rapture of the Church” video and article, Dr. David Jeremiah, DavidJeremiah.org
The Rapture, Pastor Tom Hughes, HopeForOurTimes.com
In case you want the Left Behind video that Pastor Tom showed, you can find it here: Rapture in Church video
The Rapture: What is it? Who will it affect? When is it most likely to take place?, Dr. David R. Reagan, Lamb & Lion Ministries
Library of Rapture Resources.
Jesus is Coming Soon! We Are Living on Borrowed Time, Dr. David Reagan
The Rapture by Pastor Brett Meador, AtheyCreek.com
Additional rapture teachings by Pastor Brett
What You Believe About The Rapture and Why It Matters Part One, Pastor Jack Hibbs, JackHibbs.com
What You Believe About The Rapture and Why It Matters Part Two, Pastor Jack Hibbs
~ Video Series: Futures This is a from-the-beginning look at Bible prophecy which includes teachings on the rapture and post-rapture world.
Pre-Tribulation (time of the rapture) Resources
General Pre-Trib:
In Defense of the Pre–Tribulation Rapture Left behind or led astray?, Dr. David Reagan, Lamb & Lion Ministries
Why I Believe in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture: 11 Reasons Why Jesus Will Come Back Before the Tribulation, Nathan E. Jones, Lamb & Lion Ministries
Rapture New? Get a Clue!, Nathan E. Jones, Lamb & Lion Ministries
What is the Pretribulation Rapture?, Todd Strandberg, RaptureReady.com
Fifty Arguments for Pretribulationism by John Walvoord
Jewish Wedding Tradition Teaching:
Pre-Tribulation Rapture Proof, JD Farag, JDFarag.org
“Before the Wrath” Trailer Link
Rent movie from Amazon ($3.99)
This well-made docudrama is part movie-like depiction and part commentary by Bible prophecy experts listed below. It’s on Amazon Prime and is a good resource to share with people who have questions about the rapture.
“Before the Wrath”: Narrated by Kevin Sorbo (God’s Not Dead, Hercules and The Legendary Journeys), Jack Hibbs (Theologist and Host of ‘Real Life’ on SiriusXM), Amir Tsarfati (Founder and President of Behold Israel), Jan Markell (Founder of Olive Tree Ministries), JD Farag (Theologist and Eschatologist), Scott McConnell (Executive Director of LifeWay Research), Jay McCarl (Ancient Middle Eastern Anthropologist), Lizette Dillinger
Are you ready?
Out of those who do know what the rapture is, there are usually three camps: those who are ready and waiting with excitement, those who are terrified, and those who live in dread. Whichever camp you reside in, it is absolutely vital that you get to know more on the topic and know the Groom Who is coming. While we wait, in the days, weeks, and maybe even years to come, this world will only get darker. We have to keep looking at the Light. To know you are waiting on your rescue greatly calms fear. What I believe we can all agree on is that this world is getting increasingly easier to let go of. Maybe that’s a gift from God, His help in unwinding our fingers from their grasp on a world that pales in comparison to the place where Jesus has gone to prepare our eternal home. For more on this topic, you can follow along with my RaptureReady.com articles listed below.
Rapture: Why Are You Excited? – RaptureReady.com article by Lisa
Rapture: Why Do Most Fear? – RaptureReady.com article by Lisa
Rapture: Why Do Many Dread? – RaptureReady.com article by Lisa
Rapture: In the Meantime… – RaptureReady.com article by Lisa
Aliens – Is this how Christian disappearance will be explained?
Aliens and AI by Tyler at Generation 2434
Meet the New World Religion – Jan Markel Radio Program with Pastor Billy Crone
How Will the World Explain the Rapture? by Pete Garcia
Mother Earth’s “Cleansing” and the Rapture: How the Green Narrative Is the Demonic Lie for the Rapture by Pastor Brandon Holthaus
According to people who channel demons and fallen angels, the forces of darkness already have a deceptive lie in place that will be used to explain away the rapture.
NASA Hires Theologians To Study Man’s Possible Reaction To Alien Life; Christian Leaders Respond: ‘Don’t Be Deceived’ Harbingers Daily article
ALIENS, NASA, AND THE RAPTURE | PROPHECY UPDATE WITH TOM HUGHES
This is a great video. In the summer of 2020, when I heard a news report that the Department of Defense was going to release classified files on UFO sightings, I knew it. That is how “they,” the powers that be, will explain away the believers disappearing in the rapture. The world will be told that we’ve been taken by aliens. Many will say it’s for reprogramming because we are the dissenters. Don’t miss this one. Yeah, this world just gets crazier by the minute.
- Simpsons: Rapture: Left Below – An example of Hollywood’s programming of the world and mocking of God.
Rapture Verses
All verses taken from the NASB 1995:
The first passages are three of the most key teachings on the rapture. Study them and learn their locations in Scripture.
1 Corinthians 15:52 (key doctrinal rapture teaching)
“… in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”
John 14:1-3 (key doctrinal rapture teaching)
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”
1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 (key doctrinal rapture teaching)
“For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.”
2 Corinthians 12:2
“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago–whether in the body I don’t not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows–such a man was caught up to the third heaven.”
Luke 17:34
“I tell you, on that night there will be two in one bed; one will be taken and the other will be left.”
Luke 21:36
“But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Mark 13:32
“But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.”
Matthew 24:37
“For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark…”
Matthew 24:40-41
“Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left.”
Matthew 24:44
“For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.”
1 Thessalonians 1:10
“… and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.”
1 Thessalonians 5:9
“For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Timothy 4:8
“… in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
Titus 2:13
“… looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.”
Revelation 3:10
“Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.”
“Revelation 4:1
“After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.’”