You may have heard some say that the word “rapture” is not found in the Bible and this is true, so why do we use the word? The term rapture is from the Latin verb “rapiemur” which is defined as “to seize, snatch, carry away.” In the Greek, the term “harpazo” is used and means the same.
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In 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18, we find the term harpazo, one of the Scriptural supports for the rapture.
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up [G726 harpazo] together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
The Bible is very clear that one day Jesus will indeed fulfill His promise and receive us unto Himself. He told His disciples to not be worried because He would go, prepare a place for those who believe in Him and he would return, to receive those who believe unto Himself, that where He is (In His Father’s house in heaven), there we will be also.
In John 14:1-4, Jesus said, Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
We are to teach about the rapture according to Titus 2:11-15. We are to be imminently ready for Christ’s return as Paul was. If he waited for rapture expectantly, then so should we, nothing has changed. There are no prophetical requirements that must occur before Christ comes and gets His church.
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. 15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.
Titus 2:11-15
So if you are a believer, our expectation of an imminent return should help keep our eyes on Jesus and living in a manner where when He returns, He will find us loving Him well and not in disobedience. It should convict us, so when He returns, He will not find us doing something that goes against His Word. Let’s strive to live in such a way, that when He returns, “Well done good and faithful servant!” will be the anthem heard by His church.
Behold, I show 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 trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
1 Corinthians 15:51-53
Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below, or email the church at vcc@valleychristianchurchmorenovalley.org and Pastor Martin will address them in the next Mid Week Message.
Join us on Sunday’s at 10:00 for an in-person service as we study through Revelation. We stream live on Facebook at 10:00 as well, if you are not able to physically be with us. Let us know that you are watching and how we can pray for you. God Bless!