Username of the writer: janice01
Updated: Tim Thompson – Added Notes, Organized – 6-20-2020
When the word rapture is mentioned or clicks in one’s mind, people ask themselves many questions. Movies like Left Behind have shed some light on what will happen during and after the rapture. However, some people don’t believe that the rapture will occur simply because the word rapture is not mentioned in the bible. Others confuse the rapture with the second coming of Christ. Some of the questions that many people ask themselves when it comes to the rapture include:
Note: The Rapture is actually called “The First Ressurection,” please read revelation chapter 20.
- What is the rapture?
- When and how will it take place?
- Who will be taken by Christ during the rapture?
- Who will be left behind?
- What is the difference between the rapture and the second coming of Christ?
- Who – When
- More Than One Rapture!
By reading the information below, you will have a better understanding of the rapture and what you need to do not to miss it.
What is the rapture?
Even though the term rapture is not mentioned in the Bible, this event is clearly described in 1st Corinthians 15:50-54 and 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18. The rapture refers to the time when Jesus Christ will descend from heaven to take the church (believers) who are washed in his blood, believed in him, and lived according to his will to heaven. Note that unlike the birth of Jesus, the end times signs, and the second coming of Christ, which were prophesied by many prophets in the Old Testament, the rapture is a secret that was revealed to Paul.
Every believer should strive to live a holy life not to miss that glorious moment when Christ will take those who belong to him to be with him in heaven. Jesus told his disciples in John 14: 3 that he is going to prepare a place for them, and once it ready, he will come for them so that whenever he is, they should be there too. By doing the will of God, we, too, are his disciples. 1st Thessalonians 4: 16 also says that the Lord will descend from heaven with the voice of an archangel and trumpet. The descending of the Lord from heaven to pick the church is the rapture. This will be to take the believers, and it will take place before the great tribulation.
Some people believe that the tribulation will take place before the believers have been taken to heaven by Christ, but this is not the case. The tribulation is mainly meant for the Jews who did not recognize Jesus as their Messiah, but they will be saved once they do so. The bible states clearly in Romans 9:5 that since the blood of Christ has justified us, we will also be protected from the wrath to come. Another clear indication that the church (believers) will not suffer tribulation is that in Revelation, the church is mentioned in the first chapter to the fifth. Revelation chapters 6 to 19 talk about the great tribulation and the things that will take place during that time, but the church is not mentioned a single time in these chapters meaning that the rapture will have already taken place. This gives hope to the believes and encourages them, as is stated in 1st Thessalonians 5:3 that we should lead a holy life so that he will find us blameless on his coming.
When will the rapture take place?
The rapture takes place when the seventh seal is first opened which most likely will be around the year 2033, give or take a few years according the time the calendar may be off. But we all ought to be prepared not to miss it no matter when that date will arrive. And how can you be sure that you will not miss the glorious rapture? We know that we are living in the end times due to the many things that have been taking place, such as:
- Nations are rising against each other.
- Earthquakes
- People being lovers of money to the extent of killing each other.
- Famine
- Pestilence such as the Coronavirus.
- Plagues of locusts
Believers should, therefore, make most of the time and live as if Christ is coming the next minute. We should deny ourselves of worldly desires and live according to the word of God by overcoming temptation. We should also abide by biblical values like honesty, love, and perseverance. We should also live a sober life free from addiction to alcohol and drugs or porn. This way, the rapture will not catch us by surprise. Instead, we will be happy to meet him in the air once we hear the trumpet.
How will the rapture take place?
These are some of the things that will take place during the rapture as it was revealed to Paul. He wrote about it in 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1st Corinthians 15:50-54.
- It involves all the saints – Those who have passed away and believed in Christ and those who will be alive during his coming.
- The dead in Christ will rise first, and those who will be alive will join them in the air.
- Believers will meet the Lord in the clouds.
- Only the believers of Christ, both the dead and living, will hear the trumpet.
- It will take place in the twinkling of an eye- This means that no one will have time to repent.
- Our perishable bodies will be changed to the imperishable.
- We will live with the Lord forever.
Who will be taken by Christ, and who will be left behind?
The bible indicates that all the believers who will have died in Christ and those who will be living by then will be taken to be with Christ.
Similarities between the Rapture and the second coming of Christ
- Both involve the return of Jesus Christ.
- Both will take place during the end times.
Differences
The following are the critical differences between the rapture and the second coming of Christ
The Rapture
- It happens before the tribulation
- Soon the beginning of wrath starts
- The believers meet the Lord in the air
- It involves saving the believers
- Jesus will not stand on the mount of olives.
- Believers will meet him in the air.
- It will be a secret and instant
- It can take place anytime once we enter the 7th seal.
- It is a secret that was revealed to Paul
The 2nd coming of Christ
- It occurs at the end of the tribulation
- The beginning of peace starts
- Believers will come with the lord to the earth
- Judgment will take place
- He will stand on the Mount of Olives
- Believers will come with the Lord to the earth.
- Every eye will see the Lord
- Several other events will follow it
- It was revealed to many prophets
- Jesus will come back with the believers from the wedding
Believers will be rewarded Believers will rule the earth together with Christ for 1000 years.
As believers, the message of the rapture gives us hope that we will be saved from the wrath to come. We must live right and as children of the light, making the most out of time so that when he comes, we will go with him. If you have not believed in Jesus Christ, it is high time to do so. God loves us all, and it is His will that everyone will be saved.
Timothy Thompson – More on this subject in much greater detail.
I want to add to this article to clarify and give some relevant information that not many people know. Let me make it clear; there is more than one rapture that will take place, and which one you are a part of has to do with your faith in God;
Who – When
Are you a Saint?
Are you a Christian?
Or you don’t care?
A Saint perhaps would be those who keep the commandments of God, and they often pray; in all that they do, they have a relationship with God; they strive every day to become closer to God. They also seek righteousness, anything good they find it. So the first rapture is called; the First Resurrection. This will take place in the opening/beginning of the 7th seal.
The timing for this advent looks to me to be around the year 2033 or sometime a little after. Let’s say the 2030’s. If you are aware of the Mark of The Beast system, that is the time frame that is still many years before the 2nd coming for all seven Trumpets must sound, preparing for the 2nd coming.
As stated above and below, there are many glories in heaven. Therefore, it is my prayer that you will strive to be a part of the First Resurrection.
1 Corinthians 15:40–42 – New Testament
40 There are also celestial bodies and bodies terrestrial, but the celestial glory is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
41 There is one glory of the sun and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
As a member of “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I strive to share the truth. Not everything that I share, people will understand it! In fact, the Church teaches its members to seek out prophecy and study it. I genuinely believe that is because the Church is in the business of saving souls. They spread the gospel all over the world, which I understand. It is up to anyone who knows to share with anyone who will listen. As you may have read in other articles I have written, I never ask people to believe me but to pray and ask God. I don’t have any agenda, and I do this because I care with all my heart. If I know it to be the truth, I will share it.
More Than One Rapture!
Doctrine and Covenants 88:97–102
(Modern Day Prophecy- Source lds.org)
97 And they who have slept in their graves shall come forth, for their graves shall be opened; and they also shall be caught up to meet him in the midst of the pillar of heaven—
98 They are Christ’s, the first fruits, they who shall descend with him first, and they who are on the earth and in their graves, who are first caught up to meet him; and all this by the voice of the sounding of the trump of the angel of God.
99 And after this another angel shall sound, which is the second trump; and then cometh the redemption of those who are Christ’s at His coming; who have received their part in that prison which is prepared for them, that they might receive the gospel, and be judged according to men in the flesh.
100 And again, another trump shall sound, which is the third trump; and then come to the spirits of men who are to be judged, and are found under condemnation;
101 And these are the rest of the dead; and they live not again until the thousand years are ended, neither again, until the end of the earth.
102 And another trump shall sound, which is the fourth trump, saying: There are found among those who are to remain until that great and last day, even the end, who shall remain filthy still
Book of Revelation backs it up! Thank you, John the Revelator.
Revelation 20:4–6 – New Testament – Source Bible
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. So this is the first resurrection.
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and Christ and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Note: John the revelator also knew of the great rapture, for Jesus handed the book to John to write it down in the book of revelation.
Revelation chapter 5 speaks how Jesus overcame and handed Jesus Christ the book sealed with seven seals and in return handed it to John the revelator to write down. So John also knew that the Rapture that is yet to occur would happen at the beginning of the 7th seal before the Trumpets begin to sound or at the very end of the 6th seal. So I prefer to call the Rapture; The First Resurrection of the Saints. After that, Jesus and the believers will go to the wedding of the lamb.
I have had someone ask me, wasn’t the first resurrection “Jesus Christ”?, my response was, this is the resurrection of the saints called the; First resurrection because there are at least three resurrections that I know of by reading the scriptures. It makes sense; the greater the faith in accepting Christ, the greater the reward. Pray often!
Luke Chapter 21: 36
Watch ye therefore, and always pray, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Hosea 4:6
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
I hope that this article has helped you understand where we actually stand regarding the rapture. God Bless, please pray often. Have a great day! 
God loves you; we all have a choice.
Originally posted 2021-06-05 04:20:23.
