THE RAPTURE QUESTION

1 THESSALONIANS 4:13–18

After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever

(1 Thessalonians 4:17).

The question of the Rapture of the saints has been hotly debated in this century. Early in the nineteenth century, some believers in Scotland and England formulated the theory that there is to be a seven-year tribulation period just before the return of Jesus Christ. There is to be a rapture of the church out of the world before this takes place. For them, there are two returns of Christ, not one. While many sincere Christians hold to this theory, it does not have a solid biblical foundation.

Let me put before you a view of the Rapture that has a much firmer foundation in the 2,000-year history of interpretation in the church. The question is whether we will be caught up in the air in order to be removed from some tribulation to come, or to meet the Lord at His return. I believe the saints ascend into the air in order to fulfill one of the most fundamental principles in biblical theology: the people of God exalt Christ.

When a Roman army returned to Rome, it would camp outside and send a tribune into the city to tell the Senate of their return. The city would prepare to receive the army by setting up arches of triumph and festooning the streets with garlands. When the city was prepared to receive the army, trumpets would be blown and the army would begin their march. Emblazoned on the banners of the army were the letters “S.P.Q.R.,” which stood for Senatus Populuspuce Romanus, the Senate and the People of Rome. Before the march began, the citizens of Rome were invited to go out and join the marching army that had fought and conquered in their name.

Is this not what the New Testament is saying about the Rapture? Before Jesus returns, He will catch His people up to join Him in His victory march back to earth.

CORAM DEO

Ezekiel 4–6

Hebrews 9

The Rapture is the “great hope” of Christianity, yet it is seldom, if ever, discussed in most mainline denominations. If this subject interests you, ask your pastor to suggest some reading material that would help you better understand the various Rapture theories. Then ask him to preach a sermon or conduct a Bible study on this subject.

For further study: Revelation 14:1–20; The Last Days series

wednesday

november