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IS THE RAPTURE REAL?

 

YES, the Rapture is absolutely real! The word Rapture is derived from the Latin word Rapturo, which comes from the Greek word Harpazo, which was translated in the Bible as "caught up". Other definitions include "to snatch away" or "take to oneself". The Rapture theory is not new to the Bible, and several persons, in both the Old and the New Testament, were "taken up" (raptured) by God or the Holy Spirit. This includes; Enoch, Elijah, Ezekiel, Paul, Phillip the Deacon, and last but not least, Jesus Christ Himself on the Mount of Olives.

 

I realise many Christians have different views on the matter, but there are several scriptures in the Bible, that would point to the return of Jesus happening over two phases. This does not mean there is a third coming as some suggest, it simply means that the Second coming will be split over two phases. In the Old Testament, prophecies about the coming Messiah were also described in two phases, but at the time, this was not considered or understood. The Old Testament described a suffering Messiah, as well as a glorious Messiah. When Jesus came to Earth the first time, he endured much suffering, yet conquered sin and death. When he returns the second time, that is when he will come with all His glory, and reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

 

In a similar manner, the Bible also describes the Second Coming in two different ways. Sometimes it is referred to as being instantaneous and unexpected, and implies that it will happen when most people are going about their daily lives not suspecting a thing. Luke 21:35-36; For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.

 

Matthew 24:37-41; But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and the other left. 

 

Other times the Second Coming is described as a clearly visible event, which will happen after great distress amongst the nations, and at the end of the great tribulation. Revelation 1:7; Behold, He is coming in the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so Amen. Mark 13:24-26; But in those days after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

 

Various scriptures also show that when Jesus returns to reign as King on Earth, he will have saints with Him. Revelation 17:14; These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen and faithful. Jesus said to the Faithful church in Revelation 3:10; Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

 

Jesus said in John 14:3; 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. Jesus is currently in heaven, so the place He has prepared for us must be in heaven. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an arcangel and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

 

Therefore, considering we will be meeting Jesus in the air, and going to Heaven, it is not possible for this to be referring to the event where Jesus returns to reign on earth (the Second Coming). Also, scripture also shows that when Jesus does return to reign on earth, he will return with saints.

 

Zechariah 14:4-5; And His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it towards the south. And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal; yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah; and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee.

 

Micah 4:6-7; In that day, says the Lord, I will assemble the lame, I will gather the outcast and those whom I have afflicted; I will make the lame a remnant, and the outcast a strong nation; So the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion from now on, even forever.

 

The Bible is God's inspired word, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can all be guided to truth.