1st Thessalonians 4:9-18 offers words of fraternal love and how we should work towards an orderly life while awaiting Christ's return. “But concerning brotherly love, you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing. But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.”
“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 by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, 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, comfort one another with those words.”
Jesus Christ's return will wrench open a great divide. This time of rapture will divide humanity into two distinct groups which you might label “The Haves” and “The Have Nots.” The “Haves” are the believers in Christ and the “Have Nots” will not believe in Christ—Yet!
The 1,000-year reign of Christ, called the Millennium, will offer those who have not known Christ an opportunity to believe in Him. This is not an “extra chance,” it is the endmost and only remaining opportunity for the unbelievers. Just think back over your own life, how many times could Jesus and the Holy Spirit have given up on you? By finally knowing and accepting Jesus, you are blessed today.
For those caught up and brought up on that day, called the people of the firstfruits, the judgment happens. 1st Peter 4:17 relates, For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?
For those who are alive at the start of the Millennium, they are ones who will have lived through the cataclysmic events of the return of Jesus Christ—called the “day of the Lord” in the Bible. Their physical lives will continue as the Kingdom of God is established here on earth (Revelation 5:10). Jewish believers who survive the Great Tribulation will live in Israel during the Millennium while believing Gentiles will populate the nations. They and their children will live on Earth during the Millennium, as will people of an unbelieving nature.
One important change during this time, however, will be the interaction of the spirit world with human beings. During the Millennium, Satan will be bound (Revelation 20:1-2). The firstfruits, God's twelve tribes, 144,000 are sealed and at Christ's return they will be actively teaching the remaining people God's ways. Commenting on this time, Isaiah 30:20-21 says: “And though the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your teachers will not be moved into a corner anymore, but your eyes shall see your teachers. Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.” Satan's constant influence, which had caused people to sin, will be replaced by spirit beings who will help guide people into godly paths.
Because of this positive teaching and guidance by spirit beings and the fact that God's law will be going out to all the earth from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:2-3). It seems that people living in the Millennium will know that this is their opportunity to respond to God.
Let us read 1st Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 on the comfort of knowing Christ is coming. But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 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 by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, 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, comfort one another with these words.
But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” Then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day.
We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore, comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
When is the rapture? What is the biblical rapture? Is the rapture in the Bible? These remarkable contrasts will develop upon Jesus Christ's return, and you'll know about an event planned for us to be with Jesus in the clouds!When Jesus was living on earth he was a normal Jewish boy growing into a man who avoided crowds as best he could. Upon His return, he will arrive beautifully adorned in heavenly robes and surrounded by angels and seen by all!
The entire world, both the living and dead, will see Jesus in the clouds descending to earth. Those who disrespected, mocked, and pierced him when he lived on earth will finally realize who they tried to shame and, ultimately, killed. Their boastfulness will lead to their greatest sorrow. But those who follow and suffer for Christ will shout hallelujah and praise Him at his appearance!Are you awaiting the return of Christ with great expectations? I am.
What a glorious day that will be! If you're not saved, that may be a future you dread. If you are a believer, you should be anxiously waiting for Christ to appear, worldwide, from the heavens, for His return will be visible and physical as he comes down from the clouds to bring about the final judgment and salvation.
If you're still debating or on the fence about dedicating your life and soul to Jesus, now is the time to commit before it is too late. Luke 21:25-28 describes the coming of the Son of Man. “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”
“Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” Jesus Christ's return will be the gate that swings open to all eternity, and there are two opposing realms on either side of that gate, wonderful redemption or cursed condemnation. If you have a faithful love for Jesus you'll be privileged to spend eternity with Him, but if not, then you'll be barred below the forever barred gate.”
John 3:17 relates: For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. Jesus Christ already came to show the only path to salvation, but the Lord is returning to judge. Matthew 16:27 says, “For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.” 2nd Peter 3:9 tells us:The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. Both God and Christ would prefer that all mankind would be saved to join with them in the new Heaven And New Earth. The days of salvation are now but lessening. Heed the promise God extended within 2nd Corinthians 6:2. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. Please, for the eternal sake of your soul, don't put off or procrastinate about something as crucial as where you will spend all eternity.
For all the believers, a proper understanding that Christ will return at any moment for us should be a source of delight and encouragement. Knowing that our time could be limited to our next breath should cause us to live holier lives in all that we do. For example, 1 Corinthians 10:31 teaches, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Everything!
Jesus Christ's return is an assured promise and should stimulate us to trust Him for our eternal lives. Get right with God, and work towards sharing the Gospel while we await the impending return of Christ.
The Bible is clear about the many factors of the second coming. Jesus Christ uses his imminent return to encourage us in our Christian work. Let's discuss some biblical examples of that.1st John 2:28, “The Children of God . And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.” In other words, we need to flee from the 'lack of confidence' temptation that would cause us to shirk our godly duties.
1st John 3:1-8 sets the tone in stone, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” Our incessant longing for Jesus Christ's return strengthens our walk with God. The prospect of Christ's second coming holds us more accountable to living up to the Lord's expectations.
James 5:7-11, “Therefore, be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You (should) also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed, those who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” United, we are able to resist strong persecution and trials of the world as we wait for the return of Christ our Lord.
1st Corinthians 1:4-9, “I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Therein, Paul is exhorting believers to stop with the excuses and put their spiritual gifts to work for the body of Christ. Get busy serving Jesus until he returns. Paul's word admonishes us today with the same strength his words exuded back then. “He's coming back, so get to work! Put your shoulder to the plow of the Gospels and help prepare the fruits of the field for His return.” What could we better do—than to be in service to our Lord and King. Can you commit to those very efforts, now, today!
2nd Peter 3:10-18 tells us of the Day of the Lord coming. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Be Steadfast. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Jesus Christ's return should propel you to improve your personal efforts in working for the kingdom of our Lord. Holiness, which also works to reveal our faith in his promises.
Jesus' rapture will happen at the 2nd coming of Christ - an event that gives us all hope. We are to encourage one another before this fascinating future event takes place.
Okay, but first of all, what is rapture? The term "rapture" isn't actually used in Scripture, however, “rapture” is simply a word used for “taking up” bodies into the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17). A good working definition of rapture is, "God's catching up of all the bodies of the living believers into the air, to meet the coming Lord Jesus Christ."
The rising bodies of those Christians who have previously died will meet their descending souls. Christ will bring the souls of those who previously died with him in the clouds (1 Thessalonians 4:14). The bodies and souls will unite into the believers' eternal, glorified bodies. Truly, the word “rapture” is not in any Bible version I've researched. But neither will you find the word 'Trinity' or a few other terms we use to depict theological ideas clearly taught in Scripture.
Rapture is a modern-day term with the meaning of “caught” or “caught up” as used in 2 Corinthians 12 and 1st Thessalonians verse 4. Rapture today has come into popular use referring to the Lord Jesus coming for the Church, to lift her up into the heavens. One who is raptured is “lifted up” in love.
When studying the rapture of the church, there are several things to be mindful of. Rapture is found in 1st Corinthians 15:51-54. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a split-moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this (the) corruptible must put on in-corruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruptibly, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
Awaiting the “Rapture”, we are presently in the Church Age during which time Jesus Christ is building His Church (Matthew 16:18) and calling out people for His Name (Acts 15:14). The time when the Lord Jesus Christ will come down from heaven and the Church will be "caught up" (raptured) to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonian Chapter, 4:13-18). This event is called the Rapture of the Church and it marks the end of the Church Age.
The beginning of the time of tribulation; also the beginning of Daniel's 70th week. This seven year period will begin when a covenant (treaty) is made with the nation Israel (Daniel 9:27). In the middle of this seven year period the covenant or treaty is broken and the "man of sin" (the Antichrist) becomes the ruler of the world and demands that people worship him as God (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15-21; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).
Jesus referred to these last 3½ years as a time of "Great Tribulation" (Matt.24:21) such as the world has never known. This will be a time of great Satanic activity (Rev. 12:7-12) and Satan's man will be the earth's ruler and absolute dictator (Rev. 13:1-10). The time of tribulation will end when Jesus Christ returns to earth in power and great glory (Matthew 24:29-30; Revelation 19:11-16).
Jesus Christ will establish His kingdom on earth. This is often called the "Millennial Kingdom" because it will last for 1000 years (Revelation Chapter 20). The interval between the Tribulation and Great Tribulation, is divided by two three-and-a-half year periods.
The seventy weeks described in Daniel 9:24-27 speaks of this: “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Know therefore, and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troubled times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. Note; this is not a world-wide flood and and the people of the prince are the root cause of all the trouble.
Clarke's Commentary explains this verse as: And the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary — By the "prince" Titus, the son of Vespasian, is plainly intended; and "the people of that prince" are no other than the Romans, who, according to the prophecy, destroyed the sanctuary, the holy place or temple, and, as a flood, swept away all, till the total destruction of that obstinate people finished the war.
And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”
The Great Tribulation is the “wrath to come” from which the believers are delivered by the Rapture has been foretold by 1st Thessalonians 1:9-10. Also, Revelation 3:10 says: Children of God, “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.”
Wow! Can you imagine all this will be occurring in the sky somewhere between heaven and earth? Paul tells us that at Jesus Christ's return, those believers who have already died will experience a bodily resurrection, joining Jesus Christ and His angels as they descend from heaven. Yes, the living Christians will meet the glorified Jesus there in the clouds, as well. The Biblical rapture is an absolutely amazing event that will be visible to astonish the entire world! The rapture amounts to this: All Christians of all the ages will be united with their Lord and Savior in the sky.
Think about all that for just a moment. We can hope that Adam and Eve will be there. Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, plus Moses and all the notable faithful from all the Bible verses should be there. As will all the great authors and preachers, like Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Bunyan, Jonathan Edwards, and Charles Spurgeon, will be seen there. As will your friends and relatives who died in Christ. Wow! What a great and glorious cloud of witnesses will be there! It's great to belong to the God of the Living!
The biblical caught up and brought up rapture will be an amazing reunion for all the brothers and sisters faithful to the Lord. The second coming will be a glorious, worldwide event! You might even think that for Christians, all the well-manicured cemeteries as heaven bound launching pads. That's a very positive way to look at burial memorial parks. When the rapture happens, the bodies of all the saints will be propelled out of the graves and urns that hold their physical remains. Their bodies will unify with their spiritual souls and become glorified. How divine is that?
At the initiation of the rapture, both our soul and our physical bodies will be with Jesus in Heaven. During the process, our mortal, physical body will be transformed into a glorified, immortal body. Believers disappear from earth in the Rapture and the world is left in chaos. Those Christians who are presently living when Christ returns—will be taken up immediately afterwards.
Paul wrote this passage because of the undue concerns of the Christians in Thessalonica. They were mistakenly grieving that their dead Christian brothers and sisters would never see the inspirational reappearance of Christ. Paul instructed them not to worry. No previously dead believer will miss Christ's second coming. They'll be greeted by Christ before the remaining faithful do. God gave those comforting words to Paul to reassure all of us.
The rapture message in the Bible was written to give us comfort in order that we not grieve over those who have died "in Christ." But for those foolish souls who will die without knowing Jesus as their Savior—they will feel the flames of the Lake of Fire. All we can do is share God's gospel of Christ, and trust the Holy spirit for good results. Only God's powers can save.
Christ's return will lift us to a holier, more sanctified life. Peter also reminds us that, “Christ does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. For amplification of this life changing Bible verse, you should read two of my free religious essays, Lake of Fire and Diving Deeper into the Lake of Fire. Both of which and more can be found at https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=dennisdking.
The Apostle Paul tells us that even though we don't know when the rapture will occur, we do know it is definitely going to happen. Therefore, we all should be living piously and endeavor to share the gospel in anticipation of this glorious day. Our hearts should have an eager yearning for Christ's return.
Seriously, we must live to be obedient and follow all the ways of Christ now, because once God flips the switch and dispatches Jesus, the time to repent will have expired. Need I mention again—your next breath could be your last! The last opportunity to be granted eternal happiness in heaven. If your faith is nonexistent and your intentions to do good works are lacking—change your ways before you are cast before the Judgment Throne. Today, and with all your tomorrows, how are you going to encourage those whom you love, or even don't love, with the word of God before the biblical rapture? Imagine if you looked outside and saw Jesus descending from the rolling clouds with his angels. What thoughts would race across your mind? How majestic, inspiring, and rewarding would that vision be?
No need to guess—for Matthew 16:27 says, For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven by his powerful, faithful angels. He will punish those who have not accepted Christ and ignore the only path to salvation. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power on the day he comes to be glorified in his holiness.
Matthew 6:34 instructs us that Jesus taught that we should not be anxious about tomorrow, but he did not intend that we should ignore tomorrow! To the contrary, Jesus taught that our view of the future ought to be uppermost in our thinking about how we should live out each day. As followers of Jesus Christ, we should often mention that He is returning soon and that every person will kneel before Him and give an account. We should consider ourselves as stewards of the gospel who have been entrusted with time, talents, and abilities, which should be used to help the Holy Spirit increase our Master’s kingdom. At some time—no one but God knows when, but we know that Christ's return is certain. Our Lord will return and we must give an account to Him of how we used all that He gave us.
How will you fair, when the final tally is taken? What does your heart tell you? What does the Holy Spirit whisper in your ear for you to do—or does he shout it?
Brothers and sisters, you know with all assurances that the Lord is coming again! Do not fear this, or be flippant, irreverent, or glib like some people. For those who are ignorant of the true Word of God, we prayerfully want the best for all. But God's Word offers both promises and condemnation. Believe that Jesus died for your sin. Believe that He rose again from the dead. Believe that God will return to raise you to eternal life through Jesus along with all the others who have died in Christ or faith in God Almighty—to bring us all together in fervent worship—in heaven and on the New Earth; for all eternity.
The End
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