Sermon Central
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The Rapture: Will You Be Ready? Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 3, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: The rapture is imminent, and every believer must be prepared. The signs of the times are evident, and Jesus could return at any moment. It is not enough to believe in the rapture; we must actively live in readiness.
THE RAPTURE: WILL YOU BE READY?
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Supporting Texts: Matthew 24:44, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, Revelation 22:12, Luke 12:40, 2 Peter 3:10
INTRODUCTION
The doctrine of the rapture is one of the greatest hopes of the Christian faith. It is the moment when Jesus Christ will return to take His faithful followers to be with Him forever. This event is not a myth or speculation; it is a prophetic certainty established in the Word of God. Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, describes the rapture as a moment of divine transformation, where the dead in Christ shall rise first, followed by those who are alive and remain.
However, while the rapture is a promise of glory, it also serves as a warning. Not everyone will be taken. Jesus repeatedly emphasized the need for vigilance, readiness, and spiritual alertness. Many will be caught unaware, unprepared, and left behind. The world will continue with its daily activities, but in an instant, millions will disappear, and chaos will erupt.
The question before us today is: Will you be ready? Being ready for the rapture is not about religious affiliation or church attendance but about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It requires a life of holiness, commitment, and unwavering faith. Let us now examine five key aspects of being rapture-ready.
1. UNDERSTANDING THE RAPTURE
The rapture is the catching away of the saints to meet Christ in the air. It is a supernatural event orchestrated by God to separate the righteous from the world’s corruption. It will happen suddenly, without prior notice. Jesus Himself said, "No one knows the day or the hour" (Matthew 24:36).
a) It is a promise of God (John 14:2-3) – Jesus assured His followers that He is preparing a place for them.
b) It will happen suddenly (1 Corinthians 15:52) – In the twinkling of an eye, the rapture will occur.
c) Only the prepared will be taken (Matthew 25:1-13) – The parable of the ten virgins emphasizes readiness.
d) It marks the beginning of God’s judgment on the earth (Revelation 6:15-17) – The tribulation will follow for those left behind.
e) Biblical Example: Enoch was taken alive by God (Genesis 5:24), prefiguring the rapture.
2. LIVING A LIFE OF HOLINESS
Without holiness, no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). A life of righteousness is essential for those who desire to be part of the rapture.
a) God commands holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16) – We are called to be holy as He is holy.
b) Sin disqualifies a believer (Galatians 5:19-21) – Those who live in sin will not inherit the kingdom of God.
c) Repentance keeps us ready (Acts 3:19) – Turning away from sin ensures our readiness.
d) Walking in the Spirit helps us overcome sin (Galatians 5:16) – We must live according to the Spirit.
e) Biblical Example: Lot’s wife perished because she looked back (Genesis 19:26), symbolizing a divided heart.
3. WATCHFULNESS AND PRAYER
Jesus instructed His disciples to watch and pray so they would not be caught unaware.
a) Spiritual alertness is required (Luke 21:36) – We must be vigilant at all times.
b) Prayer keeps us connected to God (1 Thessalonians 5:17) – A prayerful life strengthens our faith.
c) We must discern the times (Matthew 24:42) – The signs of the end are all around us.
d) Laziness in the spirit leads to lukewarmness (Revelation 3:16) – A complacent Christian is at risk.
e) Biblical Example: The disciples fell asleep instead of watching with Jesus (Matthew 26:40-41).
4. SPREADING THE GOSPEL
The rapture will not take place until the gospel has been preached to all nations (Matthew 24:14).
a) Every believer has a role to play (Mark 16:15) – We are commanded to preach the gospel.
b) Winning souls pleases God (Proverbs 11:30) – The wise bring others to righteousness.
c) Delayed obedience is disobedience (Jonah 3:1-3) – We must not hesitate to share the Good News.
d) We must make disciples, not just converts (Matthew 28:19-20) – Teaching others to follow Christ is essential.
e) Biblical Example: The early church spread the gospel despite persecution (Acts 8:4).
5. HOLDING FAST TO OUR FAITH
The world will increasingly oppose the gospel, but believers must remain steadfast.
a) Persecution will come (2 Timothy 3:12) – Every true believer will face opposition.
b) Apostasy will increase (1 Timothy 4:1) – Many will abandon the faith.
c) Endurance is necessary (Matthew 24:13) – Only those who persevere will be saved.
d) The Word of God must be our foundation (Psalm 119:105) – It guides our path.
e) Biblical Example: Paul endured to the end despite suffering (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
CONCLUSION
The rapture is imminent, and every believer must be prepared. The signs of the times are evident, and Jesus could return at any moment. It is not enough to believe in the rapture; we must actively live in readiness. Many will be left behind, not because they did not know about Christ, but because they did not prioritise their relationship with Him.
