Two-Edged Sword Ministries
The word "Rapture"
The word "Rapture" itself cannot be found in the Bible, but it is derived from a Greek word "Harpadzo", which means to be caught or snatched up.
Another Greek word "Parousia", is also associated with the return of Jesus Christ and refers to a "personal arrival or coming".
Both these words were used by Jesus and by the Apostles to describe when Christ will return for his believers.
It is the next prophetic event awaiting the churches of Jesus.
Another Greek word "Parousia", is also associated with the return of Jesus Christ and refers to a "personal arrival or coming".
Both these words were used by Jesus and by the Apostles to describe when Christ will return for his believers.
It is the next prophetic event awaiting the churches of Jesus.
Throughout the centuries, Christians all over the World have longed for Jesus' return. At first glance, reading all the scriptures that relate to Jesus' return, you might think that this encompasses only one event.
However, as you thread the scriptures together, you soon realize that there are in fact two separate events. The difficult part many have experienced with these passages, is the constant contrast of scriptures relating to Jesus' return. For instance, Revelation depicts that Jesus returns at the end of a Seven year period of suffering - we refer to as the "Tribulation", whilst on many other occasions Jesus is described as coming like a thief in the night and taking his own people by surprise.
However, as you thread the scriptures together, you soon realize that there are in fact two separate events. The difficult part many have experienced with these passages, is the constant contrast of scriptures relating to Jesus' return. For instance, Revelation depicts that Jesus returns at the end of a Seven year period of suffering - we refer to as the "Tribulation", whilst on many other occasions Jesus is described as coming like a thief in the night and taking his own people by surprise.
You might be wondering what is the basis for believing in the Rapture. To explain this we have to pull out the scriptures relating to Jesus' return. ( An interactive Bible study is an in-depth study of the scriptures is available for those that are interested in the Biblical depths).
Let's consider the Biblical truths about Christ's 2nd Coming:
Let's consider the Biblical truths about Christ's 2nd Coming:
These scriptures reveal that Jesus is returning to Earth to judge the nations and to stop the carnage.
There are of course, many more scriptures relating to this event. The Old Testament calls it the "Day of the Lord" and reveals that it is a time when God steps down from Heaven to bring in the Kingdom of God.
Daniel reveals that if this period was not interrupted by God himself, nothing on Earth would survive. Jesus referred to this period as "The Tribulation"
There are of course, many more scriptures relating to this event. The Old Testament calls it the "Day of the Lord" and reveals that it is a time when God steps down from Heaven to bring in the Kingdom of God.
Daniel reveals that if this period was not interrupted by God himself, nothing on Earth would survive. Jesus referred to this period as "The Tribulation"
As you can see these scriptures have nothing to do with the so-called Rapture. Not one point refers to the gathering of his believers.
As we said, this is Jesus' second Coming - visible entry to the Earth, so what about the Rapture? ...
As we said, this is Jesus' second Coming - visible entry to the Earth, so what about the Rapture? ...
Let us first consider what Paul, the Apostle, has to say about the Lord's return:
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven; with a commanding shout, with the call of the Archangel, and with the trumpet call of God.
First all the Christians who have died will rise then together with them we who are still alive and remain on the Earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and remain with him. So comfort and encourage each other with these words. [1 Thes 4:16-18 NLT]
First all the Christians who have died will rise then together with them we who are still alive and remain on the Earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and remain with him. So comfort and encourage each other with these words. [1 Thes 4:16-18 NLT]
It is interesting to note, that according to the scriptures, there are 3 things that occur when Jesus returns:
1) The Lord comes down from Heaven;
2) an Archangel announces his arrival and lastly;
3) God gives a trumpet call.
But notice that this scripture specifically refers to Christians and not unbelievers. We are told that all those Christians who have died will first be gathered before the Lord and then those that are still alive at his return, will be "caught up" and will meet the Lord in the air and will remain with him forever.
In contrast the scriptures relating to the 2nd Coming, speak of the Lord returning with the "Saints" of Heaven to fight and wage war. Jesus cannot fulfil both these requirements at the same time, nor can we both return to Heaven and at the same time descend from it.
And of course, we can never base an entire teaching on one scripture, as this can easily be distorted. So let us consider some others:
1) The Lord comes down from Heaven;
2) an Archangel announces his arrival and lastly;
3) God gives a trumpet call.
But notice that this scripture specifically refers to Christians and not unbelievers. We are told that all those Christians who have died will first be gathered before the Lord and then those that are still alive at his return, will be "caught up" and will meet the Lord in the air and will remain with him forever.
In contrast the scriptures relating to the 2nd Coming, speak of the Lord returning with the "Saints" of Heaven to fight and wage war. Jesus cannot fulfil both these requirements at the same time, nor can we both return to Heaven and at the same time descend from it.
And of course, we can never base an entire teaching on one scripture, as this can easily be distorted. So let us consider some others:
Don’t be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know where I am going and how to get there. [John 14:1-3 NLT]
So also Christ died only once as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again but not to deal with our sins again. This time he will bring salvation to all those who are eagerly waiting for him. [Heb 9:28 NLT]
So also Christ died only once as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again but not to deal with our sins again. This time he will bring salvation to all those who are eagerly waiting for him. [Heb 9:28 NLT]
However, the most significant reason why the Rapture occurs apart from the Second Coming is Jesus prophetic promise to His church. According to the scriptures of Revelation 3:10 ... "Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole World to test those who live on the Earth [ Rev 3:10 NIV ]."
The trial that is to come on the Earth - "The Tribulation", has been discussed and will start by a treaty being confirmed by the Antichrist aimed at resolving problems between Israel and it's neighbours.
The trial that is to come on the Earth - "The Tribulation", has been discussed and will start by a treaty being confirmed by the Antichrist aimed at resolving problems between Israel and it's neighbours.
The majority of Bible Scholars believe in the Rapture and that it is a separate event from the Second Coming. The real sticky part of the problem is that people differ as to when this event occurs. We debate this at length in our advanced studies under Timing Debates; for now we merely list the major viewpoints as to when it can occur.
We list 3 main viewpoints,(above right), for convenience sake, although scripturally we believe that as a result of Jesus' promise to the Philadelphian church (Rev 3:10), the Rapture will occur prior to the Tribulation. In our advanced prophetic studies, we examine the pro's and con's of all the various theories as to when this event can happen.
To sum up; the major theories are:
- Before the seven year Tribulation even starts {Pre Tribulation theory}
- In the middle of the Tribulation {Mid Tribulation theory}
- At the end of the Tribulation {Post Tribulation theory}, in other words, either before the second coming of Christ or at the same time.
Two-Edged Sword Ministries - South Africa
Copyright © May 2003 [ T.E.S. Ministries ]
All rights reserved.
First revision, November 2006 [2.0]
Second Revision: March, 2009 [3.0]
All rights reserved.
First revision, November 2006 [2.0]
Second Revision: March, 2009 [3.0]
Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189, United States of America. all rights reserved. [7]