Since the pandemic there’s been renewed interest in the end times events. Consequently, many are on the lookout for the next great prophetic event. There’s much speculation about things like the identity of the antichrist or whether the tribulation has already begun.
However, I believe that the next great prophetic event on God’s calendar is the rapture of the Church. The timing of this event is debated in Christian academic circles. There are even those who say the rapture isn’t biblical. So, what does the Bible say about it? And what should Christians be aware of before the rapture takes place?
Where is the rapture in Scripture?
Although the word “rapture” isn’t in the Bible, the event is clearly taught. The phrase caught up in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 is the Greek word harpazo. The English word “rapture” comes from the Latin translation rapiemur, which means “to snatch away.”
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).
There’s further description in 1 Corinthians 15, “Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed” (vv51–52).
Who will be raptured?
Jesus is coming for His bride, the Church. But that doesn’t mean everyone who attends church will be raptured. Again, 1 Thessalonians 4:16 says, “the dead in Christ will rise first.” The phrase in Christ points to salvation (Romans 3:24, 6:23, 8:1). Every person in church isn’t automatically in Christ. But those who are truly saved will desire to be in church.
When will the rapture take place?
I believe in a pretribulation rapture. Christians may experience the wrath of man through persecution but not the wrath of God in the tribulation (1 Thessalonians 5:9). Since no other prophetic events need to take place, the rapture is imminent.
Scripture doesn’t give distinct indicators as to the timing of this event. However, it does tell us the condition of the Church in the last days. There will be denial of Christ’s return (2 Peter 3:3-4); denial of the faith (1 Timothy 4:1-2); intolerance for sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3-4); self-love and rebellion (2 Timothy 3:2-4); and powerless religion (2 Timothy 3:5). It’s not hard to see how these passages line up with what’s been happening in recent years.
What will happen between now and the rapture?
As the Church’s influence decreases, persecution will increase. True believers will be under great pressure to either conform or face the penalty for refusing to do so. I believe we are on the doorway of such a time.
George Barna, founder of the Barna Group, has had a front row seat to the decline of the Church. His firm specializes in studying the religious beliefs and behavior of Americans, and the intersection of faith and culture. In a recent interview he said:
We’ve reached a time of Christian invisibility in our culture. What I’m seeing now is that we’re getting to this place where the typical American will not have anyone in their circle of influence who has a biblical worldview. You’re not going to be influenced with God’s truth.
He goes on:
The consequence of that is that the elites in our culture will have the opportunity to shut down spiritual freedom. We will no longer be allowed to go to churches; we’ll no longer be allowed to buy and read Bibles; we’ll no longer be allowed to speak in public about our faith. Why? Because it all traces back to disciples not making disciples. So, this is our moment. We either will put up or shut up. And I would suggest that we put up.
What if I’m right?
If the rapture really is the next great prophetic event, there are immediate implications for professing believers. The closer we get to the rapture of the Church the more costly it will become to follow Christ. I can’t help but think about the seven churches in Revelation 2-3. Jesus examines them, not by their attendance or giving, but by their faithfulness and holiness. Only two of the seven measure up under scrutiny; and the Lord encourages them to persevere, even under intense persecution.
We can approach these days with faith rather than fear because God is in control. The only people who should be afraid of the rapture are those who don’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Are you in Christ or just in church? Jesus offers hope through repentance and obedience. You can experience genuine salvation today!