The Rapture

Notes on the Rapture

Compiled by WD Kemner January 2024

This event will occur when Jesus meets those that are Believers in the clouds.

Jesus will not set foot on earth during this event.

Definition of the word “Rapture” from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapture

Etymology

Rapture is derived from Middle French rapture, via the Medieval Latin raptura ("seizure, kidnapping"), which derives from the Latin raptus ("a carrying off").

Greek

The Koine Greek of 1 Thessalonians 4:17 uses the verb form ἁρπαγησόμεθα (harpagisometha), which means "we shall be caught up" or "taken away". The dictionary form of this Greek verb is harpazō (ἁρπάζω). This use is also seen in such texts as Acts 8:39, 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, and Revelation 12:5.

Latin

The Latin Vulgate translates the Greek ἁρπαγησόμεθα as rapiemur meaning "we are caught up"or "we are taken away" from the Latin verb rapio meaning "to catch up" or "take away".

English Bible translations

English versions of the Bible have expressed the concept of rapiemur in various ways:

The Wycliffe Bible (1395), translated from the Latin Vulgate, uses "rushed".

The Tyndale New Testament (1525), the Bishop's Bible (1568), the Geneva Bible (1587) and the King James Version (1611) use "caught up". This is carried over to the American Standard Version (1901) and the Revised Standard Version (1946, 1952).

Scriptures concerning the Event

Isaiah 18:5-6

For afore the harvest, when the bud is perfect, and the sour grape is ripening in the flower, he shall both cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks, and take away and cut down the branches.

They shall be left together unto the fowls of the mountains, and to the beasts of the earth: and the fowls shall summer upon them, and all the beasts of the earth shall winter upon them.

THE HARVEST!

When the flowers and fruit are ripe he will cut them and TAKE THEM AWAY.

The Branches will be cut down and left as spoils for the beasts of the earth!

NOTE that this is an Old Testament scripture.

1 Corinthians 15:23

But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

Jesus was FIRST at His resurrection, then AFTERWARD, those that belong to Him when He returns.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

“we shall not all sleep” – not everyone will die, some will be alive when this occurs

“but we shall all be changed” – we will all be changed to immortality, not just the dead, but even those that are alive when it happens

First, the believers that have died will rise and take on immortal bodies and join the Lord in the clouds. Then the believers that are yet alive will leave this earth, take on immortal bodies and join the Lord in the clouds. Both will happen in the time it takes to blink an eyelid. Both groups will be together now with the Savior for eternity.

It is not the intention of this study to go into a discussion on the topic of “the believers that have died”. That can be an entire subject in itself. It will be sufficient to state that Scripture teaches that the souls of believers have been in Paradise and their bodies have remained in the grave. What happens to the old bodies dead or alive; whether they come with the believers or not, does not matter. Believers whether dead or alive at the Rapture WILL receive bodies that are changed!

Colossians 3:4

When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Believers are present with the Lord at his Second Coming at the end of the Tribulation. In order to do this there must have been a removal of the believers previously.

1 Thessalonians 2:19

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming

1 Thessalonians 3:13

To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Probably one of the most often quoted passages in scripture. Is it the most understood? In it Paul addresses an issue that was of concern to the Thessalonian believers. They were concerned about the believers that were dying. They knew Jesus had taught that he would return. What happens to those that died before the return of Christ.

Significant difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming:

Only believers will see Jesus at the Rapture.

At the Second Coming, the ENTIRE world will see Him.

John 14:1-3

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Acts 1:9-11 At the ascension of Jesus:

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Being prepared for the Rapture

Matthew 25:1-13 The Parable of the Ten Virgins

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Waiting and Watching for the return of the Bridegroom: Jesus Christ.

This passage has been used by men to create many doctrines. Men have symbolized every item in this parable to represent everything from the Holy Spirit to the timing of the Rapture.

Verse 13 states it simply enough: “Watch therefore…ye know not the day nor the hour…”

James 5:7-8

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

1 John 2:28-3:2

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.