The rapture refers to the moment when Christ will gather His Church to Himself, removing believers from the earth to meet Him in the air. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 describes it clearly: “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.”
The term “rapture” comes from the Latin word rapturo, translating the Greek word harpazō, meaning “caught up.” It speaks of a sudden, divine gathering of the saints to be with Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:51-52 adds, “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye… the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” This event is instantaneous and glorious, as believers receive immortal bodies fit for eternity.
The rapture is a comfort to the Church. 1 Thessalonians 4:18 instructs, “Therefore comfort one another with these words.” It assures believers that whether alive or asleep in Christ, they will be united with the Lord forever.
The exact timing of the rapture in relation to the tribulation is often debated, but Scripture emphasizes readiness, holiness, and hope. Jesus said in Luke 21:36, “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things.”
The rapture is not fiction or fantasy, it is a promised reality for those who belong to Christ.
