" Rapture Realities "

 

1st.Thessalonians 4:13-18  "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that JESUS died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in JESUS will GOD bring with HIM. For this we say unto you by the WORD of the LORD, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the LORD shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the LORD HIMSELF shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of GOD: and the dead in CHRIST shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up (raptured) together with them in the clouds, to meet the LORD in the air: and so shall we ever be with the LORD. Therefore comfort one another with these WORDs."

     The pagan world in Paul's day, as in our own, had no hope of life after death. A typical grave inscription might have read: "I was not - I became - I am not - I care not." These unbelievers had no assurance whatsoever. On the other hand, the Christians at Thessalonica, having been taught of Paul, were "wait[ing] for [GOD's] SON from Heaven, WHOM HE raised from the dead, even JESUS, which delivered us from the wrath to come" (1st.Thessalonians 1:10 pictured above). However, they were concerned about loved ones who had died: If the LORD should return, would their deceased loved ones miss out on the catching up (rapture) to be with CHRIST ? With questions like those in mind, the Apostle Paul responded with biblical teaching on the rapture of the church, comprised of both dead and living church age saints. In his answer to their concerns, the Apostle brought forth five fundamental facts in order to give them encouragement and comfort.

     First, what Paul shared with them was based on revelation -- GOD had disclosed to him truth concerning the rapture of the church: "For this we say unto you by the WORD of the LORD (v.15a). Second, the Apostle assured them that CHRIST is, indeed, coming again (vv.14-15). Third, these saints needed to know that the Christian dead will rise (vv.15-16). Fourth, the living believers will be "caught up" (raptured) (v.17) -- caught away speedily, seized by the power of CHRIST, claimed as HIS OWN, moved to a new place away from this sin-cursed world, and rescued from the horrors of the coming Tribulation period. Fifth, GOD's WORD assures us that Christians, both the living and the risen dead in CHRIST, will forever be with the LORD (vv.17-18). PRAISE BE TO GOD ! JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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