What Does the Bible Say About the Rapture?

Many people ask the question, “What does the Bible say about the rapture?” In this article, we will explore the meaning of the rapture, where it is found in Scripture, and how it fits into God’s prophetic timeline.

What Is the Rapture?

The term “rapture” refers to a supernatural event when every believer in Jesus Christ will be instantly caught up from the earth to meet the Lord in the air. This event will occur suddenly, and all Christians—both living and deceased—will be transformed and united with Christ.

Although the word “rapture” does not appear in English translations of the Bible, it comes from the Latin term rapere, which means “to seize” or “to snatch away.” This is derived from the Greek word harpazo found in

1 Thessalonians 4:17, where the apostle Paul describes believers being “caught up” to meet the Lord.

Where Is the Rapture Mentioned in the Bible?

The Bible references the Rapture in several passages, including:

• Matthew 24:40-42: Jesus speaks of two people working together—one taken and the other left behind.
• 1 Corinthians 15:51-53: Paul reveals that believers will be transformed in the blink of an eye when the last trumpet sounds.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18: Paul reassures the Thessalonian church that both the living and the dead in Christ will be gathered to meet the Lord.

Each of these passages provides unique details about the rapture, emphasizing its suddenness and the hope it offers to believers.

Understanding 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

The church in Thessalonica faced intense persecution and feared they had missed the rapture. They also worried about their loved ones who had died. Paul wrote to comfort and clarify their concerns:

1. A Divine Revelation: Paul affirms that his teaching about the rapture comes directly from the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:15).
2. The Order of Events: When the Lord descends, the dead in Christ will rise first, followed by living believers who will be transformed and caught up (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).
3. A Message of Hope: Paul concludes by encouraging believers to comfort one another with these promises (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

How Will the Rapture Happen?

The rapture will unfold in a specific, orderly sequence:

1. A Command from Heaven: The event will begin with the Lord’s command, accompanied by the voice of the archangel and the trumpet call of God (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
2. Resurrection of the Dead: Christians who have died will be resurrected in glorified bodies.
3. Transformation of the Living: Believers still alive will be instantly transformed into immortal bodies and caught up to meet Christ (1 Corinthians 15:52).

This miraculous event echoes past resurrections, such as when Jesus raised Lazarus (John 11:43-44) and when the graves were opened after Christ’s crucifixion (Matthew 27:52-53).

For those who have lost believing loved ones, the rapture promises a joyous reunion and the ultimate triumph over death (1 Corinthians 15:54–55).

When Will the Rapture Happen?

While the Bible does not provide an exact date for the rapture, Jesus warned that it would occur unexpectedly, like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2). However, Scripture outlines several signs that indicate the approach of the end times.

Signs of the Second Coming

Jesus described “birth pains”—signs that will increase in frequency and intensity as His return draws near (Matthew 24:7-8). These signs include:

1. Natural disasters: earthquakes, famines, and pestilences.
2. Wars and Conflicts: Increasing global unrest and rumours of war.
3. Famine and Disease: Widespread food shortages and health crises.
4. Moral Decay: Growing societal rejection of biblical values.
5. False Prophets: Deceptive teachings leading people away from the truth.
6. Persecution of Believers: Intensifying hostility against Christians.
7. False Christs: Individuals claiming to be the Messiah.

Concerning wars and rumours of wars, crisisgroup.com lists at least 10 different world conflicts presently raging (or that may begin raging), including:

Syria: A diabolical series of mass killings and massacres against Alawites has occurred in Syria by fighters aligned with the Syrian transitional government and allied SNA militias

Haiti: Gangs and Vigilantes Thrive Amid Political Deadlock

Palestine: An Uncertain Future for Gaza and the West Bank ,

Ukraine: A Deadly Stalemate with No End in Sight

Yemen and the Red Sea: Rising Tensions Threaten Peace Process and International Security

Sudan: Setting the Stage for a Long War

The Sahel: A Deadly New Era in the Decades-Long Conflict

Democratic Republic of Congo: Re-elected President Tshisekedi Faces Regional Crisis in the East

Myanmar: Resistance to the Military Junta Gains Momentum

The Spread of the Gospel

Another key sign is the global proclamation of the gospel (Matthew 24:14). Advances in technology and social media have accelerated the spread of God’s Word, fulfilling this prophecy.

Is There a Difference Between the Rapture and the Second Coming?

Yes, the rapture and the second coming of Christ are 2 distinct events:

• The Rapture: Jesus comes in the air to gather believers and take them to heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
• The Second Coming: Jesus returns to earth with His saints to establish His millennial kingdom (Revelation 19:11-16).

The rapture is a mystery revealed in the New Testament and concerns the church, while the second coming fulfils Old Testament prophecies about Christ’s reign on earth.

Conclusion

The Rapture is a profound and comforting promise for all who trust in Jesus Christ. It offers the hope of eternal life, a reunion with loved ones, and deliverance from the coming judgement. As we witness the signs of the times unfolding, we are reminded to stay watchful and ready for the Lord’s return. As Paul encourages us, “Therefore encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18).