The Rapture of the ChurchSample

Day 1: An Undeniable Bible Doctrine

The times in which we live are bizarre to say the least. The last of the last days have come, and lawlessness is on the rise, increasing with each passing day. But a day is soon coming when an event will take place that will bring it all to a head: the Rapture of the Church.

The Rapture of the Church is the undeniable doctrine of Scripture that affirms there is a soon-coming event, at which time Christ will descend into the lower atmosphere above the earth, and “the dead in Christ” will be supernaturally resurrected. At that same time — or immediately afterward, so quickly that it will be nearly imperceptible — Christ will supernaturally “catch away,” or rapture, the authentic Church, those in Christ, “which are alive and remain.” He will snatch that remnant from harm’s way at the very end of this present age.

The apostle Paul wrote about this event in three of his epistles — 1 and 2 Thessalonians 4:15-18 KJV and 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 KJV. Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians was written in approximately 48-51 AD. In it, he addressed the Rapture of the Church in depth. When he wrote his second epistle to the Thessalonians shortly afterward — many scholars say in approximately 52 AD — Paul again vividly addressed this event we call the Rapture.

Approximately five years later, Paul wrote further on the Rapture of the Church in his first epistle to the Corinthians, saying that although it was once unknown, it has now been revealed to the Church by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 15:51-52 KJV).

Paul’s writing about the Rapture in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 KJV is paramount, and we need to see that it is one of the clearest-stated doctrines in the New Testament. Although people have different views about when it will occur, the reality of a future Rapture of the Church is undeniable in Scripture.

Some people argue, “The word ‘rapture’ doesn’t even appear in the Bible, so it’s not really a New Testament doctrine.” But tomorrow I will show you that in fact, the word “rapture” does appear very clearly in the pages of the New Testament. As you read through this brief study, I hope that you will come to understand not only that the Rapture is a real, biblical doctrine but what exactly it entails and the fact that it is a reality that comes closer to occurring with each passing day.

For Your Consideration

• Going into this study, what are some preconceptions you have about the Rapture of the Church? Have you formed clear ideas or opinions about this event yet? Write your thoughts down and see how your perceptions change or remain the same over the course of this week. Don’t just read along with this plan, but think about what you’re learning and what you believe!