1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 The Rapture

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. [1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NASB]

During his brief stay in Thessalonica, Paul presented the gospel, which included the message that Jesus will return for His church. In his absence, some confusion arose regarding those who died before Jesus' return. Since Jesus was coming for His church, they were afraid that their loved ones who had died would be lost. Paul wrote to correct their thinking and to comfort them.

In the 21st century, most believers accept that we will one day die and be with the Lord. It's the fate of those who are alive at His return that is in dispute.

Some Christian denominations deny the rapture. I have personally spoken to some who have never heard of it. The most frequently used argument against the rapture is that the word "rapture" is not in the Bible. In this, they display their ignorance. The word "rapture" is a theological term derived from the Latin "raptura" meaning, "to be caught up." As in, "we who are alive and remain will be caught up..." 

It's true that the word "rapture" is not found in most English translations of the Bible. Then again, neither is the word "theology". Shall we say then, that since "theology" is not found in the Bible, that God is not real? Of course not. In the same way, the concept of being "caught up" to meet the Lord in the air is clearly stated in the Bible. It is real.

Paul reiterates this teaching to the Corinthians;

Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. [1 Corinthians 15:51-52 NASB]

Some will say, "But it's been 2000 years, and He hasn't come back. Perhaps He isn't coming again." Don't be discouraged. If He hasn't yet returned, that means we are closer than ever to His return.

Whether we "fall asleep" in the Lord, or are alive at His return, our hope is the same; the joy of seeing Him face to face.

Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your promise, that you will come back and take us to be with You. And if I die before Your return, I thank You that I will be with you that much sooner.