The Rapture
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Post Rapture Content
The Rapture is God's method of removing the church from the earth and bringing them to heaven before the wrath that will be inflicted on the earth...
Read MoreUnderstanding the Rapture
The English term Rapture comes from 1 Thessalonians 4:17, where Paul writes that we will be "caught up” to meet the Lord in the air. The Greek translation for "caught up” is harpazo . The Latin term for caught up is rapturo . The Latin, rapturo , became the root word for the English term Rapture. The word Rapture indicates a swift catching up or rescuing of God's people from the wrath to come.
The Rapture is God's method of removing the church from the earth and bringing them to heaven before the wrath that will be inflicted on the earth. In Revelation 3:10, Jesus said we would be "kept from the hour of testing that shall come upon the world”.
Paul wrote about the Rapture saying: "Behold I show you a mystery we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment in the twinkling of an eye…for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised…and we shall be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)
What are the signs that the Rapture is close?
There are many indications that we are living in what the Bible calls the End Times, or the Last Days. Jesus spoke of wars, and rumors of wars being one of those signs. He also mentioned earthquakes will be on the rise, which continues to increase beyond anything we have ever seen. Famines and disease will be prevalent also.
While these are just a few of many signs the Bible mentions, one that sticks out is that it will be as in the days of Noah, which is when the world was doing what was right in their own eyes and ignoring the warnings from God. That's exactly what we see going on in our world today.
How Close are we to the Rapture?
Jesus said in Matthew 24:42 that we don't know the day or the hour when He will return. That means we need to be ready at all times.
How to be Ready for the Rapture
God cares for you and has inspired us to provide these resources so that you will know what to do, what is coming, and how to prepare for the future. The most important decision you must make right now is what you will do about Jesus. It is a matter of belief. If you believe in Jesus, it will lead you to act on that belief.
Jesus said that His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. It is much easier to serve Jesus than to try and do things on our own. You must decide if you will commit to follow and serve Him.
Despite the difficulties you are facing (and will face in the years to come), there is Hope. His name is Jesus Christ! He will be with you, He will help you, and He will reward all who are courageous and faithful to Him. If you confess your sins to Him, He is faithful to forgive you.
Aren't I Good Enough for God?
You may be thinking, I'm a good person and a good God would not leave me behind and take some of my friends and family members. That does not seem fair. What God has done, and what God always does, is fair and just.
God is good, and He gave the world a warning. In John 3:16 we read, "For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Only a good God would do that.
Romans 5:8 notes: "God demonstrated His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” Through prophecies and promises God warned that a Rapture was coming. He urged humanity to be spiritually ready for it. God is fair, and the Rapture proves how fair He is to remove the people who believe in Him and His Son from His wrath.
Even the Tribulation reveals how God is just by offering salvation to anyone who trusts in Him AFTER the Rapture. The wrath of God is another way to wake people up to the power of God.
We pray that this is the choice you make now prior to the Rapture. Avoid this wrath to come.
How Can I be Saved?
1. Admit you are a Sinner
Understand that God has not been first place in your life and ask Him to forgive your sins. Scripture notes that God loves us, and that Jesus will forgive the sins that are confessed to Him.
• "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from every wrong.” (1 John 1:9)
2. Believe in Jesus as your Savior
Believe that Jesus died to pay for your sins and that He rose again and is alive today.
• "If you confess that Jesus is your Lord, and you believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
3. Confess the Jesus is Lord
Ask Jesus Christ to come into your heart and be Lord of your life.
• Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
• Romans 10:13 Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Remember, restoring our relationship with God is not based on anything we do, but on what Jesus already did for us!
Here is a sample prayer:
"Dear God, thank you for loving me, even when I didn't love You. I realize I need You in my life. I am sorry for my sins, and I ask You to forgive me. Thank you for sending Your Son to die on the cross for me. Please help me to understand Your will for my life, and how I can live to please you. Please come into my life and make me a new person. I accept Your gift of salvation. Please help me to grow now as a Christian. In the name of Your Son Jesus, I ask these things, Amen!"
What Happens When You are Saved?
1. The Holy Spirit comes into your life.
You may not feel different now that you have said the prayer, but you can trust what Jesus told the disciples. He has sent the Helper that He may abide with us forever. (John 14:16) That Helper is the Holy Spirit. He will be with you and guide you until the time Jesus takes you home in the Rapture. Jesus also said that the Holy Spirit isn't received by the world because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but He will be revealed to you because He dwells with you and will be in you.
2. Assurance of Answers to Prayers
God isn't Santa. When we pray, we should be seeking God's will, and not our own. He loves to answer prayers that are in line with His plan for you. Jesus told the disciples: "Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”
3. Assurance of Forgiveness
Wouldn't it be great if you received a certificate absolving you of your sins? The Holy Spirit is better than a certificate! Paul explains what happens after we are saved in Romans 8:1: "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…”. We are not condemned because of what Jesus has done for us. Read all of Romans chapter 8 if you want to be assured of that.
4. Assurance of Salvation and Eternal Life
There are many Scriptures that tell us how we can be sure we are saved. One favorite is: "He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” Paul said it this way in Romans 8:38-39: "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
How will we spend eternity? Revelation 21:4 tells us: "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
What to Expect Next?
• Expect opposition from people who don't know Jesus as their Savior. They will give you many reasons why you are wrong to believe in Him. Since we are in a spiritual war, expect spiritual battles.
Satan knows his time is short, and he is in a rage (Rev. 12:12). His demons (fallen angels) are looking to see who is serving the Lord. They will attempt to stop anything you do for God. Doubt and discouragement are two of Satan's favorite weapons. Do not let him steal your joy, slow you down, or hold you back from doing what God wants you to do.
• Expect God to move. James 1:6-7 notes that believers should pray expecting that God will move. Yes, Satan will attack, but God will prevail. God has, and will continue to move on behalf of, and through, His people. We may not always be able to see His working, but we can know He has a plan (Jeremiah 29:11) and He is at work. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us how to overcome the enemy: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
After the Rapture
If you are still here after the Rapture, there is still hope.
The prophecies from God warned that the Rapture was coming. He urged humanity to be spiritually ready for it. God is fair, and the fact that the Rapture happened, simply proves that God is true to his word.
But take heart—all hope is not lost. God still offers sinners the opportunity to be saved from eternal separation from God. Unfortunately, you will have to live on the earth and endure some very hard times.
Why am I still here?
- Because all have sinned and are not worthy of heaven. That's the result of Adam and Eve disobeying God in the Garden of Eden. That's why Jesus went to the cross, to wipe away the consequence of sin. No matter how hard we try, we will never be good enough. But God made it possible for us to be qualified by accepting the gift given through His Son.
- Because God's standard of morality is higher than ours. We are used to comparing ourselves to other humans to determine how good we are. In reality, we need to compare ourselves to God to qualify for eternity.
- Sin has disqualified every unforgiven person from the lifeboat, which is the Rapture.
Where is my family who were in the Rapture?
Vanishings will be reported in every nation. Infants, toddlers, and children will be gone. People will attempt to identify what the common denominator was amongst those who vanished. The mainstream media will have their own set of answers that may range from UFO's to God sending them to hell because they misrepresented Him.
There are two characteristics of the people who vanished:
- They were either too young and had not had a chance to understand who Jesus is and what He has done for them.
- They were old enough to be responsible for their choices and they chose to believe in God and His Son Jesus to be their Savior.
Your family members are safe in heaven for eternity. They felt no fear and no pain. They are surrounded by the love of God and everything they will ever need.
What do I have to do to be reunited with my family in heaven?
Salvation is no different after the Rapture than it is before the Rapture.
1. Admit you are a sinner
(1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.)
2. Believe that Jesus is your Savior
(John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.)
3. Confess that Jesus is Lord
(Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.) (Romans 10:13 Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.)
Although you are saved, you will now live out your life until Jesus returns, or you die or are martyred for your faith. The good news is that your last breath on earth is followed by your first breath in heaven.
What is the Tribulation?
The Tribulation period or Wrath or Hour of Trial will begin shortly after the Rapture. The defining trigger is when a document is signed allowing the nation of Israel to rebuild their Temple. This will begin the 7-year countdown.
The first 3 1/2 years will be earmarked by unusual weather and atmospheric conditions. Many will die during this time. The second 3 ½ years are known as the Great Tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. It will begin with the Antichrist calling himself God and killing two-thirds of the Jews living in Jerusalem.
Who is the ANTICHRIST?
Scripture notes that during the Tribulation period, a world leader will arise. The world will praise him for brokering a peace covenant in the Middle East and solving many complex global issues. Though he will claim to be divine, he is in fact a man indwelt by Satan, the Antichrist.
What NOT to do
The antichrist will erect a statue of himself in the Jewish temple and require everyone to worship him. This will happen 3 ½ years after the decree to rebuild the temple is signed.
There will come a time when the government mandates a new method of payment, which the Bible calls the "mark of the beast”. The Mark will be required to buy and sell.
The two most important things to remember is:
- Don't worship the antichrist
- Don't accept any government mandated mark
Scripture tells us that those who accept the Mark are sealed for hell. (Revelation 14:9-11) (Have no chance for salvation)
What to Expect Next
Israel will be invaded by Russia, Turkey and Iran.
(Ezekiel 38-39). The invasion from the North will likely come shortly after the Rapture. Israel will defeat the invading army by the power of God.
Israel will be offered a 7 year peace treaty:
The Antichrist will offer a "covenant with the many ” which will include Israel (Daniel 9:27). It is this 'covenant' that begins the seven-year Tribulation period.
A new Temple will be built in Jerusalem:
Daniel, Jesus, Paul, and John refer to a Temple being in Jerusalem in the last days. This event is referenced in Daniel 9:27, 12:11; Mark 13:14; 2 Thess. 2:4; and Revelation 11:1-2.
Temple sacrifices will be reinstituted
In Israel in the last days. Daniel 9:27; 12:11, and Revelation 13 reference this. The completion of the Temple and routine of daily sacrifices must be in place prior to the mid- point of the Tribulation.
Temple sacrifices will be forbidden:
At the mid-point of the Tribulation period, the Antichrist will seize control of the Temple, abruptly end the daily sacrifices and proclaim himself to be God. (Revelation 13).
144,000 believers will be sealed by the Spirit:
The Holy Spirit will 'seal' 12,000 Jewish believers from each of the 12 tribes of Israel. (Rev. 7)
Two Prophets from Heaven
Will appear to be witnesses for God. (Rev. 11:3-14) These prophets will preach with power for 42 months and then be put to death. Their deaths will be celebrated by many. Their bodies will lie in the street for three days, after which they will be miraculously resurrected and taken up into Heaven.
Vegetation decimated:
Revelation 8:7 notes that the first trumpet judgment will bring the destruction of 1/3 of all vegetation on Earth.
A meteor or comet falls into the sea:
Revelation 8:8-9 notes that the second trumpet judgment facilitates something falling into the sea and destroying 1/3 of life in all seas.
Similar to the second trumpet judgment, the third trumpet judgment facilitates celestial object falling to the earth causing fresh water to turn bitter (resulting in many deaths).
Reduction of light:
The fourth trumpet judgment brings about a 1/3 reduction of light (from the sun, moon, and stars).
Tormenting creatures:
The fifth trumpet judgment will bring scorpion- like creatures from the demon world. These creatures torment humanity, but they do not cause death.
Forced worship of Antichrist:
2 Thessalonians 2 and Revelation 13 note that the False Prophet (the Antichrist's right-hand man) will force all to worship the Antichrist. Failure to do so will result in starvation, ridicule, and death. Proof of allegiance to the Antichrist will include receiving a mark on the right hand or forehead. Without the mark one will not be able to legally buy or sell anything.
Sores on those who receive the mark:
Revelation 16:1-2 notes that those who accept the mark of the Beast, signifying their worship of him, will contract painful sores on their body.
The Antichrist will be wounded:
Revelation 13 notes that the Antichrist will suffer a fatal wound to the head but will recover to the amazement of many—a happening which boosts his claim to deity.
Life in seas and rivers dies:
Revelation 16:3 indicates that remaining life in the sea dies as the second vial of judgment is poured out. The death toll is such that the oceans become as blood. The third vial of judgment brings about the death of life in the rivers (Rev. 16:4).
Scorching heat:
The fourth vial of judgment brings scorching heat which causes misery and devastates vegetation. (Rev 16:8-9)
Darkness:
The fifth vial of judgment brings anomalous darkness and painful maladies, some translations read 'plagues.' (Revelation 16:10-11).
War:
There will be a series of wars—the last great series of wars, are collectively referred to as the battle of Armageddon.
Victory:
Though Israel will be surrounded and outnumbered by her enemies, God will intervene, and Jesus will prevail in the battle of Armageddon. Satan and the False Prophet will be bound and thrown into the pit. Jesus Christ will begin His Millennial Reign and bring peace and justice to the earth. (Revelation 19-21).
In conclusion
At the end of the 7 years, Jesus Christ will return to rule and reign over the earth from Jerusalem. (Revelation 19-20).
More Resources
Reliability of Bible Prophecy
You may not have realized the TRUTH about the written Word of God, but knowing the truth will help you come to terms with the reasons why you can trust the Bible...
Read MoreUnique among all books ever written, the Bible was authored by 40 different individuals over a 1,500-year period. Despite the timespan and various authors, there is a unity a cohesiveness that reveals these authors were inspired by the Holy Spirit. The Bible accurately foretells specific events in detail many years, sometimes centuries, before they occur.
Approximately 27% of the Bible contains prophetic writing. All of the verses in the Bible 8,352 are prophetic or speak of future events. All Biblical predictions about the future in these thousands of verses can be grouped into 737 different predictions, 522 predictions have already happened to the letter, 100% just like God's Word said they would.
That leaves about 2,040 verses with 215 specific predictions from God about the end of the world that are in the process of being fulfilled even today and in future. The Bible contains many specific events that would signal the end of days for life on planet earth as it has been for the past several thousand years. There is incredible specificity in these prophecies, so much so that it becomes a mathematical impossibility to grasp the probability.
No other religion or religious book outside of the Judeo/Christian faith has the proven track record that the Bible does. They ALL fail to hold the same perfect standard as the Bible. The Bible has been scrutinized by more skeptics and unbelievers than any other religious writing—and has withstood these attacks—every time! In fact, many atheists have come to faith in Jesus Christ after trying to disprove the Bible! The historical evidence and truth in the Bible are overwhelming. Common sense would say with a record 100% prophetic events to date why not believe in future prophecy that the bible speaks of that has not happened yet.
Why does the LORD tell us what will happen in the future? To answer that question, let's look at 2nd Peter 3:1-9: This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles. Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment. But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. Do you believe that isn't a requirement of faith to repent? Jesus Himself says it is. We read in Matthew 4:17b Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
The Lord is patient, not wishing for YOU to perish but to come to repentance and true faith in Jesus Christ. So, the point of Bible Prophecy is to establish WHO is the TRUE GOD of this world. The enemy hates God, so he has set forth many false religions that distract, misdirect, and mis-characterizes the truth of the Bible. These include Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Atheism, Humanism, New Age, and more but especially the one-world religion loosely based on universal salvation for anyone that is good or does good works. Some believe that Biblical truth is just one version of truth, and there are many truths found in other religious thinking that are just as valid just as true. These views are categorically opposed to the Biblical Worldview.
Many false apostles, false Churches, and false religious systems are already here and although they all appear to be different, one shocking truth unites them all: they try to usurp, impersonate, and deflect the TRUTH of God's Word. The test for identifying a prophet of God is recorded by Moses in Deuteronomy 18:21-22. According to this Bible passage (and others), God's prophets are to be 100 percent accurate in their predictions. Even one error means that they are not a prophet of God. It disqualifies them immediately.
Here are some examples that demonstrate Bible prophecies that were predicted and then came TRUE:
(1) Some time before 500 BC, the prophet Daniel proclaimed that Israel's long-awaited Messiah would begin his public ministry 483 years after the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem (Daniel 9:25-26). He further predicted that the Messiah would be "cut off," killed, and that this event would take place prior to a second destruction of Jerusalem. Abundant documentation shows that these prophecies were perfectly fulfilled in the life (and crucifixion) of Jesus Christ. The decree regarding the restoration of Jerusalem was issued by Persia's King Artaxerxes to the Hebrew priest Ezra in 458 BC, 483 years after the ministry of Jesus Christ began in Galilee.
(2) In approximately 700 BC, the prophet Micah named the tiny village of Bethlehem as the birthplace of Israel's Messiah (Micah 5:2). The fulfillment of this prophecy in the birth of Christ is one of the most widely known and widely celebrated facts in history.
(3) In the fifth century BC, a prophet named Zechariah declared that the Messiah would be betrayed for the price of a slave—thirty pieces of silver, according to Jewish law-and also that this money would be used to buy a burial ground for Jerusalem's poor foreigners (Zechariah 11:12-13). Bible writers record thirty pieces of silver as the sum paid to Judas Iscariot for betraying Jesus, and they indicate that the money went to purchase a "potter's field," used—just as predicted—for the burial of the poor (Matthew 27:3-10).
(4) Some 400 years before crucifixion was even invented, both Israel's King David and the prophet Zechariah described the Messiah's death in words that perfectly depict that mode of execution. Do you understand what that means? They could not have known such details about the Roman method of execution Jesus would endure for us. Further, they said that the body would be pierced and that none of the bones would be broken, contrary to customary procedure in cases of crucifixion (Psalm 22 and 34:20; Zechariah 12:10). Again, historians and New Testament writers confirm the fulfillment: Jesus of Nazareth died on a Roman cross, and his extraordinarily quick death eliminated the need for the usual breaking of bones. A spear was thrust into his side to verify that he was, indeed, dead.
(5) The very rapture event is a future event that may have been fulfilled as you read this. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 we read: “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.” Speaking about our transformation, it says in 1 Corinthians 15:50-52 “Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 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.
Who can afford to ignore what the Bible says will happen? It's perfect track record stands for all time as a witness to YOU! Listen, friend, you cannot get distracted by the world system and its ways. You will see that all the prophesied events unfolding in the books of Daniel, Ezekiel, and especially Revelation are true. Our hope is that you don't miss out on the immeasurable blessings offered to anyone and everyone who submits to the Lordship Jesus Christ.
Why Read the Bible
The Bible contains 66 separate books compiled into one book. The 39 books of the Old Testament are the story of God and his people before the coming of the Messiah...
Read MoreThe 27 books of the New Testament pick up the story beginning with the birth of Jesus.
God and his plan of redemption
Beginning in Genesis, you are immediately introduced to a love story of a sovereign, merciful, loving God, who is the Creator of all things. The Bible contains the very words of God, which means they are real, they are true, and they are trustworthy (2 Timothy 3:16).
The Bible also reveals who we are compared to a holy and perfect God. We are sinful and broken in our natural state, separated from God. But the great news the Bible tells us is that we can be redeemed through a savior, Jesus Christ.
Jesus and freedom from sin
God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to die for the sins that separated us from God. Because of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, and His resurrection, our sins were forgiven, and our lives are reconciled with God. The Bible was given to us so that we would “believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13). And in knowing Jesus through the Bible, we would be set free from sin and death (John 8:31-32).
How to Read the Bible
Begin with the Gospels: The Gospels (which means “good news”): Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They are the best place to start because they introduce you to the incarnate God, Jesus Christ. These Gospels narrates his earthly ministry, his death, his burial, and his resurrection. But which one should you read?
For a quick read, go with Mark. This 16-chapter Gospel is fast-paced and fact-based concerning the most significant events in Jesus's life. While not as detailed as the other three Gospels, Mark will give you a quick overview of the life and work of Jesus. If you are looking for a more in-depth look at the life and work of Jesus, read The Gospel of John. This Gospel was written by John, who undeniably presents Jesus as the true Messiah, the Savior of mankind, and the Author of our salvation.
Pick a time: Pick a time of day when you would like to spend time reading the Bible. It could be early morning, before your spouse or kids get up when the house is yours and all is quiet. It could be during your lunch break at work. Or even at night before you go to bed. Try to read every day to get into the practice of regularly reading God's Word.
Start with a prayer: Invite the Holy Spirit—whom you received when you accepted Jesus—into your sacred time when you read the Bible. As your “helper” (John 14:26), one of his ministries is to teach you “all things” (John 14:26) and to “guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). You would be wise to seek out his help when it comes to understanding and interpreting the Bible.
Start by reading small portions of the Bible at first: a long passage or one chapter a day. Read for about 10-15 minutes. Don't overwhelm yourself by reading an entire book in one sitting (at least not just yet). Savor each word, each phrase. Take time to think about what you read. Think about what the Scripture is telling you. When you sense something special about a verse or portion of Scripture, write about it. Journaling is a wonderful way to express your thoughts, feelings, prayers, and praises. And don't forget to find the application in what you read: whether it is a promise to claim, a warning to heed, or a command to follow. Allow the Spirit to help you understand the Scripture, and He will transform your life from a life of sin to a life pleasing to the heart of God.
The Bible is more than just a good book, it is the Book of Life, which leads to life in Jesus Christ. It enables us to know God in all His majesty and glory, to know ourselves in all our sinfulness and brokenness, and the way of redemption and restoration.