I am feeling a bit poetic today. I have days like this.
Behold! The rapture’s whisper, God’s Heavenly breath that beckons, calling His Son’s beloved indwelt Bride from earthly bonds to realms beyond our reckonings.
Trumpets sound, their silver notes, roaring through time’s thin veil, as souls ascend on wings unseen, their earthly garments left behind.
The faithful indwelt rise, like morning mist, their tears transformed to shouts of joy, and in that sacred suspension, they glimpse their eternal Groom.
Families reunite, hands clasped, across the chasm of mortal years, loved ones lost, now found anew, in the embrace of eternal bliss.
Streets of gold, where angels tread, and crystal rivers weave their song, The Lamb awaits with open arms, to welcome home the weary throng.
But what of Earth? Its empty spaces, where memories of departed footsteps fade, A world left yearning, souls crying out, awaiting their own eternal resolve.
So let us live with rapture’s hope, our hearts attuned to Heaven’s call, for in the whisper of eternity, we find our truest home after all.
THE RAPTURE
The Rapture is a significant event in authentic Christian eschatology—the study of End Times and the gathering of the true indwelt believers of Jesus Christ. While the term “Rapture” itself is not explicitly found in Scripture, its essence is rooted in several key passages. Biblically, it is referenced as “The Gathering of the Saints” or “Being Caught Up with Him.”
What Is the Rapture?
The Rapture refers to the sudden reality that, at a future moment, all true believers—both living and deceased—will be caught up to meet Jesus Christ in the air. This event will occur before a period of Seven Year Tribulation of the Antichrist on Earth. Although the word “Rapture” doesn’t appear in the Bible, the doctrine is derived from biblical principles and passages.
Key Biblical Passages on the Rapture:
1 Thessalonians 4:13–18:
Now, brothers, we want you to know the truth about those who have died; otherwise, you might become sad the way other people do who have nothing to hope for. For since we believe that Yeshua died and rose again, we also believe that in the same way God, through Yeshua, will take with him those who have died. When we say this, we base it on the Lord's own word: we who remain alive when the Lord comes will certainly not take precedence over those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a rousing cry, with a call from one of the ruling angels, and with God's shofar; those who died united with the Messiah will be the first to rise; then we who are left still alive will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and thus we will always be with the Lord. So encourage each other with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
In this passage, the apostle Paul addresses the Thessalonian believers who were grieving over the deaths of fellow Christians.
Paul assures them that those who have died in Christ will rise first when Jesus gathers His Bride. Then, living believers will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air. It is the event when Yeshua (Jesus) comes for His Bride. This event brings comfort and hope to believers, emphasizing reunion and victory over death - as well as the glorious uniting with our Savior and Husband.
1 Corinthians 15:50–54:
Let me say this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot share in the Kingdom of God, nor can something that decays share in what does not decay. Look, I will tell you a secret—not all of us will die! But we will all be changed! It will take but a moment, the blink of an eye, at the final shofar. For the shofar will sound, and the dead will be raised to live forever, and we too will be changed. For this material which can decay must be clothed with imperishability; this which is mortal must be clothed with immortality. When what decays puts on imperishability and what is mortal puts on immortality, then this passage in the Tanakh will be fulfilled: "Death is swallowed up in victory. (1 Corinthians 15:50-54)
This passage communicates the perfect details of the Rapture. Paul further elaborates on the resurrection and transformation of believers. He describes the mystery of the Rapture: “We shall not all sleep [die], but we shall all be changed.”
At the last trumpet, the dead will be raised imperishable, and the living will be transformed. Mortal bodies will put on immortality, and victory over death will be complete.
Matthew 24:30–31:
"Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, all the tribes of the Land will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with tremendous power and glory. He will send out his angels with a great shofar; and they will gather together his chosen people from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” (Matthew 24:30-31)
Jesus Himself speaks about His return in this passage.
He declares that all people on Earth will witness His coming in the clouds. With a trumpet call, His angels will gather His elect from every corner of the world.
This gathering points to the Rapture, where believers are taken to be with Him.
When Will the Rapture Happen?
The exact timing of the Rapture remains unknown - purposely. Jesus emphasized that only the Father knows the hour (Matthew 24:36). In fact, the Scriptures reveal that Yeshua (Jesus) does not know that exact timing. The timing of the event is known by God the Father. It will be like a thief in the night.
However, we know it will occur at the end of this age. Please note that Jesus’ Second Coming does not occur until the last hour of the reign of the Antichrist’s Seven Year period.
The Rapture precedes the tribulation period, during which God’s righteous judgment will be poured out on the Earth. Those who refuted the warnings of the prophecies and miss the Rapture will suffer under these judgements. Sadly, the majority of humanity will laugh in the face of this warning. However, laughter will turn to sorrow quickly.
In summary, the Rapture is a blessed hope for believers—a moment when we will be united with Christ, transformed, and forever with Him. While debates exist about the timing, the essential truth remains: Jesus will come for His people, and we eagerly await that glorious day.
Stay tuned for more love letters from God. Dr. Phinney’s full End Times Series HERE
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