1 John 3:2 “We know that when CHRIST appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”
The rapture of the church is a glorious event we should all be longing for. We will finally be free from sin. We will be in GOD’s presence forever. There is far too much debate over the meaning and scope of the rapture. This is not GOD’s intent. Rather, the rapture should be a comforting doctrine full of hope; GOD wants us to “encourage one another with these words”
(1 Thessalonians 4:18).
The rapture will involve an instantaneous transformation of our bodies to fit us for eternity. The rapture is to be distinguished from the second coming. At the rapture, the LORD comes “in the clouds” to meet us “in the air”
(1 Thessalonians 4:17)
At the second coming, the LORD descends all the way to the earth to stand on the Mount of Olives, resulting in a great earthquake followed by a defeat of GOD’s enemies.
(Zechariah 14:3–4)
The rapture of the church is the event in which GOD “snatches away” all believers from the earth in order to make way for His righteous judgment to be poured out on the earth during the tribulation period. The rapture is described primarily in 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 . GOD will resurrect all believers who have died, give them glorified bodies, and take them from the earth, along with all living believers, who will also be given glorified bodies at that time. “For the LORD Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of GOD, and the dead in CHRIST will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the LORD in the air. And so we will be with the LORD forever”
Prayer:
LORD JESUS, I don’t know when You’re returning so prepare me right now. May my mindset be alert and my life restrained and disciplined. I’ll arm myself with faith and love. Because I’m alert, I’ll process every decision through the lens of salvation. By Your grace, I’ll build a personal culture that’s vigilant, attentive and filled with gratitude. May my spiritual senses be sharp. I refuse to lay down and let life pass me by. I’ll take advantage of every opportunity to expand Your kingdom. You have appointed me to live out Your purposes. I will do it and I will also encourage others to do it as well in JESUS’ holy name. Amen.
Waiting For JESUS’ Return,
PW, SM, & Family 🙏❤️