The Purpose and Mystery of the Rapture

Introduction

Welcome, everyone. Today, we are going to delve into an exciting and profound topic—the Rapture.

This study will explore the purpose, mystery, and significant events associated with the Rapture, as revealed in the Scriptures.

We will draw from key biblical passages and insights from respected theologians to gain a deeper understanding of this divine event.

I. The Purpose of the Rapture

A. To Judge and Reward the Church of God

Scripture Reference: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body . . . whether it be good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:10)

Explanation: This verse highlights the necessity for all believers to appear before Christ’s judgment seat.

The purpose here is not condemnation, but rather to assess and reward the deeds done in the body, whether good or bad.

The Rapture serves as the time when believers are brought before Christ to receive their rewards based on their faithfulness and service.

Discussion Points:

What does it mean to appear before the judgment seat of Christ?How does this judgment differ from the Great White Throne judgment described in Revelation 20:11-15?What kinds of rewards might believers receive?

Revelation 20:11–15 NIV

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

B. To Remove the Spirit of God

Scripture Reference: "For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way." (2 Thessalonians 2:7, NASB)

2 Thessalonians 2:7 NIV

For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way.

Explanation: Many theologians interpret "he who now restrains" as the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit currently acts as a restraining force against sin and lawlessness in the world.

During the Rapture, this restraining influence will be significantly removed, paving the way for the tribulation period to unfold.

Discussion Points:

Who or what is the restrainer mentioned in this passage?What will be the impact of the Holy Spirit’s restraining influence being removed?

How does this align with the events described in the Book of Revelation?

II. The Mystery of the Rapture

Scripture Reference: "Behold, I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed." (1 Corinthians 15:51)

1 Corinthians 15:51 NIV

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—

Explanation: Paul reveals a mystery that was not previously known: not all believers will experience physical death.

Instead, at the Rapture, living Christians will be transformed instantly and caught up to meet the Lord in the air.

This revelation adds a new dimension to our understanding of how believers enter heaven.

Discussion Points:

What does Paul mean by calling this a "mystery"?

How does the Rapture provide hope and encouragement for believers?

Compare this with the stories of Enoch and Elijah, who were taken up without experiencing death.

III. The Trumpet of the Rapture

Scripture References: "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet..." (1 Corinthians 15:52) "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God..." (1 Thessalonians 4:16) "After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, 'Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.'" (Revelation 4:1)

1 Corinthians 15:52 NIV

in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

1 Thessalonians 4:16 NIV

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.

Revelation 4:1 NIV

After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”

Explanation: The trumpet is a significant symbol in the context of the Rapture.

In the Old Testament, trumpets were used for summoning people to battle and worship.

At the Rapture, the trumpet will serve both purposes: signaling the angels to prepare for spiritual warfare and calling believers to assemble and worship.

Discussion Points:

What is the significance of the trumpet in biblical history?

How does the trumpet at the Rapture compare to its use in the Old Testament?

What does it mean for believers to be summoned to worship at the sound of the trumpet?

A. To Angels: Prepare for Battle!

Scripture References: (Jn. 14:30; Eph. 6:12; 1 Jn. 5:19)

John 14:30 NIV

I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me,

Ephesians 6:12 NIV

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

1 John 5:19 NIV

We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

Explanation: These passages indicate that the world lies under the influence of the evil one, and the spiritual realm is engaged in constant warfare.

The trumpet blast will signal angels to prepare for the final battle, ensuring a clear path for believers to be caught up to meet Christ.

Discussion Points:

How does the concept of spiritual warfare relate to the Rapture?

What role do angels play in this event?

How does this spiritual battle impact believers?

B. To Believers: Prepare to Worship!

Scripture Reference: "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 'Make thee two trumpets of silver ... that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly ... and when they shall blow with them, all the assembly shall assemble themselves to thee at the door of the tabernacle." (Numbers 10:1-3)

Numbers 10:1–3 NIV

The Lord said to Moses: “Make two trumpets of hammered silver, and use them for calling the community together and for having the camps set out. When both are sounded, the whole community is to assemble before you at the entrance to the tent of meeting.

Explanation: The trumpet will call believers to assemble before God, signifying a time of worship and gathering.

Just as the Israelites were summoned by the trumpet, believers will be called to meet the Lord and worship Him together.

Discussion Points:

What does it mean to be called to worship at the Rapture?

How does the imagery of the trumpet enhance our understanding of this event?

What is the significance of being considered "head princes" in God's sight?

Conclusion

As we have explored, the Rapture serves multiple divine purposes:

to judge and reward the church,

to remove the Holy Spirit’s restraining influence,

and to reveal the mystery of believers being transformed without experiencing death.

The trumpet blast will:

signal both a call to battle in the spiritual realm

and a call to worship for believers.

This study should encourage us to live faithfully, anticipating the day when we will meet our Lord and Savior.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the hope and promise of the Rapture.

Help us to live each day in readiness, faithfully serving You and sharing Your love with others.

Strengthen our faith and guide us by Your Spirit until the glorious day we are united with Christ.

In Jesus' name, Amen.