Our Redemption Draws Nigh: An Introduction And Definition of the Rapture

1. Foundational Scriptures

John 14:2–3 NASB95

“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.

1 Thessalonians 4:17

Introduction:

Are we really in the final days

Since the Apostle Paul every generation has claimed to be in the last days

And they all were right because the last days begin immediately after Christ’s Blessed Resurrection

But that’s not the question I asked in the title.

I asked are we truly in the final days

2. What is the Rapture

A. Definition

1. The Greek word for rapture is harpazo

2. And it means to seize, catch up, snatch away or taken by force.

2 Corinthians 12:2-4

1 Thessalonians 4:17

Revelation 12:5

Matthew 11:12

John 6:15

Acts 23:10

B. There have been seven different raptures in the Bible

1. Enoch was raptured according to Genesis 5:24, and confirmed by Hebrews 11:5.

2. Elijah was taken up in 2 Kings 2:11

3. Jesus Himself, after He was physically resurrected, after He was seen alive, walking, talking and eating, being touched and handled, He was taken up in a moment of glory (Acts 1: 9-10)

4. Phillip was carried away in Acts 8:39. 5

5. Paul was taken up to the Third Heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:2. 6)

6. John was caught up to Heaven in Revelation 4:1

7. The rapture of the church. 1 Thess 4:17