Did Jesus Believe in the RAPTURE?

Sound Like a Contradiction?

Some would probably say immediately “What are you talking about? Jesus is the heart of the RAPTURE.” But first we need to define our terms. ...

What is the RAPTURE?

The RAPTURE is an event mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 4...

13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, NKJV)

In 1 Thess 4:17, the Greek word ἁρπάζω harpazo = snatch away is used - and is translated caught up. It was translated in the Latin Vulgate translation [about the 4th century A.D.] by rapiemur which has about the same meaning. That brought about, in Christian circles, the word Rapture to be used for this event.

Note that - at the moment Jesus Christ returns - all living believers will be “snatched up” to meet Him. They will NOT EXPERIENCE DEATH.

In verse 15, the Greek word παρουσία parousia = advent, arrival is used and is translated coming. This is the same word that Jesus Christ Himself uses for His COMING.

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. (Matthew 24:36–39, NKJV)

Does Jesus Ever Speak of the RAPTURE?

Jesus actually mentions this event quite often…but His most significant revelation is often overlooked. It is found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke ....

28 Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will by no means taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” (Matthew 16:28)

What did Jesus Mean by Matthew 16:28?

What actually happens next is very crucial to His meaning. The event which follows is often called the Transfiguration.

Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. 7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” 8 When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. 9 Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.” (Matthew 17:1–9, NKJV)

Note that Peter, James and John saw Jesus just like He will appear when His Kingdom arrives [they saw the Son of Man coming in His kingdom]. But future believers will also see this - in reality.

In other words, Jesus’ words in Matt 16:28 will have a DOUBLE FULFILLMENT [as many Bible prophecies do] and will be literally fulfilled when He comes again.

Is the Transfiguration Alluded to in Other Scriptures?

The answer is YES. In fact, one of the eyewitnesses of the Transfiguration - PETER - speaks of the RAPTURE in this way...

16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; (2 Peter 1:16–19, NKJV)

In verse 17, Peter uses the word παρουσία parousia = coming to describe the Transfiguration. That is,

Peter said he saw Jesus coming in His kingdom - at the Transfiguration.

And he says that THIS WAS A CONFIRMATION THAT THE REAL EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE [“we have the prophetic word confirmed”]

Other scriptures [such as Matt 24:36-51, Mark 13:32-37, Luke 21:34-36] also speak of this event.

What Should be our Attitude Today?

Though many Christians are trying to predict when Jesus will return by looking at current events in our world - Jesus warns against this. He tells me only to do one thing...

42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. (Matthew 24:42, NKJV)

13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. (Matthew 25:13, NKJV)

34 It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. 35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning—36 lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:34–37, NKJV)

37 Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. (Luke 12:37, NKJV)

36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36, NKJV)

WATCH!

ARE YOU WATCHING FOR JESUS’ IMMINENT RETURN?