The Rapture Verse

First Thessalonians chapter 4 verse 17 is THE major verse for the “Rapture” or the catching away of the Church.

1 Corinthians 15:51-53 describes this event also, but this one is the landmark verse.

Yes, there is a debate on when the Rapture event will happen during the Tribulation, but the Rapture is a Bible doctrine. Only someone using the allegorical approach or the symbolic approach to scripture, could misunderstand what this verse clearly says. It’s Bible.

Paul calls the Rapture our “blessed hope.” 

It seems that some people had Christian loved ones who had died and were worried that somehow, those had missed this event. Paul explains to them that the Resurrection of those who have died will proceed those Christians who would be alive at this event. It is obvious that he had explained this doctrine to them earlier. Probably when he was in that city.

1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 (NKJV)

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 (dead).

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” (Rapture in the Latin) 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. (This is for our comfort)

The Bride (Church) is “caught up” (raptured in the Latin, or snatched up) to meet the Bride Groom (Jesus) “in the air." Jesus comes “in the air” but does not return to Earth here. He meets the Bride outside of her house, Earth, and they go to the Father‘s house, in Heaven, for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. That is structure of the Jewish Wedding, see John 14:1-3.

Note-This is different from the Return of Christ at the Second Coming, which happens in Revelation 19. That’s when Jesus judges the Earth and the Church comes back with Him.

We have two events here. Jesus comes for His Bride the Church and Jesus returns with His Church. In fact, in the book of Revelation the Church isn’t mentioned after chapter 3 until her return with Jesus in chapter 19.

Don’t miss the audio file at the bottom. It should explain things better than me.

Revelation 19:7 (NKJV)

“Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.”

Click on the two minute audio file attached below. It’s by the late Chuck Missler.

 It should clear some of this up. I hope it plays. Alan