END-TIMES PROPHECY: IMMINENT RETURN OF CHRIST (Part VII)

END-TIMES PROPHECY: IMMINENT RETURN OF CHRIST (Part VII)

JESUS CHRIST will return soon.  Today, we continue an in-depth analysis of the Rapture of the Church.  In the Apostle Paul’s letter to Titus, he describes the Rapture as a highly anticipated event and a wonderfully blessed hope.  In Paul’s words, all true believers are “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13) 

When the Bible utilizes the word “hope” in this context, it does not mean some ‘nice thing’ we suspect might happen someday.  It is no random expectation, but it is a certain and certified fact, promised numerous times in God’s unfailing Word.  In this connection, “hope” means a present and confident expectation of a certain future event.   This hope has sustained believers-in-Christ for two millennia.  When redeemed loved ones transition (go to “sleep in Jesus,” as the Bible says), they await this resurrection, when the dead arise first, and along with living believers are transformed and taken away to live forever with our Lord.  But these same saints shall return at His glorious appearing to judge the world.  “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” And this is no temporary vacation, for according to Paul, “so shall we EVER be with the Lord.” (I Thessalonians 4:14 and I Corinthians 6:2) Now that is hope!

To recap, much confusion surrounds the interpretation of end-times events because the Bible unveils two very distinct apocalyptic occurrences.  For the sake of clarity, we label them “Phase One” and “Phase Two” of the Second Coming of Christ.  Some scriptures might ‘appear’ to be contradictory, because some of them refer (only) to the first event and some refer (only) to the second.  This is the source of misinterpretation and misunderstanding for many.  However, Phase One is THE RAPTURE, and Phase Two is THE GLORIOUS APPEARANCE. The distinctiveness of each phase is clearly evident in scripture.

THE RAPTURE is for a select group of people: The Church.  Christ will return soon and will reveal Himself only to His people.  Since this event will be accomplished in absolute secrecy, it will cause the world to wonder afterwards: ‘What has happened? Where are the missing people?’ (Matthew 24:37-42) At the Rapture, Christ arrives (mid-air) to receive and transport us to the “Father’s house” in fulfillment of His promise. (John 14:1-3)

THE GLORIOUS APPEARANCE, on the other hand, is for everyone, saint and sinner alike.  Indeed, it will be a globally observed event, occurring at the end of The Tribulation Period.  In this instance, “every eye shall see Him.” (Revelation 1:7) Approximately seven years after The Rapture, Christ will return to earth with great glory.  He will set down on the Mount of Olives; He will defeat Satan, the Antichrist, the false prophet and their followers; He will establish His earthly kingdom; and, He will ultimately judge fallen humanity.  And HE shall reign “for ever and ever.”  Hallelujah! (Luke 1:33 and Revelation 11:15) 

It is crucial that we outline details of the events of THE RAPTURE events and THE GLORIOUS APPEARANCE events in order to strike an objective comparison and contrast.  Today, we highlight events of The Rapture. 

EVENTS OF THE RAPTURE

--Jesus Christ will descend from Heaven, where He is preparing a place for us in the Father’s house. (John 14:1-3 – I Thessalonians 4:16)

--He will come again to receive us unto Himself. (John 14:1-3)

--The Lord will shout as He descends, which is a powerful resurrection command. (I Thessalonians 4:16) 

--All of this will take place in the “twinkling of an eye.”  (I Corinthians 15:52)

--We (believers) will hear the voice of the archangel.  (I Thessalonians 4:16)

--We (believers) will also hear the trumpet of God, the final trumpet summons for His Church. (I Thessalonians 4:16)

--Christ will resurrect those who have fallen asleep in Him, i.e. the deceased believers, who will rise first.  The corruptible ashes of their dead bodies will be made incorruptible and joined together with their spirits, which Jesus will bring with Him.  (I Thessalonians 4:15-17)

--Believers who are alive shall be changed, i.e. made incorruptible by having our bodies made to be “immortal.” (I Corinthians 15:51;53)

--All believers will be caught up together. (I Thessalonians 4:17)

--Deceased and living believers will have a wonderful reunion in the clouds, i.e. a joyous meeting with our Savior in the air. (I Thessalonians 4:17)

--Jesus will take us to the Father’s house and receive us.  According to His promise, “that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:3)

--Believers shall always be with the Lord.  (I Thessalonians 4:17)

--After the Rapture, believers will stand individually before the judgment seat of Christ and our Kingdom works will be evaluated by Him. (Romans 14:10 – II Corinthians 5:10 – I Corinthians 3:11-15)

--This judgment rewards believers and prepares us for our ultimate union with Christ.  Before returning to earth to judge the world, Christ will marry His Bride (The Church) and The Marriage Supper of the Lamb will take place in Heaven.  (Revelation 22:12 – Revelation 19:1-10)

--After the Church’s removal from the world, an unprecedented time of divine wrath will occur, which Jesus Christ called the “great tribulation.”  This is the second half of the seven-Year Tribulation Period. (Matthew 24:21 – Revelation, chapters 8-18)

Our next devotional will focus on the extensive and intricate events of THE GLORIOUS APPEARING.  Please stay prayerfully attentive as our end-times series progresses.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!