The rapture of the Church

I Thessalonians 4:13–18
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Evidently some of the believers had misunderstood Paul’s teaching concerning the Lord’s return and because of the terrible persecution they were going through, had concluded that they were already in the tribulation. Perhaps they had sent an inquiry to Paul concerning this matter and he is answering their question. He says he doesn’t want the believers to be ignorant about life after death (vv. 13-15). He goes on to say that those who are alive when He returns will not go to be with Him until after the dead in Christ are raised first. He explains step by step what will happen when the Lord returns:

1. A return (v. 16). The Lord Himself shall usher in this great event with a dramatic and forceful announcement from heaven.
2. A resurrection (v. 16). The bodies of the dead in Christ will be raised before those who are alive are changed.
3. A rapture (v. 17). The phrase “caught up” is referred to as the rapture. This means the act of conveying a person from one place to another and as used here refers to the transport of the living and the dead to heaven.
4. A reunion (v. 17). The place is not as important as being united with Jesus and all our loved ones for ever.
5. A reassurance (v. 18). Not only do Christians not grieve like unbelievers who lose their loved ones but they can actually look forward to that day when they will be re-united with Him.  Just repeating these truths will bring assurance to the heart.

Application

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are some of the most certain facts of History. Because of this I need to be looking for opportunities to share this truth with others.