The Bible speaks about many future events that will happen before Jesus returns. One of these events is called the Rapture.
Many Christians in the United States and around the world wonder what the Rapture means and when it will happen.
The Promise of Jesus’ Return
Before we talk about the Rapture, we need to know that Jesus promised to come back.
He told His followers that He would return one day to take them to be with Him.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus said:
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:3)
This promise is one of the most comforting verses for Christians.
It shows that Jesus is not leaving His people behind, He is coming back for them.
What Is the Rapture?
Rapture does not appear in most English Bibles, but the idea is clearly described.
The Rapture means the moment when Jesus takes all true believers up to heaven.
This happens quickly and without warning.
The main Bible passage about the Rapture is found in 1 Thessalonians:
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
This verse teaches that both the believers who have died and those who are still alive will be taken up to meet Jesus in the sky.
It will be a joyful moment when all Christians are gathered together with the Lord.
When Will the Rapture Happen?
The Bible does not give us a date or time for the Rapture. Jesus said that no one knows the day or the hour.
“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” (Matthew 24:36)
This means we must always be ready. Christians are told to live holy lives and be watchful.
Some Bible teachers believe the Rapture will happen before a time of great trouble on earth, called the Tribulation.
Others believe it may happen in the middle or at the end of that time.
Even though there are different views, all agree that Jesus is coming again.
Who Will Be Taken in the Rapture?
The Rapture is for people who believe in Jesus and follow Him.
They are called “the Church” or “the Body of Christ.” These people have put their faith in Jesus as Savior.
They have trusted in His death and resurrection.
“For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9)
This means believers will not suffer God’s judgment during the end times.
Instead, they will be taken away to be with Jesus.
What Happens After the Rapture?
After the Rapture, the Bible says there will be a time of great trouble on earth.
This time is described in the Book of Revelation.
It will be a period when many people turn to God, but also when much suffering takes place.
Eventually, Jesus will return with His people to set up His kingdom on earth.
“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him.” (Revelation 1:7)
This return is called the Second Coming and is different from the Rapture.
How Should We Live Now?
Since we do not know when the Rapture will happen, we should live in a way that pleases God.
We should pray, read the Bible, and love others.
We should also tell others about Jesus so they can be ready too.
“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 24:44)
Being ready means trusting in Jesus today and living for Him every day.