Where Are You Going? A Biblical View of the Rapture

One of the major doctrines of end-time theology is the “rapture” of the church. The word “rapture” means “caught up,” and it describes the event of Jesus returning for His church. The rapture involves believers being “caught up” in the air to meet Jesus. At some point in the near future, our Lord will descend out of heaven and gather all Christians—both the living and the dead—to Himself so that we will be with Him for eternity (John 14:1–3).

You won’t find the term “rapture” anywhere in the Bible. It’s a Latin word that was coined by Jerome, an early church father who lived in the 5th century, to describe what is written about in 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18. The biggest disagreement between Christians today is when the rapture will occur. Some believe that it will take place before the tribulation; others believe that it will take place during the tribulation; and finally, there are those who are convinced that it will take place at the end of the tribulation.

Personally, I believe that the rapture will take place before the tribulation, which is also known as "the day of the Lord." Despite the fact that eschatology appears to be confusing to many believers, Paul saw it as a foundational belief, so he taught about it—and the second coming of Jesus, which will usher in the millennium—early on when he established a church.

The Thessalonians had become confused concerning the rapture. They were under the impression that the believers who died before Jesus came back would miss the rapture. Paul sought to clear up this confusion by explaining that those who have died in the Lord would also be a part of the rapture. He explained that those who had died prior to this event would come back with Jesus and receive a glorified body, just like those who were still alive (v. 14). You can’t bring back what you don’t already have. This means that when a believer dies, their soul will go to heaven and be with Jesus in a temporary body (2 Cor. 5:6–7; Phil. 1:23).

Notice that Paul refers to the believer who has died as being asleep, not dead. The word “cemetery” comes from a Greek term that means “to sleep.” The body sleeps, but the soul does not. When the rapture occurs, those who have died in the Lord will receive their glorified bodies at that time. Paul’s words were meant to be a comfort to his friends at Thessalonica—and to us.

Here’s something to think about: When we die, we don’t go out of existence, as atheists believe. We won’t experience reincarnation, as the Hindus and Buddhists believe. And our souls do not go into some kind of suspended animation known as soul sleep, which some Christians believe. If we die before the rapture, the minute our eyes close in death, they will open in heaven where Jesus is, and we will enjoy all of the blessings that God has in store for those who love Him (1 Cor. 2:9). Also, when the rapture does occur, we will be reunited with our Christian loved ones and friends forever. This is our blessed hope (Titus 2:13).

Albert Einstein once traveled by train to visit a friend in another town. When the conductor came around to check everybody’s ticket, he could not find his. He checked his coat pockets and pants pockets, but he had no luck in finding his ticket. The conductor assured him, “Dr. Einstein, I know who you are, and I am sure you purchased the ticket, so don’t worry about it.” Having worked his way to the end of the train car, the conductor turned around and noticed that Dr. Einstein was on his knees looking under the seat for his ticket. He came back to Dr. Einstein’s seat and tried to reassure him that he knew who he was and that he didn’t have to find his ticket, to which Dr. Einstein replied, “Sir, I know who I am—I just don’t know where I’m going.”

In a cemetery next to Windsor Castle, there’s a headstone that reads:

“Pause, my friend, as you walk by;
As you are now, so once was I.
As I am now, so you will be.
Prepare, my friend, to follow me!”

Someone wrote on the headstone:

“To follow you is not my intent
Until I know which way you went!”

As Christians, we have a wonderful assurance and hope because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and His promised return. Do you have that hope today? Which way are you going?

These articles follow our church-wide reading plan. To read with us, click here.