Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the Rapture refers to a future event in Christian eschatology where believers in Jesus Christ are expected to be caught up or "raptured" to meet the Lord in the air. This event is often associated with the Second Coming of Christ and is characterized by the sudden and miraculous gathering of the faithful from the earth. The term "rapture" itself is derived from the Latin word "rapturo," which translates the Greek word "harpazo," meaning "to seize" or "to snatch away."Biblical Basis The primary scriptural basis for the Rapture is found in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 , Paul writes: "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord." Another key passage is 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 , where Paul describes the transformation that will occur: "Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." Interpretations and Timing The timing and nature of the Rapture have been subjects of considerable debate among theologians and scholars. Various interpretations exist, often categorized into pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, and post-tribulation views, each relating to the timing of the Rapture in relation to the Tribulation period described in the Book of Revelation. 1. Pre-Tribulation Rapture: This view holds that the Rapture will occur before the seven-year Tribulation period, sparing believers from the trials and judgments that will befall the earth. Proponents often cite Revelation 3:10 , where Jesus promises to keep the faithful "from the hour of trial that is coming upon the whole world." 2. Mid-Tribulation Rapture: According to this perspective, the Rapture will take place halfway through the Tribulation, after the first three and a half years. This view is supported by interpretations of Daniel 9:27 and Revelation 11:15, where the seventh trumpet is seen as a pivotal moment. 3. Post-Tribulation Rapture: This interpretation suggests that the Rapture will occur at the end of the Tribulation, coinciding with the visible return of Christ to establish His millennial kingdom. Advocates of this view often refer to Matthew 24:29-31 , where Jesus describes His coming "immediately after the tribulation of those days." Theological Significance The Rapture holds significant theological implications for believers, emphasizing the hope of eternal life and the promise of being united with Christ. It serves as a source of comfort and encouragement, as expressed in 1 Thessalonians 4:18 : "Therefore encourage one another with these words." The anticipation of the Rapture also underscores the call to live a life of holiness and readiness, as believers are urged to be vigilant and prepared for the Lord's return. In Matthew 24:42 , Jesus admonishes, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come." Cultural and Historical Context The doctrine of the Rapture gained prominence in the 19th century, particularly through the teachings of John Nelson Darby and the development of dispensationalism. It has since become a central theme in evangelical and fundamentalist Christian circles, influencing literature, media, and popular culture. While interpretations and beliefs about the Rapture may vary, it remains a pivotal aspect of Christian eschatology, reflecting the hope and expectation of Christ's return and the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for humanity. Topical Bible Verses 1 Thessalonians 4:17Then 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. Topicalbible.org 1 Corinthians 15:52 Revelation 1:7 Matthew 24:31 1 Thessalonians 4:16 Matthew 24:21 Greek 1611. ekstasis -- a displacement (of the mind), ie bewilderment ... ... 1611 (from 1839 , "completely remove") -- properly, take of regular position (standing) and bring a state of (rapture) -- like a person "carried out" in trance ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1611.htm - 7k Library Reasonable Rapture Because the Rapture of a Part of the Church Only, Would Leave the ... Of Rapture (Six Articles) Because the Rapture is the Consummation of Our Salvation and ... Whether Paul, when in Rapture, Saw the Essence of God? Whether Paul, when in Rapture, was Withdrawn from his Senses? Whether Rapture Pertains to the Cognitive Rather than to the ... Because the Partial-Rapture Theory Introduces a Situation that is ... Whither Thus, in Holy Rapture? Because to Make Our Rapture Dependent Upon Anything in us is to ... Resources The: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the Epistle of Paul To Philemon the First Epistle General Of John The Kingdom or Church of Christ the Second and Third Epistles Of John Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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