1 THESSALONIANS 4:17

¹⁷ Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 

What does the Bible actually say about the rapture?

The Bible describes a future event where Christ returns for believers, a doctrine primarily based on 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51–52, but it doesn’t use the word “rapture”. This passage describes believers being caught up to meet the Lord in the air, with dead believers being raised first and living believers being transformed. However, interpretations vary regarding its timing and whether it’s a distinct event from the Second Coming of Christ.  

Biblical Passages About the Rapture

• 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17: This passage describes the descent of the Lord from heaven, the resurrection of the dead in Christ, and the living believers being “caught up” with them to meet the Lord in the air. 
• 1 Corinthians 15:51-52: Paul describes a future “mystery” where believers will not all die but will all be transformed “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet”. 

Interpretations and Debates

• Distinct Event: Some Christians believe the Rapture is a secret, pre-tribulation event where Christ comes “for” the church, taking them to heaven before a period of tribulation on earth. 
• Part of the Second Coming: Other Christians believe that the description in 1 Thessalonians is a part of Christ’s larger, public Second Coming to the earth. 
• The Second Coming: The full event described in 1 Thessalonians 4 and elsewhere involves Christ descending to Earth with His saints to defeat His enemies and establish His kingdom. 

Key Differences from the Second Coming

• Timing: The Rapture is often seen as preceding a period of tribulation, while the Second Coming is seen as the final descent of Christ to Earth after the tribulation. 
• Location: In the Rapture, Christ comes “in the air” to meet believers, whereas in the Second Coming, He descends to the earth. 
• Purpose: The Rapture’s purpose is seen as God’s plan to rescue the church, while the Second Coming is the establishment of the millennial kingdom on earth.

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!