Week #1: What Is the Rapture?
Blog Series Intention Recap
God has not destined the Church for wrath—and that truth changes everything.
This four-week series, Signs of the Times, explores the hope, clarity, and urgency that come with understanding the pre-tribulational rapture. In a world full of confusion and chaos, the return of Christ for His Bride is a promise that gives believers peace. Week by week, we’ll discover what the rapture is, why it must happen before the tribulation, how current events point toward the coming tribulation (not the rapture), and why alternative views like mid- or post-trib don’t align with Scripture. When we rightly understand God’s plan for the Church, we don’t panic—we prepare. This series will anchor your faith, fuel your mission, and help you live ready.
This page is a post in the series “Signs of the Times.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into Week #1:
He’s Coming to Take Us Home… The rapture is not a myth or mystery—it’s an absolute promise from Yeshua (Jesus). One day, without warning, He will return for His Church and take us to be with Him. This is not the end of the world, but the beginning of forever for those who belong to Christ.
Why it Matters:
It’s a rescue mission. Yeshua (Jesus) will remove His Church before the coming judgment.
It’s a real event. The rapture is different from the Second Coming.
It’s a comforting hope. Believers should encourage one another with this truth.
It could happen anytime. No signs are needed first—be ready.
Go Deeper:
Scripture Focus:
John 14:1-3
1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
The Promise You Can’t Miss
Life is filled with surprises—some good, some hard. But for the believer in Yeshua (Jesus), there is one surprise we are meant to look forward to every day. It’s called the rapture.
Yeshua (Jesus) made a promise in John 14:1-3. He told His disciples:
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you… I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:1–3, ESV)
This is more than comfort—it’s a clear promise. Yeshua (Jesus) will come back, not to judge the world (yet), but to take His people—His Church—to be with Him.
What Is the Rapture?
The word “rapture” doesn’t appear in English Bibles. But it comes from the Latin word rapturo, which translates the Greek word harpazō in 1 Thessalonians 4:17:
“…we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air…”
That phrase “caught up” is harpazō—to grab quickly, to snatch away with force. That’s what the rapture is. Yeshua (Jesus) will come down from heaven (but not touch the earth) and call up His Church.
Let’s be clear: this is not the Second Coming.
The Second Coming happens at the end of the tribulation (Revelation 19).
The rapture happens before the tribulation begins.
In the rapture, Yeshua (Jesus) meets us in the air.
In the Second Coming, Yeshua (Jesus) returns to earth to rule.
These are two different events. Don’t mix them up.
What Happens at the Rapture?
Paul gives us the details in 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18.
Believers who have died will rise first.
Then we who are still alive will be caught up with them.
We will meet Yeshua (Jesus) in the air.
We will always be with the Lord.
That means the rapture includes a resurrection. It’s not just a relocation—it’s a transformation. Believers get new, glorified bodies. No more sickness, death, or sin.
And the best part? We’ll never be apart from Yeshua (Jesus) again.
Why It Matters
You might be asking, “Why do I need to know this?”
Here’s why:
It changes how we grieve.
Paul wrote these words to comfort believers whose loved ones had died. He didn’t say, “Don’t cry.” He said, “We don’t grieve as others do who have no hope.” (1 Thess. 4:13)
If someone you love died in Christ, they’re not lost forever. You’ll see them again.It gives us peace in a scary world.
From wars to disasters to hatred and chaos, this world is shaking. But the rapture reminds us: we’re not staying here. Yeshua (Jesus) is coming.It motivates holiness.
If Yeshua (Jesus) could return today, how would you live? Would you stay angry? Would you keep that secret sin? Would you stop sharing the gospel?It helps us encourage others.
1 Thessalonians 4:18 says, “Therefore encourage one another with these words.” The rapture isn’t meant to scare us. It’s intended to stir us.
5. Common Questions
Q: What if I don’t believe in the rapture?
A: The rapture isn’t a theory—it’s a teaching straight from Scripture. Whether you believe it or not, it will happen. The real question is: Are you ready?
Q: Doesn’t this just make Christians lazy?
A: No. The opposite should be true. Knowing that Yeshua (Jesus) could return at any time should make us alert, focused, and bold.
Q: Isn’t the idea of being “snatched away” strange?
A: It might sound strange, but it’s not new. Enoch (Genesis 5:24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11) were both taken up to heaven without experiencing physical death. God has done this before. He will do it again.
Q: Why don’t more pastors teach about this?
A: Some avoid it because it’s hard to explain. Others reject it because they confuse the rapture with the Second Coming. Still others just focus on the here and now. But Scripture tells us to be watchful.
No Signs, Just Readiness
Many prophecies in the Bible are tied to clear signs. But the rapture is different.
There are no prerequisites that must be met first. This is called imminence—the idea that Yeshua (Jesus) could come at any moment.
If signs had to happen first, then we could wait. But Yeshua (Jesus) says, “Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matt. 24:44)
So don’t wait to repent. Don’t delay your calling. Don’t put off reconciliation.
The Church Is the Bride
One more reason the rapture is pre-tribulational (before the seven-year tribulation): the Church is the Bride of Christ.
Would a groom beat his bride before the wedding?
Would Yeshua (Jesus) leave His Bride to suffer God’s wrath?
Of course not.
The tribulation is not just suffering—it is judgment from God on a rebellious world and a time of refinement for Israel (Jeremiah 30:7). But the Church is not destined for wrath (1 Thess. 5:9). We will be removed before the storm.
How does this help me understand “The Signs of the Times?”
Live ready.
The return of Yeshua (Jesus) could happen at any moment. Don’t panic—prepare. Don’t delay—decide. Don’t sleep—stay awake.
This doctrine shouldn’t just fill your head. It should shape your life.
Here’s how to live ready:
Believe in Yeshua (Jesus).
Make sure you know Him—not just know about Him. Repent and trust Him alone.Stay awake.
Don’t fall asleep spiritually. Read the Word. Pray. Stay alert.Share the gospel.
If time is short, we must speak the truth. Love people enough to tell them.Encourage others.
When someone is hurting, afraid, or grieving—remind them: Yeshua (Jesus) is coming.
Encourage one another with this blessed hope.
The rapture is not the end of the story. It’s the beginning of eternity with Yeshua (Jesus).
This world is not our home. We’re waiting for the trumpet. We’re looking for the cloud. We’re listening for the shout.
One day soon—maybe even today—Yeshua (Jesus) will say, “Come up here.”
And just like that, we’ll be gone.
Not because we’re perfect.
Not because we’re lucky.
But because we belong to Him.
