The Rapture: Living in Expectation of Christ’s Return

The Rapture: Living in Expectation of Christ’s Return

The rapture – the sudden, supernatural catching away of believers to meet Jesus in the air –is one of the most awe-inspiring and frequently debated events in biblical prophecy. Though the word "rapture" does not appear in English Bibles, its meaning is firmly rooted in Scripture. The Apostle Paul captures this mystery in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NKJV): “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 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.”

The phrase “caught up” is translated from the Greek word ‘harpazo’, meaning to seize or snatch away suddenly – an instantaneous removal of believers from the earth. This is what we call the rapture.

Bible teacher Amir Tsarfati, emphasizes that the rapture is a distinctly pre-tribulation event. According to his teaching, the rapture will occur before the seven-year Tribulation, sparing the Church from God’s wrath. Tsarfati often references 1 Thessalonians 5:9: “For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This distinction is important. The rapture is not an act of judgment – it’s a rescue mission. It is Christ coming for His Church, whereas His Second Coming (Revelation 19) is when He returns with His Church to establish His kingdom.

Paul describes the rapture as a divine mystery in 1 Corinthians 15:51-52:

“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye… the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

This instantaneous transformation signals the end of our earthly struggle and the beginning of eternal fellowship with Jesus. Tsarfati notes that this hope should not generate fear, but anticipation—what Paul calls “the blessed hope” in Titus 2:13: “Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Many believers today are weary and confused by global instability – wars, lawlessness, natural disasters, and moral collapse. Yet these events are not cause for panic. They are signs pointing to the soon return of Christ. As Tsarfati reminds us, “The world isn’t falling apart – it’s falling into place.”

Jesus Himself declared in John 14:2-3: “I go to prepare a place for you... I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

This is a literal promise from the risen Christ. He will return—and the rapture is imminent.

That’s why Jesus says in Matthew 24:44: “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

The question isn’t when the rapture will take place—but are we ready?

Now is the time to live with urgency, purity, and faith—not out of fear, but out of love for the One who gave His life for us. The rapture is not the end of the story—it’s the beginning of forever with Christ.

Maranatha! The Lord is coming soon.