THE RAPTURE

PROCLAMATION

“For this we say unto you by The Word of The Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of The Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  For The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; Then 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.”  1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the Apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Thessalonica.  Paul begins this fourth chapter by urging them to live in order to please God, more than they were already doing.  He told them that it was God’s will for them to avoid sexual immorality, to exercise control over their own body and live holy and honorably. (1 Thessalonians 4:1-5)  He acknowledged that they had already demonstrated love for one another, but he encouraged them to mind their own business so that their daily lives would win the respect of non-believers. (Thessalonians 4:9-12)  Then he addressed the rapture, and he made it clear that the dead in Christ would rise first, and after that those who were still alive would meet them and The Lord in the air.  We will all be taken away to be with The Lord forever.  (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

 

APPLICATION

It is a comforting thought, for those of us who have had loved ones who have transitioned from earthly labor to heavenly reward, to know that we will see them again.  Although they are now asleep in death, we will meet them again when The Lord Jesus, The Christ, returns to rapture all believers.  Unfortunately, there will be some people who will be left behind after the rapture occurs and removes all of the believers from the earth. (Matthew 24:40-42)  In the twinkling of an eye, all believers will be changed from corruptible mortals to spiritual beings of incorruptible immortality. (1 Corinthians 15:51-54)  Woe be unto those who are left behind.