Bible Study The Rapture

[Douglas Summers]

The word "rapture" in Scripture comes from the Latin Bible (Vulgate). It is the Latin translation "Rapturo" for the Greek word "Harpazo" in (1 Thes. 4:14-18) for the word "caught up" in verse 17.
This event is a meeting in the air of the, dead first and then those living (TOGETHER) to be with the Lord forever. (this is the Spirit and the new body joined together with Christ).(His Church Matt. 16:17-19)

When the Lord returns to the earth (his second advent) He says this: (Matt. 24:26-28) Like a flash of
lightning everyone will see Him. (Rev. 1:7)....every eye will see Him! It will not be hidden from sight. But when He comes for His Church (first), Only the Church will be missing (Matt. 24:40-41). It will be a mystery to non believers.
This is why the Church in Thessalonian were grieved. Some had reported that the Church had already been taken away. (2 Tim. 2:15-19). The Church was expecting a rapture and by false teachers, they had thought it already happened because of the persecution of the Church at that time. Paul comforts them that it has not happened. (2 Thes. 2:1-3)

 

[for_his_glory]

Rapture, or as scripture calls it being caught up, 1Thessalonians 4:13-18, is explained in these verses if you read them for what they say. Parentheses are added by myself as they are not part of the scripture, but reveal that Rev 14:11-20 is the precursor for the catching up of the saints (Rapture) that makes up the true body of Christ. This is separating the wheat from the tares or in other words saints from sinners as sinners being those who have taken the mark of the beast in Rev 13. Christ is sending the angels to separate the wheat from the tares to protect His own as they continue to witness Christ to those who will finally have ears to hear up to and during Gods seven vial judgments, Rev 15:1-8; 16:1-21.

After mystery Babylon is revealed and then destroyed, Rev Chapters 17, 18, heaven rejoices her destruction as the beast and false prophet are cast into the lake of fire. It is not until we read in Rev 19 of Christ second coming as we, His Bride, have prepared ourselves, those in the grave and we that are still alive, to be caught up together to the clouds and given our new glorified bodies as we are arrayed in fine linen, clean and white then meet Christ in the air, 1Thessalonians 4:13-18. We are then joined to our Groom (Jesus) for the marriage supper (union) of the Lamb and His Bride. Fine linen means we are now arrayed in Gods righteousness.

We then immediately come down to earth with Him as Jesus plants His feet on the Mount of Olives, Zechariah 14:4, to fight the final battle as He smites the nations and now rules over them. Jesus will then cast Satan into the lake of fire with the beast and the false prophet that has caused a great falling away, 2Thessalonians 2:3. Then comes Gods final judgment on those who have rejected Christ and they are then cast into the lake of fire for their names were not found written in the Lambs Book of Life, Rev Chapter 20. Heaven and earth are restored and the New Jerusalem is ushered down and we are with the Lord for eternity.

Genesis Chapter 49; Deuteronomy 31:28-30; Jeremiah 30:18-24; Daniel 12:1-4; Matthew 24:21-31; 25:31-33; John 6:37-40; Revelation 14:11-16

The word Rapture is found nowhere in any scripture or in any concordances or Bible dictionaries. Some people have taken the transliterate word of the Greek, Harpazo, to mean Rapture, but the definition of this word is:

1. To seize, carry off by force, obtain by robbery

2. To seize on, claim for one's self eagerly

3. To snatch out or away

The Latin word rapio is where the word Rapture came from as it means to be seized or snatched up. No where in scripture does it say we will be seized or snatched up as we are obtained by robbery. We will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air after receiving our new glorified bodies that will be like Jesus and will evermore be with Him on the last day, John 6:40. It's no secret quiet rapture as many teach as the voice and the sound of a trumpet during the last day will be very loud and every eye will see Jesus return so it doesn't sound like we are seized or snatched up from the earth as God sends His angels out to gather the saints of God from the four corners of the earth, Rev 1:7; 1Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 24:29-31.

 

[Chopper]

Rapture, or as scripture calls it being caught up, 1Thessalonians 4:13-18, is explained in these verses if you read them for what they say. Parentheses are added by myself as they are not part of the scripture, but reveal that Rev 14:11-20 is the precursor for the catching up of the saints (Rapture) that makes up the true body of Christ. This is separating the wheat from the tares or in other words saints from sinners as sinners being those who have taken the mark of the beast in Rev 13. Christ is sending the angels to separate the wheat from the tares to protect His own as they continue to witness Christ to those who will finally have ears to hear up to and during Gods seven vial judgments, Rev 15:1-8; 16:1-21.

After mystery Babylon is revealed and then destroyed, Rev Chapters 17, 18, heaven rejoices her destruction as the beast and false prophet are cast into the lake of fire. It is not until we read in Rev 19 of Christ second coming as we, His Bride, have prepared ourselves, those in the grave and we that are still alive, to be caught up together to the clouds and given our new glorified bodies as we are arrayed in fine linen, clean and white then meet Christ in the air, 1Thessalonians 4:13-18. We are then joined to our Groom (Jesus) for the marriage supper (union) of the Lamb and His Bride. Fine linen means we are now arrayed in Gods righteousness.

We then immediately come down to earth with Him as Jesus plants His feet on the Mount of Olives, Zechariah 14:4, to fight the final battle as He smites the nations and now rules over them. Jesus will then cast Satan into the lake of fire with the beast and the false prophet that has caused a great falling away, 2Thessalonians 2:3. Then comes Gods final judgment on those who have rejected Christ and they are then cast into the lake of fire for their names were not found written in the Lambs Book of Life, Rev Chapter 20. Heaven and earth are restored and the New Jerusalem is ushered down and we are with the Lord for eternity.

Genesis Chapter 49; Deuteronomy 31:28-30; Jeremiah 30:18-24; Daniel 12:1-4; Matthew 24:21-31; 25:31-33; John 6:37-40; Revelation 14:11-16

The word Rapture is found nowhere in any scripture or in any concordances or Bible dictionaries. Some people have taken the transliterate word of the Greek, Harpazo, to mean Rapture, but the definition of this word is:

1. To seize, carry off by force, obtain by robbery

2. To seize on, claim for one's self eagerly

3. To snatch out or away

The Latin word rapio is where the word Rapture came from as it means to be seized or snatched up. No where in scripture does it say we will be seized or snatched up as we are obtained by robbery. We will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air after receiving our new glorified bodies that will be like Jesus and will evermore be with Him on the last day, John 6:40. It's no secret quiet rapture as many teach as the voice and the sound of a trumpet during the last day will be very loud and every eye will see Jesus return so it doesn't sound like we are seized or snatched up from the earth as God sends His angels out to gather the saints of God from the four corners of the earth, Rev 1:7; 1Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 24:29-31.

Harpazo is not the proper word for rapture, IMO. We have to use the language of Yahshua which is Aramaic. The Aramaic/Hebrew word for Rapture is Netchatef....Here is a video from my instructor in the Hebrew language, Alan Horvath who is a converted Jew....Buckle up Glory Girl, you're about to learn some new spiritual lessons as I have. Alan has video's on just about any questions you and others might have....Enjoy my friend.

 

[Apousía]

How will you act as the cloud of witnesses if you aren't here ?

 

[Douglas Summers]

Harpazo is not the proper word for rapture, IMO. We have to use the language of Yahshua which is Aramaic. The Aramaic/Hebrew word for Rapture is Netchatef....Here is a video from my instructor in the Hebrew language, Alan Horvath who is a converted Jew....Buckle up Glory Girl, you're about to learn some new spiritual lessons as I have. Alan has video's on just about any questions you and others might have....Enjoy my friend.

Thanks Chopper, Finally, some one teaching what I learned. Men can lead you to Scripture, but only God can give the increase. (convince or conviction of the TRUTH) Amen.

 

[Douglas Summers]

How will you act as the cloud of witnesses if you aren't here ?

We have received them as a cloud of witnesses already by the the witness of their faith into future things. Their faith in looking forward to the new Jerusalem that they have not received yet, but is promised to all the saints in Revelations when all things are finished. (Revleation chapters 21 and 22) This is the promise that all the OT saints were looking for along with us. You see, The Gospel is also about the Kingdom of God, literally.

 

[Apousía]

Interesting, thank you

What I guess I was really pointing out was that in the following verse which is used to support the view of a rapture where people are whisked away into the sky:

1Th 4:17 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.

... the word " clouds "

νεφελη nephele {nef-el'-ay} - cloud a cloud 1a) used of the cloud which led the Israelites in the wilderness

From Strong's 3509

νεφος nephos {nef'-os} apparently a root word; - cloud ) a cloud, a large dense multitude, a throng 1a) used to denote a great shapeless collection of vapour obscuring the heavens as opposed to a particular and definite masses of vapour with some form or shape 1b) a cloud in the sky

and the word " air "

αηρ aer {ah-ayr'} from aemi (to breathe unconsciously, i.e. respire; by analogy, to blow); - air 7; 7 1) the air, particularly the lower and denser air as distinguished from the higher and rarer air 2) the atmospheric region

...is rather obviously cognate to the primitive root of the name " Jehovah "

הָוָא hâvâʼ, haw-vaw'; or הָוָה hâvâh; a primitive root (compare H183, H1961) supposed to mean properly, to breathe; to be (in the sense of existence):—be

So ...., and again, merely my opinion, .....the verse in Thessalonians, read properly, says that the " rapture " is people being caught up in the spirit of God which is said to be poured out on the world

ie " the cloud of witnesses ( indwelt with the spirit of God ) in

Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

..which uses the Greek word

νεφος nephos {nef'-os} apparently a root word; - cloud ) a cloud, a large dense multitude, a throng 1a) used to denote a great shapeless collection of vapour obscuring the heavens as opposed to a particular and definite masses of vapour with some form or shape 1b) a cloud in the sky

......that gives the root of " clouds " in 1 Thessalonians 4:17..................( The rapture verse )

...because if αηρ aer {ah-ayr'} ( Coming from the primitive root of the name Jehovah ) is not somehow cognate to the Hebrew " ruach " ( spirit / air / breath / etc ) and the Greek " pneuma " ( air / spirit / breath )

......I must be missing some things

 

[for_his_glory]

Harpazo is not the proper word for rapture, IMO. We have to use the language of Yahshua which is Aramaic. The Aramaic/Hebrew word for Rapture is Netchatef....Here is a video from my instructor in the Hebrew language, Alan Horvath who is a converted Jew....Buckle up Glory Girl, you're about to learn some new spiritual lessons as I have. Alan has video's on just about any questions you and others might have....Enjoy my friend.

Hi Chopper my dear friend. I can't open videos as I'm on dial up........ugh!!! but I did go to his website as below are the things I differ in in what he says.

Netchatef, Harpazo, Rapture all means being caught up as explained in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-54. The last trump is the seventh trump of God who sends the angels out to sound them during the time of Gods great wrath that has never been before nor ever will be again, Matthew 24:21.

Alan says the word Rapture was only found in the Latin Vulgate around 400 A.D. and before that it was never in any of the letters that make up the Bible. He goes on to say the Greek word harpazois usually translated caught up.

Just because Ephraem wrote in 373 A.D. that the Rapture is before the tribulation doesn't make it so as this is his own belief just as what the early church fathers believed.

The Church might have started at Pentecost when they were filled with the Holy Spirit, but all those of faith before Pentecost are also as Alan puts it Called Out Ones. Do you really think that Jesus only comes for the Pentecost Church! No, Jesus returns for His bride that has made herself ready from the beginning of time as even back then they new Messiah would come and even though they died before Jesus was born they still anticipated His coming. Why would God separate the two and put them in groups as Jesus only returns once and those in the grave will rise first and together with those alive will be caught up to the clouds to meet Jesus in the air, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17.

The Church is mentioned throughout Revelations.
Rev 3:5; 5:13; 6:9-11; 16; 17; 7:13-17; 8:13; 13:11-18; 14:14-20; 16:11, 15; 18:23, 24; 19:7,8; 20:4-6; 20:12-15

Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

The hour of temptation is a reference to Gods children to be patience and not to give up and take the mark of the beast, Rev 13. It's the same as Satan tempting Jesus in Matthew Chapter 4.

There is no difference between the Church and the saints as we are all saints of God through faith in Him, Ephesians 2:8.

Jesus only comes once and when we are caught up to Him also is the Holy Spirit which dwells in us and without the Holy Spirit teaching the gospel through man how will those left behind have ears to hear and repent and turn back to God as when Jesus returns the door of salvation is closed forever.

 

[Jim Parker]

The word "rapture" in Scripture comes from the Latin Bible (Vulgate). It is the Latin translation "Rapturo" for the Greek word "Harpazo" in (1 Thes. 4:14-18) for the word "caught up" in verse 17.
This event is a meeting in the air of the, dead first and then those living (TOGETHER) to be with the Lord forever. (this is the Spirit and the new body joined together with Christ).(His Church Matt. 16:17-19)

When the Lord returns to the earth (his second advent) He says this: (Matt. 24:26-28) Like a flash of
lightning everyone will see Him. (Rev. 1:7)....every eye will see Him! It will not be hidden from sight. But when He comes for His Church (first), Only the Church will be missing (Matt. 24:40-41). It will be a mystery to non believers.
This is why the Church in Thessalonian were grieved. Some had reported that the Church had already been taken away. (2 Tim. 2:15-19). The Church was expecting a rapture and by false teachers, they had thought it already happened because of the persecution of the Church at that time. Paul comforts them that it has not happened. (2 Thes. 2:1-3)

So the Lord is coming again two times?
The "Rapture teaching" is a creation of the 19th century preacher John Darby.
It is a modern theological invention; a "wind of doctrine."
Unfortunately it has become part and parcel of much of American pop theology. If you attend Dallas Theological Seminary, that's what you'll get!

No one seems to notice that it was never taught anywhere by anyone up until Darby in the 1830's. To me, that seems very uncomfortably close to what the JWs and Mormons call "new light."

According to scripture, as best I can determine; Jesus is coming ONE more time.
At His coming, the dead in Christ will rise and, along with the believing church, will meet Him in the air and escort Him as He ascends to earth to rule forever.
At that time, there will be the ONE judgment of mankind. Jesus will sit on the "throne of His glory" (mat 25:31, aka: the "great white throne" of Rev 20:11) and HE will judge all mankind will be judged according to whether they did good or evil. (John 5:29)

But, I must admit, the whole Rapture thing sure preaches good especially with today's video projectors so a preacher can show timelines and when what will happen and who all the players are...

But that's just me. (And about 2/3s of the Christians in the world.)

Unfortunately, the teaching focuses on who, what, when, and where instead of what Jesus said we should be focused on.

Mat 24:42-51
...keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.

But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’ and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Luke 18:8b ...when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?

Focus on being ready, folks.

Jesus will be looking for faithful servants, not people who are well versed on the latest winds of doctrine.

But what do I know?

iakov the fool

 

[reba]

We do not need to agree but we will not be rude. Keep your postings fit for Bible Study or post else where...

Stating ones opinion is great...as in the posts above that is the idea .. posting opposing view is also good... but not the... yes ...no ... nonsense

Do not reply to this post in this thread

 

[Chopper]

Thank you Reba. We are commanded to love our Abba Father with all our heart and each other. Thanks for the reminder. I've always said, It is a biblical truth that Abba Father will sometimes give us what we want or believe. I believe in the pre-trib Rapture. Others don't. If they want to go thru the tribulation? So be it.

 

[civilwarbuff]

So the Lord is coming again two times?
The "Rapture teaching" is a creation of the 19th century preacher John Darby.
It is a modern theological invention; a "wind of doctrine."
Unfortunately it has become part and parcel of much of American pop theology. If you attend Dallas Theological Seminary, that's what you'll get!

No one seems to notice that it was never taught anywhere by anyone up until Darby in the 1830's. To me, that seems very uncomfortably close to what the JWs and Mormons call "new light."

According to scripture, as best I can determine; Jesus is coming ONE more time.
At His coming, the dead in Christ will rise and, along with the believing church, will meet Him in the air and escort Him as He ascends to earth to rule forever.
At that time, there will be the ONE judgment of mankind. Jesus will sit on the "throne of His glory" (mat 25:31, aka: the "great white throne" of Rev 20:11) and HE will judge all mankind will be judged according to whether they did good or evil. (John 5:29)

But, I must admit, the whole Rapture thing sure preaches good especially with today's video projectors so a preacher can show timelines and when what will happen and who all the players are...

But that's just me. (And about 2/3s of the Christians in the world.)

Unfortunately, the teaching focuses on who, what, when, and where instead of what Jesus said we should be focused on.

Mat 24:42-51
...keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.

But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’ and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Luke 18:8b ...when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?

Focus on being ready, folks.

Jesus will be looking for faithful servants, not people who are well versed on the latest winds of doctrine.

But what do I know?

iakov the fool

JP, do you believe all in the bible has been revealed? That there is no longer any new information or understanding that can be gleaned from it?

 

[for_his_glory]

Here are a few questions to all who believe in a pretrib Rapture. (I use to believe, but no longer)

1.If the Church is caught up to Jesus would not also the Holy Spirit as the Holy Spirit dwells in us and not something that just floats around?
2. What would be the whole purpose of the tribulation, Mystery Babylon being exposed and the mark of the beast as Jesus only comes once to gather us to Him as we will then forever be with Him and the door of salvation will be closed forever?
3. Since salvation comes by Gods grace through faith that is Christ Jesus and by hearing the word of God, how would anyone hear if there is no one left to preach the Gospel to them?

 

[Jim Parker]

JP, do you believe all in the bible has been revealed?

I believe that the Bible contains everything anyone needs to know about God's grace, His love, and what we must do to have eternal life.

That there is no longer any new information or understanding that can be gleaned from it?

I believe that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are still active today including prophesy which some people wrongly believe adds to the Bible.
I believe that the understanding of scripture was pretty much complete by the 9th century at the time of the last great council.
There have been multiple, so-called "new" understandings since then which have captured the minds and hearts of many true believers.
These alleged "new" understandings include the rejection of the sacraments. (called "mysteries" the eastern churches)
Another "new" understanding was that the bread and wine were "symbols" of Jesus' body and blood.
The removal of all images from churches was a "new" understanding.
The "rapture" teaching is a new understanding.

I believe that all of those "new understandings" are a departure from the original teaching of the apostles.

iakov the fool

 

[Chopper]

Here are a few questions to all who believe in a pretrib Rapture. (I use to believe, but no longer)

1.If the Church is caught up to Jesus would not also the Holy Spirit as the Holy Spirit dwells in us and not something that just floats around?
2. What would be the whole purpose of the tribulation, Mystery Babylon being exposed and the mark of the beast as Jesus only comes once to gather us to Him as we will then forever be with Him and the door of salvation will be closed forever?
3. Since salvation comes by Gods grace through faith that is Christ Jesus and by hearing the word of God, how would anyone hear if there is no one left to preach the Gospel to them?

O Glory Girl, I'm surprised that you haven't studied this through....2Thessalonians 2:7 "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way."....When the rapture occurs, the Holy Spirit goes up with the Elect to meet our Master in the clouds.

I mean no disrespect Glory Girl, you are advanced more than many others in the workings of Elohim.

 

[ezra]

here is my 2 cents it dont matter to me how or what ya call . he is coming again he is coming to get the Church
John 14: “Your heart must not be troubled. in God; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also.

Acts 1
The Ascension
9 After He had said this, He was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took Him out of their sight. 10 While He was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them.11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, {will come in the same way that you have seen Him going into heaven.”} Greek and Hebrew is fine but i am like the song Kenny Hinson sings call me Gone

 

[ezra]

as I'm on dial up........ugh!!!

serious i didnt think they had dial up any more you must live out in the middle of no where

 

[Eugene]

So the Lord is coming again two times?

At least Two, and I believe three times concerning the Church alone! Everyone caught up into heaven follow the pattern of 1 Thes 4:16-17; 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.

Would anyone say there have been no saints gone before us, and that are present with the Lord at this time?
2Co 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
What will be resurrected of those in the grave? their bodies? Their spirit is already there.

As John is shown different ones in different proximities to the throne of God arriving in heaven at different times, so is the amount of times Jesus meets different portions of the Church in the air.

 

[Jim Parker]

At least Two, and I believe three times concerning the Church alone! Everyone caught up into heaven follow the pattern of 1 Thes 4:16-17; 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.

Would anyone say there have been no saints gone before us, and that are present with the Lord at this time?
2Co 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
What will be resurrected of those in the grave? their bodies? Their spirit is already there.

As John is shown different ones in different proximities to the throne of God arriving in heaven at different times, so is the amount of times Jesus meets different portions of the Church in the air.

Those doctrines are, IMO, all modern inventions and not supported anywhere by any of the teachings of the church before the 19th century.
They are "winds of doctrine" which tickle ears and offer no substance by which the believer might "make his calling and election sure.
They are a distraction, IMO.

iakoc the fool

 

[Eugene]

Those doctrines are, IMO, all modern inventions and not supported anywhere by any of the teachings of the church before the 19th century.

Maybe they didn't understand some of the future prophesies due to the fact they were looking for the Lord's imminent return. Many things of Paul's gospel were hidden from the early church including the other apostles. Winds of doctrine? Who are present with Jesus when He receives His throne beginning His thousand year reign? To even be present in heaven with Him, wouldn't that be sufficient evidence that they were caught up? Did they arrive there prior to the tribulation, and not of the pattern of 1 Thes 4:16-17?