So many people believe in a rapture without any proof or evidence except "this word means this or this word means that" when quoting scripture.
Matt.24:13 Jesus said he who endure to the end shall be saved.
24:21 He mentions the tribulation and what will happen during it,then in verse 29,He states that immediately after the tribulation the Angels will reap,verse31.
The new fad now is that Revelations 4:1 describes a rapture because John was told to "come up hither"
John had a vision like Daniel,Ezekiel,and others.He was not physically taken to Heaven.He certainly wasn't dead at that point and the Bible states plainly flesh and blood cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven.Even Paul stated that he was caught up......would that constitute another rapture theory..
I'm a retired Army officer and spent my last 7 or so years on a General staff doing plans at high levels.
I mention this as I may be a bit institutionalized in my approach.
A principle we used was called backwards planning. All based on facts (the things we knew were clear and true) and assumptions (the things we had to go out and look for which we figured would give us the best estimate).
I think in any discussion of rapture we need to know the facts first. Is rapture an actual word used in the Bible? I think yes it is fact:
In 1 Thessalonians 4, we see in verse 17 the following:
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.
"Caught up" bolded above is in the Greek "harpazo." But how did all these theologians get "rapture" from "harpazo?" They were operating from the Latin Vulgate:
deinde nos qui vivimus qui relinquimur simul rapiemur cum illis in nubibus obviam Domino in aera et sic semper cum Domino erimus (1 Thessalonians 4:17 Latin Vulgate)
Bolded is the Latin for rapture. So we know this rapture word exists. It's in the Bible (some claim it is not, and that is another story).
So looking at the itty bitty particulars, sure enough the apostle Paul tells us at some point the dead in Christ and those alive and remaining will be caught up to be with the Lord evermore. This was to be a comfort for the Thessalonians. It also says we will meet Christ in the clouds. In verse 14 it says we will be with Him.
Wow wonderful facts we have here. I'm rejoicing in this.
Ok, the big missing puzzle is "when in time and space does this happen?" That's the one billion dollar question isn't it?
This may help:
Read Revelation 19 and you will see the marriage supper of the Lamb. The bride is given white to wear and we see those arrayed in white follow Jesus Christ, the Faithful and True to earth to battle the beast, false prophet and their armies.
If the Bride is the church, and we meet Christ in the clouds being caught up, and we have this marriage feast, and given white garments and then follow Him to battle, we get a picture IMO.
The rapture happens for certain before Jesus gets on the white horse to judge the nations. His Second Advent when He comes as conquering King to Judge.
So there is no question to me reading these passages that "we" His bride are with Him after we sup with Him in Heaven and then accompany Him to glorious victory.
Ok but when is this rapture which leads to the marriage supper?
Some say pre tribulation. I've seen the arguments for this and admit it is convincing.
Some say pre wrath during the tribulation or at the last of the Trumpet judgements. This too has merits.
Some say rapture happens at the end of the tribulation just before Christ returns. There is also evidence supporting this view.
Some say the rapture is the actual judgment day when all are resurrected. This view has support too but I think ignores quite a lot.
I'm sure there are more views, however I wanted to lay out what we know (facts) and what we think we know (educated assumptions).
How do we navigate such opposing and differing views? How should we then live no knowing for certain? Go with what is CERTAIN. Read Matthew 25 where the Virgins were to keep their lamps trimmed and have enough oil on hand. Jesus gave us that parable. The apostle Paul also exhorted his readers to live pure lives and anticipate the Coming of our Master as if it would be tomorrow.
I think we all could "get behind" such an eschatology. Be ready, anticipate live holy lives.