DESCRIPTION OF RAPTURE

The greatest calamity that could befall anyone who claims to be a believer is to be on earth a second after the rapture. The one who is coming back for His own "suddenly" , warned us to be prepared, at least six times in different parables. Are you alert and ready ?.

The second coming of Christ prophesied by Daniel in Daniel 7:13 is a sound biblical fact. This return shall be in two stages. The first, being like a thief in the night" to receive unto Himself , His Church. This is popularity called the rapture. The second stage is His return with the saints to reign on earth . Our focus in today's lesson is the rapture.

WHEN AND WHAT IS THE RAPTURE ?

The word, rapture, is not found anywhere in the Bible although it is used to describe this great upcoming and memorable event. The rapture is the sudden catching up or sudden disappearance of holy and faithful saints from the earth to meet with our Lord and Saviour in the air . It is also referred to as the translation or translocation of believers . Example of such translation in the old Testament are : Enoch ( Genesis 5:22-24) and Elijah (2Kings2:11). It shall be as sudden as the twinkling of an eye.
     The exact timing of the occurrence of the rapture is not known . However , Jesus  Christ mentioned some of the signs and events that will heraid His coming in Matthew chapter 24 , So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things , know that it is near , even at the doors , (Matthew 24:33).
We also know that it shall preceded the tribulation.

HOW WILL RAPTURE HAPPEN ?

The following are to be expec ted at the rapture;
1. The trumpet of God shall sound (15:52).
2. The dead in Christ shall rise first (John 5:25)
3. There shall be extraordinary chaos on the earth (Matthew 24:40-41)
4. The dead in Christ and saints who are alive shall have glorified or immortal bodies and live forever (1Corinthians 15:51-54).
5. Saints which are alive shall be caught up to meet our Lord in the air. 1Corinthians 15:51.
Remember, The greatest calamity that could befall a believer is to be on earth a second after the rapture.