Rapture: Joyous, No Secret

[The following was originally published here on 7/18/12.] 

"Rapture" is not a word that is found in Scripture, but it is a summary of an eschatological concept. ("Eschatology" meaning "the study of the end-times.") "Rapture" comes from a word meaning "caught up." Theologian R.C. Sproul defines "rapture" as "the miraculous transportation of all living Christians to Heaven at the return of Jesus."

A key biblical text for understanding the rapture is 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Notice what this passage teaches about the rapture:

1. The rapture will not be secret: it will be announced with "a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, with the sound of the trumpet of God" (1 Thess 4:13). [NOTE: this is the "last trumpet" mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:51-52–a parallel passage.]

2.  Again, there is no hint in this text that the glorified Lord will be invisible or concealed when He returns to rapture His people; also, compare Acts 1:11b, "This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into Heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into Heaven." [Emphasis added.]

3. The historical background of this rapture passage seems to refer to the people of a city rushing out to meet their conquering king, joyfully joining him as he parades victoriously into the city.

[HT:: "What is the Rapture" by R.C. Sproul]