The word RAPTURE does not occur in the New Testament. However Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 used the expression “caught up” which explains exactly what the word rapture means. 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. It is sometimes referred to by some as the “translation of the saints”using the word referred to of Enoch; Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Going back to Genesis chapter 5 it was written, God took him.
In John 14:1-3, Jesus said He would come again to receive His own and take them to be with Him in His Father’s House. Both the Lord Jesus and Paul spoke of the removal of the redeemed (the saints of God) to be with the Lord. Paul added a time element in 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 when he said it would occur in the twinkling of an eye. One moment we will be here on earth and the next in glory with our Lord and Savior!
The redeemed of all ages, in the ground or alive at Christ’s coming for His saints will be united by the Redeemer and taken to Heaven where Christ will present His bride to the Father. There will be a great wedding feast of the Lamb and those who He purchased with His blood. John l: 29b, Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.
SOME THINGS THAT TAKE PLACE AT THE “BEMA” OR JUDGEMENT SEAT OF CHRIST:
1. Some believers will be ashamed before Him; 1 John 2:28 And now little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
2. Some believers will have no rewards; 1 Corinthians 3:13-15, Every man’s work shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built there upon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
3. Some believers will not receive the crown of righteousness; 2 Timothy 4:8, Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.
4. All believers will be there. Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10, For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
SOME THINGS ABOUT THE GREAT TRIBULATION AS SHOWN IN SCRIPTURE,
It is entirely to try (judge) the Jews; Jeremiah 30;7; Matthew 24; 15-21; Daniel 12:1, And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of Thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time; and at that time Thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
It is to purge the Jews of their unbelief (Zachariah 13:9; Malachi 3:2, 3; Isaiah 4:4)
It is to prepare the nation Israel for the coming Kingdom (Isaiah 40: 1-5; Malachi 4:5, 6)
The Rapture of the saints is before this. There is no prophetic time table for it. We are to be prepared and looking for it at all times.
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.