Rapture

STUDY GUIDE

THE "RAPTURE"

New Testament scriptures about the return of Jesus.

What will happen?

Matthew 24:15-31

Mark 13:14-27

Luke 21:25-28

Acts 1:1-11

I Corinthians 15:50-58

I Thessalonians 4:13-5:11

II Thessalonians 2

II Peter 3:1-13

If you accept the Pre-Tribulation return of Christ which is taught in many popular circles today, you recognize that one of the key events involved is the "secret" rapture (catching up, removal) of the church (all true believers) from the earth. One would think that such a key event would be clearly announced and described in the book of Revelation.

Where is the rapture described in the book of Revelation?

How is it described?

There are two main teachings about the rapture:

1. Secrecy, that is , it will be unannounced and unknown to those who remain.

2. That the church (believers, christians) would not suffer through the tribulation.

On a separate sheet of paper, list each of the scriptures above. Under each scripture list the sights that will be seen and the sounds that will be heard when Jesus returns.

From the above scriptures, make a list of examples of christians suffering during the tribulation leading up to the return of Jesus.

Is there anything in the scriptures listed above that specifically describes a secret return of Christ followed by a tribulation period and then another return of Christ seen universally by all?

Is there anything in the scriptures above that would require us to believe in a secret return of Christ, or that the church would not go through tribulation?

What do these scriptures say about Christian suffering?

1 Peter 4:12-19; Romans 8:17-25,35-39; Hebrews 12:1-13; Acts 14:19-22

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GENERAL NOTES ON THE RAPTURE

The rapture is not mentioned directly anywhere in the book of Revelation.

The scripture which is most cited as describing the secret rapture of the church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11) just does not describe a silent, secret rapture.

Verse 4:16 says, "with a shout", "with the voice of an archangel", and "with the trumpet of God".

The idea that the church, saints, christians will not go through the great tribulation just goes against clear teachings of scripture.

Matthew 24 (verses 22, 30-31)

The claim that the church is not mentioned after chapter three of Revelation is just not true. While it is correct that the word "church" (ekklesia) is not mentioned, the church or individual christians are mentioned many times under different names. As an example, look at Revelation 13:7-10: The beast will make war against the saints; The saints are warned to exercise patient endurance and faithfulness. For other examples see Revelation 7:3; 9:4; 12:17; 14:12; 17:6; 18:2.