THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH

Are you ready for the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ? That one question evokes a host of reactions from people all over the globe. Primarily, it seems to cause a sense of panic in many people, who don't really understand what we're asking and others feel a sense of dread because they think they know, but are not sure.

This subject has captured much attention over the past twenty-odd years. It is discussed, interpreted, misinterpreted and wrongly interpreted by many we would not think had an interest in it, not the least of which seems to be Hollywood.

There is much confusion and misconception about this question or topic and not much of the banter of the times seem to shed any lilght on it or explain what it is and what it means.

Some refer to it as the end of the world, and certainly, it will end the world we know, here and now, but that isn't its importance.

The major importance is that it will usher in a new world, one of peace, of plenty, of purpose. A new system will be established replacing the body politic that we know all over the world in one or another form. A King will be on His throne which is His from everlasting and His government will be JUST, perfect and endless. The King is the Lord Jesus Christ, "King of kings and lord of Lords"

The beginning of the establishment of this new and last kingdom is introduced by His coming in the clouds and receiving out of this world all who are His by faith. Next comes a time of unbridled evil, misery and suffering, on all fronts across the planet. Ending the ruthless turmoil on earth is the physical return of Jesus to the earth with His saints to subdue it and re-create it as it was intended to be from the beginning.

The taking of His own from the world is called "the rapture of the church" or simply, "the rapture". This term is a designation of theology and does not appear in the English Bible, but it is described and discussed much in the Scriptures.

The Bible says: "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 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" (1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17).

No one knows when it will occur or at what hour. We are told why it will take place. First, it is a sign denoting a terrible time of judgment, war, injustice and famine is about to overtake the whole world. It is to rescue God's people, those who love and honor Jesus Christ from the wrath to come. It will bring true Christians into His presence to be rewarded for their faith and faithfulness. They look forward to the blessedness of this time (1 Thessalonians 4: 18)

The same New Testament writer says it will take place quickly, "in the twinkling of an eye" or, "as a thief in the night".

The people of the earth will be lulled by the promise of "peace and safeth; then sudden destruction cometh upon them" (1 Thessalonians 5: 2). Revelation, chapters 6-19, sees this sudden destruction as one nightmare upon another. Atime of trial, wrath, judgment, pestilence and desparation, from which there is no earthly escape. The ONLY hope of escape is to know Jesus Christ as Saviior before that time comes to be.

Because of the beginning of the end of things as we know them, we who know Jesus Christ as our Savior are to be busy working to get His message of hope and love to the millions who haven't heart it , as well as the scoffers who have long rejected it.

Christians are to cling to their breastplate of faith and love (1 Thessalonians 5: 6-8) and th ehelmet of hope of salvation and comfort and build up one another. Then, together, we are to present the message of hope to a hell-bound world. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10: 13).

Child of God, be ready! Child of the world, be ready!