IS THE RAPTURE REAL?
Well, the words ‘the rapture’ do not appear in bible translations, (although I did hear someone say recently that there is one translation of scripture that uses an old word that means rapture, but I can’t remember where that was), but the event is real!
Anyway, the words that are used to describe it, are words like ‘caught up,‘ or, ‘snatched up,’ and, as I understand it, the original words mean to be picked up quickly before you even know what’s happening - like when a bird of prey swoops down and picks up its prey before they even knows the bird is there. *’’The term raptor is derived from the Latin word Rapio, meaning "to seize or take by force"’ taken from Wikipedia. Birds of prey are sometimes called raptors for this reason.
The reason Christians use it today is because Jesus said on the day he comes back we ‘must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.’ (Matthew 24:42)
1 Thessalonians 5:2 says ‘for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, and we are told everyone will be going about their usual business as they did in the days of Noah, until it suddenly happens, and few are prepared. Not that they weren’t warned…..they just didn’t believe it would happen. (Matthew 24:37).
1 Thessalonians 4:9-18
After instructing the Brothers and sisters in Macedonia to love all those who believe, and to ‘make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, mind your own business and work with your hands so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders, and also you would not be dependent on anyone,’ (a lesson we could do with today), Paul goes on to talk about those who have died in Christ going before those who remain when Christ comes back.
‘For the Lord will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.’ And he says, ‘comfort/encourage each other with these words.’
If I understand this right, Christ will return, everyone will see and hear his return, but he does not put his feet on the earth yet. Instead, He collects his own and takes them to meet him in the air. (This may be the time when the tribulations start on the Earth). Then, at the appointed time, when all nations have come up against Israel, He will return and all the holy ones with him. This is when his feet touch the Earth on the Mount of Olives, and the mountain will be split in two amd cause a mighty earthquake. (Isaiah 29:5-7).
So, comfort and encourage each other with these words.
See also, Colossians 3:4, 1 Thessalonians 3:13, Zechariah 14:1-5, and Revelations 3:10 - (It is very interesting what Jesus says to the churches. You should have a look and see where you/your church are on the scale he has set. 3:2 says 'Wake and strengthen what is about to die!' This could apply to many churches in the world as time passes and people begin to wonder if Jesus is ever coming back. This is where we need to be patient and keep the faith in Him. Rev. 3:3 says 'Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent.'
HOWEVER IT HAPPENS, WHAT MATTERS IS WHO YOU ARE STANDING WITH AT THE TIME.....JESUS OR 'THE WORLD.' This seems to me to be the only choice you have to make.
This is how I understand my God.
Read for yourself, see what you think as I may be misunderstanding it, and, there are other idea's about the timing. But, as they say, time will tell!
*Raptor; in general, any bird of prey; the term raptor is sometimes restricted to birds of the order Falconiformes, (hawks, eagles, falcons, and their allies). See bird of prey.’ (Taken from Britannica.com)
It can also mean a feeling of intense pleasure and joy.
Added note:
Synonyms of the word rapture include; Communion, Contentment, Ecstasy, Elation, Exileration, Bliss, Enjoyment, Jubilation, Passion, Euphoria. (From Bings dictionary, or Dictionary.com). Synonym means what is meant by/implied by a word, text, concept or action.