There are numerous Bible passages detailed with the happenings that would precede His second coming.
The first time He came to the world, He came leaving His glory and majesty above, all in heaven, so as to save men who are wallowing in the quagmire of their sins. He came with a mortal body, yet with an immortal soul and spirit.
However, Christ's second coming is going to be in two phases; the first phase would be the rapture when He would solely appear in the sky with a loud trump by His angels to take with Him to heaven those who are ALIVE and REMAIN, just like 1 Thessalonians 4:15 and 17 recorded it. The second phase of His second coming would be when the raptured saints shall come back with Jesus Christ to reign on earth for a thousand years — this is referred to as the millennium reign.
This article, however, focuses on the first phase of His second coming — the rapture!
1 Thessalonians 4:15 and 17 records the event of the rapture clearly. Sadly, some persons, Christians as such, have misconceived its TRUE meaning. It reads:
[15] 'For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are ALIVE and REMAIN unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.'
[17] '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.'
Apparently, two words — ALIVE and REMAIN — are key in these verses. It is worthy of note that the rapture is an event that ONLY the saints shall witness. In other words, sinners who are still on earth at that time cannot and will not take part in this glorious event.
The terms ALIVE and REMAIN happens to be used together, but they certainly hold two distinct meanings. The fact that someone is alive at the time of rapture does not mean that person remains. This is what it means; as earlier posited, both the saints and the sinners will still be on the surface of the earth at that time. Having said that, here, the term ALIVE suits both parties. Contrarily, only the saints can be said to be ALIVE and REMAIN.
Being ALIVE and to REMAIN here means, physically you are alive in the world, on earth, and spiritually you remain in Christ. Unfortunately, many Christians and readers of the Bible today have conceived these verses wrongly. They assume, believe and conclude that since they are alive at the time of rapture they are fit to be raptured. No, ma. No, sir.
The teachings on eschatology even reveals the fact that only the saints shall hear the sound of the trumpet at the time of the rapture.
The 24th verse of the book of Matthew and the 40th-44th verses have it scripted explicitly and illustratively what it means to be ALIVE and REMAIN.
[40] 'Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.'
Be careful about interpreting this verse. Two people who are ALIVE shall be in the field, but just one shall be taken away and the other left. In essence, out of the two here, just one is ALIVE and REMAINS. In verse 41 is another instance:
[41] 'Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.'
These women are truly ALIVE, but just one is ALIVE and REMAINS.
Is there a way out at all? Certainly yes! Check verses 42-44:
[42] 'WATCH therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.'
[43] 'But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.'
[44] 'Therefore be ye also READY: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.'
The potency of watchfulness and readiness in preparation for the rapture is that which cannot and should not be overlooked by genuine believers.
The rapture is not an event that can be accurately predicted, but there are certain pointers that indicate its imminence (Read Matthew 24:1-51, paying rapt attention to verses 5-7 and 9-12).
The carelessness, inability and/or unwillingness to watch as believers will batter and dash the hope of many on the day of the rapture.
The cares of this world, misplaced priorities, inordinate affection, lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, prayerlessness, hypocrisy, vainglory, evil thoughts, pleasing men at the expense of displeasing God and many more are barriers to be a candidate of the rapture which should ONLY be settled NOW for the next minute, not even tomorrow, may be too late.
The rapture marks the end of unmerited grace and the commencement of unending groans. Turn to Jesus Christ right now for pardon. Have you been to Him before? Why not return to Him to check if you are still in alignment with Him?
Not all believers will witness the rapture. Death is another path through which true believers will return to Him, Jesus Christ, and it can come at anytime. Yes, we do not pray and wish to die now, but we are just mortals that can be summoned home by the Immortal when our time is over. This is a call that cannot be premeditated upon.
The rapture is imminent!
Do not delay your salvation!
Accept Jesus Christ NOW!
The rapture is imminent!
Watch and pray!
Be in alignment with Him!
The rapture is imminent!
Tell others about it!
Be not deceived!
Happy Sunday and have a lovely week ahead
