The Rapture is one of the most discussed topics in Bible prophecy. Many wonder when and how it will happen. Scripture calls it our “blessed hope”—a promise of comfort and encouragement.

What Is the Rapture?
The term “Rapture” comes from the Latin word “rapturo”, meaning “to be caught up” or “snatched away”. The Greek word is “harpazo“. This event is a sudden, physical removal of all true believers from Earth to meet Christ in the air.
“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
This event is distinct from the Second Coming, where Christ returns to earth to rule and to begin His millennial reign.
A Mystery Revealed

The Rapture is a mystery that was not fully understood until it was revealed to the apostle Paul.
“Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-52
This “change” refers to believers’ mortal bodies being transformed into immortal, glorious bodies fit for eternity with Christ. This transformation is necessary because “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 15:50).
Why the Rapture Matters
The Rapture isn’t just a theological concept; it’s a source of profound comfort and hope. It is the fulfilment of a promise Jesus made to His disciples.
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14:1-3
This promise assures us that even amidst global turmoil and tribulation, Jesus will return to take His followers to be with Him forever.

The Timing Debate
The precise timing of the Rapture in relation to the seven-year Tribulation period is a subject of much discussion among Bible scholars. The three main views are pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, and post-tribulation.
- Pre-Tribulation (our position): This view holds that the Rapture will occur before the Tribulation begins. This position is supported by passages that describe believers being “kept from” the hour of trial that is to come upon the whole world (Revelation 3:10). The church is considered being rescued before the time of God’s wrath, aligning with the idea of the Rapture as a rescue rather than a preservation through judgement.
- Mid-Tribulation: This view places the Rapture in the middle of the Tribulation.
- Post-Tribulation: This view holds that the Rapture will happen at the end of the Tribulation, right before Christ’s Second Coming.
Living in Expectation
Understanding the Rapture should transform how we live. It is a powerful motivator for holiness, urgency, and hope. The knowledge that Christ could return at any moment encourages us to live lives that honour Him, spreading the gospel with a sense of urgency and living with joyful hope that transcends our present troubles. As 1 John 3:2-3 says, “Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”
Closing
The Rapture is indeed our “blessed hope”—a promise of rescue and reunion with our Saviour. It provides comfort in a chaotic world and an anchor for our souls. Therefore, as 1 Thessalonians 4:18 says, “Therefore encourage one another with these words.”