The Rapture QuestionI Thessalonians 5:1-10

You want to start an argument amongst Christians…

Bring up the second comingIf that doesn’t do it…Bring up the raptureIt is not an easy topic

Things to keep in mindMy personal understanding

There is room for disagreementGod has it rightGod is in control

I Thessalonians 5Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

When there is peace and safetyThe day of the Lord will come like

a thief in the nightDon’t worry

Destruction will come suddenlyThey will not escape

This is followed by a warning to live our lives in the light

To keep the faithLive in God’s name

6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

Then we arrive at the oft quoted verse for the rapture

It seems to suggest we will not be here for the difficult times of the tribulation

Many believe that Christians will be exempt from those trying times

DissectWrath: anger, fury, punishment

God’s anger at the rejection of JesusJudgment leading to eternal punishment

9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.

9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Notice the comparisonWrath vs. salvation

God’s anger or God’s loveGod’s punishment or God’s compassion

10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.

Dissect In talking about the raptureThe ultimate goal is not to

escape the raptureThe goal is to end up with God

Other scriptures remind us that our goal is salvation

Our goal has never been to not suffer

Martyrdom is in the genesis of Christianity

I Peter 412 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Suffering is to be expected In certain timesIn certain places

For those who live the LordPrior to the second coming

suffering for the Lord’s sake will be universal

14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

There will be a raptureI believe it will come at the end

of the great tribulationIf we are part of those times, we

will suffer for our faith

Revelation 13 9 He who has an ear, let him hear. 10If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.

The old testament storiesJudgment came upon

God’s peopleGod’s chosen people

were not exemptIf we are here for those days I do not believe we

will e exempt either

Be prepared

Matthew 10:17-2317 “Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.

Trust God in you

19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Stand firm to the end

21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

The rapture will affect everyone who is alive in those times

Be preparedTrust GodStand firm

Await your reward