Rapture Is Part of the Second Coming

If we believe Christ came the First Time as a Savior in a Bethlehem manger, then we must believe He will come a Second Time as a Judge and King. As the angel said, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11 KJV). Paul (I believe to be the writer of the Book of Hebrews) said, “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28). 

Though some disagree that the concept of the Rapture of the Church is unfounded, I would ask, Do you believe in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ? So do I. But, notice that Paul describes with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, Living Saints are raptured or caught up to Him. “13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself 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. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up [Greek, harpazō, snatched up, i.e., raptured] together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever” (1Thessalonians 4:13-17 NIV). 

If we agree that we are raptured, then any disagreement would be over what happens after the Rapture. Immediately, we are “present with the Lord” (2Corinthians 5:8). We are in another dimension, outside the dimension of earth time and tribulation events, and have an infinite of time for an awards banquet and dinner — Bema Seat Judgment (Romans 14:10) and Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6-10) — before we return with the Lord. Then, will be the final, visible part of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. “Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen” (Revelation 1:7). 

All we need to do is occupy till He comes (Luke 19:13) and watch for Him (21:36). Help us, Lord, to do that, but He will do the rest!

Father, cause us to be faithful to You. Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen and amen.

Why Am I Still Here?

Ever hear an extremely elderly individual voice that question, or something like it? Probably not nor may you ever. But, it’s still a good question. Paul answered it. “21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot [know] not. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:21-24 KJV). Evidently, your presence on this planet is still necessary, as far as our Heavenly Father is concerned, if not for your spiritual benefit, then for someone else, or both. Occupy yourself with the LORD, until He calls you Home, for you will occupy yourself with Him forever. It will never get old! LORD, cause us not to be weary in well doing. Give us the strength to match our days. Instruct us to be useful to You, others, and ourselves. In Jesus’ name, amen.