1. Eschatology
The Rapture – How?

2. Old Testament Examples

3. The first principle indicated is the fact that Enoch had a personal relationship with God. The only other person said to have walked with God is Noah. (Genesis 6:9) The motif of walking in Scripture is used extensively to describe the character of life. In the New Testament it is used most often to describe the believer’s conduct and attitude. It has often been remarked that the only way anyone can walk with God is to be on the same path, going in the same direction, at the same pace. For 300 years this man maintained a very personal relationship with God.

4.  The second principle is the fact that Enoch left this world without dying. At one moment Enoch was upon the earth and the next moment he was not; for God took him. There is a New Testament explanation for this. (Heb. 11:5) There is every indication that in taking Enoch from this globe and its necessary physical form to be with God in a form compatible with heaven.

5. Elijah was a prophet of God with a long standing relationship with God
Elijah was a prophet of God with a long standing relationship with God. One moment he was walking and talking with Elisha and the next a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.  It is apparent that he took left a form compatible with earth to assume one compatible with heaven.

6. New Testament Perspective
The primary New Testament text which defines the process of translation at the Rapture is 
1 Th. 4: Believers die physically just like unbelievers. This is a universal fact. (Heb. 9:27-28) Paul exclusively utilizes the term sleep to designate the state of believers who have died. (1 Cor. 11:30; 15:51; 1 Th. 5:6-10; 1 Cor. 15:20)

8. The prospect of dying is not nearly so frightening to those who believe that Jesus died and rose again. In fact death is a welcome event to those who long to be with Christ. (Phil. 1:21-23) Where are the dead in Christ? They are currently with Christ. (2 Cor. 5:1-8) The announcement of the Rapture will be heard by every New Testament believer living or dead. There is no indication that the unsaved people living on the earth at that time will hear or necessarily see anything.

9. Only the dead in Christ shall rise first
Only the dead in Christ shall rise first. Questions about the resurrection of the Old Testament saints must be addressed in another context. What is clear is the fact that the Rapture is only for the Church, those who are in Christ. These are the people upon Christ placed all of His emphasis. (Eph. 5:25) He will receive the Church (John 14:3). The church will be gathered together unto Him (2 Th. 2:1).

10. The Rapture will be a complete gathering of the entire church living and dead. Paul is emphatic upon this point. (1 Cor. 15:51; 1 Th. 3:11-13) The entire church will be raptured or caught up. Further, the entire church will be changed. (Rom. 8:17-25) The physical body of the dead in Christ has wasted away. The physical bodies of current believers are not suited for existence away from the earth. A new form is both desired and needed. (1 Cor. 15:35-57) The change will be instantaneous – In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. It will be glorious. (Phil. 3:20,21)