1. 1 Thessalonians 4:13ff Matthew 24:36-46
WHAT IS THE RAPTURE?
1 Thessalonians 4:13ff
Matthew 24:36-46

2. Important facts we need to know about the RAPTURE:
Definition: Rapture—the carrying away of the church from earth to heaven. Living believers will be caught up into the Lord’s presence without having to experience physical death. (Dr. Charles Ryrie)
The Latin word rapturo is translated “caught up” in 1 Thess. 4:17.
Acts 8:39 “the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away.”
2 Cor. 12:2-4 Paul “was caught up to the third heaven,” “caught up to paradise.”

3. 1. Revelation of God 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11
“According to the Lord’s own word.” 4:15

4. 2. Return of Christ. 1 Thess. 4:14-17. “the coming of the Lord.”(4:15)
He “will come down from heaven” (4:16)
We “will meet the Lord in the air” (4:17)

5. 3. Resurrection of believers.
“The dead in Christ shall rise first.” (4:16).

6. 4. Rapture of living believers.
“We who are alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” (4:17)

7. 5. Reunion in heaven.
“And so will we be with the Lord forever .” (4:17)

8. 6. Ready yourself.
“The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.” (5:2)
“Let us be alert and self-controlled.” (5:6)
“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (5:9)
“One will be taken and the other left.” (Matthew 24:36-46)

9. The Rapture 2nd Coming. Imminent Secret, “stealthy.” Pre-tribulation.
Jesus comes in the air.
He comes for His saints.
We go up to meet Him.
Living saints are taken.
Reunion with loved ones.
Judgment seat of Christ.
Many signs precede.
Every eye shall see Him.
At the end of trib.
Jesus comes to the earth.
He comes with His saints.
Church returns with Him.
Living saints are left on earth for the kingdom.
Reign with Christ.
Judgment of the nations.

10. BIBLICAL EXHORTATIONS
“Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing…and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb.10:25)
“We should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ…” (Titus 2:11-14)

11. Exhortations
“Since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness.” (2 Peter 3:11)
“Since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.” (2 Peter 3:14)
“When He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (I John 3:2-3)

12. Exhortations
So the, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self- controlled…therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thess. 5:4-11)
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Phil. 3:20)
“…Wait for His son from heaven…” (1 Thess. 1:10)

13. Exhortations
“You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Luke 12:40)
Many of the parables of Jesus are aimed right at his return. The parable of the hidden treasure, pearl of great price, talents, marriage supper, workers in the vineyard, 2 sons, wicked tenants, rich man & Lazarus, fig tree, etc.

14. Exhortations
“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36)

15. Epitaph on a gravestone
Pause my friend as you walk by. As you are now so once was I. As I am now so you will be. Prepare my friend to follow me.
To follow you is not my intent, until I know which way you went.

16. JUST AS I AM
Hymn # 307