THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH

1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-18

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But these Epistles: each chapter closes with reference to second coming of Christ.

The word rapture not in English translation of the Bible.

Compare: Trinity but seen as in 2 Corinthians 13:14.

Used by Vulgate, 2 Corinthians 12:4, 1 Thessalonians 4:17, caught up.

By the Word of the Lord.

1. The OT filled with predictions of the coming King, Messiah Christ. But all in one coming. They never saw two places. They never saw the great parenthesis, between the two.

Paul calls it a mystery, Romans 16, 1 Corinthians 15, Ephesians 3.

2. The disciples were at first like that.

They expected Christ to fulfill all the OT prophecies in one coming.

His earthly reign.

Israel delivered from Rome.

Elective of Jewish state.

They minister, seated on right, left hand.

This why so disillusioned when Christ began to speak of His death. Crushed, despair, when finally saw their Messianic King had perished.

3. But then is something else: a new, another revelation.

1. Matthew 16:18 My church not slightest hint in OT.

2. John 14:3 I will come again. In their sorrow, Jesus began to make it known.

Before millennial kingdom, another purpose of God to be fulfilled.

Christ to heaven, prepare a place.

Christ to return, to receive them to Himself.

In between, this Great Commission.

This the revelation by the Word of the Lord.

Made known more fully by revelation to Paul.

i. The resurrection of those who sleep in Jesus.

ii. The transfiguration of living believers.

iii. The meeting with the Lord in the air.

1. The resurrection of those who sleep in Jesus.

The term never used to refer to the death of unbelievers.

Body sleep - but the soul continues its blessed existence.

Sleep is temporary - so is death to the body.

Sleep ends in waking - death in resurrection.

This a resurrection out from among the dead.

This the first resurrection, Revelation 20:5.

Unsaved not raised until, Revelation 20:12.

If unsaved not hearing His voice here, not hear it there.

2. The transfiguration of the living.

That the mystery of 1 Corinthians 15:51,52, a not die suddenly, without warning in the twinkling of an eye.

1 Thessalonians 5:2 as a thief in the night to steal away His jewels.

3. The call to the dead and to the living.

1. In a shout of command.

In Classical Greek - a word of command, such as a general to his army. An admiral to his ship. A charidon to his horses.

Compare: John 11:43 such the authority of Christ, if had not named Lazarus the whole community could have come forth.

2. In the voice of the archangel.

One named in Bible, Michael.

Chief foe of Satan, who has the power of death.

Disputing over the body of Moses, to exhibit it.

Defender, protector of Gods people, Israel.

His cry, Revelation 12:7-10, shout of victory over Satan, death, grave.

3. In the trumpet of God.

Many trumpets in O.T.:

Walls of Jericho.

New Year, Rosh Hashanah.

Jubilee.

NT, heralding the mighty manifestation of God. Matthew 26:31, Revelation 1:10; 4:1.

Sounding of the trumpet, two home-coming groups.

Isaiah 27:13 Regathering of Israel, ultimately saved, Revelation 11:26.

1 Thessalonians 4:16 The call to the church to be with the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:52 the last trumpet.

Compare: an allusion to the 3rd trumpet of the Roman line.

1st soldiers spring to feet.

2nd fall in line.

3rd march away.

So, God's call, to his saints, time to be up and away, the church is ekklesia, a called out assembly, called us to salvation, to love, worship.

Will one day call us to be with the Lord, the last trumpet.