There Will Be a Rapture

by Terry Wane Benton

If we consider that the words "caught up" in I Thessalonians 4:17 are translated as "rapture" in Latin, then there is going to be a "caught up" (rapture) moment. So, the word is there in Latin, and since the verse says we will be "caught up together with them in the clouds," then it will happen, and I believe in that kind of rapture.

However, many denominations have distorted this verse and taught that there will be a secret rapture, a snatching away of the saints from the earth, while sinners go through a seven-year tribulation period on earth, and people won't know what happened to those Christians. That doctrine is not taught in the Bible. In this text, there is nothing secret about it. "The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God" (I Thessalonians 4:16).

These are all attention-getters, not secretive at all. So, being "caught up" (rapture) will have everyone's full attention. The dead in Christ will rise first and the living saints will be caught up together with them. It won't be for mere seven years. The text says the saints will "meet the Lord in the air. And thus we will always be with the Lord." Now this text is telling what will happen to the righteous. Other texts show that the unrighteous, those who neglect so great salvation (Hebrews 2:1-4) will be judged (John 12:48; Acts 17:30-31) and sentenced to the lake of fire prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:33ff).

There will be one resurrection of the just and the unjust (Acts 24:15). A (singular) resurrection of the just and unjust. Not one resurrection of the just, then seven years of tribulation on earth, then another long period on earth, and then another resurrection. There is one last day of mortal life on Earth. When Jesus comes, He will pour out vengeance on the ungodly (II Thessalonians 1:7-9) and reward the faithful.

I hope you are planning on the heavenly reward and are preparing for the Day of the Lord so that you can be among those who are "caught up" together to meet the Lord in the air, and live forever in immortal bliss with the Lord Jesus Christ. That will be most glorious for the people of God, but a day of great misery for the unprepared. Use your time wisely to prepare!