Core Truth: The scriptural truth about the Rapture or “catching away” of all believers in Christ is not meant to create fear or apprehension. Rather, it is intended to motivate us to do the work He has for us to do while there is still time, and to live our personal lives in a constant state of readiness and expectation as we seek to persuade others to also be ready for the Lord’s return.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Now we don’t want you, my brothers, to be in any doubt about those who “fall asleep” in death, or to grieve over them like men who have no hope. After all, if we believe that Jesus died and rose again from death, then we can believe that God will just as surely bring with Jesus all who are “asleep” in Him. Here we have a definite message from the Lord. It is that those who are still living when He comes will not in any way precede those who have previously fallen asleep. One word of command, one shout from the archangel, one blast from the trumpet of God and the Lord Himself will come down from Heaven! Those who have died in Christ will be the first to rise, and then we who are still living on the earth will be swept up with them into the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And after that we shall be with the Him forever. God has given me this message on the matter, so by all means use it to encourage one another.