What Is the Rapture? And Why It Matters! | Sunday Message

God has great promises for believers who are living in the last days—of which the Rapture is one of the greatest. Listen in as Pastor Greg Laurie explores what the Bible says about this future event and how it changes the way you live today. 

Notes

When a believer dies, they go to Heaven, because death means separation, not annihilation. Humans do not cease to exist; we simply change our address. 

Our physical bodies will be transformed at the Rapture.

The world itself will not end or cease to exist, but this evil age will come to an end (1 John 2:17).  

One of the signs of the end times is a greater awareness of Bible prophecy (Daniel 12:4).

The return of Jesus Christ is described for us many times in Scripture. There are over 300 passages that deal with Christ’s return, and one verse in 25 mentions the Lord’s return.

One of the big signs of the Last Days is the gathering of Israel to their homeland.

Scripture tells us Israel will be attacked (Ezekiel 38; 39).  

After Israel is attacked, God will pour out His Spirit on them in a great revival (Romans 11:25). 

If the Antichrist is close, the coming of Jesus Christ is even closer!

What is the Rapture?

It is when Christ descends from Heaven, and we are caught up to meet the Lord—it is the moment we receive our new bodies.

 The word rapture is used 13 times in the New Testament, and it means, “to take forcibly, snatch, or caught up.” 

Why is there a rapture?

In Heaven, not only will you be with your loved ones, but you’ll be with Jesus Himself, too!

That is why the Christian grieves hopefully, not hopelessly.

“A continual looking forward to the eternal world is not a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do.” —C. S. Lewis

When is the Rapture?

“About that day, no one knows the day or hour, not even the angels, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36).

The Rapture will happen in a moment of time, effectively immeasurable (1 Corinthians 15:51–52). 

When Christ returns for us in the Rapture, first up is the resurrection of the dead, then all who are alive will meet them in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17).  

Following the Rapture will come the emergence of Antichrist with the Tribulation Period.

• In the Rapture, Jesus comes in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).
• In the Second Coming, Jesus comes to the Earth (Zechariah 14:4).
• In the Rapture, Jesus comes for His bride.
• In the Second Coming, Jesus comes with His bride.
• In the Rapture, Jesus comes like a thief in the night.
• In the Second Coming, the whole Earth sees Him.
• In the Rapture, He comes before judgment.
• In the Second Coming, Jesus comes with judgment.

“If you knew the Lord would return tonight, how would you spend the rest of the day? I wouldn’t do anything different than I do every day.” —D. L. Moody 

We should be shining lights in a dark place (Luke 12:35).

As a church, we need to be more known for what we are than what we’re against! 

The same sun that softens the wax, hardens the clay.

The same message that transforms one life can cause another to say, “I don’t believe!”

Scripture Referenced

Acts 8:2

Matthew 24:48–49

Ephesians 5:18

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Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org.

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