THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH

Many customs date back to Old testament days. The death wail has been described as an ear-piercing screaming voice followed by prolonged wail. Often, sack cloth is worn and garments are torn to express the deep grief that is felt. Outward expressions of grief were for the benefit of the public as well as for the individual mourner. When a loved one dies, it takes time to adjust to the vacancy that is left.

Paul encouraged the Thessalonians not to waste time in empty forms of sorrowing as were the customs of the pagan world.  The Thessalonian converts were only concerned about Christian friends who died. Would they suffer loss at the second coming of Christ? No. The Christian has  hope of resurrection.- 1 Cor. 15 and that resurrection is dependent on the resurrection of Jesus Christ ( it all goes back to the cross). Paul laid down a great spiritual truth when he said '' He who raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you''- 2 Cor. 4:14. At the coming of Jesus, all who trust in Him, whether dead or living shall be caught up with Him in the air.

The church today must be very careful of the spirit of apathy which is one of the signs of the last days- 2 Pet. 3:4. Belief in the second coming of Jesus is more than a statement in a creed; it is a living expectation; hence, Christians must live with the constant realization that Jesus will definitely return for His own.

In several parables, Jesus told us how one who is rapture-bound must live- Matt. 24:36-25:13. His coming will be sudden and unexpected, ''Therefore, keep watch (be ready, alert, not lax and unprepared), because you do not know the day your Lord will come''- Matt. 24:42.

Some Christians seem to feel bodily sickness and death are tragedy and not within the will of God; Yet, Paul made it clear to his converts that they would need to be prepared to face the death of loved ones and perhaps themselves. It is almost as though those who have died receive special recognition from Christ- they rise to meet Him first. We should live as if each day will be that crowning day when Jesus will appear.

Three things will happen at this second coming of Christ- There is a shout , a voice and a trumpet. This shout will not be limited to man will include all those who have died in Christ. The second coming of Christ will be announced with a trumpet- 1 Thess. 4:16.

To comfort Christians who were uncertain about the fate of those who were ''asleep in Jesus'' Paul brought them a word from the Lord that no Christian dead or alive would miss out on anything when Jesus comes again.

The rapture of the saints, both living and dead together climaxes Paul's instruction and consolation. Those who are not ready for Christ to come will qualify for the resurrection for the wicked dead at a later date; but blessed is he who has part in the first resurrection. When the body dies, it is laid to rest in the grave- Paul said to be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord. At death, the spirit returns to the Lord. Those who died in Christ will be given heir glorified bodies at His coming; thus the body and spirit will be reunited at the rapture. This is the blessed hope of the church- In a twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, the dead will rise first and the living will be translated , and both shall together rise to meet the Lord in the air.

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