RAPTURE CONVERSATION (part 1): THE TIMING OF THE RAPTURE
In Matthew 24, Jesus speaks about a series of nefarious and negative events that will happen on Earth. Over the years, Christians have been divided on whether the church will experience those events or whether the Church will escape through the rapture.
The clearest passage on the subject of the rapture is found in Matthew 24. In the same chapter, Jesus mentions negative events such as: ‘the coming of false messiahs, the false prophets, wars, the coming of the Abomination and few others.’
Notice that Jesus was very about the timing of His Second coming in verses 29, 30 and 31:
‘“Immediately after the distress of those days
“‘the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light;
the stars will fall from the sky,
and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’
“Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.”
Notice that Jesus clearly said in verse 29:’after the distress of those days…
In other words, the entire world and the Church will experience a series of global distresses and negative events before the Lord’s return. After the rapture described in verses 30 and 31, those left behind will continue experiencing troubles.
It’s very important that we discuss and clarify the timing of the rapture because many Christians are currently not mentally prepared to face the period of negative events that will come upon the world. An unprepared person is more likely to be discouraged and to think that God has abandoned them.
Rather be prepared on Biblical terms than prepared in line with fantasies.