Overview
The Rapture describes Christ's sudden return to catch away believers from the earth. This event is understood by many evangelical churches as a distinct phase of Christ's return, preceding the seven-year tribulation period. The doctrine is based on Paul's teaching regarding believers being 'caught up' to meet the Lord.
Key Scriptures
"For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, ESV).
"Behold, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet" (1 Corinthians 15:51-52, NASB).
Application
Live in readiness for Christ's return by maintaining faith, holy living, and sharing the gospel urgently with those who remain unsaved.