R is for Rapture...

R is for Rapture

According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary the definition of rapture is:

1: an expression or manifestation of ecstasy or passion

2a : a state or experience of being carried away by overwhelming emotion

  b : a mystical experience in which the spirit is exalted to a knowledge of divine things

3: often capitalized : the final assumption of Christians into heaven during the end-time according to Christian theology

I feel like this definition covers what we, as Christians believe.  There is much emotion involved in the Rapture even just discussing it.  It is a knowledge of divine things – being raised to join Jesus in the sky, pretty divine if you ask me.  The actual word rapture does not appear in the King James Version of the Bible, but it is referred to as Jesus’ Second Coming or when Christ returns.

‘Heaven and earth shall pass away but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.’   Mark 13:31-33

No one knows when Jesus is returning.  We need to be prepared.

‘Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.’    Luke 12:40

He is giving us plenty of time to be ready.

‘Behold, I shew you a mystery, We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed.  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?’   1 Corinthians 15:51-55

No better victory than eternal life in Heaven with Jesus, Our Lord & Saviour.

‘For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.’     Titus 2:11-14

Are you looking forward to His return?

until next time…nel