THE RAPTURE
1st Thess.4; 13But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
The rapture of the Church, which is the catching away of the bride is as much of prophecy as the first advent of Christ, and is just as sure. So look up, your redemption draweth nigh. He that shall come will come.
1. Group of all the signs.
Matt. 24; 8All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Significant all at one time
Specific in detail description
Subsequent one right after the other
2. Guided by the scriptures
2nd Peter 1: 19But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Prophecy foretells us enough
Prepares us for this great event
Possible at any moment, keep on expecting
3. Groaning of the Spirit.
Rev.22: 17And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Longs for the day to come
Loves the bride and groom continually
Laments the weakness of the Church
4. Gathering of the Saints
1st Cor.1551Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52In 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.
Sudden—the need to stay ready is urgent
Surprising—find many Christians unfaithful
Shocking –find the world unexpecting
5. Greetings by the Saviour
Matt.25; 14And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
Matt.25:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
Reception planned and prepared
Reunion of the saints of God
Recipients of Gods abiding present
6.Glory the redeemer will share
1st John 3; 1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Sin will be forever past
Sorry can never be present
Shining glory will be forever person
7. Grief of the poor lost sinner
Matt.25; 41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
His plight is sad indeed
His punishment is sure incurred
His pardon could have been included
